At a Public meeting convened at the , to take into consideration the present prospect of peace called the congregation to order— and requested of the people that as we had heretofore <been> noted for keeping good order, that we should this evening continue the same and after a few remarks Dr. read a communication to the City Council of the City of from Coll. Hart Fellowes and Captain — he then read a letter from to those Gentleman— after which, the resolutions which had been passed by the City Council this afternoon— to each of the resolutions the people responded with a hearty “Amen”. he also stated the substance of a letter received from Esqre. on the subject of peace, and another from Messrs. Conyers [Enoch Conyer] and [John] Wood— to which communications the City Council had appointed an Agent to make the necessary arrangements in regard to the “Nauvoo Expositor” printing press.
having been introduced to the multitude stated that he felt rejoiced “at the calmness that is existing among you at the present time— I came here by the orders of the , in order that the blessings of peace and harmony may be restored to and to — I can bear testimony of your usual good order, good behavior, and good conduct— there are rumors abroad which are against you, that you were about to do that which the Law did not approve of— it is quite unnecessary for me to touch on the shocking occurrences that have taken place at , during the last week— I have not met with any one man, woman or child out of the place where the disaffected are, but who expressed great indignation of what has taken place— the Constitution guarantees to all, the right of worshipping God according to the dictates of their own consciences— and I know you seek justice— and not revenge— justice should exist, and does exist in every free Government— but it will not exist when carried away by a mob— as soon as peace is restored, when there is not excitement, justice shall take place— I know that will bring to Justice the Assassins, and I am sure you want no more than justice— I advise all of you as a religious people, be cool, [p. [1]]