Eighthly He was informed of the intended murder both before he left and while on the road, by several different parties.

Ninthly When the Cannon was fired he in signifying that the deed was done; he immediately took up his line of march and fled. How did he know that this signal portends their death if he was not in the secret? It may be said some of the party told him. How could he believe what the party said about the gun signal, if he could not believe the testimony of several individuals who told him in positive terms about the contemplated murder?

<​see s History​> He has I believe stated that he left the Carthage Greys there, because he considered that as their town was contiguous to ours, and that <​as the​> responsibility of their safety rested solely upon them, they would not dare suffer any indignity to befall them. This very admission shows, that he did not really expect danger, and then he knew that these people had published to the world that they would exterminate them, and his leaving them in their hands and talking of their responsibilities was like leaving a lamb in charge of a wolf and trusting to its humanity and honor for its safe keeping.

It is said again that he would not have gone to and thus placed himself in the hands of the Mormons, if he had anticipated any such event, as he would be exposed to their wrath. To this it may be answered that the Mormons did not know their signals, whilst he did, & [p. 61]