“Head Quarters, Militia Octor. 27, 1838— Sir— Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Esqre. and Wiley E. Williams Esqre. one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which changes the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made open War upon the people of this . Your orders are, therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavour to reach , in with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the , if necessary, for the public good. Their outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force, you are authorised to do so, to any extent you may think necessary. I have just issued orders to Maj. Gen. Wallock, of Marion County, to raise 500 men, and to march them to the northern part of , and there unite with of who has been ordered with 500 men to proceed to the same point, for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the North. They have been directed to communicate with you by express. You can also communicate with them if you find it necessary. Instead therefore of proceeding, as at first directed, to re-instate the Citizens of in their homes, you will proceed immediately to and there operate against the Mormons. of has been ordered to have four hundred men of his brigade in readiness to join you at . The whole force will be placed under your Command. , Govr. and Commander in Chief” To ”

“Head Quarters of the 3rd. and 4th. Div. Mi. Octr. 28. 1838.— To the Commander in Chief Mi. Sir:— From late outrages committed by the Mormons, civil War is inevitable. They have set the laws of the Country at defiance, and are in open rebellion. We have about two thousand men under arms to keep them in check. The presence of the Commander in Chief is deemed absolutely necessary, and we most respectfully urge that your Excellency be at the seat of war, as soon as possible. Your most obdt. servt. M. G. 3rd. Div. M. G. 4th. Div. [HC 3:176]