Latter-day Saints Militias and Military Units

It was one of the largest private military forces in the United States at the time and served to protect the city of Nauvoo and its inhabitants.

[citation needed] With the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter, the city was left without an official militia or police force.

[3][4] In response, in March 1845, Brigham Young organized the Bishops and Deacons to "take care of the poor and guard the city at night, to keep everything straight".

[3] Out of these efforts came an organization known as the Whistling and Whittling Brigade who used legal, nonviolent means to monitor apostates, strangers, "Gentiles", or enemies and encourage them to leave town.

For three months, this company patrolled the main trail from Salt Lake City east to Independence Rock on the Sweetwater.