HISTORY X2 y OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS PERIOD II From the Manuscript History of Brigham Young and Other Original Documents VOLUME VII AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY B; H. Roberts PUBLISHED BY THE CHURCH Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 1932 Copyrighted by HEBER J. GRANT FOR The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1932 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MOUNT ENSIGN (Cover Indent-gravure) 'VI// ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an Ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye — (Isa. xviii:3) On the cover of each of the six preceding volumes of this series of the History of the Church, Period I, there has appeared in low relief an indent-gravure of some prominent place: the Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Tem¬ ple, the Liberty Prison, the Nauvoo Mansion, and the Carthage Jail; and for this Period II, volume VII, since it brings us in its action into Salt Lake valley, a Utah subject of first importance is selected, viz. “Mount Ensign”. It is generally referred to as “Ensign Peak”. Elder Woodruff, among those who first climbed the Mount, says in his Journal entry of that date—July 26, 1847: “We went on the top of a high peak in the edge of the mountain, which we considered a good place to raise an Ensign. So we named it ‘Ensign Peak', or 'Hill'." Captain J. W. Gunnison, refers to it in his The Mormons, 1856, (pp. 33-4), as “Ensign Mound”. President Young refers to the Mount as “Ensign Hill”, on the occasion of recording the incident of Ad¬ dison Pratt receiving his endowments on its summit, in October, 1849. (See Comprehensive History of the Church, Century I, vol. iii, p. 386, footnote 10); so that while referred to generally in early days as “En¬ sign Peak”, it was not exclusively known by that name: and as it was dedicated for such purpose and used as a “House of the Lord” for giving the sacred mysteries of the Temple ritual—a new sanctity attaches IV MOUNT ENSIGN to it. It is a sacred “Mount”, as much so as “Mount Lebanon”, the “Mount of Transfiguration”, “Mount Sinai”, or “Mount Zion”, where the Temple of Jeru¬ salem stood. And since this western mountain in the edge of a group of mountains was used as a Temple of God, “Mount” is both more euphonious and implies sacredness rather than “Peak” does. Hence the name here used is suggested—“Mount Ensign”. The significance of “Ensign” in the literature of the Church of the New Dispensation—in connection with this “Mount”—is that it has reference to the in¬ tent of the church “in these last days”, to raise an “Ensign” to the nations, known as the “Standard of Zion”, which would be an “Ensign” made up of the flags of all nations, indicating that its message was to be to “every nation, kindred, tongue and people”, symbolized in this flag, or “Ensign”. The matter is referred to in some remarks of President Young made on the 29th of May, 1847, when he mentioned to his Camp of Pioneers the raising of such an “Ensign” in the place to which they were going. Elder Woodruff made note of it in his daily Journal of that date, and drew in the margin of his Journal the rough outline of such a flag. It was to this “Ensign” that the small group of Pioneers referred to when on the top of the “Mount” to which they had climbed, as being “a good place to raise an Ensign.” TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume VII PAGE Mount Ensign . Ill Introduction . XIX Volume VII divided into 5 Parts. XIX History of the Church, Period I. XIX Excerpt from Ford’s History of Illinois, Part I . XIX Later Historians’ Ex¬ cerpts from Ford’s History of Illinois, Part II. XX John Taylor’s Mem¬ oirs, Part III . XX PAGE Treatise on Apostolic Succession, Part IV.. XX Appointment of Suc¬ cessor by Joseph Smith —Hyrum . XXI Manuscript History of Brigham Young, Part V . XXII Number of Endow¬ ments Given in Nauvoo Temple .. XXIII Administration of the Twelve Apostles — Cross Section of Man¬ uscript History of Brigham Young . XXIV PART I CHURCH HISTORIANS’ EXCERPT FROM .FORD’S HISTORY OF ILLINOIS Explanation . 1 CHAPTER I CONDITIONS IN HANCOCK COUNTY REVIEWED BY GOVERNOR FORD—THE .STATE ARMS OF THE LEGION SURRENDERED ON THE DEMAND OF THE GOVERNOR Review of Governor Ford’s Per¬ formances . Governor Ford’s Statement. Method of “Blowing up the Fury” . Illustration of False Reports... Governor Ford’s “Zeal” for the 2 Law . 5 2 Martial Law in Nauvoo. 6 Base Fraud Attempted . 7 3 State Arms Demanded. 9 4 CHAPTER II SUBMISSION OF THE PROPHET TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GOVERNOR— GATHERING OF THE ENEMY FORCES OF THE PROPHET—GOVERNOR FORD*S DEFENSIVE JUSTIFICATION FOR HIS PLACEMENT OF THE HOSTILE FORCES AT CARTHAGE AND THE DISMISSAL OF OTHERS Surrender of Nauvoo’s Mayor and City Council . 11 The Nauvoo Legion. 12 Question of Jurisdiction. 12 Forces at Carthage and Warsaw 14 Threats of Violence Within the Governor’s Forces . Pro et Con of Militia Mob Treachery . 16 Captain R. F. Smith and the Carthage Greys—Guard of the Prisoners . 17 Governor Ford’s Explanations.. 18 Comment on Governor’s Defense (note) . 15 19 VI CONTENTS CHAPTER III GOVERNOR FORD’S VISIT *TO NAUVOO—FEARS ON THE WAY—INSULTING SPEECH TO THE CITIZENS—RESENTED—HEARS OF THE ASSASSINATION OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH PAGE PAGE Uncertainty of the Reflections and Actions of Governor Ford Establishes Headquarters in Quincy. 27 en route. 22 Demands Upon the Governor to Governor Ford at Nauvoo. 23 Expel the Saints from Illinois 28 People of Nauvoo Resent Charges. 24 Pretended Appeal of Governor Ford for Federal Aid (note) 28 Word of the Assassination of the Prophet Received . 24 Perplexities of Governor Ford— Political Parties . 29 False Rumors at Quincy and Warsaw. 25 Movements of the Mob from Warsaw . 30 The Governor’s Plight . 26 The Attack Upon the Prison.. 31 PART II EXTENSION OF QUOTATIONS FROM FORD’S HISTORY OF ILLINOIS Explanation . 34 CHAPTER TV GOVERNOR FORD’.S COMMENTS ON THE CHARACTER OF JOSEPH SMITH AND HIS FOLLOWERS—HIS CONJECTURES ON THE FUTURE OF MORMONISM Governor Ford’s Estimate of the Prophet's Character . 35 Character of the Followers of Joseph Smith . 36 World’s Conjecture of the Mor¬ mon Religion. 37 Settlement of the Question of Church Leadership . 38 Launching of Missionary Activ¬ ities . 39 Possible Future of Mormonism 40 Governor Ford’s Fear for His Connection with Mormonism. 41 Demand and Counter-Demand. 42 Reflections of Governor Ford.. 42 CHAPTER V POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE PROPHET—“TRIAL” OF THE MURDERERS—STATUS OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN HANCOCK COUNTY Political Fanaticism of the Anti- Mormon Party . 44 Political Course of Col. E. D. Taylor—Democrat . 44 A Proposed “Wolf Hunt”. 46 The “Hunt” Dispersed. 47 The Accused Murderers of the Prophet Dictate Their Own Terms of Surrender . 47 Governor Ford’s Pledge of Safety to the Prophet Ad¬ mitted .48 Determination of the Governor to Have the Ringleaders of the Murderers Tried . 49 The “Trial”—Status of the Court . 50 Nauvoo Authorities Acquitted for Destruction of the E.r- positor Press . 51 CONTENTS VII PART III MEMOIRS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR RESPECTING AF¬ FAIRS AT NAUVOO LEADING UP TO THE MARTYRDOM OF THE PROPHET AND patriarch: governor ford's RESPONSIBILITY THEREIN Explanation .. 54 CHAPTER VI THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH: REVIEW OF CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS PRECEDING THAT EVENT PAGE Introduction . 55 Threatening Portents in Illinois 1844 . 56 Apostates at Nauvoo .. 56 Other Anti-Mormon Parties... 58 Whigs and Democrats . 58 Lawlessness in Northern Illinois 59 The Nauvoo Expositor . 61 Mental Attitude of the Prophet. 63 Bill for Removing of the Press of the Nauvoo Expositor .... 63 The Removal . 64 PAGE Uncertainty of the U. S. Mail.. 65 Systematic Anti-Mormon Agita¬ tion . 66 Writ Issued by Thomas Mor¬ rison, J. P. 66 Action of Nauvoo City Council 67 Military Defensive Measures... 69 Governor Ford’s Arrival at Carthage . 71 John Taylor and Doctor Bern- hisel at Carthage . 72 The Two Messengers in Danger 72 CHAPTER VII JOHN TAYLOR AND DOCTOR BERNHISEL’S INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR FORD PLEDGE OF GOVERNOR FORD FOR THE SECURITY OF JOSEPH .SMITH IF HE WOUI l» COME TO CARTIIAGF. Character of Men Surrounding the Governor During the In¬ terview . 75 The Governor and State’s Pledge of Security . 77 The Prophet’s Start for the West . 78 John Taylor in Disguise. 80 The Prophet’s Return to Nau¬ voo . 80 Constable’s Report to Governor Ford. 82 Demand for the State Arms at Nauvoo . 83 The Prophet and Patriarch Dis¬ played to the State Troops at Carthage . 83 City Council of Nauvoo Ar¬ raigned before Justice Smith at Carthage .... 84 The Charge of Treason Against the Prophet .i. 85 Ford’s Reaction to the Represen¬ tation of John Taylor. 86 CHAPTER VIII INTERVIEW BETWEEN JOSEPH SMITH AND GOVERNOR THOMAS FORD The Interview is given in statement and counter-statement between the Governor and the Prophet.88-96 VIII CONTENTS CHAPTER IX THE ASSAULT UPON THE PRISON—THE MURDER OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMJTII PAGE The Committing Magistrate Ex¬ ceeds his Jurisdiction. 97 Prisoners Illegally Forced Into Court—Some Concessions of Comfort to the Prisoners... 98 Cyrus H. YVheelock’s Visit to the Prison. 100 Harsh Treatment of Colonel Markham . 101 Wine Obtained . 101 “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” . 101 Mob Assault Upon the Prison.. 102 Taylor’s Effort to Escape by the Window . 104 Summary of Movements of the PAGE Prisoners . 105 The Murder Accomplished—Re¬ flections . 106 Case of Rough Surgery . 107 Activities of Willard Richards. 108 Flight of the People from Car¬ thage . 108 Richards-Taylor Note from Carthage to Nauvoo . 110 News of the Assassination In¬ tercepted by Governor Ford.. 110 Attempt on the Life of Samuel H. Smith—Brother of the Prophet . Ill The Hamiltons and the Murder 112 CHAPTER X WAS GOVERNOR FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDER OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH OF THE NEW DISPENSATION Summary of Incriminating Facts . 113 Argument in Favor of Gover¬ nor Ford. 115 Were National Characters Im¬ plicated in the Murder. 116 John Taylor’s Visitors at Car¬ thage . 117 His Painful Journey to Nauvoo 118 Time Register of the Martyr¬ dom . 119 Taylor’s Addendum Notes .... 120 His Comment on the Expositor Affair. 121 The Warsaw Resolutions—Pre¬ amble . 12 2 Report of the Carthage Com¬ mittee . 122 Joseph Smith’s Personal Ac¬ count of the Expositor Affair 125 PART IV historians' second compilation of historical items of church HISTORY, FROM 22nd OF JUNE, 1844 to 8th of august, 1844 Explanation .. 128 CHAPTER XT MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS APART FROM THE MATOR FACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH FROM Varied Incidents of Activity in the Church . 129 Affidavit of J. R. Wakefield... 130 F. M. Higbee’s Designs Against the Prophet’s Life. 130 Arrival of Captain Singleton in Nauvoo to Keep the Peace... 131 Arrival of Governor Ford in Nauvoo .... 132 june 22nd, 1844 to june 29th, 1844 Whereabouts of the Twelve.... 132 Proclamation of General Dem- ing to the People of Hancock County. 133 Nauvoo Legion to “Keep Quiet” 134 Arrival of the Bodies of the Martyrs at Nauvoo . 134 Names of the Prophet’s Body¬ guard . 135 CONTENTS IX PAGE Names of the Nauvoo Legion Band . 135 Letter from Elders Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball PAGE to the Prophet. 136 Apostles’ Petition to Congress for Remuneration of Losses of the Church in Missouri. 138 CHAPTER XII MOVEMENTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY, CARTHAGE, NAUVOO, WARSAW AND QUINCY. FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PEACE FOLLOWING THE MARTYRDOM : LIST OF THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO WERE IN THE MOB ASSEMBLED TO SLAY THE PROPHET Governor Ford to the People of the State of Illinois . 140 General Orders to the Militia in the Western Counties of Il¬ linois—Ford . 141 Movement of Quincy Troops to Warsaw . 142 Roll of Carthage Greys and Of¬ ficers on Duty at Time of Martyrdom. 142 Guard at the Jail . 142 List of the Balance of Company of the Carthage Greys .142 List of the Mob at Green Plains 143 At Warsaw . 143 List of Those Active in the Massacre at Carthage by J. B. Backenstos . 143 List of the Mob at Carthage by Willard Richards. 146 Communication—Governor Ford to General Deming . 146 Willard Richards to Brigham Young—Nauvoo Affairs _ 147 Peace Council at Nauvoo. 148 The Twelve in Boston—by Wil- ford Woodruff . 149 The Governor’s Instructions to Colonel Fellows and Captain Jonas . 150 Resolutions of the City Council of Nauvoo . 150 Action of the City Council. 151 Address to the Church—a Word of Consolation . 152 CHAPTER XIII THE MARTYRDOM IN POETRY—EFFORTS FOR FOOD SUPPLIES AND PROTECTION FOR THE PEOPLE OF NAUVOO—THE DANIELS AFFIDAVIT ON THE MARTYRDOM ‘The Assassination of Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith”— Eliza R. Snow. 154 Second Letter from Elders Wight and Kimball—Move¬ ments of the Twelve . 157 City Council of Nauvoo on Sup¬ plying Food . 158 George J. Adams—Messenger to Brigham Young . 158 Letter of General Dunham to Governor Ford . 159 Answer of Governor Ford to Warsaw Committee. 160 Members of the Mob Wounded 2 .t Carthage. 162 Affidavit of William M. Daniels at Carthage on the Martyrdom 162 Note on Daniels’ Affidavit.... 163 A Plea for Liberty and Justice— Lee County Democrat . 164 CHAPTER XIV A CHAPTER OF SUNDRY EVENTS AT VARIOUS PLACES AND DOCUMENTS FOLLOWING THE MARTYRDOM ! UNITED STATES Local and General Miscellaneous Items . 168 Letter to General Deming. 169 Troubles at Nauvoo . 170 Letter of Instruction to the President of the British Mis- PRESS COMMENTS ON THE MURDER sion . 171 Letter to A. Jonas—Peace at Nauvoo . 175 Appeal of Nauvoo Ladies to Governor Ford. 176 Items of the Martyr-Tragedy, X CONTENTS PACE Nauvoo Neighbor . 176 Movements of Some of the Twelve . 177 The Prophet —New L. D. S. Publication . 177 PAGE Public Opinion on the Murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith —the Press ... 177 Comment on —Nauvoo Neighbor 180 CHAPTER XV CHAPTER OF MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS, PRESS EXCERPTS AND MOVEMENTS OF LEADING ELDERS OF THE CHURCH AT NAUVOO AND ELSEWHERE Question of Trustee-in-Trust for the Church . 183 Governor’s Order Disregarded at Warsaw . 183 Premonitory Anxieties. 184 Elder Woodruff Preaches in Boston . 185 Movements at Nauvoo . 185 Review of the Murder at Car¬ thage —Times and Seasons... 186 Letter to the Saints Abroad— the Twelve . 189 “Lamentation”—A Jew on the Assassination—Neibaur . 191 Threatening Portents Against Nauvoo—A Letter. 192 Intention of the Church to Take no Part in Trial of the Mur¬ derers . 193 Woodruff’s Letter to Brigham Young—the Martyrdom - ISM Respecting the Prophet’s Estate 194 Reports of Movements in Illi¬ nois Observed from Warsaw. 195 CHAPTER XVI THE MOVEMENTS OF THE APOSTLES AND OTHER LEADING BRETHREN IN THE EAST AND AT NAUVOO—IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION FROM GOVERNOR FORD Excerpts—Woodruff’s Journal. 197 Discourse of Elder Orson Hyde, Washington, D. C.—Comment on the Prophet . 197 Remarks of Brigham Young on Same . 198 Epistle of the Apostles to the Saints. 198 Warning Against False Doc¬ trines—Orson Hyde. 199 Meetings at Nauvoo . 200 Letter of Governor Ford to Richards and Phelps . 200 Reply thereto . 201 Leonora Taylor’s Letter to Gov¬ ernor Ford .201 Confidential Letter of Governor Ford—W. W. Phelps . 203 Ford’s Mock Appeal to General S. W. Kearny—St. Louis-206 Governor Ford Self-Revealed by Letter to W. W. Phelps (note) . 208 CHAPTER XVII GATHERING OF THE TWELVE AND OTHER LEADING ELDERS AT NAUVOO—DEATH OF ELDER .SAMUEL H. SMITH, BROTHER OF THE PROPHET, EARLY MISSIONARY OF THE CHURCH AND ONE OF THE EIGHT WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON Preparation of the Twelve to Start for Nauvoo .209 Letter of Elder Brigham Young to Willard Richards .209 Verse to Elder John Taylor— Eliza R. Snow . 211 Excerpt—Prediction of the Pro¬ phet’s D e a t h—Woodruff’s Journal . 212 Death of Samuel H. Smith... 213 Restiveness of Bishop George Miller . 213 Governor Ford to the People of Warsaw. 214 Biographical Note—Samuel H. Smith . 216 CONTENTS XI CHAPTER XVIII THE GATHERING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES FROM THE EAST TO NAUVOO: PRELIMINARY MEETINGS LOOKING TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH PAGE Political Election in Hancock County . 223 Movements of Erigham Young. 223 Arrival of Sidney Rigdon at Nauvoo . 223 Brigham Young as Oxteamster. 224 Sunday Service at Nauvoo— Sidney Rigdon .224 Parley P. Pratt’s Comment on Rigdon’s Sermon . 225 Attempt to Choose a “Guardian” for the Church . 225 Respect Shown by the Latter- day Saints in Liverpool for the Martyrs . 226 PAGE Meeting of Elder Rigdon with the Twelve . 226 Murderous Intentions of Wil¬ liam Law . 227 Hancock County Election Re¬ turns . 227 H. C. Kimball’s Dream.228 Excerpt—Return of the Twelve to Nauvoo—Woodruff’s Jour¬ nal . 228 Majority of the Twelve in Coun¬ cil—Nauvoo . 228 Elder Rigdon’s Proposal— “Guardian” to the Church... 229 The Twelve Hold the “Keys”— Brigham Young . 230 CHAPTER XIX THE SETTLEMENT OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP—THE TWELVE APOSTLES ACCEPTED AS THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH, BRIGHAM YOUNG AT THEIR HEAD Special Public Meeting at Nau¬ voo . 231 The Claim of the Twelve to Lead the Church in the Ab¬ sence of the First Presidency —Brigham Young . 231 A Church Constitutional Pro¬ vision (note) .234 Transformation of Brigham Young to the Personality of Joseph Smith (note) .236 Speech of Amasa M. Lyman on Succession in Presidency.... 236 Speech of W. W. Phelps in Be¬ half of Sidney Rigdon . 237 Remarks of Elder Parlev P. Pratt on Succession in Presi¬ dency . 238 President Brigham Young’s Sec¬ ond Speech . 239 Comment of the Church His¬ torians . 242 Testimony of the Church His¬ torians . 243 PART V EXCERPTS FROM THE MANUSCRIPT HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG FROM AUGUST 9, 1844, TO OCTOBER 8, 1848 Explanation 246 CHAPTER XX EVENTS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SUSTAINING OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE AS THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH—RESUMPTION OF THE CHURCH ACTIVITIES—PERPETUATION OF THE POLICY OF THE PROPHET Appointment of Trustees-in- Righteous Resolutions of the Trust . 247 Twelve . 249 City Council for the Suppression Epistle of the Twelve to the of Vice . 248 Church —Times and Seasons. .250 Definite Assignments to Labors. 248 The U. S. to be Organized into XII CONTENTS PAGE Church Districts . 251 Suggestions as to Politics. 252 Closing Admonitions . 252 Missions in the Pacific Islands. 253 Mission Movements in Southern States.253 Restless Elements in Nauvoo— Brigham Young . 254 The Church not to be Deprived of Revelations.256 Law of Tithing to be Enforced. 257 Those by Whom Offenses Come 257 The Whole of America Zion... 258 Evasions not to be Practiced in PAGE the Law of the Church.259 Removal of Dead Branches.... 259 The Prophet’s “Translation” of the Bible . 260 James Arlington Bennett .261 Impetus to the Building of the Temple . 261 Twelve Apostles Baptized for their Dead (note) . 261 Exhortation to Unity . 263 The Prophet Sealed His Testi¬ mony with His Blood.263 Baptism for the Dead Resumed 264 Departure of Elders Woodruff and Jones to England.264 CHAPTER XXI FORMAL TRIAL AND EXCOMMUNICATION OF PRESIDENT SIDNEY RIGDON—RESTLESS MOVEMENTS OF JAMES EMMETT—MISSION ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH— MOVEMENTS OF STATE OFFICIALS AND THE MOB OF HANCOCK COUNTY Rigdon’s Vagaries—Gog and Magog. 266 Conference in Philadelphia .... 266 Concentration at N a u v o o— Times and Seasons . 267 Rigdon’s License Demanded ... 267 The Formal Trial of Elder Sid¬ ney Rigdon . 268 Labors with James Emmett ... 269 Nauvoo Arsenal .271 Addison Pratt’s Letter from the Society Islands . 271 Church Works—Profits . 273 Opposition of Benjamin Win¬ chester .274 Selection of Presiding Seventies and High Priests . 274 Attempt to Arrest Murderers of the Prophet . 275 Night Watchman Appointed for the Temple . 275 Letter of Charles C. Rich to Thomas Ford . 275 Special Order No. 10 . 276 President Young’s Letter to Governor Ford . 277 The Preparation of Boats for Governor Ford .278 CHAPTER XXII CHURCH—MORAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE TO THE All the First Quorum pf the Seventy Ordained Presidents. 279 Party in Nauvoo Mansion Boy¬ cotted . Epistle of the Twelve to the Church . Subjects of the Epistle. The Temple. The Gathering. Economic Advantages at Nau¬ voo . 281 Consciousness of Sound Doc¬ trine . 281 Awaiting Spiritual Blessings... 281 Against Vice in all its Forms.. 282 Murderers of the Prophet. 283 Labors of Elder Woodruff Among Relatives . 283 280 280 280 280 280 CHAPTER XXIII MINUTES OF THE IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF OCTOBER 6tH TO 8tH, 1844— THE CHURCH SET IN ORDER—DUTIES OF THE PRIESTHOOD EXPOUNDED— ECONOMICS CONSIDERED The Discourse of President The Church Led by Revelation 285 Brigham Young . 284 Self-Guidance by Revelation... 286 Reasons Given for Haste. 284 Keys of Leadership not Taken CONTENTS XIII PAGE from Joseph Smith . 287 Hyrum Smith Ordained to Take the Prophet’s Place. 288 Elder John Taylor’s Discourses. 288 Adherence to Principles of Rev¬ elation . 288 Perpetuation of the Plan of Salvation .289 Dopes Beyond the Grave.290 Expectation of Tribulation.... 291 High Standing of the Saints... 291 Building the Temple First Duty 292 Baptism for the Dead and Tith¬ ing .292 Sustaining of the Several Au¬ thorities of the Church. 293 Policies of Joseph and Hyrum Smith Sustained.294 Amasa M. Lyman’s Status (note) .^. 295 Effect in Dropping Officers from Positions . 296 The High Council. 296 The First Council of the Seventy 297 The Bishopric . 297 The Elders . 297 PAGE The Lesser Priesthood . 298 Elder Parley P. Pratt’s Dis¬ course . 298 Heber C. Kimball’s Discourse— the Resurrection. 299 All Evil to be Done Away. 300 President Young Presents a Patriarch—Asael Smith (note) 300 William Smith as Presiding Patriarch (note) . 301 Tithing Expounded. 301 Lyman Wight and James Em¬ mett . 302 Ordination of a Patriarch— Asael Smith. 302 Business of the Conference Out¬ lined . 303 Economic Policy . 303 Organization of the High Priests and the Seventy .... 305 Special Mission of the High Priests—List of Names _305 Instructions to Seventies and Elders . 307 Industrial Committee Appointed 308 CHAPTER XXIV THE PRELIMINARY STEPS TO THE FORTHCOMING PROSECUTION OF THE MURDERERS OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH—THE WORK IN THE SOCIETY ISLANDS— TEMPLE AFFAIRS—FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENT Use of the Nauvoo Legion Au¬ thorized for the Protection of courts . 309 Governor’s Explanation of Or¬ der . 309 President Young’s Visit to the East . 310 Misconduct of William Smith.. 312 Mob Movements at Carthage... 312 Norwegian Branch Organized.. 312 Return of Witnesses from Car¬ thage . 313 Work in Society Islands. 313 Indictment of the Prophet’s Murderers . 314 Conference at St. Louis. 315 Mission of Elder B. L. Clapp.. 316 Mission in Canadian Provinces. 317 A Voice from the Temple— Temple Committee . 318 Operation of the Law of Tith¬ ing . 320 Status of the Saints and the Work at Nauvoo. 321 Council Minutes on Financial Affairs. 322 CHAPTER XXV PROGRESS OF WORK ON THE TEMPLE—MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS IN CHURCH AND STATE Placing the Last Capital on the Temple . 323 Departure of Elder Woodruff for England . 324 Conference in Michigan. 324 Repeal of Nauvoo Charter Pro¬ posed . 325 School for Seventies. 326 Presidency Appointed for Kirt- land . 326 Hotchkiss Interests in Nauvoo. 327 Governor Ford’s Message to the Legislature. 328 XIV CONTENTS CHAPTER XXVI THE GREAT CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTIES AT NAUVOO—ORGANIZATION OF NEW QUORUMS—DEDICATION OF THE SEVENTIES* HALL—NOTABLE DISCOURSES— DOCTRINAL INSTRUCTIONS BY PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG ON PRIESTHOOD—THE TWELVE—THE SEVENTY- PAGE Five Days of Memorable Seven¬ ties’ Conference . 330 “A Voice from the Prophet— Come to Me”—Phelps . 331 Dedication P r a y e r—Brigham Young . 332 “The Seer”—John Taylor.333 Remarks of H. C. Kimball ... 335 Discourse—George A. Smith— Union. 335 Elder Hyde—Union . 335 Burden of the Kingdom on the ■AND THE BISHOPRIC PAGE Twelve. 337 Discourse—Elder John Taylor— Relationship of the Church to God. 340 Second Prayer of Dedication— Joseph Young . 342 Discourse—O rson Prat t— “Adam Fell that Man Might Be”. 344 List of Church Publications— 1844 . 345 CHAPTER XXVII CAMPAIGN AGAIN,ST WICKEDNESS BOTH BY THE CHURCH AUTHORITIES AND THE NAUVOO CITY COUNCIL—VILLAINY OF NAUVOO’S ENEMIES A Word to the Churches Abroad—The Twelve. 347 Caution—Beware of Deception— Orson Hyde . 348 Discourse Against Wickedness —Elders Young and Kimball. 350 Movement of the Saints to Cali¬ fornia Considered. 350 Lesser Priesthood Quorums Set in Order . 351 Mission Projected for the Sev¬ enties . 351 The Voice of Nauvoo—the City Council . 352 Meeting of the Citizens of Nau¬ voo . 354 Epistle of the Twelve—To the Church in All the World. 356 Affidavit to the Public—Kelting 360 CHAPTER XXVIII THE STORY OF CONTINUED PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH IN NAUVOO, IN EUROPE AND IN THE UNITED STATES—PLEA FOR THE RETURN OF JAMES EMMETT'S COMPANY Nauvoo Charter Before a Leg¬ islative Committee . 363 Nauvoo Charters Renealed.365 Minutes of Seventies Council.. 365 Land Grants Sought in Mich¬ igan . 367 Donations and Tithing for the Temple . 369 City Election at Nauvoo . 370 Friendly Letter of Josiah Lam- born . 370 Letter—President Young to El¬ der Woodruff in England.... 373 Arrests in Yelrome. 373 Asa Works, Sen.—American Revolution Soldier Dies .... 374 Premonitions of President Young . 376 Delegation Appointed to Visit James Emmett’s Company— Letter. 377 “The Kingdom of God” (Note) 381 CONTENTS XV CHAPTER XXIX THE JAMES EMMETT COMPANY OFFICIALLY VISITED—AFRIL CONFERENCE OF 1845— MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS UNDER GENERAL STATE LAW—WESTERN MOVEMENT PROPOSED BY GOVERNOR FORD PAGE Lyman and Spencer’s Report of Emmett’s Company . 383 Brackenbury Plotted Against.. 384 Further Report on Emmett’s Company. 384 Remarks of Brigham Young on Emmett’s Company . 385 Departure of William Marks from Nauvoo . 387 Arrival of English Saints in Nauvoo . 388 Advice Sought from Governor Ford. 389 Sheriff Backenstos Threatened. 390 PAGE Conference Minutes, April 6, 1845 . 391 The Saints Satisfied with Joseph Smith as a Prophet.391 Lyman Wight’s Case Considered 392 Nauvoo to be Called “City of Joseph” . 394 Comments on the Conference.. 394 Nauvoo to Become Public Cen¬ ter for the Church . 395 Governor Ford on the Organi¬ zation of Town Government.. 396 Western Movement of the Saints Suggested by Governor Ford. 398 CHAPTER XXX AN APPEAL TO LYMAN WIGHT TO BE UNITED WITH THE TWELVE—LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED .STATES AND THE GOVERNORS OF THE RESPECTIVE STATES—LETTERS OF GOVERNOR FORD TO STATE MILITARY LEADERS—IMPORTANT DOCTRINAL LETTER OF THE TWELVE TO THE CHURCH Towns Under General State Law Considered . 399 Letter to Lyman Wight el al — Plea for Union .400 Letter to the President of the United States and Governors of the Respective States.... 402 Voice from Nauvoo—Willard Richards . 406 Council’s Letter to Elder Wood¬ ruff—England .407 Conference in England . 408 Governor Ford to Governor Deming . 409 Ford to A. W. Babbitt—Vacilla¬ tion . 409 The Twelve from Their Retire¬ ment to the Church. 412 Newly Discovered Letters of the Prophet—Consecration .412 Fasts Defined . 413 Fate of Sons of Perdition Not Revealed . 413 Difficulties Attendant Upon Col¬ lection of Evidences for Trial of the Murderers . 415 Laying the Capstone of the Temple . 417 William Smith ordained Patri¬ arch to the Church . 418 CHAPTER XXXI SUNDRY EVENTS GROUPED TOGETHER LOOKING TO AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT AT NAUVOO—HARVEST FEAST AT NAUVOO Prayer and its Objective.420 George D. Watt’s Report of the Carthage Trial .. 421 Carthage Assassins — Nauvoo Neighbor . 422 Interview with Governor Ford and ex-Governor Reynolds... 423 Report of Elder Pratt to the Twelve—Conditions in New York . 425 Letter—the Twelve to the Saints Abroad . 427 William Smith vs. Nauvoo Police.428 James Arlington Bennett.429 Letter—Brigham Young to Wil- ford Woodruff . 430 Bonds for General Deming—A Contrast . 432 Attempted Reconciliation with XVI CONTENTS PAGE William Smith . 433 James Emmett’s Desire to be in Fellowship . 434 Kindness to Mother Lucy Smith 434 “Temple at Nauvoo”—Char- PAGE acterization oi the Twelve— New York Sun . 434 L. D. S. American Revolution Soldier Dies. 436 Harvest Feast Near Nauvoo... 437 CHAPTER XXXII PREPARATIONS FOR WESTWARD JOURNEY—THE FINAL WORD: THE CHURCH MUST LEAVE ILLINOIS—DETAIL OF THE PLANS—AMERICAN GOVERNMENT FAILS IN THE CASE OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS Salt Lake Valley Considered as Place of Settlement.439 Death of Miner R. Deming-439 Brigham Young’s Letter to Solo¬ mon Hancock—Yelrome Diffi¬ culty .440 Aid Sent to Morley Settlement. 441 Journey West to be Made on Apostles’ Plan—All Things in Common . 442 Military Measures for Civic Organization ....443 Attempted Arrest of Prominent Citizens of Nauvoo.444 Attempt at Maintenance of “Law and Order”.445 Outfit Required for Western Journey . 447 General Hardin—Commander of Governor’s Troops. 447 Saints’ Proposition to Remove from Illinois—Admitted to be Just ...449 Request of Quincy Committee.. 449 Acquiescence of the Citizens of Illinois to the Agreed Re¬ moval of the Saints .450 Resolutions in the Quincy Whig 451 Publication of Nauvoo Neighbor and Times and Seasons to Cease . 453 Requirements of Each Family of Five Across the Plains.454 CHAPTER XXXIII LAST CONFERENCE AT NAUVOO—PLEA OF THE “MOTHER OF PROPHETS”— PATHETIC First Meeting in the Temple... 456 General Conference Held in the Temple, October 6, 1845— Minutes. 457 Authorities Sustained . 458 William Smith Rejected as Pa¬ triarch . 460 Roger Orton Dropped from First Council of the Seventy. 461 Parley P. Pratt on Situation and Prosperity of the Saints .... 463 President Young’s Prediction of the Deliverance of the Saints 465 Elder Kimball’s Noted Dis¬ course—Against “Common- stock Business Religion”_466 Appeal in Behalf of the Poor... 469 Appearance of Mother Lucy Smith Before the Conference 470 Brigham Young’s Pledge to Mother Smith . 472 Publication of the “Printed Word” Discontinued. 473 Provision Made for School Books . 474 Practical Considerations Adopt¬ ed . 476 CHAPTER XXXIV OFFICIAL MESSAGE TO THE SAINTS IN THE UNITED STATES—REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH TO THE WEST—ORGANIZATION—OLIVER COWDERY's TENDER OF SERVICES —THE BIGELOW CASE—WARREN-YOUNG-TAYLOR OUTRAGE—THE POWER OF PRAYER VS. MOBOCRACY—APPEAL TO GOVERNOR FORD Epistle of the Twelve to the Exodus Announced .478 Church—Brigham Young ... 478 Universal Interest in Removal. 478 CONTENTS XVII PAGE Threatening National Portents.. 479 Intent to Complete the Temple. 479 Admonition to Preparation for Western Move . 480 Threats Against Nauvoo—Gen¬ eral Hardin . 481 The Organized Companies.481 Movements of Friends and Foes 482 Last Meeting of High Council at Nauvoo . 482 Excommunication of William Smith . 483 Hostility in Kirtland . 484 PAGE The Bigelow Tragedy .485 More House-burning .488 Appeal to Governor Ford. 489 Plans for Attending Trial at Carthage . 490 Charge of Bogus-making by the Twelve .491 Interview with Major Warren. 492 Miller’s Interview with Gover¬ nor Ford .492 Report of Mission to James Em¬ mett’s Company . 495 CHAPTER XXXV IMPORTANT LETTERS, FRIENDLY AND OTHERWISE—SUMMARY OF RECENT PROCEDURE IN AND ABOUT NAUVOO WITH COMMENT OF AN EDITORIAL FROM THE Proposed Schemes for Settle¬ ment in the West by “Back¬ woodsman” . 499 Brigham Young’s Comment on. 502 Orson Spencer’s Letter to Gov¬ ernor Ford—Harsh. 502 Ford’s Letter to George Miller —Repudiation of Spencer’s chapte: TIMES AND SEASONS Letter . 505 Letter to Bishop John B. Purcell of Cincinnati—Roman Cath¬ olic . 508 Purchasing Arms for Western Journey—Orson Pratt. 509 Summary of Persecutions of Saints to Date . 510 XXXVI MURDERS BY MOBS CONTINUED—CONFESSION OF DR. ROBERT D. FOSTER—FAREWELL OF ORSON PRATT TO EASTERN .SAINTS—WESTWARD BY SHIPPING— TIIE DURFF.E MURDER CASE First Emigration Company Or¬ ganized for West. 513 Foster’s Confession to Hodge.. 513 More Companies Organized.... 514 Death of Joshua Smith. 514 Farewell Message of Orson Pratt to Eastern Saints. 515 Mother Smith’s History of the Prophet —note . 519 Important Conference in New York. 520 Report of Mission—James H. Flanigan . 522 Edmund Durfee Killed by Mob 523 Biographical Note . 524 Joseph B. Brackenbury Poisoned by Mob . 524 Orson Hyde’s Report on Durfee Murder . 525 Epistle to the Saints—Willard Richards . 526 James C. Snow’s Mission to the East .. 527 Nauvoo Neighbor—Extra . 528 Course of Major Warren Re¬ ported—Backenstos . 530 Progress in Organizing Com¬ panies for the West. 532 CHAPTER XXXVII DEDICATION OF PARTS OF THE TEMPLE—ENDOWMENTS GIVEN—ROMAN CATHOLIC EFFORTS TO PURCHASE THE TEMPLE AND OTHER NAUVOO PROPERTY—THE CHURCH IN ENGLAND—UNITED .STATES FEDERAL CHARGES OF COUNTERFEITING AGAINST CHURCH AUTHORITIES—CHURCH PUBLICATIONS FOR 1845 Dedication of Temple Attic Assignment of Rooms in Temple Story . 534 Attic. 535 XVIII CONTENTS Wagon Shops Established. 535 Conditions in Nauvoo. 536 Foreign Church Affairs. 536 Roman Catholic Efforts to Pur¬ chase Public . Buildings at Nauvoo . 537 Offer to Sell Nauvoo Property at Fifty per cent Valuation.. 538 Father Tucker—Catholic—Act¬ ivities . 539 Acquittal of Sheriff Backenstos for the Killing of Frank Wor¬ rell ... 541 Completion of the Temple East Room for Giving Endowments —List of Those Present. 541 Commencement of Administer¬ ing Temple Ordinances .... 542 List of Those Present . 543 Extermination of Saints Pro¬ posed . 544 The Prophet Joseph Left the PAGE Saints Uninformed un Many Subjects . 545 Letters to Government Officials on Movements of the Saints West. 547 Temple Workers Appointed— List of . 547 Fremont's Journal of Travels in the West Read . 548 Provisions Made for the Seven¬ ties in the Temple. 549 Bogus-Brigham Incident. 549 Aftermath of. 551 Brigham Young’s Instructions on Temple Procedure. 552 U. S. Deputy Marshal Visits the Temple. 553 Emma Smith’s Letter to New York Sun Editor. 554 Other Temple Workers’ Names 555 Recreation in Temple . 557 Church Publications for the Period—1845 . 558 CHAPTER XXXVIII LARGE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENDOWED IN THE TEMPLE—JANUARY AND FEBRUARY. 1846— CATHOLIC CHURCH EFFORTS TO PURCHASE L. D. S. PROPERTY—FRIENDLY ATTITUDE OF JUDGE JOSIAII LAMBORN—REPEATED HOSTILE EFFORTS OF STATE OFFICIALS—DEPARTURE OF THE TWELVE HASTENED BY FALSE REPORTS CIRCULATED BY GOVERNOR FORD 11. C. Kimball’s Dream. 561 Catholic Proposals to Rent Pub¬ lic Buildings . 565 Anxiety of Saints to Receive Temple Ordinances . 567 Josiah Lamborn Proposes to write History of the Mormons 568 Preparations for Instant Flight from Nauvoo. 569 Nauvoo Stake High Council’s Instructions to the Church... 570 Hostilities Threatened In Iowa. 572 Trustees Appointed to Take Charge of Property at Nauvoo 573 Bogus-makers . 574 Rumors of Intended Intercep¬ tion of Journey to the West. 577 Roof of Temple on Fire. 581 A River Disaster. 582 John E. Page Disfellowshiped. 582 CHAPTER XXXIX DEPARTURE OF BRIGHAM YOUNG FROM NAUVOO—PROPOSITION OF **A. G. BEN.SON & CO.”—PROPOSED CONTRACT—PUBLIC MEETING IN THE TEMPLE— MISSISSIPPI BRIDGED BY ICE—LIMITED NUMBER WHO CROSSED ON THE ICE WITH TEAMS AND FAMILIES—PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR OF IOWA—REFLECTIONS ON COMMENCEMENT OF EXODUS FROM NAUVOO Joseph Young appointed to Pre- Instructions on Camp Deport- side at Nauvoo. 584 ment. 585 President Brigham Young De- Camp Commissary Appointed.. 586 parts from Nauvoo . 585 Samuel Brannan, “A. G. Ben- INTRODUCTION XIX PAGE son & Co.”. 587 Further Report of Samuel Bran- nan . 588 “Contract” Between “A. G. Ben¬ son & Co." and Samuel Bran- nan . 589 Instructions to the Pioneer Company. 591 PAGE Sufferings in Camp. 593 Settling of Temple Floor. 594 Prospectus of the Hancock Eagle . 596 Prospect of Camp Employment. 597 Communication to Governor of Iowa.:. 601 Conditions of First Companies to Leave Nauvoo . 602 ER XL DISCONTINUANCE OF DAILY QUOTATIONS FROM THE MANUSCRIPT HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG—SUNDRY EVENTS IN THE MARCHING ENCAMPMENT FROM THE CLOSE OF FEBRUARY TO MID-JUNE Explanation . 604 Breaking Camp on Sugar Creek 604 Development of Methods of Travel . 605 “Camp of Israel" .606 Prominent Places of Encamp¬ ments . 606 Praise of President Young of Character of Encampments... 608 Bogus-making Reappears. 609 Mail Service .610 Frequency of Prayer. 611 Elder J. C. Little, President of Eastern States Mission—at Washington .611 Raising the Mormon Battalion. 612 Misapprehensions Concerning.. 613 Sundry Events Grouped. 614 CHAPTER XLI THE RETURN TO WINTER QUARTERS—THE ORGANIZATION OF AND UNIVERSAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH, BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL AND WILLARD RICHARDS —1847-8 PRESIDENT YOUNG'S LAST JOURNEY OVER THE PLAINS A Company of Pioneers Return to Winter Quarters.616 Their Arrival at Winter Quar¬ ters—Reception . 616 Account of the Destruction of the Nauvoo Temple . 617 Winter Quarters to be Vacated 618 Oliver Cowdery Exhorted to be Baptized .619 Movements of the Twelve in and About Winter Quarters.620 Proposition to Organize First Presidency (note) . 621 Log Tabernacle to be Built at Kanesville. 622 General Conference at Kanes¬ ville . 623 Sacred Shout of Hosanna Given 624 President Young’s Departure for the West .625 Heber C. Kimball’s Company.. 626 Desolation of Winter Quarters. 628 Selection of Brigham Young as President Ratified by the Church in Salt Lake Valley.. 628 Also in Great Britain and the Pacific Islands . 629 INTRODUCTION Volume VII is divided into six parts: I. Church Historians Excerpt from Ford's History of Illinois, pp. 1 to 31. II. Later Church Historians' Extension of Quotations from Ford's History of Illinois, pp. 33 to 51. III. Personal Account of the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith by the Late President John Taylor, pp. 53 to 126. IV. Second Compilation of Historical Items of Period I of Church History, From 22nd of June, 1844, to 8th of August, 1844 (Com¬ piled by Church Historians George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff, from the Journals of Elders Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff and others), pp. 127 to 243. V. Excerpts from the Manuscript History of Brigham Young from August 9, 1844, to October 8, 1848—Apostolic Interregnum— Inauguration of, and Sustaining of the Second First Presidency of Three, pp. 245 to 630. The Church Documentary History, Period I, (The History of Joseph Smith the Prophet by Himself—his daily Journal in fact), necessarily closed with Joseph's martyrdom to which was added a brief account of his obsequies, and of his various services to humanity. The Historians of the Church who brought to a close that Period, George A. Smith, cousin of the Prophet and one of the Twelve Apostles, and Wilford Woodruff, also one of the Twelve Apostles, immediately followed that close by publishing a long and un¬ broken excerpt from Governor Thomas Ford's History of Illinois, which was published in 1854, about six months after the governor’s death. This posthumous work gave large space to the activities and adventures of the Prophet and his people in Illinois, from 1839 to 1846. This, in fact, constitutes about the only part of Ford’s History that is of permanent value or importance. George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff's excerpt from Ford's History of Illinois extends from page 328 to page 354; which is about two-thirds of what the governor wrote on the Mormons. Their quotation ends in the middle of a sentence, this because they were unwilling, doubtless, to include the vicious assault upon the character of the Prophet with which the sentence ends. The saints may now, however, be indifferent to such assaults upon the character and life’s work of their Prophet, since time has placed the true value upon his character and the success of his work, vindicating both; rendering the “pelting of his memory with vile epithets" as supremely vain. Be¬ sides Ford’s treatise of the Mormons in Illinois has some valuable material for their history not to be had elsewhere. And the student XXII INTRODUCTION will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has practically all that the governor-enemy of the saints has said against them, and that the Prophet's followers have not blanched from all that is written of him by this opponent. The governor closes his chapter xi with the account of the trial of the murderers of the Prophet and Patriarch with the concession that government in Illinois had failed so far as protecting the Latter-day Saints in their rights, and adds that “there can be no gov¬ ernment in a free country where the people do not voluntarily obey the laws;" which, of course, closes his connection with the events that oc¬ curred during the lifetime of the Prophet. For the rest of Ford's connection with the History of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, excerpts are given including official letters, etc., as the events are developed; and are chosen and used in this present edition, and constitute Part II of this volume. Governor Ford's contributions to the history of that period are followed by a review and commentary upon them by the late President John Taylor, who was a contemporary with Governor Ford and a leading participant in those events. This constitutes Part III of this volume. It is a review and commentary of the period of highest value, a statesman-like paper, a document of highest historical value of the times; and one marvels at the high tone with which the document is planned, being dispassionate, and one might say, written unexpectedly in an impartial spirit. The balancing of the pros and cons as to the responsibility of Governor Ford for the murder of the martyred being surprisingly fair to the governor. In my study of historical docu¬ ments in which judgment is rendered upon such questions, without exception I can say that I have examined nothing that is equal in spirit and justice to this review by President Taylor of Governor Ford’s responsibility for the murder. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can well be proud of this performance of their great Apostle and later President of the Church. It deserves to live forever. Part IV treats the Apostolic succession to the Presidency of the Church, from the death of the Prophet to August 8, 1844, a com¬ pilation made by the Church Historians George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff from the Journals of Elders Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff and others. It considers, and settles the claims of guardian¬ ship to the church made by Sidney Rigdon; finally disposes of his case; and installs the Presidency of the Twelve Apostles which con¬ tinued until the First Presidency of Three could be re-established. This touches what may be regarded as an important factor in the matter of arranging the transition from one administration in the Presidency of the Church to another. On the 6th of April. 1830, it was declared that a record should be kept in the church and that in it Joseph Smith should be called a “seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, being inspired INTRODUCTION XXIII of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof and to build it up unto the Most Holy Faith."* It will be recognized that there were thus provided, even on the day the church was organized, very great powers of Presidency and admin¬ istrative functions for Joseph Smith in the leadership of the church. Later the Lord referred to the matter again and that by way of warning to the Prophet: "And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him; and I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead.” { In another revelation the Lord enlarged upon this theme as follows: "Hearken ye elders of my church, and give ear to the words which I shall speak unto you. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive command¬ ments and revelation from my hand. And this ye shall know assuredly— that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken if he abide in me. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him, for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead.”* This makes known the fact that though the Prophet should not even abide in the Lord he would still have power left to appoint another in his stead; and how much more would he be competent to appoint another in his stead if he continued to abide in the Lord! This right to appoint another in his stead the Prophet Joseph exercised, occasioned by his own approaching martyrdom. At the October Conference—the 6th, 1844—the conference following the martyrdom of the Prophet—in the presence of thousands making up the congrcgatiqn, President Young asked the question: "Did Joseph ordain any man to take his place? He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum [his brother^], but Hyrum fell a martyr before Joseph did''.§ Holding in mind that the Lord has said that the Prophet Joseph Smith should not have taken from him rhe splendid powers of Presidency given to hini for the guidance of the church—if he would "abide in the Lord". || And in the event of his not abiding in the Lord, then he should not have power—"except to appoint another in his stead." It is clear that the Prophet was acting within his rights to appoint another to suc¬ ceed himself in the Presidency of the Church when he appointed *Doctrine and Covenants, see. xxi:l. 2 t Doctrine and Covenants, see. xxxv:17-18 XDoctrine and Covenants, sec. xliii, 1-4. §Times and Seasons, October 15. 1844. p. fiR'' [\Doctrine and Covenants, sec xxxvtlR XXIV INTRODUCTION Hyrum to succeed him. For surely, if when not abiding in the Lord he would still have power to appoint another in the prophetic office, and to succeed him in the Presidency of the Church, much more would he have the right to make the appointment when continuing to abide in the Lord. And this power he exercised; according to President Young he even “ordained" Hyrum to succeed him; but Hyrum, ac¬ cording to Joseph's own statement, would not leave him.* * * § In like manner the Christ designated St. Peter to succeed him in the leadership of the church, by saying: “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."f Thus did the Christ before his crucifixion appoint his successor in the Presidency of the Church in that dispensation. Thus the Prophet Joseph Smith in appointing Hyrum Smith to be his successor in the leadership of the New Dispensation Church, did but follow the example of his divine Lord. But with Hyrum Smith falling a martyr before the Prophet Joseph Smith himself did, there was, of course, an end to that appointment: it had no chance to be presented to the people for approval, which, of course, would have been necessary as in the case of all officers in the church, or before the sub-division of it over which it is proposed they should exercise presiding jurisdiction .X Also it amounts to certainty that had Hyrum Smith survived his brother, and his name had been presented to the church as its President, he would have been overwhelmingly sustained by the saints for the office. But Hyrum dead before the Prophet was killed, it left no one else designated for the place of President, and hence choice and reconstruction of the Presidency devolved upon the next quorum in authority—the Twelve Apostles, which also is not only the “next" quorum in authority, but also “equal" in authority to the First Presidency, § and therefore capable of doing whatever the First Presidency could do. It was under this quorum and its authority that President'Brigham Young and his fellow Apostles proceeded to their construction of the First Presidency. Part V of volume VII constitutes the larger section of the volume and consists of transcriptions from the Manuscript History of Brigham Young, to the close of the year 1848, and is the most important! quotation of original documents to be had covering that period of time, setting forth the administration of the Twelve Apostles under the leadership of President Young. The value of this collection from original sources is beyond instant realization. As in the quotations from the Journal of Joseph Smith in the preceding six volumes of this *See Comprehensive History of the Church, Century I. vol. ii, p. 424, footnote. iMatt. xvi:19. tDoctrine and Covenants, sec. xx:65; and elsewhere. § Doctrine and Covenants, sec. evii: 24. INTRODUCTION XXV series, so this section in volume VII gives the day by day and incident by incident transactions of the Apostles, disclosing the very spirit and administrative effects of the procedure and policies of their period. It is a most profitable contribution to the annals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In it are revealed the truly and highly spiritual and unselfish efforts of the Twelve in directing the affairs of the church to the advantage of the organization and to the welfare of the saints. Their solicitude, watchfulness and prayerful interest in all the departments of the work of God are marvelous. The missionary service of the church in all the world was universal and untiring: throughout the United States, the Pacific groups of islands, the work in England. Also the local interests: the building up of Nauvoo, the completion of the Temple, the unstinted pouring of the contributed wealth of the people into its structural completion and interior embellishment, notwithstanding that they knew they could hold possession of it but a few months, and then it must be abandoned. It was the heroic and unselfish adherence to a completion of a com¬ mandment of God. Nor did their zeal and sacrifices go unrewarded; for from December 10th, 1845, when the first endowments were given, to the 7th of February, 1846—when the Temple was closed for ordinance work— 5,669 ordinances had been performed. These mostly for full endow¬ ment ceremonies, as the church in the main knows those ordinances today. However, some baptisms for the dead merely may have been recorded in the enumeration; also there may be slight variations above or below the figures here given; as the daily numbers, from which this total is made up, are occassionally given in round numbers. But think of the work accomplished, 5,669 endowments given! After full allowance is made for all slight variations that may have occurred, the official report makes it certain that over 5,500 endowments had been given in the Nauvoo Temple! So many of the saints entrusted with the sacred mysteries of the House of the Lord! Meantime both the officers and church membership were making every exertion to prepare the church for removal to the west in fulfill¬ ment of the predictions of the Prophet Joseph Smith sometime pre¬ vious to his death. In addition to this was their contention with authorities in high station in the state, more menacing to their security than the murderous assaults of mobs. In all things there was manifested a union of spirit and effort of the Apostles that proclaimed them true disciples of the Lord. They were a perfect example of a group united in one, a well-nigh perfect unanimity of purpose and action seemed to prevail. The spirit of the Christian religion was manifested in their forebearance and long continued patience with men of restless ambition who sought to divide the people and lead away groups of them. Such men as James Emmett who led a company of people into the western wilderness; Lyman Wight one of the Quorum of the XXVI INTRODUCTION Twelve, who led a company of people into Texas; Bishop George Miller, always restive under restraint, who broke away from the main group of the people, impatient with what he thought was the too slow action of President Young and his brethren; their patience with Wm. Smith, one of the Twelve, then, and later Patriarch to the church, and brother of the Propliet. Their action in his trying case was a model of brotherly forbearance. Their uniform kindness and care for the Mother of the Prophet exhibited a truly Christian spirit and disproves the charges against the Twelve, that are some¬ times made by dissentients, of tyranny, self-aggrandizement, and inordinate, and self-seeking ambition. In all things the Twelve manifested their faith in prayer. God was their only refuge, as manifested in their constant appeal, to him in their days of trial. No one can read the annals of this volume and be in doubt of that; in sickness, in danger; in missionary undertakings; against the violence of mobs; in coping with the cunningly devised plans of political leaders, corrupted courts and scheming adventurers —against all these forces they employed the power of faith and prayer. But read the annals of the trying years covered by this volume of the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and you have in hand the world's finest example of faith and trust in God through prayer. Was one sick, the others prayed; was some group wayward, and rebellious, a circle met in prayer; did influential men in high places meet to conspire against them, the brethren sought to thwart their plans by an appeal to God through prayer; was one or more unjustly haled into the courts before unjust judges, prayer softened their hearts or confused their judgments; did mobs assail, did hell rage—prayer was both sword and shield. That all this may appear I take a cross section in Nauvoo experiences for an illustration which is but characteristic of the whole period. I select items from the record of the months of August and Septem¬ ber, 1844—in free quotation—and set down the direct experiences which illustrate the procedure of these presiding brethren that will indicate the spirit of the work they undertook and carried* through. Under date of August 10, 1844, the day following the settlement of the Twelve Apostles as the Presiding Authority of the Church—this: “The city council subscribed about $80.00 for the aid of the police. In addition to this really inadequate compensation Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith and Hyrum Kimball relinquished their dues as councilors that the taxes might be lessened and the police be paid.* * * Daniel Spencer was elected to fill the remainder of the term of the late Mayor Joseph Smith. An ordinance was p'assed allowing $100.00 per year to the mayor, and $1.00 a day to the councilors and aldermen while in session. * * * Also an ordinance prohibiting brothels and for suppressing disorderly characters was passed. INTRODUCTION XXVII Wednesday, August 14.— [Brigham Young recording the incidents throughout] I attended meeting of the Twelve, Temple Committee and Nauvoo House Committee and the stone cutters for the Temple. * * * Agreed to raise the wages of the windlass men to $1.50 per day. The meeting terminated in a feeling of renewed determination to prosecute the work on the Temple. Thursday, August 15.—The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met at my house. * * * The council resolved to bear off the kingdom of God in all the world in truth, virtue and holiness, and to continue to set their faces as a flint against every species of wickedness, vice and dishonesty in all its forms: I met in a prayer circle with the Twelve and a few others in the afternoon and prayed for the sick." RECOGNIZING THE PROPHET JOSEPH'S PLACE IN THE NEW DISPENSATION "Let no man presume for a moment that his place will be filled by another, for, remember, he stands in his own place, and always will; and the Twelve Apostles of this dispensation stand in their own place and always will both in time and eternity to minister, preside and regulate the affairs of the whole church. * * * How vain are the imaginations of the children of men to presume for a moment that the slaughter of one, two, or a hundred of the leaders of this church could destroy an organization so perfect in itself and so harmoniously arranged that it will stand while one member of it is left upon the earth." PROPHET'S COPY OF THE NEW TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE “Monday, August 19.—Elder Willard Richards called on Emma Smith, widow of the Prophet, for the new translation of the Bible. She said she did not feel disposed to give it up at present. Wednesday, August 21.—Council of the Twelve Apostles at my house to meet Elder Lyman Wight. Elder John Taylor went after him with a carriage; found him sick and unable to attend. Sociable gathering of a number of the Twelve at Wilford Woodruff's. The brethren were accompanied with their wives. Elder Woodruff was blessed and set apart for his mission to England under the hands of the members of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles present." BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD RESUMED Several of the Twelve Apostles were baptized for their dead this same afternoon. This (August 24th) was the first renewal of baptisms for the dead since the death of the Prophet Joseph. The ordinance took place in the temporary baptismal font in the Temple. “Tuesday, August 27.—Met with the officers of the Nauvoo Legion in council. Six of the Apostles were present. The council decided that they would carry out all the views of their martyred Prophet: The brethren felt very spirited on the subject. Thursday, August 29.—This was fast day and I attended meeting at the stand and laid hands on several of the sick. Wednesday, September 4.—Willard Richards sick. The Twelve XXVIII INTRODUCTION Apostles and a few others met at my house in the evening and prayed for the preservation of the church and ourselves and that the Lord might bind up the apostates and preserve the honest in heart. Thursday, September 5.—Everyone attended public prayer meeting and exposed the false prophets. Friday, September 6.—Elder Heber C. Kimball and I visited the sick until 2 p. m. Saturday, September 7.—Accompanied by Elder Kimball I waited upon Elder John P. Greene and attended to ordinances for him: He was on his deathbed. Monday, September 9.—I attended council with the Quorum of the Twelve at Elder Heber C. Kimball’s. Thence I went in company with Elder Kimball through the city attending to business and visiting Elder John P. Greene and Parley P. Pratt who were sick. Monday, September 9.— [The wayward labored with] Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith labored diligently with James Emmett that he might be persuaded to desist from his intended course of taking away a party of misguided saints into the wilderness. Friday, September 13.—In company with Brother Heber C. Kimball and his wife, Vilate, I visited Mother Lucy Smith, Mother of the Prophet. Same day. —Reports concerning the movement of the mob who are making preparations for what they call a ‘wolf hunt’ on the 26th and 27th of this month. * * * They design coming and attempting to drag some more authorities of the church out to Carthage to murder them. Saturday, September 14.—In company with Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith I called on Sister Hyrum Smith. Elder Amasa M. Lyman being very sick and reported to be dying. Brothers Kimball and George A. Smith and I retired to my upper room (prayer room) and prayed for him; he was healed from that very hour. Evening, visited Brother Amasa M. Lyman (sick nigh unto death). Monday, September 16.—Building of an arsenal in Nauvoo near the Temple for housing the arms of the people. I went to the ground secured for the Arsenal. We uncovered our heads and lifted our hands to heaven and I dedicated the ground by prayer to the God of the armies of Israel. I took the spade and broke the ground for the cellar. Thursday, September 19.—At home, waiting upon my wife who is very sick. The saints called upon me for counsel and direction. Friday, September 20.—Attending to ordinances in behalf of the saints and laying hands on the sick. The Lord is with me continually. Sunday, September 22.—Governor’s agent arrived in Nauvoo. Elder John Taylor made affidavits against T. C. Sharp and Levi Wil¬ liams, two of the murderers of Joseph Smith. Monday, September 23.—This evening Sheriff Deming came into Nauvoo for a Mormon posse to take Sharp and Williams. The Twelve decided that it was imprudent to take Mormons for that purpose and advised him accordingly. Tuesday, September 24.—I attended council at Winsor P. Lyons. Six of the brethren of the Twelve were present, and Elder Joseph Young [senior President of the Seventy]. We selected seventy pres- INTRODUCTION XXIX idents to preside over the seventies—over the ten quorums of the seventies then in contemplation, and fifty high priests to preside over different sections of the country. Thursday, September 26.—The Quincy militia [state troops] were escorted about town by the Nauvoo band—(act of courtesy on the part of the Nauvoo band). Held a council at the Temple office and appointed four watchmen to watch the Temple tonight. Some of Wight's Company have come to town and they report that they have come to deface the capitals [placed upon the columns of the Temple] and burn the lumber around the Temple. Friday, September 27.—This was the day set apart by the anti- Mormons for the great ‘wolf hunt'. Governor's troops came into Nauvoo to revert the purpose of it and the hunt failed. Several of the staff officers of the Nauvoo Legion appeared in uniform without arms, which the governor regarded as a hint to remind him of his disarming the Legion previous to the massacre of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Sunday, September 29.—I attended meeting. * * * Afternoon, I went to the Seventies' Hall and ordained the sixty-three members of the First Quorum of Seventy to be presidents over the quorums from the second to the tenth inclusive. Monday, September 30.—I breakfasted at Elder Heber C. Kimball's. We laid hands on the sick and visited Mother Lucy Smith. The Twelve used their influence to prevent the brethren and sisters from attending the ball given by William Marks. The same was to come off on Wednesday evening in the dining room of the Mansion, which was still stained with the blood which flowed from Joseph and Hyrum as their bodies lay in said room preparatory to burial. Tuesday, October 1, 1844.—Evening, attended a meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve for prayer. A very interesting session." So throughout. These men, Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, were devoted to prayer and the power thereof, nor could aught shake them from that anchorage. It was par excellence the period of prayer in the church; and of works, too, for nothing could exceed their activity; faith and works were evenly balanced; none could be more thoroughly convinced than they that "faith without works is dead, being alone." And so faith and works went hand in hand in this period, and held a great and disinherited and expatriated people together; and transported them across the plains and over the mountains to where they found refuge from their temporary ills, and sanctuary; and place and means to lengthen their cords and strengthen their stakes—a period for development. In no other way can men of this and future generations so well learn "the faith of their fathers", or their character, than by a study of this sector of the Church History recorded in the annals of volume VII. I CHURCH HISTORIANS’ EXCERPTS FROM FORD’S HISTORY OF ILLINOIS HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS PERIOD II From the Manuscript History of Brigham Young and Other Original Documents CHAPTER I. CONDITIONS IN HANCOCK COUNTY REVIEWED BY GOVERNOR FORD—THE STATE ARMS OF THE LEGION SURRENDERED ON THE DEMAND OF THE GOVERNOR Explanation THE following lengthy excerpt from the History of Illinois by Thomas Ford, Governor of that State from 1842-6 was made by the Historians of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff—1862—and published in the Millennial Star of that year (Vol. xxiv, pp. 519-584 passim ). It is taken from Ford's History in unbroken quotation from page 329 to page 354. In a brief paragraph preceding this quotation (p. 328) the governor had said in commenting upon the character of the Mormon people: “Upon the whole, if one-half of these reports had been true [i. e. reports derogatory of their character] the Mormon community must have been the most intolerable collection of rogues ever assembled; or, if one-half them were false, they were the most maligned and abused." The beginning of the Historians’ excerpt: 1 Vol. 7 2 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IA. D. 1842-0 REVIEW OF GOVERNOR FORD'S PERFORMANCES “Governor Ford is certainly a man who performed mighty wonders. He not only compelled two inno¬ cent men, by virtue of his office as Governor of Illinois, to go before two different magistrates on the same charge, contrary to the Constitution and laws of the state; to surrender themselves into the custody of a mob magistrate (not the one who issued the writ); go to prison under a military guard on an illegal mit¬ timus, granted contrary to law, without any examina¬ tion; put in a criminal cell without having been examined for crime; brought them out of prison con¬ trary to law; thrust them back again under the most solemn and sacred pledges of his personal faith, and the faith of the state, for their protection; guarded them with men whom he knew to be treacherous, and to have resolved on the death of the prisoners, until they were murdered in cold blood, and then pro¬ fessed to be ‘thunderstruck’! It is our wish to do strict justice to the memory of this heroic governor, who, in addition to the above- named mighty achievements, on his deathbed be¬ queathed to the astounded world a volume of 447 pages, entitled, ‘History of Illinois from 1818 to 1847, containing a full account of the rise, progress, and fall of Mormonism’, etc., from which we copy the follow¬ ing:— GOVERNOR FORD'S STATEMENT ‘But the great cause of popular fury was, that the Mormons at several preceding elections had cast their vote as a unit, thereby making the fact apparent that cause of Pop- no one could aspire to the honors or offices uiar Fury - of the country, within the sphere of their influence, without their approbation and votes. It appears to be one of the principles by which they insist upon being governed as a community, to act as a unit in all matters of government and religion. They A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 3 express themselves to be fearful that if division should be encouraged in politics, it would soon extend to their religion, and rend their church with schism and into sects. This seems to me to be an unfortunate view of the subject, and more unfortunate in practice, as I am well satisfied that it must be the fruitful source of excitement, violence, and mobocracy, whilst it is per¬ sisted in. It is indeed unfortunate for their peace that they do not divide in elections, according to their individual preferences or political principles, like other people. This one principle and practice of theirs arrayed against them in deadly hostility all aspirants for office who were not sure of their support, all who have been unsuccessful in elections, and all who were too proud to court their influence, with all their friends and connections. These also were the active men in blowing up the fury of the people, in hopes that a popular movement might be set on foot which would result , . in the expulsion or extermination of the Blowing u p the Mormon voters. For this purpose, public u > meetings had been called, inflammatory speeches had been made, exaggerated reports had been extensively circulated, committees had been appointed, who rode night and day to spread the reports, and solicit the aid of neighboring counties. And at a public meeting at Warsaw, resolutions were passed to expel or exter¬ minate the Mormon population. This was not, however, a movement which was unanimously concurred in. The county contained a goodly number of inhabitants in favor of peace, or who at least desired to be neutral in such a contest. These were stigmatized by the name of Jack-Mormons, and there were not a few of the more furious exciters of the people who openly expressed their intention to involve them in the common expulsion or extermi¬ nation. 4 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 A system of excitement and agitation was artfully planned and executed with tact. It consisted in spread¬ ing reports and rumors of the most fearful character. As examples: On the morning before my arrival at Carthage [June 21, 1844], I was awakened at an illustrations of early hour by the frightful report, which False Reports. was asse rted with confidence and apparent consternation, that the Mormons had already com¬ menced the work of burning, destruction, and murder, and that every man capable of bearing arms was in¬ stantly wanted at Carthage for the protection of the country. We lost no time in starting; but when we arrived at Carthage we could hear no more concerning this story. Again: during the few days that the militia were encamped at Carthage, frequent applications were made to me to send a force here and a force there, and a force all about the country, to prevent murders, robberies, and larcenies, which it was said were threatened by the Mormons. No such forces were sent, nor were any such offenses committed at that time, except the steal¬ ing of some provisions, and there was never the least proof that this was done by a Mormon. Again: on my late visit to Hancock county, I was informed by some of their violent enemies that the larcenies of the Mormons had become unusually nu¬ merous and insufferable. They indeed admitted that but little had been done in this way in their immediate vicinity: but they insisted that sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons in one night, near Lima, in the county of Adams. At the close of the expedition, I called at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry was told that no horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but that sixteen horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock county. This last informant being told of the Han¬ cock story, again changed the venue to another distant settlement in the northern edge of Adams. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 5 As my object in visiting Hancock [county] was ex¬ pressly to assist in the execution of the laws, and not to violate them, or to witness or permit their riOVernor violation, as I was convinced that the Mor- zeai for mon leaders had committed a crime in the destruction of the press, and had resisted the execution of process, I determined to exert the whole force of the state, if necessary, to bring them to justice. But seeing the great excitement in the public mind, and the manifest tendency of this excitement to run into mobocracy, I was of opinion that before I acted I ought to obtain a pledge from the officers and men to support me in strictly legal measures, and to protect the prisoners in case they surrendered; for I was deter¬ mined, if possible, that the forms of law should not be made the catspaw of a mob, to seduce these people to a quiet surrender, as the convenient victims of pop¬ ular fury. I therefore called together the whole force then as¬ sembled at Carthage, and made an address, explaining to them what I could, and what I could not legally do, and also adducing to them various reasons why they, as well as the Mormons, should sub- Muma mit to the laws, and why, if they had re- Sustain Legal - t t t Procedure solved upon revolutionary proceedings, their oni>. purpose should be abandoned. The assembled troops seemed much pleased with the address, and upon its conclusion the officers and men unanimously voted, with acclamation, to sustain me in a strictly legal course, and that the prisoners should be protected from violence. Upon the arrival of additional forces from War¬ saw, McDonough, and Schuyler, similar addresses were made, with the same result. It seemed to me that these votes fully authorized me to promise the accused Mormons the protection of the law in case they surrendered. They were accordingly duly informed that if they surrendered they would be protected, and if they did 6 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 not, the whole force of the state would be called out, if necessary, to compel their submission. A force of ten men was despatched with the constable to make the arrests and to guard the prisoners to headquarters. In the meantime, Joe Smith, as Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion, had declared martial law in Martial Law in the city. The Legion was assembled, and Nauvoo. ordered under arms. The members of it residing in the country were ordered into town. The Mormon settlements obeyed the summons of their leader, and marched to his assistance. Nauvoo was one great military camp, strictly guarded and watched, and no ingress or egress was allowed except upon the strictest examination. In one instance, which came to my knowledge, a citizen of McDonough, who happened to be in the city, was denied the privilege of returning until he made oath that he did not belong to the party at Carthage, that he would return home without calling at Carthage, and that he would give no information of the movement of the Mormons. However, upon the arrival of the constable and guard, the mayor, Joseph Smith, and common council at once signified their willingness to surrender, and stated their readiness to proceed to Carthage next morning at eight o’clock. Martial law had previously been abolished. The hour of eight o’clock came, and the accused failed to make their appearance. The constable and his escort returned. The constable made no effort to arrest any of them, nor would he or the guard delay their departure one minute beyond the time, to sec whether an arrest could be made. Upon their return they reported that they had been informed that the accused had fled and could not be found. I immediately proposed to a council of officers to march into Nauvoo with the small force then under my command, but the officers were of opinion that it A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 7 was too small, and many of them insisted upon a fur¬ ther call of the militia. Upon reflection I was of opinion that the officers were right in the estimate of our force, and the project for immediate action was abandoned. I was soon informed, however, of the conduct of the constable and guard, and then I was perfectly satisfied that a most base fraud had been A Base .Fraud attempted; that, in fact, it was feared that Attem P t ' d - the Mormons would submit, and thereby entitle them¬ selves to the protection of the law. It was very apparent that many of the bustling, active spirits were afraid that there would be no occa¬ sion for calling out an overwhelming militia force, for marching it into Nauvoo, for probable mutiny when there, and for the extermination of the Mormon race. It appeared that the constable and the escort were fully in the secret, and acted well their part to promote the conspiracy. Seeing this to be the state of the case, I delayed any further call of the militia, to give the accused another opportunity to surrender, for indeed I was most anxious to avoid a general call for the militia at that critical season of the year. The whole spring season preceding had been un¬ usually wet. No ploughing of corn had been done, and but very little planting. The season had just changed to be suitable for ploughing. The crops which had been planted were universally suffering, and the loss of two weeks, or even of one, at that time, was likely to produce a general famine all over the country. The wheat harvest was also approaching; and if we got into a war, there was no foreseeing when it would end, or when the militia could safely be dis¬ charged. In addition to these considerations, all the grist¬ mills in all that section of the country had been swept away, or disabled, by the high waters, leaving the in- 8 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 habitants almost without meal or flour, and making it impossible then to procure provisions by impress¬ ment or otherwise, for the sustenance of any con¬ siderable force. This was the time of the high waters, of astonish¬ ing floods in all the rivers and creeks in the western Flood condi- country. The Mississippi river at St. Louis was several feet higher than it was ever known before; it was up into the second stories of the warehouses on Water Street. The steamboats ran up to these warehouses, and could scarcely receive their passengers from the second stories. The whole American [Missouri] bottom was overflowed from eight to twenty feet deep, and steamboats freely crossed the bottom along the road from St. Louis to the op¬ posite bluffs in Illinois. Houses and fences and stock of all kinds were swept away, the fields near the river, after the water subsided, being covered with sand from a foot to three feet deep, which was generally thrown into ridges and washed into gullies, so as to spoil the land for cultivation. Families had great difficulty in making their escape. Through the active exertions of Mr. Pratt, the mayor of St. Louis, steamboats were sent in every direction to their relief. The boats found many of the families on the tops of their houses, just ready to be floated away. The inhabitants of the bottom lost nearly all their personal property. A large number of them were taken to St. Louis in a state of entire destitution, and their necessities were supplied by the contributions of the charitable of that city. A larger number were forced out on to the Illinois bluffs, where they en¬ camped, and were supplied with provisions by the neighboring inhabitants. This freshet nearly ruined the ancient village of Kaskaskia. The inhabitants were driven away and scattered, many of them never to return. For many years before this flood there had been a A D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 9 flourishing institution at Kaskaskia, under the direc¬ tion of an order of nuns of the Catholic Church. They had erected an extensive building, which was surround¬ ed and filled by the waters to the second story; but they were all safely taken away, pupils and all, by a steamboat which was sent to their relief, and which ran directly up to the building and received its in¬ mates from the second story. This school was now transferred to St. Louis, where it yet remains. All the rivers and streams in Illinois were as high, and did as much damage in proportion to their length and the extent of their bottoms, as the Mississippi. This great flood destroyed the last hope of getting provisions at home, and I was totally without funds belonging to the state, with which to purchase at more distant markets, and there was a certainty that such purchases could not have been made on credit abroad. For these reasons I was desirous of avoiding a war, if it could be avoided. In the meantime, I made a requisition upon the officers of the Nauvoo Legion for the state arms in their possession. It appears that there was State Arms no evidence in the quartermaster-general’s Demanded - office of the number and description of arms with which the Legion had been furnished. Dr. Bennett, after he had been appointed quarter¬ master-general, had joined the Mormons, and had dis¬ posed of the public arms as he pleased, without keeping or giving any account of them. On this subject I applied to General Wilson Law for information. He had lately been the major-general of the Legion. He had seceded from the Mormon party; was one of the owners of the proscribed press, had left the city, as he said, in fear of his life; and was one of the party asking for justice against its constituted authorities. He was interested to exaggerate the num¬ ber of arms rather than to place it at too low an esti¬ mate. From his information I learned that the Legion had 10 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 received three pieces of cannon and about two hundred and fifty stand of small arms and their accoutrements. Of these, the three pieces of cannon and two hundred and twenty stand of small arms were surrendered. These arms were demanded because the Legion was illegally used in the destruction of the press and in enforcing martial law in the city, in open resistance to legal process and the posse comitatus. I demanded the surrender also on account of the great prejudice and excitement which the possession of these arms by the Mormons had kindled in the minds of the people. A large portion of the people, by pure misrepre¬ sentation, had been made to believe that the Legion had received of the state as many as thirty pieces of artillery and five or six thousand stand of small arms, which in all probability, would soon be wielded for the conquest of the country, and for their subjection to Mormon domination. I was of opinion that the removal of these arms would tend much to allay this excitement and preju¬ dice, and, in point of fact, although wearing a severe aspect, would be an act of real kindness to the Mor¬ mons themselves.’ ” A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 11 CHAPTER II. SUBMISSION OF THE PROPHET TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GOVERNOR - GATHERING OF THE ENEMY FORCES OF THE PROPHET — GOVERNOR FORD’S DE¬ FENSIVE JUSTIFICATION FOR HIS PLACEMENT OF THE HOSTILE FORCES AT CARTHAGE AND THE DISMISSAL OF OTHERS “ ‘On the 23rd or 24th day of June, Joe Smith, the mayor of Nauvoo, together with his brother Hyrum, and all the members of the council, and all Surrender of others demanded, came into Carthage and or and City surrendered themselves prisoners to the con- Councl1 stable on the charge of riot. They all voluntarily entered into a recognizance before the justice of the peace for their appearance at court to answer the charge, and all of them were dis¬ charged from custody except Joe and Hyrum Smith, against whom the magistrate had issued a new writ on a complaint of treason. They were immediately arrested by the constable on this charge, and retained in his custody to answer it. The overt act of treason charged against them con¬ sisted in the alleged levying of war against the state by declaring martial law in Nauvoo, and in ordering out the Legion to resist the posse comitatus. Their actual guiltiness of the charge would depend upon circum¬ stances. If their opponents had been seeking to put the law in force in good faith, and nothing more, then an array of military force in open resistance to the posse comitatus and the militia of the state most probably would have amounted to treason. 