Introduction -- The Nauvoo Legion in its American context -- Missouri precursors to the Nauvoo Legion -- Founding of the Nauvoo Legion -- Composition and characteristics of the Nauvoo Legion -- Joseph Smith : prepared to lead a militia -- Courts-martial : judicial and lawmaking -- More than pomp and ceremony -- The call to arms, 1842-mid1843 -- Perceptions and fears -- The gathering storm, 1843-1844 -- The struggle to survive : the repeal of the charter -- Conclusion -- Appendices: A. An ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion -- B. Revised laws of the Nauvoo Legion, from the Constitution of the United States by authority -- C. Chronology of the Nauvoo Legion in Illinois -- D. Commissioned and noncommissioned officers of the Nauvoo Legion (1841-1845) -- E. Privates in the Nauvoo Legion (1841-1845).