AT CARTHAGE. 177
to depart. On reaching the opposite bank he turned and gazed upon the beautiful city, the holy city, his own hallowed creation, the city of Joseph, with its shining temple, its busy hum of industry, and its thousand happy homes. And they were his people who were there, his very own, given to him of God ; and he loved them! Were he to leave them now, to abandon them in this time of danger, they would be indeed as sheep without a shepherd, stricken, and scattered, and robbed, and butchered by the destroyer. No, he could not do it. Better, die than to abandon them thus ! So he recrossed the river, saying to his brother Hyrum, Come, let us go together, and let God determine what we shall do or suffer."
Bidding their families and friends adieu, the two brothers set out for Carthage. Their hearts were very heavy. There was dire evil abroad; the air was oppressive, and the sun shot forth malignant rays. Once more they returned to their people; once more they embraced their wives and kissed their children, as if they knew, alas! that they should never see them again.
The party reached Carthage about midnight, and on the following day the troops were formed in line, and Joseph and Hyrum passed up and down in company with the governor, who showed them every respect—either as guests or victims — introducing them as military oflficers under the title of general. Pres- ent were the Carthage Greys, who showed signs of mutiny, hooting at and insulting the prisoners— for such in fact they were, being committed to jail the same afternoon until discharged by due course of law.
A few hours later Joseph asked to see the governor, and next morning Ford went to the prison. "All this is illegal," said the former. " It is a purely civil matter, not a question to be settled by force of arms." "I know it," said the governor, "but it is better so; I did not call out this force, but found it assembled; I pledge you my honor, however, and the faith and honor of
Hist. Utah. 12
