Into Hiding Summary and Analysis

In the spring of 1841, Joseph Smith was alleged to have prophesied that Missouri governor Bogs would die violently, and that Illinois governor Carlin would "die in a ditch" (p. 323). When Governor Boggs was shot three times in the head, it was immediately assumed that Joseph had ordered it, and that he had ordered Porter Rockwell to murder him. When Boggs did not die, and became able to receive visitors, John C. Bennett visited and shared with him the alleged prophecy. Boggs immediately accused Joseph of attempted murder before the fact. A sheriff showed up in Nauvoo, and Joseph and Rockwell went into hiding. Joseph went from place to place in an attempt to hide from the sheriff for four months.

Ms. Brodie speculates on Emma's reactions to the charges of polygamy. A woman can contemplate and speculate what Emma's...