12 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 But if those opponents merely intended to use the process of the law, the militia of the state, and the posse comitatus, as catspaws to compass the posses¬ sions of their persons for the purpose of murdering them afterwards, as the sequel demonstrated the fact to be, it might well be doubted whether they were guilty of treason. Soon after the surrender of the Smiths, at their request I dispatched Captain Singleton with his com- The Nauvoo pany from Brown county to Nauvoo, to guard the town, and I authorized him to take command of the Legion. He reported to me afterwards, that he called out the Legion for inspec¬ tion, and that upon two hours’ notice two thousand of them assembled, all of them armed, and this after the public arms had been taken away from them. So it appears that they had a sufficiency of private arms for any reasonable purpose. After the Smiths had been arrested on the new charge of treason, the justice of the peace postponed the ex¬ amination, because neither of the parties were prepared with their witnesses for trial. In the meantime, he committed them to the jail of the county for greater security. In all this matter the justice of the peace and con¬ stable, though humble in office, were acting in a high and independent capacity, far beyond any legal power Question of in me to control. I considered that the ex¬ ecutive power could only be called in to assist, and not to dictate or control their action; that in the humble sphere of their duties they were as in¬ dependent, and clothed with as high authority by the law, as the executive department, and that my pro¬ vince was simply to aid them with the force of the state. It is true, that so far as I could prevail on them by advice, I endeavored to do so. The prisoners were not in military custody, or prisoners of war, and I A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 13 could no more legally control these officers than I could the superior courts of justice. Some persons have supposed that I ought to have had them sent to some distant and friendly part of the state for confinement and trial, and that I ought to have searched them for concealed arms; but these sur¬ mises and suppositions are readily disposed of by the fact, that they were not my prisoners, but were the prisoners of the constable and jailor, under the direc¬ tion of the justice of the peace; and, also, by the fact that by law they could be tried in no other county than Hancock. The jail in which they were confined is a consider¬ able stone building, containing a residence for the jailor, cells for the close and secure confinement of the prisoners, and one larger room, not so strong, but more airy and comfortable than the cells. They were put into the cells by the jailor; but upon their remon¬ strance and request, and by my advice, they were trans¬ ferred to the larger room, and there they remained until the final catastrophe. Neither they nor I seriously ap¬ prehended an attack on the jail through the guard stationed to protect it, nor did I apprehend the least danger on their part of an attempt to escape, for I was very sure that any such an attempt would have been the signal of their immediate death. Indeed, if they had escaped, it would have been fortunate for the purposes of those who were anxious for the ex¬ pulsion of the Mormon population, for the great body of that people would most assuredly have followed their Prophet and principal leaders, as they did in their flight from Missouri. I learned afterwards that the leaders of the anti- Mormons did much to stimulate their followers to the murder of the Smiths in jail, by alleging that the governor intended to favor their escape. If this had been true, and could have been well carried out, it would have been the best way of getting rid of the Mormons. These leaders of the Mormons would 14 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 never have dared to return, and they would have been followed in their flight by all their church. I had such plan in my mind, but I had never breathed it to a living soul, and was thus thwarted in ridding the state of the Mormons two years before they actually left, by the insane frenzy of the anti-Mormons. Joe Smith, when he escaped from Missouri, had no difficulty in again collecting his sect about him at Nau- voo; and so the Twelve Apostles, after they had been at the head of affairs long enough to establish their authority and influence as leaders, had no difficulty in getting nearly the whole body of Mormons to fol¬ low them into the wilderness two years after the death of their pretended Prophet. The force assembled at Carthage amounted to about twelve or thirteen hundred men, and it was calculated l-orces ,t that f° ur or ^ vc hundred more were assem- carthageand bled at Warsaw. Nearly all that portion resident in Hancock were anxious to be marched into Nauvoo. This measure was supposed to be necessary to search for counterfeit money and the apparatus to make it, and also to strike a salutary terror into the Mormon people by an exhibition of the force of the state, and thereby prevent future outrages, murders, robberies, burnings, and the like, apprehended as the effect of Mormon vengeance on those who had taken a part against them. On my part, at one time, this arrangement was agreed to. The morning of the 27th day of June was appointed for the march, and Golden’s Point, near the Mississippi river, and about equi-distant from Nauvoo and Warsaw, was selected as the place of rendezvous. I had determined to prevail on t'he justice to bring out his prisoners, and take them along. A council of officers, however, determined that this would be highly inexpedient and dangerous, and offered such substan- A D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 15 tial reasons for their opinions as induced me to change my resolution. Two or three days’ preparation had been made for this expedition. I observed that some of the people became more and more excited and inflammatory the further the preparations were advanced. Occasional threats came to my ears of destroying the city and murdering or expelling the inhabitants. I had no objection to ease the terrors of the people by such a display of force, and was most anxious also to search for the alleged apparatus for making counterfeit money; and, in fact, to inquire into all the charges against that people, if I could have been assured of my command against mutiny and insubordination. But I gradually learned, to my entire satis- Threals of V i. faction, that there was a plan to get the ^ n Gw™o”» troops into Nauvoo, and there to begin the Forces - war, probably by some of our own party, or some of the seceding Mormons taking advantage of the night to fire on our own force, and then laying it on the Mormons. I was satisfied that there were those amongst us fully capable of such an act, hoping that in the alarm, bustle and confusion of a militia camp, the truth could not be discovered, and that it might lead to the desired collision. I had many objections to be made the dupe of any such or similar artifice. I was openly and boldly op¬ posed to any attack on the city, unless it should become necessary, to arrest prisoners legally charged and de¬ manded. Indeed, if anyone will reflect upon the number of women, inoffensive and young persons, and innocent children, which must be contained in such a city of twelve or fifteen thousand inhabitants, it would seem to me his heart would relent and rebel against such violent resolutions. Nothing but the most blinded and obdurate fury could incite a person, even if he had the power, to the willingness of driving such persons, bare and houseless, on to the prairies, to 16 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 starve, suffer, and even steal, as they must have done, for subsistence. No one who has children of his own would think of it for a moment. Besides this, if we had been ever so much disposed to commit such an act of wickedness, we evidently had not the power to do it. I was well assured that the Mormons, at a short notice, could muster as many as two or three thousand well-armed men. We had not more than seventeen hundred, with three pieces of cannon, and about twelve hundred stand of small arms. We had provisions for two days only, and would be compelled to disband at the end of that time. To think of beginning a war under such circumstances was a plain absurdity. If the Mormons had succeeded in repulsing our attack, as most likely would have been the case, the Pro d con of countr y must necessarily be given up to their Treachery 0 ** rava g es until a new force could be assembled, and provisions made for its subsistence. Or if we should have succeeded in driving them from their city, they would have scattered; and, being justly incensed at our barbarity, and suffering with privation and hunger, would have spread desolation all over the country, without any possibility on our part, with the force we then had, of preventing it. Again, they would have had the advantage of being able to subsist their force in the field by plundering their enemies. All these considerations were duly urged by me upon the attention of a council of officers, convened on the morning of the 27th of June. I also urged upon the council that such wanton and unprovoked barbarity on their part would turn the sympathy of the people in the surrounding counties in favor of the Mormons, and therefore it would be impossible to raise a volunteer militia force to protect such a people against them. Many of the officers admitted that there might be danger of collision. But such was the blind fury prevailing at the time, though not showing itself by much visible excitement, that a small majority of A. D. 184 2-6 1 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 17 the council adhered to the first resolution of marching into Nauvoo; most of the officers of the Schuyler and McDonough militia voting against it, and most of those of the county of Hancock voting in its favor. A very responsible duty now devolved upon me, to determine whether I would, as commander-in-chief, be governed by the advice of this majority. I had no hesitation in deciding that I would not; but on the contrary, I ordered the troops to be disbanded, both at Carthage and Warsaw, with the exception of three companies, two of which were retained as a guard to the jail, and the other was retained to accompany me to Nauvoo. The officers insisted much in council upon the ne¬ cessity of marching to that place to search for apparatus to make counterfeit money, and more particularly to terrify the Mormons from attempting any open or secret measures of vengeance against the citizens of the county, who had taken a part against them or their leaders. To ease their terrors on this head, I proposed to them that I would myself proceed to the city, accom¬ panied by a small force, make the proposed search, and deliver an address to the Mormons, and tell them plainly what degree of excitement and hatred pre¬ vailed against them in the minds of the whole people, and that if any open or secret violence should be com¬ mitted on the persons or property of those who had taken part against them, that no one would doubt but that it had been perpetrated by them, and that it would be sure and certain means of the destruction of their city and the extermination of their people. I ordered two companies, under the command of Captain R. F. Smith, of the Carthage Greys, to guard the jail. In selecting these companies, and Cnpt R F particularly the company of the Carthage smuii and the Greys for this service, I have been subjected ie“t t a o® e Gua?nand tcr ' De ’ ^ or1, w bich h e was sworn to support, by erecting himself into a military despot and exiling the Mormons. The Mormons, on their part, in their newspapers, invited the governor to assume absolute power, by taking a summary vengeance upon their enemies, by shooting fifty or a hundred of them, without judge or jury. Both parties were thoroughly disgusted with constitutional provisions restraining them from the summary attainment of their wishes for vengeance; each was ready to submit to arbitrary power, to the fiat of a dictator, to make me a king for the time being, or at least that I might exercise the power of a king, to abolish both the forms and spirit of free government, if the despotism to be erected upon its ruins could only be wielded for its benefit, and to take vengeance on its enemies. It seems that, notwith¬ standing all our strong professions of attachment to liberty, there is all the time an unconquerable leaning to the principles of monarchy and despotism, when- Reficctions of ever the forms, the delays, and the restraints Go\ernorFord. rc p U bij can government fail to correct ♦Reference to Part V of this volume where much of the preaching of the Apostles is given both in synopses of discourses and verbatim reports will prove how utterly untrue the above statements of Governor Ford are. B. H. R. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 43 great evils. When the forms of government in the United States were first invented, the public liberty was thought to be the great object of governmental protection. Our ancestors studied to prevent govern¬ ment from doing harm, by depriving it of power. They would not trust the power of exiling a citizen upon any terms; or of taking his life, without a fair and impartial trial in the courts, even to the people themselves, much less to their government. But so infatuated were these parties, so deep did they feel their grievances, that both of them were enraged in their turn, because the governor firmly adhered to his oath of office; refusing to be a party to their revolutionary proceedings; to set aside the government of the country, and execute summary vengeance upon one or the other of them.” 44 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 CHAPTER V. POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE PERIOD FOLLOW¬ ING THE DEATH OF THE PROPHET-“TRIAL” OF THE MURDERERS - STATUS OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN HANCOCK COUNTY “Another election was to come off in August, 1844, for members of congress, and for the legislature; and an election was pending throughout the nation for a president of the United States. The war of party was never more fierce and terrible than during the pendency of these elections. The parties in many places met separately almost every night; not to argue the questions in dispute, but to denounce, ridicule, abuse, and belittle each other, with sarcasm, clamor, noise, and songs, during which nothing could be heard but hallooing, hurrahing, and yelling, and then to disperse through town, with insulting taunts and yells of defiance on either side. In all this they were but little less fanatical and frantic on the subject of politics, than were the Mor¬ mons about religion. Such a state of excitement could political Fa. not fail to operate unfavorably upon the "n'u-M^rmon' Mormon question, involved as it was in the questions of party politics, by the for¬ mer votes of the Mormons. As a means of allaying excitement, and making the question more manageable, I was most anxious that the Mormons should not vote at this election, and strongly advised them against doing so. But Colonel E. D. Taylor went to their city a few days before the election, and the Mormons, being Political ever disposed to follow the worst advice E 0 D Se Tayio C r- they could get, were induced by him and others to vote for all the democratic candi¬ dates. Colonel Taylor found them very hostile to the A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 45 governor, and on that account much disposed not to vote at this election. The leading whig anti-Mormons, believing that I had an influence over the Mormons, for the purpose of destroying it had assured them that the governor had planned and been favorable to the murder of their Prophet and Patriarch. The Mor¬ mons pretended to suspect that the governor had given some countenance to the murder, or at least had ne¬ glected to take the proper precautions to prevent it. And yet it is strange that at this same election, they elected General Deming to be the sheriff of the county, when they knew that he had first called out the militia against them, had concurred with me in all the meas¬ ures subsequently adopted, had been left in command at Carthage during my absence at Nauvoo, and had left his post when he saw that he had no power to prevent the murders. As to myself, I shared the fate of all men in high places, who favor moderation, who see that both parties in the frenzy of their excitement are wrong—espousing the cause of neither; which fate always is to be hated by both parties. But Colonel Taylor, like a skillful politician, denied nothing, but gave countenance to everything the Mormons said of the governor; and by admitting to them that the governor was a great rascal; by promising them the support of the democratic party, an assurance he was not authorized to make, but which they were foolish enough to believe, and by insisting that the governor was not the democratic party, he overcame their re¬ luctance to vote. Nevertheless, for mere political effect, without a shadow of justice, the whig leaders and newspapers everywhere, and some enemies in the demo¬ cratic ranks, immediately charged this vote of the Mor¬ mons to the governor’s influence; and this charge being believed by many, made the anti-Mormon party more famous than ever in favor of the expulsion of the Mormons. In'the course of the fall of 1844, the anti-Mormon leaders sent printed invitations to all the militia cap- 46 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 tains in Hancock, and to the captains of militia in all the neighboring counties in Illinois, Iowa, and Mis¬ souri, to be present with their companies at a great a proposed wolf hunt in Hancock; and it was privately •woif Hunf. announce( j t hat the wolves to be hunted were the Mormons and Jack-Mormons. Preparations were made for assembling several thousand men, with provisions for six days; and the anti-Mormon news¬ papers, in aid of the movement, commenced anew the most awful accounts of thefts and robberies, and meditated outrages by the Mormons. The whig press in every part of the United States, came to their assist¬ ance. The democratic newspapers and leading demo¬ crats, who had received the benefit of the Mormon votes to their party, quailed under the tempest, leaving no organ for the correction of public opinion, either at home or abroad, except the discredited Mormon newspaper at Nauvoo. But very few of my prominent democratic friends would dare to come up to the as¬ sistance of their governor, and but few of them dared openly to vindicate his motives in endeavoring to keep the peace. They were willing and anxious for Mormon votes at elections, but they were unwilling to risk their popularity with the people, by taking a part in their favor, even when law and justice, and the Constitu¬ tion, were all on their side. Such being the odious character of the Mormons, the hatred of the common people against them, and such being the pusillanimity of leading men, in fearing to encounter it. In this state of the case I applied to Brigadier-Gen¬ eral J. J. Hardin, of the state militia, and to Colonels Baker and Merriman, all whigs, but all of them men of military ambition, and they, together with Colonel William Weatherford, a democrat* with my own ex¬ ertions, succeeded in raising about five hundred volun¬ teers; and thus did these whigs, that which my own ♦Of the officers who were out with me in this expedition. General Hardin. Colonels Baker and Weatherford, and Major Warren, afterwards greatly distinguished themselves in the Mexican War. Ford. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 47 political friends, with two or three exceptions, were slow to do, from a sense of duty and gratitude. With this little force under the command of General Hardin, I arrived in Hancock county on the 25th of September. The malcontents abandoned their design, and all the leaders of it fled to Missouri. The Carthage Greys fled almost in a body, carrying their w 0 « Hum arms along with them. During our stay Disper9e<1 ' in the county the anti-Mormons thronged into the camp, and conversed freely with the men, who were fast infected with their prejudices, and it was impos¬ sible to get any of the officers to aid in expelling them. Colonels Baker, Merriman and Weatherford, volun¬ teered their services if I would go with them, to cross with a force into Missouri, to capture three of the anti- Mormon leaders, for whose arrest writs had been issued for the murder of the Smiths. To this I assented, and procured a boat, which was sent down in the night, and secretly landed a mile above Warsaw. Our little force arrived at that place about noon; that night we were to cross to Missouri at Churchville, and seize the accused there encamped with a number of their friends; but that afternoon Colonel Baker visited the hostile encampment, and on his return refused to par¬ ticipate in the expedition, and advised all his friends against joining it. There was no authority for com¬ pelling the men to invade a neighboring state, and for this cause, much to the vexation of myself and several others, the matter fell through. It seems that Colonel Baker had already partly ar¬ ranged the terms for the accused to surrender. They were to be taken to Quincy for examination under a military guard; the attorney for the people was to be advised to admit them to bail, and they were ^ Accused to be entitled to a continuance of their trial ““ r pro e ph e t ot at the next court at Carthage; upon this, c^Tems'of two of the accused came over and surren- surrender, dered themselves prisoners. But at that time I was held responsible for this 48 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 compromise with the murderers. The truth is, that I had but little of the moral power to command in this expedition. Officers, men, and all under me, were so infected with the anti-Mormon prejudices that I was made to feel severely the want of moral power to con¬ trol them. It would be thought very strange in any other government that the administration should have the power to direct, but no power to control. By the Constitution the governor can neither appoint nor remove a militia officer. He may arrest and order a court martial. But a court martial composed of mili¬ tary officers, elected in times of peace, in many cases upon the same principles upon which Colonel Pluck was elected in New York City, is not likely to pay much attention to executive wishes in opposition to popular excitement. So, too, in Illinois, the governor has no power to appoint, remove, or in anywise con¬ trol sheriffs, justices of the peace, nor even a constable; and yet the active cooperation of such officers with the executive, is indispensable to the success of any effort the governor may take to suppress civil war. If anyone supposes that the greatest amount of talents will enable anyone to govern under such circumstances, he is mistaken. It may be thought that the governor ought to create a public sentiment in favor of his measures, to sway the minds of those under him to his own course, but if anyone supposes that even the greatest abilities could succeed in such an effort against popular feeling, and against the inherent love of nu¬ merous demagogues for popularity, he is again mis¬ taken. GOVERNOR FORD’S PLEDGE OF SAFETY TO THE PROPHET ADMITTED I had determined from the first that some of the ringleaders in the foul murder of the Smiths should be brought to trial. If these men had been the in¬ carnation of satan himself, as was believed by many, their murder was a foul and treacherous action, alike A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 49 disgraceful to those who perpetrated the crime, to the state, and to the governor, whose word had „ t iiiri . r t * Determination been pledged for the protection of the pris- of: the oners in jail, and which had been so shame- the Rfogi"*- fully violated; and required that the most Murderors^of vigorous means should be used to bring the and patriarch assassins to punishment. As much as any¬ thing else the expedition under General Hardin had been ordered with a view to arrest the murderers. Accordingly, I employed able lawyers to hunt up the testimony, procure indictments, and prosecute the offenders. A trial was had before Judge Young in the summer of 1845. The sheriff and panel of jurors, selected by the Mormon court, were set aside for prejudice, and elisors were appointed to select a new jury. One friend of the Mormons and one anti- Mormon were appointed for this purpose; but as more than a thousand men had assembled under arms at the court, to keep away the Mormons and their friends, the jury was made up of these military followers of the court, who all swore that they had never formed or expressed any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. The Mormons had one principal witness, who was with the troops at Warsaw, had marched with them until they were disbanded, heard their con¬ sultations, went before them to Carthage, and saw them murder the Smiths. But before the trial came on, they had induced him to become a Mormon; and being much more anxious for the glorification of the Prophet than to avenge his death, the leading Mormons made him publish a pamphlet giving an account of the murder; in which he professed to have seen a bright and shining light descend upon the head of Joe Smith, to strike some of the conspirators with blindness, and that he heard supernatural voices in the air confirming his mission as a Prophet! Having published this in a book, he was compelled to swear to it in court, which of course destroyed the credit of his evidence. This witness was afterwards expelled from the Mormons, 4 Vol. 7 50 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IA. D. 18**>-6 but no doubt they will cling to his evidence in favor of the divine mission of the Prophet.* THE "TRIAL”! THE STATE OF THE COURT Many other witnesses were examined, who knew the facts, but under the influence of the demoralization of faction, denied all knowledge of them. It has been said, that faction may find men honest, but it scarcely ever leaves them so. This was verified to the letter in the history of the Mormon quarrel. The accused were all acquitted. During the progress of these trials, the judge was compelled to permit the courthouse to be filled and surrounded by armed bands, who attended court to browbeat and overawe the administration of justice. The judge himself was in a duress, and informed me that he did not consider his life secure any part of the time. The consequence was, that the crowd had every¬ thing their own way; the lawyers for the defense de¬ fended their clients by a long and elaborate attack on the governor; the armed mob stamped with their feet and yelled their approbation at every sarcastic and smart thing that was said; and the judge was not only forced to hear it, but to lend it a kind of approval. Josiah Lamborn was attorney for the prosecution; and O. H. Browning, O. C. Skinner, Calvin A. War¬ ren, and William A. Richardson, were for the defense. At the next term, the leading Mormons were tried and acquitted for the destruction of the heretical press. It appears that, not being interested in objecting to ♦The witness here referred to was one Wm. M. Daniels, and he is doubtless worthy of all the scorn that Governor Ford here heaps upon him. But the '‘Mor¬ mons" do not "cling to his evidence in favor of the divine mission of the Prophet" since they concede the unreasonableness of his testimony as also the testimony of one Benjamin Brackenbury, as will be seen by the treatment of the testimony of these witnesses in The Comprehensive History of the Church, Century I, vol. ii, ch. lx. pp. 324-6, notes 14-15. B. H. R. A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 51 the sheriff or the jury selected by a court elected by themselves, they in their turn got a favor- NaU yoo a u - able jury determined upon acquittal, and Acquitted for yet the Mormon jurors all swore that they Expositor had formed no opinion as to the guilt or Press ' innocence of their accused friends. It appeared that the laws furnished the means of suiting each party with a jury. The Mormons could have a Mormon jury to be tried by, selected by themselves; and the anti- Mormons, by objecting to the sheriff and regular pan¬ el, could have one from the anti-Mormons. From henceforth no leading man on either side could be ar¬ rested without the aid of an army, as the men of one party could not safely surrender to the other for fear of being murdered; when arrested by a military force the Constitution prohibited a trial in any other county without the consent of the accused. No one would be convicted of any crime in Hancock; and this put an end to the administration of the criminal law in that distracted county. Government was at an end there, and the whole community were delivered up to the dominion of a frightful anarchy. If the whole state had been in the same condition, then indeed would have been verified to the letter what was said by a wit, when he expressed an opinion that the people were neither capable of governing themselves nor of being governed by others. And truly there can be no gov¬ ernment in a free country where the people do not voluntarily obey the laws.”* ♦Ford’s History of Illinois, pp. 3 54-3 69. Ill MEMOIRS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR RESPECTING AFFAIRS AT NAU- VOO LEADING UP TO THE MARTYRDOM OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH: GOVERNOR FORD’S RESPONSIBILITY THEREIN Explanation Following the preceding excerpts from Ford’s His¬ tory of Illinois, setting forth his views of Latter-day Saint affairs in the state of Illinois during his incum¬ bency of the office of governor of that state, and also what really amounts to a defense of himself in relation to those events, I deem it important that a Latter-day Saint statement covering the same period of time and events, with comments thereon, should be made. Such a statement and comments I find in an historical docu¬ ment written by John Taylor, late President [the third] of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a close participant in these events; and second only in nearness to the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum in them; and who also was nearly made a complete martyr to the cause in which they suffered, being savagely wounded in Carthage Prison, and only narrowly escaping the death visited upon them. This statement and the comments upon this eventful period were made at a time far enough re¬ moved from the excitement of those days to enable the writer to speak temperately upon the events of that period, and at the same time in a judicial and states¬ manlike spirit, that greatly enhances the value of the document. As seen by the introductory paragraph, the paper was prepared at the request of George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff, Church Historians, under the title of "The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith”; and was filed in the Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City. This document will make up chapters vi to x in¬ clusive. A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 55 CHAPTER VI. THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH SMITH: REVIEW OF CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS PRECEDING THAT EVENT “Being requested by Elders George A. Smith and Wil- ford Woodruff, Church Historians, to write an ac¬ count of events that transpired before, and took place at, the time of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, in Carthage Jail, in Hancock county, state of Illinois, I write the following, principally from memory, not having access at this time to any public documents relative thereto farther than a few desultory items contained in Ford’s History of Illinois. I must also acknowledge myself considerably indebted Introduction to George A. Smith, who was with me when I wrote it, and who, although not there at the time of the bloody transaction, yet, from conversing with several persons who were in the capacity of Church Historians, and aided by an excellent memory, has rendered me considerable service. These and the few items contained in the note at the end of this account are all the aid I have had. I would farther add that the items contained in the letter, in relation to dates especially, may be considered strictly correct. After having written the whole, I read it over to the Hon. J. M. Bernhisel, who with one or two slight alterations, pronounced it strictly correct. Brother Bernhisel was present most of the time. I am afraid that, from the length of time that has transpired since the occurrence, and having to rely almost exclusively upon my memory, there may be some slight inaccur- 56 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 acies, but I believe that in general it is strictly correct. As I figured in those transactions from the commence¬ ment to the end, they left no slight impression on my mind. In the year 1844, a very great excitement prevailed in some parts of Hancock, Brown and other neighbor¬ ing counties of Illinois, in relation to the ‘Mormons’, and a spirit of vindictive hatred and persecution was exhibited among the people, which was manifested in the most bitter and acrimonious language, as well Threatening as by acts of hostility and violence, frequent- nnoi , s, nt i 844 . 11 ' ^ threatening the destruction of the citizens of Nauvoo and vicinity, and utter annihila¬ tion of the ‘Mormons’ and ‘Mormonism’, and in some instances breaking out in the most violent acts of ruf¬ fianly barbarity. Persons were kidnapped, whipped, persecuted, and falsely accused of various crimes; their cattle and houses injured, destroyed, or stolen; vexa¬ tious prosecutions were instituted to harass, and annoy. In some remote neighborhoods they were expelled from their homes without redress, and in others violence was threatened to their persons and property, while in others every kind of insult and indignity were heap¬ ed upon them, to induce them to abandon their homes, the county, or the state. These annoyances, prosecutions, and persecutions were instigated through different agencies and by vari¬ ous classes of men, actuated by different motives, but all uniting in the one object—prosecution, persecution, and extermination of the saints. There were a number of wicked and corrupt men living in Nauvoo and its vicinity, who had belonged to the church, but whose conduct was incompatible with the gospel; they were accordingly dealt with by the church and severed from its communion. Some of these had been prominent members, and held official Apostates at stations either in the city or church. Among . m,voo. these were John C. Bennett, formerly may¬ or; William Law, counselor to Joseph Smith; Wilson A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 57 Law, his natural brother, and general in the Nauvoo Legion; Dr. R. D. Foster, a man of some property, but with a very bad reputation; Francis and Chauncey Higbee, the latter a young lawyer, and both sons of a respectable and honored man in the church, known as Judge Elias Higbee, who died about twelve months before. Besides these, there were a great many apostates, both in the city and county, of less notoriety, who for their delinquencies, had been expelled from the church. John C. Bennett and Francis and Chauncey Higbee were cut off from the church; the former was also cashiered from his generalship for the most flagrant acts of seduction and adultery; and the developments in their cases were so scandalous that the high council, before whom they were tried, had to sit with closed doors. William Law, although counselor to Joseph, was found to be his most bitter foe and maligner, and to hold intercourse [it was alleged], contrary to all law, in his own house, with a young lady resident with him; and it was afterwards proven that he had conspired with some Missourians to take Joseph Smith’s life, and (the Prophet) was only saved by Josiah Arnold and Daniel Garn, who, being on guard at his house, pre¬ vented the assassins from seeing him. Yet, although having murder in his heart, his manners were generally courteous and mild, and he was well calculated to deceive. General Wilson Law was cut off from the church for seduction, falsehood, and defamation; both the above were also court-martialed by the Nauvoo Le¬ gion, and expelled. Foster was also cut off I believe, for dishonesty, fraud, and falsehood. I know he was eminently guilty of the whole, but whether these were the specific charges or not, I don’t know, but I do know that he was a notoriously wicked and corrupt man. Besides the above characters and ‘Mormonic’ apos- 58 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 tates, there were other three parties. The first of these other anti- ma y b e called religionists, the second poli- Mormon Part- ticians, and the third counterfeiters, black¬ legs, horse thieves, and cutthroats. The religious party were chagrined and maddened because ‘Mormonism’ came in contact with their re¬ ligion, and they could not oppose it from the scrip¬ tures. Thus like the ancient Jews, when enraged at the exhibition of their follies and hypocrisies by Jesus and his Apostles, so these were infuriated against the ‘Mormons’ because of their discomfiture by them; and instead of owning the truth and rejoicing in it, they were ready to gnash upon them with their teeth, and to persecute the believers in principles which they could not disprove. The political party were those who were of opposite politics to us. There were always two parties, the Whigs and whigs and democrats, and we could not vote for one without offending the other, and it not unfrequently happened that candidates for office would place the issue of their election upon oppo¬ sition to the ‘Mormons’, in order to gain political influence from religious prejudice, in which case the ‘Mormons’ were compelled, in self-defense, to vote against them, which resulted almost invariably against our opponents. This made them angry; and although it was of their own making, and the ‘Mormons’ could not be expected to do otherwise, yet they raged on account of their discomfiture, and sought to wreak their fury on the ‘Mormons’. As an instance of the above, when Joseph Duncan was candidate for the office of governor of Illinois, he pledged himself to his party that, if he could be elected, he would exter¬ minate or drive the ‘Mormons’ from the state.* The consequence was that Governor Ford was elected. The whigs, seeing that they had been out-generaled by the democrats in securing the ‘Mormon’ vote, became seri- *Sce his remarks as contained in Ford’s History of Illinois, p. 269. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 59 ously alarmed, and sought to repair their disaster by raising a crusade against the people. The whig news¬ papers teemed with accounts of the wonders and enor¬ mities of Nauvoo, and of the awful wickedness of a party which could consent to receive the support of such miscreants. Governor Duncan, who was really a brave, honest man, and who had nothing to do with getting the ‘Mormon’ charters passed through the legislature, took the stump on this subject in good earnest, and expected to be elected governor almost on this question alone. The third party, composed of counterfeiters, black¬ legs, horse thieves, and cutthroats, were a pack of scoundrels that infested the whole of the western coun¬ try at that time. In some districts their influence was so great as to control important state and county offices. On this subject Governor Ford has the fol¬ lowing: ‘Then, again, the northern part of the state was not destitute of its organized bands of rogues, engaged in murders, robberies, horse-stealing, and in making and passing counterfeit Lawlessness in money. These rogues were scattered all over the north, ^ thern IH, “ but the most of them were located in the counties of Ogle, Winnebago, Lee and De Kalb. ‘In the county of Ogle they were so numerous, strong, and well organized that they could not be convicted for their crimes. By getting some of their numbers on the juries, by producing a host of witnesses to sustain their defense, by perjured evidence, and by changing the venue of one county to another, by continuances from term to term, and by the inability of witnesses to attend from time to time at distant and foreign counties, they most generally managed to be acquitted.’* There was a combination of horse thieves extending from Galena to Alton. There were counterfeiters en¬ gaged in merchandizing, trading, and storekeeping in most of the cities and villages, and in some districts, I have been credibly informed by men to whom they have disclosed their secrets: the judges, sheriffs, con- ♦Ford’s History of Illinois, p. 246. 60 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842 6 stables, and jailors, as well as professional men, were more or less associated with them. These had in their employ the most reckless, abandoned wretches, who stood ready to carry into effect the most desperate enterprises, and were careless alike of human life and property. Their object in persecuting the ‘Mormons’ was in part to cover their own rascality, and in part to prevent them from exposing and prosecuting them; but the principal reason was plunder, believing that if they [the ‘Mormons’] could be removed or driven, they would be made fat on Mormon’ spoils, besides having in the deserted city a good asylum for the prosecution of their diabolical pursuits. This conglomeration of apostate ‘Mormons’, re¬ ligious bigots, political fanatics and blacklegs, all united their forces against the ‘Mormons’, and or¬ ganized themselves into a party, denominated ‘anti- Mormons . Some of them, we have reason to believe, joined the church in order to cover their nefarious practices, and when they were expelled for their un¬ righteousness only raged with greater violence. They circulated every kind of falsehood that they could col¬ lect or manufacture against the ‘Mormons’. They also had a paper to assist them in their infamous de¬ signs, called the Warsaw Signal, edited by a Mr. Thomas Sharp, a violent and unprincipled man, who shrunk not from any enormity. The anti-‘Mormons’ had public meetings, which were very numerously at¬ tended, where they passed resolutions of the most violent and inflammatory kind, threatening to drive, expel and exterminate the ‘Mormons’ from the state, at the same time accusing them of every evil in the vocabulary of crime. They appointed their meetings in various parts of Hancock, McDonough, and other counties, which soon resulted in the organization of armed mobs, under the direction of officers who reported to their head¬ quarters, and the reports of which were published in the anti-‘Mormon’ paper, and circulated through the A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 61 adjoining counties. We also published in the Times and Seasons and the Nauvoo Neighbor (two papers published and edited by me at that time) an account, not only of their proceedings, but our own. But such was the hostile feeling, so well arranged their plans, and so desperate and lawless their measures, that it was with the greatest difficulty that we could get our papers circulated; they were destroyed by postmasters and others, and scarcely ever arrived at the place of their destination, so that a great many of the people, who would have been otherwise peaceable, were excited by their misrepresentations, and instigated to join their hostile or predatory bands. Emboldened by the acts of those outside, the apos¬ tate ‘Mormons’, associated with others, commenced the publication of a libelous paper in Nauvoo, called the Nauvoo Expositor. This paper not only reprinted from the others, but put in circulation the most libelous, false, xh C Nauvoo and infamous reports concerning the citizens Ex P° sitor - of Nauvoo, and especially the ladies. It was, however, no sooner put in circulation than the indignation of the whole community was aroused; so much so, that they threatened its annihilation; and I do not believe that in any other city in the United States, if the same charges had been made against the citizens, it would have been permitted to remain one day. . As it was among us, under these circumstances, it was thought best to convene the city council to take into con¬ sideration the adoption of some measures for its remov¬ al, as it was deemed better that this should be done legally than illegally. Joseph Smith, therefore, who was mayor, convened the city council for that purpose; the paper was introduced and read, and the subject examined. All, or nearly all present, expressed their indignation at the course taken by the Expositor, which was owned by some of the aforesaid apostates, associated with one or two others. Wilson Law, Dr. Foster, Charles Ivins and the Higbees before referred 62 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH I A. D. 184 2-6 to, some lawyers, storekeepers, and others in Nauvoo who were not ‘Mormons’, together with the anti-‘Mor¬ mons’ outside of the city, sustained it. The calcula¬ tion was, by false statements, to unsettle the minds of many in the city, and to form combinations there similar to the anti-‘Mormon’ associations outside of the city. Various attempts had heretofore been made by the party to annoy and irritate the citizens of Nauvoo; false accusations had been made, vexatious lawsuits instituted, threats made, and various devices resorted to, to influence the public mind, and, if pos¬ sible, to provoke us to the commission of some overt act that might make us amenable to the law. With a perfect knowledge therefore, of the designs of these infernal scoundrels who were in our midst, as well as those who surrounded us, the city council entered upon an investigation of the matter. They felt that they were in a critical position, and that any move made for the abating of that press would be looked upon, or at least represented, as a direct attack upon the liberty of speech, and that, so far from displeasing our enemies, it would be looked upon by them as one of the best circumstances that could transpire to assist them in their nefarious and bloody designs. Being a member of the city council, I well remember the feeling of responsibility that seemed to rest upon all present; nor shall I soon forget the bold, manly, in¬ dependent expressions of Joseph Smith on that occa¬ sion in relation to this matter. He exhibited in glow¬ ing colors the meanness, corruption and ultimate de¬ signs of the anti-'Mormons’; their despicable charac¬ ters and ungodly influences, especially of those who were in our midst. He told of the responsibility that rested upon us, as guardians of the public interest, to stand up in the defense of the injured and oppressed, to stem the current of corruption, and as men and saints, to put a stop to this flagrant outrage upon this people’s rights. He stated that no man was a stronger advocate for A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 63 the liberty of speech and of the press than himself; yet, when this noble gift is utterly pros- tituted and abused, as in the present in- tude of the stance, it loses all claim to our respect, and Pn,phet becomes as great an agent for evil as it can possibly be for good; and notwithstanding the apparent advantage we should give our enemies by this act, yet it behooved us, as men, to act independent of all secondary influ¬ ences, to perform the part of men of enlarged minds, and boldly and fearlessly to discharge the duties de¬ volving upon us by declaring as a nuisance, and re¬ moving this filthy, libelous, and seditious sheet from our midst. The subject was discussed in various forms, and after the remarks made by the mayor, every one seemed to be waiting for some one else to speak. After a considerable pause, I arose and expressed my feelings frankly, as Joseph had done, and numbers of others followed in the same strain; and I think, but am not certain, that I made a motion for the re¬ moval of that press as a nuisance. This motion was finally put, and carried by all but one; and he conceded that the measure was just, but abstained through fear. Several members of the city council were not in the church. The following is the bill referred to: BILL FOR REMOVING OF THE PRESS OF THE NAUVOO EXPOSITOR* ‘Resolved by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, that the printing office from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance; and also of said Nauvoo Expositors which may be or exist in said establishment; and the mayor is instructed to cause said estab¬ lishment and papers to be removed without delay, in such manner as he shall direct. 'Passed June 10th, 1844. GEO. W. HARRIS, President pro tem. ‘W. RICHARDS, Recorder." After the passage of the bill, the marshal, John P. Greene was ordered to abate or remove, which he forth¬ with proceeded to do by summoning a posse of men for * Deseret News. No. 29. September 23. 1857, p. 226. 64 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1 842-6 that purpose. The press was removed or broken, I don’t remember which, by the marshal, and the types scattered in the street. This seemed to be one of those extreme cases that require extreme measures, as the press was still pro¬ ceeding in its inflammatory course. It was feared that, as it was almost universally execrated, should it continue longer, an indignant people might commit some overt act which might lead to serious conse¬ quences, and that it was better to use legal than illegal means. This, as was foreseen, was the very course our ene¬ mies wished us to pursue, as it afforded them an oppor¬ tunity of circulating a very plausible story about the ‘Mormons’ being opposed to the liberty of the press and of free speech, which they were not slow to avail themselves of. Stories were fabricated, and facts per¬ verted; false statements were made, and this act brought in as an example to sustain the whole of their fabrica¬ tions; and, as if inspired by satan, they labored with an energy and zeal worthy of a better cause. They bad runners to circulate their reports, not only through Hancock county, but in all the surrounding counties. These reports were communicated to their anti-‘Mor- mon’ societies, and these societies circulated them in their several districts. The anti-‘Mormon’ paper, the Warsaw Signal, was filled with inflammatory articles and misrepresentations in relation to us, and especially to this act of destroying the press. We were repre¬ sented as a horde of lawless ruffians and brigands, anti- American and anti-republican, steeped in crime and iniquity, opposed to freedom of speech and of the press, and all the rights and immunities of a free and enlightened people; that neither person nor property was secure, that we had designs upon the citizens of Illinois and of the United States, and the people were called upon to rise en masse, and put us down, drive us away, or exterminate us as a pest to society, and alike dangerous to our neighbors, the state, and the commonwealth. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 65 These statements were extensively copied and cir¬ culated throughout the United States. A true state¬ ment of the facts in question was published Uncertainty of by us both in the Times and Seasons and the u ' s ' Mai1 ' Nauvoo Neighbor; but it was found impossible to circulate them in the immediate counties, as they were destroyed at the post offices or otherwise by the agents of the anti-‘Mormons’, and, in order to get the mail to go abroad, I had to send the papers a distance of thirty or forty miles from Nauvoo, and sometimes to St. Louis (upward of two hundred miles), to insure their proceeding on their route, and then one-half or two-thirds of the papers never reached the place of destination, being intercepted or destroyed by our ene¬ mies. These false reports stirred up the community around, of whom many, on account of religious prejudice, were easily instigated to join the anti-‘Mormons’ and em¬ bark in any crusade that might be undertaken against us; hence their ranks swelled in numbers, and new or¬ ganizations were formed, meetings were held, resolu¬ tions passed, and men and means volunteered for the extirpation of the ‘Mormons’. On these points Governor Ford writes: ‘These also were the active men in blowing up the fury of the people, in hopes that a popular movement might be set on foot, which would result in the expulsion or extermination of the ‘Mormon voters. For this purpose public meetings had been called, inflam¬ matory speeches had been made, exaggerated reports had been extensive¬ ly circulated, committees had been appointed, who rode night and day to spread the reports and solicit the aid of neighboring counties, and at a public meeting at Warsaw resolutions were passed to expel or exterminate the ‘Mormon’ population. This was not, however, a movement which was unanimously concurred in. The county contained a goodly number of inhabitants in favor of peace, or who at least desired to be neutral in such a contest. These were stigmatized by the name of ‘Jack-Mormons’, and there were not a few of the more furious exciters of the people who openly expressed their intention to involve them in the common expulsion or extermination. ‘A system of excitement and agitation was artfully planned and 5 Vol. 7 66 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 executed with tact. It consisted in spreading reports and rumors of the most fearful character. As examples: On the morning before my arrival at Carthage, I was awakened at an early hour by the frightful report, which was asserted with confidence and apparent Systematic consternation that the ‘Mormons' had already com- Agitation m ° n mencc d the work of burning, destruction, and murder, and that every man capable of bearing arms was in¬ stantly wanted at Carthage for the protection of the county. ‘We lost no time in starting; but when we arrived at Carthage we could hear no more concerning this story. Again, during the few days that the militia were encamped at Carthage, frequent applications were made to me to send a force here, and a force there, and a force all about the country, to prevent murders, robberies, and larcenies which, it was said, were threatened by the ‘Mormons’. No such forces were sent, nor were any such offenses committed at that time, except the stealing of some provisions, and there was never the least proof that this was done by a ‘Mormon’. Again, on my late visit to Hancock county, I was informed by some of their violent enemies that the larcenies of the ‘Mormons' had become unusually numerous and insufferable. ‘They admitted that but little had been done in this way in their immediate vicinity, but they insisted that sixteen horses had been stolen by the ‘Mormons’ in one night near Lima, and, upon inquiry, was told that no horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but that sixteen horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock county. This last informant being told of the Hancock story, again changed the venue to another distant settlement in the northern edge of Adams.'* In the meantime legal proceedings were instituted against the members of the city council of Nauvoo. A writ, here subjoined, was issued upon the affidavit of the Laws, Fosters, Higbees, and Ivins, by Mr. Mor¬ rison, a justice of the peace in Carthage, and the county seat of Hancock, and put into the hands of one David Bettisworth, a constable of the same place. WRIT ISSUED UPON AFFIDAVIT BY THOMAS MORRISON, J. P., STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK COUNTY, ss ‘The people of the state of Illinois, to all constables, sheriffs, and coroners of the said state, greeting: ‘Whereas complaint hath been made before me, one of the justices of the peace in and for the county of Hancock aforesaid, upon the oath Ford’s History of Illinois, pp. 3 30, 33 1. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 67 of Francis M. Higbce, of the said county, that Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. Har¬ mon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter Rockwell, and Levi Richards of said county, did on the 10th day of June instant, commit a riot at and within the county aforesaid, wherein they with force and violence broke into the printing office of the Nauvoo Expositor, and unlawfully and with force burned and destroyed the printing press, type and fixtures of the same, being the property of William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster, and Charles A. Foster. ‘These are therefore to command you forthwith to apprehend the said Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Greene, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter Rockwell, and Levi Richards, and bring them before me, or some other justice of the peace, to answer the premises, and farther to be dealt with according to law. ‘Given under my hand and seal at Carthage, in the county afore¬ said, this 11th day of June, A. D., 1844. [Signed] THOMAS MORRISON, J. P.' (Seal)* The council did not refuse to attend to the legal proceedings in the case, but as the law of Illinois made it the privilege of the persons accused to go ‘or appear before the issuer of the writ, or any other Action of the justice of peace’, they requested to be taken City Council - before another magistrate, either in the city of Nauvoo or at any reasonable distance out of it. This the constable, who was a mobocrat, refused to do, and as this was our legal privilege, we refused to be dragged, contrary to law, a distance of eighteen miles, when at the same time we had reason to believe that an organized band of mobocrats were assembled for the purpose of extermination or murder, and among whom it would not be safe to go without a superior force of armed men. A writ of habeas corpus was called for, issued by the municipal court of Nau¬ voo, taking us out of the hands of Bettisworth, and placing us in the charge of the city marshal. We went * Deseret News, No. 30. Sept. 30. 185 7. p. 233. 68 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 before the municipal court and were dismissed. Our refusal to obey this illegal proceeding was by them construed into a refusal to submit to law, and circu¬ lated as such, and the people either did believe, or professed to believe, that we were in open rebellion against the laws and the authorities of the state. Hence mobs began to assemble, among which all through the country inflammatory speeches were made, exciting them to mobocracy and violence. Soon they com¬ menced their depredations in our outside settlements, kidnaping some, and whipping and otherwise abus¬ ing others. The persons thus abused fled to Nauvoo as soon as practicable, and related their injuries to Joseph Smith, then mayor of the city, and lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion. They also went before magis¬ trates, and made affidavits of what they had suffered, seen, and heard. These affidavits, in connection with a copy of all our proceedings were forwarded by Joseph Smith to Mr. Ford, then governor of Illinois, with an expression of our desire to abide law, and a request that the governor would instruct him how to proceed in the case of arrival of an armed mob against the city. The governor sent back instructions to Joseph Smith that, as he was lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, it was his duty to protect the city and sur¬ rounding country, and issued orders to that effect. Upon the reception of these orders Joseph Smith as¬ sembled the people of the city, and laid before them the governor's instructions; he also convened the offi¬ cers of the Nauvoo Legion for the purpose of con¬ ferring in relation to the best mode of defense. He also issued orders to the men to hold themselves in readiness in case of being called upon. On the follow¬ ing day General Joseph Smith, with his staff, the leading officers of the Legion, and some prominent strangers who were in our midst, made a survey of the outside boundaries of the city, which was very exten¬ sive, being about five miles up and down the river, and A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 69 about two and a half back in the center, for the pur¬ pose of ascertaining the position of the ground, and the feasibility of defense, and to make all necessary arrangements in case of an attack. It may be well here to remark that numbers of gentlemen, strangers to us, either came on purpose or were passing through Nauvoo, and upon learning the position of things, expressed their indignation against our enemies, and avowed their readiness to assist us by their counsel or otherwise. It was some of these who assisted us in reconnoitering the city, and finding out its adaptability for defense, and how to protect it best against an armed rorce. fensive Meas- The Legion was called together and drilled, and every means made use for defense. At the call of the officers, old and young men came forward, both from the city and the country, and mustered to the number of about five thousand. In the meantime our enemies were not idle in mus¬ tering their forces and committing depredations, nor had they been; it was, in fact, their gathering that called ours into existence; their forces continued to accumulate; they assumed a threatening attitude, and assembled in large bodies, armed and equipped for war, and threatened the destruction and extermination of the ‘Mormons’. An account of their outrages and assemblages was forwarded to Governor Ford almost daily; accom¬ panied by affidavits furnished by eyewitnesses of their proceedings. Persons were also sent out to the counties around with pacific intentions, to give them an account of the true state of affairs, and to notify them of the feelings and dispositions of the people of Nauvoo, and thus, if possible, quell the excitement. In some of the more distant counties these men were very success¬ ful, and produced a salutary influence upon the minds of many intelligent and well-disposed men. In neigh¬ boring counties, however, where anti-‘Mormon’ influ¬ ence prevailed, they produced little effect. At the same 70 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A D. 1842-6 time guards were stationed around Nauvoo, and picket guards in the distance. At length opposing forces gathered so near that more active measures were taken; reconnoitering parties were sent out, and the city pro¬ claimed under martial law. Things now assumed a belligerent attitude, and persons passing through the city were questioned as to what they knew of the enemy, while passes were in some instances given to avoid difficulty with the guards. Joseph Smith con¬ tinued to send on messengers to the governor (Philip B. Lewis and other messengers were sent). Samuel James, then residing at La Harpe, carried a message and dispatches to him, and in a day or two after Bishop Edward Hunter and others went again with fresh dispatches, representations, affidavits, and instruc¬ tions; but as the weather was excessively wet, the rivers swollen, and the bridges washed away in many places, it was with great difficulty that they proceeded on their journeys. As the mobocracy had at last attracted the governor’s attention, he started in com¬ pany with some others from Springfield to the scene of trouble, and missed, I believe, both Brothers James and Hunter on the road, and, of course, did not see their documents. He came to Carthage, and made that place, which was a regular mobocratic den, his headquarters; as it was the county seat, however, of Hancock county, that circumstance might, in a meas¬ ure, justify his staying there. To avoid the appearance of all hostility on our part, and to fulfill the law in every particular, at the suggestion of Judge Thomas, judge of that judicial district, who had come to Nauvoo at the time, and who stated that we had fulfilled the law, but, in order to satisfy all he would counsel us to go before Esquire Wells, who was not in our church, and have a hearing, we did so, and after a full hearing we were again dis¬ missed. The governor on the road collected forces, some A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 71 of whom were respectable, but on his arrival in the neighborhood of the difficulties he received Governor as militia all the companies of the mob f° r £? rt £™ val forces who united with him. After his arrival at Carthage he sent two gentlemen from there to Nauvoo as a committee to wait upon General Joseph Smith, informing him of the arrival of his excellency, with a request that General Smith would send out a committee to wait upon the governor and represent to him the state of affairs in relation to the difficulties that then existed in the county. We met this com¬ mittee while we were reconnoitering the city to find out the best mode of defense as aforesaid. Dr. J. M. Bernhisel and myself were appointed as a committee by General Smith to wait upon the governor. Pre¬ vious to going, however, we were furnished with affi¬ davits and documents in relation both to our pro¬ ceedings and those of the mob; in addition to the general history of the transaction, we took with us a duplicate of those documents which had been for¬ warded by Bishop Hunter, Brother James, and others. We started from Nauvoo in company with the afore¬ said gentlemen at about 7 o’clock on the evening of the 21st of June, and arrived at Carthage about 11 p. m. We put up at the same hotel with the governor, kept by a Mr. Hamilton. On our arrival we found the governor in bed, but not so with the other in¬ habitants. The town was filled with a perfect set of rabble and rowdies, who, under the influence of bacchus, seemed to be holding a grand saturnalia, whooping, yelling and vociferating as if bedlam had broken loose. On our arrival at the hotel, and while supper was preparing, a man came to me, dressed as a soldier, and told me that a man named Daniel Gam had just been taken prisoner, and was about to be committed to jail, and wanted me to go bail for him. Believing this to be a ruse to get me out alone, and that some 72 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 violence was intended, after consulting with Dr. Bern- hisel, I told the man that I was well acquainted with Mr. Garn, that I knew him to be a gentleman, and did not believe that he had transgressed law, and, more¬ over, that I considered it a very singular time to be holding courts and calling for security, particularly as the town was full of rowdyism. I informed him that Dr. Bernhisel and myself would, if necessary, go bail for him in the morning, but that we did not feel ourselves safe among such a set at that late hour of the night. After supper, on retiring to our room, we had to pass through another, which was separated from ours John Taylor only by a board partition, the beds in each hlsei at* earth- room being placed side by side, with the exception of this fragile partition. On the bed that was in the room which we passed through I discovered a man by the name of Jackson, a desperate character, and a reputed, notorious cutthroat and murderer. I hinted to the doctor that things looked rather suspicious, and looked to see that my arms were in order. The doctor and I occupied one bed. We had scarcely laid down when a knock at the door, accompanied by a voice announced the approach of Chauncey Higbee, the young lawyer and apostate be¬ fore referred to. He addressed himself to the doctor, and stated that the object of his visit was to obtain the release of Daniel Garn; that Garn he believed to be an honest man; that if he had done anything wrong, it was through improper counsel, and that it was a pity that he should be incarcerated, particularly when he could be so easily released; he urged the doctor, as a friend, not to leave so good a man in such an unpleasant situ¬ ation; he finally prevailed upon the doctor to go and give bail, assuring him that on his giving bail Garn would be immediately dismissed. During this conversation I did not say a word. Higbee left the doctor to dress, with the intention of A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 73 returning and taking him to the court. As soon as Higbee had left, I told the doctor that he had better not go; that I believed this affair was all a ruse to get us separated; that they knew we had documents with us from General Smith to show to the governor; that I believed their object was to get possession of those papers, and, perhaps, when they had separated us, to murder one or both. The doctor, who was actuated by the best of motives in yielding to the assumed solicitude of Higbee, coincided with my views; he then went to Higbee and told him that he had concluded not to go that night, but that he and I would both wait upon the justice and Mr. Gam in the morning. That night I lay awake with my pistols under my pillow, waiting for any emergency. Nothing more occurred during the night. In the morning we arose early, and after breakfast sought an interview with the governor, and were told that we could have an audience, I think, at 10 o'clock. In the meantime we called upon Mr. Smith, a justice of the peace, who had Mr. Garn in charge. We represented that we had been called upon the night before by two different parties to go bail for a Mr. Daniel Garn, whom we were informed he had in custody, and that, believing Mr. Garn to be an honest man, we had now come for that purpose, and were prepared to enter into recog¬ nizance for his appearance, whereupon Mr. Smith, the magistrate, remarked that, under the present excited state of affairs, he did not think he would be justified in receiving bail from Nauvoo, as it was a matter of doubt whether property would not be rendered value¬ less there in a few days. Knowing the party we had to deal with, we were not much surprised at this singular proceeding; we then remarked that both of us possessed property in farms out of Nauvoo in the country, and referred him to the county records. He then stated that such was the nature of the charge against Mr. Garn that he believed he would not be justified in receiving any 74 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 bail. We were thus confirmed in our opinion that the night’s proceedings before, in relation to their de¬ sire to have us give bail, was a mere ruse to separate us. We were not permitted to speak with Garn, the real charge against whom was that he was traveling in Carthage or its neighborhood; what the fictitious one was, if I knew, I have since forgotten, as things of this kind were of daily occurrence.” A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 75 CHAPTER VII. JOHN TAYLOR AND DR. BERNHISEL'S INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR FORD-PLEDGE OF GOVERNOR FORD FOR THE SECURITY OF JOSEPH SMITH IF HE WOULD COME TO CARTHAGE “AFTER waiting the governor’s pleasure for some time we had an audience; but such an audience! He was surrounded by some of the vilest and most unprincipled men in creation; some of them had an appearance of respectability, and many of them lacked even that. Wilson, and, I believe, William Law, were there; Foster, Frank and Chauncey Higbee, Mr. Mar, a lawyer from Nauvoo, a mobocratic merchant from Warsaw, the aforesaid Jackson, a number of his associates, among whom was the governor’s secre¬ tary; in all, some fifteen or twenty persons, most of whom were recreant to virtue, honor, integrity, and everything that is considered honorable among men. I can well remember the feelings of disgust that I had in seeing the governor surrounded by such an infamous group, and on being introduced to The Charactcr men of so questionable a character; and had °Lnd e i" Su the I been on private business, I should have Governor, turned to depart, and told the governor that if he thought proper to associate with such questionable characters, I should beg leave to be excused; but coming as we did on public business, we could not, of course, consult our private feelings. We then stated to the governor that, in accordance with his request, General Smith had, in response to his call, sent us to him as a committee of conference; that we were acquainted with most of the circumstances 76 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 that had transpired in and about Nauvoo lately, and were prepared to give him all information; that, more¬ over, we had in our possession testimony and affidavits confirmatory of what we should say, which had been forwarded to him by General Joseph Smith; that com¬ munications had been forwarded to his excellency by Messrs. Hunter, James, and others, some of which had not reached their destination, but of which we had duplicates with us. We then, in brief, related an outline of the difficulties, and the course we had pursued from the commencement of the troubles up to the present, and handing him the documents, re¬ spectfully submitted the whole. During our conversation and explanations with the governor we were frequently rudely and impudently contradicted by the fellows he had around him, and of whom he seemed to take no notice. He opened and read a number of the documents himself, and as he proceeded he was frequently inter¬ rupted by ‘That’s a lie!’ ‘That’s a G-d-ned lie!’ ‘That’s an infernal falsehood!’ ‘That’s a blasted lie!’ etc. These men evidently winced at an exposure of their acts, and thus vulgarly, impudently and falsely re¬ pudiated them. One of their number, Mr. Mar, ad¬ dressed himself several times to me while in conversa¬ tion with the governor. I did not notice him until after a ftequent repetition of his insolence, when I informed him that ‘my business at that time was with Governor Ford’, whereupon I continued my conversa¬ tion with his excellency. During the conversation, the governor expressed a desire that Joseph Smith, and all parties concerned in passing or executing the city law in relation to the press, had better come to Car¬ thage; that, however repugnant it might be to our feelings, he thought it would have a tendency to allay public excitement, and prove to the people what we professed, that we wished to be governed by law. We represented to him the course we had taken in relation to this matter, and our willingness to go before another A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 77 magistrate other than the municipal court; the illegal refusal of our request by the constable; our dismissal by the municipal court, a legally constituted tribunal; our subsequent trial before Squire Wells at the instance of Judge Thomas, the circuit judge, and our dismissal by him; that we had fulfilled the law in every par¬ ticular; that it was our enemies who were breaking the law, and, having murderous designs, were only making use of this as a pretext to get us into their power. The governor stated that the people viewed it differently, and that, notwithstanding our opinions, he would recommend that.the people should be satis¬ fied. We then remarked to him that, should Joseph Smith comply with his request, it would be extremely unsafe, in the present excited state of the country, to come without an armed force; that we had a sufficiency of men, and were competent to defend ourselves, but there might be danger of collision should our forces and those of our enemies be brought into Governor and such close proximity. He strenuously ad- 0 s f ta s t ^ 8 u ? t ‘* dBe vised us not to bring our arms, and pledged his faith as governor, and the faith of the state, that we should be protected, and that he would guarantee our perfect safety. We had at that time about five thousand men under arms, one thousand of whom would have been amply sufficient for our protection. At the termination of our interview, and previous to our withdrawal, after a long conversation and the perusal of the documents which we had brought, the governor informed us that he would prepare a written communication for General Joseph Smith, which he desired us to wait for. We were kept waiting for this instrument some five or six hours. About five o’clock in the afternoon we took our de¬ parture with not the most pleasant feelings. The associations of the governor, the spirit he manifested to compromise with these scoundrels, the length of time that he had kept us waiting, and his general deportment, together with the infernal spirit that we 78 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 saw exhibited by those whom he had admitted to his counsels, made the prospect anything but promising. We returned on horseback, and arrived at Nauvoo, I think, at about eight or nine o’clock at night accom¬ panied by Captain Yates in command of a company of mounted men, who came for the purpose of escort¬ ing Joseph Smith and the accused in case of their com¬ plying with the governor’s request, and going to Car¬ thage. We went directly to Brother Joseph’s when Captain Yates delivered to him the governor’s com¬ munication. A council was called, consisting of Jos¬ eph’s brother, Hyrum, Dc Richards, Dr. Bernhisel. myself, and one or two others. We then gave a detail of our interview with the governor. Brother Joseph was very much dissatisfied with the governor’s letter* and with his general de¬ portment, and so were the council, and it became a serious question as to the course we should pursue. Various projects were discussed, but nothing definitely decided upon for some time. In the interim two gentlemen arrived; one of them, if not both, sons of John C. Calhoun. They had come to Nauvoo, and were very anxious for an inter¬ view with Brother Joseph. These gentlemen detained him for some time; and as our council was held in Dr. Bernhisel’s room in the Mansion House, the doctor lay down; and as it was now between 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning, and I had had no rest on the previous night, I was fatigued, and thinking that Brother Joseph might not return, I left for home and rest. Being very much fatigued, I slept soundly, and was somewhat surprised in the morning by Mrs. The Prophet's Thompson entering my room about 7 west for the °' c l° c k. and exclaiming in surprise, ‘What, you here! the brethren have crossed the river some time since.’ *See Letter file in Church Historian’s Office, "Ford”, 184-4. Contents of this letter sufficiently given in the conversation between Joseph Smith and Governor Ford in Carthage prison. (Sec chapter viii). A. D. 1 842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 79 What brethren?’ I asked. ‘Brother Joseph, and Hyrum, and Brother Rich¬ ards’, she answered. I immediately arose upon learning that they had crossed the river, and did not intend to go to Carthage. I called together a number of persons in whom I had confidence, and had the type, stereotype plates, and most of the valuable things removed from the printing office, believing that should the governor and his force come to Nauvoo, the first thing they would do would be to burn the printing office, for I know that they would be exasperated if Brother Joseph went away. We had talked over these matters the night before, but nothing was decided upon. It was Brother Joseph’s opinion that, should we leave for a time, public excite¬ ment, which was then so intense, would be allayed; that it would throw on the governor the responsibility of keeping the peace; that in the event of an outrage, the onus would rest upon the governor, who was amply prepared with troops, and could command all the forces of the state to preserve order; and that the act of his own men would be an overwhelming proof of their seditious designs, not only to the governor, but to the world. He moreover thought that, in the east, where he intended to go, public opinion would be set right in relation to these matters, and its expres¬ sion would partially influence the west, and that, after the first ebullition, things would assume a shape that would justify his return. I made arrangements for crossing the river, and Brother Elias Smith and Joseph Cain, who were both employed in the printing office with me, assisted all that lay in their power together with Brother Brower and several hands in the printing office. As we could not find out the exact whereabouts of Joseph and the brethren, I crossed the riyer in a boat furnished by Brother Cyrus H. Wheelock and Alfred Bell; and after the removal of the things out of the printing office, Joseph Cain brought the account books to me, that we might make arrangements for their adjust- 80 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 ment; and Brother Elias Smith, cousin to Brother Joseph, went to obtain money for the journey, and also to find out and report to me the location of the brethren. As Cyrus Wheelock was an active, enterprising man, and in the event of not finding Brother Joseph I cal¬ culated to go to Upper Canada for the time being, and should need a companion, I said to Brother Cyrus H. Wheelock, ‘Can you go with me ten or fifteen hun¬ dred miles?’ He answered, ‘Yes’. ‘Can you start in half an hour?’ ‘Yes.’ However, I told him that he had better see his family, who lived over the river, and prepare a couple of horses and the necessary equippage for the journey, and that, if we did not find Brother Joseph before, we would start at nightfall. A laughable incident occurred on the eve of my departure. After making all the preparations I could, Eider John previous to leaving Nauvoo, and having Taylor in Dis- bid adieu to my family, I went to a house adjoining the river, owned by Brother Eddy. There I disguised myself so as not to be known, and so effectually was the transformation that those who had come after me with a boat did not know me. I went down to the boat and sat in it. Brother Bell, thinking it was a stranger, watched my moves for some time very impatiently, and then said to Brother Wheelock, ‘I wish that old gentleman would go away; he has been pottering around the boat for some time, and I am afraid Elder Taylor will be coming.’ When he discovered his mistake, he was not a little amused. I was conducted by Brother Bell to a house that was surrounded by timber on the opposite side of the The Prophet's r i ver - There I spent several hours in a R«um to Nau- chamber with Brother Joseph Cain, adjust- VOO. . 1 T 1 mg my accounts; and 1 made arrangements for the stereotype plates of the Book of Mormon and A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 81 Doctrine and Covenants to be forwarded east, thinking to supply the company with pubsistence money through the sale of these books in the east. My horses were reported ready by Brother Wheel- ock, and funds on hand by Brother Elias Smith. In about half an hour I should have started, when Brother Elias Smith came to me with word that he had found the brethren; that they had concluded to go to Car¬ thage, and wished me to return to Nauvoo and accom¬ pany them. I must confess that I felt a good deal disappointed at this news, but I immediately made preparations to go. Escorted by Brother Elias Smith, I and my party went to the neighborhood of Montrose, where we met Brother Joseph, Hyrum, Brother Rich¬ ards and others. Dr. Bernhisel thinks that W. W. Phelps was not with Joseph and Hyrum in the morn¬ ing, but that he met him, myself, Joseph and Hyrum, Willard Richards and Brother Cahoon, in the after¬ noon, near Montrose returning to Nauvoo. On meeting the brethren I learned that it was not Brother Joseph’s desire to return, but that he came back by request of some of the brethren, and that it coincided more with Brother Hyrum’s feelings than those of Brother Joseph. In fact, after his return, Brother Hyrum expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the course taken, and said he felt much more at ease in his mind than he did before. On our return the calculation was to throw ourselves under the im¬ mediate protection of the governor, and to trust to his word and faith for our preservation. A message was, I believe, sent to the governor that night, stating that we should come to Carthage in the morning, the party that came along with us to escort us back, in case we returned to Carthage, having re¬ turned. It would seem from the following remarks of Gov¬ ernor Ford, that there was a design on foot, which was, that if we refused to go to Carthage at the governor’s request, there should be an increased force called for 6 Vol. 7 82 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 by the governor, and that we should be destroyed by them. In accordance with this project, Captain Yates returned with his posse, accompanied by the constable who held the writ. The following is the governor’s remark in relation to this affair: ‘The constable and his escort returned. The constable made no effort to arrest any of them, nor would he or the guard delay their departure one minute beyond the time, to see whether an arrest could be made. Upon their return they reported that they had been in¬ formed that the accused had fled, and could not be tile’s Report"to f° unc *- I immediately proposed to a council of officers Governor Ford, to march into Nauvoo with the small force then under my command, but the officers were of the opinion that it was too small, and many of them insisted upon a further call of the militia. Upon reflection I was of the opinion that the officers were right in the estimate of our force, and the project for immediate action was abandoned. ‘I was soon informed, however, of the conduct of the constable and guard, and then I was perfectly satisfied that a most base fraud had been attempted; that, in fact, it was feared that the ‘Mormons’ would submit, and thereby entitle themselves to the protection of the law. It was very apparent that many of the bustling, active spirits were afraid that there would be no occasion for calling out an over¬ whelming militia force, for marching it into Nauvoo, for probable mutiny when there, and for the extermination of the ‘Mormon’ race. It appeared that the constable and the escort were fully in the secret, and acted well their part to promote the conspiracy.’* In the morning Brother Joseph had an interview with the officers of the Legion, with the leading mem¬ bers of the city council, and with the principal men of the city. The officers were instructed to dismiss their men, but to have them in a state of readiness to be called upon in any emergency that might occur. About half past six o’clock the members of the city council, the marshal, Brothers Joseph and Hyrum, and a number of others, started for Carthage, on horseback. We were instructed by Brother Joseph Smith not to take any arms, and we consequently left Ford’s History of Illinois, p. 3 33. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 83 them behind. We called at the house of Brother Fel¬ lows on our way out. Brother Fellows lives about four miles from Carthage. While at Brother Fellows’ house, Captain Dunn, accompanied by Mr. Coolie, one of the governor’s aid- de-camps, came up from Carthage en route Demand for for Nauvoo with a requisition from the A? ms S a! es governor for the state arms. We all re- Nauv0 ° turned to Nauvoo with them; the governor's request was complied with, and after taking some refresh¬ ments, we all returned to proceed to Carthage. We arrived there late in the night. A great deal of excite¬ ment prevailed on and after our arrival. The governor had received into his company all of the companies that had been in the mob; these fellows were riotous and disorderly, hallooing, yelling, and whooping about the streets like Indians, many of them intoxi¬ cated; the whole presented a scene of rowdyism and lowbred ruffianism only found among mobocrats and desperadoes, and entirely revolting to the best feelings of humanity. The governor made a speech to them to the effect that he would show Joseph and Hyrum Smith to them in the morning. About here the companies with the governor were drawn up in line, and General Deming, I think, took Joseph by the arm and Hyrum (Arnold says that Joseph took the governor’s arm), and as he passed through between the ranks, the governor leading in front, very politely introduced them as General Joseph Smith and General Hyrum Smith. * *The Deseret Neios gives the following account of Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s passing through the troops in Carthage: ‘Carthage, June 25th. 1844. ‘Quarter past 9. The governor came and invited Joseph to walk with him through the troops. Joseph solicited a few moment’s private conversation with him, which the governor refused. 'While refusing, the governor looked down at his shoes, as though he was ashamed They then walked through the crowd, with Brigadier-General Miner, R Deming, and Dr. Richards, to General Deming’s quarters. The people appeared quiet until a company of Carthage Greys flocked round the doors of General Deming in an uproarious manner, of which notice was sent to the governor. In the meantime the governor had ordered the McDonough troops to be drawn up in line, for Joseph 84 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH LA. D. 1842-6 All were orderly and courteous except one company of mobocrats—the Carthage Greys—who seemed to find fault on account of too much honor being paid to the ‘Mormons’. There was afterward a row between the companies, and they came pretty near having a fight; the more orderly not feeling disposed to endorse or submit to the rowdyism of the mobocrats. The result was that General Deming, who was very much of a gentleman, ordered the Carthage Greys, a company under the command of Captain [R. F. J Smith, a magistrate in Carthage, and a most violent mobocrat, under arrest. This matter, however, was shortly after¬ ward adjusted, and the difficulty settled between them. The mayor, aldermen, councilors, as well as the marshal of the city of Nauvoo, together with some persons who had assisted the marshal in removing the press in Nauvoo, appeared before Justice Smith, the _. r-*. r- aforesaid captain and mobocrat, to again The City Coun- \ i 1 ° di of Nauvoo answer the charge or destroying the press; fore justice but as there was so much excitement, and as the man was an unprincipled villain before whom we were to have our hearing, we thought it most prudent to give bail, and consequently became security for each other in $500 bonds each, to appear and Hyrum to pass in front of them, they having requested that they might have 3 clear view of the Generals Smith. Joseph had a conversation ivith the governor for about ten minutes, when he again pledged the faith of the state that he and his friends should be protected from violence. 