The painting below is of Joseph's last public speech (June 18, 1844) just days before his martyrdom.
Notice the Ellis Sanders House shown on the hill just behind the William Mendenhall home.

Accounts of the Prophet Josepth's Martyrdom

"Now I will relate a few words of his last address to the Nauvoo Legion while upon a small building across the street opposite his dwelling, that he spoke concerning some of the brethren... he told us that there were some men who were seeking his life with all schemes that could be devised and if they do kill me they will shed innocent blood..." — from the journal of George Laub

"The last time I saw Joseph was the day he deliver his last public address, when he said, "I call upon God and Angels to witness that I have unsheathed my sword with a firm and unalterable determination that people shall have their loyal rights, and shall be protected from mobs, violence, or my blood shall be spilt upon the ground like water and my body consigned to the silent tomb." I can remember so well that day it looked so cloudy and as though it would storm..." — from the journal of Matilda E. Loveless.

"I was at the last meeting where the Prophet ever spoke in public. He was dressed in his regimentals or uniform. He stood on the little frame building on the corner of the lot across the street south of the Mansion House. While speaking he said, as nearly as I can recollect, drawing his sword: "As I draw my sword here today, the sword of the Almighty is drawn in the heavens, and it will never be returned until the wrongs committed against me and the Latter-day Saints have been redressed." — from the journal of James P. Terry.