Many of the new citizens fled, and the little band of defenders numbered
only one hundred and twenty-three men.

Meanwhile, a committee had come from Quincy to try to settle the troubles
without bloodshed. Although with them were Major Flood, sent by the
governor, and Mr. Wood, mayor of Quincy, the mob paid no attention to them,
and so they could do nothing.

There seemed no prospect but that the citizens would have to defend
themselves as best they could. Benjamin Clifford took command of the
volunteers, and Captain William Anderson organized a small body of
sharpshooters called the Spartan Band. As cannon were badly needed, the
brethren got two hollow steamboat shafts, cut them in two, plugged up one
end, and thus made some cannon. They had no cannon balls, but they used
scraps of iron and lead tied up into bags.

On Friday, the 11th, the mob drew up to the city and began firing. They
were met by the "Mormon" troops with their home-made cannon, which
surprised the mobbers very much, and they were compelled to stop their
advance.

On Saturday, the 12th, a flag of truce was brought into the city, and with
it a note to the commander at Nauvoo, stating that if they did not
surrender they would have to take the consequences. Major Clifford replied
that he had been sent by the governor to uphold the laws and that he was
going to do it, advising Brockman to disband his men.

The Nauvoo citizens had held their position during the night and had thrown
up some breastworks. The next day the battle waged fiercer than ever, but
the Nauvoo boys held their ground and the mob could not get in. Twelve