'Robinson, the postmaster. Said, on report of martial law being proclaimed in Nauvoo, he had stopped the mail, and notified the postmaster-general of the state of things in Hancock county. ‘From the general’s quarters Joseph and Hyrum weiit in front of the lines, in a hollow square of a company of Carthage Greys. At seven minutes before ten they arrived in front of the lines, and passed before the whole, Joseph being on the right of General Deming and Hyrum on his left, Elders Richards, Taylor and Phelps following. Joseph and Hyrum were introduced by Governor Ford about twenty times along the line as General Joseph Smith and General Hyrum Smith, the governor walking in front on the left. The Carthage Greys refused to receive them by that introduction, and some of the officers threw up their hats, drew their swords, and said they would introduce themselves to the damned 'Mormons’ in a different style. The governor mildly entreated them not to act so rudely, but their excitement increased; the governor, however, succeeded in pacifying them by making a speech, and promising them th3t they should have 'full satisfaction’. Gen¬ eral Smith and party returned to their lodgings at five minutes past ten ' ( Deseret News, No. 35. Nov. 4. 1857, p. 274). A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 85 before the county court at its next session. We had engaged as counsel a lawyer by the name of Wood, of Burlington, Iowa; and Reed, I think, of Madison, Iowa. After some little discussion the bonds were signed, and we were all dismissed. Almost immediately after our dismissal, two men— Augustine Spencer and Norton—two worthless fel¬ lows, whose words would not have been taken for five cents, and the first of whom had a short time pre¬ viously been before the mayor in Nauvoo for maltreat¬ ing a lame brother, made affidavits that The Charge Joseph and Hyrum Smith were guilty of Against the treason, and a writ was accordingly issued 1>ropl,et - for their arrest, and the Constable Bettisworth, a rough, unprincipled man, wished immediately to hurry them away to prison without any hearing. His rude, uncouth manner in the administration of what he considered the duties of his office made him exceedingly repulsive to us all. But, independent of these acts, the proceedings in this case were altogether illegal. Providing the court was sincere, which it was not, and providing these men’s oaths were true, and that Joseph and Hyrum were guilty of treason, still the whole course was illegal. The magistrate made out a mittimus, and com¬ mitted them to prison without a hearing, which he had no right legally to do. The statute of Illinois expressly provides that ‘all men shall have a hearing before a magistrate before they shall be committed to prison’; and Mr. Robert F. Smith, the magistrate, had made out a mittimus committing them to prison contrary to law without such hearing. As I was in¬ formed of this illegal proceeding, I went immediately to the governor and informed him of it. Whether he was apprised of it before or not, I do not know; but my opinion is that he was. I represented to him the characters of the parties who had made oath, the outrageous nature of the charge, the indignity offered to men in the position 86 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 which they occupied, and declared to him that he knew very well it was a vexatious proceeding, and that the accused were not guilty t>f any such crime. The gov¬ ernor replied, he was very sorry that the thing had occurred; that he did not believe the charges, but that he thought the best thing to be done was to let the law take its course. I then reminded him that we had come out there at his instance, not to satisfy the law, which we had done before, but the prejudices of the people, in relation to the affair of the press; that at his instance we had given bonds, which we could not by law be required to do to satisfy the people, and that it was asking too much to require gentlemen in their position in life to suffer the degradation of being im¬ mured in a jail at the instance of such worthless scoun¬ drels as those who had made this affidavit. The gov¬ ernor replied that it was an unpleasant affair, and looked hard; but that it was a matter over which he had no control, as it belonged to the judiciary; that Governor he, as the executive, could not interfere with tion to the their proceedings, and that he had no doubt ot e johTTay- n but that they would immediately be dis- Ior ; missed. I told him that we had looked to him for protection from such insults, and that I thought we had a right to do so from the solemn promises which he had made to me and to Dr. Bern- hisel in relation to our coming without guard or arms; that we had relied upon his faith, and had a right to expect him to fulfill his engagements after we had placed ourselves implicitly under his care, and com¬ plied with all his requests, although extra-judicial. He replied that he would detail a guard, if we re¬ quired it, and see us protected, but that he could not interfere with the judiciary. I expressed my dissatis¬ faction at the course taken, and told him that, if we were to be subject to mob rule, and to be dragged, contrary to law, into prison at the instance of every infernal scoundrel whose oaths could be bought for a dram of whiskey, his protection availed very little, and we had miscalculated his promises. A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 87 Seeing there was no prospect of redress from the governor, I returned to the room, and found the Con¬ stable Bettisworth very urgent to hurry Brothers Jos¬ eph and Hyrum to prison, while the brethren were remonstrating with him. At the same time a great rabble was gathered in the streets and around the door, and from the rowdyism manifested I was afraid there was a design to murder the prisoners on the way to jail. Without conferring with any person, my next feel¬ ings were to procure a guard, and, seeing a man habited as a soldier in the room, I went to him and said, ‘I am afraid there is a design against the lives of the Messrs. Smith; will you go immediately and bring your captain; and. if not convenient any other captain of a company, and I will pay you well for your trou¬ ble?’ He said he would, and departed forthwith, and soon returned with his captain, whose name I have forgotten, and introduced him to me. I told him of my fears, and requested him immediately to fetch his company. He departed forthwith, and arrived at the door with them just at the time when the constable was hurrying the brethren downstairs. A number of the brethren went along, together with one or two strangers; and all of us safely lodged in prison, remained there during the night.” 88 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 CHAPTER VIII. INTERVIEW BETWEEN JOSEPH SMITH AND GOVERNOR THOMAS FORD “At the request of Joseph Smith for an interview with the governor, he came the next morning, Thursday, June 26th, at half past 9 o’clock, accompanied by Colonel Thomas Geddes, when a lengthy conversation was entered into in relation to the existing difficulties; and after some preliminary remarks, at the governor’s request, Brother Joseph gave him a general outline of the state of affairs in relation to our difficulties, the excited state of the country, the tumultuous mobocratic movements of our enemies, the precautionary measures used by himself (Joseph Smith), the acts of the city council, the destruction of the press, and the moves of the mob and ourselves up to that time. The following report is, I believe, substantially correct: Governor —‘General Smith, I believe you have given me a general outline of the difficulties that have existed in the country in the documents forwarded to me by Dr. Bernhisel and Mr. Taylor: but, unfortunately, there seems to be a great discrepancy between your state¬ ments and those of your enemies. It is true that you are substantiated by evidence and affidavit, but for such an extraordinary excitement as that which is now in the country there must be some cause, and I attribute the last outbreak to the destruction of the Expositor, and to your refusal to comply with the writ issued by Esquire Morrison. The press in the United States is looked upon as the great bulwark of American freedom, and its destruction in Nauvoo was A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 89 represented and looked upon as a high-handed measure, and manifests to the people a disposition on your part to suppress the liberty of speech and of the press. This, with your refusal to comply with the requisition of a writ, I conceive to be the principal cause of this difficulty; and you are moreover represented to me as turbulent, and defiant of the laws and institutions of your country.’ General Smith —‘Governor Ford, you, sir, as gov¬ ernor of this state, are aware of the persecutions that I have endured. You know well that our course has been peaceable and law-abiding for I have furnished this state ever since our settlement here with sufficient evidence of my pacific intentions, and those of the people with whom I am associated, by the endurance of every conceivable indignity and lawless outrage perpetrated upon me and upon this people since our settlement here; and you yourself know that I have kept you well posted in relation to all matters asso¬ ciated with the late difficulties. If you have not got some of my communications, it has not been my fault. ‘Agreeably to your orders, I assembled the Nauvoo Legion for the protection of Nauvoo and the surround¬ ing country against an armed band of marauders; and ever since they have been mustered I have almost daily communicated with you in regard to all the leading events that have transpired; and whether in the ca¬ pacity of mayor of the city, or lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, I have striven, according to the best of my judgment to preserve the peace, and to administer even-handed justice; but my motives are impugned, my acts are misconstrued, and I am grossly and wickedly misrepresented. I suppose I am indebted for my incarceration to the oath of a worthless man, who was arraigned before me and fined for abusing and maltreating his lame, helpless brother. That I should be charged by you, sir, who know better, of acting contrary to law, is to me a matter of surprise. Was it the ‘Mormons’ or our enemies who first com- 90 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IA D. 1842-6 menced these difficulties? You know well it was not us; and when this turbulent, outrageous people com¬ menced their insurrectionary movements I made you acquainted with them officially, and asked your advice, and have followed strictly your counsel in every partic¬ ular. Who ordered out the Nauvoo Legion? I did, under your direction. For what purpose? To suppress the insurrectionary movements. It was at your instance, sir, that I issued a Proclamation calling upon the Nau¬ voo Legion to be in readiness at a moment’s warning to guard against the incursions of mobs, and gave an order to Jonathan Dunham, acting major-general, to that effect. ‘Am I, then, to be charged with the acts of others? and because lawlessness and mobocracy abound, am I, when carrying out your instructions, to be charged with not abiding law? Why is it that I must be made accountable for other men’s acts? If there is trouble in the country, neither I nor my people made it; and all that we have ever done, after much endurance on our part, is to maintain and uphold the Constitution and institutions of our country, and to protect an injured, innocent, and persecuted people against mis¬ rule and mob violence. ‘Concerning the destruction of the press to which you refer, men may differ somewhat in their opinions about it; but can it be supposed that after all the indignities to which they have been subjected outside, that people would suffer a set of worthless vagabonds to come into their city, and, right under their own eyes and protection, vilify and calumniate not only themselves, but the character of their wives and daugh¬ ters, as was impudently and unblushingly done in that infamous and filthy sheet? ‘There is not a city in the United States that would have suffered such an indignity for twenty-four hours. Our whole people were indignant, and loudly called upon our city authorities for a redress of their griev¬ ances, which, if not attended to, they themselves would A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 91 have taken into their own hands, and have summarily punished the audacious wretches as they deserved. The principle of equal rights that has been instilled into our bosoms from our cradles as American citizens forbids us submitting to every foul indignity, and suc¬ cumbing and pandering to wretches so infamous as these. But, independent of this, the course that we pursued we consider to be strictly legal; for, notwith¬ standing the result, we were anxious to be governed strictly by law, and therefore we convened the city council; and being desirous in our deliberations to abide by law, we summoned legal counsel to be present on the occasion. Upon investigating the matter, we found that our city charter gave us power to remove all nuisances. Furthermore, after consulting Black- stone upon what might be considered a nuisance, it appeared that that distinguished lawyer, who is con¬ sidered authority, I believe, in all courts, states among other things that ‘a libelous and filthy press may be considered a nuisance, and abated as such.’* Here, then, one of the most eminent English barristers, whose works are considered standard with us, declares that a libelous and filthy press may be considered a nuisance; and our own charter, given us by the legislature of this state, gives us the power to remove nuisances; and by ordering that press to be abated as a nuisance, we conceived that we were acting strictly in accordance with law. We made that order in our corporate ca¬ pacity, and the city marshal carried it out. It is pos¬ sible there may have been some better way, but I must confess that I could not see it. ‘In relation to the writ served upon us, we were willing to abide the consequences of our own acts, but *The author referred to (Blackstone) says: “A fourth species of remedy by the mere act of the party injured, is the abatement, or removal of nuisances.” On this the following commentary is made in note 6. “So it seems that a libelous print, or paper [not the printing press on which they may have been printed] affecting a private individual may be destroyed: or. which is the better course, taken and delivered to a magistrate” (Sec Chitty’s Blackstone, bk. ii. chs. i. iv, note 6). The destruction of libelous ’‘prints and papers” can scarcely be held to sustain the action of destroying a ”printing press.” 92 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A D. 1842 6 were unwilling, in answering a writ of that kind, to submit to illegal exactions, sought to be imposed upon us under the pretense of law, when we knew they were in open violation of it. When that document was presented to me by Mr. Bettisworth, I offered, in the presence of more than twenty persons, to go to any other magistrate, either in our city, in Appanoose, or any other place where we should be safe, but we all refused to put ourselves into the power of a mob. What right had that constable to refuse our request? He had none according to law; for you know, Gover¬ nor Ford, that the statute law in Illinois is, that the parties served with the writ ‘shall go before him who issued it, or some other justice of the peace.’ Why, then, should we be dragged to Carthage, where the law does not compel us to go? Does not this look like many others of our persecutions with which you are acquainted? and have we not a right to expect foul play? This very act was a breach of law on his part, an assumption of power that did not belong to him, and an attempt, at least, to deprive us of our legal and constitutional rights and privileges. What could we do, under the circumstances, different from what we did do? We sued for, and obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the municipal court, by which we were delivered from the hands of Constable Bettis¬ worth, and brought before and acquitted by the mu¬ nicipal court. After our acquittal, in a conversation with Judge Thomas, although he considered the acts of the party illegal, he advised that, to satisfy the people, we had better go before another magistrate who was not in our church. In accordance with his advice, we went before Esquire Wells, with whom you are well acquainted; both parties were present, wit¬ nesses were called on both sides, the case was fully investigated, and we were again dismissed. And what is this pretended desire to enforce law, and wherefore are these lying, base rumors put into circulation but to seek, through mob influence, under pretense of law, A. D. 18-12-6 | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 93 to make us submit to requisitions which are contrary to law and subversive of every principle of justice? And when you, sir, required us to come out here, we came, not because it was legal, but because you re¬ quired it of us, and we were desirous of showing to you, and to all men, that we shrunk not from the most rigid investigation of our acts. We certainly did ex¬ pect other treatment than to be immured in a jail at the instance of these men, and I think, from your plighted faith, we had a right so to expect, after dis¬ banding our own forces, and putting ourselves entirely in your hands. And now, after having fulfilled my part, sir, as a man and an American citizen, I call upon you, Governor Ford, to deliver us from this place, and rescue us from this outrage that is sought to be practiced upon us by a set of infamous scoundrels.’ Governor Ford —'But you have placed men under arrest, detained men as prisoners, and given passes to others, some of which I have seen.' John P. Greene, City Marshal —‘Perhaps I can ex¬ plain. Since these difficulties have commenced, you are aware that we have been placed under very pe¬ culiar circumstances; our city has been placed under a very rigid police guard; in addition to this, frequent guards have been placed outside the city to prevent any sudden surprise, and those guards have questioned sus¬ pected or suspicious persons as to their business. To strangers, in some instances, passes have been given to prevent difficulty in passing those guards; it is some of these passes that you have seen. No person, sir, has been imprisoned without a legal cause in our city.’ Governor —‘Why did you not give a more speedy answer to the posse that I sent out?’ General Smith —‘We had matters of importance to consult upon; your letter showed anything but an amiable spirit. We have suffered immensely in Mis¬ souri from mobs, in loss of property, imprisonment, and otherwise. It took some time for us to weigh duly these matters: we could not decide upon matters 94 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 of such importance immediately, and your posse were too hasty in returning; we were consulting for a large people, and vast interests were at stake. We had been outrageously imposed upon, and knew not how far we could trust anyone, besides, a question necessarily arose, how shall we come? Your request was that we should come unarmed. It became a matter of serious importance to decide how far promises could be trusted, and how far we were safe from mob vio¬ lence.’ Colonel Geddes —‘It certainly did look from all I have heard, from the general spirit of violence and mobocracy that here prevails, that it was not safe for you to come unprotected.'* Governor Ford —‘I think that sufficient time was not allowed by the posse for you to consult and get ready. They were too hasty; but I suppose they found themselves bound by their orders. I think, too, there is a great deal of truth in what you say, and your reasoning is plausible, but I must beg leave to differ from you in relation to the acts of the city council. That council, in my opinion, had no right to act in a legislative capacity and in that of the ju¬ diciary. They should have passed a law in relation to the matter, and then the municipal court, upon complaint, could have removed it | i. e., the Expositor press]; but for the city council to take upon them¬ selves the law-making and the execution of the law, is, in my opinion, wrong; besides, these men ought to have had a hearing before their property was de¬ stroyed; to destroy it without was an infringement on their rights; besides, it is so contrary to the feelings of American people to interfere with the press. And, ♦Notwithstanding this sympathetic allusion by Colonel Geddes upon the situation, it is stated by Gregg that Geddes was really unfriendly to the Prophet and had no sympathy with him and the injustice which had been done him in his arrest and imprisonment, for after leaving the prison and carrying on a conversation with Governor Ford, he represents the governor as saying to him: “O. it’s all nonsense: you will have to drive these Mormons out yet”! Then Geddes said to the governor: “If we undertake that governor, when the proper time comes, will you interfere?” “No. I will not”, said the governor, after a pause adding, “until you arc through ” (Gregg’s History of Hancock County, p. 3 72). A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 95 furthermore, I cannot but think that it would have been more judicious for you to have gone with Mr. Bettisworth to Carthage, notwithstanding the law did not require it. Concerning your being in jail, I am sorry for that; I wish it had been otherwise. I hope you will soon be released, but I can not interfere.’ Joseph Smith —'Governor Ford, allow me, sir, to bring one thing to your mind that you seem to have overlooked. You state that you think it would have been better for us to have submitted to the requisition of Constable Bettisworth, and to have gone to Car¬ thage. Do you not know, sir, that that writ was served at the instance of an anti-'Mormon’ mob, who had passed resolutions, and published them, to the effect that they would exterminate the ‘Mormon’ lead¬ ers? And are you not informed that Captain Ander¬ son was not only threatened but had a gun fired at his boat by this said mob in Warsaw when coming up to Nauvoo, and that this very thing was made use of as a means to get us into their hands; and we could not. without taking an armed force with us, go there without, according to their published declarations, go¬ ing into the jaws of death? To have taken a force with us would only have fanned the excitement, and they would have stated that we wanted to use in¬ timidation; therefore, we thought it the most judicious to avail ourselves of the protection of law.’ Governor Ford —‘I see, I see.’ Joseph Smith —‘Furthermore, in relation to the press, you say that you differ from me in opinion. Be it so; the thing, after all, is only a legal difficulty, and the courts, I should judge, are competent to decide on that matter. If our act was illegal, we are willing to meet it and although I can not see the distinction that you draw about the acts of the city council, and what difference it could have made in point of fact, law, or justice between the city council’s acting to¬ gether or separate, or how much more legal it would have been for the municipal court, who were a part of 96 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IA. D. 1842-6 the city council, to act separately instead of with the councilors, yet if it is deemed that we did a wrong in destroying that press, we refuse not to pay for it; we are desirous to fulfill the law in every particular, and are responsible for our acts. You say that the parties ought to have had a hearing. Had it been a civil suit, this, of course, would have been proper; but there was a flagrant violation of every principle of right—a nuisance; and it was abated on the same principle that any nuisance, stench, or putrefied carcass would have been removed. Our first step, therefore, was to stop the foul, noisome, filthy sheet, and then the next in our opinion would have been to have prosecuted the man for a breach of public decency. And, further¬ more, again let me say, Governor Ford, I shall look to you for our protection. I believe you are talking of going to Nauvoo; if you go, sir, I wish to go along. I refuse not to answer any law, but I do not consider myself safe here.’ Governor —‘I am in hopes that you will be acquit¬ ted, and if I go I will certainly take you along. I do not, however, apprehend danger. I think you are perfectly safe either here or anywhere else. I can not, however, interfere with the law. I am placed in pe¬ culiar circumstances, and seem to be blamed by all parties.’ Joseph Smith —'Governor Ford, I ask nothing but what is legal: I have a right to expect protection, at least from you; for, independent of law, you have pledged your faith and that of the state for my pro¬ tection, and I wish to go to Nauvoo.’ Governor —‘And you shall have protection, General Smith. I did not make this promise without consult¬ ing my officers, who all pledged their honor to its fulfillment. I do not know that I shall go tomorrow to Nauvoo, but if I do I will take you along.’ At a quarter past ten o’clock the governor left.” A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 97 CHAPTER IX THE ASSAULT UPON THE PRISON-THE MURDER OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH “At about half past twelve o’clock, Mr. Reed, one of Joseph’s counsel, came in, apparently much elated; he stated that, upon an examination of the law, he found that the magistrate had transcended his juris¬ diction, and that, having committed them The Magis- without an examination, his jurisdiction His Jurisdic- ended; that he had him upon a pinhook; that he ought to have examined them before he com¬ mitted them, and that, having violated the law in this particular, he had no farther power over them; for, once committed, they were out of his jurisdiction, as the power of the magistrate extended no farther than their committal, and that now they could not be brought out except at the regular session of the circuit court, or by a writ of habeas corpus; but that if Justice Smith would consent to go to Nauvoo for trial, he would compromise matters with him, and overlook this matter. Mr. Reed farther stated that the anti-‘Mormons’, or mob had concocted a scheme to get a writ from Missouri, with a demand upon Governor Ford for the arrest of Joseph Smith, and his conveyance to Missouri, and that a man by the name of Wilson had returned from Missouri the night before the burning of the press for this purpose. At half past two o’clock Constable Bettisworth came to the jail with a man named Simpson, professing to have some order, but he would not send up his name, and the guard would not let him pass. Dr. 7 Vol. 7 98 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Bernhisel and Brother Wasson went to inform the governor and council of this. At about twenty minutes to three Dr. Bernhisel returned, and stated that he thought the governor was doing all he could. At about ten minutes to three Hiram Kimball appeared with news from Nauvoo. Soon after Constable Bettisworth came with an order from Esquire Smith to convey the prisoners to prisoners ii- the courthouse for trial. He was informed into a com rced toat the process was illegal, that they had been placed there contrary to law, and that they refused to come unless by legal process. I was informed that Justice [Robert F. | Smith [who was also captain of the Carthage Greys) went to the gover¬ nor and informed him of the matter, and that the governor replied, ‘You have your forces, and of course can use them.’ The constable certainly did return, ac¬ companied by a guard of armed men, and by force, and under protest, hurried the prisoners to the court. About four o’clock the case was called by Captain Robert F. Smith, J. P. The counsel for the prisoners called for subpoenas to bring witnesses. At twenty- five minutes past four he took a copy of the order to bring the prisoners from jail to trial, and afterwards he took names of witnesses. Counsel present for the state; Higbee, Skinner, Sharp, Emmons, and Morrison. Twenty-five minutes to five the writ was returned as served, June 25th. Many remarks were made at the court that I paid but little attention to, as I considered the whole thing illegal and a complete burlesque. Wood objected to the proceedings in toto, in consequence of its illegality, showing that the prisoners were not only illegally committed, but that, being once committed, the magis¬ trate had no farther power over them; but as it was the same magistrate before whom he was pleading who imprisoned them contrary to law, and the same who, as captain, forced them from jail, his arguments availed but little. He then urged that the prisoners be re- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 99 manded until witnesses could be had, and applied for a continuance for that purpose. Skinner suggested until twelve o’clock next day. Wood again demanded until witnesses could be obtained; that the court meet at a specified time, and that, if witnesses were not present, again adjourn, without calling the prisoners. After various remarks from Reed, Skinner, and others, the court stated that the writ was served yesterday, and that it will give until tomorrow at twelve m. to get witnesses. We then returned to jail. Immediately after our return Dr. Bernhisel went to the governor, and ob¬ tained from him an order for us to occupy Some Conces- a large open room containing a bedstead • fort to the I rather think that the same room had been Prisoners - appropriated to the use of debtors; at any rate, there was free access to the jailor’s house, and no bars or locks except such as might be on the outside door of the jail. The jailor, Mr. George W. Steghall, and his wife, manifested a disposition to make us as comfort¬ able as they could; we ate at their table, which was well provided, and, of course, paid for it. I do not remember the names of all who were with us that night and the next morning in jail, for several went and came; among those that we considered sta¬ tionary were Stephen Markham, John S. Fullmer, Captain Dan Jones, Dr. Willard Richards, and my¬ self. Dr. Bernhisel says that he was there from Wednes¬ day in the afternoon until eleven o’clock next day. We were, however, visited by numerous friends, among whom were Uncle John Smith, Hiram Kimball, Cyrus H. Wheelock, besides lawyers, as counsel. There was also a great variety of conversation, which was rather desultory than otherwise, and referred to circumstances that had transpired, our former and present grievances, the spirit of the troops around us, and the disposition of the governor; the devising for legal and other plans for deliverance, the nature of testimony required; the 100 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 gathering of proper witnesses, and a variety of other topics, including our religious hopes, etc. During one of these conversations Dr. Richards re¬ marked: 'Brother Joseph, if it is necessary that you die in this matter, and if they will take me in your stead, I will suffer for you.’ At another time, when con¬ versing about deliverance, I said, ‘Brother Joseph, if you will permit it, and say the word, I will have you out of this prison in five hours, if the jail has to come down to do it.’ My idea was to go to Nauvoo, and collect a force sufficient, as I considered the whole affair a legal farce, and a flagrant outrage upon our liberty and rights. Brother Joseph refused. Elder Cyrus H. Wheelock came in to see us, and when he was about leaving drew a small pistol, a six- shooter, from his pocket, remarking at the same time, Cyrus H. ‘Would any of you like to have this?’ v V isUto k tho Brother Joseph immediately replied, ‘Yes, Prison. give j t to me > w h ereu p 0n he took the pistol, and put it in his pantaloons pocket. The pistol was a six-shooting revolver, of Allen’s patent; it belonged to me, and was one that I furnished to Brother Wheel¬ ock when he talked of going with me to the east, previous to our coming to Carthage. I have it now in my possession. Brother Wheelock went out on some errand, and was not suffered to return. The report of the governor having gone to Nauvoo without tak¬ ing the prisoners along with him caused very unpleas¬ ant feelings, as we were apprised that we were left to the tender mercies of the Carthage Greys, a company strictly mobocratic, and whom we knew to be our most deadly enemies; and their captain, Esquire [Robert F. ] Smith, -was a most unprincipled villain. Besides this, all the mob forces, comprising the governor’s troops, were dismissed, with the exception of one or two com¬ panies, which the governor took with him to Nauvoo. The great part of the mob was liberated, the remainder was our guard. We looked upon it not only as a breach of faith on A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 101 the part of the governor, but also as an indication of a desire to insult us, if nothing more, by leaving us in the proximity of such men. The prevention of Wheel- ock’s return was among the first of their hostile move¬ ments. Colonel Markham went out, and he was also pre¬ vented from returning. He was very angry at this, but the mob paid no attention to him; they HarshTreat _ drove him out of town at the point of the ^ h ° a f m Co1 - bayonet, and threatened to shoot him if he returned. He went, I am informed, to Nauvoo for the purpose of raising a company of men for our pro¬ tection. Brother Fullmer went to Nauvoo after wit¬ nesses; it is my opinion that Brother Wheelock did also. Sometime after dinner we sent for some wine. It has been reported by some that this was taken as a sacrament. It was no such thing; our spirits were generally dull and heavy, and it was sent w >ne for to revive us. I think it was Captain 0btamed ' Jones who went after it, but they would not suffer him to return. I believe we all drank of the wine, and gave some to one or two of the prison guards. We all of us felt unusually dull and languid, with a remarkable depression of spirits. In consonance with those feelings I sang a song, that had lately been intro¬ duced into Nauvoo, entitled, ‘A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, etc.* The song is pathetic, and the tune quite plaintive, and was very much in accordance with our feelings at the time for our spirits were all depressed, , A Poor Way . dull and gloomy and surcharged with in- Man of definite ominous forebodings. After a lapse of some time, Brother Hyrum requested me again to sing that song. I replied, ‘Brother Hyrum, I do not feel like singing;’ when he remarked, ‘Oh, never mind: commence singing, and you will get the spirit of it. ♦The song is published in full this History, vol. vi. pp. 614-15. It was the com¬ position of Montgomery. B. H. R. 102 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A D. 1842-6 At his request I did so. Soon afterwards I was sitting at one of the front windows of the jail, when I saw a number of men, with painted faces, coming around the corner of the jail, and aiming towards the stairs. The Assault. ot ^ er brethren had seen the same, for, as I went to the door, I found Brother Hyrum Smith and Dr. Richards already leaning against it. They both pressed against the door with their shoulders to prevent its being opened, as the lock and latch were comparatively useless. While in this po¬ sition, the mob, who had come upstairs, and tried to open the door, probably thought it was locked, and fired a ball through the keyhole; at this Dr. Rich¬ ards and Brother Hyrum leaped back from the door, with their faces towards it; almost instantly another ball passed through the panel of the door, and struck Brother Hyrum on the left side of the nose, entering his face and head. At the same instant, another ball from the outside entered his back, passing through his body and striking his watch. The ball came from the back, through the jail window, opposite the door, and must, from its range, have been fired from the Carthage Greys, who were placed there ostensibly for our protection, as the balls from the firearms, shot close by the jail, would have entered the ceiling, we being in the second story, and there never was a time after that when Hyrum could have received the latter wound. Immediately, when the ball struck him, he fell flat on his back, crying as he fell, ‘I am a dead man!’ He never moved afterwards. I shall never forget the deep feeling of sympathy and regard manifested in the countenance of Brother Joseph as he drew nigh to Hyrum, and, leaning over him, exclaimed, ‘Oh! my poor, dear brother Hyrum!’ He. however, instantly arose, and with a firm, quick step, and a determined expression of countenance, ap¬ proached the door, and pulling the six-shooter left by Brother Wheelock from his pocket, opened the door slightly, and snapped the pistol six successive times; A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 103 only three of the barrels, however, were discharged. I afterwards understood that two or three were wound¬ ed by these discharges, two of whom, I am informed, died. I had in my hands a large, strong hickory stick, brought there by Brother Markham, and left by him, which I had seized as soon as I saw the mob approach; and while Brother Joseph was firing the pistol, I stood close behind him. As soon as he had discharged it he stepped back, and I immediately took his place next to the door, while he occupied the one I had done while he was shooting. Brother Richards, at this time, had a knotty walking-stick in his hands belonging to me, and stood next to Brother Joseph, a little farther from the door, in an oblique direction, apparently to avoid the rake of the fire from the door. The firing of Brother Joseph made our assailants pause for a moment; very soon after, however, they pushed the door some distance open, and protruded and discharged their guns into the room, when I parried them off with my stick, giving another direction to the balls. It certainly was a terrible scene: streams of fire as thick as my arm passed by me as these men fired, and, unarmed as we were, it looked like certain death. I re¬ member feeling as though my time had come, but I do not know when, in any critical position, I was more calm, unruffled, energetic, and acted with more prompt¬ ness and decision. It certainly was far from pleasant to be so near the muzzles of those firearms as they belched forth their liquid flames and deadly balls. While I was engaged in parrying the guns, Brother Joseph said, ‘That’s right, Brother Taylor, parry them off as well as you can.’ These were the last words I ever heard him speak on earth. Every moment the crowd at the door became more dense, as they were unquestionably pressed on by those in the rear ascending the stairs, until the whole entrance at the door was literally crowded with muskets and rifles, which, with the swearing, shouting, and demoni¬ acal expressions of those outside the door and on the 104 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 stairs, and the firing of the guns, mingled with their horrid oaths and execrations, made it look like pan¬ demonium let loose, and was, indeed, a fit representa¬ tion of the horrid deed in which they were engaged. After parrying the guns for some time, which now protruded thicker and farther into the room, and seeing Taylor’s Effort no h°P e of escape or protection there, as the window by we wcre now unari ned, it occurred to me that we might have some friends outside, and that there might be some chance of escape in that direction, but here there seemed to be none. As I expected them every moment to rush into the room— nothing but extreme cowardice having thus far kept them out—as the tumult and pressure increased, with¬ out any other hope, I made a spring for the window which was right in front of the jail door, where the mob was standing, and also exposed to the fire of the Carthage Greys, who were stationed some ten or twelve rods off. The weather was hot, we all of us had our coats off, and the window was raised to admit air. As I reached the window, and was on the point of leaping out, I was struck by a ball from the door about midway of my thigh, which struck the bone, and flattened out almost to the size of a quarter of a dollar, and then passed on through the fleshy part to within about half an inch of the outside. I think some prominent nerve must have been severed or injured for, as soon as the ball struck me, I fell like a bird when shot, or an ox when struck by a butcher, and lost entirely and instantaneously all power of action or locomotion. 1 fell upon the window-sill, and cried out, ‘I am shot!’ Not possessing any power to move, I felt myself falling outside of the window, but im¬ mediately I fell inside, from some, at that time, un¬ known cause. When I struck the floor my animation seemed restored, as I have seen it sometimes in squirrels and birds after being shot. As soon as I felt the power of motion I crawled under the bed, which was in a corner of the room, not far from the window where I A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 105 received my wound. While on my way and under the bed I was wounded in three other places; one ball entered a little below the left knee, and never was ex¬ tracted; another entered the forepart of my left arm, a little above the wrist, and, passing down by the joint, lodged in the fleshy part of my hand, about midway, a little above the upper joint of my little finger; another struck me on the fleshy part of my left hip, and tore away the flesh as large as my hand, dashing the mangled fragments of flesh and blood against the wall. My wounds were painful, and the sensation pro¬ duced was as though a ball had passed through and down the whole length of my leg. I very well re¬ member my reflections at the time. I had a very pain¬ ful idea of becoming lame and decrepid, and being an object of pity, and I felt as though I would rather die than be placed in such circumstances. It would seem that immediately after my attempt to leap out of the window, Joseph also did the same thing, of which circumstance I have no knowledge only from information. The first thing that I noticed was a cry that he had leaped out of the window. A cessation of firing followed, the mob rushed down¬ stairs, and Dr. Richards went to the win- summary of dow. Immediately afterward I saw the Movements - doctor going towards the jail door, and as there was an iron door at the head of the stairs adjoining our door which led into the cells for criminals, it struck me that the doctor was going in there, and I said to him, ‘Stop, Doctor, and take me along.’ He pro¬ ceeded to the door and opened it, and then returned and dragged me along to a small cell prepared for criminals. Brother Richards was very much troubled, and ex¬ claimed, ‘Oh! Brother Taylor, is it possible that they have killed both Brother Hyrum and Joseph? it can¬ not surely be, and yet I saw them shoot them;’ and, elevating his hands two or three times, he exclaimed, ‘Oh Lord, my God, spare Thy servants!’ He then 106 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 said, ‘Brother Taylor, this is a terrible event;’ and he dragged me farther into the cell, saying, ‘I am sorry I can not do better for you;’ and, taking an old, filthy mattress, he covered me with it, and said, ‘That may hide you, and you may yet live to tell the tale, but I expect they will kill me in a few moments!’ While lying in this position I suffered the most excruciating pain. Soon afterwards Dr. Richards came to me, informed me that the mob had precipitately fled, and at the same time confirmed my worst fears that Joseph was as¬ suredly dead. I felt a dull, lonely, sickening sensation at the news. When I reflected that our noble chieftain, The Murder tlie Prophet of the living God, had fallen, -Reflections 11 and ^at I had seen his brother in the cold embrace of death, it seemed as though there was a void or vacuum in the great field of human existence to me, and a dark gloomy chasm in the king¬ dom, and that we were left alone. Oh, how lonely was that feeling! How cold, barren and desolate! In the midst of difficulties he was always the first in motion; in critical positions his counsel was always sought. As our Prophet he approached our God, and obtained for us his will; but now our Prophet, our counselor, our general, our leader, was gone, and amid the fiery ordeal that we then had to pass through, we were left alone without his aid, and as our future guide for things spiritual or temporal, and for all things pertaining to this world, or the next, he had spoken for the last time on earth. These reflections and a thousand others flashed upon my mind. I thought, why must the good perish, and the virtuous be destroyed? Why must God’s nobility, the salt of the earth, the most exalted of the human family, and the most perfect types of all excellence, fall victims to the cruel, fiendish hate of incarnate devils? The poignancy of my grief, I presume, however, was somewhat allayed by the extreme suffering that I endured from my wounds. A D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 107 Soon afterwards I was taken to the head of the stairs and laid there, where I had a full view of our beloved and now murdered brother, Hyrum. There he lay as I had left him; he had not moved a limb; he lay placid and calm, a monument of greatness even in death; but his noble spirit had left its tenement, and was gone to dwell in regions more congenial to its exalted nature. Poor Hyrum! He was a great and good man, and my soul was cemented to his. If ever there was an exemplary, honest, and virtuous man, an embodiment of all that is noble in the human form, Hyrum Smith was its representative. While I lay there a number of persons came around, among whom was a physician. The doctor, on seeing a ball lodged in my left hand, took a pen- Rou gh knife from his pocket and made an incision Surgery - in it for the purpose of extracting the ball therefrom, and having obtained a pair of carpenter’s compasses, made use of them to draw or pry out the ball, alter¬ nately using the penknife and compasses. After saw¬ ing for some time with a dull penknife, and prying and pulling with the compasses, he ultimately succeed¬ ed in extracting the ball, which weighed about half an ounce. Some time afterwards he remarked to a friend of mine that I had ‘nerves like the devil’, to stand what I did in its extraction. I really thought I had need of nerves to stand such surgical butchery, and that, whatever my nerves may be, his practice was devilish. This company wished to remove me to Mr. Hamil¬ ton’s Hotel, the place where we had stayed previous to our incarceration in jail. I told them, however, that I did not wish to go: I did not consider it safe. They protested that it was, and that I was safe with them; that it was a perfect outrage for men to be used as we had been; that they were my friends; that it was for my good they were counseling me, and that I could be better taken care of there than here. I replied, ‘I don’t know you. Whom am I among? 108 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 I am surrounded by assassins and murderers; witness your deeds. Don’t talk to me of kindness or comfort; look at your murdered victims. Look at me! I want none of your counsel nor comfort. There may be some safety here; I can be assured of none anywhere,’ etc. They G— d— their souls to hell, made the most solemn asseverations, and swore by God and the devil, and everything else that they could think of, that they would stand by me to death and protect me. In half an hour every one of them fled from the town. Soon after a coroner’s jury were assembled in the room over the body of Hyrum. Among the jurors was Captain Smith of the ‘Carthage Greys’, who had assisted in the murder, and the same justice before whom we had been tried. I learned of Francis Higbee as being in the neighborhood. On hearing his name mentioned, I immediately arose and said, ‘Captain Smith, you are a justice of the peace; I have heard his name mentioned; I want to swear my life against him.’ I was informed that word was immediately sent to him to leave the place, which he did. Brother Richards was busy during this time attend- Activities of * n § to coroner’s inquest, and to the re- wmard Rich, moval of the bodies, and making arrange¬ ments for their removal from Carthage to Nauvoo. When he had a little leisure, he again came to me, and at his suggestion I was removed to Hamilton’s Tavern. I felt that he was the only friend, the only person, that I could rely upon in that town. It was with difficulty that sufficient persons could be found to carry me to the tavern; for immediately after the murder a great fear fell upon all the people, and men, night of the wom en, and children fled with great precipi- carthage!* om tation ’ leaving nothing nor anybody in the town but two or three women and children and one or two sick persons. It was with great difficulty that Brother Richards A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 109 prevailed upon Mr. Hamilton, hotelkeeper, and his family, to stay; they would not until Brother Richards had given a solemn promise that he would see them protected, and hence I was looked upon as a hostage. Under these circumstances, notwithstanding, I believe they were hostile to the ‘Mormons', and were glad that the murder had taken place, though they did not actually participate in it; and, feeling that I should be a protection to them they stayed. The whole community knew that a dreadful out¬ rage had been perpetrated by those villains, and fearing lest the citizens of Nauvoo, as they possessed the power, might have a disposition to visit them with a terrible vengeance, they flea in the wildest confusion. And, indeed, it was with very great difficulty that the citizens of Nauvoo could be restrained. A horrid, barbarous murder had been committed, the most sol¬ emn pledge violated, and that, too, while the victims were, contrary to the requirements of the law, putting themselves into the hands of the governor to pacify a popular excitement. This outrage was enhanced by the reflection that our people were able to protect themselves against not only all the mob, but against three times their number and that of the governor’s troops put together. They were also exasperated by the speech of the governor in town. The whole events were so faithless, so dastardly, so mean, cowardly, and contemptible, without one extenuating circumstance, that it would not have been surprising if the citizens of Nauvoo had arisen en masse. and blotted the wretches out of existence. The citizens of Carthage knew they would have done so under such circumstances, and, judging us by themselves, they were all panic-stricken, and fled. Colonel Markham, too, after his expulsion from Carthage, had gone home, related the circumstances of his ejectment, and was using his influence to get a company to go out. Fearing that when the people heard that their Prophet and Patriarch had been murdered under the above circum- 110 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 stances they might act rashly, and knowing that, if they once got roused, like a mighty avalanche they would lay the country waste before them and take a terrible vengeance—as none of the Twelve were in Nauvoo, and no one, perhaps, with sufficient influence to control the people, Dr. Richards, after consulting me, wrote the following note, fearing that my family might be seriously affected by the news. I told him to insert that I was slightly wounded. WILLARD RICHARDS’ NOTE FROM CARTHAGE JAIL TO NAUVOO* ‘Carthage Jail, 8 o’clock 5 min. p. m., June 27th, 1844. ‘Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a band of Mis¬ sourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the ‘Mormons’ attacking them; I prom¬ ise them no. [Signed] W. RICHARDS. ‘N. B.—The citizens promise us protection; alarm guns have been fired. [Signed] JOHN TAYLOR. I remember signing my name as quickly as possible, lest the tremor of my hand should be noticed, and the fears of my family excited. A messenger was dispatched immediately with the note, but he was intercepted by the governor, who, News of the on hearing a cannon fired at Carthage, which fnte a rcept a ed° n by was to be the signal for the murder, imme- Govemor Ford, fl ec j w ith his company, and fearing that the citizens of Nauvoo, when apprised of the horrible outrage, would immediately rise and pursue, he turned back the messenger, who was George D. Grant. A second one was sent, who was treated sim¬ ilarly; and not until a third attempt could news be got to Nauvoo. Samuel H. Smith, brother to Joseph and Hyrum, was the first brother I saw after the outrage; I am not * Deseret News, No. 3 8. Nov. 25. 1857, p. 297. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 111 sure whether he took the news or not; he lived at the time in Plymouth, Hancock county, and was on his way to Carthage to see his brothers, when Attempt on th{ he was met by some of the troops, or rather ^ fe s ° I b t s h amuel mob, that had been dismissed by the gov- BiothTr of the ernor, and who were on their way home. Iroph "' On learning that he was Joseph Smith’s brother they sought to kill him, but he escaped, and fled into the woods, where he was chased for a length of time by them; but, after severe fatigue, and much danger and excitement, he succeeded in escaping, and came to Car¬ thage. He was on horseback when he arrived, and was not only very much tired with the fatigue and excitement of the chase, but was also very much dis¬ tressed in feelings on account of the death of his brothers. These things produced a fever, which laid the foundation for his death, which took place on the 30th of July. Thus another of the brothers fell a victim, although not directly, but indirectly to this infernal mob. I lay from about five o’clock until two next morning without having my wounds dressed, as there was scarcely any help of any kind in Carthage, and Brother Richards was busy with the dead bodies, preparing them for removal. My wife Leonora started early the next day, having had some little trouble in getting a company or a. physician to come with her; after considerable difficulty she succeeded in getting an es¬ cort, and Dr. Samuel Bennett came along with her. Soon after my father and mother arrived from Oquakie, near which place they had a farm at that time, and hearing of the trouble, hastened along. General Deming, brigadier-general of the Hancock county militia, was very much of a gentleman, and showed me every courtesy, and Colonel Jones also was very solicitous about my welfare. I was called upon by several gentlemen of Quincy and other places, among whom was Judge Ralston, as well as by our own people, and a medical man 112 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 extracted a ball from my left thigh that was giving me much pain; it lay about half an inch deep, and my thigh was considerably swollen. The doctor asked me if I would be tied during the operation; I told him no; that I could endure the cutting associated with the operation as well without, and I did so; indeed, so great was the pain I endured that the cutting was rather a relief than otherwise. A very laughable incident occurred at the time; my wife, Leonora, went into an adjoining room to pray for me, that I might be sustained during the operation. While on her knees at prayer, a Mrs. Bedell, an old lady of the Methodist association, entered, and, patting Mrs. Taylor on her back with her hand, said, ‘There’s a good lady, pray for God to forgive your sins; pray that you may be converted, and the Lord may have mercy on your soul.’ The scene was so ludicrous that Mrs. Taylor knew not whether to laugh or be angry. Mrs. Taylor in- Ti> c Hammons formed me that Mr. Hamilton, the father and the Mur- Q f the Hamilton who kept the house, re¬ joiced at the murder, and said in company that ‘it was done up in the best possible style, and showed good generalship,' and she farther believed that the other branches of the family sanctioned it. These were the associates of the old lady referred to, and yet she could talk of conversion and saving souls in the midst of blood and murder: such is man and such consistency! The ball being extracted was the one that first struck me, which I before referred to; it entered on the outside of my left thigh, about five inches from my knee, and passing rather obliquely towards my body, had, it would seem, struck the bone, for it was flat¬ tened out nearly as thin and large as a quarter of a dollar. The governor passed on, staying at Carthage only a few minutes, and he did not stop until he got fifty miles from Nauvoo.” A. L). I 842-6 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 113 CHAPTER X. WAS GOVERNOR FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDER OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH OF THE NEW DISPENSATION “THERE had been various opinions about the com¬ plicity of the governor in the murder, some supposing that he knew all about it, and assisted or winked at its execution. It is somewhat difficult to form a correct opinion; from the facts presented it is very certain that things looked more than suspicious against him. In the first place, he positively knew that we had broken no law. Secondly. He knew that the mob had not only passed inflammatory resolutions, threatening exter¬ mination to the ‘Mormons’, but that they had actually assembled armed mobs and commenced hostilities against us. Thirdly. He took those very mobs that had been arrayed against us, and enrolled them as his troops, thus legalizing their acts. Fourthly. He disbanded the Nauvoo Legion, which had never violated law, and disarmed them, and had about his person in the shape of militia known mobo- crats and violators of the law. Fifthly. He requested us to come to Carthage with¬ out arms, promising protection, and then refused to interfere in delivering us from prison, although Joseph and Hyrum were put there contrary to law. Sixthly. Although he refused to interfere in our behalf, yet, when Captain Smith went to him and informed him that the persons refused to come out, he told him that he had a command and knew what to 8 Vol. 7 114 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 do, thus sanctioning the use of force in the violation of law when opposed to us, whereas he would not for us interpose his executive authority to free us from being incarcerated contrary to law, although he was fully informed of all the facts of the case, as we kept him posted in the affairs all the time. Seventhly. He left the prisoners in Carthage jail contrary to his plighted faith. Eighthly. Before he went he dismissed all the troops that could be relied upon, as well as many of the mob, and left us in charge of the ‘Carthage Greys’, a com¬ pany that he knew were mobocratic, our most bitter enemies, and who had passed resolutions to exterminate us, and who had been placed under guard by General Deming only the day before. Ninthly. He was informed of the intended murder, both before he left and while on the road, by several different parties. Tenthly. When the cannon was fired in Carthage, signifying that the deed was done, he immediately Incriminating took up his line of march and fled. How Against S Gov-* s did he know that this signal portended their death if he was not in the secret? It may be said some of the party told him. How could he believe what the party said about the gun signal if he could not believe the testimony of several indi¬ viduals who told him in positive terms about the con¬ templated murder? He has, I believe, stated that he left the ‘Carthage Greys’ there because he considered that, as their town was contiguous to ours, and as the responsibility of our safety rested solely upon them, they would not dare suffer any indignity to befall us. This very ad¬ mission shows that he did really expect danger; and then he knew that these people had published to the world that they would exterminate us, and his leaving us in their hands and taking of their responsibilities was like leaving a lamb in charge of a wolf, and trust¬ ing to its humanity and honor for its safe-keeping. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 115 It is said, again, that he would not have gone to Nauvoo, and thus placed himself in the hands of the ‘Mormons’, if he had anticipated any such event, as he would be exposed to their wrath. To this it may be answered that the ‘Mormons’ did not know their signals, while he did; and they were also known in Warsaw, as well as in other places; and as soon as the gun was fired, a merchant of Warsaw jumped upon his horse and rode directly to Quincy, and reported, ‘Jos¬ eph and Hyrum killed, and those who were with them in jail.’ He reported farther that ‘they were attempt¬ ing to break jail, and were all killed by the guard.’ This was their story; it was anticipated to kill all, and the gun was to be the signal that the deed was ac¬ complished. This was known in Warsaw. The gov¬ ernor .also knew it and fled; and he could really be in no danger in Nauvoo, for the ‘Mormons’ did not know it, and he had plenty of time to escape, which he did. It is said that he made all his officers promise solemn¬ ly that they would help him to protect the Smiths; this may or may not be. At any rate, some of these same officers helped to murder them. The strongest argument in the governor’s favor, and one that would bear more weight with us than all the rest put together, would be that he . could not believe them capable of such f r a n v 0 ° r r F ° 0 f rd &ov - atrocity; and, thinking that their talk and ernor ° rd threatenings were a mere ebullition of feeling, a kind of braggadocio, and that there was enough of good moral feeling to control the more violent passions, he trusted to their faith. There is, indeed, a degree of plausibility about this, but when we put it in juxta¬ position to the amount of evidence that he was in possession of it weighs very little. He had nothing to inspire confidence in them, and everything to make him mistrust them. Besides, why his broken faith? Why his disregard of what was told him by several parties? Again, if he knew not the plan how did he understand the signal? Why so oblivious to everything pertaining 116 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 to the ‘Mormon’ interest, and so alive and interested about the mobocrats? At any rate, be this as it may, he stands responsible for their blood, and it is dripping on his garments. If it had not been for his promise of protection, they would have protected themselves; it was plighted faith that led them to the slaughter; and, to make the best of it, it was a breach of that faith and a nonfulfillment of that promise, after re¬ peated warning, that led to their death. Having said so much, I must leave the governor with my readers and with his God. Justice, I conceive, demanded this much, and truth could not be told with less; as I have said before, my opinion is that the governor would not have planned this murder, but he had not sufficient energy to resist popular opinion, even if that opinion led to blood and death. It was rumored that a strong political party, num¬ bering in its ranks many of the prominent men of the were National nation, were engaged in a plot for the over- purated'in the throw of Joseph Smith, and that the gov- Murder. ernor was of this party, and Sharp, Wil¬ liams, Captain Smith, and others, were his accomplices, but whether this was the case or not I do not know. It is very certain that a strong political feeling existed against Joseph Smith, and I have reason to believe that his letters to Henry Clay were made use of by political parties opposed to Mr. Clay, and were the means of that statesman’s defeat. Yet, if such a combination as the one referred to existed, I am not apprised of it. While I lay at Carthage, previous to Mrs. Taylor’s arrival, a pretty good sort of a man, who was lame of a leg, waited upon me, and sat up at night with rrie; afterwards Mrs. Taylor, mother, and others waited upon me. Many friends called upon me, among whom were Richard Ballantyne, Elizabeth Taylor, several of the Perkins family, and a number of the brethren from Macedonia and La Harpe. Besides these, many stran- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 117 gers from Quincy, some of whom expressed indignant feelings against the mob and sympathy for Visitors to myself. Brother Alexander Williams called • r ° hn Tay,or - upon me, who suspected that they had some designs in keeping me there, and stated that he had, at a given point in some woods, fifty men, and if I would say the word he would raise other fifty, and fetch me out of there. I thanked him, but told him I thought there was no need. However, it would seem that I was in some danger; for Colonel Jones, before referred to, when absent from me, left two loaded pistols on the table in case of an attack, and some time afterwards, when I had recovered and was publishing the affair, a lawyer, Mr. Backman, stated that he had prevented a man by the name of Jackson, before referred to, from ascending the stairs, who was coming with a design to murder me, and that now he was sorry he had not let him do the deed. There were others also, of whom I heard, that said I ought to be killed, and they would do it, but that it was too damned cowardly to shoot a wounded man; and thus, by the chivalry of murderers, I was pre¬ vented from being a second time mutilated or killed. Many of the mob came around and treated me with apparent respect, and the officers and people generally looked upon me as a hostage, and feared that my re¬ moval would be the signal for the rising of the ‘Mor¬ mons’. I do not remember the time that I stayed at Carthage, but I think three or four days after the murder, when Brother Marks with a carriage, Brother James Allred with a wagon, Dr. Ells, and a number of others on horseback, came for the purpose of taking me to Nau- voo. I was very weak at the time, occasioned by the loss of blood and the great discharge of my wounds, so when my wife asked me if I could talk I could barely whisper no. Quite a discussion arose as to the propriety of my removal, the physicians and people of Carthage protesting that it would be my death, 118 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 while my friends were anxious for my removal if possible. I suppose the former were actuated by the above- named desire to keep me. Colonel Jones was, I believe, sincere; he had acted as a friend all the time, and he told Mrs. Taylor she ought to persuade me not to go, for he did not believe I had strength enough to reach Nauvoo. It was finally agreed, however, that Taylor's Pain- ^ should go i but as it was thought that I Nauioo rney t0 cou ^ not stand riding in a wagon or car- au '°“' riage, they prepared a litter for me; I was carried downstairs and put upon it. A number of men assisted to carry me, some of whom had been engaged in the mob. As soon as I got downstairs, I felt much better and strengthened, so that I could talk; I suppose the effect of the fresh air. When we had got near the outside of the town I remembered some woods that we had to go through, and telling a person near to call for Dr. Ells, who was riding a very good horse, I said, ‘Doctor, I perceive that the people are getting fatigued with carrying me; a number of ‘Mormons’ live about two or three miles from here, near our route; will you ride to their settle¬ ment as quick as possible, and have them come and meet us?’ He started off on a gallop immediately. My object in this was to obtain protection in case of an attack, rather than to obtain help to carry me. Very soon after the men from Carthage made one excuse after another, until they had all left, and I felt glad to get rid of them. I found that the tramping of those carrying me produced violent pain, and a sleigh was produced and attached to the hind end of Brother James Allred’s wagon, a bed placed upon it, and I propped up on the bed. Mrs. Taylor rode with me, applying ice water to my wounds. As the sleigh was dragged over the grass on the prairie, which was quite tall, it moved very easily and gave me very little pain. When I got within five or six miles of Nauvoo the brethren commenced to meet me from the city, and A D. 1 84 2-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 119 . they increased in number as we drew nearer, until there was a very large company of people of all ages and both sexes, principally, however, men. For some time there had been almost incessant rain, so that in many low places on the prairie it was from one to three feet deep in water, and at such places the brethren whom we met took hold of the sleigh, lifted it, and carried it over the water; and when we arrived in the neighborhood of the city, where the roads were excessively muddy and bad, the brethren tore down the fences, and we passed through the fields. Never shall I forget the differences of feeling that I experienced between the place that I had left and the one that I had now arrived at. I had left a lot of reckless, bloodthirsty murderers, and had come to the City of the Saints, the people of the living God; friends of truth and righteousness, thousands of whom stood there with warm, true hearts to offer their friend¬ ship and services, and to welcome my return. It is true it was a painful scene, and brought sorrowful remembrance to my mind, but to me it caused a thrill of joy to find myself once more in the bosom of my friends, and to meet with the cordial welcome of true, honest hearts. What was very remarkable, I found myself very much better after my arrival at Nauvoo than I was when I started on my journey, although I had traveled eighteen miles. The next day, as some change was wanting, I told Mrs. Taylor that if she could send to Dr. Richards, he had my purse and watch, and they would find money in my purse. Previous to the doctor leaving Carthage, I told him that he had better take my purse and watch, for I was afraid the people would steal them. The doctor had taken my pantaloon’s pocket, and put the watch in it with the purse, cut off the pocket, and _ . tied a string around the top; it was in this of the Massa- position when brought home. My family, however, were not a little startled to find that my HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 , 120 watch had been struck with a ball. I sent for my vest, and, upon examination, it was found that there was a cut as if with a knife, in the vest pocket which had contained my watch. In the pocket the fragments of the glass were found literally ground to powder. It then occurred to me that a ball had struck me at the time I felt myself falling out of the window, and that it was this force that threw me inside. I had often remarked to Mrs. Taylor the singular fact of finding myself inside the room, when I felt a moment before after being shot, that I was falling out, and I never could account for it until then; but here the thing was fully elucidated, and was rendered plain to my mind. I was indeed falling out, when some villain aimed at my heart. The ball struck my watch, and forced me back; if I had fallen out I should assuredly have been killed, if not by the fall, by those around, and this ball, intended to dispatch me, was turned by an overruling Providence into a messenger of mercy, and saved my life. I shall never forget the feelings of gratitude that I then experienced towards my heavenly Father; the whole scene was vividly portrayed before me, and my heart melted before the Lord. I felt that the Lord had preserved me by a special act of mercy; that my time had not yet come, and that I had still a work to perform upon the earth. [Signed] JOHN TAYLOR. JOHN TAYLOR’S NOTES “In addition to the above I give the following: Dr. Bernhisel informed me that Joseph, looking him full in the face, and as solemn as eternity, said, ‘I am going as a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and man.’ I heard him state, in reply to an interrogatory, made either by myself or some one in my hearing, in relation to the best course to pursue: I am not now acting according to my judgment: others A D. 1842-6) HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 121 must counsel, and not me, for the present,’ or in words to the same effect. COMMENT ON THE EXPOSITOR AFFAIR The governor’s remarks about the press may be par¬ tially correct, so far as the legal technicality was con¬ cerned, and the order of administering law. The proper way would perhaps have been for the city council to have passed a law in regard to the removal of nuisances, and then for the municipal court to have ordered it to be abated on complaint. Be this as it may, it was only a variation in form, not in fact, for the municipal court formed part of the city council, and all voted; and, furthermore, some time after the murder, Governor Ford told me that the press ought to have been re¬ moved, but that it was bad policy to remove it as we did; that if we had only let a mob do it, instead of using the law, we could have done it without difficulty, and no one would have been implicated. Thus the governor, who would have winked at the proceedings of a mob, lent his aid to, or winked at, the proceedings of mob violence in the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith for removing a nuisance according to law, because of an alleged informality in the legal pro¬ ceedings or a legal technicality. I must here state that I do not believe Governor Ford would have planned the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith; but being a man that courted popular opinion, he had not the firmness to withstand the mob, even when that mob were seeking to imbrue their hands in the blood of innocence; he lent himself to their designs and thus became a partaker of their evil deeds. I will illustrate this vexed question with the follow¬ ing official paper, which appeared in the Deseret News. No. 30. ‘Two of the brethren arrived this evening (June 13th, 1844), from Carthage, and said that about 300 mobbers were assembled there, with the avowed intention of coming against Nauvoo. Also that Hamilton [the hotel proprietor] was paying a dollar per bushel for corn to feed their animals.' 122 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IA. D. 1842-6 The following was published in the Warsaw Signal Office; I insert it as a specimen of the unparalleled cor¬ ruption and diabolical falsehood of which the human race has become capable in this generation: ‘At a mass meeting of the citizens of Hancock county, convened at Carthage on the 11th day of June, 1844, Mr. Knox was appointed president, John Doty and Lewis F. Evans, vice presidents, and William Y. Head, secretary. ‘Henry Stephens, Esq. presented the following resolutions, passed at a meeting of the citizens of Warsaw, and urged the adoption of them as the sense of this meeting: PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS ‘Whereas information has reached us, about which there can be no question, that the authorities of Nauvoo did recently pass an ordinance declaring a printing press and newspaper published by the opponents of the Prophet a nuisance, and in pursuance thereof did direct the marshal of the city and his adherents to enter by force the building from whence the paper was issued, and violently (if necessary) to take possession of the press and printing materials, and thereafter to burn and destroy the same: and whereas, in pursuance of said ordinance, the marshal and his adherents, together with a mob of Mormons, did, after sunset on the evening of the 10th inst., violently enter said building in a tumultuous manner, burn and destroy the press and other materials found on the premises; And whereas Hyrum Smith did, in the presence of the city council and the citizens of Nauvoo, offer a reward for the destruction of the printing press and materials of the Warsaw Signal, a newspaper also opposed to his interest; And whereas the liberty of the press is one of the cardinal principles of our government, firmly guaranteed by the several Constitutions of the states as well as the United States; And whereas Hyrum Smith has within the last week publicly threatened the life of one of our valued citizens, Thos. C. Sharp, the editor of the Signal : Therefore, be it solemnly Resolved by the citizens of Warsaw in public meeting assembled, That we view the recent ordinance of the city of Nauvoo, and the proceedings thereunder, as an outrage of an alarming character, revolu¬ tionary and tyrannical in its tendency, and being under color of law, as calculated to subvert and destroy in the minds of the community all reliance on the law. Resolved, That as a community we feel anxious, when possible, to redress our grievances by legal remedies; but the time has now arrived when the law has ceased to be a protection to our lives and A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 123 property; a mob at Nauvoo, under a city ordinance, has violated the highest privilege in our government, and to seek redress in the ordinary mode would be utterly ineffectual. Resolved, That the public threat made in the council of the city not only to destroy our printing press, but to take the life of its editor, is sufficient, in connection with the recent outrage, to command the efforts and the services of every good citizen to put an immediate stop to the career of the mad Prophet and his demoniac coadjutors. We must not only defend ourselves from danger, but we must resolutely carry the war into the enemy’s camp. We do therefore declare that we will sustain our press and the editor at all hazards. That we will take full vengeance—terrible vengeance, should the lives of any of our citizens be lost in the effort. That we hold ourselves ar all times in readiness to cooperate with our fellow citizens in this state, Missouri, and Iowa, to exterminate —UTTERLY EXTER¬ MINATE. the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed forthwith to notify all persons in our township suspected of being the tools of the Prophet to leave immediately on pain of INSTANT VENGEANCE. And we do recommend the inhabitants of the adjacent townships to do the same, hereby pledging ourselves to render all the assistance they may require. Resolved, That the time, in our opinion, has arrived when the adherents of Smith as a body, shall be driven from the surrounding settlements into Nauvoo; that the Prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their hands, and if not surrendered, A WAR OF EXTERMINATION SHOULD BE WAGED, to the entire destruction, if necessary for our protection, of his adherents. And we do hereby recommend this resolution to the consideration of the several townships to the mass convention to be held at Carthage, hereby pledging ourselves to aid to the utmost the complete consummation of the object in view, that we may thereby be utterly relieved of the alarm, anxiety, and trouble to which we are now subjected. Resolved, That every citizen arm himself, to be prepared to sustain the resolutions herein contained. Mr. Roosevelt rose and made a brief but eloquent speech, and called upon the citizens throughout the country to render efficient aid in carrying out the spirit of the resolutions. Mr. Roosevelt then moved that a committee of seven be appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of our action in future. Mr. Catlin moved to amend the motion of Mr. Roosevelt so that the committee should consist of one from each precinct; which motion as amended, was adopted. The chair then appointed the following as said committee: Colonel Levi Williams, Rocky Run precinct; Joel Catlin, Augusta; Samuel Williams, Carthage; Elisha Worrell, Chili; Captain Maddison, St. 124 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Mary’s; John M. Ferris, Fountain Green; James Rice, Pilot Grove; John Cams, Bear Creek; C. L. Higbee, Nauvoo; George Robinson, La Harpe, and George Rockwell, Warsaw. On motion of Mr. Sympson, Walter Bagby, Esq. was requested to address the meeting during the absence of the committee. He spoke long and eloquently upon the cause of our grievances, and expressed his belief that the time was now at hand when we were individually and collectively called upon to repel the innovations upon our liberties, and suggested that points be designated as places of encampment at which to rendezvous our forces, that we may be ready, when called upon, for efficient action. Dr. Barnes, one of the persons who went with the officers to Nauvoo for the purpose of arresting the rioters, having just arrived, came into the meeting, and reported the result of their proceedings, which was, that the persons charged in the writs were duly arrested, but taken from the officer's hands on a writ of habeas corpus from the municipal court and discharged, and the following potent words entered upon the records—HONORABLY DISCHARGED. On motion of O. C. Skinner, Esq. a vote of thanks was tendered to Dr. Barnes for volunteering his services in executing said writs. Francis M. Higbee was now loudly called for. He stated his personal knowledge of the Mormons from their earliest history, throughout their hellish career in Missouri and this state, which had been char¬ acterized by the darkest and most diabolical deeds which had ever disgraced humanity. The committee appointed to draft resolutions brought in the fol¬ lowing report, which after some considerable discussion, was unani¬ mously adopted; REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ‘Whereas the officer charged with the execution of a writ against Joseph Smith and others, for riot in the county of Hancock, which said wr[t said officer has served upon said Smith and others; and whereas said Smith and others refuse to obey the mandate of said writ; and whereas, in the opinion of this meeting, it is impossible for the said officer to raise a posse of sufficient strength to execute said writ; and whereas it is the opinion of this meeting that the riot is still progressing, and that violence is meditated and determined on, it is the opinion of this meeting that the circumstances of the case require the interposition of executive power; Therefore, ' Resolved , That a deputation of two discreet men be sent to Spring- field to solicit such interposition. ‘2d. Resolved, That a said deputation be furnished with a certified copy of the resolution, and be authorized to obtain evidence by affidavit and otherwise in regard to the violence which has already been committed and is still farther meditated.’ Dr. Evans here rose and expressed his wish that the above resolutions A D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 125 would not retard our operations, but that we would each one arm and equip ourselves forthwith. The resolutions passed at Warsaw were again read by Dr. Barnes, and passed by acclamation. On motion of A. Sympson, Esq., the suggestion of Mr. Bagby appointing places of encampment, was adopted to wit: Warsaw, Carthage, Green Plains, Spilman’s Landing, Chili, and La Harpe. On motion, O. C. Skinner and Walter Bagby, Esqrs. were appointed a committee to bear the resolutions adopted by this meeting to his excellency the governor, requiring his executive interposition. On motion of J. H. Sherman, a Central Corresponding Committee was appointed. Ordered, That J. H. Sherman, H. T. Wilson, Chauncey Robinson, Wm. S. Freeman, Thomas Morrison, F. M. Higbee, Lyman Prentiss, and Stephen H. Tyler be said committee. On motion of George Rockwell, Resolved, That constables in the different precincts hold themselves in readiness to obey the officer in possession of the writs, whenever called upon, in summoning the posse. On motion, the meeting adjourned. JOHN KNOX, President. JOHN DOTY LEWIS F. EVANS Vice Presidents. W. Y. Head, Secretary.' The following will conclude the 'Expositor Ques¬ tion’ : JOSEPH SMITH'S ACCOUNT OF THE EXPOSITOR AFFAIR ‘Nauvoo, June 14th, 1844. ‘Sir,—I write you this morning briefly to inform you of the facts relative to the removal of the press and fixtures of the Nauvoo Expositor as a nuisance. ‘The 8th and 10th instant were spent by the city council of Nauvoo in receiving testimony concerning the character of the Expositor, and the character and designs of the proprietors. ‘In the investigation it appeared evident to the council that the proprietors were a set of unprincipled, lawless debauches, counter¬ feiters, bogus-makers, gamblers, peace-disturbers, and that the grand object of said proprietors was to destroy our constitutional rights and chartered privileges; to overthrow all good and wholesome regulations in society; to strengthen themselves against the municipality; to fortify themselves against the church of which I am a member, and destroy all our religious rights and privileges by libels, slanders, falsehoods, perjury, etc. and sticking at no corruption to accomplish their hellish purposes; and that said paper of itself was libelous of the deepest dye. 126 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 and very injurious as a vehicle of defamation, tending to corrupt the morals, and disturb the peace, tranquility, and happiness of the whole community, and especially that of Nauvoo. ‘After a long and patient investigation of the character of the Expositor , and the characters and designs of its proprietors, the Consti¬ tution, the Charter (see Addenda to Nauvoo Charter from the Spring- field Charter, sec. 7), and all the best authorities on the subject (see Blackstone, iii, 5, and n, etc., etc.), the city council decided that it was necessary for the ‘peace, benefit, good order, and regulations' of said city, ‘and for the protection of the property', and for ‘the happiness and prosperity of the citizens of Nauvoo', that said Expositor should be removed; and declaring said Expositor a nuisance, ordered the mayor to cause them to be removed without delay, which order was committed to the marshal by due process, and by him executed the same day, by removing the paper, press, and fixtures into the streets, and burning the same; all which was done without riot, noise, tumult, or confusion, as has already been proved before the municipality of the city; and the particulars of the whole transaction may be expected in our next Nauvoo Neighbor. ‘I send you this hasty sketch that your excellency may be aware of the lying reports that are now being circulated by our enemies, that there has been a ‘mob at Nauvoo', and ‘blood and thunder', and ‘swearing that two men were killed', etc. etc., as we hear from abroad, are false—false as satan himself could invent, and that nothing has been transacted here but what has been in perfect accordance with the strictest principles of law and good order on the part of the authorities of this city; and if your excellency is not satisfied, and shall not be satisfied, after reading the whole proceedings, which will be forth¬ coming soon, and shall demand an investigation of our municipality before Judge Pope, or any legal tribunal at the Capitol, you have only to write your wishes, and we will be forthcoming; we will not trouble you to file a writ, or send an officer for us. ‘I remain, as ever, a friend to truth, good order, and your excel¬ lency's humble servant, [Signed] JOSEPH SMITH. ‘His Excellency Thomas Ford.' "* ♦See Tyler's History of the Mormon Battalion. Introduction, in which the Taylor document is published almost completely, also Captain Richard F. Burton's City of the Saints. 