cDonald, and many other leaders of the Church. They each
and all told me to stand to my integrity, and all would come
right in the end.

At this time the Prophet was stopping with Bishop Murdock, in
Beaver City. My wife Rachel went under cloud of night to see him
and have a talk about my case. He received her with kindness,
saying:

"Sister Rachel, are you standing by Brother John?"

"Yes, sir, I am," was her reply.

"That is right," said he. "God bless you for it. Tell Brother
John to stand to his integrity to the end, and not a hair of his
head shall be harmed."

What is there more? I wait within the reach of death. There is no
help for the widow's son. Still, all is for the best.

Camp Cameron, March 23rd, 1877.

Morning clear, still and pleasant. The guard, George Tracy,
informs me that Col. Nelson and Judge Howard have gone. Since my
confinement here I have reflected much over my sentence, and as
the time of my execution has come, I feel composed. I hope to
meet the bullets with manly courage. I declare my innocence. I
have done nothing wrong. I have a reward in Heaven, and my
conscience does not accuse me. This to me is a consolation. I
place more value upon it than I would upon an eulogy without
merit. If my work be finished on earth, I ask God in Heaven, in
the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to receive my spirit, and allow
me to meet my loved ones who have gone behind the veil. The bride
of my youth and her faithful mother; my devoted friend and
companion, N. A.; my dearly beloved children, with whom I parted
in sorrow, but shall meet in joy - I bid you farewell. Be true to
each other. Live faithful before God, that we may meet in the
mansions that God has prepared for His servants. Remember the
last words of your most true friend on earth, and let them sink
into your aching hearts. I leave my blessing with you. Farewell.
John Doyle Lee

APPENDIX I - BLOOD ATONEMENT

As exhibiting the Mormon position on the doctrine of "Blood
Atonement," the following extracts are taken from the sermons and
preachings of the Prophet Brigham Young:

"I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been
righteously slain in order to atone for their sins."

"Now, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off
from the earth, that you consider is strong doctrine; but it is
to save them, not to destroy them."

"All mankind love themselves; and let these principles be known
by an individual, a