Parley P. Pratt's Angelic Vision and Escape from Richmond Jail, July 4, 1839

Parley P. Pratt, one of the original Twelve Apostles, was imprisoned in Richmond, Missouri, and later transferred to Columbia, Boone County, alongside Morris Phelps and King Follett. During his confinement, Pratt recorded that he received a vision of the night revealing the specific means of escape, a revelation also shared by Laura Clark Phelps, who orchestrated the logistics. On the night of July 4, 1839, the prisoners executed a planned breakout. As they burst from their cell, the jailer's wife attempted to restrain Pratt, but he recalled feeling 'as strong as a giant' when he heard Laura Phelps fervently praying for their deliverance. He broke free and escaped with Phelps, though Follett was recaptured. Following the flight, Pratt navigated toward his family in Quincy, Illinois. This account, supported by Pratt’s own autobiography, emphasizes the cooperative efforts of the prisoners and the pivotal faith and logistical support provided by Laura Clark Phelps.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

The Lord had showed me in a vision of the night the manner and means of escape. Mrs. Phelps had the same things shown to her in a vision previous to her arrival. . . Mr. Follett was to give the door a sudden pull and fling it wide open the moment the key was turned. Mr. Phelps being well skilled in wrestling was to press out foremost, and come in contact with the jailer; I was to follow in the center, and Mr. Follett, who held the door, was to bring up the rear, while sister Phelps was to pray. . . . The jailer came to the door, and turned the key. Mr. Follett gave it a sudden pull, and it flew wide open. Mr. Phelps, who was a large, strong man, pressed out foremost, and came in contact with the jailer, who was a small man. The jailer was knocked down, and Mr. Phelps passed over him. I followed next, and Mr. Follett brought up the rear. The jailer's wife, who was standing by, caught hold of my coat, and held me, and screamed for her husband. I felt as strong as a giant, and I gave my coat a sudden jerk, and it came off, and I left it in her hands, and ran with all my might. Mr. Phelps and I ran together, and Mr. Follett followed us. We ran through the town, and then took to the woods. We were pursued by the mob, but we escaped them, and made our way to Quincy, Illinois, where we were reunited with our families.