1862, Appendix III. pp. 517-547. The letter inserted by Burton at pp. 526-7. however, is not the letter to which Joseph Smith took exception (sec p. 78 this volume) but is the letter received from Governor Ford written on his arrival at Carthage June 21, 1844, in which he asks for a committee to be sent to him giving the Latter-day Saint version of the proceedings which had taken place in Nauvoo up to that time. B. H. R. IV HISTORIANS’ SECOND COMPILATION OF HISTORICAL ITEMS OF CHURCH HISTORY, FROM 22ND OF JUNE, 1844, T0 8TH0F AUGUST, 1844. Explanation PART IV is a second compilation following Period I of this History, made by the Church Historians George A. Smith and Wilford Woodruff from the Journals of Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff and others and was published in the Millennial Star, 1862, Vol. xxiv, pp. 598-792; and 1863, Vol. xxv, pp. 6-280. See also Deseret Neujs, Vol. vii, Dec. 9, 1857 to Jan. 20, 1858. This will comprise chapters xi to xix inclusive. A D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 129 CHAPTER XI MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS APART FROM THE MAJOR FACTS OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH FROM JUNE 22, 1844, TO JUNE 29, 1844. “Saturday, June 22, 1844.—In the evening Major- General Dunham issued orders to all the guards and sentries on the road to La Harpe, to let persons pass and repass, until further orders, except they discover companies of men, when they must report the same to headquarters immediately. A conference was held at Eagle, Benton county, varied Tennessee, Elder A. O. Smoot presiding, Ac C tivit n y tS in f during which a branch was organized of the charch. seventeen members. One elder, one priest and one teacher were ordained. Sunday, 23.—At 5 a. m., [at Nauvoo] A. P. Rock- wood and John Scott asked advice what to do with the cannon, etc. William Clayton got the public records together and buried them. 5 p. m .—Captain Anderson, of the steamer Osprey, conversed with Joseph, saying the mob at Warsaw threatened firing into his vessel. President Brigham Young attended meeting at Lowell, Massachusetts. Elder Heber C. Kimball preached at Wilmington, Delaware, in the forenoon, to an attentive congrega¬ tion: he had a chill after he got through. Elder Lyman Wight spoke in the afternoon. A conference was held at Kirtland, and was ad¬ dressed by Elder Lorenzo Snow and others. Twelve persons were baptized and confirmed, and eight or¬ dained elders. 9 Vol. 7 130 HISTORY OP THE CHURCH I A. D. 1 842 6 Monday , 24.— AFFIDAVIT OF J. R. WAKEFIELD Territory of Iowa, [ Henry County, j Dr. J. R. Wakefield being duly sworn, deposeth and sayeth, that on the 10th of June he, in company with two others, went on the hill in the city of Nauvoo, and in the neighborhood of the printing press of the Nauvoo Expositor, when a company of men approached, headed by the marshal of the city, Mr. Greene, some armed, but not many. After marching in front of the printing office, Procedure in mars hal demanded the keys of the office, in behalf Destroying the of the mayor and municipal court of Nauvoo, to destroy pos?tor° Press, the press, type and appurtenances of said press, and burn them in the street. Mr. Higbee replied, in behalf of the whole of the editors of said newspaper, that he would not give up the key—that he set the court and city at defiance, and should hold them and the marshal responsible for their acts in this affair. Accordingly orders were given to an officer of the company to forcibly take from the building the press, and destroy it according to order. It was done without any noise, or confusion, shouting, or riotous proceedings, and further deponent saith not. [Signed] J. R. WAKEFIELD. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of June, 1844. a. McKinney, j. p: Tuesday, 25.—Elder Cahoon returned from Car¬ thage for some papers, which were sent out by A. P. Rockwood. Orrin P. Rockwell met F. M. Higbee about 4 p. m. and accused him of seeking Joseph’s life. Higbee made i.- m. iijgbee's use of some very insulting language in reply, Again"? the when a scuffle ensued, during which a letter Prophet’s Life. d r0 pp ec j out Q f Higbee’s hat, which stated that there were seventy of the mob ready in Iowa to come upon Nauvoo tonight. It is currently reported that the mob intend to make a rush on the jail tonight. A strong guard placed in and round the city. About 9 p. m. it began to rain very heavily. Wednesday, 26.— 8 a. m., Captain Singleton ar¬ rived, with about sixty mounted militia, to protect A. D. 1842-&J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 131 the city in case a mob should come against U| . va] f it. He was authorized to take command l apt. Fingle- c * .. - ton ot the or the police, and to use such measures as mir.oi» Muma ..... in ivauvoo to he might consider necessary. p"« thc He read his orders from the governor, and wanted to know if our men would obey his orders, when the brethren responded ‘yes’, whereupon notifi¬ cation was sent to the police to meet at 6 p. m., in the Masonic Hall. He further reported that Dr. Foster had given him information at Carthage, where he would find three presses in Nauvoo, for making bogus money, and said that he wanted to get hold of them. 6 p. m .—The police assembled in the Seventies’ Hall, and entered into a temporary organization to act under Captain Singleton. Many of the regular police being officers of the Legion, and on active service, their places were filled for the time. At midnight Captain Singleton sent a notification to the major-general’s quarters, that he wanted the Nauvoo Legion to be in readiness for parade at an hour’s notice, when notifications were sent to the col¬ onels of the several regiments accordingly. Thursday, 27.—About 9 a. m., John P. Greene arrived in Nauvoo with subpoenas for witnesses for the expected trial on Saturday the 29th instant. At 10 a. m., orders were received from Captain Singleton, to call out that portion of the Nauvoo Legion resident within the limits of the city, for re¬ view at noon. General Dunham immediately issued similar orders to the commandants. At noon about two-thirds of the Legion turned out to parade, nearly all of whom were well armed, al¬ though all the state arms had been taken away, which caused Captain Singleton and his company to express their astonishment. The captain made a remark to the effect that it would not do to come against such a force as this. The Legion was soon dismissed, on account of a messenger from the governor reporting 132 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 that all the troops were dismissed, except a small escort which was with him. 5 p. m .—Governor Ford, with about fifty men arrived at the Mansion, and gave notice that he would -ri,c \rrivai of s h° rt; ly address the citizens. In about half an hour he ascended the frame of a building opposite the Mansion, and addressed the people. WHEREABOUTS OE THE TWELVE—THEIR DEPRESSION OF SPIRIT We here insert the location of the Twelve Apostles on this memorable day:— President Brigham Young and Elder Wilford Woodruff spent a portion of the day together in the city of Boston, and were sitting together in the rail¬ way depot at the time of the massacre of the Prophets; they felt very sorrowful, and depressed in spirits, with¬ out knowing the cause. Elders Heber C. Kimball and Lyman Wight traveled from Philadelphia to New York by railway and steam¬ boat. Elder Kimball felt very mournful as though he had lost some friend, and knew not the cause. Elder Orson Hyde was in the hall occupied by the saints in Boston, examining maps, and designating or pointing out each man’s district or field of labor, in company with Elders Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and others, a part of the day. He felt very heavy and sorrowful in spirit, and knew not the cause, but felt no heart to look on the maps. He retired to the further end of the hall alone, and walked the floor; tears ran down his face * * * . He never felt so before, and knew no reason why he should feel so then. Elder Parley P. Pratt was on the canal boat between Utica and Buffalo, N. Y., on his return to Nauvoo, and was much depressed in spirit; his brother William Pratt came on board of the same boat, and Parley asked him if he had any books or pamphlets containing the gospel of Christ, or the words of life; if so, to put them under lock and key, for the people are not worthy A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 133 of them for, said Parley, ‘I feel that the spirit of murder is in the hearts of the people through the land.’ Elders Willard Richards and John Taylor were the only two of the Quorum of the Twelve who were not on missions, and the only two men who were with the martyrs when they fell and sealed their testimony with their blood. Elder George A. Smith rode with Elder Crandall Dunn, from Napoleon, to Elder Noah Willis Barthole- mew’s, near Jacksonburg, Jackson county, Michigan, and felt unusually cast down and depressed in spirits. About five o’clock he repaired to an oak grove, and called upon the Lord, endeavoring to break the spell of horror which had dominion over his mind. He re¬ mained there a long time without finding any relief, and then went back to Brother Bartholomew’s, and went to bed with Elder Crandall Dunn; he could not sleep, but spent the night in a series of miserable thoughts and reflections. Once it seemed to him that some fiend whispered in his ear, ‘Joseph and Hyrum are dead; ain’t you glad of it?’ Elder Amasa Lyman was in the city of Cincinnati, and felt that depression of spirit mentioned by his brethren. Friday, 28.—News arrived in Nauvoo at Newso(the daylight, that Joseph and Hyrum were ^*Tro d p°hets of murdered yesterday while in jail, committed brought 10 upon an illegal mittimus by Robert F. Smith, justice of the peace and captain of the company stationed at the jail. General Deming issued the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION OF GENERAL DEMING TO THE PEOPLE OF HANCOCK COUNTY ‘Headquarters, June 28, 1844. 4 o’clock, a. m. To the Citizens of Carthage and Hancock County: In pursuance of an order from Governor Ford, instructing me to the exercise of such discretionary powers as I may deem necessary for the preservation of the public safety, and the lives and property of 134 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 our citizens; I hereby invite all citizens to remain at their several homes in Hancock county and cooperate with me in establishing tranquility and safety throughout the county. The most efficient means have been put in requisition for con¬ centrating the military force of the neighboring counties at Carthage, and in twelve hours there will be a sufficient force for the protection of every citizen in the county. I confidently believe there is no just apprehension of an attack upon any place by the Mormon citizens of our county. And I hereby strictly command all citizens of Hancock county to abstain from violence towards the Mormon population, under penalty of the severest inflictions of military law, and act in no case only on the defensive. The corpses of the murdered men will be forthwith removed to Nauvoo, under an escort from headquarters. Given under my hand this 28th June, 1844, 4 o’clock, a. m. [Signed] M. R. DEMING, Brigadier-General. 4th Brigade and 5th Division. It is hoped and expected that the governor will be at headquarters in a few hours/ At 7H a- m., General Dunham issued orders for the whole of the Legion to meet on the parade ground, The Nauvoo east of the Temple, at 10 a. m. They met dered Out— accordingly, when addresses were delivered, ••Keep Qmet”. anc j exhortations given to the saints to keep quiet, and not to let their violently outraged feelings get the better of them. About noon a council of officers of the Legion was held, and from thence they went to meet the sad pro¬ cession that accompanied the bodies of the murdered Prophet and Patriarch. Arrival of the At2 l /2 p. m., the corpses arrived at Mul- Martyrs at holland Street, on two wagons, guarded by a few men from Carthage, and nearly all the citizens collected together and followed the bodies to the Mansion, where the multitude were addressed by Dr. Richards, W. W. Phelps, and Messrs. Woods and Reid, who exhorted the people to be peaceable and calm and use no threats. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 135 NAMES OF THE PROPHET’S BODYGUARD We here insert the names of Joseph’s bodyguard:— Alpheus Cutler, capt. Amos C. Hodge, James Allred, Thomas Grover, Reynolds Cahoon, Shadrach Roundy, John Snyder, Christian Kreymer, Lewis D. Wilson, William Marks, James Emmet, John S. Butler, Samuel H. Smith, Edward Hunter, herald and armor bearer. The following are the names of the martial band:— NAMES OF THE NAUVOO LEGION BAND E. P. Duzette, major, L. W. Hancock, fife major, Dimick B. Huntington, drum major, Elisha Everett, leader, William Carter, Dominicus Carter, James W. Cummings, Joseph Richards, Geo. W. Taggart, Wm. D. Huntington, Jesse Earl, J. M. King, H. B. Jacobs, A. J. Clothier, Sylvester Duzette, -Lyon, Aroet Hale, Abram Day, L. W. Hardy, Willard Smith, Stephen Wilber, Lewis Hardy, James Leithead, J. M. Frink, Eleazer King, -Sprague. In the afternoon Elders Heber C. Kimball, Lyman Wight, William Smith and wife, went by railway cars and steamboat to Boston. Saturday, 29.—The Legion was out all last night, expecting a mob to come. The following is from a letter addressed to President Joseph Smith, from Elders Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball:— 136 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Lyman Wight’s Poli¬ tical Address. LETTER FROM ELDERS LYMAN WIGHT AND HEBER C. KIMBALL TO JOSEPH SMITH ‘Philadelphia, Pa., June 19, 1844. To my well beloved brother and fellow prisoner,* President Joseph Smith — I take this opportunity of giving you an abridged history of my transactions, together with Brother Heber C. Kimball, my fellow traveler. We left Nauvoo the 21st day of May, amidst the acclama¬ tions of three cheers from the shore, ‘Joseph Smith, the next President of the United States!' We passed smoothly down the river; there were 165 passengers on board the boat Osprey. I was called upon to deliver a political address, and to show what right Joseph Smith had to the presidential chair, which I did to the entire satisfac¬ tion of nearly all the passengers on board, not forgetting at the same time to show that the other candidates had disqualified themselves to all the right and title, by acts of meanness. Whilst speaking of their mean acts I was frequently interrupted with loud laughing and clapping of hands, by way of approbation. A vote being taken on the presidential question, Joseph Smith received a large majority over all the other candidates. We reached St. Louis on the 22nd at 10 a. m. Here Brothers Young and Kimball called the church together and instructed them spiritually and politically. We learned that the church at St. Louis numbered nearly 700 souls. On the 23rd we left St. Louis on board the boat Louis Phillippe, at half past 12 o’clock, with about 200 passengers on board; many of the same that were on the Osprey, together with many new pas¬ sengers. There were at first some little prejudices existing, but President Brigham Young, being called upon, delivered a discourse upon the principles of our doctrine, which entirely allayed the prejudices. Next evening Brother William Smith was called upon to deliver an address, which he did in the power and demonstration of the spirit, and we were afterwards looked upon as their superiors. On the 26th we reached Cincinnati, at 6 o’clock, p. m. Elders* Young and Kimball went to visit the church in that city, whilst I changed our luggage on board the boat Neptune for Pittsburgh. All the passengers on board the Louis Phillippe being bound for Pittsburgh, came with us. At 8 a. m. on the 27th, we held a conference with the elders in Cincinnati. I addressed them on the subject of politics, and perseverance in duty, and the great necessity of reform in government. I was followed by Brothers Kimball and Young on the same subjects. ♦This has reference to their imprisonment together in Liberty prison, Missouri, winter of 1838. B. H. R. Brigham Young’s Ad¬ dress on the Steamboat. Members of the Twelve in Conference at Cincinnati. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 137 We then instructed them to have 2,000 copies of your views on the Powers and Policy of the Government printed, and for the elders to scatter them with the velocity of lightning and the voice of thunder. I had nearly forgotten to mention an important occurrence on board of the Louis Phillippe, with a Mr. David Guard, of Lawrence- burgh, Indiana: he is worth from $200,000 to $300,000; he emi¬ grated to Cincinnati when there were but three log cabins in that place. He gave me his views on politics, which com¬ pletely corresponded with yours. I then gave him two copies of your ‘Views’. He was highly pleased with them, and pledged his word he would have them pub¬ lished in both the Lawrenceburgh papers, as they were both published under his roof, and if they did not comply with so reasonable a request, they (the editors) to seek shelter elsewhere. He also stated that Joseph Smith was the first man since the days of Washington and Jefferson, who had been frank and honest enough to give his views to the people before being elected; and said, that he would go his whole length for such a man, and that if you were not elected this time, you would be the next: let this be an ensample of numerous other cases, as you know it would be too irksome to write them all, or read them. To return to the subject, at ten o’clock this morning (the 27th), we left for Pittsburgh with an addition of passengers. On this boat I was called upon to deliver an address showing the Thc Apostles utility of thc Book of Mormon, and the present situation en route for of the world, which I did, and by this time we had 1 s urgl * a complete victory over both priests and people. On this boat a large majority of votes were given for yourself for president. We arrived at Pittsburgh on the 30th at 6 p. m. Here we left President Brigham Young. Brothers William Smith, Heber C. Kim¬ ball and myself left Pittsburgh on the 31st of May, at 10 o’clock, from thence by steamer, stage and railway, we passed over hills and dales, arriving at Washington city [D. C.] on the 2nd of June, preaching to, and thorning everybody with politics that came in our way. Thus after a journey of thirteen days we arrived in the great metropolis of the United States; which, by-the-by, ^ w . ht with the exception of the Pennsylvania Avenue, more in Washing- resembles the Methodist slough of despond than any- thing like a decent city. . At this time, being near the close of the session, [congress] it was filled up with demagogues, jackleg lawyers and blackleg gamblers, and everything else but intelligence. The senators and representatives gener¬ ally rise at 8 o’clock in the morning, prepare themselves for business about 11 o’clock, commonly return at 3 and 4 in the afternoon. From 6 till 9 is the only time we could do any business whatever, hence we prepared and watched our opportunity, and did all the A Pioneer Cincinnatian for Joseph Smith for President of the United States. would have 138 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 business we could betwixt those hours, for ten days, pleading the cause of the poor and oppressed. We have got a petition signed, with our names attached, in behalf of the church, asking for a remuneration for our losses, and not for our rights, or redress, for they would not receive such a petition from Petition to us - ^ was t ^ ou 8^ t by Judge Semple, Judge Douglas, Congress for General [David R.] Atchison and Major Hughs, that our t'ionof Looses” Petition would carry if it was not too late in the season, of the Church Judge Semple handed it to the chairman of the Com- in Missouri. . Aii-t , TT . . . ... .. mittee on Public Lands. He said he would do the best he could for us. General Atchison is of the opinion if we could sue the state of Missouri for redress of grievances, that there was virtue enough in the state to answer our demands, 'for', said he, 'they are ashamed of their conduct Douglas and Semple are of the same opinion. Brother Kimball and myself spared no pains during our stay at Washington: we found six members of the church, and many attentive hearers. We purpose sending a steady, faithful elder, who we think can build up a large church. We found our time too limited to meet the conferences and transact our business, to tarry longer at present, but shall return, if we find it necessary, after the Baltimore Convention; for we will never leave them, nor forsake them, nor return home, while we think there is a stone unturned, or a conscience that is not harrowed up by our continued preaching. On the 11th instant we left Washington, and arrived at Brother Saunders’, Wilmington, Delaware, at 5 o’clock the same evening, distance 114 miles. We can assure you we found everything right in this place, and adjacent to it. We found about 100 members, and held two meetings with them, appointing a conference on the 22nd and 23rd inst. On the 13th at 2 p. m., we left this place for Philadelphia, and arrived at Brother William Smith’s at 5 p. m. Brother Kimball being exposed, had a slight attack of the chills and fever. Since that time we have preached alternately. The church here numbers nearly 200, out of which number many have commenced sickening, and were grow¬ ing faint at the many false reports in circulation, fearing that the Prophet had fallen and the Twelve were in transgression, but they have since learned that the Prophet is right, and that the Twelve are with him, and they are beginning to revive; they have stood six tremendous shocks, and I think if they stand the seventh, which is to come tomorrow evening they will survive. We shall call on them to know whether they intend to gather with the living and sustain the cause of God by the mouth of his Prophets and Apostles, or die in Philadelphia. If they should choose the latter, we shall attend to the funeral ceremonies, and leave them to rest with the dead, and we will go on our way among the living. Members of the Twelve at Philadelphia— Righteousness and Union of Joseph and the Twelve Affirmed. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 139 If they should choose the former, we shall expect a glorious work in this place. We shall leave here on the 21st for Wilmington, to attend confer¬ ence, we shall then return to this place, and from here to New York and Boston, to meet the conferences in those cities, and so continue from place to place until we shall have accomplished the mission appointed unto us."* ♦This letter represents Elder Lyman Wight at his best, and shows him to be an Apostle of the Lord Jesus of no inferior order. B. H. R. 140 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 CHAPTER XII MOVEMENTS IN HANCOCK COUNTY, CARTHAGE, NAUVOO, WARSAW AND QUINCY, FOR THE MAINTE¬ NANCE OF PEACE FOLLOWING THE MARTYRDOM: LIST OF THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO WERE IN THE MOB ASSEMBLED TO SLAY THE PROPHET “Saturday, June 29th, 1844.—About noon, Gen¬ eral H. Swazey, of Iowa, called at Nauvoo and offered assistance to the people. The following article from Governor Ford, was published in the Times and Seasons :— GOVERNOR FORD TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS ‘I desire to make a brief, but true statement of the recent disgraceful affair at Carthage, in regard to the Smiths, so far as circumstances have come to my knowledge. The Smiths, Joseph and Hyrum, have been assassinated in jail, by whom it is not known, but will be ascertained. I pledged myself for their safety, and upon the assurance of that pledge they surrendered as prisoners. The Mormons surrendered the public arms in their possession, and the Nauvoo Legion submitted to the command of Captain Singleton, of Brown county, deputed for that purpose by me. All these things were required to satisfy the old citizens of Hancock that the Mormons were peaceably disposed, and to allay jealousy and excitement in their minds. It appears, however, that the compliance of the Mormons with every requisition made upon them, failed of that purpose. The pledge of security to the Smiths was not given upon my individual responsi¬ bility. Before I gave it, I obtained a pledge of honor by a unanimous vote from the officers and men under my command, to sustain me in performing it. If the assassination of the Smiths was committed by any portion of these, they have added treachery to murder, and have done all they could to disgrace the state, and sully the public honor. On the morning of the day the deed was committed, we had proposed to march the army under my command into Nauvoo. I had, however, discovered on the evening before, that nothing but A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 141 utter destruction of the city would satisfy a portion of the troops; and that if we marched into the city, pretexts would not be wanting for commencing hostilities. The Mormons had done everything re¬ quired, or which ought to have been required of them. Offensive operations on our part would have been as unjust and disgraceful as they would have been impolitic in the present critical season of the year, the harvest and the crops. For these reasons I decided, in a council of officers to disband the army, except three companies, two of which were reserved as a guard for the jail. With the other company I marched into Nauvoo, to address the inhabitants there, and tell them what they might expect in case they designedly or imprudently provoked a war. I performed this duty as I think plainly and emphatically, and then set out to return to Carthage. When I had marched about three miles, a messenger informed me of the occurrences at Carthage. I hastened on to that place. The guard, it is said, did their duty, but were overpowered. Many of the inhabitants of Carthage had fled with their families. Others were preparing to go. I apprehended danger to the settlements from the sudden fury and passion of the Mormons, and sanctioned their movements in this respect. General Deming volunteered to remain with a few troops to observe the progress of events, to defend property against small numbers, and with orders to retreat if menaced by a superior force. I decided to proceed immediately to Quincy, to prepare a force sufficient to suppress disorders, in case it should ensue from the foregoing transactions, or from any other cause. I have hopes that the Mormons will make no further difficulties. In this I may be mistaken. The other party may not be satisfied. They may recommence aggression. I am determined to preserve the peace against all breakers of the same, at all hazards. I think present circumstances warrant the precaution of having a competent force at my disposal, in readiness to march at a moment’s warning. My position at Quincy will enable me to get the earliest intelligence, and to communicate orders with great celerity. I have decided to issue the following general orders: GOVERNOR FORD'S GENERAL ORDERS TO THE MILITIA IN THE WESTERN COUNTIES OF ILLINOIS ‘Headquarters, Quincy, June 29, 1844. It is ordered that the commandants of regiments in the counties of Adams, Marquette, Pike, Brown, Schuyler, Morgan, Scott, Cass, Fulton and McDonough, and the regiments composing General Stapp’s brigade, will call their respective regiments and battalions together immediately upon the receipt of this order, and proceed by voluntary 142 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 enlistment to enroll as many men as can be armed in their respective regiments. They will make arrangements for a campaign of twelve days, and will provide themselves with arms, ammunition and pro¬ visions accordingly, and hold themselves in readiness immediately to march upon the receipt of further orders. The independent companies of riflemen, infantry, cavalry, and artillery in the above-named counties, and in the county of San¬ gamon will hold themselves in readiness in like manner. [Signed] Thomas Ford, Governor and Commander-in-Chief/ Saturday, 29, 1 p. m.—Mayor Wood and ex-Mayor Conyers, from Quincy, arrived from the governor’s Movement of headquarters, and said 244 troops from ?o u w c a y rsIw° ops Q u i nc Y had arrived in Warsaw to protect the innocent, and they had come to ascertain the feelings of the people, and adopt measures to allay excitement. We copy the following letter from Sheriff J. B. Backenstos:— ROLL OF CARTHAGE GREYS AND OFFICERS JUNE 27th. A. D. 1844. Robert F. Smith, Captain. F. A. Worrell, 1 S. O. Williams, ^Lieutenants. M. Barnes, Jun.J Guard at the Jail, June 11, 1 844. F. A. Worrell, officer of the guard. Franklin Rhodes. William Baldwin. Levi Street, lives near Men- don, Adams county, Illinois. Joseph Hawley, lives in Car¬ thage, Illinois. Anthony Barkman, lives in Carthage, Illinois. Clabourn Wilson, lives in Carthage, Illinois. Balance of [Company of] Greys. Edwin Baldwin, lives near Carthage, Ill. James D. Barnes, Frederick Loring, in Leyrand Doolittle, A. D. 1842-6 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 143 Marvin Hamilton, lives in Carthage, Ill. Ebenezer Rand, John W. Maith, Thomas Griffith, Lewis C. Stevenson, Noah M. Reckard, Eli H. Williams, H. T. Wilson. Albert Thompson, Walter Bagby, left the country, gone to Louisiana, and died. George C. Waggoner, lives l/ 2 miles north of Carthage. Crocket Wilson, lives 8 miles east of Carthage. Thomas J. Dale, 5 Richard Dale, 5 The Carthage Greys never numbered more than about thirty, rank and file; during the June mob war, several joined for the time only, who reside at other places, and whose names are unknown to me. The Carthage Greys were nearly to a man parties in the June massacre. Green Plains. Captain Weir'.s company of about sixty men. Warsaiv. Captain J. C. Davis’ company of about sixty men. Captain Wm. N. Grover's company of about sixty men. Captain Mark Aldrich’s company of about sixty men, comprising the entire settlement in and about Warsaw and Green Plains, with the exception of the Walkers, Gillhams, Paytons, Bledsors, Gallahers, Byrrs, Kimballs, Worthens, Summervilles, and Bedells, and the Mormon families who resided in that part of the county at that time. Those active in the massacre at Carthage—supplied by Sheuff J. B. Backenstos The leaders of the Hancock mob, and those who took an active part in the massacre of Joseph and Hyrum Smith are— Thomas C. Sharp, Warsaiv Signal, Illinois, editor. Colonel Levi Williams, Green Plains, Illinois, farmer. William N. Grover, Warsaw, Illinois, lawyer. Jacob C. Davis, Warsaw, Illinois, lawyer. Mark Aldrich, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. Henry Stephens, Warsaw, Illinois, lawyer. George Rockwell, Warsaw, Illinois, druggist. 144 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 James H. Wood, Warsaw, Illinois, blacksmith. Calvin Cole, Warsaw, Illinois, tavernkeeper. William B. Chipley, Warsaw, Illinois, doctor. - Hays, Warsaw, Illinois, doctor. J. D. Mellen, Warsaw, Illinois, merchant. E. W. Gould, Warsaw, Illinois, merchant. Samuel Fleming, Warsaw, Illinois, constable. John Montague, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. Jas. Gregg, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. J. C. Elliot, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. Lyman Prentiss, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. D. W. Matthews, now St. Louis, Missouri, merchant. J. B. Matthews, now St. Louis, Missouri, merchant. Trueman Hosford, Warsaw, Illinois, farmer. Four of the Chittendens, Warsaw, Illinois, different occupations. J. W. Athey, Warsaw, Illinois, no business. Onias C. Skinner, now of Quincy, Illinois, lawyer. Calvin A. Warren, Quincy, Illinois, lawyer. George W. Thatcher, Carthage, Illinois, county clerk. James W. Brattle, Carthage, Illinois, land shark. Alexander Sympson, Carthage, Illinois, land shark. Jason H. Sherman, Carthage, Illinois, lawyer. Michael Reckard, one-half mile west of Carthage, Illinois, farmer. Thomas Morrison, Carthage, Illinois, lawyer. E. S. Freeman, Carthage, Illinois, blacksmith. Thomas L. Barnes, Carthage, Illinois, quack doctor. John Wilson, Carthage, Illinois, tavernkeeper. Edward Jones, 5 miles north of Carthage, farmer. Captain James E. Dunn, Augusta, Illinois, tavernkeeper. Joel Catlin, Augusta, Illinois, farmer, etc. William D. Abernethy, Augusta, Illinois, farmer, etc. Erastus Austin, constable, etc. - Austin, loafer. Reuben Graves, St. Mary’s, Illinois, farmer. Henry Garnett, St. Mary's, Illinois, farmer. F. J. Bartlett, St. Mary’s, Illinois, miller. Valentine Wilson, St. Mary's, Illinois, farmer. Sylvester M. Bartlett, editor of the Quincy Whig. Major W. B. Warren, a damned villain. Colonel - Gettis, Fountain Green, Illinois, farmer. Matthews McClaughny, Fountain Green, Illinois, farmer. Nickerson Wright, Fountain Green, Illinois, farmer. John McAuley, Camp Creek Precinct, Illinois, one of the worst men in Hancock. William H. Rollason, Pontusuc, Illinois. John M. Finch, Pontusuc, Illinois. Francis M. Higbee, Pontusuc, Illinois. A. D 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 145 - Douglass, Pontusuc, Illinois, schoolmaster. George Backman, one of the Durfee murderers.* - Moss or Morse, one of the Durfee murderers. Jacob Beck, one of the Durfee murderers. Backman lives in Carthage, Moss or Morse, and Jacob Beck have left the country, but expect to return. The foregoing is a pretty large list: there are others of the smaller fry which I deem unworthy of notice, inasmuch as they were led on through the influence of the leaders, and whiskey. I most cheer¬ fully give you any information in my power in reference to this matter; the only thing that I regret about is. that these things I am fearful will be put off so long that I will not live to see or hear of the awful vengeance which will in the end overtake the Hancock assassins. I have long been of the opinion that forebearance is no longer a virtue, let the guilty be made to answer for their crimes. Let justice be done, and all will be well. The bloodhounds are still determined on taking my life; I can hear from them every once in a while. I will have to be exceedingly careful this summer, or they will have my scalp. They still act upon the principle that had it not been for me in September last, Worrell and McBradney would not have been killed, and the city of Nauvoo burned to the ground. They want to hold me responsible for every¬ thing that was done to put them down in their mob doings last year. In reference to my correspondence with the governor, I will say that I received but two letters from him during the difficulty, neither of which were received until after the arrival of General Hardin and the [state] government troops. In my communications to Governor Ford, in relation to the riots in Hancock county, I made but one request of him, and that was, that no troops ought to be brought into Hancock county; that I had sufficient power within the limits of the county to suppress any further riots, and prevent any more burning. I am certain that the letters which I received from the governor were either left in your hands, or in the hands of some one in your office at Nauvoo; at least I have not got them now. I recollect that you desired to get them for future use, and am sorry that I cannot forward them to you. You will find in my Proclamations! the historical part of the last mob war in Hancock.' The following list is from the pen of Dr. Willard Richards:— ♦The Durfee murder occurred at Green Plains in Hancock county, Illinois, during the renewal of mob violence in the latter part of 184 5 (See Jenson's Chronology, November. 1845. also Comprehensive History of the Church, Century I. vol. ii, ch. lxvii). B. H. R. t These Proclamations are five in number, and will be found in extenso in the Com¬ prehensive History of the Church, Century I. vol. ii. pp. 490-503. B. H. R. 10 Vol. 7 146 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 LIST OF THE MOB AT CARTHAGE ACCORDING TO WILLARD RICHARDS ‘William Law, Wilson Law, Robert D. Foster, Charles A. Foster, Francis M. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee, Joseph H. Jackson, John M. Finch, Wm. A. Rollason, Wm. H. J. Marr. S. M. Marr, Sylvester Emmons, Alexander Sympson, John Eagle, Henry O. Norton, Augustine Spencer. The foregoing have been aided and abetted by—Charles Ivins and family, P. T. Rolfe, N. J. Higbee. William Cook, and Sarah, his wife, formerly Sarah Crooks, of Manchester.' Sunday, 30.—The governor wrote to General Dem- ing, as follows:— COMMUNICATION OF GOVERNOR FORD TO GENERAL DEMING ‘Headquarters, Quincy, June 30, 1844. Sir .—It is my present opinion that the Mormons will not commit any outbreak, and that no further alarm need be apprehended. 1 regret to learn that the party in Hancock, who are in favor of violent measures have circulated a thousand false rumors of danger, for the purpose of getting men together without my authority, hoping that when assembled, they may be ready to join in their violent councils. This is a fraud upon the country, and must not be endured. I am afraid that the people of Hancock are fast depriving them¬ selves of the sympathy of their fellow citizens, and of the world. I strictly order and enjoin on you that you permit no attack on Nauvoo or any of the people there without my authority. I think it would be best to disband your forces, unless it should be necessary to retain them to suppress violence on either side: of this you must be the judge at present. I direct that you immediately order all persons from Missouri and Iowa to leave the camp and return to their respective homes without delay. I direct, also, that you cause all mutinous persons, and all persons who advise tumultuous proceedings to be arrested; and that you take energetic measures to stop the practice of spreading false reports put in circulation to inflame the public mind. [Signed] THOMAS Ford, Commander-in-Chief. To Brigadier-General Deming, Carthage, Ill.’ A. D 1842-6 ] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 147 A few of the brethren met in council, and agreed to send Brother George J. Adams to bear the news of the massacre to the Twelve. Elder Willard Richards wrote the following, and sent it by George J. Adams:— WILLARD RICHARDS TO BRIGHAM YOUNG—NAUVOO AFFAIRS. INCLUDING THE MARTYRDOM ‘Nauvoo, Sunday, June 30, 1844, 6 p. m. Beloved Brother Brigham Young, —For the first moment we have had the opportunity, by request of such brethren of the council as we could call, we write to inform you of the situation of affairs in Nauvoo and elsewhere. On the 24 th inst., Joseph, Hyrum, and thirteen others went to Carthage, and gave themselves up to Robert F. Smith, a justice of the peace, on charge of riot, for destroying the Nauvoo Expositor press and apparatus. 2 5 th. 'Were exhibited by Governor Ford to the troops assembled, like elephants,—gave bonds for appearance at court, were arrested on charge of treason, and committed to jail without examination. 2 6th. Brought out to the courthouse contrary to law, for examina¬ tion,—returned to jail till witnesses could be procured. 2 7th. A little before 6 p. m. the jail was forced by an armed, disguised mob, of from 150 to 200; the guard was frustrated, Hyrum shot in the nose and throat and two other places, only saying, 7 am a dead man. Elder Taylor received four balls in left leg and left wrist and hand. Joseph received four bullets, one in right collar bone, one in right breast, and two others in his back, he leaped from the east window of the front room, and was dead in an instant. I remained unharmed. The bodies were removed to Nauvoo on the 28th, and buried on the 29th. Elder Taylor remains at Hamilton's Tavern yet; we heard today he is better. Elder George J. Adams is deputed to convey this to you, together with today’s Extra Nauvoo Neighbor, and other papers giving par¬ ticulars which you may rely on. The effect of this hellish butchery was like the bursting of a tornado on Carthage and Warsaw; those villages were without in¬ habitants, as in an instant they ran for their lives, lest the Mormons should burn and kill them suddenly—'the wicked flee when no man pursueth’. The excitement has been great, but the indignation more terrible: a reaction is taking place, and men of influence are coming from abroad to learn the facts, and going away satisfied that the Mormons are not the aggressors. You now know our situation, and the request of the council is, 148 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 that the Twelve return to Nauvoo. The lives of twelve more are threatened with deadly threats. It has been suggested by the council, that if the Twelve approved, President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff and Orson Pratt return immediately; and William Smith, whose life is threatened, with all the Smiths, John E. Page, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde spend a little time in publishing the news in the eastern cities, and getting as many in the church as possible. This is for you to decide. The saints have borne this trial with great fortitude and forbear¬ ance. They must keep cool at present. We have pledged our faith not to prosecute the murderers at present, but leave it to Governor Ford; if he fails, time enough for us by and by; vengeance is in the heavens. We have been in close quarters some time,—money and provisions are scarce. Will the eastern brethren contribute to our relief? Governor Ford has taken away the state arms from the Legion. Your families are well, for aught I know. Sister Hyde has gone to Kirtland, I suppose. I have not been able to get any means for myself or anybody else. The council consider it best for all the traveling elders to stop preaching politics—preach the gospel with double energy, and bring as many to the knowledge of the truth as possible. The great event of 1844, so long anticipated, has arrived, without a parallel since the birth of Adam. Jackson [W. H.] and his gang will try to waylay you coming up the river, if not before: look out for yourselves. A little while since Parley wrote to Hyrum about Elder George J. Adams' proceedings and teachings in Boston. I heard Joseph tell Hyrum to let Adams alone, let Adams go back there and make all things right, that Parley had misapprehended some things, and acted in the matter rather injudiciously. The saints have entered into covenants of peace with the governor and government officers, not to avenge the blood of the martyrs, but leave it with the executive, who had pledged the faith of the state for their safe-keeping. The elders cannot be too careful in all the world, to keep from saying anything to irritate and vex the governor, etc., for at present we must conciliate: it is for our salvation. The gov¬ ernor has appeared to act with honest intentions; we bring no charge against him—will wait patiently his proceedings in the matter. Let the elders keep cool, vengeance rests in heaven .—Yours as ever, Willard Richards’. A council was held by the brethren, at which Messrs. Wood and Conyers from Quincy were present, also i-eace Council Colonel Richardson, lawyer, from Rush- at Nauvoo. v ille. The council again expressed their de- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 149 termination to preserve the peace in the city, and re¬ quested those gentlemen to use their influence to allay the excitement abroad, which they promised to do. Colonel Richardson agreed to use all his influence to stay all illegal writs, and all writs for the present. General Dunham requested a guard might be sent to Golden’s Point, to protect the people there from the mob. Father John Smith was present, and spoke of the destruction of crops by the McDonough troops. We extract from Elder Woodruff’s Journal:— EXCERPTS FROM WILFORD WOODRUFF’S JOURNAL—THE TWELVE IN BOSTON ‘The Boston branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and many elders from various parts, met in conference in Franklin Hall, Boston, on the 29th day of June, 1844. Present: a majority of the Quorum of the Twelve, viz., President Brigham Young, presiding; Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, William Smith, Wilford Woodruff, and Lyman Wight. Conference opened by prayer. Elder Orson Hyde occupied the forenoon in an interesting manner. Elders Young, Kimball, and Wight severally addressed the meeting in the afternoon, much to the edification of the people. Resolved that James H. Glines and Wm. Henderson be ordained elders: they were ordained under the hands of Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. Conference adjourned till Sunday morning. The Twelve met in council in the evening. 30th. 10 a. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Elder Orson Pratt addressed the meeting, and ably removed the objections generally urged against new revelation. In the afternoon, Elder Lyman Wight preached on the immortality of the body and the spirit, and also the principle of charity, connecting it with baptism for the dead. In the evening, Elder Wilford Woodruff preached from the words of Jesus: *Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ The house was full through the day and evening, and much instruc¬ tion was given during the conference by those who spoke.’ Monday, July 1.—A. Jonas and Colonel A Jonasanil Fellows arrived in Nauvoo, with a mes- coi. Feiiow* r i i ...at Nauvoo— sage from the governor to the city council. Their We copy their instructions: — 150 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 THE GOVERNOR’S INSTRUCTIONS ‘Colonel Fellows and Captain Jonas are requested to proceed by the first boat to Nauvoo, and ascertain what is the feeling, disposition, and determination of the people there, in reference to the late disturb¬ ances; ascertain whether any of them propose in any manner to avenge themselves, whether any threats have been used, and what is proposed generally to be done by them. They are also requested to return to Warsaw and make similar inquiries there; ascertain how far false rumors have been put afloat for the purpose of raising forces; what is the purpose of the militia assembled, whether any attack is intended on Nauvoo. Ascertain also, whether any person from Missouri or Iowa intends to take part in the matter, and in my name forbid any such inter¬ ference, without my request, on pain of being demanded for punish¬ ment. [Signed] THOMAS FORD. June 30th, 1844.' They wrote as follows:— COMMISSIONERS' NOTE TO THE NAUVOO CITY COUNCIL ‘Nauvoo, July 1, 1844. To the City Council of Nauvoo: Gentlemen ,—With this you will receive a copy of instructions from Governor Ford to us. You will understand from them what we desire from you in action on your part, as the only authorities of your city now known to the country, of such a character as will pacify the public mind and satisfy the governor of your determination to sustain the supremacy of the laws, which will, we are sure, be gratifying to him, and as much so to Yours respectfully, [Signed] HART FELLOWS, A. Jonas/ We copy from the Times and Seasons :— RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF NAUVOO ‘At a meeting of the city council, held in the council room, in the city of Nauvoo, on the first day of July, 1844, having received instructions from Governor Ford, through the agency of A. Jonas, Esq., and Colonel Fellows, it was unanimously Resolved, For the purpose of insuring peace, and promoting the welfare of the county of Hancock and surrounding country, that we will rigidly sustain the laws and the governor of the state, so long as they, and he, sustain us in all our constitutional rights. Resolved , secondly, That to carry the foregoing resolutions into complete effect, that inasmuch as the governor has taken from us the A. D. 1842-6 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 151 public arms, that we solicit of him to do the same with all the rest of the public arms of the state. Resolved, thirdly, To further secure the peace, friendship and happiness of the people, and allay the excitement that now exists, we will reprobate private revenge on the assassinators of General Joseph Smith and General Hyrum Smith by any of the Latter-day Saints. That instead of ‘an appeal to arms', we appeal to the majesty of the law, and will be content with whatever judgment it shall award and should the law fail, we leave the matter with God. Resolved, unanimously, That this city council pledge themselves for the city of Nauvoo, that no aggressions by the citizens of said city shall be made on the citizens of the surrounding country, but we invite them, as friends and neighbors, to use the Savior's golden rule, and ‘do unto others as they would have others do unto them’, and we will do likewise. Resolved, lastly. That we highly approve of the present public pacific course of the governor to allay excitement and restore peace among the citizens of the country; and while he does so, and will use his influence to stop all vexatious proceedings in law, until confidence is restored, so that the citizens of Nauvoo can go to Car¬ thage, or any other place, for trial, without exposing themselves to the violence of assassins, we will uphold him. and the law, by all honorable means. [Signed] GEORGE W. HARRIS, President pro tem. Willard Richards, Recorder.’ ‘A Jonas, Esq., and Colonel Fellows: — Messrs .,—In reply to your communication to the city council of the city of Nauvoo, on behalf of His Excellency Governor Ford, I have been instructed by the council to communicate the foregoing resolutions which I respectfully solicit for your consideration, and at the same time would inform you that a public meeting of our citizens will take place at the stand, east of the Temple, at 4 p. m., and solicit your attendance. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, [Signed] W. RICHARDS/ ACTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL—EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION ‘At a meeting of a large portion of the citizens of Nauvoo, convened at the stand, in the afternoon of July 1, 1844, after hearing the above instructions and resolutions of the city council read, and being ad¬ dressed by A. Jonas, Esq., and others, the meeting responded to the same with a hearty AMEN! The citizens then passed a vote of thanks to the governor’s agents 152 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 (or their kindly interference in favor of peace among the citizens of Hancock county and elsewhere around us. They also passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Woods and Reid, the counsel for the Generals Smith, for their great exertions to have even-handed justice meted to the Latter-day Saints, and they also passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Chambers and Field, the former one of the editors of the Missouri Republican, and the latter, one of the editors of the Reveille, of St. Louis, for their honorable course of coming to Nauvoo for facts, instead of spreading rumors concerning the Latter-day Saints. Mr. Chambers made a very appropriate speech, containing inuendos for the benefit of our citizens, that appeared as the wise man said, 'like apples of gold in pictures of silver . They also passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Wood and Conyers, mayor and ex-mayor of Quincy, for their friendly disposition in establishing peace in this region, and we are happy to say that all appears to be peace at Nauvoo ADDRESS TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS —A WORD OF CONSOLATION 'Deeply impressed for the welfare of all, while mourning the great loss of President Joseph Smith, our ‘Prophet and Seer’, and President Hyrum Smith, our 'Patriarch', we have considered the occasion demanded of us a word of consolation. As has been the case in all ages, these saints have fallen martyrs for the truth's sake, and their escape from the persecution of a wicked world, in blood to bliss, only strengthens our faith, and confirms our religion as pure and holy. We, therefore, as servants of the Most High God, having the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. together with thousands of witnesses, for Jesus Christ, would beseech the Latter-day Saints, in Nauvoo and elsewhere, to hold fast to the faith that has been delivered to them in the last days, abiding in the perfect law of the gospel. Be peaceable, quiet citizens, doing the works of righteousness, and as soon as the Twelve and other authorities can assemble, or a majority of them, the onward course to the great gathering of Israel, and the final consummation of the dispensation of the fulness of times will be pointed out, so that the murder of Abel, the assassination of hundreds, the righteous blood of all the holy Prophets, from Abel to Joseph, sprinkled with the best blood of the Son of God, as the crimson sign of remission, only carries conviction to the bosoms of all intelligent beings, that the cause is just and will continue; and blessed are they that hold out faithful to the end, while apostates, consenting to the shedding of innocent blood, have no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come. Union is peace, brethren, and eternal life is the greatest gift A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 153 of God. Rejoice, then, that you are found worthy to live and die for God. Men may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul, and wisdom shall be justified of her children. Amen. [Signed] W. W. PHELPS, Willard Richards, John Taylor. July 1, 1844'.” 154 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 CHAPTER XIII THE MARTYRDOM IN POETRY—EFFORTS FOR FOOD SUPPLIES AND PROTECTION FOR THE PEOPLE OF NAUVOO-THE DANIELS AFFIDAVIT ON THE MARTYRDOM “The following appropriate and expressive poetry we copy from the Times and Seasons :— THE ASSASSINATION OF GENERALS JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH, FIRST PRESIDENT AND SECOND PATRIARCH OF THE CHURCH OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, WHO WERE MASSACRED BY A MOB, IN CARTHAGE, HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ON THE 27TH OF JUNE, 1844 BY MISS ELIZA R. SNOW And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testi¬ mony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, how long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; * * * that they should rest yet for a litle season, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled' (Rev. vi:9, 10, 11). ‘Ye heavens attend! Let all the earth give ear. Let God and seraphs, men and angels hear— The worlds on high—the universe shall know What awful scenes are acted here below! Had nature’s self a heart, that heart would bleed At the recital of that horrid deed: For never, since the Son of Man was slain Has blood so noble flowed from human vein As that which now on God for vengeance calls From freedom’s ground—from Carthage prison walls. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 155 Oh! Illinois! thy soil has drank the blood Of Prophets martyr’d for the truth of God. Once lov’d America, what can atone For the pure blood of innocence thou’st sown? Were all thy streams in teary torrents shed How vain the tribute, for the noblest worth That graced thy surface, O degraded earth! Oh wretched murd’rers! fierce for human blood! You’ve slain the Prophets of the living God, Who've borne oppression from their early youth, To plant on earth the principles of truth. Shades of heroic fathers! Can it be Beneath your blood-stained flag of liberty, The firm supporters of our country’s cause, Are butchered while submissive to her laws? Yes, blameless men, defam’d by hellish lies, Have thus been offered as a sacrifice T’appease the ragings of a brutish clan, That has defied the laws of God and man! ’Twas not for crime or guilt of theirs they fell— Against the laws they never did rebel; True to their country, yet her plighted faith Has proved an instrument of cruel death! Where are thy far-famed laws—Columbia, where Thy boasted freedom—thy protecting care? Is this a land of rights? Stern facts shall say, If legal justice here maintains its sway. The official pow’rs of State are sheer pretense When they’re exerted in the Saints’ defense. Great men have fallen, and mighty men have died— Nations have mourn’d their fav’rites and their pride; But TWO so wise, so virtuous, great and good, Before on earth, at once, have never stood Since the creation—men whom God ordain’d To publish truth where error long had reign’d, Of whom the world itself unworthy prov’d, It knew them not; but men with hatred mov’d, 156 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 And with infernal spirits have combin’d Against the best, the noblest of mankind. Oh persecution! shall thy purple hand Spread utter desolation through the land? Shall freedom’s banner be no more unfurled? Has peace indeed been taken from the world? Thou God of Jacob, in this trying hour Help us to trust in thy Almighty power; Support thy Saints beneath this awful stroke, Make bare thine arm to break oppression’s yoke. We mourn thy Prophet, from whose lips have flow’d The words of life thy Spirit has bestow’d— A depth of thought no human art could reach From time to time, roll’d in sublimest speech From the celestial fountain, through his mind, To purify and elevate mankind; The rich intelligence by him brought forth, Is like the sunbeam spreading o’er the earth. Now Zion mourns—she mourns an earthly head; The Prophet and the Patriarch are dead! The blackest deed that men or devils know, Since Calv’ry's scene, has laid the brothers low! One in their life, and one in death—they prov’d How strong their friendship—how they truly lov’d; True to their mission until death they stood, Then seal’d their testimony with their blood. All hearts with sorrow bleed, and every eye Is bath’d in tears—each bosom heaves a sigh— Heartbroken widows’ agonizing groans Are mingled with the helpless orphans’ moans! Ye Saints! be still, and know that God is just— With steadfast purpose in his promise trust; Girded with sackcloth, own his mighty hand, And wait his judgment on this guilty land! The noble martyrs now have gone to move The cause of Zion in the courts above. Nauvoo, July 1st, 1844.' A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 157 Tuesday, July 2, 1844.—We extract the following from Elders Kimball and Wight's letter:— SECOND LETTER FROM ELDERS WIGHT AND KIMBALL—MOVEMENTS OF THE TWELVE* ‘June 21st, 1844. We again resume the pen to give you a few further particulars. We met the church in the city of Philadelphia last evening, pursuant to adjournment, the members being all present. The vote was taken to know whether they would sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve in their calling, and follow their counsel spiritually and temporally, lay aside all their prejudice and fears, and follow them through evil as well as through good report. There was not a dissenting vote. We think the church is in a good condition. There will be some added next Sabbath by baptism, and we trust more ere long. For our manner of preaching and instructing the church, we refer you to brothers Forgeus and Price. We leave here today, at 4 o’clock, for the Wilmington conference; many of the brethren and sisters from this place are going with us. We have so many calls in this place, from those in the church and out of it, that we cannot stop a night in a place. We are at this time at Sister McMinn's, whose family treat us with all the kindness and attention that the servants of God could ask. They wish to be remembered to the Prophet and family, and so do all the saints in this place; and they are now determined to uphold you by their prayers in all things. I must confess this was not the case when we came here, with all. We learned that it is too much the case that the Twelve often find their way hedged up by the presiding elders en¬ deavoring to exalt themselves and debase us, but you will find it different with your case in Philadelphia. June 24th, 1844. Just returned from Wilmington conference, accompanied by several of the brethren and sisters who went from this place. We can truly say that this was one of the most pleasant trips in our life. We went down on the steamer Balloon , and returned by railway. Our conference commenced on Saturday, the 22nd. The brethren came in from the adjacent country, and after much instruction from Brothers Kimball and Wight, we took a vote to know whether they would go withersoever the Presidency, Patriarch and Twelve went, should it be to Oregon, Texas, or California, or any other place directed by the wisdom of Almighty God. The saints, numbering about 100, rose to their feet and exclaimed. Whithersoever they go, we go, without a dissenting voice. This was truly an interesting meeting. We have not the least idea that anyone will back out; ♦For first letter see chapter xi this volume. 158 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 they are nearly all men of wealth, and have commenced this morning to offer all surplus property for sale, that whenever you say go, they are ready. We ordained ten as promising young elders as we ever laid hands upon. They pledged themselves to start this week and go through the state of Delaware from house to house, and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. On Sabbath, the 23rd, we preached alternately to a large and respectable congregation, and left the warmest of friends in that place, both in and out of the church. We have hundreds of pleasant sceneries in our journals, which are too numerous to mention at present. Yours as ever, [Signed] HEBER C. KIMBALL, Lyman Wight/ Tuesday, 2—Elder John Taylor was brought home from Carthage to the joy of his friends. ACTION OF CITY COUNCIL ON SUPPLYING FOOD FOR NAUVOO ‘A special session of the city council was called to devise ways and means for supplying the city with provisions. Dr. Richards, Colonel Dunham, Marshal Greene, and others, stated to the council that many were destitute, and that unless active measures were taken, many must suffer with hunger, as some had already; wherefore it was Resolved, by the city council of the city of Nauvoo ,that special committees be appointed to visit the different sections of the sur¬ rounding country, and solicit the benevolent for donations, or pro¬ visions and means for supplying the wants of the destitute of this city; and so far as donations fail, supply the deficiency by loans. Resolved, That Charles Patten, W. H. Jordan, and L. S. Dalrymple be this committee for Iowa; that D. M. Repsher, A. Morrison, and Captain Ross go to Madison, Burlington, and the north country; that Benjamin Clapp, Samuel James, and Hiram Clark visit Ramus, La Harpe, and the eastern country, and that Isaac Morley assist the south to carry out the foregoing resolutions. Resolved, That L. N. Scovil, Edwin D. Woolley, and William M. Gheen, be a standing committee to negotiate for all necessary supplies to those who are on duty by order of government. Resolved, That each of said committees keep an accurate account of all donations and loans, and make returns of the same to the marshal of the city. Passed July 2nd, 1844, 6 p. m. [Signed] ORSON SPENCER, President pro tem. W. Richards, Recorder/ GEORGE J. ADAMS—MESSENGER TO BRIGHAM YOUNG—FAILURE OF 'To whom it may concern — Elder George J. Adams has been deputed by council of the church A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 159 to bear despatches to Elder Young, president of the Quorum of the Twelve, relative to the death of the Prophet Joseph, and his brother Hyrum Smith, and the brethren are requested to see that no means are wanting to speed him on his important mission. In behalf of the church, [Signed] WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk of the Quorum of the Twelve.' George J. Adams failed to perform this mission, al¬ though he had plenty of means, but Jedediah M. Grant went right through, and carried the word. General Dunham wrote as follows:— LETTER OF GENERAL DUNHAM TO GOVERNOR FORD—CALL FOR MORE MILITIA TROOPS TO CHECK MOB AT WARSAW AND GOLDEN'S POINT 'His Excellency Governor Ford. I am sorry to inform you that the mob is still prowling between Warsaw and Golden's Point, waiting for an opportunity to come in and burn and destroy. The mob party are continually threatening us, and are driving our people away from their homes, and they are obliged to come here for protection. I want you to send about one hundred or two hundred men whom you can depend upon as loyal, to quarter in the woods between here and Golden's Point, so that they can be between us and the mob, and protect us. Our troops are worn out, and I shall soon expect an order from you to discharge my men from the duty they are obliged to perform, to fulfil your order. I am your Excellency’s obedient servant, [Signed] JONATHAN DUNHAM, Major-General Commanding Nauvoo Legion. July 2, 1844, 8 p. m.' At a council of the Twelve and other elders, held in the Franklin Hall, Boston, there were Council of tl)C ordained two elders, and arrangements made twelve at for dividing off into different parts of the vineyard. Each of the Twelve were appointed to attend several conferences. Elders Wilford Woodruff and Milton Holmes took steamer for Portland, Maine. Colonel Lyman Wight delivered a political address at Bunker Hill, at 4 p. m. 160 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Wednesday, 3.—We copy from the Neighbor :— THE ANSWER OF GOVERNOR FORD TO THE WARSAW COMMITTEE- REVIEW OF MURDER OF THE GENERALS SMITH ‘Quincy, July 3, 1844. To the Warsaw Committee: Gentlemen ,—I have received your communication on behalf of the citizens of Warsaw, stating their unalterable determination to compel the Mormons of your county to leave the state; or otherwise to abandon their own homes and evacuate the county, and asking my interference and influence to assist you in procuring the removal of the Mormons. I have no reply whatever to make to that part of your letter which treats of the history, character, and offenses of the Mormons. I deem this, however, a fit occasion to remark somewhat upon the character of the events which have just transpired. These events present reasons for my determination which must be noticed. When I came to your county I announced the policy by which I intended to be governed. The law was to be my guide; and this you well understand. I announced this determination in numerous public addresses, and uniformly in my private conversations. I suc¬ cessively obtained a vote to sustain me in this course from every troop stationed at Carthage, or who was visiting there. From the detachment of your town and vicinity, who visited Carthage the day before the surrender of the Smiths, I obtained a similar pledge. I met them on the prairie, before they arrived in town, and as they must testify, stated to them at length, the reason which ought to influence them to keep the peace and abide the operation of the laws. They gave every demonstration of satisfaction, and sig¬ nified, with unanimous acclamation, that they would stand by me in taking a strictly legal course. All the other portion of the Hancock forces under my command were repeatedly and deeply pledged to sustain me in the same course. Under the firm and confident assurance of support thus obtained, I demanded the surrender of the Smiths, and promised them security. In doing so, I now acknowledge that I erred, and erred grievously, in relying with too much confidence upon men with whom I was but little acquainted. The idea that men could be treacherous under such circumstances was abhorrent to my nature, and rejected with indignation. Whatever your hatred of the Smiths might be, I was too confident you would respect your honor—the honor of your country and state, and the rights of defenseless prisoners. I could not believe that so much stupidity and baseness as was necessary for such an enterprise as the murder of defenseless prisoners in jail would be, could be mustered in Hancock county. What aggravates the transaction, as a matter personal to myself. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 161 is that you betrayed my honor as well as your own, and that of the state; and you selected a time to commit the deed when you believed I was in Nauvoo, in the power of the Mormons, and would most probably be murdered by them by way of retaliation. Upon the whole I cannot too strongly express my indignation and abhorrence of the base and profligate act which has disgraced the state and raised suspicions in the minds of many in regard to my conduct in the matter of the most painful character to my feelings. I am happy, however, to learn that these denunciations apply only to a small portion of the people of Warsaw and Hancock county. All the most responsible inhabitants ought to be acquitted of any direct participation with the conspirators. If they are culpable at all, it is for not using their influence against the act, and for not communicating to me information which would have enabled me to prevent it. The intention of the people must, to some extent, have been whispered about and understood, and ought to have been communicated to me as commander-in-chief. Under these circumstances I am in but a poor situation to use influence with the Mormons, to procure their removal. Your own people have destroyed whatever influence I might otherwise have possessed in that quarter to serve you. Your own conduct has placed me in a painfully suspicious attitude; and I have no hopes that I could now have a more persuasive influence with the Mormons than I had with the perpetrators of the horrid deed which I sought to prevent. Under the circumstances I cannot ask the Mormons to confide in me. It must appear to them that they have been betrayed by somebody, and they do not know by whom. If you mean to request me to exercise a forcible influence to expel them from the state, I answer you now, as I have uniformly done, that the law is my guide, and that I know of no law authorizing their expulsion. From this determination I have not swerved for an instant from the beginning until this time. I see nothing now requiring any deviation, and besides, if I were ever so much determined to drive them out, I believe such is the abhorrence against the base deed which some of you have committed, that I could not obtain voluntary aid from the people. I suppose that you are aware that a call for volunteers is the only mode in which a force can be raised, and the force when raised must be provisioned by voluntary contribution. You had better not make too loud a call upon your fellow citizens; you may want their aid for defense; and may yet be glad to receive aid for defense rather than aggression. I know the apprehensions which you entertain of Mormon violence; I will not now say whether your fears are well or ill founded; a little time will develop what may be expected. Taking the law for my guide, I can assure you that, although some 11 Vol. 7 162 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 of you have treated me badly, in thwarting my policy and violating my honor, and have acted basely towards defenseless prisoners, yet you are entitled to, and are assured of all the force of the state to prevent or avenge illegal violence towards any of you. An inquiry must be made concerning the murderers; they must for the honor and credit of the state be dealt with according to law. You ask a small force to be stationed in your county as a protection against small parties. You have not probably duly considered how large a force would be necessary for this purpose. A small force could protect but a few points of attack, and must necessarily leave the residue of the county exposed. A large force cannot be stationed there permanently. Your best protection is the assurance that upon the first aggression or well defined threats, an overpowering force is ready to march directly for the scene of action. I am informed that a design is still entertained at Warsaw of attack¬ ing Nauvoo. In this you will not be sustained by myself or the people; it is a part of my policy that you remain quiet, and if you please, watchful, but strictly on the defensive; and I now announce to you that I will not be thwarted in this policy with impunity. I am, most respectfully, Your obedient servant, [Signed] Thomas Ford/ Wednesday, 3.—Messrs. John B. Kimball, of War- Ti-.e Members saw, and Elias Smith, of Nauvoo, reported \vounded°at that John Patrick Wells and W. Voorhees cartilage. were wounc i C( i i n the affray at Carthage. Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball spent the day together in the city of Boston, and in the evening visited the museum. Thursday, 4.—Elder Samuel H. Smith received a letter from Richard Ballantyne, introducing Mr. Wil¬ liam M. Daniels. Mr. Daniels made the following affidavit:— AFFIDAVIT OF WILLIAM M. DANIELS ‘State of Illinois, Hancock county, On the 4th day of July, 1844, came William M. Daniels before me, Aaron Johnson, a justice of the peace within and for said county, and after being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that on Saturday, the 22nd day of June, 1844, he came to the town of Warsaw, in said county of Hancock, and continued there until the Thursday following, the 27th day of June; that on that morning your affiant joined the rifle company commanded by Jacob Davis; A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 163 that the lieutenant and - Chittenden, Esq., said that as the governor would be absent from Carthage that day, that they would send ten men from each of the two companies to join the Carthage Greys, and kill the two Generals Smith, and if the governor opposed, to kill him too; that among those twenty men were Mr. Houck, a tailor, and Mr. Stephens, a cooper; the rest of the two companies marched towards Golden’s Point to the railroad crossing, when they were met by the governor’s order to disband all the troops, and Colonel Williams disbanded them. That then the captains called them to order, saying they had no command over them, but wished them to form in line, which they did; that then Mr. Sharp, the editor of the 'Warsaw Signal , urged by a speech the necessity of killing the two Smiths , and a vote was then called who would go and do it. Captain Davis and about twenty men went home, the residue, eighty-four men, went to Carthage, having six runners ahead to stop the twenty men who had before started for Carthage. Soon after they started, one of the Carthage Greys met them with a letter, saying it was a most delightful time, the governor had gone, they could now kill Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and must do it quick before the governor returned; that they then turned to the left between the Warsaw and Nauvoo roads, and were not seen again by your affiant till they arrived at the jail in Carthage; that among the names of those who committed the murder at the jail in Carthage, Hancock county aforesaid, on the 27th day of June, 1844, at about 5 o'clock and 20 minutes, was Colonel Levi Williams, of Green Plains precinct, Captain Wires, - Chittenden, Esq., of Warsaw.-- Houck, the tailor. Captain Grovenor, three brothers by the name of Stephens, coopers, - Allen, a cooper, all of Warsaw, and a man by the name of Mills, who was wounded in the right arm. That your affiant would further state that this company before mentioned were painted black; that the guns of the guard at the jail were loaded with blank cartridges; that this was an arrangement entered into by the Carthage Greys, as said the messenger who came to meet said company in the morning. That your said affiant saw Joseph Smith leap from the window of the jail, and that one of the company picked him up and placed him against the well curb, and several shot him, Colonel Williams exclaim¬ ing, ‘Shoot him! Damn him! Shoot him!’ and further your affiant saith not.* [Signed] WILLIAM M. DANIELS/ ♦It is unfortunate that this affiant did not keep his subsequent statements at the trial within the limits of this affidavit as he would then have been a much more efficient wit¬ ness at the subsequent trial of the murderers of the Prophet at which he was a witness and testified; but with the aid of a young typo in the Times and Seasons printing office at Nauvoo. he enlarged his affidavit to a sensational pamphlet detailing many miraculous occurrences in connection with the martyrdom which discredited him as a witness and did much towards making the murderers of the Prophet farcical. 164 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 The following anonymous letter was written:— A PLEA FOR LIBERTY AND JUSTICE—ANONYMOUS ‘For the Lee County Democrat, Mr. Editor : Lee County, Iowa, July 4, 1844. Sir ,—On this birthday of our common country, I am admonished This pamphlet detailing the alleged miraculous incidents in the murder was brought out in the trial and Daniels confronted with it, swore to the statements. The counsel for the defendants asked the court to eliminate all consideration of such testimony from the record. The court granted the request in the following terms: “That in making up their (the jury's) verdict they will exclude from their con¬ sideration all that was said by Daniels. Brackenbury, and Miss Graham (witnesses) /’ It was supposed that the testimony of Brackenbury and Miss Graham would support the testimony of Daniels, but this support failed to appear. We quote what is alleged to be a reproduction of much of it, in a book published in Utah under the title of The Martyrs. The excerpt begins with the appearance of the Prophet in the window of the prison under the fire of the mob:— “He sprang into the window; but just as he was preparing to descend, he saw such an array of bayonets below, that he caught by the window casing, where he hung by his hands and feet, with his head to the north, feet to the south, and his body swinging downwards. He hung in that position three or four minutes, during which time he exclaimed, two or three times, 'O, Lord, My God!!!’ and fell to the ground. While he was hanging in that position, Colonel Williams hallooed, ‘Shoot him! G—d d—n him! shoot the darn'd rascal!' However, none fired at him. He seemed to fall easy. He struck partly on his right shoulder and back, his neck and head reaching the ground a little before his feet. He rolled instantly on his face. From this position he was taken by a young man, who sprang to him from the other side of the fence, who held a pewter fife in his hand, was barefoot and bareheaded, having no coat, with his pants rolled above his knees, and shirtsleeves above his elbows. He set President Smith against the south side of the well curb, that was situated a few feet from the jail. While doing this, the savage muttered aloud, 'This is Old Jo; I know him. I know you, Old Jo. Damn you; you are the man th3t had my daddy shot.’ The object he had in talking in this way, I supposed to be this: He wished to have President Smith and the people in general, believe he was the son of Governor Boggs, which would lead to the opinion that it was the Missourians who had come over and committed the murder. This was the report that they soon caused to be circulated: but this was too palpable an absurdity to be credited. * * * The ruffian, of whom I have spoken, who set him against the well curb, now secured a bowie knife for the purpose of severing his head from his body. He raised the knife and was in the attitude of striking, when a light, so sudden and powerful burst from the heavens upon the bloody scene, (passing its vivid chain between Joseph and his murderers), that they were struck with terrified awe and filled with consternation. This light, in its appearance and potency, baffles all powers of description. The arm of the ruffian, that held the knife, fell powerless: the muskets of the four, who fired, fell to the ground, and they all stood like marble statues, not having power to move a single limb of their bodies. By this time most of the men had fled in great disorder. I never saw so frightened a set of men before. Colonel Williams saw the light and was also badly frightened: but he did not entirely lose the use of his limbs or speech. Seeing the condition of these men, he hallooed to some who had just commenced to retreat, for God’s sake to come and carry off these men. They came back and carried them by main strength towards the baggage wagons. They seemed as helpless as if they were dead” (The Martyrs, pp. 79-81. For treatment somewhat in full sec Comprehensive History of the Church. Century I. vol. ii. ch.lx, pp. 321-34; also History of Hancock County. Gregg, pp. 323-3 1). B. H. R. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 165 by surrounding circumstances that something must be done by the friends of liberty, and that speedily too, or the star spangled banner of the American Eagle must soon cease to wave its golden pinions o’er the heads of freemen. I was aroused to these reflections by the statements of Messrs, Reid and Woods in the Nauooo Neighbor Extra, of Sunday, June 30th, 1844, 3 p. m., also of the Neighbor of yesterday. Mr. H. T. Reid is a gentleman of high legal attainments, of Madison, in our county, possessed of a character for truth and veracity not to be impeached. Mr. J. W. Woods is an attorney, of Burlington, in this territory, of the same character and standing. His word may be relied on; and as these gentlemen were in the midst of the circumstances which led to the horrid butchery of Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage, on the 27th ult., and as they, like myself, are no Mormons, and live in a neighboring territory, I hope the citizens of these United States will give their statements of this horrid affair, that confidence and calm deliberation which the case solemnly demands. If the freeborn sons of American liberty can be incarcerated in prison for some supposed or real crime without the privilege of an investigation, and be murdered by a ruthless mob in that defenseless state, in open daylight, and in the presence of the authorities of the land too, where, I ask in the name of freemen, where is our freedom? Where is our security for all the blessings for which our fathers fought and bled? Who will ere long dare lay his head upon his pillow in his own habitation and say, I am safe? If the strong walls of a prison are not sufficient to guarantee safety to citizens of this republic, what may we soon expect who live in unwalled houses? I ask in the name of humanity, are not American liberties on the verge of a mighty precipice, just ready to plunge into the whirlpool of utter dissolution? Perhaps it may be said the Mormons are to blame; and supposing they are, does this warrant death and destruction to be hurled at them without judge or jury? The riots at Philadelphia and other places have been sufficiently alarming, but the recent tragedy at Carthage mocks all parallel—history has no equal. The page of time till June 27th, 1844, has been unstained by such a blot. I mourn for my country. How has the soil of an in¬ dependent state been crimsoned with innocent blood? I say innocent, for the law holds every man innocent till he is proved guilty. Were the Smiths proved guilty? No! they had no trial. Where is the plighted faith of the state? How is the honor of all this western country tarnished! How will the jealousies of the eastern states be excited by this unheard of butchery! I am a native of New England. I know the prejudices of the eastern people concerning the west and south. They feel that a man cannot travel in safety in our region, in Illinois, in Iowa, and the 166 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 surrounding states and territories, without a pistol and a bowie knife, and that we almost belong to another race of beings; and when our eastern friends shall read the true and frightful tale of Messrs. Reid and Woods, well may their fears be increased, their jealousies aroused, and they led to believe that all they had anticipated was true concern¬ ing us. But, Mr. Editor, I would undeceive them; and although not one palliating circumstance, to my knowledge, offers itself to the public mind in relation to the occurrence at Carthage, yet I would say to my friends in New England, and to all men, the citizens of the west do not approbate such proceedings. More than nineteen-twentieths of the citizens of Iowa, and, I am confident, of Illinois, reprobate with unqualified abhorrence the atro¬ cious deed. The wise, the virtuous, the patriotic of all sects and denominations and parties, political or religious, hurl their anathemas at the barbarous deed which was transacted by a lawless mob, a few scores of desper¬ adoes, if we can believe the most authentic intelligence from the scene of trouble. The great, great mass of the people deprecate the event as much as would the inhabitants of Vermont, Massachusetts, or any other state, and why not? We are their sons, their brothers, their sisters, their daughters, nursed by the same mothers, cradled by the same firesides. I repeat what is well known, I am no Mormon, and that they may be guilty of some things as a society. If they are, I do not know it. So far as I have seen their leaders, their teachings have been moral and upright, and their publications state if they have erred in anything, they have erred unintentionally, and they are ready to be set right by the powers above them. Why then should not the law have its course? Why should any man be condemned without a hearing? If this thing is suffered to go any further, God knows where it will end; I fear a general civil war, and I do hope that every good man in the union will arise and stamp with infamy any such unlawful proceedings. If the city of Nauvoo erred in declaring the printing press of the Expositor a nuisance, what then? I am no lawyer, but I suppose it could be no more than a trespass—they liable for damage only; and if they erred in judgment, it is not the first time a legislative body has erred. Congress might have done as much, and not be killed for it; then why kill them? Mr. Editor, is the action of the government to bring the murderers of the Generals Smith to justice? I ask for information. Have the perpetrators been discovered? Have arrests been made? Have re¬ wards been made? Have rewards been offered by the governor of Illinois? or has he been dilatory in his duties, as the respectable part of the community think him to be? If he does his duty, I trust justice will be done to the assassins; A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 167 but it is not enough to deprecate alone, action, decided action should be had in the case, that our country may be saved from mobocracy and violence, and order and law bear rule again in our land.