Letter of Governor Ford to Sheriff Reynolds Replying to a Petition for Military force to Re-arrest the Prophet.

EXECUTIVE Department, SPRINGFIELD, July 6, 1843.

Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq.:

SIR:—I have received your petition for a detachment of Illinois Militia to assist you in retaking Joseph Smith, Junior, representing him to have escaped from your custody after having been arrested on a warrant granted for his apprehension. I have also received a remonstrance and some affidavits adverse to the prayer of your petition. I have also to inform you that I had heard, before your arrival in this city, of the escape of Smith, and rumors that he had been rescued by a military force. Deeming these remarks of sufficient importance to justify me in so doing, I did, on the 4th day of this present month, dispatch a trusty and competent person as my agent to collect information of the various matters contained in your petition; and you will, I hope, at once see the propriety of all action being suspended on my part until I can receive the most authentic and unquestionable information as to the movements complained of.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS FORD.

MR. BACKENSTOS:—The annexed letter to Joseph H. Reynolds is all the answer which I can at present make to either of the parties touching his application for a detachment of militia to assist him in retaking Joseph Smith, said to be a fugitive from justice.