Once more fugitives and wanderers, the Saints crossed the Mississippi and found refuge in the neighboring State of Illinois. The prophet and his fellow-prisoners were arraigned for treason against the state, and on a
CROSSING THE MISSISSIPPI.
preliminary examination of the case before Judge King, some startling facts were disclosed in regard to the designs of the Mormon chief, the dangerous fanaticism of his followers, and the atrocities which had been sanctioned by him.
It appears by the testimony of Samuel Avard that the first object of the Danite band was "to drive from the county of Caldwell all those who dissented from the Mormon Church, in which they succeeded admirably, to the satisfaction of those concerned." "The prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., together with his two coun-