* I am, sir, [Signed] A FRIEND TO EQUAL RIGHTS.’ ” ♦ It is appreciated that this is an anonymous communication, and anonymous letters are not often woven into serious historical statements; but it must be remembered that this anonymous letter was written for and published in the Lee County Democrat of Iowa, and is such a truthful statement of the main facts con¬ nected with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and discusses the points at issue in such a temperate and striking manner that it represents a fixed and important view of the whole case: and for these valuable elements in it, notwith¬ standing its defects of composition, is here presented for preservation. B. H. R. 168 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 CHAPTER XIV A CHAPTER OF SUNDRY EVENTS AT VARIOUS PLACES AND DOCUMENTS FOLLOWING THE MARTYRDOM: UNITED STATES PRESS COMMENTS ON THE MURDER “Thursday, July 4, 1844.—Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, with several other elders, visited sundry the 8 ran d exhibition of fireworks on the lctMties nd Boston Common this evening. A great multitude were present. Friday, 5.—Mr. Daniels started about 9 a. m. to go and see the governor, and tell him what he knew in relation to the massacre of the Generals Smith. A raft of pine lumber arrived from the upper coun¬ try. Elders Young and Kimball took cars from Boston, and proceeded to Linn. Saturday, 6.—General Deming and Mr. Robertson arrived in the city at 2 p. m. They expressed them¬ selves abundantly satisfied with Dr. Richards’ proceed¬ ings and agreement at Carthage, and said they believed the governor would do all in his power to quell further outrages, and preserve the peace. William Clayton took charge of the raft of lumber which arrived yesterday, as agent for the trustee. William Clayton saw the governor’s reply to the letter from the Warsaw Committee of Safety, and recorded in his journal thus:—‘The governor seems disposed to make the best of his situation, and try to restore the credit of the state by bringing the assassins to justice.’ A conference was held in Genessee, New York. Four branches were represented, containing 95 members, in¬ cluding 23 elders. Elder C. W. Wandell presided. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 169 Sunday, 7.—Meeting at the stand. Judge W. W. Phelps read Governor Ford’s letter in reply to the Warsaw Committee. President Marks addressed the meeting. Dr. Willard Richards advised some of the people to go out and harvest, and others who stay to go on with the Temple, and make work in the city. R. D. Foster arrived in the city. His presence pro¬ duced some excitement in consequence of the saints believing he was accessory to the murder of the Prophets. The following was sent to General Deming:— LETTER TO GENERAL DEMING 'Nauvoo, Sunday, July 7, 1844. General Deming, Acting-Commander of the Forces of Hancock County. Sir ,—We are informed that Dr. R. D. Foster is in this city, and that he has an order from Governor Ford to call out Captain Dunn s company of militia to guard him while here transacting business. You must be aware, sir, at sight of such communication, the situa¬ tion in which such an order of things must place this people, and of the difficulties which might grow out of such a course, and we earnestly desire your immediate action as agent of the governor for this county, to prevent any such occurrence. We request General Deming to interfere in this matter. We request that no troops be quartered among us, for any such purpose, lest excitement arise between them and the citizens. We desire that Dr. Foster's business be transacted by agency, or some way, so that there may be no cause of contention or excitement in our midst. Nothing shall be wanted on our part to keep the peace; but without the cooperation of government, it would seem impossible to accomplish it. We are, sir, most respectfully, your servants and the friends of peace, Willard Richards, W. W. Phelps, John P. Greene. P. s. —General Deming knows the threats which have been made by Dr. Foster, and the cause we have to fear his presence, as well as troops in such a case.' Elder Kimball’s journal records a conference held this day at Salem. He preached in the fore- .\ po8t ics at noon, Elder Lyman Wight in the afternoon, Salem * xl ls> and Elder Orson Pratt in the evening. 170 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 The conference went off well, the brethren realizing they had a good time. A conference was held in the Presbyterian meeting¬ house in Scarborough, Maine, which continued through the 6th and 7th. Elder Wilford Woodruff presided. The conference was addressed, and business attended to by Elders Wilford Woodruff, M. Holmes, E. Tufts, and Samuel Parker. A large mob assembled in Philadelphia on the 6th, and gathered in front of St. Philip’s Church, with the Religion* intention of burning it, because of some dif- Phifadeiphia Acuity existing between the Protestants and the Irish Catholics. The mob continued two days. The governor of the state called out 3,000 of the militia. There were 14 killed and 50 wounded during the riot. Monday, 8.—About this time a letter was received from D. S. Hollister, reporting progress for the Balti¬ more convention to nominate candidates for the presi¬ dency. Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, Erastus Snow, Daniel Spencer and J. L. Heywood, held three meetings in the concert hall, Salem. The house was full and the brethren felt well. The following is extracted from the New York T ribune :— THE TROUBLES AT NAUVOO ‘We begin almost to fear that the terrible scenes of cruelty, devasta¬ tion of peaceful homes, and indiscriminate hunting down of men. women and children, which disgraced Missouri a few years since, during the expulsion of the Mormons from that state, are to be reenacted in Illinois. The history of these deeds has never been, and probably never will be written; but enough of their atrocities has been heard from casual recitals of eye and ear witnesses to make the soul sicken with horror at their contemplation. We are not the apologists of Joe Smith, or of the mummeries of Mormonism: we are ready to admit that the existence of that sect A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 171 in the shape which it would seem Smith is bent on imparting to it, is fraught with danger, and should be looked to by the proper power; but in the name of common humanity, we stand up for the lives and security of helpless women and innocent children. The executives of Illinois and Missouri have had loud and fair warning by the meetings in Carthage, Warsaw and St. Louis, of the dreadful scheme of arson and assassination that is going on to exter¬ minate the Mormons; and if they permit the monstrous crime of the sacking of a city, the murder of men in cold blood, and the sacrifice of women and children to the demoniac fury of an inflamed mob, they will not, they cannot be held guiltless. There are other means by which the course of the Mormons, if unlawful or destructive of the rights of others, can be restrained and punished; but, even if there be no immediate legal redress, are murder, rapine, desolation, the brand of civil war hurled among those who should be friends and neighbors—are these a suitable substitute for a little time and patience? Let the citizens of Illinois look to their votes when next they approach the ballot box, and examine well for whom and for what principles they are cast, and they can restore the government of their state to hands that will remove their grievances and reassure them in their rights much more speedily than they can rebuild one log hut sacrificed to brutal war, or atone for the blood of a single human victim.’ Tuesday, 9.—Elders Willard Richards and John Taylor wrote as follows:— LETTER OF INSTRUCTION AND INFORMATION TO THE PRESI¬ DENT OF THE BRITISH MISSION ‘Nauvoo, Illinois, U. S., July 9th, 1844. Elder Reuben Hedlock, Presiding Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ in England, and the Saints in the British Empire. Beloved Brethren, —As Elder James Parsons is about to leave for England, we embrace this, as the first opportunity, to communicate to you one of the most signal events which has ever transpired in the history of the church. It has been declared by all the former Prophets and Apostles, that God had reserved unto himself a peculiar people for the last days, who would not only be zealous in good works, but who should be purified as gold in the furnace seven times, and who would have to endure through faith and patience in all long-suffering, in meekness, forbearance, love, and every God-like virtue unto the end as good soldiers, and meet all the scorn, scoff, and derision and chiding, buffeting and persecution a wicked world could heap upon them, 172 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 and even death itself, not counting their lives dear unto themselves, that they might obtain their inheritance in that kingdom of their heavenly Father, which Jesus, their elder brother, had gone to prepare for them. It is in this period of time that we are permitted to live. It is at the dawning of that day of days in which our heavenly Father is about to usher in that glorious period when times and seasons shall be changed and earth renewed, when after rumors and commotions, turmoils, strife, confusion, blood and slaughter, the sword shall be beaten into ploughshares, and peace and truth triumphantly prevail o’er all the footstool of Jehovah. The day of these events has dawned, although to human view a cloud has o’erspread the horizon. You are acquainted with the general history of the church to which we belong. From our lips and pens you have learned its rise and progress; you have beard of the persecution of the saints in Missouri, and their expulsion from thence, together with their kind reception by the citizens of Illinois, where we have been located for the last four years. For some months past we have been troubled with the wicked pro¬ ceedings of certain apostates in our midst, who have striven to over¬ throw the church and produce trouble and anguish in the mind of every virtuous being, but their designs having been frustrated by the wise and judicious management on the part of the Prophet and the saints. These apostates, reckless of all consequences, made a deadly thrust at our overthrow, leaving the city suddenly, and, afterwards, by themselves or agents, fired their own buildings, doubtless thinking they would charge it upon the saints, and by that means excite a mob in the surrounding country, who would fall upon and burn the city, but in this they were disappointed, our vigilant police discovered and extinguished the flames. Their next course was to arrest the Prophet, the Patriarch, and others, by legal process and false pretense, and take them to Carthage, the county seat, for investigation; but they gave themselves up to the requisition of the law, on the pledge of Governor Ford that they should be protected from all personal violence, and went voluntarily to Carthage, without even the attendance of the officer. Considerable excitement prevailed in the neighborhood, to allay which they voluntarily gave bonds for their appearance at the next session of the circuit court. Their voluntary and noble conduct should have satisfied every mind, but certain individuals of the basest sort swore out a writ for treason against the Prophet Joseph and the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, and they were thrust into jail without trial, without examination, without any legal course or procedure, on the 25th of June, where they remained till the next day, when they were brought before the magistrate, that a day might be set for their examination. They were immediately remanded to prison, where they remained A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 173 until the 27th, when but few of their friends were permitted to see them. Between five and six o’clock p. m., of that day, a company of 150 or 200 armed, disguised and painted men rushed upon the guard who were set to watch the prison door, overpowered them, rushed upstairs into the entry adjoining the room where Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were, and John Taylor and Willard Richards sitting with them to keep them company. As soon as the mob arrived at the head of the stairs, they lired through the door and shot Hyrum in the face. He fell instantly, exclaiming, ‘I am a dead man'. The mob instantly forced open the door with the points of the bayonets, and recommenced an indiscriminate discharge of firearms upon all in the room. Mr. Taylor, in attempting to leap from the window, was shot and fell back in the chamber. Joseph, in attempting to leap from the same window, was shot, and fell on the outside, about 20 feet descent, when the mob gathered instantly round him and again shot him. Joseph and Hyrum received each four balls, and were killed in¬ stantly. Elder Taylor received four balls in his left wrist and left leg—is doing well and is likely to recover. Dr. Richards was marked on his left ear and cheek, otherwise remained unharmed. The whole scene occupied only two minutes, when the mob fled rapidly towards Warsaw. The bodies of the murdered men were removed to Nauvoo on the 28th, and were buried on the 29th. This event has caused the deepest mourning among the saints, but they have not attempted to avenge the outrage. The governor has promised that the whole treacherous proceedings shall be investigated according to law, and the saints have agreed to leave it with him, and with God to avenge their wrongs in this matter. There has been considerable excitement in the surrounding country, which is now in a great measure allayed. The action of the saints has been of the most pacific kind, remembering that God has said, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’. For further particulars we refer you to the statements of Messrs. Reid and Woods, and other statements in the Nauvoo Neighbor, which we send you with this; and now, beloved brethren, we say to you all, as we say to the saints here, be still and know that God reigns. This is one of those fiery trials that is to try the saints in the last days. These servants of God have gone to heaven by fire—the fire of an ungodly mob. Like the Prophets of ancient days they lived as long as the world would receive them; and this is one furnace in which the saints were to be tried, to have their leaders cut off from their midst, and not be permitted to avenge their blood. 174 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 God has said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I have not called mine elders to fight their battles; I will fight their battles for them;' and we know, assuredly, that he will do it in his own due time, and we have only to wait in patience and pray for the fulfilment of the promise. This event is one of the most foul and damnable that ever disgraced the earth, having no parallel in time. Innocent men imprisoned with¬ out law, without justice, and murdered in cold blood in the enlightened nineteenth century, in an enlightened country in open daylight. It will call down the wrath and indignation of all nations upon the perpetrators of the horrid deed, and will prove the truth of the saying, ‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church/ They died for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. God has not left his church without witnesses; as in former days, so shall it be in the latter days, when one falls another will arise to occupy a similar station. Our heavenly Father always has had a leader to his people, always will have, and the gates of hell can never prevail against the chosen of heaven. The murder of Joseph will not stop the work; it will not stop the Temple; it will not stop the gathering; it will not stop the honest-in¬ heart from believing the truth and obeying it; but it is a proof of the revelations we have received from heaven through him. He has sealed his testimony with his blood. He was willing to die, and desired only to live for the sake of the brethren. Two better men than Joseph and Hyrum Smith never lived. Two better men God never made. The memorial of their godly lives is embalmed, printed with indelible ink in the memory of every honest heart who knew their upright walk and conversation; but they are taken away by the hands of assassins, and of the foolish things of the earth God will raise up others to comfort and lead his people, and not one item of his word can fail. Jerusalem must be rebuilt and Zion must be redeemed, the earth be cleansed from blood by fire, Jesus return to his own, and all who shall continue faithful unto the end shall rest in everlasting peace and blessedness. We alone, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, are here at this time to write to you, the remaining ten are in the eastern states preaching the gospel, and we expect them soon to return; and as soon as God will, we will write you again. Proceed onward with all your labors as though nothing had hap¬ pened, only, preach Joseph martyred for his religion, instead of living, and God will pour out his Spirit upon you, and hasten his work from this time. Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits; believe not every report, for every false rumor that men and demons can invent is set afloat to gull the world. What we have told you by letter and papers is true, but time will not permit to tell you every particular now. Be humble, prayerful, watchful, and let not the adversary get any A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 175 advantage of one of you, and may the choicest blessings of Israel’s God rest upon you and abide with you, that you may endure faithful in all tribulation and affliction, and be prepared to be gathered unto Mount Zion, and enter into celestial glory, is the earnest prayer of your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant. Amen. [Signed] WILLARD RICHARDS, John Taylor. P. S.—We would have said that while Joseph was on his way to Carthage, and on the prairie, he said to his friends around him, ‘I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but my mind is calm as the summer's morning, I have a conscience void of offense towards God and towards all men.’ Joseph also said to his friends, ‘I am going voluntarily to give myself up, and it shall be said of me that I ivas murdered in cold blood / Elders Brigham Young and Orson Pratt were at Boston when they first heard the rumors Members of of the massacre of the Prophets, but did § 0 e st J" elve in not believe the accounts were correct. Elders Kimball and Wight were in Salem this morn¬ ing, [July 9th] and heard of the death of the Prophets. Elder Kimball recorded he was unwilling to believe it, though it struck him to the heart. They took cars for Boston in the morning, where they stayed during the day. In the evening they proceeded to New York. Elder Wilford Woodruff was in Portland, Maine, and ready to step on board of a steamer for Fox Islands, when he received the Boston Times newspaper, con¬ taining an account of the death of the Prophets. He immediately took cars and returned to Boston, stop¬ ping over night at Scarborough. Wednesday, 10.—Elder Willard Richards, Patriarch John Smith, Elders Samuel H. Smith and W. W. Phelps, met in council in the council chamber. Elder Willard Richards wrote as follows:— LETTER TO A. JONAS—'ALL PEACE AT NAUVOO’ ‘Nauvoo, July 10, 1844. A. Jonas , Esq. Dear Sir ,—Yours of the 6th, per Mr. Meetze, is deceived, and I have only time to thank you for the information it contained, and all your endeavors for the promotion of truth and justice, and can still give you the fullest assurance that all is perfect peace at Nauvoo, 176 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 calmly waiting the fulfilment of Governor Ford's pledge to redeem the land from blood by legal process. You can do much to allay the excitement of the country in your travels, and the friends of peace will appreciate your labors. Most respectfully, Willard Richards.' Elder Parley P. Pratt arrived at Nauvoo. A committee of nine ladies, among whom were Mrs. Hyrum Smith, Mrs. John Taylor, Mrs. Arthur Mil- Appeai of liken and Mrs. W. W. Phelps, waited upon to Governor' 69 Mr. R. D. Foster, and told him they would Ford - not bear his taunts and insults any longer. They ordered him to leave the city forthwith, or he would be visited by a stronger force tomorrow. These ladies having good reason to believe that Foster was accessory to the murder of their relatives, the Prophets, took the liberty of pursuing this course towards him. Mr. Hiram Kimball obligated himself that Foster should leave before morning, accordingly he got his team ready and took him out of the city that evening. We copy from the Neighbor :— ELDER JOHN TAYLOR AND ITEMS OF THE MARTYR-TRAGEDY ‘Elder Taylor is recovering as fast as can be expected. His wounds are doing well. The senior editor of this paper, Mr. Taylor, at the horrible as¬ sassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage jail, on the afternoon of the 27th day of June, received three wounds in his left thigh and knee, and one in his left wrist; besides which a fifth ball spent its force against his watch in his left vest pocket. This ball, but for the timely interference of this valuable watch, must have caused instant death, as it would have passed directly into his lungs. This watch, though dreadfully shattered, is a friend that points to the very moment when he stood between life and death, the hands point¬ ing to 5 o'clock, 10 minutes and 26 seconds. While upon this subject, Mr. Taylor and his friends wish, through this channel, to tender their thanks to Mr. Hamilton and family, and to all who assisted him in any manner during his stay at Carthage, while unable to be removed to his own home. Kindness, assistance, and the tender offices of humanity in such times of deep distress, give the noble mind a chance to appreciate help when it is needed, and A. D. 1842-6 1 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 177 to remember such friends in future. Nor should the assistance ren¬ dered to lay out the bodies of the Messrs. Smith, preparatory to their removal to Nauvoo, be forgotten. Though the people of Carthage, under the excitement of the moment, generally fled, yet those who did stay did all they could to forward the bodies, as well as to make Mr. Taylor as comfortable as the circumstances of the case would permit. One thing further: In this awful tragedy, Dr. Willard Richards, equally exposed to the shower of bullets which were fired into the room at the door and windows, escaped unhurt, and while he would render thanksgiving and praise to his God for this signal preservation of his life, he would also return his grateful acknowledgments to the Messrs. Hamilton and others, who rendered all the assistance in their power in this awful hour of murder and woe at Carthage.’ Elders Brigham Young and Orson Pratt went from Boston to Lowell. Movmots of Elders Kimball. Wight and William *° w m c ' v °l thc Smith, proceeded by railway from New York to Philadelphia. The Neighbor has the following notice:— 'THE PROPHET’-A NEW L. D. S. PUBLICATION ‘A well disposed newspaper called The Prophet, was started in New York, in the month of May last. The ruptures of our neighbors, and the murder of our best friends, have prevented us from giving our readers timely notice. It is published by a society for the promotion of truth, and we must say that in a city so large as New York, if the people have virtue, holiness, and the kindred spirits which have ever won the affections of humanity, they will sustain the Prophet liberally. Nor should the country be less magnanimous: by comparing opinions, and proving contrarieties, truth manifests itself.’ PUBLIC OPINION ON THE MURDER OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH FROM VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS We copy from the St. Louis Evening Gazette :— 'Public opinion of the press on the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith by a mob in the jail at Carthage, while under the sacred pledge of the state for the protection of their lives. ‘With reference to the recent bloody affair at Carthage, the O. S. Democrat says:— ‘From all the facts now before us, we regard these homicides as 12 Vol. 7 178 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 nothing else than murder in cold blood—murder against the plighted faith of the chief magistrate of Illinois—murder of a character so atrocious and so unjustifiable as to leave the blackest stain on all its perpetrators, their aiders, abettors, and defenders.' The Republican pronounces the deed ‘unprovoked murder’. The Reporter says:—‘The conduct of the mob at Carthage cannot be justified'. The Reveille says:—‘Joe Smith has been ‘ Lynched ' while under the protection of the ‘Laws The New Era says:—‘It was cruel and cowardly to murder the unarmed prisoners when they had surrendered themselves, and were in custody of the laws.’ In fact, the press of St. Louis denounces this bloody deed without a dissenting voice*.' From the Lee County (Iowa) Democrat: ‘We also endorse the whole of the sentiments of the St. Louis press, and say it was a premeditated murder , and that the offenders ought to be ferreted out and dealt with according to the strict sense of the law.’ From the Illinois State Register :— JOSEPH SMITH, THE MORMON PROPHET, AND HIS BROTHER, HYRUM, MURDERED IN PRISON ‘The following particulars of the most disgraceful and cold-blooded murder ever committed in a Christian land, is copied from an extra from the office of the Quincy Herald. Rumors of the bloody deed reached this city several days ago, but were not believed until Tuesday evening, when there was no further room left for doubt. Next week we will have all the particulars. Every effort will be made to bring the assassins to punishment.' FROM THE QUINCY HERALD EXTRA OF SATURDAY ‘Governor Ford arrived in this city this morning, much worn down by travel and fatigue, having left Carthage yesterday. It is now certain that only Joe and Hyrum Smith are killed, and they were murdered in cold blood. *This denunciation by the St. Louis press “without a dissenting voice’' is all the more worthy of note because it was in western Missouri—in which state St. Louis is situated—that the same kind of lawless assault upon the Church of the Latter-day Saints was made and the murder of many of its membership occurred but a few years before; and the like proceedings in Illinois might have been held up as a justi¬ fication of the action of mobs in western Missouri against the saints. B. H. R. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 179 It seems that while Governor Ford was absent from Carthage to Nauvoo, for the purpose of ascertaining satisfactorily the strength of the Mormon force, an excited mob assembled near Carthage, dis¬ figured themselves by painting their faces, and made a rush upon the jail where Joe and his fellow prisoners were confined. The guard placed by the governor to protect the jail were over¬ powered by superior numbers, the doors of the jail forced, and Joe and Hyrum both shot. Hyrum was instantly killed by a ball, which passed through his head. Joe was in the act of raising the window, when he was shot both from without and within, and fell out of the window to the ground. Richards, whom we supposed yesterday was dead, escaped unhurt. Mr. Taylor, the editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, was in the room with the Smiths, and received three balls in his leg, and one in his arm. He is not considered dangerous. Three of the assailants were slightly wounded. It will probably never be known who shot Joseph and Hyrum Smith, but their murder was a cold-blooded, cowardly act, which will consign the perpetrators, if discovered, to merited infamy and disgrace. They have broken their pledges to the governor, disgraced themselves and the state to which they belong. They have crimsoned their perfidy with blood. The dead bodies of the Smiths weie conveyed to Nauvoo, by order of the governor yesterday. It was supposed by many, that the Mormons on seeing them would break away from all restraints and commence a war of extermination. But nothing of the kind occurred. They received their murdered friends in sorrow—laid down their arms and remained quiet. Colonel Singleton and his company of 60 men are still in Nauvoo, and the Mormons submitted to their authority. The 300 that left our city yesterday on the Boreas are at present in Warsaw. A man was knocked down with a musket in Warsaw yesterday, for presuming to express disapprobation at the murder of the Smiths/ From the Sangamon Journal :— THE MORMON DIFFICULTIES ‘Notwithstanding all the rumors which are afloat, we are unable to state anything very definite in relation to affairs at Nauvoo, or in the region round about that city. It is certain that the governor has called out some of the neighbor¬ ing militia; that bodies of armed men had collected without waiting a call from the governor; that the governor had accepted the services of militia at St. Louis under certain contingencies; that he had de- 180 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 manded of Smith the state arms at Nauvoo; that it had been reported that they were given up; that Smith and his council had given them¬ selves up to be tried by our laws for alleged offenses. Thus far our news seems to be certain. Rumor says further, that on Thursday of last week Joe Smith, Hyrum Smith and Dr. Richards were shot by a mob at Carthage. We are incredulous in regard to the truth of this rumor. We cannot think, under the circumstances of the case, the excitement against these men among the anti-Mormons, Governor Ford would have received them as prisoners, to be tried under our laws, had pledged himself for their protection, and then placed them in a situa¬ tion where they would be murdered. The rumor is too preposterous for belief. We wait with much anxiety to hear the truth on thk subject; and this feeling is general in this community.' From the Missouri Republican :— The Murders at Carthage .—A letter from the editor, one from G. T. M. Davis, Esq., and a proclamation from Governor Ford, give all the information which we have been able to collect from the seat of civil commotion and murder in Illinois. They were issued in an extra form yesterday morning, and are transferred to our columns today for the benefit of our numerous readers abroad. All our information tends to fix upon the people concerned in the death of the Smiths, the odium of perfidious, blackhearted, cowardly murder so wanton as to be without any justification—so inhuman and treacherous as to find no parallel in savage life under any cir¬ cumstances. Governor Ford declares his intention to seek out the murderers; and he owes it to his own honor and to that of the state, whose faith was most grossly violated, never to cease his exertions for this purpose. The Mormons, it will be seen, were quiet, and not disposed to commit any acts of aggression; their enemies, on the other hand, were evidently disposed to push them to extremities, and to force them from the state. This feeling may be checked by the alacrity with which Governor Ford’s orders were being executed, but it will be some time before peace and order can be restored—the disgrace of past acts cannot be wiped out.' The following extract of a letter from a highly respectable gentleman to his friend in Nauvoo, we copy from the Nauvoo Neighbor :— ‘Fair Haven, Ct. July 10, 1844. I have, by the papers, within a day or two, been informed of the A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 181 murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This is an event which will be deeply lamented by all Mormons, and will appear, probably, to those who are not Mormons, as the final overthrow of their religious tenets. I will, however, make the prediction that this diabolical butchery makes more Mormons than the friendship of half the inhabitants in Illinois could have done by their most devoted exertions. The blood of saints is the seed of the church. It will be considered by an extensive portion of the world that the Smiths have suffered martyrdom for their religion, and their profoundest sympathies will be aroused in favor of those believing the same creed. The inflammatory appeals to the bloodthirsty passions of the anti- Mormon populace will be universally condemned by the reflecting and moral part of every community, and thousands will now examine your tenets, who never thought of such a thing before. Carthage and Warsaw will be denounced by the honorable, and the indelible disgrace with which they now stand covered, will cause them to be avoided by every person who has any regard to his per¬ sonal safety. It is now known here that the lazy speculators of Warsaw, and the still lazier office drones at Carthage, cared nothing for Joe Smith personally, or for his tenets either; but the prosperity of Nauvoo in¬ creasing as it did, beyond any former parallel, even in the western world, excited in their bosoms envy, hatred and all ungodliness. This is the true secret of all their barbarous movements against Mormonism; and they supposed by destroying the Smiths they should extinguish their religion, disperse the Mormons, depopulating and desolating Nauvoo. Their folly and wickedness will produce a result exactly the reverse; Mormons will increase an hundredfold; they will, if possible, be more devoutly attached to their religion; will concen¬ trate more closely together, for self-preservation, and their united industry will produce such a city at Nauvoo as does not exist west of the mountains. From all accounts which have been published here, it docs not appear that the slightest resistance was made to the execution of the law, and the inquiry is now made, what was all this clamor, excite¬ ment and military parade for? The editor of the Warsaw Signal can answer the question; and if he had his deserts, it is probable no more unprincipled and inflammatory addresses to an infuriated mob would ever emanate from his pen. Not that I would wish any violence to him, but he should be tried by the laws of the state, and see how far his course renders him accountable for the murders which have been committed. Nothing has ever given me greater gratification than the calm, dignified submission to the laws shown at Nauvoo since the death of the Smiths. This forbearance on your part is beyond all praise; let it continue. Give not the shadow of a pretext for another appeal 182 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 to popular fury. The demons are foiled, and let them gnash their teeth in silence over their disappointment. The increase of population at Nauvoo can no more be prevented than the Mississippi can be stopped in its course. Its triumph is inevitable, because the engine by which it is to be accomplished is irresistible. What earthly power has ever yet stood before the overpowering energies of a religious creed? But when religion is protected by law, as your religion ought to be. and will soon be, in Illinois, then such advances will be made by the Mormons as have never been dreamed of by the greatest enthusiast/ The editor of the Neighbor adds:— ‘Upon this letter, let it be remembered that the writer is not a Mormon or a western man, but a citizen of Connecticut, loving law, liberty and life/ From the Tompkins (N. Y.) Democrat, we extract the following:— ‘The report that a battle had been fought between the Mormons and anti-Mormons, in which some five hundred were slain, is all a hoax. Such vile statements only serve to give strength to the Prophet's views. Indeed, we do not know which has the worst effect on the community, the doctrines of Smith or the ten thousand false rumors constantly put in circulation against him. One thing is certain, his name will survive when those who grossly misrepresent him have become blanks on the page of the future/ " A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 183 CHAPTER XV CHAPTER OF MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS, PRESS EXCERPTS, AND MOVEMENTS OF LEADING ELDERS OF THE CHURCH AT NAUVOO AND ELSEWHERE ‘Tuesday, July 11, 1844.—Elder Willard Richards called upon Elder Parley P. Pratt, likewise Brothers Samuel Russell, Hiram Kimball and Stephen Movement# of Markham; also upon Brother Elijah Ford- £ e 0 , Twelve ham, to inquire about the lumber for the Temple. Elders Brigham Young and Orson Pratt traveled to Peterboro, for the purpose of attending conference. Elders Kimball, Wight and others went to Wilming¬ ton, and preached in the evening: several saints from Chester county were present. Elder Wilford Woodruff preached in Boston this evening, and endeavored to console the saints who were mourning the loss of the martyred Prophet and Patri¬ arch. Friday, 12.—President Marks consulted with Wil¬ liam Clayton about calling a meeting of the At Nauvoo presidents of various quorums to appoint a Trusteein- trustee-in-trust in behalf of the Church of lr,,st ' Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A council was held at 3 p. m.; but as Dr. Willard Richards and Bishop Whitney considered it premature, the council was adjourned till Sunday evening, the 14th. Messrs. Bedell and Backenstos arrived in Governor’s Nauvoo, and reported that the governor had Disregarded demanded the public arms at Warsaw, and at " ars: ’"' was refused. President Brigham Young spent the day with the brethren in Peterboro . 184 HISTORY OF TH£ CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 We learn from Elder Kimball’s journal, that in company with Elder Lyman Wight and delegates to Premonitory the convention from Pennsylvania, Dela- Anxietietf. ware and Maryland, he proceeded to Balti¬ more. He and Brother Wight, hearing so many con¬ tradictory reports concerning the death of the Prophets, felt very anxious to obtain some correct information. They went into their closets and prayed to the Lord to open the way whereby they might know the truth concerning it. Immediately Elder Kimball went to the post office, and got letters up to the 24th of June from his wife, informing him that Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith had delivered themselves up into the hands of their enemies to be tried, upon reading which they were immediately satisfied that the Prophets were massacred. Elder Wilford Woodruff wrote a letter of exhorta¬ tion to the saints, which was published in The Prophet. Elder John E. Page wrote a long letter on Mormon- ism, which appeared in the People’s Organ, of Pitts¬ burgh. Saturday, 13.—Dr. Willard Richards proposed the organization of a fishing company to help to supply the city of Nauvoo with food. Elders Kimball and Wight returned to Wilmington, and from thence to Philadelphia, where they read let¬ ters giving a particular account of the martyrdom of their brethren. Sunday, 14.—Meeting at the stand: Elder Parley P. Pratt preached. Dr. Willard Richards proposed that the church post¬ pone electing a trustee until the Twelve returned, and called a special conference. 6 p. m. Several councilors came to the council cham¬ ber to investigate the subject of choosing trustees, but decided to wait until the Twelve arrived. We extract the following from President Brigham Young's Journal:— A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 185 EXCERPTS FROM PRESIDENT YOUNG'S JOURNAL ' Friday, 12.—We held a meeting in Peterboro in the evening, preparatory to the conference tomorrow. Saturday, 13.—Had a good time at conference all day. The brethren were very glad to see us, and the Lord gave us many good things to say to them. I preached to the saints and showed the organization and establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth: that the death of one or a dozen could not destroy the priest¬ hood, nor hinder the work of the Lord from spreading throughout all nations. Sunday, 14.—Held three meetings, ordained 28 elders. We en¬ joyed ourselves well, and had an excellent conference.’ Elders Kimball and Wight went to meeting in Phila¬ delphia, and read the account of the massacre to the saints, who all felt very sorrowful, and agreed to dress in mourning in token of their love and respect for the martyred Prophets. Elder Kimball recorded, ‘O Lord, how can we part with our dear brethren—O Lord, save thy servants the Twelve.’ The saints in Boston met in the Franklin Hall; the house was crowded to overflowing, and Eldcr Wood many could not get into the room. Num- [“ ff B( f s ^ ches bers who had not been in the habit of at¬ tending the meetings, came to see what course the saints would pursue now their leaders were slain. Elder Wilford Woodruff, being the only one of the Twelve in the city, addressed the saints during the day, and also in the evening. He preached in the forenoon from Rev., ch. vi, 9, 10 and 11th verses; in the afternoon from Rev., ch. xiv, 6, 7 and 8th verses, and in the evening on the parable of the fig tree, as recorded by St. Luke in ch. xxi; and, in connection, read some of the revelations given through the martyred Prophet of our day. The Spirit of the Lord rested powerfully upon the speaker and the saints, and their hearts were comforted. Monday, 15.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards, W. W. Phelps and the bishops, with Movements at many brethren, assembled to organize a Nauv0 °- 186 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 company of fishermen to supply the city with fish; twenty-eight volunteered, with eight boats and skiffs. Isaac Higbee was appointed president, John S. Hig- bee and Peter Shirts counselors. The Times and Season has the following edito¬ rial:— REVIEW OF THE MURDER AT CARTHAGE 'General Joseph Smith, who was murdered in cool blood, in Car¬ thage jail, on Thursday, the 27th day of June, was one of the best men that ever lived on the earth. The work he has thus far performed, towards establishing pure religion and preparing the way for the great gathering of Israel, in the short space of twenty years, since the time when the angel of the Lord made known his mission and gave him power to move the cause of Zion, exceeds anything of the kind on record. Without learning, without means, and without experience, he has met a learned' world, a rich century, a hard-hearted, wicked and adulterous generation, with truth that could not be resisted, facts that could not be disproved, revelations whose spirit had so much God in them that the servants of the Lord could not be gainsaid or resisted, but, like the rays of light from the sun, they have tinged everything they lit upon with a lustre and livery which has animated, quickened and adorned. The pages of General Smith's history, though his enemies never ceased to persecute him and hunt for offenses against him, are as unsullied as virgin snow; on about fifty prosecutions for supposed criminal offenses, he came out of the legal fire, heated like Nebuchad¬ nezzar’s furnace, seven times hotter than it was wont to be, without the smell of fire, or a thread of his garments scorched. His foes of the world and enemies of his own household, who have sought occasions against him, in order secretly to deprive him of his life, because his goodness, greatness and glory exceeded theirs, have a poor excuse to offer the world for shedding his innocent blood, and no apology to make to the Judge of all the earth at the day of judgment. They have murdered him because they feared his right¬ eousness. His easy, goodnatured way, allowing everyone was honest, drew around him hypocrites, wicked and mean men, with the virtuous, and in the hour of trouble or trial, when the wheat was cleansed by water, the light kernels and smut rose upon the top of the water and had to be poured off, that the residue might be clean; or, to be still plainer, when they went through the machine for cleansing the grain, the chaff, light grain and smut, were blown off among the rubbish. False brethren, or to call them by their right name, ‘apostates’, A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 187 have retarded the work more, and combined more influence to rob him of life, than all Christendom; for they, having mingled in his greatness, knew where and when to take advantage of his weakness. Their triumph, however, is one that disgraces their state and nation, ruins them in time and in eternity. They cannot outgrow it, they cannot outlive it, and they cannot outdie it, from him that winked at it to him that shot the fatal ball, wherever there is moral honesty, humanity, love of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, there the breath of indignation, the whisper of 'those murders’, the story of mobocracy and the vengeance of God will haunt the whole gang and their offspring and abettors with a fury like Milton’s gates of hell, '* * * grating harsh thunder.’ In thus descanting upon the glory of General Joseph Smith and the cowardly disgrace of his assassins, let his noble-minded brother Hyrum have no less honor shown him. He lived so far beyond the ordinary walk of man, that even the tongue of the vilest slanderer could not touch his reputation. He lived godly and he died godly, and his murderers will yet have to confess that it would have been better for them to have a mill¬ stone tied to them, and they cast into the depths of the sea, and remain there while eternity goes and eternity comes, than to have robbed that noble man of heaven of his life. If there be such a thing as the greatest and least crimes among the archives of the better world, the wilful murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith will be first and worst, without forgiveness in this world or the world to come, ‘for no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.’ The Savior said, woe unto the world because of offenses, but offenses must needs come; but woe unto him by whom they come! Prophets have been sent, according to the sacred history, which all enlightened nations use as a guide of morality here, or for a rule to obtain heaven hereafter, to instruct and lead the people according to the pure purposes of God, and yet from Cain down to two or three hundred Americans, Illinoians, Missourians, Christians, even freemen, the lives of mostly all these good men, the servants of God, not omitting his own Son, have been taken from them by those who professed to be the most wise, enlightened, intelligent and religious, (that is nationally) that were on the earth when the hellish deeds were done. But what has the next generation said? Ah! time thou art older and abler to tell the story than they that did the solemn act. No wonder the heathen nations will be God’s in the day of his power; they have not killed the Prophets. When General Smith went to Carthage, just as the cavalry met him for the purpose of obtaining the state arms, he said to a friend, 7 am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer s 188 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 morning : 1 have a conscience void of offense toward God , and toward all men: I shall die innocent Now ye great men who boast of great wisdom, what think ye of the Prophet's last prediction? How glorious! How mild! How God-like! No wonder the sympathies of all honest men are kindled in his behalf; the goodness of his deeds merit them. The want of a perfect knowledge of the servants of God, of the Son of God. in all ages, down to this last, horrid, heart-sickening butchery of those two unoffending American freemen, must have been the great first cause of taking life contrary to the law of God or man. Leaving religion out of the case, where is the lover of his country, and his posterity, that does not condemn such an outrageous murder, and will not lend all his powers, energies and influence to bring the offenders to justice and judgment? Every good man will do it when he remembers that these two innocent men were confined in jail for a supposed crime, deprived of any weapons to defend themselves, had the pledged faith of the state of Illinois, by Governor Ford, for their protection, and were then shot to death, while with uplifted hands they gave such signs of distress as would have commanded the interposition and benevolence of savages or pagans. They were both Masons in good standing. Ye brethren of ‘the mystic tie', what think ye! Where are our good Masters Joseph and Hyrum? Is there a pagan, heathen or savage nation on the globe that would not be moved on this great occasion, as the trees of the forest are moved by a mighty wind? Joseph’s last exclamation was, 'O Lord, my God’. If one of these murderers, their abettors or accessories before or after the fact, are suffered to cumber the earth without being dealt with according to law, what is life worth, and what is the benefit of laws? and more than all, what is the use of institutions which savages would honor, where civilized beings murder without cause or provo¬ cation? Will the Americans look over the vast concerns that must, sooner or later, touch their welfare at home and abroad, and exalt or disgrace them among the kingdoms of the great family of man, and learn whether anarchy, mobbery and butchery are not swiftly hurrying the constituted authorities of our country into irretrievable ruin, while the inhabitants of the land must sink into wretchedness, bloodshed, revenge and woe? Elder John Taylor and Dr. Willard Richards, who were in the jail at the time, innocently, as friends of these men, have only to thank God that their lives were spared. Elder Taylor was wounded with four bullets, and a fifth ball, which, had it not been for his watch in his left vest pocket, would have passed into his vitals and destroyed his life instantly. This memorable and very valuable watch saved his life, and will A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 189 remain with its hands permanently pointing to ‘5 o’clock, 16 minutes and 26 seconds'; as the moment when so small a machine interposed between time and eternity. Dr. Richards was not wounded by a single ball, though one passed so near his ear as to leave a mark. If such scenes do not awaken the best feelings of freemen for personal safety, what will? We pause! solemnly pause for the opinion of millions, because all are interested; life is the last boon, all is blank without it, death blots the rest, and where is man? To conclude, if the good people of our common country, and our common world, do not arise with a union of feeling and energy to help to wash off the blood of these two innocent men from Hancock county, from the plighted faith of Illinois, from the boasted and widespreading fame of the United States, and from the dignity of our globe, then let all but the righteous be smit¬ ten with a curse; but, methinks I see a ’union of all honest men’, aside from religion, stand forth to magnify the law, who will never rest till justice and judgment have made the offenders, abettors and accessories, whether apostates, officers or mere men, atone for the innocent blood of Joseph and Hyrum Smith/ The following was written by the undersigned members of the council [i. e. of the Twelve]:— LETTER TO THE SAINTS ABROAD 'Dear Brethren, —On hearing of the martyrdom of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch, you will doubtless need a word of advice and comfort, and look for it from our hands. We would say, therefore, first of all, be still and know that the Lord is God, and that he will fulfil all things in his own due time, and not one jot or tittle of all his purposes and promises shall fail. Remember, REMEMBER that the priesthood and the keys of power are held in eternity as well as in time, and, therefore, the servants of God who pass the veil of death are prepared to enter upon a greater and more effectual work, in the speedy accomplishment of the restora¬ tion of all things spoken of by his holy prophets. Remember that all the prophets and saints who have existed since the world began, are engaged in this holy work, and are yet in the vineyard, as well as the laborers of the eleventh hour, and are all pledged to establish the kingdom of God on the earth, and to give judgment unto the saints: therefore, none can hinder the rolling on of the eternal purposes of the great Jehovah. And we have now every reason to believe that the fulfilment of his great purposes are much nearer than we had supposed, and that not many years hence we shall see the kingdom of God coming with power and great glory to our deliverance. 190 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 As to our country and nation, we have more reason to weep for them than for those they have murdered, for they are destroying themselves and their institutions, and there is no remedy; and as to feelings of revenge, let them not have place for one moment in our bosoms, for God’s vengeance will speedily consume to that degree that we would fain be hid away and not endure the sight. Let us then humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and endeavor to put away all our sins and imperfections as a people and as individuals, and to call upon the Lord with the spirit of grace and supplication, and wait patiently on him until he shall direct our way. Let no vain and foolish plans or imaginations scatter us abroad and divide us asunder as a people, to seek to save our lives at the expense of truth and principle, but rather let us live or die together and in the enjoyment of society and union. Therefore, we say, let us haste to fulfil the commandments which God has already given us. Yea, let us haste to build the Temple of our God, and to gather together thereunto, our silver and our gold with us, unto the name of the Lord, and then we may expect that he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. We would further say, that in consequence of the great rains which have deluged the western country, and, also, in consequence of perse¬ cution and excitement, there has been but little done here, either in farming or building, this season; therefore, there is but little em¬ ployment and but little means of subsistence at the command of the saints in this region; therefore, let the saints abroad and others who feel for our calamities and wish to sustain us, come on with their money and means without delay, and purchase lots and farms, and build buildings and employ hands, as well as to pay their tithings into the Temple and their donations to the poor. We wish it distinctly understood abroad that we greatly need the assistance of every lover of humanity, whether members of the church or otherwise, both in influence and in contributions for our aid, succor and support. Therefore, if they feel for us, now is the time to show their liberality and patriotism towards a poor and persecuted, but honest and industrious people. Let the elders who remain abroad continue to preach the gospel in its purity and fulness, and to bear testimony of the truth of these things which have been revealed for the salvation of this generation. [Signed] PARLEY P. PRATT, Willard Richards, John Taylor, W. W. Phelps. Nauvoo, July 15, 1844.’ A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 191 Elder Jedediah M. Grant returned to Philadelphia. Two weeks since he left Nauvoo, and reported that all was quiet and peace in the city since the burial of the martyrs. LAMENTATION Of a Jew Among the Afflicted and Mourning Sons and Daughters of Zion, at the Assassination of the Two Chieftains in Israel, Joseph and Hyrum Smith. ‘Blessed the people knowing the shout of Jehovah, In the light of his countenance they will walk. How can we, a people in sackcloth, Open our lips before thee? They have rejected and slain our leaders, Thine anointed ones. Our eyes are dim, our hearts heavy; No place of refuge being left. Redeem the people that in thee only trusts: There is none to stand between and inquire; Thou art our helper, The refuge of Israel in time of trouble. O look in righteousness upon thy faithful servants, Who have laid bare their lives unto death. Not withholding their bodies; Being betrayed by false brethren, and their lives cut off, Forbidding their will before thine; Having sanctified thy great name, Never polluting it; Ready for a sacrifice;—standing in the breach, Tried, proved and found perfect. To save the blood of the fathers; Their children, brothers, and sisters; Adding theirs unto those who are gone before them; Sanctifying thy holy and great name upon the earth; Cover and conceal not their blood. Give ear unto their cries until thou lookest And shewest down from heaven-taking vengeance And avenging their blood—avenging thy people and thy law, 192 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 According to thy promises made Unto our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Hasten the acceptable and redeeming year; Shadday: remember unto us thy covenants: All this heaviness has reached us; Can any one be formed to declare What has befallen us? All this we bear, and the name of our God We will not forget, nor deny, The ‘Hebrews’ God’ he is called, Thou art clothed with righteousness, But we are vile. Come not in judgment with us. Before thee nothing living is justified by their works. But be with us as thou wast with our fathers. Help thou, O Father; unto thee We will lift our souls, Our hearts in our hands; We look to heaven, Lifting our eyes unto the mountains, From whence cometh our help. Turn away thine anger, That we be not spoiled. O return and leave a blessing behind thee.’* Tuesday, 16.—William Clayton finished measuring the last raft of lumber for the Temple, from the pin¬ eries, amounting to 87,732 feet. The following was received by Dr. Willard Rich¬ ards;— LETTER REPORTING THREATENING PORTENTS AGAINST NAUVOO Dc Kalb, Hancock Co., Ill.. July 1, 1844. [In confidence] Dr. Richards. Dear Sir ,—I hope the subject upon which this communication * Times and Seasons, vol. v, p. 591. The author of this poem is Alexander Neibaur who is also the author of the hymn "Come Thou Glorious Day of Promise", see L. D. S. Hymn Books, current. The strong Hebraic character of the above poem will appear to the reader. A. D. 1842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 193 is written will be a sufficient apology for the privilege I have taken in addressing you, with whom I have not had the pleasure of an acquaintance. I wish to apprise you that reports are in circulation, which no doubt are true, that the Warsaw and Green Plains mobocrats are making strong exertions to raise forces sufficient to mob and drive the people of your city from their present residences. I think you should keep a steady lookout, for it seems that the cold-hearted murder of Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage jail has not satisfied the bloodthirsty dispositions of those demons, but they desire to prosecute their wretched purposes still further. I, as one of General Deming’s staff, have used my influence against calling out a large force to be stationed at Carthage, fearing that some might be influenced by those mobocrats to join them in their wretched purpose, for I have no idea they can get forces enough to leave their homes, neither in Illinois nor Missouri, for that purpose, to overcome you. If we could have four or five hundred troops stationed at Carthage, of the right sort, that could be depended on, to suppress mobs, I should like it, but, fearing the influence of those desperadoes might cause them to disobey all orders and join the mob against you, I think it best not to risk it. The murder of Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith is deprecated by the community, almost at large, that is, those who are not lost to the principles of humanity; and there seems to be a general feeling of sympathy resting on the public mind. I was pleased to hear of the prudent course that your people resolved to pursue, in acting only on the defensive and abiding the law, which is on your side. In haste, yours, etc., Thos. H. Owen/ To which Dr. Willard Richards replied as fol¬ lows: — DECL aRED INTENTION OF THE CHURCH TO TAKE NO PART IN THE TRIAL OF THE MURDERERS OF THE PROPHETS ‘Nauvoo, July 16, 1844. Sir ,—I am sorry that there has been delay which caused your '.etter to arrive so late to hand, and I feel thankful for the very kind and sympathetic manner in which you express yourself towards us as a people, and shall be very thankful if you will continue your favors to me whenever anything may occur, and you may depend upon my doing the same to yourself. In regard to the assassination of the Generals Smith, we do not intend to take any action in the case whatever, but leave ourselves 13 Vol. 7 194 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 entirely in the hands of the governor and the majesty of the law, to mete out just and retributive justice in the matter. You may rest perfectly assured that we never did act on the offensive, or against the law, but shall continue the same course, which appears to have given you so much satisfaction, and act entirely on the de¬ fensive, and abide the law. In haste, sir, I remain yours, etc., Willard Richards. Thos. H. Owen, Esq.’ Elder Wilford Woodruff wrote the following:— WOODRUFF’S LETTER TO BRIGHAM YOUNG—REPORTING THE PROPHETS' DEATH ‘Boston, July 16, 1844. Elders Brigham Young and Orson Pratt. Dear Brethren .—I hasten to inform you that I returned to this city on hearing the report of the death of Joseph and Hyrum, expecting to see you. I have waited a number of days in deep suspense, to obtain word I could rely on. This morning two letters were put into my hands by Sister Phelps, one from Erastus Snow and one from John E. Page of Pittsburgh, both confirming the report of the death of Joseph and Hyrum—they were murdered in Carthage jail. It is not for me to counsel you, but I would ask if it would not be well for you to come direct to Boston, and hold a council with the Twelve and decide what course to pursue. Things are still very critical in the west; we don't know where it will end. I spent the Sabbath here, spoke three times, comforted the saints all I could and had a good time. The saints bear the shock well. I am well and in good spirits. I do not know where I can address my letters to reach you. I shall write to Lowell, Peterboro and Bradford, hoping they may reach you in one of those places. I shall go immediately to Farmington, New Haven, Ct., and New York; if you wish to write to me, direct to Farmington, Ct. Yours in the kingdom of God, Wilford Woodruff.’ President Young having received Elder Woodruffs letter at Peterboro, started for Boston, but on arriving at Lowell remained all night. 'Wednesday, 17.—Mrs. Emma Smith, in company Movement with Messrs. Woods and Wasson, went to Prophet^ the Carthage for letters of administration on Estate. the estate of her deceased husband, Joseph Smith. A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 195 The following is from Elder Woodruff's Journal:— EXCERPT ‘Elder Brigham Young arrived in Boston this morning. I walked with him to 57 Temple Street, and called upon Sister Vose. Brother Young took the bed and gave vent to his feelings in tears. I took the big chair, and veiled my face, and for the first time gave vent to my grief and mourning for the Prophet and Patriarch of the church, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, who were murdered by a Gentile mob. After being bathed in a flood of tears I felt composed. Elder Young left the city. I spent the night at Brother Phelps.’ The following is extracted from the St. Louis Transcript, taken from the report of the editor of the Republican :— REPORTS OF MOVEMENTS IN ILLINOIS OBSERVED FROM WARSAW ‘On our return we stopped at Warsaw, where the state commissioners were joined by Colonel Wood, the mayor of Quincy, and Mr. Conyers. These gentlemen had returned from Nauvoo through Carthage, and had been laboring to establish peace between the parties. The people of Hancock county, however, appear to be averse to any compromise short of the removal of the Mormons from the county. They assert that it is now absolutely necessary to peace and quietness that either the Mormons or citizens quit the county, and that sooner or later one must go, even if force be necessary to accomplish it. Mr. Jonas, one of the commissioners, addressed the citizens of Warsaw, and called upon them to say whether they would support the governor in enforcing the law and upholding the Constitution, and they unanimously refused to give the pledge. The same evening a Mr. Skinner of Carthage, who professed to speak in the name of the citizens of Hancock, uttered the same senti¬ ment. He deprecated, as impossible, the idea of settlement if the Mormons were to remain. A committee of the citizens waited upon Governor Ford, informing him of their fixed conviction that it was necessary one of the parties should leave the county, and desiring him to decide. The governor replied that it was not for him to decide such a question, or to order any body of citizens, whether Mormons or anti-Mormons, out of the county or state. From the feeling evinced by the most active in the anti-Mormon ranks, we came to the conclusion that nothing but a dread of con¬ sequences would prevent further outbreaks. The flame has been smothered for a time, but the fire has not been quenched, and slight causes may make it burst forth more fiercely than before. 196 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Governor Ford has a most arduous duty to perform. Of his ability to discharge it we will not now speak. At our latest dates he was still at Quincy, and avowed the intention of maintaining the ascen¬ dancy of the law at all hazards. He has dismissed all the troops, and they have returned to their homes.’ ” A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 197 CHAPTER XVI THE MOVEMENTS OF THE APOSTLES AND OTHER LEAD¬ ING BRETHREN IN THE EAST AND AT NAUVOO— IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION FROM GOVERNOR FORD “Thursday, July 18 th 1844.—No rain since the night of the 29th ult., of any moment: excessively warm. Thermometer 92 Yi ° F. After sun- storm-status set the clouds gathered dense and black, ac- of Weather - companied by lightning, which became so constant, and the flashes so near each other, as to be almost one continued flash, lighter than noonday; the rain de¬ scended in torrents, the wind tremendous, prostrating many trees and some houses. The following is from Elder Woodruff’s Journal:— EXCERPTS ‘President Brigham Young arrived in the city of Boston, also Elders Orson Hyde, Heber C. Kimball and Orson Pratt. We met together in council, and agreed to counsel the elders and brethren Movements of having families at Nauvoo, to return immediately to the Twelve in them. Elder Hyde advertised that he would preach on 1C as ' the subject of the massacre of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Prophet and Patriarch of the church. According to appointment the saints and friends met in a hall in Washington Street. Elder Hyde preached from words in chapter xxiv of St. Matthew, 9th to 14th verse, and concluded with the following remarks:— DISCOURSE OF ELDER ORSON HYDE AT WASHINGTON, D. C. ‘In consequence of the death of the Prophets, the editors seem to get the spirit of prophecy, and say the work is done, and will stop and die; but, as I am in the midst of the prophetic editors, like Saul 198 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 I catch some of the spirit of prophecy, and so I will prophesy that instead of the work dying, it will be like the mustard stock that was ripe, that a man undertook to throw out of his garden, and scattered seed all over it, and next year it was nothing but mustard. It will be so by shedding the blood of the Prophets—it will make ten saints where there is one now. Some said that he would be president [i. e. of the U. S.], but is now dead; now, what will he do? The Revelator says, ‘He that overcometh will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron’; I don't know but he may hold the keys of the plagues that are to be poured out in the last days upon this and other nations. Angels appeared anciently to John, who were his fellow servants, the Prophets. Joseph may appear in this day to his brethren. This gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world for a testimony, then shall the end come; though they should be perse¬ cuted, if they endured to the end, they should be saved. This generation speak much about the clouds and weather; they discern the face of the sky, but why can they not discern the signs of the times? The fig trees are leafing, and all things indicate the second advent of Christ.’ REMARKS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG Elder Brigham Young arose, and said he felt disposed to add his testimony; be of good cheer. The testimony is not in force while the testator liveth; when he died it was in force; so it is with Joseph. On the Day of Pentecost there were but 120 of the saints, but at that time there were added 3,000 souls. When God sends a man to do a work, all the devils in hell cannot kill him until he gets through his work; so with Joseph, he prepared all things, gave the keys to men on the earth, and said, ‘I may soon be taken from you’.’ The following Epistle of the Twelve was published in the Prophet :— AN EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLES TO THE SAINTS ‘Boston, July 18, 1844. To the Elders and Saints Scattered Abroad, Greeting. Dear Brethren ,—We take this method to notify you that the advice and counsel of the Twelve is, that all the brethren who have families in the west should return to them as soon as convenient, and that all the churches should remain humble and watch unto prayer, and follow the teachings that have been given them by the servants of God, and leave all things in the hands of God: all will be right; the name of the Lord will be glorified and his work will prosper. And we would warn the saints in all the world against receiving the teach- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 199 ings of any man or set of men who come professing to be elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who preach any doctrine contrary to the plain and holy principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ which have been delivered unto them. We wish to see all the authorities of the church residing at Nauvoo, who at this time may be absent, such as the presidents of the different quorums, high priests, high council, seventies and bishops, that wc may meet them in council as soon as convenient, as we expect to return immediately to Nauvoo. Dear brethren, we are sensible that the account of the death of the Prophet and Patriarch of the church will be painful to your hearts: it is to ours. We feel and mourn their loss, but they have sealed their testimony with their blood; they have not counted their lives as dear unto themselves as the lives of the church; they have died in the Lord and their works will follow them. The eyes of the Lord are upon those who have shed the blood of the Lord's anointed, and he will judge them with a righteous judgment. Let the saints cultivate a meek and quiet spirit, and all things shall in the end work together for your good. By order of the Quorum of the Twelve, [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President, Wilford Woodruff, Clerk/ We copy from the Prophet :— WARNING AGAINST FALSE DOCTRINES ' Mr . Editor ,—I am requested to say to the saints, through the Prophet, by the counsel of the Twelve, that whereas certain strange doctrines have been taught and practiced in Boston and elsewhere, by men claiming higher authority than the Twelve,— This is, therefore, to warn you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you give no heed to men making these high pretensions, when they teach you things that are not in accordance with principles which you know to be correct. And we would seriously caution all men to beware how they offer strange fire upon the altars of pure and innocent hearts, lest that flame consume them, root and branch, in an unexpected hour; for the authorities of God's house are not to be rode over by any man, and he escape without the rod. A ship that carries more sail than her ballast will admit of, will surely capsize when the storm strikes her. This is a figure, and let it be remembered. Yours truly, Orson Hyde/ 200 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Friday, 19.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Rich- Eiders at ards, John Taylor and W. W. Phelps spent Nauvoo. the a ft ernoon in council. Elder Kimball went to Salem, and preached to the saints in the evening. .. , Saturday, 20.—Elders Brigham Young ™t ers in and Heber C. Kimball spent the day together in the city of Boston. Elders Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt left for New York, and Elder Wilford Woodruff for Connecticut. Sunday, 21.—Meeting at the stand. Elder Parley Meetings at P. Pratt preached from the Book of Mor¬ mon, quoting from Moroni, Widows mourning for their husbands’. Afternoon .—The sacrament was administered. El¬ ders Pratt, Cahoon and Richards spoke. Elders Young and Kimball preached to the saints in Boston during the day and evening; congregations very attentive. Monday, 22.—The following is from Governor Thomas Ford:— LETTER OF GOVERNOR FORD TO WILLARD RICHARDS AND W. W. PHELPS ‘Quincy, July 17, 1844. [Confidential] Gentlemen ,—I have just returned from St. Louis. I should have gone on directly to Nauvoo, but I was aware that a visit to your place at this time would certainly be misrepresented by the public. I want very much to see some of you solely on the business of the late outrages at Carthage. The mode of proceeding to be adopted is a matter for careful consideration. I wish to see some of you to consult on that one subject alone. Can one of you come down? If so, come immediately, or let me know. I am, most respectfully, Your obedient servant, [Signed] THOMAS FORD. Dr. Willard Richards, W. W. Phelps, Esq/ To which the annexed was sent in reply:— A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 201 REPLY OF RICHARDS AND PHELPS ‘Nauvoo, July 22, 1844. [Confidential] His Excellency Governor Ford. Sir ,—We have, at this late hour, received your letter of the 17th inst., and would be gratified with an interview, agreeably to your Excellency’s request; but the murder of our best men makes our time precious, and compels us to forego the interview. We have delegated our friend, Mr. Orson Spencer, one of the aldermen of our city, to meet your Excellency on the arrival of the morning boat, answer any queries, and attend to all necessary business, having the fullest confidence in his ability and integrity to discharge the mission to your Excellency's satisfaction and the best interest of our bleeding and long-loved country. We are, sir, most respectfully, Your obedient servants, [Signed] WILLARD RICHARDS, W. W. Phelps/ Sister Leonora Taylor wrote as follows:— LEONORA TAYLOR'S WOMANLY LETTER TO GOVERNOR FORD ‘Nauvoo, July 22, 1844. To His Excellency Thomas Ford. Sir ,—The peculiarity of my situation will, I hope, plead my excuse for troubling your Excellency on the present occasion. Mr. Taylor, who was severely wounded in the jail at Carthage, is still ill, and obliged to be lifted in and out of bed; his wounds are slowly healing, and we hope he will finally get well, if suffered to do so. But, sir, I am sorry to say the murderers and mobbers are still at large in our neighborhood; as there has been no steps taken to bring them to justice, they have taken fresh courage and held meetings to carry out their work of destruction. I have been told they have sent messengers to Missouri to collect all the force they can, to come and exterminate the Mormons after harvest. I have enclosed your Excellency a communication sent Mr. Taylor yesterday, which is a sample of many that are daily coming in. He does not know of my writing this letter. Nothing but the urgency of the case could have induced me to remind your Excellency of your promise to bring the murderers to justice. If a step of that kind is not taken soon. I much fear that it cannot benefit ns as a people. We are without arms, in a great measure, having delivered them up at your Excellency's request, and we are forbid to stand even in our own defense. In this peculiar position, without resources, we can only look to your Excellency for defense, to you, sir, for pro- 202 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 tection; and if it is not granted, we must be murdered in cold blood. My feelings as a wife, and mother of helpless children, together with the afflictions of an injured people, all constrain me to beseech of you to exert the power and authority which the people and God has given you, in the cause of the oppressed. You shall have our prayers, that wisdom may be given you from on high to act in this case to the glory of God, your own honor and that of the state we live in. Your Excellency was warned of our brethren's danger, who were murdered, but could not believe that men were so base and degraded. The same men are now plotting our destruction. As an individual who feels herself injured, and also in behalf of an oppressed, injured and persecuted people, I again beg your official interference. Your Excellency cannot now be mistaken in the men nor their design; I beseech you then, for the honor of our bleeding country, for the sake of suffering innocence and the cause of humanity, by the wounds of my husband and the blood of those murdered victims, to use prompt measures for our protection and the bringing to justice of those murderers. Sincerely praying that you, sir, may become a terror to evildoers and the praise of those that do well, with great respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency's humble servant, Leonora Taylor.' Wilford Woodruff went to Farmington, Ct., and spent the night at his father’s house. He ordained his father a high priest. Tuesday, 23.—10 a. m. Elder Orson Spencer went down on the Osprey to Quincy, to wait upon the gov¬ ernor. Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball spent the day in Boston. They attended meeting in the evening and ordained thirty-two elders. Elder Woodruff parted with his father and mother at Farmington, and proceeded to New York. Wednesday, 24.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Richards, W. W. Phelps, George Miller and L. Wood- worth met in council. They anointed and admin¬ istered to Elder Samuel H. Smith, who was very sick. Elder Phelps received the following communication from the governor:— Elder Movements of Prominent Elders. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 203 IMPORTANT AND CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF GOVERNOR FORD TO ELDER W. W. PHELPS ‘Quincy, July 22, 1844. Sir ,—On Thursday last I wrote to Dr. Richards and yourself, requesting you to come or send some person to me at this place, to confer with me in relation to the time and mode of proceeding against the murderers of the Messrs. Smith; and I therein stated that I would have come to Nauvoo for that purpose were it not for the certainty that my motives and objects for so doing would be misinterpreted. As none of you have come, and have probably not received my letter, I have concluded to write you again and send this letter by special messenger. In this letter I will say to you what I intended to say in a personal conference. In the beginning, then, you must allow me to say that my position forbids that I should be a partisan on either side of your unhappy controversy. I may, for aught I know, have stern duties to perform in relation to both parties. This, however, will depend on which side may be the aggressor. Thus far, since the death of the Smiths, your people have behaved well; much better than could have been expected under the circumstances, and much better than the opposite party. I anxiously hope that they may have the grace to continue in the same line of conduct. An unresisting, passive, peaceable, but defensive course on your parts, will do much to disarm prejudices in the surrounding country. That such prejudices do exist in the minds of the people you know as well as I, though you may not be fully aware of their extent, or the ferocity which they engender. If I speak of those prejudices and the causes of them, I do not wish you to misunderstand me, as some of you did on a former occasion, and suppose that I am speaking my own opinions and feelings. I say now, once for all, that I have nothing to do with those prejudices further than as a practical man; they obtrude themselves on my consideration, as presenting obstacles to me in the discharge of my official duty. The more prejudice and bad feeling which is gotten up against your people, whether by their own imprudence or the malice of their enemies, the more difficult it is for me to do anything effectually to protect either party according to law. There are, I am informed, some few inflammatory and hot-blooded individuals amongst you, who, by their imprudence and rashness, con¬ tinue to give cause for those prejudices, and, of course, by so doing, continue to involve you all in a common danger; I speak of the danger of a mob. I am also informed that most of you entertain the opinion that there has been a great and universal reaction in the public mind since the death of the Smiths. 