Notes
1. Morris A. Thurston, “The Boggs Shooting and Attempted Extradition: Joseph Smith’s Most Famous Case,” BYU Studies 48, no. 1 (2009): 52–53.
L. B. Fleak to Governor Reynolds, March 20, 1843
Source Note
Laban B. Fleak, Letter, Keokuk, Lee Co., Iowa Territory, to Thomas Reynolds, March 20, 1843. Published in Warren A. Jennings, “Two Iowa Postmasters View Nauvoo: Anti-Mormon Letters to the Governor of Missouri,” BYU Studies 11, no. 3 (1971): 288–89.
Historical Introduction
After being released in Nauvoo on August 8, 1842, Orrin Porter Rockwell fled to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. However, after hearing the result of Joseph Smith’s hearing before Judge Nathaniel Pope in Springfield, Illinois, in January 1843, Rockwell decided to return to Nauvoo. However, he was spotted by a bounty hunter in St. Louis, Missouri, and was taken to Independence, Missouri. He was imprisoned there for nine months, often in isolation because of his escape attempts. He was offered a deal: testify against Smith and be given his freedom. Rockwell refused, and when his case was finally brought before a grand jury, it was decided that there was insufficient evidence and Rockwell was released.1
Document Transcript
Keokuk Iowa March 20th
His Excellency Thos Reynolds1843
Dear Sir
I have just read with pleasure of the arrest of that notorious Rockwell and I will say to you that it has created no small excitement among the Mormons. I am now more than ever satisfied of the guilt of Joe & I know he fears that Rockwell will turn traitor. If the right method is pursued I am satisfied that he will do so for we all know that a midnight assassin will stop at nothing in a general way. Those villians at Nauvoo have ascertained by some means that I was watching them closely and they deceived me egregiously in regard to the location of Rockwell. What I wrote you a short time ago respecting his being in the Pinery in Wisconsin was told me in a very careless manner by one of the leaders & I supposed it to be true, but I am now coninced that it was done purposely to deceive me. I fear some difficulties with them but my house is pretty fair arsenal and if they interfere with me I shall give them the best show possible. I intend leaving the infernal Mormon region in one month more
. . .
L. B. Fleak
. . .
P. S. You will pardon me for troubling you with so many unasked for notes—whether welcome or not. I am determined to keep you constantly advised of any movement that I see amongst them.
