Seeing that it was useless trying to be released lawfully the brethren decided to try to escape.  The evening of February 7, 1839, when the guard should come with their supper, was fixed as the time to try; but Hyrum wanted to be sure about the matter so he asked Joseph to enquire of the Lord if it was wisdom for them to make the attempt.  Joseph did so and was informed that if they were all united they would be able to escape that evening.  Therefore all but Lyman Wight agreed to the plan.  He wanted to wait till the next day, and as the brethren would not go without him, they decided to wait.

That evening the guard left the door wide open and gave them a good chance to escape, but they did not try.  The next evening the jailor brought a double guard with him, and six of the brethren came to see the prisoners.  Though it was a very poor chance to escape, they meant to try.  When the guard went to close the door the prisoners followed and tried to prevent him, but they did not succeed.  All but one of the visiting brethren were also locked in, and he had a narrow escape from the mob outside who soon collected and made all kinds of threats against the prisoners.

The visitors now thought that they also were in great danger, but Joseph told them not to fear, as not a hair of their heads would be injured.  This promise came true, because at a trial they had next day they were all set free and nothing was taken from them.

April 6, 1839, the prisoners were ordered to Gallatin, Daviess county.  After their long confinement the brethren were weak, and it was hard to stand the long journey.  On the 9th they had another trial or hearing.  The jury consisted mainly of men who had taken part in the Haun’s Mill massacre, and most of the time during the trial they were drunk.  The presiding officer, Judge King, was also as bad as the jury.  This mock trial continued for several days.  Men who sat on the jury during the day acted as guards at night, where they boasted of their murders, thefts, etc., to the prisoners.  This trial resulted in the brethren being held for “murder, treason, burglary, arson, larceny, theft, and stealing.”

The prisoners now asked for a change of venue, that is, a change of place of trial.  This was granted, and on April 15 they started for Boone county under guard of the sheriff and four men.  On the night of the 16th the sheriff told them he was going to take a drink of grog before going to bed and they could do as they pleased.  The sheriff and three of the guards went to bed drunk, and the other guard helped the brethren saddle the horses and get away.  They traveled day and night, and after much suffering Joseph arrived at the city of Quincy, Illinois, April 22, 1839, where he was gladly welcomed by his family and friends.

Topics.—­1.  Prisoners taken to Independence. 2.  In Richmond jail. 3.  In Liberty jail. 4.  The attempt to escape. 5.  Their last trial and escape.