1844 - The Prophet Joseph Smith was again arrested with others for a "riot on the 10th inst. In destroying the Nauvoo Expositor press" (History of the Church, 6:487).  They appeared before Justice Wells and were discharged.  Word is coming to Nauvoo of the gathering mobs threatening the Saints in and around Nauvoo.  The Prophet writes a letter to the Saints in Ramus encouraging them to defend themselves against the mob unless it became too dangerous and to then flee to Nauvoo for safety.  Brother Edward Hunter, with Philip B. Lewis and John Bills, left Nauvoo with a letter from the Prophet to Governor Ford of Illinois concerning the situation in Nauvoo.  As Mayor of Nauvoo, Joseph Smith called on the police to take measures to protect the city.  As Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion, he ordered them to assist the police if necessary in protecting the citizens of Nauvoo.  He also asked that the Legion gather the next day to parade and receive instruction from him.  The Prophet also asked Orin Porter Rockwell and his personal guards for help in protecting him.