204 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 On this subject I desire to tell you the naked truth. I am aware that you scarcely ever hear the truth, as to public sentiment abroad, from those who visit you in your city. The complaisance of such persons, and their desire to please, will induce them to omit the state¬ ment of disagreeable truths, and to say such things only as are pleasing and complimentary. You are bound, as men of sense, to receive all such statements with a great deal of allowance. On my part, without desiring to please any of you, or to conciliate your favor, but certainly without any design to insult your misfortunes, and in a pure spirit of friendly concern for the peace and safety of all who repose under the shade of our political fig tree, I desire to state to you frankly, candidly and thoroughly, what I do know on this subject. The naked truth then is, that most well-informed persons condemn in the most unqualified manner the mode in which the Smiths were put to death, but nine out of every ten of such accompany the expres¬ sion of their disapprobation by a manifestation of their pleasure that they are dead. The disapproval is most unusually cold and without feeling. It is a disapproval which appears to be called for, on their part, by decency, by a respect for the laws and a horror of mobs, but does not flow warm from the heart. The unfortunate victims of this assassination were generally and thoroughly hated throughout the country, and it is not reasonable to suppose that their death has produced any reaction in the public mind resulting in active sympathy; if you think so, you are mistaken. Most that is said on the subject is merely from the teeth out; and your people may depend on the fact, that public feeling is now, at this time, as thoroughly against them as it has ever been. I mention this, not for the purpose of insulting your feelings, but to show you clearly how careful your people ought to be in future to avoid all causes of quarrel and excitement, and what little reliance could be placed on any militia force which I could send in your favor. I ought, perhaps, to qualify what I have said, by remarking that but few persons from the surrounding counties could now be procured to join a mob force against you, without further cause of excitement to be ministered by some misguided imprudence of your people. But what I mean to say, and to say truly, is, that in the present temper of the public mind I am positively certain that I cannot raise a militia force in the state who would be willing to fight on your side, or to hazard their lives to protect you from an attack of your enemies. The same state of things exists in relation to any force which might be ordered to arrest the murderers. If troops should be ordered for that purpose, I would expect that they would behave as the militia did in the late Philadelphia riots. The militia in that case sympathized with the native party and against their opponents.. It was an un- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 205 popular service, and rather than fight they suffered themselves to be defeated and driven from the field. It is true that I might call upon the Mormons themselves, and then I would have a reliable force. This, however, would be a dangerous experiment, and would, in my mind, inevitably lead to civil war, the result of which no man can foresee. I think I may safely say, that if the Nauvoo Legion should be called out against the old citizens, the crimes which are sought to be punished would be instantly forgotten in the general and burning indignation which would be kindled. Men would rally to their assistance who would otherwise be neutral. Your Legion has ever been regarded with a jealous eye; the arming and drilling of your people, with such exceeding industry, in a season of peace, (not wrong in itself,) has been looked upon by the great body of the people with suspicion, and as intended in due time for the subversion of the public liberty: in the beginning you would have been much better without it. If your people had never made any military pretensions, no military feeling would ever have been aroused against you. This much I hope you will consider has been said from a friendly motive, and for the further purpose of showing you what a dangerous experiment it would be, and how well calculated to excite a civil war, in which your city might be utterly destroyed, if I should attempt to call out the hated Legion against the old citizens. You may be disposed to ask, What use is there for law and govern¬ ment if these things be so? I answer you, that cases like the present do not seem to be fully provided for by our Constitutions; they were not anticipated to occur. Upon the first institution of our governments, it was a season of internal peace and union among our people. The population was homogeneous, and all agreed together as brothers. It was supposed that the great body of the people would be always willingly submissive to the laws which they themselves had made. It was not foreseen that great and hostile parties would soon spring up and combine in large numbers to set the law at defiance. A voluntary submission and obedience was supposed as the basis of government, for this reason no adequate provision was made in our state constitutions for coercing this submission, when the laws were to be trampled upon by the concerted action of large numbers. The states are prohibited from maintaining standing armies; the only military force at their command, without aid from the general government, is the militia; and, as I have already shown you, this force can only be relied on to do effectual service where that service is popular and jumps with their inclinations. For this same reason, I must beg leave to say that a party, as in your case, which is the object of popular odium, cannot be too cir- 206 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 cumspect in their behavior, so as to give no color to the hatred of your enemies. ‘Truth is great and will prevail'. From this you may be assured that if the conduct of your people shall be uniformly peaceably honest and submissive to the laws, even if they have to bear persecution for a season, such conduct must result in dissipating the unhappy prejudices which exist against you. Truth and candor, however, compel me to say that the Mormons have not always acted in such a manner as if they intended to avoid the creation of prejudices. The pretensions of your municipal court, the unheard of description of ordinances passed by your city council, the assault on Mr. Bagby, the attempt to kidnap persons from Missouri, the formal destruction of a printing office and the general tone of arrogance and defiance of some of your leaders, were well calculated to inflame the public mind against you. I think that I have considered this difficult subject in every possible point of view. I am afraid to rely on the militia in the present temper of the public mind. To call on the Nauvoo Legion would be suicidal to any effort as pacification of existing troubles, and for that reason would fail to bring about an enforcement of the laws. If the laws are to be enforced at all in your county, out of the ordinary way by courts alone, it must be done by a force which is indifferent as to both parties. To call in one party to put down and subdue the other, would lead to the most disastrous consequences; all the pride of conquest and victory; all the shame of defeat by, and submission to an adversary; all the fury of unconquerable hate and exasperated feeling would necessarily be mingled with the contest, and render it bloody and bitter beyond anything we know of in this country. For these reasons I have called upon the officers now in command, in the absence of General Gains, of the 3rd Military Department of the United States, for five hundred men of the regular army to be stationed in Hancock county, with whose aid I hope to be able to preserve order and proceed against all criminals whomsoever they may be. The following is a copy of the answer to the application: — ‘Headquarters, 3rd Mil. Dept., St. Louis, Mo., July 11, 1844. ‘Sir ,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excel¬ lency’s communication of this date, relating to the difficulties which have occurred between the Mormons and the people of Hancock county, Illinois, and the further difficulties apprehended by you, and requesting of me a force of some five hundred men from the regular army of the United States to be stationed for a time in Hancock county, and to act in conjunction with such forces as may be ordered on the part of the state of Illinois. ‘I have not the power of complying with your request, but will A. D. 1 842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 207 forward by tomorrow's mail a copy of your communication to be laid before the authorities in Washington city, and will advise your Excellency of the result as soon as ascertained. With great respect, Your most obedient servant, [Signed] S. W. KEARNEY, Col. 1st Drags. His Excellency Thomas Ford, Governor of Illinois, St. Louis, Mo.’ By the above letter you will perceive that I cannot yet be enabled to say with certainty whether the application will be successful: we will know in two weeks, I think, at most. The anti-Mormon party intend to renew the war this fall, and if it were known with certainty that the troops of the regular army would be obtained to prevent their operations, they would, most likely, hasten their plans and do all the mischief in their power before the force arrives. They are not afraid of the state militia, and would give themselves but little concern in fear of such opposition. I therefore caution you not to let it be known beyond your most trusted men that a regular force is expected. I have myself not informed anyone who would make the matter public, and yet, most unaccountably, the fact has got into the newspapers. Another caution I would give you, your people cannot pay too much attention to it. It is very natural and probable to suppose that with the prospect of such a force, and the increased security it may give, some of your people may be prompted to such audacity and im¬ prudence as will tend to prolong angry feelings. They may thus be induced to do and say foolish and wicked things, uselessly vexatious and mortifying to the opposing party. There are no doubt wicked people in Nauvoo, ready for the com¬ mission of crime, as well as in every other city of the same number of inhabitants. The well-disposed amongst you must restrain those persons, and, if need be, bring them to punishment. The public at large will not distinguish among you, but will involve you all in a common obloquy. I have dwelt more, perhaps, than may be agreeable to you on this point; but I have done so in my anxiety that the Mormons may demonstrate to the world that they are no more deserving than their enemies. Three or four of your people are reported to me as having already been threatening life, and publicly following men about the city with clubs, and that no effort was made to restrain them. An effectual stop must be put to all such vaporings, if you expect it to stop on the other side. You are interested in bringing all such men to im¬ mediate justice, if you can. If pacification is what you ask, you must restrain your own hostility. 208 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 It may be thought that there has already been too much delay in proceeding against the murderers, that a further delay will give an opportunity for many of the guilty to escape, and that the apparent impunity for the present will greatly encourage further outrages against you. This last consideration is one of considerable force, and on that account I could wish to proceed without delay, if it could be done without exciting further troubles, or if I had a force at my command on which I could rely to suppress them. I do not fear that any of the leaders will escape or flee from justice: they are determined to remain and brave it out to the end. In my humble opinion there is no utility in proceeding against any but the leaders. As to the misguided multitude who were the mere followers of others and the instruments of mischief, it has never been the practice of civilized states to proceed against them with rigor. The punishment of some of the principal offenders has always been looked upon as sufficient to vindicate the majesty of the law and to deter others from the commission of like offenses, and this is the whole object of human punishment. I do not apprehend that anything requiring my further stay here will happen immediately, and will return home tomorrow. I am, most respectfully, Your obedient servant, [Signed] THOMAS FORD. William W. Phelps, Esq., Nauvoo, Illinois.'”* ♦ This lengthy communication of Governor Ford to W. W. Phelps is quite characteristic of Thomas Ford in nearly all his relationships with the Latter-day Saints, both before and after the martyrdom of the Prophets; and bears witness of his weakness, and inclination to double-dealing with them. In nothing is this more apparent than in the letter enclosed in the above communication to Colonel S. W. Kearney of the First Dragoons, headquarters of the Third Military Department at St. Louis. Ford’s appeal to this local commander of the First Dragoons can be no other than mere pretense at applying for U. S. military assistance to quell the riotous uprising of mobs and the rebellion of state military units inclined to mobocracy in western Illinois. The Constitution of the United States makes it possible by ap¬ plication of the legislature or of the executive of a state when the legislature can not be convened to appeal to the federal government for protection against invasion or against “domestic violence". But this application must be made to the federal gov¬ ernment for the fulfillment of the guarantee against domestic violence and with his knowledge of the law governing the case, the inconsistency of the appeal of Governor Ford to Colonel Kearney could not be other than a mere pretense at securing aid against the domestic violence in western Illinois at that period. It was a mere “seem¬ ing" to invoke federal aid, well knowing that it could not be granted from that source, and in that manner; and evidently the governor sought to satisfy the leading elders at Nauvoo that he had vainly attempted to exercise this power lodged in him by the Constitution. His ignorance could not be pleaded in excuse of such artful dodging in the case. B. H. R. A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 209 CHAPTER XVII GATHERING OF THE TWELVE AND OTHER LEADING ELDERS AT NAUVOO—DEATH OF ELDER SAMUEL H. SMITH, BROTHER OF THE PROPHET, EARLY MISSION¬ ARY OF THE CHURCH AND ONE OF THE EIGHT WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON “Wednesday, July 24, 1844.—The brethren of the Twelve were delayed in Boston several days, waiting up¬ on Elder Lyman Wight to accompany them to Nauvoo. Elders Young, Kimball and Wight left p repara tions Boston by railway in the morning for Nau- sSrt T fo? ve voo. On their arrival at Albany, in the Nauvo °- evening, they were joined by Elders Orson Hyde, Or¬ son Pratt, Wilford Woodruff and Sister Ruth Sayers, who had arrived from New York. They continued their journey by railway during the night. Thursday, 25.—Elder Orson Spencer returned from Quincy. Dr. Richards received the following from President Brigham Young:— LETTER OF ELDER BRIGHAM YOUNG TO WILLARD RICHARDS ‘Salem, July 8, 1844. Beloved Brother Willard Richards : I sit down a few minutes to write you, as Brother Erastus Snow is going to start for Nauvoo tomorrow. He has been laboring in Vermont. We cannot get one word from our families by letter of late. Sister Ruth Sayers has received a letter from her husband, that, I understand, gives some information which seems to be satisfactory. According to what we hear in this country about the ‘Mormons’ in the west, I should suppose that there is an election about to take place, or the Prophet had offered himself for some office in the Uni¬ ted States; for of all the bowlings of devils and devil’s whelps, this season cannot be beat. 14 Vol. 7 210 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Sometimes the ‘Mormons’ are all killed; sometimes they are half killed; sometimes the blood is shoe-deep in Nauvoo; sometimes ‘Old Joe\ as they call him, is taken by the mob and carried to Missouri; sometimes he is gone to Washington; sometimes he has run away; then again he is given up to the authorities, etc., etc. One might suppose him to be a sectarian God, without body, parts or passions, his center everywhere and his circumference nowhere. Since I left Nauvoo I have heard a great many expressions about the Prophet, but the prevailing opinion is, that he is the smartest man in the Union, and the people are afraid of his smartness. Some will vote for him for the novelty of the thing, and some to see what a Prophet will do at the head of government. We had a fine passage on the rivers; preached and lectured all the way round. I lectured at Pittsburgh and in Kirtland. We held political meet¬ ings at Shalorsville and Hiram. I preached in the first house west of old Father Johnson's, where Brothers Joseph and Sidney were mobbed. I looked at the house a great many times. I left Brothers Snow and Brooks in Ohio, doing well. The Twelve have been faithful in all things. Brother William Smith is a great man in his calling in this country. Brother Lyman Wight has never been with us before; he is a great, good, noble-hearted man. I love my brethren more and more. I want to see you and the rest of the brethren in Nauvoo. Give my best love to Brothers Joseph and Hyrum. I cannot be there to see them, but I pray for them continually, and for you and all the brethren in our beloved city, and I pray my heavenly Father to preserve my brethren, my family and the whole city. I pray that we may finish the Temple and get our endowments. We had a large congregation in Boston at our convention, though in the evening there were some who came in that made some disturb¬ ance. This proves that the voice of the people rules; that is, the voice of the rabble. One of the watch got some hurt, but all this did us good in Boston. Brother Heywood, from Quincy, is here with us and is doing much good. He is a faithful witness for Brother Joseph and the principles of righteousness. We have baptized a good many since we left. The gospel is going ahead. All the stories that are going the rounds make no difference, the people will believe the gospel. You might ask what we think about Brother Joseph’s getting the election this year? You know all about it. We shall do all we can and leave the event with God—the God of heaven will do just as he pleases about it. Brother Daniel Spencer and many others are here; they are awake to the subject. We are now in the concert hall in Salem. Brother Erastus Snow is now speaking. We shall attend the conferences in this country, and then leave for the western states to attend the conferences, and get home as quickly A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 211 as possible. If you are to have a little trouble there, we wish to have a hand in it with you. I wish you would see my family and speak comfortably to them. Brother Tur, I hope all will go on well with him. If you get a chance to dispose of our property at a good rate, do so. If my wife can get anything to help her I should be pleased. Give my love to Sister Jennctta and all the household, and to all the saints. Brothers Kimball and Wight will start for Baltimore tomorrow. The brethren in this country inquire after you and all the elders that they have seen; they are warm-hearted. I suppose you have received a letter from the Boston church, with Parley P. Pratt's name to it. May the Lord bless you all, Brigham Young.' Elder Samuel H. Smith remains very sick. . Elder Erastus Snow, and many other elders, re¬ turned home today; all seemed weighed down with gloom. Elders Young, Kimball, Hyde, Pratt, Woodruff and Wight arrived in Buffalo, and remained all night. Friday, 26.—President Young and company took steamboat at Buffalo for Detroit. Elder Orson Hyde took leave of his brethren at Fairport, to visit his family at Kirtland. Saturday, 27.—We copy from the Times and Sea¬ sons the following from the pen of Miss E. R. Snow:— TO ELDER JOHN TAYLOR ‘Thou Chieftain of Zion! henceforward thy name Will be classed with the martyrs and share in their fame; Through ages eternal, of thee will be said, ‘With the greatest of Prophets he suffered and bled'. When the shafts of injustice were pointed at him— When the cup of his suff'ring was filled to the brim— When his innocent blood was inhumanly shed, You shared his afflictions and with him you bled. When around you, like hailstones, the rifle balls flew— When the passage of death opened wide to your view— When the Prophet’s freed spirit, through martyrdom fled, In your gore you lay welt’ring—with martyrs you bled. All the scars from your wounds, like the trophies of yore, Shall be ensigns of honor till you are no more; And by all generations, of thee shall be said, ‘With the best of the Prophets in prison he bled'.' 212 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 The brethren of the Twelve arrived at Detroit in the evening, and remained over night at the railroad hotel. Sunday, 28.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, W. W. Phelps and others addressed the saints in Nauvoo. On hearing of the death of the Prophet and Patri¬ arch, Elders Charles C. Rich, David Fullmer, Graham Eiders Coltrin, Samuel Bent, Ira Miles and George to^Nauvoo. A. Smith were together in Michigan. Elder George A. Smith counselled the elders to return home. They accordingly started for Nauvoo. The roads were muddy, the waters high, and many of the bridges were gone. As they approached Nauvoo they found the people very hostile, however they preached at several places by the way. Elder George A. Smith, and the brethren with him, arrived at Nauvoo near midnight. The following is from Elder Wilford Woodruff’s Journal:— EXCERPT ‘The brethren of the Twelve took the propeller Hercules for Chicago at 10 a. m. Fare in the cabin $7. We had comfortable staterooms. We spent the day in writing and in social conversation with each other concerning the death of Joseph and Hyrum and the welfare of the church and our families. A variety of subjects were called up, each one expressing his feelings freely. President Brigham Young said he wished me to keep an account of things as they were passing, as he should look to me for his journal at a future day. Elder Wight said that Joseph told him, while in Liberty jail, Missouri, in 1839, he would not live to see forty years, but he was not to reveal it till he was dead.’ Monday, 29.—Elder George A. Smith visited the Prophet’s family. Elders Willard Richards and George A. Smith visited Elder Samuel H. Smith and laid hands upon him. He expressed a strong desire to live: he was very low, being in the last stages of bilious fever. Elders Richards and Smith met at Elder Richards’, A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 213 and ordained two elders who were about leaving the the city. Brother Richards signed their licenses:— ‘Twelve Apostles, President. Willard Richards, Clerk.’ George Miller called on them and requested the privilege of passing some resolutions against the mur¬ derers of Joseph and Hyrum. The brethren B . hop Georgc told him to be quiet and wait and see what ^™^.’ e s ness the governor and the state authorities would do, that Dr. Richards had pledged himself that the brethren would be quiet, and the Lord had said, ‘Ven¬ geance is mine, I will repay’. Miller left the council, saying, ‘Fat men for patience’. In the evening Elders Richards and Smith visited Elder Taylor. Tuesday, 30.—Elder Samuel H. Smith, brother of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch, died. DEATH OF SAMUEL H. SMITH Elders W. Richards and George A. Smith met in council with Elder Taylor at his house. Bishop George Miller and Alexander Badlam wanted them The Council to call together the Council of Fifty and of Fifty - organize the church. They were told that the Council of Fifty was not a church organization, but was com¬ posed of members irrespective of their religious faith, and organized for the purpose of consulting on the best manner of obtaining redress of grievances from our enemies, and to devise means to find and locate in some place where we could live in peace; and that the organization of the church belonged to the priesthood alone. The brethren of the Twelve arrived at Mackinaw. The steamer stopped a short time, took in Returning some fish, and took some boats with Indians of in tow. There was a feeling of prejudice manifested by the passengers of the boat against the 214 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 brethren, because they did not mingle with them in their nonsense and folly, and this spirit is more or less manifest throughout the world. Wednesday, 31.—Elder Amasa Lyman arrived in Nauvoo. The following from the governor appeared in the Neighbor :— GOVERNOR FORD TO THE PEOPLE OF WARSAW IN HANCOCK COUNTY ‘I am continually informed of your preparations and threats to renew the war and exterminate the ‘Mormons'. One would suppose that you ought to rest satisfied with what you have already done. The ‘Mormon’ leaders, if they ever resisted the law, have submitted to its authority. They have surrendered the public arms, and appeared to be ready to do anything required to make atonement for whatever wrong may have been done. Since the assassination of their two principal leaders, under circum¬ stances well calculated to inflame their passions and drive them to excesses for the purposes of revenge, they have been entirely peaceful and submissive, and have patiently awaited the slow operation of the laws to redress the wrongs of which they complained. There has been no retaliation, no revenge, and, for anything I can ascertain, there will be none. Those of your people who are charged with being the most hostile to them have lived, if they knew it, in perfect security from illegal violence. I am anxious for a pacification of your difficulties. You cannot drive out or exterminate the ‘Mormons’. Such an effort would be madness, and would not be permitted by the people of the state. You cannot be sustained in it either by force or law. You are binding yourselves to your weakness, and keeping up an agitation which must fail of the purpose intended and recoil with terrible energy upon your own heads. I exhort you to reconsider your infatuated resolutions. Try your ‘Mormon’ neighbors again, and if you cannot dwell together in amity, you may at least refrain from injuring each other. From the moderation of the ‘Mormons’, under what they conceive to be the deepest injury, you might well hope that if they ever enter¬ tained designs inconsistent with your liberty and happiness, that those designs have been abandoned. They are also interested in preserving the peace. It is not natural to suppose that they, any more than yourselves, wish to live in continual alarm. They hope for quietness, and will be peaceful and submissive in order to enjoy it. But you are con- A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 215 tinually driving them to desperation by an insane course of threaten¬ ing and hostility, and depriving yourselves of peace by the same means used to disquiet them. If I have said anything severe in this address, I pray you attribute it to my deep conviction that your course is improper and unwarrant¬ able. Such is the opinion of the people at large in the state and all over the country. From being right in the first instance you have put yourselves in the wrong, and there are none who sustain you. As men of sense you are bound to see, if you will open your eyes, that you cannot effect your purposes. Nevertheless, you are still training and drilling, and keeping together, and threatening a renewal of the war. I have said to you often that you cannot succeed; by this time vou ought to see it yourselves. What can your small force do against two thousand armed men, entrenched in a city, and defending them¬ selves, their wives and their children? Besides, if you are the aggressors, I am determined that all the power of the state shall be used to prevent your success. I can never agree that a set of infatuated and infuriated men shall barbarously attack a peaceful people who have submitted to all the demands of the law, and when they had full power to do so, refrained from inflicting vengeance upon their enemies. You may count on my most deter¬ mined opposition—upon the opposition of the law, and upon that of every peaceful, law-abiding citizen of the country. This is not spoken in anger. God knows I would do no injury unless compelled to do so to sustain the laws. But mob violence must be put down. It is threatening the whole country with anarchy and ruin. It is menacing our fair form of government, and destroying the confidence of the patriot in the institutions of his country. I have been informed that the ‘Mormons' about Lima and Mace¬ donia have been warned to leave the settlements. They have a right to remain and enjoy their property. As long as they are good citizens they shall not be molested, and the sooner those misguided persons withdraw their warning and retrace their steps, the better it will be for them. [Signed] THOMAS FORD. July 25, 1844.' Thursday, August 1.—The remains of the deceased Elder Samuel H. Smith were interred this morning at 10 a. m. We extract the following from his obituary:— 216 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE OF SAMUEL H. SMITH, BROTHER OF THE PROPHET—IMPORTANT TESTIMONY TO THE BOOK OF MORMON ‘Samuel Harrison Smith, the fourth son of Joseph and Lucy, was born in the town of Tunbridge, Orange county, Vermont, on the 13 th day of March, 1808. In his early life he assisted his father in farming. He possessed a religious turn of mind, and at an early age joined the Presbyterian Church, to which sect he belonged until he visited his brother Joseph in May, 1829, when Joseph informed him that the Lord was about to commence his latter-day work. He also showed him that part of the Book of Mormon which he had translated, and labored to persuade him concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ which was about to be revealed in its fulness. Samuel was not, however, very eaiily persuaded of these things; but after much inquiry and explanation he retired and prayed that he might obtain from the Lord wisdom to enable him to judge for him¬ self; the result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of the testimony of his brother Joseph. On the 15th day of May, 1829, having been commanded of the Lord, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized, and as they were returning from the water to the house, they overheard Samuel engaged in secret prayer. Joseph said that he considered that a suffi¬ cient testimony of his being a fit subject for baptism; and as they had now received authority to baptize, th>y spoke to Samuel upon the subject, and he went straightway to the water with them, and was baptized by Oliver Cowdery, he being the third person baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ in the last dispensation. He was one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He was present at the organization of the church, April 6, 1830, and was one of the six who at that time constituted the members of the church. He was ordained to the priesthood on the 6th of April, 1 830. On the 30th of June following the organization of the church, he took some Books of Mormon and started out on his mission, to which he had been set apart by his brother Joseph, and on traveling twenty-five miles, which was his first day's journey, he stopped at a number of places in order to sell his books, but was turned out of doors as soon as he declared his principles. When evening came on he was fain; and almost discouraged; but coming to an inn, which was surrounded with every appearance of plenty, he called to see if the landlord would buy one of his books. On going in, Samuel inquired of him if he did not wish to purchase a history of the origin of the Indians. ‘I do not know', replied the host, ‘how did you get hold of it?’ It was translated’, rejoined Samuel, ‘by my brother, from some gold plates that he found buried in the earth.’ A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 217 ‘You damned liar', cried the landlord, ‘get out of my house—you shan’t stay one minute with your books.’ Samuel was sick at heart, for this was the fifth time he had been turned out of doors that day. He left the house and traveled a short distance, and washed his feet in a small brook as a testimony against the man. He then proceeded five miles further on his journey, and seeing an apple tree a short distance from the road, he concluded to pass the night under it; and here he lay all night upon the cold, damp ground. In the morning he arose from his comfortless bed, and observing a small cottage at no great distance, he drew near, hoping to get a little refreshment. The only inmate was a widow, who seemed very poor. He asked her for food, relating the story of his former treat¬ ment. She prepared him some victuals, and, after eating, he explained to her the history of the Book of Mormon. She listened attentively, and believed all that he told her; but, in consequence of her poverty, she was unable to purchase one of the books. He presented her with one, and proceeded to Bloomington, which was eight miles further. Here he stopped at the house of one John P. Greene, who was a Methodist preacher and was at that time about starting on a preaching mission. He, like the others, did not wish to make a purchase of what he considered at that time to be a nonsensical fable; however, he said that he would take a subscription paper, and if he found any one on his route who was disposed to purchase, he would take his name, and in two weeks Samuel might call again, and he would let him know what the prospect was of selling. After making this arrangement, Samuel left one of his books with him and returned home. At the time appointed, Samuel started again for the Rev. John P. Greene's, in order to learn the success which this gentleman had met with in finding sale for the Book of Mormon. This time his father and mother accompanied him, and it was their intention to have passed near the tavern where Samuel was so abusively treated a fortnight previous, but just before they came to the house a sign of smallpox intercepted them. They turned aside, and meeting a citizen of the place they inquired of him to what extent this disease prevailed. He answered that the tavernkeeper and two of his family had died with it not long since, but he did not know that anyone else had caught the distemper, and that it was brought into the neighborhood by a traveler who stopped at the tavern over night. Samuel performed several short missions with the books, and gave the following account of his third mission to Livonia:— ‘When I arrived at Mr. Greene’s, Mrs. Greene informed me that her husband was absent from home, that there was no prospect of selling my books, and even the one which I had left with them she expected I would have to take away, as Mr. Greene had no disposition to 218 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 purchase it, although she had read it herself and was much pleased with it. ‘I then talked with her a short time, and, binding my knapsack upon my shoulders, rose to depart; but, as I bade her farewell, it was impressed upon my mind to leave the book with her. I made her a present of it, and told her that the Spirit forbade my taking it away. She burst into tears, and requested me to pray with her. I did so, and afterwards explained to her the most profitable manner of reading the book* which I had left with her, which was, to ask God, when she read it, for a testimony of the truth of what she had read, and she would receive the Spirit of God which would enable her to discern the things of God. I then left her and returned home.’ In December, 1830, Samuel was sent to preach in Kirtland, Ohio, and the surrounding country. About that time Joseph, the Prophet, went to Kirtland to preside, accompanied by Hyrum and many of the saints, and soon after Joseph Smith, Sen’s, family, and the saints who were located in Waterloo, in Fayette township, also moved to Kirtland. In June, 1831, he was called by revelation to go to Missouri on a mission, in company with Reynolds Cahoon. They immediately started, and while on their way called upon William E. McLellin, and preached the gospel to him and a large assembly in a room which he procured. William, being troubled about the things he heard, closed up his business and proceeded after the brethren to Missouri, where he was baptized before they arrived. On their route to Missouri they [Elders Smith and Cahoon] preached the gospel, traveling without purse or scrip, and enduring much for the want of food and rest When they started for Missouri, about fifty brethren set out for the same place, and when they all arriv?d, they met on the spot for the Temple, in Jackson county, and dedicated the ground unto God. Brothers Smith and Cahoon spent several days in Jackson county, attended several conferences and were with Joseph when he received several revelations. While in Missouri they were required to remain together on their return mission until they reached home, which was in September following. Soon after their arrival in Kirtland they took a mission into the southern townships and counties of Ohio. Brother Cahoon returned after laboring about six weeks, but Samuel continued preaching through the winter, strengthening the churches and comforting the saints. ♦This Book of Mormon left at the home of the Greene’s who were relatives of the Young's finally fell into the hands of Brigham Young, and Heber C. Kimball and was the means not only of bringing them directly to the knowledge of the New Dispensation gospel, but was tie means also of their conversion. This copy of the Book of Mormon came into the hands of Phineas Young, the brother of Brigham Young, and was by him given into the possession of Joseph F. Smith, nephew of the Prophet Joseph and subsequently President of the Church. He in turn presented it to his son Joseph Fielding Smith, who still ( 1 932) has it in his possession. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 219 In a revelation given January, 1832, Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith were called to go on a mission to the eastern country; accordingly they started in March, and traveled and preached the gospel through the states of Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Con¬ necticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine. They baptized several in Spafford, N. Y., in Boston and Linn, Mass., in Providence, R. I., and in Saco, Maine, preaching much from house to house, as well as in public congregations, and returning to Kirtland in November or December. During the year 1833, Samuel preached among the churches as he had opportunity, and spent a good portion of his time laboring with his hands. On the 1/th of February, 1834, he was ordained and set apart as one of the high council in Kirtland, in which office he officiated until he went to Missouri in 1838. August 13th, 1834, he married Mary Bailey, who was born in Bedford, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, Dec. 20th, 1808. September 16th, 1835, he was appointed, in company with David Whitmer, as a committee and general agent to act in the name of, and for the Literary firm. In the winter of 1835-6 he chopped cord- wood for Lorenzo D. Young. In 1838 he traveled, in company with his brother Joseph, from Kirtland to Missouri. He passed through the mobbing of that year in Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri, and his family suffered nigh unto death from exposure, as they were driven about by the mob. He was in the Crooked River battle; and immediately after, by the counsel of President Brigham Young, with Brothers C. C. Rich, B. L. Clapp, L. D. Young and about twenty others, they fled for Illinois by the wilderness, through the north part of Missouri and the southern part of Iowa. Messengers overtook them and informed them that General Clark had sent a company of fifty well armed men to follow them, with strict orders not to return until they had brought back the company either dead or alive. When this word came a halt was called, and Samuel asked what they should do in case the enemy overtook them. After a few moments’ consultation, the whole company covenanted with uplifted hands to Heaven, that if they were overtaken they would fight till they died, and not a man would falL into the hands of the enemy alive. They then traveled on ten miles and camped on the edge of some timber on the north side of a four-mile prairie, and they afterwards learned that their enemies camped on the south edge of the same prairie, and would have overtaken them next day had not the Lord sent a heavy snowstorm during the night; and when the brethren arose in the morning, Phineas H. Young remarked that that snowstorm was their salvation. The air was so full of snow that they could hardly find their 220 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 horses to saddle them, but they soor. mounted their horses and con¬ tinued their journey as fast as they could. The storm was from the north and in their faces; it filled their tracks in a few moments, so that Clark's men could not follow. It was reported that this company of men, on their return, informed the general that they could not overtake the 'damned Mormons’ for they were stopped by a ‘damned snowstorm’. After they had got some distance on their journey, the company divided into three parts, the three brethren named fell in company with Samuel; their provisions gave Dut, and, after spending several days without food, except eating linden buds and slippery elm bark, they camped upon a small stream, and the company, numbering eight, held a council and appointed Samuel president, that they might receive the word of the Lord in relation to the situation of Joseph the Prophet and those who were with him, also in relation to their families, and what they were to do to obtain food. They all knelt down in a circle, and each one prayed, then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samuel, and. being filled with the Holy Ghost, he arose and said:— ‘Thus saith the Lord—My servant Joseph is not injured, nor any of his brethren that are with him, but they will all be delivered out of the hands of their enemies. Your families are all well, but anxious about you. Let your hearts be comforted, for I, the Lord, will provide food for you on the morrow.' They went to bed with glad hearts, and arose in the morning and prayed again, and went out two by two to hunt for food. Brother Clapp saw several squirrels and shot at them, but could not hit them. They were only to stay one hour. At the end of the time they all returned except C. C. Rich and Samuel. Feeling very faint, one of the brethren proposed killing a horse. Brother Clapp said that when Brothers Rich and Samuel returned they would have food, as he never knew the Lord to give a false revelation to his servants; and, while conversing upon the matter, the brethren made their appearance with two silk handkerchiefs tied up full of bread and dried meat. Samuel's mind was led in a certain direction, and following it they came to an Indian camp. They made known to the Indians by signs that they were hungry; upon this the squaw, with all possible speed, baked them some cakes, and gave each of them two, sending two to each of the six brethren in camp, giving them to understand that she would be glad to send more, but she had but little flour, and her papooses (children) would be hungry. When they arrived in camp, all felt to rejoice. They formed a circle around the food and asked a blessing upon it. The bread was very good, being shortened with raccoon’s oil. After eating they started upon their journey, and obtained food sufficient, so that none perished. Samuel arrived in Quincy, and was there to assist his father and A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 221 mother over the river on their arrival, and hired a house for them, into which he also assisted four other families of the saints; and, according to the word of the Lord unto him, his brothers, Joseph and Hyrum, were delivered, and they arrived in Quincy in April, 1839. He moved, in company with Don Carlos, on to a farm which he rented near Macombe, McDonough county, where he spent the season farming. Elders Wilford Woodruff and John Taylor called upon them as they went on their missions to England, and held a meeting with the saints in that place (Oct. 11th, 1839). Don Carlos preached, and was followed by Samuel, who enjoyed much of the Holy Spirit, and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of God. He assisted the brethren upon their journey. In September, 1840, Samuel received the following blessing from under the hands of his father, Joseph Smith, Sen., upon his dying bed:—» ‘Samuel, you have been a faithful and obedient son. By your faithfulness you have brought many into the church. The Lord has seen your diligence, and you are blessed in that he has never chastised you, but has called you home to rest; and there is a crown laid up for you which shall grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. ‘When the Lord called you he said, ‘Samuel, I have seen thy suffer¬ ings, have heard thy cries and beheld thy faithfulnes; thy skirts are clear from the blood of this generation’. Because of these things, I seal upon your head all the blessings which I have heretofore pro¬ nounced upon you; and this, my dying blessing, I now seal upon you. Even so. Amen.' His wife bore to him four children— viz., Susannah B., Mary B., Samuel Harrison Bailey and Lucy B. His wife Mary died January 25th, 1841. In April, 1841, he was sent on a mission to preach the gospel in Scott and adjoining counties, Illinois. May 3rd, he married Levira Clark, daughter of Gardner and Delecta, born in Livonia, Livingston county, New York, July 30th, 1815. He preached during the summer and fall, his wife remaining with his father-in-law. In the month of November he returned to Nauvoo, taking his family with him, where he remained during the winter, and also the summer of 1842, during which time he worked mostly for Joseph and harvested in the country. In the fall of 1842 he removed to his brother William's tavern at Plymouth. In the summer of 1843 he was often at Nauvoo. In the fall he chopped wood, and prepared his farm by making fences and clearing off the timber, preaching the gospel in the vicinity as he had opportunity. In the spring of 1844 he cultivated his farm, and upon hearing of the imprisonment of his brothers in Carthage jail, he repaired thither 222 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 on horseback to see them. While on the way he was pursued by the mobocrats; but in consequence of the fleetness of his horse, he was enabled to reach Carthage in safety, from whence he went to Nauvoo in company with the bodies of his martyred brothers, Joseph and Hyrum. His wife, Levira, bore to him three daughters— viz., Levira A. C., Louisa C. and Lucy J. C. He was soon after taken sick of bilious fever, and died on the 30th of July, aged 36 years.’ The following extract is from his obituary notice, published in the Times and Seasons :— ‘The exit of this worthy man, so soon after the horrible butchery of his brothers, Joseph and Hyrum, in Carthage jail, is a matter of deep solemnity to the family, as well as a remediless loss to all. If ever there lived a good man upon the earth, Samuel H. Smith was that person. His labors in the church from first to last, carrying glad tidings to the eastern cities, and finally his steadfastness as one of the [eight special] witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and many saintly traits of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, shall be given of him hereafter as a man of God.’ ” A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 223 CHAPTER XVIII THE GATHERING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES FROM THE EAST TO NAUVOO: PRELIMINARY MEETINGS LOOKING TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION OF THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH “Thursday, August 1, 1844.—The brethren of the Twelve arrived in Chicago in the evening, and tarried over night at the Lake Street house. Friday, 2.—A meeting of the citizens of p ol j lica , Hancock county was held at the grove, west Hancock Co., of the Temple. Great excitement prevailed I1Hnois - through the county. The mob party were determined to elect officers who would screen the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and exterminate the Mor¬ mons. The meeting resolved to support candidates who were in favor of preserving order and enforcing the laws. The following candidates were agreed upon:— Miner* R. Deming, sheriff; Daniel H. Wells, coroner; George Coulson, commissioner; J. B. Backenstos and A. W. Babbitt, representatives. President Young and company took stage Movement5 o( at seven a. m., for Galena; passed over de- Brigham lightful country, but very bad roads; had to walk over mudholes and bad places, and had to carry poles or rails on their backs to pry out the stage coach. Saturday, 3.—Elder Sidney rived at Nauvoo from Pittsburgh. i/igdon ney Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Richards and George A. Smith invited President Rigdon to meet in council at eight o’clock tomorrow morning, which he agreed to. ♦Sometimes spelled “Minor". 224 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 The Twelve continued their journey through the day and night by stage. While upon their journey Brigham they overtook a company of Norwegians oxuamster— who were traveling with oxteams, and Anecdote. heavily loaded wagons, one of which was stuck fast in the mud, blocking up the road, while several of them were whipping the oxen and bawling to them in the Norwegian language, which seemed to frighten the oxen, but they were unable to move the wagons on. After sitting and looking at them a moment, Presi¬ dent Young got out of the coach and stepped up, and took the whip out of the hands of one of the Nor¬ wegians, telling them all to stand out of the way. He then talked to the oxen in a tongue which was not understood by Norwegians or English, and touch¬ ing them lightly with the whip, they instantly pulled the wagon out of the mud and continued the journey, much to the astonishment of the Norwegians and the surprise and amusement of the passengers on the stage. Sunday, 4 .—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards and George A. Smith met in council, and waited an hour for Elder Rigdon, who excused himself after¬ wards by saying he was engaged with a lawyer. Su 10 a. m. Meeting at the stand. Elder Service at Rigdon preached from the words, ‘For my mon of Sidney thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither Rigdon. • i i t i > are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. He related a vision which he said the Lord had shown him concerning the situation of the church, and said there must be a guardian appointed to build the church up to Joseph, as he had begun it. He said he was the identical man that the ancient prophets had sung about, wrote and rejoiced over, and that he was sent to do the identical work that had been the theme of all the prophets in every preceding gen¬ eration. He said that the Lord’s ways were not as our ways, for the Lord said he would ‘hiss for the fly from the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the A. D 1842-6 | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 225 bee that is in the land of Assyria,’ and thereby destroy his enemies; that the time was near at hand when he would see one hundred tons of metal per second thrown at the enemies of God, and that the blood would be to the horses’ bridles; and that he expected to walk into the palace of Queen Victoria and lead her out by the nose, when none would have power to say, ‘why do ye so?’ and if it were not for two or three' things which he knew, this people would be utterly destroyed, and not a soul left to tell the tale. Elder Parley P. Pratt, in referring to the ParlcJ , P remarks of Brother Rigdon, on a subsequent on C R?g- occasion, said, ‘I am the identical man the don ’ s Sermon - prophets never sang nor wrote a word about.’ Public service meeting continued; afternoon: Elders Murdock and Rich preached. Elder William Marks, president of the stake, gave public notice (at Appointment the request of Elder Rigdon), that there ciS 1 ? 1 to would be a special meeting of the church at fo?The ian the stand, on Thursday, the 8th inst., for the Church - purpose of choosing a guardian, (President and Trustee). Elder Thomas Grover proposed waiting to examine the revelation. Elder Marks said President Rigdon wanted the meet¬ ing on Tuesday, but he put it off till Thursday; that Elder Rigdon was some distance from his family, and wanted to know if this people had anything for him to do; if not, he wanted to go on his way, for there was a people numbering thousands and tens of thou¬ sands who would receive him; that he wanted to visit other branches around, but he had come here first. Elder Rich called upon William Clayton, and said he was dissatisfied with the hurried movement of Elder Rigdon. He considered, inasmuch as the Twelve had been sent for and were soon expected home, the notice for meeting was premature, and it seemed to him a plot laid to take advantage of the situation of the saints. 15 Vol. 7 226 HISTORY OR THH CHURCH | A. D. I 84’■(> President Young and his associates arrived at Galena at eight o’clock this morning (August 4th), nearly exhausted with fatigue, having traveled 48 hours without stopping, except to take meals and change horses, distance about 160 miles. From the Millennial Star :— MARK or RESPECT SHOWN BY THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN LIVERPOOL LOR THE MARTYRS 'On Sunday. August 4th. very numerous congregations attended at the Music Hall, the majority of the saints in deep mourning, whilst the platlorm or raised gallery, where the priesthood sat, was hand¬ somely decorated with black drapery. We would suggest to the saints generally, as lar as their means will allow them, to pay respect to the memory of our lamented brethren.' Monday. 5.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman and Bishop Whitney, waited upon Elder Rigdon in the morning. He said he would meet them in council at Elder Taylor’s after dinner. They accordingly met in council, and when Elder Rigdon came in, he paced the room and said, ‘Gentle- Ti.e Agitation men, you’re used up; gentlemen, you are "4$« ncy divided; the anti-Mormons have got you; the brethren are voting every way, some for James, some for Deming, some for Coulson, and some for Bedell; the anti-Mormons have got you, you cannot stay in the county, everything is in confu¬ sion, you can do nothing, you lack a great leader, you want a head, and unless you unite upon that head you are blown to the four winds, the anti-Mormons will carry the election—a guardian must be appointed.’ Elder George A. Smith said, ‘Brethren, Elder Rig¬ don is entirely mistaken, there is no division; the brethren are united; the election will be unanimous, and the friends of law and order will be elected by a thousand majority. There is no occasion to be alarmed. President Rigdon is inspiring fears there are no grounds for.’ The result was that it was one of the most unani- a i). mi-<. i HISTORY OI : THK CHURCH 227 mous elections held in Nauvoo, as there were only five opposition votes polled in the city, and Result of tl)e in the county the majority for the law and Elect,on - order candidates was over one thousand, notwith¬ standing the anti-Mormons smuggled a great many votes from other counties. Elder Rigdon said he did not expect the people to choose a guardian on Thursday, but to have a prayer meeting and interchange of thought and feeling, and warm up each other’s hearts. Jesse Price made the following affidavit:— AFFIDAVIT OF JESSE PRICE BEFORE AARON JOHNSON—MURDEROUS INTENTIONS OF WILLIAM LAW ‘State of Illinois, County of Hancock, ss. On the 5th day of August, 1844, personally appeared before me, Aaron Johnson, justice of the peace in and for said county, Jesse Price; and after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that on or about the 18th of April, 1844, in the city of Nauvoo, county aforesaid, William Law said, ‘1 put pistols in my pockets one night, and went to Joseph Smith’s house, determined to blow his infernal brains out, but I could not get the opportunity to shoot him then, but I am determined I v/ill shoot him the first opportunity, and you will see blood and thunder and devastation in this place, but I shall not be here;’ and deponent saith not further.’ The following letter was sent to Dr. Richards:— LETTER OF JOSEPH M. COLE—ELECTION RETURNS THREATENED ‘La Harpe, August 5, 1844. Brother Richards ,—I hasten to inform you that intelligence has arrived in this place today, by several persons, that the mobocrats at Carthage have concocted a plan to intercept the returns of the election at Nauvoo, and destroy them before they arrive at Carthage. The information is of such a nature that I deemed it necessary that you should be informed of the same, that you may act accordingly. Respectfully, Joseph M. Cole.’ President Young and the Apostles with him went on board the steamer St. Croix at Galena, for Nauvoo. They started in the afternoon. Elder Kimball recorded the following dream: — 228 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Eider Heber I dreamed of speaking before a large congregation C. Kimball’s on the policy of the nation and the policy of our religion. I said that Joseph the Prophet had laid the foundation, and we would have to carry out his measures. Joseph was present, and heard all I said and sanctioned it. All seemed perfectly natural.’ Tuesday, 6.—Elders Parley P. Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards, John Taylor, George A. Smith and Bishop Whit¬ ney met in council at Elder Taylor’s. From the death of Joseph until the arrival of Presi¬ dent Brigham Young and the Twelve, Elder Willard Activities of Richards was the principal counselor of the Kw.ard 9 . illard sa * nts i n Nauvoo, and had scarcely a mo¬ ment’s rest. He answered the calls and in¬ quiries of hundreds of the brethren, and was engaged every day until a late hour, or until exhaustion com¬ pelled him to lie down. The following is extracted from Elder Woodruff’s Journal:— EXCERPT ‘We (the brethren of the Twelve returning to Nauvoo) stopped at various places while going down the Mississippi, among others, the town of Burlington, after which we prepared our minds to once more behold the city of Nauvoo and embrace our families and friends. We were landed at the upper stone house at eight in the evening, and were welcomed with joy by all the citizens we met. We hired a coach, and I accompanied my brethren to their families, after which I was conveyed to my own, and truly felt to rejoice to once more meet with my wife, children and friends. Thus it is with me, I have spent but one summer either at home or with the body of the church for the last ten years, as my lot has been cast abroad in the vineyard most of the time. When we landed in the city a deep gloom seemed to rest over the city of Nauvoo, which we never experienced before.' Wednesday, 7.—Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith and Lyman Majority of Wight met in council with Elder Taylor Council— ve in at his house. They found him recovering Nauvoo. from his wounds received at the massacre of the Prophets. A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 229 Church Au¬ thorities at Nauvoo. The Twelve felt to rejoice at having the privilege of again meeting in council together, after having passed through such trying scenes, and to be welcomed by the saints who considered it very providential for the Twelve to arrive at this particular juncture, when their minds were agitated, their hearts sorrowful, and darkness seemed to cloud their path, feeling like sheep without a shepherd, their beloved Prophet having been taken away. 4 p. m .—Meeting of the Twelve Apostles, high council and high priests at the Seventies’ Meeting of Hall. President William Marks prayed. President Brigham Young called upon President Rigdon to make a statement to the church concerning his message to the saints, and the vision and revelation he had received. President Rigdon said:— ‘The object of my mission is to visit the saints and offer myself to them as a guardian. I had a vision at Pittsburgh. June 27th. This was presented to my mind not as an open vision, but rather a con- tinuation of the vision mentioned in the Book of Doctrine and Cove¬ nants .* It was shown to me that this church must be built The Proposi . up to Joseph, and that all the blessings we receive must tion^of Elder come through him. I have been ordained a spokesman become to Joseph, and I must come to Nauvoo and see that the '‘^ ua ^ a r ” h church is governed in a proper manner. Joseph sustains the same relationship to this church as he has always done. No man can be the successor of Joseph. The kingdom is to be built up to Jesus Christ through Joseph; there must be revelation still. The martyred Prophet is still the head of this church; every quorum should stand as you stood in your washings and consecrations. I have been consecrated a spokesman to Joseph, and I was commanded to speak for him. The church is not disorganized though our head is gone. We may have a diversity of feelings on this matter. I have been called to be a spokesman unto Joseph, and I want to build up the church unto him; and if the people want me to sustain this place, I ♦Undoubtedly Elder Rigdon referred to the continuation of the “Vision of The Three Glories, now published in section lxxvi of the current edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, though what the connection could be is difficult to see. 230 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH LA. D. 1842-6 want it upon the principle that every individual shall acknowledge it for himself. I propose to be a guardian to the people; in this I have discharged my duty and done what God has commanded me, and the people can please themselves whether they accept me or not.’ President Brigham Young said:— Attitude of Brigham Young—The Twelve Hold the “Keys”. I do not care who leads the church, even though it were Ann Lee; but one thing I must know, and that is what God says about it. 1 have the keys and the means of obtaining the mind of God on the subject. I know there arc those in our midst who will seek the lives of the Twelve as they did the lives of Joseph and Hyrum. We shall ordain others and give the fulness of the priesthood, so that if we arc killed the fulness of the priesthood may remain. Joseph conferred upon our heads all the keys and powers belonging to the Apostleship which he himself held before he was taken away, and no man or set of men can get between Joseph and the Twelve in this world or in the world to come. How often has Joseph said to the Twelve, ‘I have laid the founda¬ tion and you must build thereon, for upon your shoulders the kingdom rests.’ The Twelve, as a quorum, will not be permitted to tarry here long; they will go abroad and bear off the kingdom to the nations of the earth, and baptize the people faster than mobs can kill them off. I would like, were it my privilege, to take my valise and travel and preach till we had a people gathered who would be true. My private feelings would be to let the affairs of men and women alone, only go and preach and baptize them into the kingdom of God: yet, whatever duty God places upon me, in his strength I intend to fulfill it. I want to sec this people, with the various quorums of the priest¬ hood, assembled together in special conference on Thursday* next at 10 a. m.’ Which was carried unanimously by vote.” ♦In the previous publication of this historical item (Millennial Star, vol. xxv. p. 216) the language is “1 want to see this people with their various quorums of the priesthood assembled together in special conference on Tuesday next.” This would have brought the meeting on Tuesday the 13 th of August. Evidently the word “Tuesday” was a misprint and should have been, as changed above in the text. “Thursday”, which was the day following the council meeting and as a matter of fact it was the next day following. August 8th, that the general public meeting of the church with the quorums assembled in their order to settle this matter of the presiding council in the church that the meeting was held. B. H. R. A. D. 184’-(i | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 231 CHAPTER XIX THE SETTLEMENT OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP-THE TWELVE APOSTLES ACCEPTED AS THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH, BRIGHAM YOUNG AT THEIR HEAD " Thursday , August 8th. 1844.—At a special meet¬ ing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held in Nauvoo, at 10 a. m. on Thursday, August 8, 1844, by the request of President William Marks, (who was then presiding over that stake of S|)cc . a] PmM . c Z ion) to choose a guardian, or President and Trustee, Sidney Rigdon took his position in a wagon, about two rods in front of the stand, and harangued the saints for about one and a half hours, upon choosing a guardian for the church. The meet¬ ing was then dismissed, when President Brigham Young gave out an appointment for the brethren to assemble at 2 p. m. At the appointed time the brethren came together. Present, of the Twelve, Brigham Young. Hcber C. Kimball. Parley P. Pratt. Orson Pratt, Willard Rich¬ ards. Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith.* The sev¬ eral quorums were organized on and around the stand according to order. THE REMARKS OF PRESIDENT YOUNG IN BEHALF OF THE CLAIM OF THE TWELVE TO LEAD THE CHURCH IN THE ABSENCE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY The meeting being opened. President Brigham Young arose and said:— ♦It will be observed that there were seven of the Apostles present, a majority of the quorum. Of the absent ones. John Taylor was confined to his home, not yet recovered from his wounds. Orson Hyde. John E. Page, and Wm. Smith had not yet arrived in Nauvoo: and Lyman Wight was still in the cast. 232 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 'Attention all! This congregation makes me think of the days of King Benjamin, the multitude being so great that all could not hear. I request the brethren not to have any feelings for being convened this afternoon, for it is necessary; we want you all to be still and give attention, that all may hear. Let none complain because of the situa¬ tion of the congregation, we will do the best we can. For the first time in my life, for the first time in your lives, for the first time in the kingdom of God in the 19th century, without a Prophet at our head, do I step forth to act in my calling in connec¬ tion with the Quorum of the Twelve, as Apostles of Jesus Christ unto this generation—Apostles whom God has called by revelation through the Prophet Joseph, who are ordained and anointed to bear off the' keys of the kingdom of God in all the world. This people have hitherto walked by sight and not by faith. You have had the Prophet in your midst. Do you all understand? You have walked by sight and without much pleading to the Lord to know whether things were right or not. Heretofore you have had a Prophet as the mouth of the Lord to speak to you, but he has sealed his testimony with his blood, and now, for the first time, are you called to walk by faith, not by sight. The first position I take in behalf of the Twelve and the people is, to ask a few questions. I ask the Latter-day Saints: do you, as individuals, at this time, want to choose a Prophet or a guardian? Inasmuch as our Prophet and Patriarch are taken from our midst, do you want some one to guard, to guide and lead you through this world into the kingdom of God, or not? All that want some person to be a guardian or a Prophet, a spokesman or something else, signify it by raising the right hand. (No votes). When I came to this stand I had peculiar feelings and impressions. The faces of this people seem to say, we want a shepherd to guide and lead us through this world. All that want to draw away a party from the church after them, let them do it if they can, but they will not prosper . If any man thinks he has influence among this people to lead away a party, let him try it, and he will find out that there is power with the Apostles which will carry them off victorious through all the world, and build up and defend the church and kingdom of God. What do the people want? I feel as though I wanted the privilege to weep and mourn for thirty days at least, then rise up, shake myself, and tell the people what the Lord wants of them;.although my heart is too full of mourning to launch forth into business transactions and the organization of the church, I feel compelled this day to step forth in the discharge of those duties God has placed upon me. I now wish to speak of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If the church is organized, and you want to know how it is organized, I will tell you. I know your feelings— do you want me to tell your feelings? A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 233 Here is President Rigdon, who was counselor to Joseph. I ask, where are Joseph and Hyrum? They are gone beyond the veil; and if Elder Rigdon wants to act as his counselor, he must go beyond the veil where he is. There has been much said about President Rigdon being President of the Church, and leading the people, being the head, etc. Brother Rigdon has come 1,600 miles to tell you what he wants to do for you. If the people want President Rigdon to lead them they may have him; but I say unto you that the Quorum of the Twelve have the keys of the kingdom of God in all the world. The Twelve are appointed by the finger of God. Here is Brigham, have his knees ever faltered? Have his lips ever quivered? Here is Heber and the rest of the Twelve, an independent body who have the keys of the priesthood—the keys of the kingdom of God to deliver to all the world: this is true, so help me God. They stand next to Joseph, and are as the First Presidency of the Church. I do not know whether my enemies will take my life or not, and I do not care, for I want to be with the man I love. You cannot fill the office of a prophet, seer and revelator: God must do this. You are like children without a father and sheep without a shepherd. You must not appoint any man at our head; if you should, the Twelve must ordain him. You cannot appoint a man at our head; but if you do want any other man or men to lead you, take them and we will go our way to build up the kingdom in all the world. I know who are Joseph's friends, and who are his enemies. I know where the keys of the kingdom arc, and where they will eternally be. You cannot call a man to be a prophet; you cannot take Elder Rigdon and place him above the Twelve; if so, he must be ordained by them. I tell you there is an overanxiety to hurry matters here. You cannot take any man and put him at the head; you would scatter the saints to the four winds, you would sever the priesthood. So long as we remain as we are, the heavenly Head is in constant cooperation with us; and if you go out of that course, God will have nothing to do with you. Again, perhaps some think that our beloved Brother Rigdon would not be honored, would not be looked to as a friend; but if he does right and remains faithful he will not act against our counsel nor we against his, but act together, and we shall be as one. I again repeat, no man can stand at our head, except God reveals it from the heavens. I have spared no pains to learn my lesson of the kingdom in this world and in the eternal worlds; and if it were not so, I could go and live in peace; but for the gospel and your sakes I shall stand in my place. We are liable to be killed all the day long. You have never lived by faith. 234 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 18-42-6 Brother Joseph, the Prophet, has laid the foundation for a great work, and we will build upon it; you have never seen the quorums built one upon another. There is an almighty foundation laid, and we can build a kingdom such as there never was in the world; we can build a kingdom faster than satan can kill the saints off. What do you want? Do you want a patriarch for the whole church? To this we are perfectly willing. If Brother Samuel H. Smith had been living, it would have been his right and privilege; but he is dead, he is gone to Joseph and Hyrum, he is out of the reach of bullets and spears, and he can waft himself with his brothers, his friends and the saints. Do you want a patriarch? Here is brother William [Smith ] left; here is Uncle John Smith, unde to the Prophet Joseph left; it is 4 their right. The right of patriarchal blessings belongs to Joseph’s family. Do you want a Trustee-in-Trust? Has there been a bishop who has stood in his lot yet? What is his business? To take charge of the temporal affairs, so that the Twelve and the elders may go on their business. Joseph condescended to do their business for them. Joseph condescended to offer himself for president of the United States, and it was a great condescension. Do you want a spokesman? Here arc Elder Rigdon, Brother Amasa Lyman [whom Joseph expected to take as a counselor] and myself. Do you want the church properly organized, or do you want a spokesman to be chief cook and bottle-washer? Elder Rigdon claims to be spokesman to the Prophet. Very well, he was; but can he now act in that office? If he wants now to be a spokesman to the Prophet, he must go to the other side of the veil, for the Prophet is there, but Elder Rigdon is here. Why will Elder Rigdon be a fool? Who knows anything of the priesthood, or of the organization of the kingdom of God.* I am plain. ♦It is rather singular that in the remarks of President Young and by none of the leading elders who spoke on that eventful 8th of August. 1844. that no adequate unfolding of the relationship of the respective presiding councils of the church was given. In the above I follow the punctuation as it stands in the records of the church, that is, as will be seen, the sentence, “Who knows anything of the priesthood, or of the organization of the kingdom of God“, ends with a period. I wonder if the speaker's intent was not to make of it a question (?) For so far as the speeches arc concerned there really was no adequate relationship of presiding councils of the priesthood given. It is quite possible that they had not been studied by the elders from the viewpoint of the relationship of these respective councils. In section evii of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is par excellence the revelation on priest¬ hood of the church, it is pointed out that “of necessity there are presidents, or presiding officers growing out of. or appointed from among those who are ordained to the several offices in these two priesthoods [Melchizedek and Aaronic. I refer only to the Melchizcdek]. (1). “Of the Melchizedek priesthood three Presiding High Priests chosen by A. D. 1842-6j HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 235 Does this church want it as God organized it? Or do you want to clip the power of the priesthood, and let those who have the keys of the priesthood go and build up the kingdom in all the world, wherever the people will hear them? If there is a spokesman, if he is a king and priest, let him go and build up a kingdom unto himself; that is his right and it is the right of many here, but the Twelve are at the head of it. I want to live on the earth and spread truth through all the world. You saints of latter-days want things right. If 10,000 men rise up and say they have the Prophet Joseph Smith’s shoes, I know they are imposters. In the priesthood you have a right to build up a kingdom, if you know how the church is organized. Now, if you want Sidney Rigdon or William Law to lead you, or anybody else, you are welcome to them: but I tell you, in the name of the Lord that no man can put another between the Twelve and the Prophet Joseph. Why? Because Joseph was their file leader, and he has committed into their hands the keys of the kingdom in this last dispensation, for all the world; don't put a thread between the priesthood and God. I will ask, who has stood next to Joseph and Hyrum? I have, and I will stand next to him. We have a head, and that head is the Apostlcship, the spirit and power of Joseph, and we can now begin to see the necessity of that Apostleship. Brother Rigdon was at his side—not above. No man has a right to counsel the Twelve but Joseph Smith. Think of these things. You cannot appoint a prophet; but if you let the Twelve remain and act in their place, the keys of the kingdom are with them and they can manage the affairs of the church and direct all things aright. Now, all this does not lessen the character of President Rigdon; let him magnify his calling, and Joseph will want him beyond the veil— the body, appointed and ordained to that office and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church. (2) "The Twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world. * * * They form a quorum equal in authority and power to the Three Presidents previously mentioned. (3) "The Seventy arc also called to preach the gospel and to be especial wit nesses unto.the Gentiles and in all the world. * * * And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles just named" ( Doc¬ trine and Covenants, sec. evii). It is not necessary to quote further, but it stands to reason that if for any cause the First Presidency goes out of existence, the council which is next to the first and equal in authority and power to it—the second council upon which presiding responsi¬ bility rests—is the Council of the Twelve, Hence the Council of the Twelve Apostles logically and according to the constitutional organization of the church, becomes the de facto presiding authority of the church. But this was not at the time definitely pointed out. 236 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 lei him be careful what he does, lest that thread which binds us together is cut asunder. May God bless you all/* (Much more was said by President Young, but not written). SPEECH OF AMASA M. LYMAN t Amasa Lyman said:— ‘I do not rise to electioneer. I am gratified with the open, frank and plain exposition of President Young. He has seen the relation I bear to my deceased brother [i. e. Joseph Smith]. I never did conceive it gave me a precedence to go before the Twelve. I do not make exceptions to anything he has said. I believe there is no power, or officer, or means wanted to carry on the work, but ♦It was while delivering this speech that a transformation of President Brigham Young is said to have occurred, that is to say in voice, person and manner. He seemed to be the personification of Joseph Smith, on the testimony of many who were present. Th& late President George Q. Cannon of this event said: "If Joseph had arisen from the dead and again spoken in their hearing, the effect could not have been more startling than it was to many present at that meeting; it was the voice of Joseph himself; and not only was it the voice of Joseph which was heard, but it seemed in the eyes of the people as if it were the very person of Joseph which stood before them. A more wonderful and miraculous event than was wrought that day in the presence of that congregation we never heard of. The Lord gave his people a testimony that left no room for doubt as to who was the man chosen to lead them" ( Life of Brigham Young, Tullidge, 1877, p. 115). In the Journal of Elder Wm. C. Staines of the date of August 8. 1844, the following statement is recorded: "Brigham Young said: ‘I will tell you who your leaders or guardians will be—the Twelve—I at their head.’ This was with the voice .like the voice of the Prophet Joseph. I thought it was he. and so did thousands who heard it. This was very satisfactory to the people, and a vote was taken to sustain the Twelve in their office, which with a few dissenting voices, was passed." Wilford Woodruff described the event as follows: "If I had not seen him with my own eyes, there is no one that could have convinced me that it was not Joseph Smith, and anyone can testify to this who was acquainted with these two men" (Deseret Evening News, March 12, 1892). fAmasa M. Lyman here making this speech had been ordained an Apostle (August 20, 1842) during a brief suspension of Elder Orson Pratt from .the Quorum of the Twelve owing to a misunderstanding between Elder Pratt and President Joseph Smith; but on the reconciliation of Elders Pratt and Smith and the former’s reinstatement into the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Lyman had been taken by President Smith into the First Presidency ( History of the Church, Period I, vol. v, pp. 255-6). However he was never formally presented to the people in that ca¬ pacity, but meantime he had continued to act with the leaders of the church—the Apostles—and a few days following this 8 th of August meeting, namely on the 12th of August at a council of the Twelve Apostles, he was received by vote as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve (See History of Brigham Young, Ms., August 12. 1844. p. 3). A. D. 1842-6J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 237 what is in the Twelve. I am satisfied that no man can carry on the work, but the power that is in the Twelve, as has been stated. There is one thing to secure the salvation of this people, and that is not in union alone, it is for you to know the right and be united— it has been presented to you by President Young, and I will back him up. All I design to do is to redeem my pledge. President Young has stood next to the Prophet Joseph, with the Twelve, and I have stood next to them, and I will stand next to them. I have been at the back of Joseph Smith, and will be at the back of the Twelve forever, and then we will be saved. There is no need of a President, we have a head here. What is that head? The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the head. We now see the necessity of the Apostleship. I might rise up as well as any other man to ask for the Presidency, but I could not do it without endangering my salvation. This is the power that turns the key to bestow salvation through all the land, in the way that Joseph commenced it, the first one called to do the same in all the world. If Joseph Smith had any power to bear off the kingdom of God, the Twelve have the same. I could not advocate a choosing of a President, and myself a candi¬ date; so then you know the place I occupy is, to stand to the Twelve the same as the Twelve did to Joseph, either on one side or the other. I do not want to go before them or to fall asleep. I want to see the kingdom roll forth by our united faith and efforts.’ President Rigdon called upon W. W. Phelps to speak in his behalf, as he could not speak. SPEECH OF ELDER W. W. PHELPS—NO SUPPORT TO SIDNEY RIGDON W. W. Phelps arose and said: ■— ‘With the knowledge that I have I cannot suppose but that this congregation will act aright this day. I believe enough has been said to prepare the minds of the people to act. I have known many of them for 14 years, and I have always known them to submit with deference to the authorities of the church. 1 have seen the elders of Israel and the people—take their lives in their hands and go without purse or scrip in winter and in summer. I have seen them prepare for war, and ready to pour out their hearts’ blood, and that is an evidence that they will walk by counsel. I am happy to see this little lake of faces, and to see the same spirit and disposition manifested here today, as it was the day after the bloody tragedy, when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were brought home dead to this city. Then you submitted to the law's slow delay, and handed the matter over to God; and I see the same thing today— 238 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 you arc now determined as one man to sustain the authorities of the church, and I am happy that the men who were on Joseph’s right and left hand submit themselves to the authority of the priesthood. I have feelings about this, especially for President Rigdon, and I want to say that there is a quorum that the Twelve belong to, and that the people will receive an endowment. I brought President Rigdon into that quorum, and he received in part the blessings. I could not bear the thought of President Rigdon going into the world without his endowment. He did obtain part, and I hope he will submit. I want Brother Amasa to stand on the side of the Twelve, and they are wanted there still—let them go on and sustain them in that high office. You cannot put in a guardian of the church. We have hitherto walked by sight, and if a man wanted to know anything he had only to go to Brother Joseph. Joseph has gone, but he has not left us comfortless. I want to say that Brother Joseph came and enlightened me two days after he was buried. He came the same as when he was alive, and in a moment appeared to me in his own house. He said, ‘Tell the drivers to drive on.’ I asked if the building was on wheels? He said, ‘certainly’. I spoke, and away it went. We drove all round the hills and valleys. He then told the drivers to drive on over the river into Iowa. I told him Devil Creek was before us. He said, ‘Drive over Devil Creek; I don’t care for Devil Creek or any other creek;’ and we did so. Then I awoke. There is a combination of persons in this city who are in continual intercourse with William and Wilson Law, who are at the bottom of the matter to destroy all that stand for Joseph, and there are persons now in this city who are only wanting power to murder all the persons that still hold on to Joseph; but let us go ahead and build up the Temple, and then you will be endowed. When the Temple is completed all the honorable mothers in Israel will be endowed, as well as the elders. If you want to do right, uphold the Twelve. If they die, I am willing to die with them; but do your duty and you will be endowed. I will sustain the Twelve as long as I have breath. When Joseph was going away he said he was going to die, and I said I was willing to die with him; but as I am now alive, as a lawyer in Israel, I am determined to live. I want you all to recollect that Joseph and Hyrum have only been removed from the earth, and they now counsel and converse with the Gods beyond the reach of powder and ball.* REMARKS OF ELDER PARLEY P. PRATT Parley P. Pratl said:— ‘What has been said has been well said. If there are men here who are our enemies, I’ll tell you when they will cease to be here; they will A. D. 1842-6 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 239 be here while you will deal with them. If I exchange property or deal with men, I do it with those whom I know to be faithful. If there are wicked men here, it is because we support them. Stop dealing with them, and they will go away. Will I support them? No, I would deal with all honest men whom I know to be such. I am willing to do good to all men, especially to the household of faith. Our enemies will cease to dwell here when you cease to deal with them. Mobs and wicked men will cease when you cease to support them. I know we can all live and be happy too, when we deal with honest men. If a man wants a doctor or a lawyer, he will send directly for the worst man he can find. I would die a natural death sooner than I would have a wicked doctor to help me off. I would go without sueing all the days of my life before I would go to a lawyer to sue. I will not say anything about the merchants, because you all know them.’ PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG’S SECOND SPEECH President Brigham Young again arose and said:— ‘There is more business than can be done this afternoon, but we can accomplish all we want to have done without calling this con¬ vention of the whole church. I am going to present to you the leading items. I do not ask you to take my counsel or advice alone, but every one of you act for yourselves; but if Brother Rigdon is the person you want to lead you, vote for him, but not unless you intend to follow him and support him as you did Joseph. Do not say so without you mean to take his counsel hereafter. And 1 would say the same for the Twelve, don’t make a covenant to support them unless you intend to abide by their counsel; and if they do npt counsel you as you please, don’t turn round and oppose them. I want every man, before he enters into a covenant, to know what he is going to do; but we want to know if this people will support the priesthood in the name of Israel’s God. If vou say you will, do so. We want men appointed to take charge of the business that did lay on the shoulders of Joseph. Let me say to you that this kingdom will spread more than ever. The Twelve have the power now—the seventies, the elders and all of you can have power to go and build up the kingdom in the name of Israel’s God. Nauvoo will not hold all the people that will come into the kingdom. We want to build the Temple, so as to get our endowment; and if we do our best, and satan will not let us build it, we will go into the wilderness and we will receive the endowment, for we will receive an endowment anyhow. 