Lamb to the Slaughter

Today marks the 169th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  His brother Hyrum was also killed.  John Taylor was injured, but survived, and Willard Richards escaped without harm.

Music from Joseph, A Tribute to the Prophet--Nashville Tribute Band

At 3:15 p. m., John Taylor sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the Prophet asked him to sing it again. Hyrum read extracts from Josephus. At 4:00 p. m. there was a change of guard and eight men were left to guard the jail. The main body of the Carthage Greys camped about a quarter mile from the jail at the public square. At 5:00 p.m., the jailer, Mr. Stigall, returned to the jail and told them Stephen Markham had been driven from Carthage and had fled to Nauvoo. He suggested that the men move to the cell as they would be safer there. Joseph replied that they would after dinner. Joseph asked Willard Richards if he would go into the cell with him. Dr. Richards replied that not only would he do that, but "'if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free.' Joseph said, 'You cannot.' The doctor replied, 'I will.'" (History of the Church, 6:616). 

A few moments later the attack on the jail began. Hyrum was killed first. John Taylor was shot and he fell under the bed, but survived. Willard Richards was not injured. The Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and was shot. Falling out the window he said, "O Lord, my God!" The mob dispersed almost immediately when a call went up that "the Mormons are coming." 

A message was sent to Nauvoo written by Willard Richards that stated, "Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a hand of Missourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise them no!" (History of the Church, 6:621-622).