The Extermination Order was a military order signed by Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs on October 27, 1838, directing that the Mormons be driven from the state or exterminated. It read: "Headquarters of the Militia," City of Jefferson, Oct. 27, 1838. General John B. Clark: Sir Since the order of this morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Reese, Esq., of Ray county, and Wiley C. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which entirely changes the face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of an open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made war upon the people of this state. Your orders are, therefore, to hasten your operation with all poss