240 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 Will you abide our counsel? I again say, my soul for any man's, if they will abide our counsel, that they will go right into heaven. We have all the signs and tokens to give to the porter at the door, and he will let us in. I will ask you as quorums, Do you want Brother Rigdon to stand forward as your leader, your guide, your spokesman. President Rigdon wants me to bring up the other question first, and that is, Does the church want, and is it their only desire to sustain the Twelve as the First Presidency of this people? Here are the Apostles, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants —they are written on the tablet of my heart. If the church want the Twelve to stand as the head, the First Presidency of the Church, and at the head of this kingdom in all the world, stand next to Joseph, walk up into their calling, and hold the keys of this kingdom, every man, every woman, every quorum is now put in order, and you are now the sole controllers of it. All that are in favor of this, in all the congregation of the saints, manifest it by holding up the right hand. (There was a universal vote). If there are any of the contrary mind, every man and every woman who does not want the Twelve to preside, lift up your hands in like manner. (No hands up). This supersedes the other question, and trying it by quorums. We feel as though we could take Brother Rigdon in our bosom along with us; we want such men as Brother Rigdon. He has been sent away by Brother Joseph to build up a kingdom; let him keep the instructions and calling; let him raise up a mighty kingdom in Pitts¬ burgh, and we will lift up his hands to Almighty God. I think we may have a printing office and a gathering there. If the devil still tries to kill us he will have enough to do. The next is President Marks. Our feelings are to let him stand as president of the stake, as heretofore. We can build the Temple, etc. You did not know who you had amongst you. Joseph so loved this people that he gave his life for them; Hyrum loved his brother and this people unto death. Joseph and Hyrum have given their lives for the church. But very few knew Joseph’s character; he loved you unto death—you did not know it until after his death; he has now sealed his testimony with his blood. If the Twelve had been here we would not have seen him given up —he should not have been given up. He was in your midst, but you did not know him; he has been taken away, for the people are not worthy of him. The world is wide. I can preach in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, etc. I can preach in all the world, and the devils cannot find us. I’ll swear to you I will not be given up. There is much to be done. You have men among you who sleep with one eye open. The foundation is laid by our Prophet, and we A. D. 1842-6] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 241 will build thereon; no other foundation can be laid but that which is laid, and we will have our endowment, if the Lord will. As the authorities do not want us to do military duty, don’t do it. If it is necessary, my neck is ready for the knife; as for myself, I am determined to build up the kingdom of God: and by and by there will be a gleaning of grapes, and it may be said, ‘To your tents, O Israel’. We can build on the foundation that was laid by the Prophet. Joseph has finished his work, and all the devils in hell and all the mobbers on earth could not take his life until he had accomplished his work. God said, I will put a veil over his eyes and lead him up to the slaughter like a sheep to be killed, for the people are not worthy of him, though God loves this people. Let no man suppose that the kingdom is rent from you; that it is not organized. If all the quorums of the church were slain, except the high priests, they would rise up with the keys of the kingdom, and have the powers of the priesthood upon them, and build up the kingdom, and the devil cannot help himself You can go to a healthy country, buy the land, and don’t let a cursed scoundrel get in your midst. Let there be good men, good women, and whenever a man comes with a wheelbarrow-full of goods don’t sell him land, don't let him a house, nor buy of him. Suppose we had ten thousand such places, and increasing in great¬ ness, perfectly free from these poor devils, we should feel better than we do now. Let us all be humble and get our endowments—all be humble, industrious and prudent, what sort of a kingdom would it be? The foundation is laid for more than we can think or talk about today. Is it the will of this congregation that they will be tithed until the Temple is finished, as they have hitherto been? If so, signify it by the uplifted hand. (The vote was unanimous). The men will act that have never acted before, and they will have the power and authority to do it. Is it the mind of this congregation to loose the hands of the Twelve, and enable us to go and preach to all the world? We want to know the feelings of the people. Is it your will to support the Twelve in all the world in their missions? (The congregation sustained this question by a unanimous vote). Will you leave it to the Twelve to dictate about the finances of the church? and will it be the mind of this people that the Twelve teach what will be the duties of the bishops in handling the affairs of the church? I want this, because twelve men can do it just as well as calling this immense congregation together at any other time. (A unanimous vote). We shall have a patriarch, and the right is in the family of Joseph Smith, his brothers, his sons, or some one of his relations. Here is Uncle John, he has been ordained a patriarch. Brother Samuel would have taken the office if he had been alive; it would have been his right; • n 16 Vol. 7 242 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1842-6 the right is in Uncle John, or one of his brothers (read sec. iii, par. 1 7, Doctrine and Covenants *). I know that it would have belonged to Samuel. But as it is, if you leave it to the Twelve, they will wait until they know who is the man. Will you leave it to the Twelve, and they dictate the matter. (A unanimous vote). I know it will be let alone for the present. I feel to bring up Brother Rigdon; we arc of one mind with him and he with us. Will this congregation uphold him in the place he occupies by the prayer of faith and let him be one with us and we with him. (Unanimous). The Twelve will dictate and see to other matters. There will be a committee for the Temple; and now let men stand to their posts and be faithful.’ Adjourned to Oct. 6, Conference. Benediction by Elder Parley P. Pratt. COMMENT OF THE CHURCH HISTORIANS WHO COMPILED THIS DATA OF THE CHURCH HISTORY Thus closes the History of Joseph Smith, the great Prophet, Seer and Revelator, whom God has chosen to lay the foundation for the establishment of his church and kingdom upon the earth in the last dispensation and fulness of times. He performed as great and mighty a work as any man that ever tabernacled in the flesh, save Jesus only. His mission lasted nearly seventeen years; from the time he received the plates from the angel Moroni on the 22nd day of Sept., 1827, to the 27th of June, 1844, when he was martyred in Carthage Jail, under the pledged protection of the governor of Illinois, Thomas Ford. The History of Joseph Smith is now before the world, and we are satisfied that a history more correct in its details than this was never published. To have it strictly correct, the greatest possible pains have been taken by the historians and clerks engaged in the work. They were eye and ear witnesses of nearly all the transactions recorded in this history, most of which were reported as they transpired, and, where they were ♦This would be the Nauvoo edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the current edition the passage is found in sec. evii:39. A. D. 1 842-61 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 243 not personally present, they have had access to those who were. Moreover, since the death of the Prophet Joseph, the history has been carefully revised under the strict inspection of President Brigham Young, and approved of by him. TESTIMONY OF THE CHURCH HISTORIANS We, therefore, hereby bear our testimony to all the world, unto whom these words shall come, that the History of Joseph Smith is true, and is one of the most authentic histories ever written. We were, much of the time, associated with him in his travels and ministry since he organized the Church of Christ upon the earth. He labored diligently for the salvation and benefit of the human family. He ever taught and practiced, in public and in private, virtue, holiness and truth. His brother Hyrum was martyred at the same time with him. He, also, was a great and good man, a wise counselor to his brother Joseph and a Prophet and Patriarch in the church, and the spirit of his office was with him up to the time of his death. They were slain for the word of God and the testi¬ mony of Jesus Christ, and the people and nation who have persecuted them unto death and shed their blood will assuredly find their words fulfilled upon their heads, even in speedy and certain destruction, as were the words of the Savior fulfilled upon the Jewish na¬ tion for stoning and killing the Prophets and shedding the blood of the Lord’s Anointed. George A. Smith, . Wilford Woodruff, ^Historians. V EXCERPTS FROM THE MANUSCRIPT HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG FROM AUGUST 9, 1844 TO OCTOBER 8, 1848 Explanation Part V deals with the actual beginning of the author¬ ized administration by the Twelve Apostles in their Presidency of the Church; and gives the detail of their administration from August 9, 1844 to December 5. 1847, when Brigham Young was nominated by the Council of the Twelve Apostles near Winter Quar¬ ters; and by October 8, 1848, the nomination had been presented and unanimously sustained by all the major divisions of the church. The subject matter of the period is taken almost exclusively from The History of Brigham Young, (Ms.) This period officially shows the administration of the Quorum of the Twelve acting as the Presidency of the Church, and vindicates that Presidency for har¬ mony and effectiveness. It has never before been pub¬ lished and will be found a rich mine of original infor¬ mation that will be of high value to the church for all time, in that it will constitute an appeal to ultimate authority for events of this period, and a vindication of the men who functioned in the Presidency of the Church during that time. The main features covered in the period are the church life in Nauvoo; the completion of the Temple with the administration of the sacred ordinances there¬ in; the establishment of the quorums of the priesthood, especially the high priests and the seventies. It may be said that it is especially a period of instruction for the ministry of the church and important in developing the seventies’ organization therein. The period also deals with the exodus of the church from Nauvoo, the journey to the Missouri frontiers, thence westward over the plains and the mountains to the Salt Lake Valley; the beginning of settlements there and the installation of the second First Presidency of the Church—Brig¬ ham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards. [A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 247 CHAPTER XX EVENTS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SUSTAINING OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE—AS THE PRESI¬ DENCY OF THE CHURCH—RESUMPTION OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES-PERPETUATION OF THE POLICY OF THE PROPHET “Friday, August 9, 1844.—I met in council with El¬ ders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman and eleven others at my Administrative Acts Following the Appoint¬ ment of the Apostles to the Presidency. house. On motion of Elder Heber C. Kimball, Bishop Newel K. Whitney and George Mil¬ ler were appointed to settle the affairs of the late Trustee-in-Trust, Joseph Smith, and be prepared to enter upon their duties as Trustees of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Nauvoo House Committee were instructed to wind up their business and report. Patriarch John Smith | local | had the privilege of appointing another president at Macedonia in his stead and locating in Nauvoo at his option.* Conversation ensued relative to the affairs and lia¬ bilities of the church and the building of the Nauvoo House. Saturday, 10.—The following is an extract from the Minutes of the Nauvoo City Council: ‘City council met at 9 a. m. and subscribed about $80.00 for the ♦This was Patriarch ‘‘Uncle’' John Smith, from now on prominent in the history of the church, and who was made Presiding Patriarch to the whole thurch Dec 24, 1847. He was paternal uncle of the Prophet Joseph. Heretofore in this volume the footnotes are from various writers. Those sup¬ plied by the present editor up to now have been signed with his initials Hereafter, as he supplies all the footnotes, they will not be so signed, 248 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844] aid of the police. Councilors (city) Brigham Young, Heber C. Kim- Action of the ball, George A. Smith and Hyrum Kimball in addition fo^th^Sup 1 relinquished their dues as councilors that the taxes might predion of be lessened and the police be paid. * * * Captain Hosea Vice * Stout said the police were willing to watch the city while it was necessary and all they wanted was to live [i. e. have their living provided for] while they did it. Daniel Spencer was elected to fill the remainder of the term of the late martyred Mayor Joseph Smith. An ordinance was passed allowing $100.00 per year to the mayor, and $1.00 a day to the councilors and aldermen while in session. Also an ordinance prohibiting brothels and disorderly characters.’* Sunday, 11.—Forenoon meeting. At the stand Elder Lyman Wight preached about leading a company away into the wilderness. Afternoon, Elder Wm. Hyde preached. At 3 p. m. a few of the authorities met at my house to pray for deliverance from the mob. At a conference held in Southfield Center, Oakland county, Michigan on the 9th, 10th and 11th inst. there were represented 14 branches, containing upwards of 200 members and 37 officers. Elders W. Burton and Mephiboseth Sirrine, presidents. Monday, 12.—The Twelve Apostles met in council and made the following appointments: That Elder Amasa Lyman, who was ordained an Apostle by the direction of President Joseph Smith Assignments August 20, 1842, stand as a member of the to Labors. Quorum of the Twelve; That Elder John Taylor hire the printing office and establishment of the Nauvoo Neighbor and the Times and Seasons from the church; *The ordinance was signed by George \V. Harris, president protem and Willard Richards, recorder. The ordinance was quite drastic. It declared such places (brothels) public nuisances and that the owners or keepers of such houses be fined in the sum of not less than $50.00. nor more than $2,500.00 and imprisonment for six months for each offense of one day’s continuance of such establishments, and that any person frequenting such establishments (except on lawful business) is to be fined in any sum of not less than $50.00 or more than $500.00 and six months imprisonment for each offense and further for every act of adultery or fornication which can be proved. The party is to be imprisoned six months and fined in the sum of not less than $50.00 and not more than $2,500.00. and that the individual’s own acknowledgment shall be considered evidence in the case. [A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 249 That Elder Wilford Woodruff go on a mission to England and preside over the churches there and on the adjacent isles and continent, taking charge of the printing and take his family with him; That the general superintendencies’ direction and control of the emigration from England be in the name of Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the T welve; That the continent of America be organized into districts and high priests appointed to preside over each district; That Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Wil¬ lard Richards direct the continent and appoint presi¬ dents to manage the general affairs of the church; That Lyman Wight go to Texas as he chooses, with his company, also George Miller and Lucine Wood- worth, if they desire to go; That Willard Richards continue the history of the church and be supported; Elder Hyde arrived at Nauvoo from his eastern mis¬ sion. Wednesday, 14.—I attended meeting of the Twelve, Temple and Nauvoo House Committees and the stone¬ cutters for the Temple at the Seventies’ Hall. Agreed to raise the wages of the windlass men to S1.5 0 per day. The meeting terminated in a feeling of renewed deter¬ mination to prosecute the work upon the Temple. Thursday, 15.—The Quorum of the Twelve Apos¬ tles met at my house. Many matters were talked over. The council resolved to bear off the king- Righteous dom of God in all the world, in truth, hon- *f the tions esty, virtue and holiness, and to continue to TweIve - set their faces as a flint against every species of wicked¬ ness, vice and dishonesty in all its forms. I met in a prayer circle with the Twelve and a few others in the afternoon and prayed for the sick. 250 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 J The following is from the Times and Seasons : AN EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. IN NAUVOO AND ALL THE WORLD—GREETING: 4 Beloved Brethren :—Forasmuch as the saints have been called to suffer deep affliction and persecution, and also to mourn the loss of our beloved Prophet and also our Patriarch who have suffered a cruel martyrdom for the testimony of Jesus, having voluntarily yielded themselves to cruel murderers who had sworn to take their lives, and thus like good shepherds have laid down their lives for the sheep, therefore it becomes necessary Jor us to address you at this time on several important subjects. s . You are now without a prophet present with you in Hereft of the flesh to guide you: but you are not without Apostles, i he»r Prophet, t h e keys of power to seal on earth that which shall be sealed in heaven, and to preside over all the affairs of the church in all the world: being still under the direction of the same God. and being dictated by the same spirit, having the same mani¬ festations of the Holy Ghost to dictate all the affairs of the church in all the world, to build up the kingdom upon the foundation that the Prophet Joseph has laid, who still holds the keys of this last dispensation, and will hold them to all eternity, as a king and fpriest unto the Most High God, ministering in heaven, on earth, or among the spirits of the departed dead, as seemeth good to him who sent him. Let no man presume for a moment that his place will be filled by another: for, remember he stands in his own place, and IstiH atth? always will: and the Twelve Apostles of this dispensation Head of His stand in their own place and always will, both in time ispensa ion. anc j j n eternity, to minister, preside and regulate the affairs of the whole church. How vain are the imaginations of the children of men, to presume for a moment that the slaughter of one, two or a hundred of the leaders of this church could destroy an organization, so perfect in itself and so harmoniously arranged that it will stand while one member of it is left alive upon the earth. Brethren be not alarmed, for if the Twelve should be taken away still there are powers and offices in existence which will bear the kingdom of God triumphantly victorious in all the world. This church may have prophets many, and apostles many, but they are all to stand in due time in their proper organiza¬ tion, under the direction of those who hold the keys. On the subject of the gathering, let it be distinctly understood that the city of Nauvoo and the Temple of our Lord are to Place°for h thc continue to be built up according to the pattern which Gathering for has been commenced, and which has progressed with the Present. , ... . r such rapidity thus far. [A. D. 1844 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 251 The city must be built up and supported by the gathering of those who have capital, and are willing to lay it out for the erection of every branch of industry and manufacture, which is necessary for the employment and support of the poor, or of those who depend wholly on their labor; while farmers who have capital must come on and purchase farms in the adjoining country, and improve and cultivate the same.—In this way all may enjoy plenty, and our infant city may grow and flourish, and be strengthened an hundred fold; and unless this is done, it is impossible for the gathering to progress, be¬ cause those who have no other dependence cannot live together with¬ out industry and employment. Therefore, let capitalists hasten here; and they may be assured we have nerves, sinews, fingers, skill and ingenuity sufficient in our midst to carry on all the necessary branches of industry. The Temple must be completed by a regular system of tithing, according to the commandments of the Lord, which he has given as a law unto this church, by the mouth of his servant Joseph. Therefore, ,as soon as the Twelve have proceeded to a full and complete organization of the branches abroad, let every Th Law of member proceed immediately to tithe himself or herself, Tithing a tenth of all their property and money, and pay it into t0 bt “ Enforced * the hands of the Twelve; or into the hands of such bishops as have been, or shall be appointed by them to receive the same, for the building of the Temple for the support of the priesthood according to the scriptures, and the revelations of God; and then let them continue to pay in a tenth of their income from that time forth, for this is a law unto this church as much binding on their con¬ science as any other law or ordinance. And let this law or ordinance be henceforth taught to all who present themselves for admission into this church, that they may know the sacrifice and tithing which the Lord requires, and perform it; or else not curse the church with a mock membership as many have done heretofore. This will furnish a steady public fund for all sacred purposes, and save the leaders from constant debt and embarrassment, and the members can then employ the remainder of their capital in every branch of enterprize, industry, and charity, as seemeth them good; only holding themselves in readiness to be advised in such manner as shall be for the good of themselves and the wjiole society; and thus all things can move in harmony, and for the general benefit and satis¬ faction of all concerned. The United States and adjoining provinces will be immediately organized by the Twelve into proper districts, in a similar ^ u s to manner as they have already done in England and Scot- be Organized land, and high priests will be appointed over each district, J5ijStrict* arch to preside over the same, and to call quarterly confer- Administered ences for the regulation and representation of the branches priests* included in the same, and for the furtherance of the 252 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844J gospel; and also to take measures for a yearly representation in a general conference. This will save the trouble and confusion of the running to and fro of elders; detect false doctrine and false teachers, and make every elder abroad accountable to the conference in which he may happen to labor. Bishops will also be appointed in the larger branches, to attend to the management of the temporal funds, such as tithings and funds for the poor, according to the revelations of God and to be judges in Israel. The gospel in its fulness and purity, must now roll forth through every neighborhood of this widespread country, and to all the world; and millions will awake to its truths and obey its precepts; and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. As rulers and people have taken counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed, and have murdered him who would have reformed and saved the nation, it is not wisdom for the t S o Ug PoHcics. 3S saints to have anything to do with politics, voting, or president-making, at present. None of the candidates who are now before the public for that high office, have manifested any disposition or intention to redress wrong or restore right, liberty or law; and therefore woe unto him who gives countenance to cor- ruption, or partakes of murder, robbery, or other cruel deeds. Let us then stand aloof from all their corrupt men and measures, and wait, at least, till a man is found, who, if elected, will carry out the enlarged principles, universal freedom, and equal rights and protection, expressed in the views of our beloved Prophet and martyr, General Joseph Smith. We do not, however, offer this political advice as binding on the consciences of others; we are perfectly willing that every member of this church should use his own freedom in all political matters; but we give it as our own rule of action, and for the benefit of those who may choose to profit by it. Now, dear brethren, to conclude our present communication, we ciosin would exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Admonition. to be humble and faithful before God, and before all the people, and give no occasion for any man to speak evil of you, but preach the gospel in its simplicity and purity, and practice righteousness, and seek to establish the influence of truth, peace and love among mankind, and in so doing the Lord will bless you, and make you a blessing to all people. You may expect to hear from us again. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG Nauvoo, August 15th, 1844. President of the Twelve.' August 15, (continued ).—Elders Noah Rogers and Benjamin F. Grouard wrote from Tahiti of this date [A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 253 that they and Elder Addison Pratt had arrived at the Society Islands. Their vessel had stopped at Toboui to refit and obtain supplies, where, being favorably received by the natives Elder Pratt remained. Elders Rogers and Grouard proceeded to Tahiti R?P o rt 0 { and found the people in great confusion inm^^he' consequence of an invasion by the French. Pacific Islands - The English missionaries opposed the elders bitterly, but having become alarmed in consequence of the war between the French and the Islanders they had mostly left the island. The elders found great difficulty in en¬ gaging the attention of the people in consequence of the excitement of the war. Queen Pomare’s force having been defeated, the natives retired to the interior. Elder Pratt had baptized several Americans who were resid¬ ing at Toboui which is a small island about 300 miles from Tahiti. Saturday, 17.—In company with Elders Kimball, Woodruff and others I went on to the Temple walls, viewed the country, encouraged the workmen and counseled Brother Woodruff in relation to his .mission to England. Afternoon, spent considerable time in the Tithing Office. Elder John Brown wrote from Monroe Mission county, Mississippi, of his preaching in Ken- Movements tucky, and in Hickman, Williamson, and southern Sumner counties, Tennessee; also in Tusca¬ loosa county, Alabama; thence he proceeded to Perry county, Alabama, where he found a branch of fifteen raised up by Elder James Brown, and where he and Brother Haden W. Church, baptized forty-five. They continued their labors during last winter in Alabama and Mississippi. A conference was held in Alabama, in April, at which several elders were ordained. From this conference, Brother Church went to Tennessee and Brother B. L. Clapp and John Brown to Mississippi. Brother Clapp soon returned to Nauvoo and Brother Brown held a conference in July when thirty-nine were 254 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844] reported as having been baptized since last conference. Sunday, 18.—I preached to the saints in the morn¬ ing. The following synopsis of my discourse and min¬ utes of the meeting were reported by Elder Woodruff: PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG'S DISCOURSE ‘I have many things to speak of. It was my mind in the first place that we should have a suitable time to meditate upon all matters, and weigh them, even every subject wherein we felt interested. When the question was asked me if the elders should continue to baptize for the dead, I replied that I had no counsel to give upon that subject at present, but thought it best to attend to other matters in the meantime. Restless I have learned some things I did not know •un^uvoo when I came home. I discover a disposition in the sheep to scatter, now the shepherd is taken away. I do not say that it will never be right for this people to go from here or scatter abroad; but I do say wait until the time comes, or until you are counseled to do so. The report has gone forth through the city that the Twelve have a secret understanding with those men who are going away and taking com¬ panies with them, that they shall take away all they can; and although the Twelve will blow it up in pub¬ lic, yet privately they wish it to go on, but if they were the last words I had to say before going into the eternal worlds I would swear by the Holy Trinity that such a report is utterly false, and there is not a word of truth in it. There is no man who has any right to lead away one soul out of this city by the consent of the Twelve, except Lyman Wight and George Miller, they have had the privilege of taking the ‘Pine Company’* where they pleased, but not another soul has the consent of the Twelve to go with them. There is no man who has any liberty to lead away people into the wilderness ♦This has reference to a company of men under the leadership of Lyman Wight to go into the pine country in the north to get out timber for the Temple. [A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 255 from this church, or to lead them anywhere else, by the consent of the Twelve or the church, except in the case above named—and I tell you in the name of Jesus Christ that if Lyman Wight and George Miller take a course contrary to our counsel and will not act in con¬ cert with us, they will be damned and go to destruc¬ tion—and if men will not stop striving to be great and exalted, and lead away parties from us, thereby weak¬ ening our hands, they will fall and not rise again—and I will destroy their influence in this church with the help of God and my brethren. I wish you to distinctly understand that the counsel of the Twelve is for every family that does not belong to the Pine Company to stay here in Nauvoo, and build up the Temple and get your endowments; do not scatter; 'united we stand, divided we fall’. It has been whispered about that all who go into the wilderness with Wight and Miller will get their endowments, but they cannot give an endow¬ ment in the wilderness. If we do not carry out the plan Joseph has laid down and the pattern he has given for us to work by, we cannot get any further endowment —I want this to sink deep into your hearts that you may remember it. If you stir up the flame of dissen¬ sion, will you get an endowment? No! You get a party to run here and another there, to divide our strength, and weaken our hands, and our enemies will flock around us and destroy us—in that case you will not get your endowments, but will sink and not rise;— go to hell and not to the bosom of Abraham. Do the people leave here because they are afraid? Are you cowards? Do you fear those who have power to kill the body only? If you leave this place for fear of the mob, before God tells you to go, you will have no place of rest, but you will flee from place to place and go like the Jews, until God raises up some other people to redeem you, for if the devil scares you from this place he will scare you from all other places. Let no man go from this place but the pine country brethren, but stay here and sow, plant, build, and put your plowshares 256 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844] into the prairies: one plowshare will do more to drive off the mob than two guns. Let us stay here where the bones of Joseph, Hyrum, Samuel, Don Carlos, and Father Smith are. While Joseph was alive he said ‘If I am slain in battle or fall by the hands of my ene¬ mies I want my body brought to Nauvoo and laid in the tomb I have prepared.’ I would rather have the dead body of the Prophet than some men who are alive and I would rather have the clothes of the Prophet stuffed with straw for president of the United States than any man whose name is now before the nation as a candidate, for the straw would not do any harm. We want to build the Temple in this place, if we have to build it as the Jews built the walls of the Tem¬ ple in Jerusalem, with a sword in one hand and the trowel in the other. How easily some men are scared! I have not been frightened yet, and I know of other men who have not. The Church Do you suppose the mouth of God is Deprived of closed, to be opened no more unto us? If Reveiat.ons. this were the case I would not give the ashes of a rye straw for the salvation of the church. If God has ceased to speak by the Holy Ghost, or to give rev¬ elation, there is no salvation: but this is not the case. There seems to be a disposition by many to leave Nauvoo and go into the wilderness or somewhere else. Suppose we should all go into the wilderness and then ask God to give us an endowment, and he should ask if we were driven from Nauvoo, and who drove us? The devil drove us would be the answer: he might say, well, did you not know that I had power over the devil? Yes, but one said I would not give a jackknife for all Nauvoo, and another said, I would not give a pair of mules for the best farm in Hancock county and I was afraid: would the Lord give an endowment to a people who would be frightened away from their duty? Concerning those who are wishing to lead away parties contrary to counsel, I would not wish them damned worse, than to have a company after their own A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 257 liking go with them, for they will soon quarrel among themselves; and if we should go to the wilderness and ask the Lord to give us an endowment, he might ask us, saying, Did I not give you rock in Nauvoo to build the Temple with? Yes. Did I not through my provi¬ dence furnish men to quarry and cut the stone and pre¬ pare it for the building? Yes. Did I not give you means to build the Temple there? Yes. Very well, had you died in Nauvoo, on the walls of the Temple, or in your fields, I would have taken you to myself and raised up men to officiate for you, and you would have enjoyed the highest glory. Did you make a sacrifice by tithing? No. Well I do not wonder you did noi believe I had power over the devil. Such may go away but I want to have the faithful stay here to build the Temple and settle the city. We shall require the tenth of all your property The Iaw of as a tithing for the building of the Temple J[ c i,h £$ or t c ° e( i and for the poor and for the priesthood. I want my support and living by the church hereafter, so that I can give my whole time to the business of the church. I have always supported myself heretofore in all my travels and labors, with the aid of my brethren. Joseph has always been preserved from his enemies, until now, but be has sealed his testimony with his blood, and his testament is now in force. While the testator lived it was all in his hands, but now he is dead. There is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood.* You will soon wake up and know things as they are—there has been a great debt paid; there will be no need of more blood of the saints being shed at present, by and by you will understand and see that all is right. Woe! woe! woe! unto all who have shed Wo e! to Those the blood of the saints and the Lord’s ou^ser anointed. It must needs be that offenses Come - come, but woe unto that man through whom they come. *Heb. ix: 2 2. 17 Vol. 7 258 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 To those who want to go away from this place, I would say wait until the time comes. I will give you the key. North and South America is Zion and as soon as the Temple is done and you get your endow¬ ments you can go and build up stakes, but do not be in haste, wait until the Lord says go. If you have the Spirit of God you can discover right from wrong— when all is right with the priesthood and a man rises up and speaks by the Spirit of God and just right, all will say, Amen, but when a man rises up and talks as smooth as oil. if he is not right, there will be many queries about it. it will not edify the body [i. e. the people |. I give this as a key. You may go all over The whole of North and South America and build up America zion. sta k es when the time comes. The whole continent of America must be organized into districts and presiding elders appointed over each district: the time has come when all things must be set in order. I wish the saints to let their bickerings cease, and a strict order of things be introduced: we shall not harbor blacklegs, counterfeiters and bogus-makers: we know all about them, they have been in our midst long enough. I advise all the saints to have no dealings with such men: let them alone. The time has come that they should be wiped out of our midst, let the ungodly dealers alone; and as to the doctors who arc in our midst, who are our enemies, I say let them alone, for I have no doubt but that three to one who have died in this place had a doctor. I say woe unto you lawyers, for your whole study is to put down truth and put a lie in its stead. I want the lawyers to know that we have common sense. They want to make you believe that when you spell ‘baker’ it means cider or whiskey. Now let the lawyers and doctors alone and leave off bitterness and evil speaking, and you will build the Temple and get an endowment. All ye lawyers go away and let us alone and when we get full of the devil and want you, we will send for you, we may then have a more convenient season. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 259 I want to say to all who profess to be saints, do not harbor blacklegs, counterfeiters and bogus-makers, wipe them away; it is time to carry out the design The L , of our Prophet; do cease to employ doctors, Not^be lawyers, and merchants who will empty your purses and then mob you. Store your grain in Nauvoo for you will want it here to eat while you are building the Temple. I say to the hands on the Temple, be united; and to the Temple Committee, do not turn away any person because he is an Englishman, Scotchman, Irishman or of any other nation; but em¬ ploy every man you can and build the Temple and your homes. I would rather pay out every cent I have to build up this place and get an endowment, if I were driven the next minute without anything to take with me. As to the doctors, let them go. I can prove that a doctor in this place doctored a woman that was in the family way, and did not know it until she was deliv¬ ered, and both woman and child died, and if you will employ them, you will all die. There is a distinction between the law of Evasions not the land and the law of the church. You have the privilege of keeping all shops that do not come in contact with the law of the state, county, or city; so I will evade the law of the land, says the dealer, and give away whiskey and sell a little tobacco or something else and charge enough for both; but the law of the church will reach such men and if they are members they should be cut off. I dreamed that I saw a fruit tree in which I went in search of fruit. I soon discovered that some of the main branches on the top were dead. It seemed to me necessary to cut rhe RemovaI off the dead branches in order to save the tree Rrai ^ c e h a e d s so I told some person to help me cut them off. The person stepped on to a large green limb and was afraid it would break so I put my shoulder under it and held it up till the dead branch was cut off, the green limb cracked but did not break. After all the 260 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 dry limbs were cut off the wounds healed up and the tree grew finely. Let us cut off the dead branches of the church that good fruit may grow and a voice will soon be heard, go and build up Zion and the Temple of the Lord. The seventies will be organized and a presidency of seven men will be chosen out of the first quorum to preside over the first ten quorums.’* August 18, {continued ).—At a conference in Taze¬ well county, Virginia, Richard H. Kinnamon presid- rhe work ing, Elders Hamilton and Park were ap- of the Chard, pointed to labor in Tazewell, Smith and Washington counties. Elders King and Lambson were appointed to labor in Greenbrier and Monroe counties, Elders Carter and Biles in Giles and Roanoke counties, Elder Hyatt in Patrick county, Elder Pitts in Giles county, Elders R. H. Kinnamon and Stephen Litz in South Carolina and Elder J. T. Crow was sent on a mission south. Several were called to the priesthood; during confer¬ ence the sacrament was administered and one person baptized. Elder Robert Hamilton preached. Monday, 19.—Elder Willard Richards called on \ The Prophet's Emma Smith, widow of the Prophet, for o7t r he S B‘b°e n the new translation of the Bible: She said souRi.t.t she did not f ee j disposed to give it up at present. I met in council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wil- ford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Erastus Snow, William W. Phelps and Jonathan Dun¬ ham at my house, when it was voted that Dan Jones ♦These groups constituting the councils for the first ten quorums however did not cease to be members of the first quorum, on the contrary they continued to be the First Quorum of the Seventy one of the three great councils (the third) of the priesthood. The First Presidency and the Twelve being the other two. ( Doctrine and Covenants, sec. evii). fit will be observed that I place “translation" in the sideheading in quotation marks. I do this because the work of the Prophet was not really a translation of the Bible from ancient languages, but was a revision of the English Bible (King James’ version), under inspiration. (See this History, vol. i. p. 324, especially footnote; and p. 341; vol. iv, p. 137). A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 261 receive an order on Elder Woodruff, Liverpool, for five hundred dollars to assist him on his mission to Wales, having confidence that the Lord would bless him in preaching the gospel to that nation; Brother Jones having relinquished a certain sum due him to be ap¬ plied to the benefit of the Temple. Elder Willard Richards read a letter he received from James Arlington Bennett, in which he relates his dreams relative to the murder of Joseph and Hyrum. James Ar]ing . Elder Richards was instructed to write Ben- ton Bennett - nett in reply, which was done. Afternoon, with Elder Kimball and Richards I visited Mr. Davidson Hibbard on business. 'Wednesday, 21.—Council of the Twelve Apostles at my house to meet Elder Lyman Wight. Elder John Taylor went after him with a carriage; found him sick and unable to attend. I spent the evening and partook of supper at Elder Woodruff’s with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor and their wives. Friday, 23.—The brethren of the Twelve got ready to go and dine at Father Mikesell’s; but were called to go and see Lyman Wight near the upper stone house: he and thirty others were sick in the same house. Saturday. 24.—Council of the Twelve Apostles, the Temple and Nauvoo House Committees and other el¬ ders at my house, when it was voted that I should take such measures as should seem best to gather _ men and means to this place to complete the G i ®* ti i n ® p t e 0 tu9 Temple. Elder Lyman Wight was coun- the selled to go north instead of going south. After transacting the business presented, Elder Woodruff was blessed and set apart to his mission to England under the hands of the members of the Quo¬ rum of the Twelve Apostles present: Several of the Twelve Apostles were baptized for their dead this afternoon.* ♦Also see p. 264, where President Young extended the privilege for the saints generally to be baptized for the dead. It is to be presumed that this was the 262 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 DISCOURSE OF ELDER WILFORD WOODRUFF Sunday. 25.—Meeting at the stand. Elder Wilford Woodruff preached, he said: ‘There is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth it understanding. It is through this principle that this congregation is assembled together at this place: you had understanding of the things of God announcement of the resumption of attending to baptisms for the dead under the administration of Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles which baptisms may well have been interrupted during the exciting period just previous to and following the martyrdom of the Prophet. While Elijah revealed the keys of the priesthood pertaining to this ordinance in the Kirtland Temple in 1 83 6—April 3—the Prophet Joseph did not begin teaching baptism for the dead until in October. 1840 (See letter of President Smith to the “Traveling High Council"—the Twelve Apostles, then in England—this History, vol. iv. p. 231). On the introduction of this doctrine to the church it made a very strong appeal to the members thereof and there was generally an earnest desire to attend to this ordinance for the dead. Some irregularities ensued, such as improper representatives being baptized for the departed dead, and in some few instances women being baptized for men and vice versa. These ordinances for some time were performed in the Mississippi river. This procedure however was finally cancelled and at the October conference, 1841, the Prophet Joseph made the announcement that there should be no more baptisms for the dead until the ordinance could be attended to in the Temple then building. “For thus saith the Lord", declared the Prophet (this History, vol. iv, p. 426). Also there had been some irregularities in the matter of neglecting to make proper records of baptisms for the dead. These irregularities were corrected by careful instructions from the Prophet. (See two epistles of his in Doctrine and Covenants, sec. cxxvii and cxxviii, bearing date of Sept. 1. 1842 and Sept. 6, 1842.) Meantime a rather fine temporary baptismal font was erected in the basement of the Temple and enclosed by a temporary frame building, built of split oak clapboards (Sec this History, vol. vi, p. 46). Baptisms in this font were very numerous, even, in the days of the Prophet. And now such baptisms were resumed under the direction of President Brigham Young and his brethren. The mission of Elijah in the New Dispensation was foreshadowed even on the occasion of Moroni’s first visit to the Prophet Joseph Smith on September 21. 1823, when Moroni, in quoting prophecies of the scriptures which were soon to be fulfilled, made reference to this mission of Elijah, saying: that the Lord would reveal unto the Prophet Joseph the priesthood by the hand of Elijah before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and that he would plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, etc. (Sec Writings of Joseph Smith. Pearl of Great Price, p. 21. current edition). In section xx of the Doctrine and Covenants, vv. 2 5-2 7. it is said "that as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name [in the New Dispensation then coming forth] and endure in faith to the end. should be saved. Not only those who believed after he came in the Meridian of time in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came who believed in the words of rhe holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things— should have eternal life as well as those who should come after, who should believ: in the gifts and callings of God. by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son.” So that almost from the commencement of the New Dis¬ pensation the work for the dead may be said to be in contemplation. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 263 by the Spirit of God, and I have now one important declaration to make unto you, and that is, that inas¬ much as you will be united in heart, mind Exhortation and action in supporting your counsellors, ,0 Unity - the authorities of the church, the priesthood of God, and follow the counsel given you, as you have endeav¬ ored to follow the counsel of the Prophet while he was living, you will be safe and blessed and will prosper; but if you are divided and reject the counsel of God you will fall: union and faithfulness is your salvation. You have been led by one of the best men that ever graced humanity or tabernacled in flesh; but he has gone; he has sealed his testimony with his blood; he loved this people unto death. I call upon this people to be united in building upon the foundation which the Prophet Joseph has laid. You have been called to suffer much in the cause in which you are engaged, but if judgment begins at the House of God, Babylon will not escape; and if there is fire in a green tree, a dry tree will not escape, and there are none more prepared for the shock that is coming upon the earth than the Latter-day Saints. The object we have in view is to secure blessings beyond The Prophcl the veil in the first resurrection; this is what I°. se “ h i : . ea,e * 1 we are preparing for. Again, 1 would say ^ (1 his let not the saints be troubled because they have lost their Prophet. I would ask, because the Prophet has sealed his testimony with his blood, if that destroys the gospel—takes away the power of God— annihilates truth—or buries the priesthood? I tell you, nay! it does not. His testament is now in force; therefore my counsel is to follow the example of those who have gone before and be faithful unto death. If you will be united and go too with your mights in building the Temple you will have power to accomplish it and get an endowment. I exhorted the saints to faith¬ fulness—and requested their prayers, and asked their forgiveness for anything that I might have done wrong and bade them farewell.’ 264 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Testimonies on Various Things. Baptism for I [Brigham Young] spoke a few words Resumed to sa i nt s I told them they were at liberty to be baptized for their dead relatives. Elders Orson Hyde and Parley P. Pratt bore testi¬ mony that Joseph the Prophet had ordained, anointed and appointed the Twelve to lead the church, and had given them the keys of the kingdom for that purpose. Elder John Taylor bore testimony against those that murdered Joseph and Hyrum Smith; he said they should be cursed and the congregation said, Amen. Elder William W. Phelps and Reynolds Cahoon bore testimony that Joseph said unto the Twelve ‘upon you must rest the responsibility of bearing off the king¬ dom of God in all the world, therefore round up your shoulders and bear it.’* Monday, 26.—Attended council held at my house. Afternoon attended a court martial. Tuesday, 27.—I met with the officers of the Nauvoo Legion in council; six of the Apostles were present. The council decided that they would carry out all the views of our martyred Prophet: the brethren felt very Departure spirited on the subject. Woodruff and 'Wednesday, 28.—Elders Wilford Wood- Engiand. r ruff, P* 311 J° nes < and Hiram Clark with their families started this afternoon for England. Thursday, 29.—The Quorum of the Twelve Apos- Eidero Rigdon ties met at my house, having notified Elders cited M Before Rigdon and Marks to attend. This was the Twelve. f as |; fay anc j j attended meeting at the stand and laid hands on several of the sick. Friday, 30.—In company with my brethren of the *This is important as corroborating a statement made many years subsequently by William Smith, brother of the Prophet at a court in Independence. He testified in that court in what is known as the “Temple Lot Suit” to obtain title to the Kirtland Temple by the organization known as the Josephite Church, vs. the Hedrickite Church, when he said President Joseph Smith ordained “him [Wm. Smith, who was one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at Kirtland] a prophet, seer, revelator. and translator, and then informed him that he had all the necessary ordinations to lead the church in his time" (See Succession in the Presidency of the Church, B. H. Roberts, second edition, p. 104). A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 265 Twelve, Father John Smith and many others I visited at Father Mikesell’s, partook of dinner and A social an abundance of peaches from his orchard: u U nder°Armed the family were glad to see us and we spent Guards - a pleasant day. Many of the brethren in the city being apprehensive that we might fall into the hands of the mob, took their guns and went a ‘hunting’ around and below Mikesell’s along the timbered bluffs on the Mis¬ sissippi River. Saturday, 31.—Visiting the sick. Afternoon attend¬ ed general meeting of the officers of the Nauvoo Legion. I was unanimously elected lieutenant-general and Charles C. Rich, major-general of the Nauvoo Legion. Evening, attended a school meeting.” 266 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 CHAPTER XXI. FORMAL TRIAL AND EXCOMMUNICATION OF PRES¬ IDENT SIDNEY RIGDON-RESTLESS MOVEMENTS OF JAMES EMMETT—MISSION ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH—MOVEMENTS OF STATE OF¬ FICIALS AND THE MOB OF HANCOCK COUNTY “Sunday, September 1, 1844.—I [Brigham Young] Rigdon's went to the stand* in the forenoon. Elder Gbfand - Sidney Rigdon preached. His discourse was Magog. complicated and somewhat confused; he said he had all things shown to him from this time to the winding-up scene, or the great battle of Gog and Ma¬ gog; there were great things to take place, but he did not tell what the saints should do to save themselves. I met with the high priests’ quorum in the afternoon and spoke at some length to the brethren. Elder Heber C. Kimball addressed the meeting; afterwards, we pro¬ ceeded to the Seventies’ Hall and instructed the seventies pertaining to the organization of their quorums. A conference was held at Philadelphia, August 31st, Conference in and September 1 st, at which Elder William Philadelphia. Smith [ Apostle and brother of the Proph¬ et] presided. Elder Jedediah M. Grant represented three hundred and thirty-four members, including of¬ ficers and gave much good instruction pertaining to the duties of the saints, in building a Temple and strengthening the hands of the saints at Nauvoo. Elders Wm. Smith and William I. Appleby preached. Monday, 2.—Visited Elders Willard Richards and John P. Greene who were very sick. *"I went to the stand." This had reference to an outdoor place of meeting on the Temple site and was the only place of meeting sufficient to accommodate the large tongregations that wore wont to assemble in Nauvoo during the summer time. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 267 I wrote the following which was published in the Times and Seasons: CONCENTRATION AT NAUVOO ‘The Twelve would invite the brethren abroad, in obedience to the commandments of the Lord, to gather to Nauvoo with their means to help build up the city, and complete the Temple, which is now going forward faster than it has at any time since it commenced. Beware of the speculations about the Prophet! Believe no tales on the subject: Time will tell who are the friends of Joseph Smith, who laid down his life for his brethren. We have no new command¬ ments, but beseech the brethren to honor and obey the old ones, for, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered to¬ gether.’ Tuesday, 3.—I had an interview with Brother Sid¬ ney Rigdon. He said he had power and authority above the Twelve Apostles and did not consider him¬ self amenable to their counsel. In the even- . . ing, the Twelve had an interview with license Brother Rigdon, who was far from feeling an interest with the Twelve. His license was demand¬ ed, which he refused to give up, and said the church had not been lead by the Lord for a long time, and he should come out and expose the secrets of the church. Wednesday, 4.—Elder Willard Richards sick. The Twelve Apostles and a few others met at my house in the evening and prayed for the preservation of the church and ourselves; and that the Lord might bind up the apostates and preserve the honest in heart. Thursday, 5.—Brother Wm. Marks came to see me in relation to President Rigdon and his revelations. Afternoon, attended public prayer meeting and exposed the false prophets. Evening, Elder Hyde preached in the Masonic Hall on Elder Rigdon's conduct since his return to Nauvoo. Friday, 6.—Elder Heber C. Kimball and I visited the sick till two p. m. Brother Alonzo W. Whitney informed us of the proceedings of Elder Rigdon and others. Elder Orson Pratt preached in the Seventies’ Hall. 268 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Saturday, 7.—Accompanied by Elder Kimball I waited upon Elder John P. Greene, and attended to ordinances for him: he was on his deathbed.* Leonard Soby was disfellowshipped by the high council for following Elder Rigdon. Sunday , 8.—I insert the following synopsis of min¬ utes of Elder Sidney Rigdon's trial: THE FORMAL TRIAL OF ELDER SIDNEY RIGDON ‘Minutes of a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held on the meeting ground in the city of Nauvoo. Present, of the Quorum of the Twelve, President Brigham Young, Hcber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, George A. Smith, John Taylor and Amasa M. Lyman. The high council was organized with Bishop Newel K. Whitney at their head.f President Young briefly addressed the congregation and introduced the business of the day, which he said would be this: All those who are for Joseph and Hyrum, the Book of Mormon, Book of Doc¬ trine and Covenants, the Temple and Joseph’s measures, they being ^ . r one party, will be called upon to manifest their principles Testimony of , Eider Brigham openly and boldly, the opposite party to enjoy the same Young * liberty and be as decided and manifest their principles as boldly as they do in their secret meetings and private councils. If they are for Sidney Rigdon, and believe he is the man to be the first President and leader of this people, they are requested to manifest it as freely as they do in other places, because this will form another party: President Young alluded to the course of Elder Rigdon. Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Amasa M. Lyman, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Heber C. Kimball and Witnesses. William Marks bore testimony in relation to the course of Elder Rigdon, which is published in full in the fifth volume of the Times and Seasons. Elder W. W. Phelphs [after the above hearing] moved that Elder Sidney Rigdon be cut off from the church, and delivered over to the buffetings of satan until he repent. Bishop Newel K. Whitney then presented the motion to the high council [who was trying the case] and the vote was The Judgment. unanimous in the affirmative. ♦These were doubtless the usual ordinances for the sick and dedicating him to the Lord. fThis was the special high council provided for in the church for the trial of a president in the Presidency of the High Priesthood of the Church, which is presided over by the bishop of the church, assisted by twelve high priests chosen for the occasion. (See Doctrine and Covenants, sec. cvii:82-84). In this case Bishop Newel K. Whitney was the presiding bishop of the special court and the Apostles— the Twelve—were the accusers. A. D. 1844 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 269 Elder Phelps then offered the same motion to the church, upon which President Young arose and requested the congregation to place them¬ selves so that all could be seen who voted. He then called upon the church to signify whether they were in favor of the motion: the vote was nearly unanimous. Those who were for Sidney Rigdon were requested to make it manifest: there were ten who voted for him. Elder Phelps then moved that all who have voted to follow Elder Rigdon be suspended until they can have a trial before the high council. An amendment was offered as follows: ‘or shall hereafter be found advocating his principles.’ The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. President Young arose and delivered Sidney Rigdon over to the buffetings of satan in the name of the Lord, and all the people said, Amen.'* Monday, 9.—I attended council with the Quorum of the Twelve at Elder Heber C. Kimball’s; thence I went in company with Elder Kimball through the city, attending to business and visiting Elders John P. Greene and Parley P. Pratt who were sick. Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith la¬ bored diligently with James Emmett that he ^ 0 ,, with might be persuaded to desist from his in- Jame9 Emmett ♦This is a very brief statement of the trial and final dismissal of Elder Sidney Rigdon from the church. The minutes of the trial with objections and remarks and complaints were published in the Times and Seasons of Sept. 15, Oct. 2, and Oct. 15, 1844, running through three numbers, and in all making fifteen pages of closely printed matter. Very serious charges are made against Elder Rigdon for insubordi¬ nation. for claiming to hold keys and authority above any man or set of men in the church, even superior authority and keys thereof than those held by the Twelve; and likewise he had ordained men to positions—places and offices not recognized as properly belonging to the church. Among other things he somewhere about this time predicted that the building of the Temple would cease and prophesied that there would not be another stone raised upon the walls of the Temple. At one of the meetings where this was said, a Brother Wm. W. Player determined that Elder Rigdon should not prove a true prophet, in this instance at least, and took with him Archibald and John Held, and set a stone upon the Temple wall, making this prediction a failure; and of course the Temple was subsequently completed and dedicated, and ordinance work performed therein. The statement of Wm. W. Player is signed and recorded in the History of Brigham Young, Ms., for December, 1844, p. 67. After this trial at Nauvoo Sidney Rigdon returned to Pittsburg in Pennsylvania where he had something of a following; and he undertook to organize a church, choosing twelve apostles, etc.; his efforts however amounted to but little. He sent missionaries to many branches of the church to represent his claims, but his organization was never strong either in membership of leading men, and it soon crumbled into decay. Sidney Rigdon himself sank out of sight and in 1876 he died in obscurity in Allegheny county, state of New York. (See Succession in the Presidency of the Church, by the present writer, second edition). 270 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 tended course of taking away a party of misguided saints into the wilderness.* Tuesday, 10.—Elder John P. Greene died. Elder Orson Hyde started for Kirtland. I attended council with the Twelve and others when orders to the mob given by Colonel Levi Williams were read. General Deming [sheriff of Hancock county] said he did not consider that a mob large enough to do any mischief could be raised. Afternoon, with Elder Kimball visiting the saints. Evening, attended a meeting of officers of the Legion, when a resolution was passed to build an arsenal and gunsmith’s shop: one hundred and thirty dollars was subscribed towards the erection of the building. Wednesday, 11.—Elder John P. Greene buried. * * I attended council at Elder Erastus Snow’s; after¬ wards in company with several officers of the Legion looking out a location for the arsenal. Friday, 13.—I went to the parade ground where the officers were drilling. Jonathan Dunham was elected brigadier-general of the second cohort of the Nauvoo Legion: I addressed the officers. In company with Brother Heber C. Kimball and his wife, Vilate, I visited Mother [Lucy] Smith. There are many reports concerning the movements of the mob; who are making preparations for what The they call a ‘wolf hunt’ on the 26th and 27th "preparation*” this month; but the general apprehension is that they design coming and attempting to drag some more authorities of the church out to Car¬ thage to murder them. ■ Saturday, 14.—In company with Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith I called on Sister Hyrum Smith. ♦James Emmett, born on February 22. 1803. in Boone county, Kentucky. He was quite active in the affairs of the church in Missouri; but just a bit uncertain in his conduct. In May of 183 7, fellowship was withdrawn from him by a meeting of the presidency and high council of the church at Far West “for unwise conduct, until he should make satisfaction". This he did, and was returned to fellowship; but he was always a restless, impatient man and ambitious of leadership which led him into great trouble and final separation from the church as we shall see. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 271 Elder Amasa M. Lyman being very sick and reported to be dying, Brothers Kimball, George A. [Smith] and I retired to my upper room and prayed for him: he was healed from that very hour. Attended city council, Jonathan C. Wright was elected marshal and W. W. Phelps recorder of deeds. George A. Smith was elected councilor. At two p. m., the second cohort of the Nauvoo Legion inspected: Brother John Taylor and I attended. Evening, visited Brother Amasa M. Lyman. Sunday, 15.—Elder Parley P. Pratt preached in the forenoon and Elder Orson Pratt in the afternoon. Monday, 16.—At six a. m., accompanied by Elder Heber C. Kimball, Generals C. C. Rich, Jonathan Dun¬ ham and other officers of the Legion, I went The Dedication to the ground secured for the arsenal, near & u ‘ v h o e 0 the Temple. We uncovered our heads and Arsenal - lifted our hands to heaven and I dedicated the ground, by prayer, to the God of the armies of Israel. I took the spade and broke the ground for the cellar. Evening, I attended council; Jared Carter was pres¬ ent and made confession and promised to return to the church. Tuesday, 17.—The Legion trained. Afterwards the officers met when George A. Smith was elected quar¬ termaster-general of the Nauvoo Legion, with the rank of colonel. The following is from Elder Addison Pratt, Tubuai [sometimes written Tooboui or Toboui], Society Islands, of date of July 26, 1 844. LETTER OF ELDER ADDISON PRATT FROM THE SOCIETY ISLANDS ‘July 26th, I baptized nine persons, four Americans, one Scotch¬ man and four natives, having previously baptized one. On the 29th, I organized the Tubuai branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, numbering eleven members, all in good standing. On the 5th of August, I administered the sacrament. For wine I substituted cocoanut milk,* that was a pure beverage, which never * Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xxvii. 272 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 had come to the open air till we broke the nut for that purpose. On the 8th I baptized another person. The inhabitants here have resolved to build me a house. This climate is fine, never so cold as to freeze, though in July and August it is as cold as it can be and not freeze. January and February are the warmest months, though the heat is never so scorching as some days we have at home. In summer, however, the mosquitoes are innumerable and in winter the fleas are equally plentiful, though we have means to guard against them. Before I came here King Tommatooah buried his wife; on the 14th July I married him to Toupah his queen; he has been very friendly with me ever since I came here. Sometimes when I get to thinking about home I feel that I could leave all and return as quickly as possible. A few evenings since I fell into a train of thoughts and told my brethren. I went to bed, fell asleep and dreamed I had deserted my post and got to Nauvoo; the people all knew I had left without counsel and treated me with coolness and neglect. This mortified my feelings so much that I never thought of my family; I saw Brother Young, he was busily employed in sending a company of elders to Europe; I felt an anxiety to go with them, but I had deserted one station, and they never intended to send me to another. I then thought I would go back to the one I had left, but I had no means to get back, or to help myself with: I thought my shame was greater than I could bear, and with these reflections I awoke.* I have lived at Mattaoora since I came here till the 23rd of August. I then removed to this place called Mahoo, which is the place where I first landed. The second sabbath after I came here, the church [i. e. the saints] came over to visit me, and I baptized seven more, all natives and heads of families. I administered the sacrament and we felt that we were greatly blessed. It is now a year since I have heard a syllable from home, and three months since I have heard from the brethren at Tahiti, though I have sent word by eight vessels bound thither. On learning that missionaries [i. e. of sectarian churches] had arrived from Tahiti I called to see them. I had heard so much of their iniquity and I wanted to see how they looked; to me they looked guilty indeed. One of them named Howe very sancti¬ moniously remarked, ‘I understand you have come among the Islands in the capacity of a preacher.’ I answered, ‘yes.’ ‘And what do you preach?’ 'The sacred truths of the Bible / I replied. ‘I suppose you are aware.' said he, ‘that many years ago the London Missbnary Society established a mission here at a very great expense;’ the whole stress was on the great expense, the cost of translating the Bible, etc. ♦This is a very common experience with missionaries of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, as thousands will testify who read these words. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 273 ‘Well/ said I, ‘and now you are opposed to having the Bible preached after you have accomplished the translation?’ He said, no: he had no objections to my preaching the Bible, but he understood I had another book I preached from. I told him that was a mistake, and went on to tell him what it was; a long dialogue ensued in which they all questioned me on the fundamental principles of the gospel, but they had to drop several points they introduced for fear of trapping them¬ selves; at length they told me they found no fault with me as far as the Bible was concerned, but the Book of Mormon they had read and it was a bad book. I told them to show me some specimens of bad doctrine in it: they turned to the place where it says, ‘Adam fell that man might be/ at which they flounced considerably, but I soon suc¬ ceeded in proving that it was not contrary to Bible doctrine; they said they could find a worse place than that and turned to the passage: ‘Adam had to know misery before he knew happiness/ This they spouted upon me in a great rage. I referred them to the tempta¬ tions of the Savior and his sufferings that he might be perfected. I questioned them about their belief in the Bible, and the coming of the Son of God the second time; contrasted this with the dispensation of Noah, told them the world was now being warned, and the con¬ sequences that would ensue if men did not give heed. I then raised my right hand towards heaven and called on all the heavenly hosts to witness the testimony I bore; that I knew Brother Joseph Smith to be a good man and a Prophet of the Lord. * * * The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me; it threw them into confusion, they knew not what to say. They finally told me as long as I preached the truth they would pray that I might be upheld, but if I preached error they should pray that it might fall to the ground. Then, I said, our prayers will be united/ Wednesday, 18.—I attended council with the Twelve Apostles and Bishops Whitney and Miller, at Elder Taylor's. Several communications from the el¬ ders abroad were read. It was voted that the profits arising from Disposition of the publication of the Book of Mormon and Arisfn/'from Book of Doctrine and Covenants be devoted ‘heOmrcS* to the priesthood for the building up of the Works - kingdom of God. Thursday, 19.—At home waiting upon my wife who was very sick. The saints called upon me for counsel and direction. Friday, 20.—Attending to ordinances in behalf of 18 Vol. 7 274 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 the saints, and laying hands on the sick. The Lord is with me continually. Saturday, 21.—I visited the saints accompanied by Elders Kimball and Lyman. Received a letter from Opposition of Elder Jedediah M. Grant relating the slan- wlnchester derous course pursued by Elder B. Win- Keported. chester against the Twelve, and informing us that at the Philadelphia conference he refused to vote to sustain the Twelve asserting that they gagged him while on his trial at Nauvoo. Sunday, 22.—I preached to the congregation of the saints on the priesthood: had a good time. High priests’ quorum met at the Masonic Hall. Elder George A. Smith preached. Evening, attended council. Murray McConnel, Esq., governor’s agent from Mor- Affidavit gan county arrived in Nauvoo, and Elder MSderers h of John Taylor made affidavit against Thomas the Prophet, q Sharp and Levi Williams, two of the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Monday, 23.—The first capital weighing about two tons was raised on to the walls of the Temple. This evening, Sheriff Deming came into Nauvoo for a Mormon posse to take Sharp and Williams. The Twelve decided that it was imprudent to take [use] Mormons for that purpose and advised him accord¬ ingly. Received some arms and ammunition from the brethren in St. Louis, by the hands of Thomas Mc¬ Kenzie. Tuesday, 24.—I attended a council at Winsor P. selection of Lyons; six of the brethren of the Twelve Seventies and were present, and Elder Joseph Young; we iiiKh Priests, selected seventy presidents to preside over the seventies* and fifty high priests to preside over different sections of the country. The Quincy Greys under Captain Morgan and a company of Germans under Captain Swinder arrived ♦Sec ch. xxii. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 275 from Quincy and encamped in the east part of the city. These captains expected a general officer to direct their movements and expressed their astonishment at his non¬ arrival. Received a letter from David Clayton containing an account of the sayings and doings of Lyman Wight, his opposition to the Twelve and Clayton’s reasons for leaving Wight’s company. Wednesday, 25.—Sheriff Deming asked Attempt to for wagons to take the Quincy militia to M„ r e derers Warsaw to arrest Sharp. The marshal ° f the Prophet, furnished teams and wagons, when the militia said they had no orders from the governor to go. An attempt was made under the directions of the governor’s agent to arrest Thomas C. Sharp, but failed; it was reported that Colonel Levi Williams ran away. Received a letter from Elder William A. Moore per¬ taining to the malicious and wicked course of Ben Win¬ chester. Thursday, 26.—I attended a council held at my house. Benjamin Winchester and wife were cut off from the church. The Quincy militia escorted about town by the Nau- voo Band. Held a council at the Temple Office and Night appointed four watchmen to watch the Temple tonight, some of Wight’s company fo^the have come to town and they report that they have come to deface the capitals, and burn the lumber round the Temple. General Charles C. Rich wrote the following: 'To His Excellency, Thomas Ford, Governor of the State of Illinois and Commander-in-chief of the Militia. Sir : I received your letter by the hand of Major Bills last evening after dark and hastened to lay before you such information as is in my possession in regard to the movements at Warsaw and Carthage. The deputy sheriff arrived here last evening and informed us that he was at Warsaw and apprehended Thomas C. Sharp who was rescued from his hands by the citizens of Warsaw who stated that they would not let him be taken, law or no law, governor or no governor. 276 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Judge Lot who also arrived here last evening from Quincy, passed through the neighborhood of Warsaw, and informed us that the country was in commotion, and that they had dispatched runners in all directions to raise a force and have it in readiness to act in defiance of all law; from all we have learned there is not much force assembled as yet in Carthage or Warsaw. Everything is perfectly quiet here; we were, however, a little surprised on the arrival of two companies of militia from Quincy, such things being altogether unsuspected by us, having received no infor¬ mation from you in regard to such movements. I had a conference with General Miller since the receipt of your letter, who informs me that he has as yet received no letter from you, though he has been expecting an answer for several days, conse¬ quently we are left in the dark in regard to your instructions for our intended movements. Permit me sir, to introduce to your acquaintance Major John Pack and Mr. Snow, gentlemen, in whom we repose the utmost confidence and to whom you can communicate anything you wish concerning us.' I received the following: 'SPECIAL ORDER NO. 10 Camp Pulasky, Sept. 26, 1844. To the Commander of the Nauvoo Legion : General Hardin having been commanded by the governor and commander-in-chief to take command of the Nauvoo Legion in the event of their being called into service will review the Legion tomorrow the 27th at 1 o'clock, p. m. It is not intended as a muster of the Legion into service but as a parade for inspection and review. By order of Brigadier-General, [Signed] J. J. HARDIN, W. B. Warren, Brigade-Major. Commanding Illinois Volunteers. Friday, 27.—This was the day set apart by the an¬ ti-Mormons for the great ‘wolf hunt’. A little before noon the governor and two of his aids arrived in Nauvoo. After viewing the Temple they went down towards the Mansion. About two p. m. his troops marched into the city, about five hun¬ dred in number. They had three six-pounders with them, two of which were brass. The whole company, halted on the first vacant block on the flat and tarried there some time. Many of the men visited the font and the Temple: they appeared astonished, but were civil. a. d. 1844] history of the church 277 I received my commission as lieutenant-general, and Charles C. Rich his as major-general. Governor Ford said he had come to execute the law and was ready to proceed against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith as fast as the people get out writs. He issued a Proclamation offering a reward of two hundred dollars each for the arrest of Sharp, Jack- son and Williams, and announced his intention of tak¬ ing all the arms from this part of the state. His troops numbered four hundred and seventy, all that would volunteer in nine counties to help maintain the su¬ premacy of the laws in Hancock and bring murderers to justice. Saturday, 28.—I sent the following: PRESIDENT YOUNG’S LETTER TO GOVERNOR FORD ‘Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion. Sept. 28, 1844. His Excellency, Thomas Ford, Governor and Commander-in-Chief : Sir: The review of the Nauvoo Legion will take place this day at twelve m., at which time the commander-in-chief, with his staff, is respectfully solicited to accept an escort from the Legion and be present at the review. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, Lieutenant-General, Nauvoo Legion. By E. H. Derby, Secretary.’ I reviewed the Legion. The governor, General J. J. Hardin and staff were present. Appropriate salutes were fired on the occasion. The Legion made a creditable and soldier-like ap¬ pearance. Several of the staff officers of the Legion ap¬ peared in uniform without arms, which the governor regarded as a hint to remind him of his disarming the Legion previous to the massacre of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Four p. m., the governor marched his militia force about three miles down the river and camped in the woods. 278 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 The governor called upon General George Miller to furnish boats to convey his command in the night to Preparatoin Warsaw, who after making the necessary ar- forGOTemor rangements, accompanied by Cyrus H. Ford. Wheelock, two other brethren and one of the governor’s officers, started to inform his Excellency that the boats were ready. On reaching the neighbor¬ hood of the camp the officer requested the brethren to wait until he would go in and speak to the governor; after waiting a few minutes the brethren attempted to go in and see the governor for themselves but were pre¬ vented by a sentinel who cocked his gun. Soon after three rounds of musketry were discharged by a detach¬ ment of the governor’s troops, the bullets whistled all around Brother Miller and party, one ball taking effect upon the sentinel who cried out very loudly, ‘I am a dead man’: the officers subsequently remarked that they had forgotten to call in their sentinel. Brother Miller and party rendered the wounded sentinel all the assist¬ ance they could until his comrades from the camp came to his relief, when Brother Miller learned the boats were not wanted; whereupon, accompanied by his party he started back for Nauvoo, when they got a few rods off twenty or thirty guns were fired after them; some of the balls skimmed the road near their feet; but they were preserved by the hand of God.” A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 279 CHAPTER XXII. EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE TO THE CHURCH-MORAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE “Sunday, September 29, 1844.—I [Brigham Young] attended meeting. Elder Parley P. Pratt preached on the duties of saints and advised all the drunkards and thieves to either quit their wickedness or leave the city, and not claim the name of Mormons, he exhorted the saints in the spirit of meekness to cherish the fruits of the Spirit and walk uprightly before God. and deal justly with all men and to shew by their walk and conduct that they had not taken upon them the name of Christ in vain, giving their enemies no occasion to say or print anything against them that was evil. I made a few remarks endorsing the sisters’ penny subscription* for the purpose of procuring glass and nails for the Temple and requested the saints to pre¬ pare themselves to entertain the elders who may be in attendance at conference. Afternoon, I went to the Seventies’ Hall AU the First and ordained the sixty-three members of the Q u t ° h ™“ venty First Quorum of the Seventy to be presi- ?^ n e f ts dents over the quorums from the second to the tenth inclusive. The high priests’ quorum met. Considerable sickness reported throughout the city and many deaths. Monday. 30.—I breakfasted at Elder Heber C. Kim¬ ball’s. We laid hands on the sick and visited Mother Smith. Evening, went to the military school held at the Masonic Hall. Afterwards attended council with the ♦This sisters’ "penny fund" system was instituted by Patriarch Hyrum Smith. 280 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Elder Marks' Ball Boycotted. Twelve and concluded to use our influence to prevent the brethren and sisters from attending the ball which William Marks, landlord of the Nauvoo Mansion was making arrangements for; the same to come ofF on Wednesday evening in the dining room of the Mansion, which was still stained with the blood which flowed from Joseph and Hyrum, as their bodies lay in said room preparatory to burial. Tuesday, October 1.