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Levi Nickerson directed us to a hewn oak log house to which we dragged Gheen's cannon while the mob advanced under cover of Mr. Covey's orchard and began firing. Gheen fired five shots of old iron from the bar lead cut and put into small casks. The mob soon left the grounds. Several shots were fired at the cannon stationed by Mr. Barlow's log barn, which were returned. Near sunset the mob retreated a short distance and camped north of Law's hemp machine for the night. There was a strong guard posted during the night."
"12th September. One company of the mob advanced toward Hyrum Gates breast work, halted and commenced firing at Gate's Company, who ordered his men to hold until the mob came up as near as they would. Gates ordered Gheen and Bolander (a Methodist minister) to return the mob fire. Several shots were fired on both sides. The mob soon retreated and joined the main camp which was retreating down Law's Lane. They proceeded to Franklin D. Richards' brick house, thence south to Mu11ho11and Street, returning east as far as Squire D. H. Wells house thence turning West On White Street, then flanked out in the cornfield. The firing of the mobs artillery was kept up while they were advancing. After the mob reached Boscoe's brick house, the small arms began firing and continued one hour and twenty minutes. Thomas Tidwell was sent across the River to Montrose to buy some fine powder. He procured about a dozen cans and got to the River to re-cross to Nauvoo when he was met by a mob sentinel who threatened to shoot him if he persisted in crossing the river with the powder. Tidwell had a brother standing near whom he requested to shoot the sentinel if he offered to fulfill his threat. He felt bound to cross the River with the powder, which he did." (Journal History.)
Historians record that the mob numbered 1800, but those participating in the battle felt there were many more. As the cannon balls fell, some of the women picked them up and carried them to the "Defenders" to be re-used.
John W. Dutson states in his diary that on the twelfth of September Captain Anderson and his son, August L., a boy of fifteen, and David Norris were killed.
After the enemy entered the city they suggested a treaty. General Daniel H. Wells felt that it would be futile for the poorly-equipped Saints to continue their defense of the city and suggested that they comply with the enemy's request.
The articles of the treaty pledged that the Saints would be protected until they could be removed; that the sick and helpless should be treated with humanity; that the firearms taken from the Saints were to be returned when they crossed the river; that the trustees-in-trust of the Church were to be permitted to remain in the city for the disposition of the Church property; and hostilities were to cease immediately. Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heywood and John S. Fullmer, who were serving as trustees-in-trust for the Saints, signed the treaty. But, no sooner had the treaty been signed than some members of the mob commenced searching homes and wagons for firearms. Houses were entered and members of the family threatened. Some members of the mob descended upon those Saints who were waiting to cross the river and plundered their wagons and possessions. They inquired of each person if he had participated in the battle. They threw some of the "Defenders" into the river and some were returned to the city for court-martial.