sence of many of the Saints. I saw him four weeks after
the massacre and examined his person. I saw the wounds, then
healed. I felt of them with my own hands, and I saw the shirt and
examined it, that he had on when he was shot, and it was cut in
shreds. Many balls had cut his clothing that had not touched his
person.

The massacre at Haughn's Mill was the result of the brethren's
refusal to obey the wishes of the Prophet. All the brethren so
considered it. It made a deep and lasting impression on my mind,
for I had heard the Prophet give the counsel to the brethren to
come into the town. They had refused, and the result was a lesson
to all that there was no safety except in obeying the Prophet.

Col. George M. Hinkle had command of the troops at Far West,
under the Prophet Joseph. He was from Kentucky, and considered a
fair-weather Saint. When danger came he was certain to be on the
strong side. He was a fine speaker, and had great influence with
the Saints. Previous to the attack on Far West Col. Hinkle had
come to an understanding with the Gentile commanders that in case
the danger grew great they could depend on him as a friend and
one through whom they could negotiate and learn the situation of
affairs in the camp of the Saints. When our scouts were first
driven in Col. Hinkle was out with them, and when they were
closely pursued he turned his coat wrong side out and wore it so.

This was a peculiar move, but at the time it did not cause much
comment among his men; but they reported it to the Prophet, and
he at once became suspicious of the Colonel. The Prophet, being a
man of thought and cool reflection, kept this information within
a small circle, as it was a bad time to ventilate an act of that
kind.

The Prophet concluded to make use of the knowledge he had gained
of Hinkle's character, and employ him to negotiate between the
two parties. I do not believe that Joseph had the least idea that
he, with his little handful of men, could stand off the army that
had come up against him. I know that now, but at the time I was
full of religious zeal and felt that the Mormon Hosts of Israel
were invincible. Joseph wished to use Hinkle to learn the designs
of the Gentiles, so that he could prepare for the worst. Col.
Hinkle was therefore sent by Joseph to have an interview with the
Gentiles.

The Colonel returned and reported to Joseph the terms proposed by
the Gentile officers. The terms offered were as follows: