the protection of the commonwealth. The city of Nauvoo was
chartered by the state of Illinois, and the rights of local
self-government were assured to its citizens.

A military organization, the "Nauvoo Legion," was authorized, and
the establishment of a university was provided for; both these
organizations were successfully effected. It was here that a
memorial was prepared and sent to the national government,
reciting the outrages of Missouri, and asking reparation. Joseph
Smith himself, the head of the delegation, had a personal
interview with President Van Buren, in which the grievances of
the Latter-day Saints were presented. Van Buren replied in words
that will not be forgotten, "Your cause is just, but I can do
nothing for you."

The peaceful conditions at first characteristic of their Illinois
settlement were not to continue. The element of political
influence asserted itself and the "Mormons" bade fair to soon
hold the balance of power in local affairs. The characteristic
unity, so marked in connection with every phase of the people's
existence, promised too much; immigration into Hancock county was
continuous, and the growing power of the Latter-day Saints was
viewed with apprehension. With this as the true motive, many
pretexts for annoyance were found; and arrests, trials, and
acquittals were common experiences of the Church officers.

A charge, which promised to prove as devoid of foundation as had
the excuses for the fifty arrests preceding it, led Joseph Smith,
president of the Church, and Hyrum Smith, the patriarch, to again
surrender themselves to the officers of the law. They were taken