In Refuting James Walker on Joseph Smith's Prophecies, I discussed D&C 114 and David Patten who died at the Battle of Crooked River. Hoyt Brewster offered the following commentary on the fate of David W. Patten which fits nicely into my previous discussion:
The Battle of Crooked River
In addressing the Church members on Sunday, 14 October 1838, Joseph Smith cited these memorable words of the One who best knew their meaning: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). One wonders if the Prophet had a foreboding premonition regarding the tragic events that would take place within the next two weeks. And could he have reflected upon a conversation he had with David W. Patten some six months earlier? On that occasion, Elder Patten “made known to the Prophet that he had asked the Lord to let him die the death of a martyr.” The Prophet’s response was, “When a man of your faith asks the Lord for anything he generally gets it.” (A. Wilson Lycurgus, Life of David Patten, 58).
Such a request may seem out of order unless one considers the probability of Divine promptings. Could the Lord have revealed this possibility to David, along with the question, “Would you be willing to die for My sake?”
The great prophet Nephi, who lived at the time the Savior was born into this world, was once promised that “all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will” (Helaman 10:5). It is reasonable to believe that the same promise applied to a latter-day Apostle and man of faith, even David W. Patten.
In any event, Elder Patten’s wish was not long in being granted. On 24 October 1838, an armed mob threatened to give the Mormons in Far West “hell” before noon the next day. Three men were kidnapped by the ruffians, who threatened to kill them. A county judge authorized a company of militia to disperse the mob and retake the prisoners.
About midnight the trumpet sounded in the town square of Far West as volunteers were sought to go to the rescue of the captives. David Patten, a captain in the state militia, responded to the call and was given a command of a company of men. They then proceeded to a spot about fifteen miles south of Far West, where the mobbers were encamped with their prisoners in a bend of Crooked River.
The militia hoped to surprise the mobbers and avoid bloodshed. Early on the morning of 25 October, the group of rescuers arrived at their destination and proceeded to look for the encampment. The silhouettes of the Mormon militia were easily seen as the dawning light began to appear. A shot rang out and “young Patrick O’Bannion reeled out of the ranks and fell mortally wounded” With the watchword of “God and Liberty” impressed on their minds, the militia charged forward at Captain Patten’s command. After exchanging gunfire, close sword combat took place. The mob finally took flight, but one mobber “wheeled, and shot Captain Patten, who instantly fell, mortally wounded.”
David Patten lived long enough to bear his dying testimony to his wife. “Beloved,” he said, “whatever you do else, do not deny the faith.” He followed this appeal with a short prayer and then breathed out his last mortal breath.
On the day of Elder Patten’s funeral, the Prophet pointed at the lifeless body and said, “There lies a man that has done just as he said he would—he had laid down his life for his friends.” (HC 3:175.)
One need not wonder how the Lord felt about this noble servant. In a revelation given in January 1841, the Savior said, “David Patten I have taken unto myself” (D&C 124:130).
One other Latter-day Saint lost his life in addition to Patrick O’Bannion and David Patten. Gideon Carter was shot in the face, which so brutally shattered that none recognized him. His body was retrieved when it was discovered who he was. Seven others were wounded, including James Hendricks, who was shot in the neck and paralyzed from the neck down. Following a priesthood blessing he was able to recover sufficiently that he later went west with the Saints and became a bishop of a Salt Lake City congregation. (Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., Martyrs of the Kingdom [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 92-94)
