Although word of repeal of the Nauvoo charter had circulated since January, Phelps apparently meant that city officials in Nauvoo had not received official notice from the state government. At a late January meeting to discuss reports that the charter had been repealed, Phelps stated, “All the newspaper statements that would quarter fill this room does not repeal our Charter.” Brigham Young similarly said at that meeting, “I consider the Gov[erno]r. has to serve the city with a notice not to go on with proceedings.” (Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 30 Jan. 1845.)

Historian’s Office. General Church Minutes, 1839–1877. CHL

Besides Taylor and Phelps, at least nine other men are believed to have worked in the Nauvoo printing office at this time: Ariah Brower, Joseph Cain, George Q. Cannon, Matthias Cowley, Chauncey Jennings, Lyman Littlefield, William Rowley, Elias Smith, and William Taylor. (See Directory of Printers, in JSP, R2:701.)