The Nauvoo Expositor building, where the press was destroyed on the order of Joseph Smith

1. City Council Resolution

Resolved, by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the printing office from whence issues the "Nauvoo Expositor" is a public nuisance, and also all of said Nauvoo Expositors, which may be, or exist in said establishment, and the Mayor is instructed to cause said printing establishment and papers to be removed without delay, in such manner as he shall direct. Passed June 10th, 1944.

GEORGE W. HARRIS
Prest. pro tem

2. Order of Joseph Smith, Mayor (June 10, 1844)

To the Marshal of said City [Nauvoo], greeting.

You are hereby commanded to destroy the printing press from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor, and pi the type of said printing establishment in the street, and burn all the Expositors and libelous handbills found in said establishment; and if resistance be offered to your execution of this order by the owner or others, demolish the house: and if anyone threatens you or the Mayor or the officers of the city, arrest those who threaten you, and fail not to execute this order without delay, and make due return thereon.

By order of the City Council,
JOSEPH SMITH, MAYOR

3. Marshal's Return

The within named press and type is destroyed and pied according to order, on this 10th of June, 1844, at about 8 o'clock p.m.

J. P. GREENE, C.M.
HEADQUARTERS, NAUVOO LEGION
June 10th, 1844

4. Joseph Smith's Order to Jonathan Dunham, acting Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion (June 10, 1844)

You are hereby commanded to hold the Nauvoo Legion in readiness forthwith to execute city ordinances, and especially to remove the printing establishment of the Nauvoo Expositor; and this is what you are required to do at sight, under the penalty of the laws, provided the Marshal shall require it and need your services.

JOSEPH SMITH,
Lieut. General, Nauvoo Legion.


The June 8-10 Meeting of the Nauvoo City Council

Ordinance Concerning Libels and for Other Purposes

Personal Narrative of Joseph Smith (June 10, 1844)

Proclamation of Joseph Smith (June 11, 1844)

Warrant for the Arrest of Joseph Smith for Destruction of the Expositor (June 12, 1844)

Hearing on the Expositor Affair in the Municipal Court of Nauvoo (June 12-13, 1844)


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