were formed on both banks of the river, or at points near by, where grass was plentiful. In early autumn about 12,000 Mormons were assembled in this neigh- borhood, or were on their way across the plains.
Leaving here the advance portion of the emigra- tion, let us return to Nauvoo and see how it fared with those who were still engaged in preparations for their pilgrimage. It had been stipulated, the reader will remember, that the Mormons should remove from the state in the spring, or as soon afterward as they could sell their property, and that meanwhile they should not be molested. Long before spring, thou- sands had crossed the Mississippi, among whom were all the more obnoxious members of the sect. Mean- while, how had the gentiles kept their faith ?
But passing the cause, what a picture was now presented by the deserted city and its exiled inhabi- tants! — the former, as Colonel Kane viewed it — but which view must be regarded as ideal rather than strictly historical — with "its bright new dwellings set in cool green gardens, ranging up around a stately dome-shaped hill, which was crowned by a noble marble edifice, whose high tapering spire was radiant with white and gold. The city appeared to cover several miles; and beyond it, in the background, there rolled off a fair country, checkered by the careful lines of fruitful husbandry."
To the Nauvoo Eagle Major Warren sent notice from Carthage, on the 16th of April, that he had been directed by the governor to disband on the 1st of May the force which had been kept there ostensibly for the protection of the saints, as the time appointed for their departure would expire on that day.^' The day arrived, and there were yet many Mormons remaining, many who had found it impossible to remove on ac-
" 'The removal of the entire population,' the major adds, 'has been looked forward to as an event that could alone restore peace and quiet to this por- tion of our state. ' Fidlmer's Expulsion, 24.
