Taylor was the editor and Phelps was the assistant editor of both the Times and Seasons and the Nauvoo Neighbor. The possibility that they would be absent arose from the concern that writs would be issued against them by local courts. In the 11 March 1845 council meeting, the men discussed the question of “men going away who are hunted with writs.” Almon Babbitt, who was in favor of men leaving who were at risk of arrest, stated that there was “a great pique against brothers B. Young, H. C. Kimball, W. W. Phelps, John Taylor and W. Richards.” Following the discussion, William Clayton recorded in his journal, “It was considered best for those who are hunted with writs to go on missions so that we may if possible evade the blow until we can finish the Temple and the Nauvoo House.” The question of how to respond to writs also came up at the 18 March 1845 council meeting. (Council of Fifty, “Record,” 11 and 18 Mar. 1845; Clayton, Journal, 11 Mar. 1845.)

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.