The Unexpected Decision of Joseph Smith to Leave Nauvoo

On June 22nd, Illinois Governor Ford threatened to call out the state militia if Joseph Smith did not go to Carthage. If he stayed in Nauvoo, it appeared increasingly likely that mobs in the militia would attack the people of the city. On June 23rd, Joseph Smith and a small group went across the Mississippi River to Iowa and stayed at the home of Latter-day St. William, Jordan. He considers going to Washington, D.C., to try and get help from federal government figures,. but he's also contemplating staying in Iowa, going into hiding to avoid arrests.