—Evening, attended a meeting of the quorum for prayer: a very interesting session. AN EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE, ‘To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Greeting : Dear Brethren: Having promised in our former epistles to address you from time to time, we now proceed to give you further information relative to the welfare of the church both temporally *Erflsfie tS ° f thc an d spiritually; the building up of Nauvoo; the gathering of the saints; the building of the Temple; the establish¬ ment of manufacturing and various branches of industry; the support of the poor, and the preserving of peace, good order, union, love, and truth: to the suppression of vice, and every kind of disorder, evil, and immorality. The Temple, as a great and glorious public work, immediately con¬ nected with the completion of our preparation, and ordinances, touching our salvation and exaltation, and that of our dead, Temple. necessarily claims our first, and most strict attention. And we rejoice to say for the encouragement of all, chat its walls are now ready to receive the capitals, and the arches of the upper story windows; and in fact, seven of the capitals are already reared. The timbers are also being framed, and reared on the inside. In short it is progressing with a rapidity which is truly astonishing. Thc gathering, next claims our attention as a work of salvation, to he accomplished in wisdom and prudence. Your Prophets and Apostles, have often told you, that the saints cannot gather together in large numbers, and be able to enjoy the comforts and Gathering. necessaries of life, without the necessary calculations and preparations for their employment and support. Not only must farms be cultivated, houses built, and mills to grind the corn, but there must be something produced by industry, to send off to market in exchange for cash, and for such other articles as we need. This must be produced, not by singing, or praying, or going to meeting, or visiting, or friendly greetings, or conversation, But , by the united industry, skill . and economy of the whole people. Men, women, A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 281 and children must be well, and constantly employed. In order the more effectually to do this, we must turn our attention to the erection of workshops for the manufacture of every useful article; and wares thus manufactured must find a market, not in Nauvoo alone but in all the wide country, and in cities and towns abroad. If the saints will commence and follow out this plan, and lay out their cash for the raw material, and employ their friends and themselves at home, instead of sending away all our cash for manufactured goods, we can soon produce millions of wealth, and the poor will have no cause of complaint; for among a temperate people thus employed there would soon be no poor except the widow, the orphan, or the infirm, and these could be abundantly provided for. The fact is, we have a country abundantly supplied with natural resources, and calculated for the production of wool, flax, hemp, cotton, and many other articles; and we have water power to any amount; and after all our troubles, a Ad°^anTa C cs prospect of peace and protection; in short everything at Nauvoo S for the encouragement of capitalists and workmen. Come on then, all ye ends of the earth, take hold together, and with a long, strong, steady and united exertion, let us build up a stronghold of industry and wealth, which will stand firm and unshaken amid the wreck of empires and the crash of thrones. In regard to principle and doctrine, we know that we are founded upon the plain and manifest truth as consc'ous revealed from on high; and which is sufficiently manifest n?s S SC o°f US and plain to convince all honest men who look into it, Doctrine, and to confound all who oppose. The main object then which remains to be carried out is to practice accordingly, and to live according to our knowledge. Let the saints now send in their young men who are strong to labor, together with money, provisions, clothing, tools, teams, and every necessary means, such as they know they will want when they arrive, for the purpose of forwarding this work. Brethren, bring all your tithings into the storehouse and prove the Lord, and see if he will not pour out a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive. Yes, brethren, we verily know and bear testimony, that a cloud of blessing and of endowment, and of the keys of the fulness of the priesthood, and of things pertaining to eternal life, is hanging over us, and ready to burst upon us; or upon Awaiting as many as live worthy of it, so soon as there is a place ifessings. found on earth to receive it. Therefore, let no cun¬ ningly devised fable, no false delusive spirit, or vision, no man or set of men who go out from us, but are not of us, have any influence on your minds for a moment, to draw your minds away from this all 282 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 important work. But enter steadily and regularly upon a strict observance of the law of tithing, and of freewill offerings, till Jehovah shall say it is enough; your offerings are accepted: then come up to the House of the Lord, and be taught in his ways, and walk in his paths; yea, enter his sanctuary; and receive the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment-^ praise for the spirit of heaviness. In order to do this we must not only be industrious and honest, in providing abundantly for our temporal wants, and for those for whom duty and charity bind us to act, but we must abstain from all intemperance, immorality and vice of whatever name or nature; we must set an example of virtue, modesty, temperance, continency, cleanliness, and charity. And be careful not to mingle in the vain amusements and sins of the world. In nearly all cities or towns of an extensive population there are certain vices, or crimes, not exactly tolerated by law, but yet, borne with by the people as a kind of unavoidable or necessary Against Vice evil; such, for instance, as gambling, drunkenness vain Forms. US and wicked amusements and allurements, directly calculated to corrupt the morals of the people and lead them from the paths of virtue and truth. Among the most con¬ spicuous and fashionable of these we might mention, balls, dances, corrupt and immodest theatrical exhibitions, magical performances, etc., all of which are apt not only to have an evil tendency in them¬ selves, but to mingle the virtuous and the vicious in each others society; not for the improvement of the vicious but rather to corrupt the virtuous. Nauvoo is now becoming one of the largest towns of the west, and as it was founded, and is still in a great measure managed by the saints, we greatly desire the united influence of all wellwishers 1:0 our society, and to good order and morality, to cooperate with us in pre¬ serving the general peace and quiet, and in suppressing these and all other vices and evils. Or, to be plain on the subject, we wish to suppress all grogshops, gambling houses, and all other disorderly houses or proceedings in our city, and to tolerate no intemperance or vice in our midst. And so far at least as the members of the church are concerned, we would advise that balls, dances, and other vain and useless amusements be neither countenanced nor patronized; they have been borne with, in some instances heretofore for the sake of peace and good will. But it is not now a time for dancing or frolics but a time of mourning, and of humiliation and prayer. If the people were all righteous, it would do to dance, and to have music, feasting and merriment. But what fellowship has Christ with Belial? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? or what union have the sons and daughters of God with the children of this world, who fear not God nor regard man. All amusements in which saints A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 283 and sinners are mingled tends to corruption, and has a baneful influence in religious society. There are amusements which are at once both innocent, instructive, and entertaining; and which the saints can enjoy, in honor to them¬ selves, and without mingling with the world. Such for instance, as musical concerts, philosophical and astronomical exhibitions, etc. These, together with our religious devotions, and the increase of light, knowl¬ edge and intelligence which flows like a flood of glory from the upper world, are quite sufficient to exercise all our powers of enjoyment. As the business of the conference is now fast crowding upon our time, we must cut short this communication by informing you that an organization and arrangement is now in progress, by which high priests and presiding officers will be ap- ^Effective pointed over each district of country, throughout the Administra- union, who will have entire charge, under the direction of the Twelve of all spiritual matters, superintending the labors of the elders and the calling of conferences. Arrangements will also be made, for the proper payment and reception of tithing, so that it may be duly .received by responsible agents and recorded. Of these particulars you will receive further communication from us soon. Done in council at Nauvoo, this first day of October, A. D. 1844. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President.' Wednesday, 2.—At ten a. m., a council of the Twelve met at Elder Kimball’s. Elder A. W. Babbitt read a letter from Oliver Cow- dery. Governor Ford disbanded his troops, sharp and Sharp and Williams have given themselves Alleged 9 ' up and gone to Quincy under a contract with ^" r p"„ e p r h e ? f the governor. Surrender. Friday, 4.—I went up to the Temple in the fore¬ noon. Attended council with the Twelve, the bishops and the Temple Committee at Sister Emma Smith’s and expressed our feelings and intentions to her. Elder Woodruff preached through the Labors of eastern states while traveling on his mission ^j rufI to England. He had an interesting time Among^ among his relatives at his father’s house in Farmington, Connecticut, and this evening ordained his Uncle, Ozem Woodruff, a high priest.” 284 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 CHAPTER XXIII. MINUTES OF THE IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF OCTO¬ BER 6th to 8th, 1844— the church set in order —DUTIES OF THE PRIESTHOOD EXPOUNDED— ECONOMICS CONSIDERED " Sunday, October 6, 1844.—From the Times and Seasons (p. 682). OCTOBER CONFERENCE MINUTES ‘City of Nauvoo, Oct. 6, 1844. Thousands having arrived on the ground by ten o’clock a. m. Elder Parley P. Pratt called the people to order. Singing by the choir—prayer by Elder Phelps. Some instructions were given by Elder Pratt, when President Brigham Young having arrived, arose to lay before the brethren the matters to be attended to during the conference. THE DISCOURSE OF PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG ‘This day' [he said], ‘will be devoted to preaching and instruction, and we will attend to business tomor¬ row. If the Twelve could have had their desires when they returned home, they would have set their houses in order, and devoted themselves to fasting and prayer. The Reasons It has not been the Twelve who desired to Ha’S" f °n Set- have business which pertains to this con- rio n n g o* h LeBi““' ference transacted previous, it was others Convening*the who urged it on. Some elders who have conference. known the organization of the church from the beginning, have faltered and become darkened. We feel to give the necessary instruction pertaining to the church, and how it has been led, etc. It is necessary that the saints should also be instructed relative to A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 285 building the Temple, and spreading the principles of truth from sea to sea, and from land to land until it shall have been preached to all nations, and then ac¬ cording to the testimony of the ancients, the end will come. When the Lord commences to work upon the earth he always does it by revealing his will to some man on the earth, and he to others. The church is built up by revelation, given from day to day according to the requirements of the people. The Lord will not cease to give revelations to the people, unless, the people trample on his laws and forsake and reject him. I re¬ quest that the Latter-day Saints may pray that we may have the outpouring of the Spirit that we may hear, and I wish them to pray for me that I may have strength, and that I may make every principle I speak upon so perfectly plain, that we may all understand as quick as when we talk together upon our daily matters. ‘This church has been led by revelation, and unless we forsake the Lord entirely, so that the priesthood is taken from us, it will be led by revelation all the time. The question arises with some who has the , right to revelation? I will not ascend any Led by i i i • iii • t 7 Revelation. higher than a priest, and ask. the priest what is your right? You have the right to receive the ad¬ ministration of angels. If an angel was to come to you and tell you what the Lord was going to do in this day, you would say you had a revelation. The president of the priests has a right to the Urim and Thummim, which gives revelation. He has the right of receiving visits from angels. Every priest then in the church has the right of receiving revelations. Every member has the right of receiving revelations for themselves, both male and female. It is the very life of the church of the living God, in all ages of the world. The Spirit of Truth is sent forth into all the world to reprove the world of sin and unrighteousness, and of a judgment to come. If we were here today and had never heard this gospel, and a man was to come bounding into our 286 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 midst, saying, he had come to preach the gospel, to tell us that God was about to restore the priesthood, and save the people, etc., it would be your privilege, and my privilege to ask God in the name of Jesus Christ, as individuals, concerning this thing, whether it was of God, and get a testimony from God that it was true, and this would be revelation. Let us take some of these old fathers for an example, they have heard the gospel, they have been baptized, etc., had hands laid on them for the gift of the Holy Ghost—he has got a family of children, he has been led all his days by his own spirit, but now begins to come to understand he has the right to bow before the Lord and receive instruction from God, from day to day, how to manage his family, his farm, his merchandise, and to govern all the affairs of his house. I will take some of my younger brethren who have received the gospel, they have been ordained an elder to hold the keys, etc. What is your privilege? It is your privilege to go and preach the gospel to the world, and to go by the power of the Holy Ghost, and you have no right to go without it. You have been ordained to go forth and build up the kingdom to a certain extent. No man ever preached a gospel dis¬ course, nor ever will, unless he does it by revelation. You will do it by the Holy Ghost, or when you tell the history of the gospel, the gospel will not be there. It has got to be done by revelation or the gospel you have not got, and when you preach, the people will still be left without the gospel. There never was a prophet on the earth that dictated to the people, but he dictated their temporal affairs as well as spiritual. It is the right Seif-Guidance of an individual to get revelations to guide by Revelation, himself. It is the right of the head of a fam¬ ily to get revelations to guide and govern his family. It is the right of an elder when he has built up a church to get revelations to guide and lead that people until he leads them and delivers them up to his superiors. An elder will always be a little in advance of those whom he has raised up if he is faithful.’ A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 287 He [President Young] next showed how the saints are delivered up in their progress from those who give them up to the high council, and from the high council to the prophet, and from the prophet to the son, the elder brother, and from the son to his father. (Then continued) — ‘Are the keys of the kingdom taken from Joseph? Oh no; well then he still lives. He that believes in Jesus as Joseph did, they will never die. The Ke y ? of They may lay down their lives, but they still T^kenlrom” 01 hold the keys. You are not going to be led Joseph - without revelation. .The Prophet has stepped behind the veil and you have the right to obtain revelations for your own salvation. Who stood next to the Prophet when he was here. You have all acknowledged that the Twelve were the Presidents of the whole church when Joseph was not; and now he has stepped behind the veil, he is not here, and the Twelve are the Presi¬ dents of the whole church. When did Joseph become a Prophet? I can tell you, when he became an Apostle.* Years and years before he had the right of holding the keys of the Aaronic priesthood, he was a Prophet, even before he was baptized. There has been a perfect flood of revelation poured from this stand all the time and you did not know it. Every spirit that confesses that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, that he lived and died a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true, is of God, and every spirit that does not is of anti-Christ. ‘It is the test of our fellowship to believe The Te! * of and confess that Joseph lived and died a Fel, 0 WSh 'P- Prophet of God in good standing; and I don't want ♦This remark is a bit confusing because as a matter of fact Joseph Smith did not receive the Apostleship before he was baptized, for he was baptized on the visit of John the Baptist who restored the keys of the Aaronic priesthood May 15. 1829; and the restoration of the Apostleship came to him and Oliver Cowdery somewhat later, most likely sometime in June. 1829. But President Young had in mind the fact of Joseph Smith becoming a Prophet from the time when he received his First Vision of God the Father and of the Son. early in the spring of 1820 and this constituted him a witness for God and likewise a Prophet: but he did not become authoritatively a Prophet to the church until he had been made an Apostle: for as stated by St. Paul, the order of these officers in the church is—"God hath set some in the church first apostles, secondarily prophets." etc. (I Cor. xii:28.) 288 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 anyone to fellowship the Twelve who says that Joseph is fallen. If you don’t know whose right it is to give revelations, I will tell you, It is I. There never has a man stood between Joseph and the Twelve, and unless we apostatize there never will. If Hyrum had lived he would not have stood between Joseph and the Twelve, but he would have stood for Joseph.—-Did Joseph ordain any man to take his place? He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum, but, Hyrum fell a ordained "to martyr before Joseph did. If Hyrum had Prophet's lived he would have acted for Joseph, and then when we had gone up, the Twelve would have sat down at Joseph’s right hand, and Hy¬ rum on the left hand. The Bible says God hath set in the church, first Apostles, then comes Prophets, after¬ wards, because the keys and power of the Apostleship are greater than that of the Prophets. Sidney Rigdon cannot hold the keys without Joseph, if he had held the keys with Joseph and been faithful he would have been with us. If the Twelve do not apostatize they carry the keys of this kingdom wherever they go.’ He [President Young] concluded by requesting all the brethren to tarry with us until all the business is through. The meeting adjourned by blessing from Elder Heber C. Kimball, until 2 o’clock. ELDER JOHN TAYLOR’S DISCOURSE Two o’clock p. m .—The meeting was opened as usual by singing; and prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps. After which Elder John Taylor arose and addressed the people. He said it was with peculiar feelings that he arose to address the congregation. ‘This is the first general conference’ [he said], ‘that has been held, where your beloved Prophet and Patri¬ arch are not present. When I look at the Principles *° many difficulties and severe trials we have Revelation. passed through it fills me with peculiar feel¬ ings. I feel happy to see that the people still A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 289 seem determined to hold on to those principles which have been given to us through revelation. Nothing shall separate us from those principles which we have imbibed, neither life nor death. By the voice of Jeho¬ vah we have been sustained and will be sustained so long as we put our trust in him. We have not followed ‘cunningly devised fables’, but those principles which have come from God. So long as we are sustained and upheld by the arm of Jehovah, we shall stand: mobs may rage, and the rulers may imagine vain things; but God has said, touch not mine anointed and do my people no harm; and if harm does befall them, woe to that man by whom it comes. If our Prophets have been taken, they are gone to plead our cause before the Father. And if we are deprived of their persons, presence and counsel, that is no reason why we should be deprived of the counsel of God to direct us in all our movements whilst pressing on our journey here below. We are in possession of the same principles, the same priesthood, the same medium of communication and intelligence, and of those things which will not only secure our happiness here, but hereafter. When we speak of these matters, we speak of things which we know assuredly, and although our Prophet and Patri¬ arch are taken, all things pertaining to our salvation will roll on and progress with as great rapidity, and can be as effectually secured and accomplished as if they [Joseph and Hyrum | were here themselves. God has secured to us those things in relation to our salvation which have been in his bosom since the world Perpetuation began. He has in his providence seen fit to g*,^ i0 * lan of call our brethren to himself; but he has left others to take their places, who can teach us principles and lead us to those things whereby we may ultimately be clothed with glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. If we had built upon a false foundation we might have made a mistake in relation to our gathering to¬ gether to be instructed; but we had not; our present revelations agree with the past. The prophets said 19 Vol. 7 290 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH | A D. 1X-H that the people would gather together, ‘those who had made a covenant with God by sacrifice’, and the word and purpose of God must stand unchanged, they do not rest upon any mere casualty. Did the Prophet ever tell us that if a certain man should happen to die we should scatter abroad? No! no such thing ever ema¬ nated from the lips of God. We assembled together to fulfill the revelations of the Great Jehovah, to bring about the dispensation of the fulness of times, to build up a Zion to the Most High; that he might be glorified. We assembled here to bring about great events, to fulfill the things spoken of by the prophets and secure to ourselves an inheritance in the everlasting kingdom of God. Shall we then be led about by the foolish notions of any man? No! we will not, but we will accomplish those things which are commanded us. We will not be diverted from our course, though earth and hell oppose. Shall we fear the puny arm of man, or the prating of a wretched mobocrat? No! What have we to fear? We have nothing but God to fear. ‘It is true we have not much to live for, and if we have no hope beyond the grave we should be of all men Hopes of the most miserable. We are oppressed, and ' S h in, ( 3 Beyond slandered and persecuted all the day long; all that I care for is to do the will of God, and secure to myself all those blessings which the gospel will warrant me. I have been brought to the gates of death, but I don’t fear it; I care nothing about it. You feel as I do in relation to these matters, for your conduct has proven it during the late difficulties. I know that the majority of the people are endeavoring to serve God with all their hearts, and are they not prepared to die? There is nothing in death we have to fear; it; is not half as much to die as it is to be persecuted all the day long. Our great object then is to accomplish the thing that we set out for. When we gathered together ve expected to meet tribulation; the elders that preached to you told you this or else they did not do A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 291 their duty. We have been told there would Expectation of be earthquakes in divers places, and pesti- Tribulation - lence, and war, and persecution, and distress, and famine. Do these things move us? If the bud is so bitter I wonder what the fruit will be. Don’t you expect to be worse off than you are now. John saw an innumerable company and wanted to know where they came from; it was told to him that they are they which came out of great tribulation. That is the path we have to tread. The scripture says: ‘woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you’; but that curse has never come upon us, for there are some few here and there who will not speak well of us. But ‘blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for Christ’s sake.’ Do you think there is any more evil that they have not said? If there is, let it come. What is it that makes you to be evil spoken of? you used to have a good name and reputation where you resided; what is the reason you are now so much spoken against? You have dared to believe the gospel; you have dared to obey it; and that is the reason why the world hates you. I know there is not a better set of men than these by which I am surrounded; I know there is not a more virtuous set of people on the earth, H igh standing and yet all manner of evil is spoken of you. ° 0 \ n?w‘ s S hall we cry and go mourning all day long? Dis P ensation - No, we will rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is our reward in heaven. I feel to rejoice; we have cause to rejoice for all manner of evil is spoken against us falsely, and I will say hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. What did we know of God, of religion, of heaven or hell, until it was made known to us through this gospel? We knew nothing. Why are we taking so much pains to build that Temple? That we may fulfill certain ordinances, and receive cer¬ tain endowments and secure to ourselves an inheritance in the eternal world. Every man, woman and child within the sound of my voice, are interested in the 292 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 building of that Temple. We know very little as a people yet, we don’t know so much as the former day saints. The Savior said to his disciples, ‘whither I go ye know, and the way ye know’; but how many of you know the locality of the Savior and the way to go to him? I know there are some here who know how to save themselves and their families, and it is this which occupies their attention all the day long, and it was this which occupied the attention cf our beloved Prophet. Abraham obtained promises through the gospel, from God, for himself and his posterity. There were some upon this continent who also ob¬ tained promises, in consequence of which the Book of Mormon came forth. The first thing we have got to do is to build the Temple, where we can receive to Buna the t ^ lose blessings which we so much desire. nr?t p Dufy e Never mind mobocrats, but let us do what God has commanded us. You that are liv¬ ing at a distance, don’t fear these cursed scoundrels; we are all in the hands of God; we are all the servants of God; and we are going forth to do the things of God.’ He [Elder Taylor] exhorted the saints to be virtu¬ ous, humble and faithful, and concluded by blessing the saints. He said further, in relation to the baptisms for the dead, that it would be better for the saints to go on and build the Temple before we urge our baptisms too much. There are cases which require being attended to, and there are provisions made for them; but as a general thing he would advise them not to be in too great a hurry. He said one of the clerks had asked Baptism for whether any should be baptized who had Tithing! 1 * and not P 3 ^ their tithing; it is our duty to pay our tithing, one-tenth of all we possess, and then one-tenth of our increase, and a man who has not paid his tithing is unfit to be baptized for his dead. It is as easy for a man who has ten thousand dollars to pay one thousand, as it is for a man who has but A. D. 184-4] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 293 a little to pay one-tenth. It is our duty to pay our tithing. If a man has not faith enough to attend to these little things, he has not faith enough to save himself and his friends. It is a man’s duty to attend to these things. The poor are not going to be deprived of these blessings because they are poor; no, God never reaps where he has not sown. This command is harder for the rich than the poor; a man who has one million dollars, if he should give one hundred thou¬ sand, he would think he was beggared forever. The Savior said, how hardly do they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven. BISHOP MILLER'S REMARKS Bishop Miller arose to say that on yesterday the bishops had to go in debt to get some wood to save some poor from suffering; and they wanted to take up a collection to pay the amount; he was opposed to taking up a collection in the congregation, but necessity required it on this occasion. After the collection was taken up the conference adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock. Monday, October 7th, 1844, 10 o’clock, a. m.— Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt, after which President Young arose to exhort the saints to keep their minds on the business before them, and not to be in a hurry to get away. SUSTAINING OF THE SEVERAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CHURCH The first business that we shall attend to will be to present the several quorums before the conference, for the purpose of taking an expression of the brethren and sisters, whether they will sustain the officers according to their several appointments. I shall therefore give way, and I am to hear motions and present them to the conference for their action: wherefore, It was moved by Elder Heber C. Kimball, that we 294 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 18-44 as a church endeavor to carry out the principles and measures heretofore adopted and laid down by Joseph Smith as far as in us lies, praying Almighty God to help us to do it. This motion was put to the con¬ ference by President Young and carried unanimously. Policies of President Young said by way of expla- Hy™m smith nation, that this is as much as to say that we sustained by receive and acknowledge Joseph jSmith as a Prophet of God; being called of God and maintaining his integrity and acceptance until death. Elder Heber C. Kimball then moved that we carry out all the measures of Hyrum Smith, a Prophet and Patriarch in the church, so far as in us lies [the power], by the help of God. This motion was also carried unanimously. President Young said, this is an acknowledgment that he lived approved of God and died a martyr for the truth. Elder W. W. Phelps moved that we uphold Brig¬ ham Young the president of the Quorum of the Twelve, as one of the Twelve and the First Presidency of the Church. This motion was duly seconded, and put to the church by Elder John Smith (Uncle of the Prophet) and carried unanimously. Moved by President John Smith and seconded, that we receive Elder Heber C. Kimball as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Car¬ ried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder Orson Hyde as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder Parley P. Pratt as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder William Smith as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 295 Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder Orson Pratt as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder John E. Page as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder Willard Richards as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder Wilford Woodruff as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that we receive Elder John Taylor as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that we receive Elder George A. Smith as one of the Twelve, and that he be sustained as such by the church. Carried unanimously. Moved by Elder H. C. Kimball, that Elder Amasa Lyman stand in his lot.* The motion was seconded. President Young said by way of explana- An ExpIana . tion that Elder Amasa Lyman is one of the [£^ t b |3r Twelve, just in the same relationship as he ' *"* ° uns sustained to the First Presidency. He is one in our midst and a counselor with us. The motion was then presented and carried unani¬ mously. Moved and seconded, and after some discussion, car¬ ried unanimously that Elder Lyman Wight be sustained in his office to fill the place of Elder David W. Patten | martyred at Crooked River Battle, Missouri], but not *Lyman to stand in his lot . It will be observed here that if Amasa M. Lyman had been accounted as one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the quorum would have had thirteen in it instead of twelve. Elder Lyman had been ordained as an Apostle, and filled a vacancy that had been made by dropping Orson Pratt from the quorum before the death of the Prophet, but when Orson Pratt had been reinstated in his quorum, and the Prophet had decided that the action of the Twelve was illegal because it was not a majority that acted in the case, President Smith took Elder Lyman into the Council of the First Presidency and he was the Prophet's counselor, and now he was made counselor to the Twelve., as he had been to the Prophet—hence "Lyman to stand in his lot”. (c. f. This History, vol. v. ch. xiii). 296 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D 1844 to take his crown, for that, as the Lord has said, no man can take.* Elder Snow moved that George Miller be received as president of the high priests’ quorum. Carried unanimously. President John Smith moved that William Marks be sustained in his calling as president of this [Nauvoo] stake. Elder W. W. Phelps objected inasmuch as the high council had dropped him from their quorum. Elder S. Bent explained and said the reason why the high council dropped Elder Marks, was because he did not acknowledge the authority of the Twelve, but the authority of Elder Rigdon. Difference of President Young said that a president of Effect re 'in e 0 a stake could be dropped without taking his officers^from standing from him in the church. But not so with the First Presidency or the Twelve. A president of a stake is only called for the time being, if you drop him he will fall back into the high priests’ quorum. The motion was then put, but there were only two votes. The contrary vote was put and carried by an overwhelming majority. Elder H. C. Kimball moved that Elder John Smith stand as the president of this stake. Carried unani¬ mously. President Young then said, the Macedonia church must select their own man for a president, as Elder John Smith is coming here. President John Smith moved that Elder Charles C. Rich be one of his council. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that S. Bent, James Allred, Dunbar Wilson, George W. Harris, Wm. Huntington, n,e High Sen., Newel Knight, Alpheus Cutler, Aaron Council. Johnson, Henry G. Sherwood, Thomas Grover, Ezra T. Benson, and David Fullmer, be sus¬ tained as the high council. Carried unanimously * Doctrine anJ Covenants, sec. cxxiv:130. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 297 The First Council of the Seventy. Elder H. C. Kimball moved that Elder Joseph Young stand as First President over all the quorums of the seventies. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Levi W. Hancock be sustained as one of the Presidents of Seventies. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Daniel S. Miles be sustained as one of the Presidents of Seventies. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Zerah Pulsipher, be sustained as one of the Presidents of Seventies. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Josiah Butterfield be cut off from the church. Carried unanimously. President Young showed that it was because he had got a little money, and was lifted up. Moved and seconded, that Henry Harriman be sustained as one of the Presidents of Seventies. Carried unanimously. President Young said, that the Seventies [First Council] had dropped James Foster, and cut him off, and we need not take an action upon his case. Moved and seconded, that Jedediah M. Grant take the place of J. Butterfield in the Quorum of Seventies. Carried unanimously. Elder H. C. Kimball moved that N. K. Whitney stand as our first bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, unanimously. Moved and seconded, that George Miller stand as second bishop. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Samuel Wil- The Eldcrs liams retain his office as president of [in] the elders’ quorum. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that Jesse Baker and Joshua Smith be sustained as his counselors. Carried unani¬ mously. The Bishopric. Carried 298 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 The Lesser Moved and seconded, that Stephen M. Priesthood. Farnsworth retain his office as president of the priests. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded, that E. Averett retain his standing as president of the teachers. Carried unani¬ mously. Moved and seconded, that Jonathan H. Hale, Isaac Higbee, John Murdock, David Evans, Hezekiah Peck, Daniel Garns, Jacob Foutz, Tarlton Lewis, and Israel Calkins, be sustained as bishops in their several wards. Carried unanimously. ELDER PARLEY P. PRATT’S DISCOURSE President Young being fatigued gave place for Elder Parley P. Pratt, who got up to preach his ‘old sermon’, [ not said in derision ] viz .: that we continue our united and ceaseless exertions to build this Temple. He re¬ ferred to the discoveries of Elders Rigdon and Samuel James. They said nothing about building the Temple, the city, feeding the poor, etc. We heard a great deal about the Mount of Olives—Brook Kedron—Queen Victoria—great battles, etc. This brought to my mind a good text in Webster’s spelling book, ‘The Country Maid and the Milk Pail’. He then went on to show the importance of building the Temple. He bore testi¬ mony that the people had hearkened to the voice of the Lord and to his commandments, and that they were still hearkening, and consequently we should be sus¬ tained here until we shall complete the Temple and receive our endowments. He showed the consequences if we did not build it, ‘that we should be rejected as a people with our dead.’ When the elders go abroad to teach the people, let them teach what we have to do, and what is depending on us and not spend their time in quoting multitudes of scripture to prove one point. We want to build up Nauvoo, never mind Gog and Magog, the Brook Kedron, etc., never mind the old countries; God has something to do there by and by, but not just now. He recommended the brethren to A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 299 make improvements and enlarge themselves without fear, for we shall not be moved till God suffers it. We are the only people who do not fear death, we have no need to fear it. He next said he would give the people a little religious advice. He advised those who had means to go to getting sheep to consume the vegetation and raise wool, by which means our women would be well employed in manufacturing the wool. He said in a proper time we will have gold and silver, and food and clothing, and palaces in abundance, we will create it by our labor. President Young advised the saints to come after intermission prepared to tarry till evening if necessary. They [the authorities] have much instruction to give and want an opportunity to give it. He advised the saints to call and get Orson Pratt’s Mormon Almanac which is something new. After some few exhortations he closed the meeting till 2 o’clock by blessing. Two o’clock p. m .—Meeting opened by singing, and prayer by Elder John Taylor, after which Elder Taylor presented a communication from Mr. Small A Rigdonite declaring his full faith in Elder Rigdon’s doctrine. Moved and seconded, that he be cut off from the church. Carried unanimously. ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL'S DISCOURSE Elder Heber C. Kimball addressed the congregation on the principles of salvation by the celestial law. He went on to show the order of the resurrection The and that there are different orders or degrees, Resurr « ti0 ” wherever death finds us the resurrection will take hold of us. ‘We desire to obtain a fulness of celestial glory, but many will be disappointed. It is for this that we pray every day that the Lord will spare our lives that we may obtain it. President Joseph Smith never rested till he had endowed the Twelve with all the power of the priesthood, because he was about to pass within the veil. He designed that we should give it to you and 300 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 you cannot be saved without it. You cannot obtain these things until that house [The Temple] is built. I and my brethren are willing to do all that lays in our power to finish that house for your benefit, that you may go where Joseph is gone. We have got to carry out Joseph s measures and you have got to assist us. When Jesus was upon the earth his time was spent in endow¬ ing the Twelve Apostles that they might do the things he had left undone and carry out his measures, and upon the same principle we carry out Joseph’s measures. We have no rest—don’t sleep half as much as you do. We need your prayers. It is necessary to put away all wickedness from our midst, all grogshops and bad houses. Drunkenness An Evil to be and such things will be our overthrow if we put Away ' are ever overthrown. The best way to put these things away is to never frequent such places. It is necessary for us to put away all this frolicking and dancing over the blood of the Prophet, where it was drenched by the blood from the coffin.* When the Prophet had a dance at his house he said everything against it he could, and now men go and practice the same things. Shall we put these things away? I say yes. We have got an ungodly race here among us who are leading our young people away. They will open their doors and let men go in and say everything against the Twelve and the church they are capable of. I never frequent such places; I cast them far from me. A.re you not under the same obligations and responsi¬ bility, ye elders, high priests, teachers, deacons and members?’ He then went on to show that the saints could not obtain the blessings they want until the Temple is finished. We want all to pay their tithing that they may receive the blessings. PRESIDENT YOUNG PRESENTS A PATRIARCH President Young arose and said that it had been ♦See page 280 this volume. A. D. 18441 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 301 moved and seconded that Asael Smith* should be or¬ dained to the office of patriarch. He went on to show that the right to the office of Patriarch to the whole church belonged to William Smithf as a legal right by- descent. Uncle Asael [however] ought to receive the office of [a] patriarch in the church. The motion was put and carried unanimously. President Young wanted to say a few words on the principle of tithing. ‘There has been so much inquiry it becomes irksome: the law is for a man to The Principle pay one-tenth of all he possesses for the «/"Tithing p e erecting of the House of God, the spread of Lxpounded the gospel, and the support of the priesthood. When a man comes into the church he wants to know if he must reckon his clothing, bad debts, lands, etc. It is the law to give one-tenth of what he has got, and then one-tenth of his increase or one-tenth of his time. A man comes and says he was sick six months and what is required of me? Why go and pay your tithing for the time you are able to work. Some say they have been preaching and want to know if that doesn’t pay their tithing? Well, it will if you want to have it so.’ He then went on to recommend the brethren not to sell their grain but to bring it into the city and store it, and not take it to Warsaw. He next referred to Lyman Wight’s going away be- ♦This was the son of Asael Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph's father, who was the first Presiding Patriarch to the church. Asael Smith, here proposed as a patriarch in the church, was not made the Presiding Patriarch to the church, as that position was filled at this time by William Smith, the brother of Hyrum Smith, the martyr, who had succeeded his father Joseph Smith, known in our annals as Joseph Smith, Sen. •{■William Smith was subsequently ordained to be the Presiding Patriarch to the whole church. On this subject President Young says in his Ms. History under date of May 24. 1845: "The brethren present expressed their feelings towards Elder William Smith to which he responded. The Twelve then laid their hands upon him and ordained him to be Patriarch to the whole church. There was a warm interchange of good feelings between William Smith and the Quorum" (History of Brigham Young, Ms. 1845, p. 84) But before he was sustained in that position by the church, which in the due order of events would have taken place at the October conference, 1845, his iniquitous life came fully to light and he was rejected by the conference both as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, and as Presiding Patriarch to the church. (See Minutes of the Conference for October 1845, Times and Seasons, vol. vi. p. 1009). On the 12th of October, 1845 he was excom¬ municated from the church (Ibid). 302 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 cause he was a coward, but he will come back and his Reference to company, and James Emmett and his com- WW 9 and pany will come back. How easy would it E a mmltf S be for the Lord if an army of mobs was to Going Away. come within one mile of this place, to turn the northwest winds upon them and with snow, hail and rain, make them so that they would be glad to take care of themselves and leave us alone. He then referred to the Missourians when Joseph and others went to jail, snapping their guns at the brethren but they would not go off, etc. The Lord never let a prophet fall on the earth until he had accomplished his work: and the Lord did not take Joseph until he had finished his work, and it is the greatest blessing to Joseph and Hyrum God could bestow to take them away, for they had suffered enough. They are not the only martyrs that will have to die for the truth. There are men before me today who will be martyrs, and who will have to seal their testimony with their blood. I believe this people is the best people of their age that ever lived on the earth, the church of Enoch not excepted. We want you to come on with your tithes and offerings to build this Temple, and when it is finished we want you to spend a year in it and we will tell you things you never thought of. The Twelve then proceeded to ordain Asael Smith as follows: THE ORDINATION OF A PATRIARCH—ASAEL SMITH 'Brother Asael Smith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we lay our hands upon your head to ordain you to the office of Patriarch in this last Church of Jesus Christ, and we bestow upon you the keys and power, and the right and authority of blessing as a patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ —and we say unto thee, thou shalt be a father to many. Thou shalt feel the Spirit of the Lord more than thou hast ever done before. Thy heart shall be en¬ larged, and it shall be thy delight to bless thy family, and thy posterity, and the fatherless and widow; and the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon you to predict upon the heads of those on whom you lay your hands, things that shall be hereafter even in the eternal world. We ask thee O Lord in the name of Jesus Christ that thou wouldst send thy Spirit upon this thy servant, that his heart may circumscribe the wisdom and A. LX 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 303 knowledge of this world, and be enlarged so as to comprehend the things of eternity. We say unto thee, thou art blessed: thou art of the royal blood, and of thy lineage shall arise great and powerful men in the earth. We seal upon you the powers we have mentioned with the keys thereof upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ. Thou art the anointed of the Lord, one who shall stand in the latter days and be a pillar in the church of the living God, and one in whom the saints of God may trust to ask counsel. These blessings we seal upon you in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.' THE BUSINESS OF THE CONFERENCE FOR OCTOBER 8TH OUTLINED President Young then said, we want the conference to continue tomorrow for business. We want the high priests’ quorum together. President Miller will organize them on the right of the stand. The Presidents of Seventies will organize all the seventies. We want to select a number of high priests to go through the states to preside over congressional districts. Then we want to have the elders’ quorum organized that we can take out of the elders' quorum and fill up the seventies. We want all the seventies to be here and their presidents. We want them organized and begin to fill up the second quorum and then the third and the fourth to the tenth. The business of the day will be to ordain the Presidents of the Seventies and then fill the quorums of seventies from the elders’ quorums, and select men from the quorum of high priests to go abroad and preside. The conference then adjourned until tomorrow at nine o’clock, by blessing from President John Smith. REMARKS OF ELDER JOHN TAYLOR ON ECONOMIC POLICY TO BE INAUGURATED AT NAUVOO Tuesday Morning, October 8th, 1844.—Previous to opening the services of the day, Elder John Taylor made some remarks on our temporal economy. He proceeded to say that we have the means of wealth within ourselves. ‘We have mechanics of every description from every country; men who are capable of carrying through any branch of manufacture. We want capital to commence 304 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 with; but it is not necessary to wait for a very large amount, for it is safer to go to work with small means, than with an immense sum; for a rich man is very apt to overlook himself, and for want of proper calculation often scatters his means without accomplishing any benefit to the community. We can be made rich by our own enterprise and labor. Look at Great Britain; how have they obtained it? They have obtained it by encouraging their own manufacturers. It is true the poor are oppressed there; but it is not the manufacturers that oppress the people. We are not going to start anything on a large scale; our calculation is to have the saints manufacture everything we need in Nauvoo, and all kinds of useful articles to send abroad through the states and bring money here. Franklin says, ‘time is money’, and we want to spend our time in something that is useful and beneficial. Since we came here we have labored under every disadvantage. We have purchased Nauvoo, and much of the surrounding country, which has taken all our money. We have no need now to purchase more land; we now want to hit upon a plan to enable you to take your hands out of your pockets and build work shops and other places of industry. We have silk weavers, and cotton weavers, and every kind of mechanics that can be thought of. We want these to come together, and we want those who have money to lay it out and find them work. We have men here who can take the raw silk and from that carry it through every process and manufacture the shawls and dresses our women wear. We want to purchase raw cotton and manufacture it into wearing apparel, etc. If we can manufacture cotton, silk and woolen goods, we can keep our money at home; we will encourage home manufacture, as the Quakers do. We want all the cutlers to get together and manufacture our knives and forks, etc., etc. I know that we, as a community, can manufacture every thing we need. But I must now desist as the time to commence meeting has arrived.’ A. D. 1 844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 305 ORGANIZATION OF THE HIGH PRIESTS AND THE SEVENTY Elder Heber C. Kimball now appeared and took charge of the meeting, which was opened by singing and prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps. Elder George A. Smith moved that all.in the elders’ quorum under the age of thirty-five should be ordained into the seventies’, if they are in good standing, and worthy, and will accept it. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Elder Heber C. Kimball stated that President Joseph Young’s wife was very sick and he wished to have her blessed, that brother Young might tarry and perform the duties of his office, and if the congregation would bless her let them say amen, and all the congregation said, amen. He then recommended all those elders who are under the age of thirty-five, and also all the priests, teachers, deacons and members, who are recommended to be ordained, to withdraw and receive an ordination into the seventies, which was done. SPECIAL MISSION APPOINTED TO THE HIGH PRIESTS President Brigham Young then appeared and pro¬ ceeded to select men from the high priests’ quorum, to go abroad in all the congressional districts of the United States, to preside over the branches of the church, as follows: David Evans A. O. Smoot Edson Whipple Harvey Green J. S. Fullmer J. G. Divine J. H. Johnson Lester Brooks J. B. Noble Rufus Fisher D. B. Huntington 20 Vol. 7 Joseph Holbrook John Lawson Abel Lamb J. H. Hale G. D. Watt J. W. Johnson L. T. Coons J. L. Robinson Howard Coray M. Sirrine Pelatiah Brown 306 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH LA. D. IS-H Jefferson Hunt Lorenzo Snow William Snow Noah Packard A. L. Tippets J. C. Kingsbury Jacob Foutz Peter Haws Thomas Gates Simeon Carter Albert Brown Levi Gifford Elijah Fordham Edward Fisher Franklin D. Richards Isaac Clark J. S. Holman Wandell Mace Charles Thompson John Murdock John Chase A. L. Lamoreaux E. T. Benson Thomas Grover C. L. Whitney Addison Everett Moses Clawson William Parks George Colson H. W. Miller Isaac Higbee Daniel Garn E. H. Groves G. P. Dykes Willard Snow Wm. Felshaw Winslow Farr Shadrach Roundy S. B. Stoddard E. D. Woolley Solomon Hancock Abraham Palmer James Brown R. McBride W. D. Pratt Martin H. Peck Morris Phelps D. McArthur Archibald Patten L. H. Ferry Charles Crismon Lyman Stoddard Arnold Stevens David Fullmer Joseph Allen Andrew Perkins Daniel Carter Wm. G. Perkins Graham Coltrin D. H. Redfield Titus Billings Harvey Olumstead Daniel Stanton EXPLANATION OF THE MISSION President Young explained the object for which these high priests were being sent out, and informed them that it was not the design to go and tarry six months and then return, but to go and settle down, where they can take their families and tarry until the A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 307 Temple is built, and then come and get their endow¬ ments, and return to their families and build up a stake as large as this. President Young then selected from the elders' quo¬ rums some to be ordained high priests, whose names for the want of room are omitted for the present. He also selected a number more to go into the seventies after which the remainder of the morning was spent in calling out the several quorums of seventies, and giving charges to the several presidents. Brother Joseph L. Heywood was ordained under the hands of Elder Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Parley P. Pratt, to be a bishop to the church in Quincy, Illinois. Previous to adjournment the Presidents of the Seven¬ ties ordained upwards of 400 into the quorums of the seventies, and the presidents of the high priests’ quorum ordained 40 into their quorum. The meeting then adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m. INSTRUCTIONS TO SEVENTIES AND ELDERS Tivo o’clock p. m .—Conference resumed business. Those presidents of the seventies who were present and had not received an ordination to the presidency over the seventies, were called out and ordained, under the hands of President Joseph Young and others. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in filling up the quorums of seventies, and at the close, eleven quorums were filled and properly organized, and about 40 elders organized as a part of the twelfth quorum. President Brigham Young then said that the elder.® young men who are capable of preaching, will be or¬ dained; ‘but do not be anxious. You must now mag¬ nify your calling. Elders who go to borrowing horses or money, and running away with it, will be cut off from the church without any ceremony. They will not have as much lenity as heretofore. The seventies will have to be subject to their presidents and council. We do 308 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH LA. D. 1844 not want any man to go to preaching until he is sent. If an elder wants to go to preaching let him go into the seventies. You are all apostles to the nations to carry the gospel; and when we send you to build up the king¬ dom, we will give you the keys, and power and author¬ ity. If the people will let us alone we will convert the world, and if they persecute us we will do it the quicker. I would exhort all who go from this place to do right and be an honor to the cause. Inasmuch as you will go forth and do right you shall have more of the spirit than you have heretofore. We have had a good con¬ ference; we have had beautiful weather and no acci¬ dents; and if you will go and do honor to the Lord for this, say amen;’ and all the people said amen. On motion the conference adjourned until the 6th of April next, at 10 o’clock a. m. Meeting dismissed by prayer from Elder Heber C. Kimball. [Signed! BRIGHAM Young, President. Wm. Clayton, Clerk.’ At this conference there were about sixty brethren ordained High priests and four hundred and thirty ordained seventies. Wednesday, 9.—A council of the Twelve was held at my house. At a meeting of the trades called for the purpose of discussing the propriety of manufacturing instead of importing articles of common use in the city of Nauvoo, —John Taylor was appointed chairman and W. W. Phelps, secretary. Industrial Elders John Taylor, Orson Spencer and committee M Phineas Richards were appointed a general committee to devise plans, and confer with the special committees of the several trades.” A. O. 184 11 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 309 CHAPTER XXIV PRELIMINARY STEPS TO THE FORTHCOMING PROSECU¬ TION OF THE MURDERERS OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH-THE WORK IN THE SOCIETY ISLANDS- TEMPLE AFFAIRS-FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENT “Wednesday, October 9, 1844 ( continued) :—Gov¬ ernor Ford wrote the following: LETTER OF GOVERNOR FORD AUTHORIZING CUE USE OF I IIE NAUVOO LEGION FOR PROTECTION OF THE COURTS ‘State of Illinois. Executive Department, Springfield, October 9th, 1844. To Lieutenant-General Brigham Young of the Nauvoo Legion : Sir: It may be probable that there may be further disturbances in Hancock county by those opposed to the prosecutions against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They may combine together in arms to subvert justice and prevent those prosecutions from going on. They may also attack or resist the civil authorities of the state in that county and they may attack some of the settlements or people there with violence. The sheriff of the county may want a military force to guard the court and protect it or its officers or the jurors thereof or the wit¬ nesses attending court from the violence of a mob. In all these cases you are hereby ordered and directed to hold in readiness a sufficient force under your command of the Nauvoo Legion to act under the direction of the said sheriff for the purposes aforesaid: and also to suppress mobs which may be collected in said county to injure the persons or property of any of the citizens. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of state the day and year first herein above written. [Signed] THOMAS FORD, Governor and Commander-in-Chief.’ NOTE ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR S LETTER ‘The enclosed order is one of great delicacy to execute. I have conversed with Mr. Backenstos and others and my opinion is the same as theirs that employing the Legion even legally may call down the vengeance of the people against your city. It if should be the means of getting up a civil war in Hancock I do not know how much force 310 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 I could bring to the aid of government. A force to be efficient would have to be called out as volunteers; a draft would bring friends and enemies alike. I called for twenty-five hundred before and by ordering out independent companies got four hundred and seventy-five. Three of those companies, the most efficient, have since been broken up and would refuse to go again. I should anticipate but a small force to be raised by volunteers. I would not undertake to march a drafted militia there. Two-thirds of them would join the enemy. The enclosed order is more intended as a permission to use the Legion in the manner indicated, if upon the whole matter it is thought advisable, than a compulsory command. Your most wise and discreet councilors and county officer;; will have to act according to their best judgment. [Signed] THOMAS FORD. Thursday, 10.—Elder Heber C. Kimball and my¬ self spent most of the day at Father Ezra Chase’s. Friday, 11.—Evening, I attended prayer meeting at Elder Kimball’s. Saturday, 12.—I met with the city council. Sunday, 13.—Meeting at the stand; Elder Parley P. Pratt preached. The seventies met at their hall; Elder Orson Pratt preached and instructed the seventies in relation to their duties. Tuesday, 15.—Accompanied by Elder Heber C. president Kimball and my brother Lorenzo D. V oung Young's Visit I started for Ottoway. We traveled to Ramus and stayed with Brother Erastus Bingham, where Parley P. Pratt joined us. A meeting of delegates from Trades Committees was held in the Masonic Hall, Nauvoo, John Taylor chair¬ man; at which it was reported that enough had been made manifest to ensure the practicability of making Nauvoo a great manufacturing depot. Wednesday, 16.—Accompanied by the brethren be¬ fore named I traveled to Brother Justus Ames’s near Galesburg, forty miles. Next day, we traveled to LaFayette and stayed with Brother Austin Grant, and on the following day traveled to Providence encounter- A. D. 1844J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 3 1 1 ing a wet snowstorm from which I took cold and suffered from diarrhea: we stayed at a tavern. Saturday, 19.—We drove forty-four miles and ar¬ rived at Ottoway. Sunday, 20.—We held two meetings at Brother Busard’s. Elders Heber C. Kimball and Parley P. Pratt and I preached: we had a profitable time. The seventies met in their hall at Nauvoo. After ordaining presidents who had been selected to preside over the quorums, a call was made by request of the major-general for thirty wagons and ^ Party teams to be in readiness at the hall by day- light tomorrow, with three days’ provisions £> hage and horse feed sufficient for the journey. This call was made to convey witnesses to Carthage in safety, and for protection during the trials at court: as two of our best men were murdered in Carthage in June and that too under the faith and pledge of the state and since caution is the parent of safety, it was deemed inadvisable to venture upon the pledges and promises of others. Monday, 21.—About one hundred and fifty breth¬ ren went from Nauvoo to Carthage early this morning and encamped near Crooked Creek; although they ex¬ hibited no arms their appearance created much excite¬ ment. The company consisted of the city council, police and those concerned in abating the Nauvoo Expositor nuisance with the witnesses and others who had business in Carthage: by encamping they avoided the necessity of paying hotel bills to enemies and the risk of being murdered in their beds. With the brethren accompanying me I dined at Brother Reuben Miller’s, crossed Fox river and pro¬ ceeded to Brother Dunavan’s and remained all night. Tuesday, 22.—We visited the Norwegian branch in La Salle county, and met with the saints in the evening. 312 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Misconduct I received a lengthy communication from smhh U et m ai Elder Wilford Woodruff relative to the in- Reported. judicious course pursued by Elders William Smith, George J. Adams and Samuel Brannan. A correspondent wrote from Carthage to the Nauvoo Neighbor as follows: ‘Court is in session. The mob is here but not in great numbers. They are fierce and vindictive and disposed to do harm if they dare. b They had a violent warlike meeting in the courthouse Movements last night, in which they tried to get up a story that there were two hundred Mormons and three hundred Indians encamped near this place in hostile array for the purpose of an attack on the town. They passed panic resolutions, advising the court to adjourn and threatened if that was not done that they would raise an armed force as they say to protect themselves, but as all know, for the purpose of awing the court and juries and driving off witnesses. Rosevelt, Sharp, Williams and company were the leaders in getting up the excitement. They hope to get it believed abroad that they are about to be attacked by the Mormons as an excuse for some outrage which they wish, but have not the courage to perpetrate.' Wednesday, 23.—In company with Elder Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt and Lorenzo D. Young, I . called the brethren together as a conference Branch Q f the Norwegian branch. We taught the principles of the gospel to them and ap¬ pointed George P. Dykes, high priest, to preside over the Norwegian branch and the saints in that vicinity of country, and ordained Reuben Miller a bishop. We bought one hundred acres of land from Brothers Goodman and Anderson, and thereupon laid out a city. We selected the ground for a meetinghouse and drove the southeast corner stake. We called the city Norway and dedicated it to the Lord. Evening, we ordained Brother Phillip Hammond Busard a high priest and set him apart as a counselor to Brother Dykes. Thursday, 24.—We left Ottoway and drove forty- three miles to Brother Parley P. Pratt’s farm.. We A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 313 found his brother, Anson Pratt, and family well: they were glad to see us. The brethren who went to Carthage returned home to Nauvoo. The members of the city council who were not indicted by the grand jury, were released Returnof from their bonds; eleven brethren were in- dieted for riot: the judge and attorney ad¬ vised the brethren to return to Nauvoo to allay the excitement. The trials are continued until next spring term of court: the Nauvoo Legion is a terror. Brother Hyrum Smith prophesied that the governor would call upon the Nauvoo Legion to maintain the supremacy of the law, which has been fulfilled accord¬ ing to | by! the governor’s late order. Willard Richards was subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury, but being unable and unwilling to go to Carthage application was made to the wniard court to get an attachment for his person, sib^enaeda the attorney averring that it was necessary the CarthaRC to have someone to prove that Joseph and Tnal ' Hyrum were dead, and he presumed that Richards was in possession of that knowledge; the court however refused the attachment as they considered that fact could be proved without bringing a sick man out of his bed. The Twelve all left Nauvoo during the court except Elder Willard Richards who was confined to his bed, and Elder George A. Smith who gave such counsel as the excitement of the times required. WORK IN SOCIETY ISLANDS REPORTED Elder Noah Rogers wrote from Huahine, Society Islands, of date as follows: ‘I have left Tahiti and am now on the Island of Huahine, which is about ninety or one hundred miles distant. The work on Tahiti has got a good start. We baptized several whites, and several more said that they believed and would be baptized soon, and several natives told me when I left Tahiti that they meant to be baptized soon. I left Brother Grouard there, who has got the language very well, and I have no doubt of his faithfulness, because he is a firm and faithful brother, and seeks the good of the kingdom of God. 314 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH lA. D. 1844 I have been but one week on Huahine. I expect soon to obtain a house and preach as there is one or two that show some disposition to assist me in getting one. Almost every white man on this island keeps a grogshop and a gambling house, which is a very bad example for the natives. If you say anything to them about it, they will say that the whites learned [taught] us. They are full of licentiousness, which the sailors are very willing to encourage. When I see sc much iniquity and abomination, it makes me sick to the very heart, and I wonder that the Lord has spared the world so long as he has. There is but one missionary [i. e. sectarian] here, who rules the island, as it were. All the people say that he is a very nice man, but I cannot say so much of him as he refuses to talk with me.' President Young’s Return to Nauvoo. Monday, 28.—I returned to Nauvoo with my brethren, we found our families well. During our absence it was unknown to the people whither we had gone. The Neighbor announced that true bills of indict¬ ment had been found against several persons of Han- indictment of coc k count y> for the murder of Joseph and Murdewf’ 8 Hyrum Smith on the 27th of June last. Among the most conspicuous are, Colonel Levi Williams, Thomas C. Sharp, Mark Aldrich and Jacob C. Davis. The latter a senator in the legislature of Illinois. I attended a council with my brethren of the Twelve, the Trustees, the Temple Committee and Brother Wil¬ liam Weeks the architect at the Temple Office, settling the differences existing between the Temple Committee and Brother Weeks. Thursday, 31.—Elder Heber C. Kimball and I visited the Temple. I called at Sister Snively’s with Brother Parley P. Pratt. Friday, November 1, 1844.—The seventies met at 10 a. m.; President Joseph Young took the lead of business. Brother Eleazur Miller was ordained a pres- seventies' ident and twenty brethren were ordained Meeting. seventies. I addressed the meeting on the subject of Elections, and voting for party candidates. I told them I wish I could communicate my feelings to them without speaking; and gave some of my views in relation to political men, and their principles. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 315 Sunday, 3.—I went to the Seventies’ Hall in the forenoon, attended the high priests’ quorum in the afternoon, and met again with the seventies in the evening. At a conference held in Livonia, Wayne county, Michigan, on the 1st, 2nd and 3d inst., fourteen branches were represented, five elders volunteered to go and preach the gospel, and a resolution was passed to sustain the Twelve and all the authorities in carrying out the commandments of God that have been given through Joseph Smith, our martyred Prophet. The sacrament was administered, and much instruction given on the first principles of the gospel.* Thursday, 7.—With Elders John Taylor and George A. Smith, I visited the Trustees, afterwards visited at Brother Joseph Bates Noble’s with Elder Amasa M. Lyman, Sister Olive Frost and others. A conference was held in New Trenton, Franklin county, Indiana, on the 6th and 7th inst. A good feeling prevailed, the Spirit of God was made manifest. Pres¬ ident David Pettegrew baptized nine persons, and many were believing. Friday, 8.—I went out to Fisher’s Brick Yard and laid hands on the sick. Saturday, 9.—I met with the city council. They passed an ordinance to prohibit the vending of spir¬ ituous liquors in the city under a penalty of not less than $25.00. Sunday, 10.—I preached about two hours to the saints at the meeting ground; many present; had a good time. Evening, seventies met: after the ordinations and business were attended to. Elder George A. Smith ad¬ dressed the meeting on the progress of the kingdom. At a quarterly conference held at St. Louis, present of the Twelve—1, high priests—4, seventies—15, ♦The minutes of the conference were signed by Lyman Stoddard. President. William Burton. Clerk. 316 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Conference at elders—21, priests—13, teachers—2, dea- st. Louis. cons — 5 , members — 172. The congrega¬ tion was large, and notwithstanding the crowd strict attention was given to the interesting discourse of Elder Orson Hyde. During conference seventeen persons joined the branch by letter, and one by baptism. Monday, 11.—Attended council with the Twelve, bishops, high council, mayor and policemen, and trans¬ acted business for the welfare of the church. Tuesday, 12.—I went to the Temple; called on Elders Kimball and Richards and found them recover¬ ing. I attended and addressed a meeting of the various trades of the city; a committee of three were appointed to see to the erection of a cotton factory, inasmuch as the machinery could be obtained. Elders John Taylor and Orson Spencer addressed the meeting. William Clayton recorded the following: 'As I was walking along Front Street, St. Louis, I saw a man engaged cutting a stone monument. I was amazed to see these words already cut on the monument, viz. ‘Highwater June 27th, 1844’, that was the day when this generation rejected the Prophet of God, when he and his brother Hyrum, the Patriarch, were murdered at Ca::thage jail by a wicked mob, and this was the day when the waters over¬ flowed the Missouri at the highest, when the Front Street of St. Louis was covered eight feet deep with the flood.’ Thursday, 14.—Elder B. L. Clapp wrote the fol¬ lowing brief account of his mission: Mission of ^ kft Nauvoo August 12th, 1843, on a special mission eider ii. L. to the south, and returned June 7th, 1844. during which Clapp ‘ time I traveled 4,444 miles, held 176 meetings and baptized 1 1 8 souls in the states of Alabama and Mississippi.’ Friday, 15.—I met with the authorities and held a council in relation to building the arsenal and carrying on the public works. Sunday, 17.—Ten a. m. seventies met, Joseph Young presiding; twelve brethren were ordained to be seventies; several were recommended to the high priests’ quorum. I attended in the evening and addressed the meeting. A. D. I 8*44 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 317 Tuesday, 19.—Elder Orson Hyde and I visited the sick. A trades meeting was held in the Masonic Hall addressed by Elders Taylor, Scovil, Hunter and others. Elder J. W. Crosby wrote the following: MISSION IN CANADIAN PROVINCES ‘In August, 1843, Elder B. Brown and myself (having been appointed to visit the British provinces) proceeded to western New York, where we spent the winter. We organized several branches of the church, baptized upward of 150 souls, and held two conferences. After tarrying eight months, we went to Montreal and Quebec, making a short stay in each of these Catholic cities, preached some and circulated some books, pamphlets, etc. We proceeded to New Bruns¬ wick, and amid much opposition, persecution and personal violence, baptized 47; organized them into two branches, both in the county of York, above Frederickston. We returned to Boston in October and have spent a few weeks in the regions round about.’ Saturday, 23.—Bishop N. K. Whitney met with the lesser priesthood at the house of Samuel Gulley, and filled up the different quorums. I attended Edward and in company with Elder Kimball and oSed Bishop Whitney, ordained Brother Edward aBishop Hunter bishop, and set him apart to the care of the fifth ward [Nauvoo]. Sunday, 24.—Ten a. m. meeting of seventies in their hall. The seven presidents of the thirteenth quorum were ordained. Twenty brethren were or¬ dained seventies, President Joseph Young preached. Monday, 25.—A remonstrance against the division of Hancock county, numerously signed was placed in the hands of A. W. Babbitt, Esq., for presentation to the legislature of Illinois. Saturday, 30.—Received a letter from Elder Wilford Woodruff, giving a particular account of the eastern branches of the church, which he had visited on his way to New York. Sunday, December 1, 1844.—Elder Parley P. Pratt was appointed to go to the city of New York, and take charge of the press, regulate and counsel the immigra- 318 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. I). 1844 tion that may come that way from Europe and take the presidency of all the eastern branches of the church. Eleven a. m., seventies met in their hall, Joseph Young presiding; sixteen brethren were ordained seven¬ ties; Elder George A. Smith preached at length on the subject of Apostasy. Monday, 2.—I extract from the Times and Seasons fp. 728) the following:— A VOICE FROM THE TEMPLE By the Temple Committee ‘ ‘We would say to all those who wish to bring tithes for the build¬ ing of the Temple in the city of Nauvoo, that we have deemed it wis¬ dom to remove our office, for the better accommodation Change of business, and of all who visit us on business, to the Location. new and commodious brick store of Elder Parley P. Pratt, situated one block north from the west end of the Temple; at which place we will attend every day in the week (Sun¬ day excepted) from morning till evening, to receive donations lor the Temple and also attend to all other matters of business pertaining to the Trustees. We publish this notice that the brethren may not need to inquire where they shall deposit their donations. We hav 2 only one place of deposit in the city of Nauvoo and that is the above men¬ tioned brick store. We would also once more offer a word of caution to all the saints for their benefit, inasmuch as there are those who are going round amongst the branches of the church to collect funds for Caution the Temple without authority, and who are all the while Frauds 1 practicing impositions upon the brethren. They gen¬ erally use the property for their own individual benefit, and make no returns of it to us, and consequently when the donors come to see the records their names are not there. Many have felt to censure us on this account, but censure in such a case is unjust, for we have published notices repeatedly, warning the saints not to credit any man’s testimony as to his being an agent unless he can show written authority from us or the Quorum of the Twelve, and all those who entrust their means in the hands of unauthorized agents, do it at their own risk, and not ours. The presiding elders in the branches have a right to call for, and to see the authority of any and every man professing to be an agent for the church, and if he is an honest servant and a man of to^Demand authority he will always be ready to produce his testi- of en \gen?s i0n mon ^ a ^ s to proper authority, but if he is an impostor he will either make excuses, or he will probably scorn at the idea of your questioning a man of God as to his authority. In some A. D. 184-4 | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 319 instances men have considered themselves insulted when asked by the presiding ciders for their authority, but this is only an evidence either of their own wickedness, or that they come on an errand on which they were never legally sent. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! We are more particular on this subject because there have been in¬ stances, not a few, wherein men who are not Latter-day Saints, but on the contrary our most bitter enemies, have gone round gulling the churches and professing to be ‘Mormons’ and agents to collect funds for the building of the ‘Temple and Nauvoo House’, etc.; and they have taken advantage of the liberality of the brethren by all kinds of fine speeches and persuasive inducements to get away with their money, until they have accomplished their objects, and then they become ‘missing’. It is not our wish to see the brethren cheated so barefacedly after all the persecutions we have suffered, and we once more repeat the caution, be wise and careful. There are instances where the saints rarely see an authorized agent, in consequence of the distance from Nauvoo, or, in consequence of their residing some distance from a regularly organized branch. In such cases, when they want to send up their donations, let them do it by some man with whom they are well acquainted, and who they are well satisfied will do right, and carry their donation safe to its destination. And it would be well in all cases, where the brethren abroad send dona¬ tions by authorized agents, to send a letter by mail (post paid), to the Trustees-in-Trust, informing them of the facts, and by whom their do¬ nations were sent, etc., and a good man will not blame you for being thus careful, for the same law that guards your rights will guard his rights, and the rights of every man. It is our intention for the future to publish the names of our agents in the Nauvoo Neighbor and the Times and Seasons , which we con¬ sider to be safer and better than written authority, inas¬ much as the latter can be ‘forged’, but the former can not, and the agents can carry a copy of the paper, hav- Agents to ing their authority with them wherever they go. There is also another subject which we would touch upon in this notice. There have been instances wherein men have gone amongst the branches of the church, collecting money and agree¬ ing to pay the same amount in labor on the Temple, changed which they represent will answer as good a purpose as !^ >0 c r > for the money. We have to say on this subject that all such transactions are regarded as fraud, and is only a more crafty way of cheating the brethren. It would be folly for us to tell a man that ten days labor on the Temple would answer the law of tithing as well as ten dollars in money, when he was possessed of one hundred dollars in money. We know better, and every faithful brother and sister in the church will know better when they understand the principles of salvation as well as old Abraham. Isaac and Jacob did. For Jacob said of all thou givest me. one-tenth I will give unto thee, and who- 320 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH LA. D. 1844 ever will read the history of the ancients with care will find that the law was, that they must pay one-tenth of all in its kind, whether cat¬ tle, horses, sheep, or fruits of the field. ’Tis true there were laws of redemption, whereby a man might redeem ‘ought of his tithing but it was so strict, that it is far easier to pay the tithing in kind rather than redeem it. Jesus said, all who do the works of Abraham are the children of Abraham, and he (Abraham) paid tithes of all. The Savior also said to the Pharisees, ‘ye pay tithes of mint and annis and cummin, but neglect the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith, these ought ye to have done, and not have left the others undone.’ We make reference to these subjects that the brethren may take the hint, and think for themselves for just so sure as there are laws estab¬ lished from before the foundation of the world for the government of the Church of Christ just so sure will we fail of obtaining a fulness of salvation if we do not abide by those laws. No man can obtain a celestial glory if he will not abide a celestial law, and the law of tith¬ ing is a celestial law, and always was in force where the Melchizedek priesthood was inherited. Why did the Savior say, ‘how hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven?’ Just converse with a rich man upon the subject of tithing, and you will soon see a reason why ?HheLaw ^ r * c k can k arc ^y enter the kingdom of heaven. When af Tithing. you converse with a man who has got ten thousand dol¬ lars in money in his hands, and tell him that his tithing will be one thousand dollars in money, you generally will see the force of the words of Jesus. That man would consider himself almost ruined if he should donate his one thousand dollars, whereas a man who has only ten dollars in money in the world, will come forward with cheer¬ fulness and donate his tenth with joy. Remember the widow with her two mites. No man or woman who really desires to secure a fulness of salvation will wish to be kept ignorant of those principles, and laws and or¬ dinances on which his salvation depends, ancl consc- Tl\c Saints quently we are free to give a hint on the subject of tith- Will Desire . l 7 , , . J . to Know. ing, not because we take it upon us to instruct :he peo¬ ple, but because we realize in some measure the import¬ ance of it ourselves to set the saints to ‘thinking for themselves’ on the subject. When the saints ask for instructions, the Twelve are the proper authorities to refer to, and they will deal it out as fast as the saints are willing to obey. We are happy to have to say that the Temple has progressed more rapidly than our most sanguine expectations could have imagined. All the capitals are on the walls, except one, which if the weather permit, will be up in a few days. The weather has been remarkably favorable and continues so to the The Twelve Willing to Impart Instructions Progress on the Temple. A. D. 184-1 | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 321 present. The feelings of the saints are good and their hearts are cheered while they look upon the House of God and reflect on the prospects of its speedy completion. Their toils and poverty and per¬ secutions are all swallowed up in the cheering prospects of their re¬ ward, only a little ways ahead. Peace smiles upon our beloved city. And the great God looks down upon this people with sympathy and compassion from day to day, dis¬ pensing his heavenly blessings upon all the families of his saints according to his infinite wisdom and their will- lalats aud h the ingness to receive them. The hearts of the saints are jJ^Jvoo united firmer than ever, notwithstanding the vigorous efforts made by satan and dissenters to sow amongst us discord, strife, and confusion, and every evil work, scattering not excepted. Many houses are in progress of erection, which on account of the lateness of the season will have to stand unfinished until next spring. Every effort is being made to establish and put in operation various branches of manufacture for the employment of the saints, and the prospects are good, but not unattended with difficulty, toil and anxiety. But dili¬ gence, economy, and steady perseverance in a good cause, never fails to bring its reward, and very often the sweetest roses are surrounded by the sharpest thorns, and the greatest treasures deposited in places the most difficult of access, where we have to dig, and dig long and deep in order to obtain them. We might prolong these remarks, but perhaps we have said enough for once. We will leave the subject, praying the blessings of our heavenly Father to rest upon all good men, and especially Benediction upon the saints, that they may have peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and attain to that knowledge which will obtain for them an inheritance in the eternal kingdom of our God. We have the honor to be Your most obedient servants, and brethren in the faith of Christ, N. K. Whitney, George Miller, T rustees-in-T rust. By Wm. Clayton, Recorder. Nauvoo, Dec. 2, 1844.' Monday, December 2, (continued ).—I attended a council at Elder Willard Richards: present—the breth¬ ren of the Twelve, the Trustees; the Temple Com¬ mittee and architect. The duties of the Temple Committee and architect were explained. Evening: the Presidents of Seventies met. Tuesday, 3.—City police met. Captain Hosea Stout instructed them pertaining to their duties. Thursday, 5.—I insert the following minutes: 21 Vol. 7 322 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1344 COUNCIL MINUTES OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS 'Afternoon, a council was held in the recorder’s office, President Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve were present, also N. K. Whitney and George Miller, Trustees and Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds Cahoon, the Temple Anance° n Committee. The council was called for the purpose of devising means to raise the sum of $3,100, which is due from the Trustees to several individuals for church lands, and which will have to be paid within three months or the lands be forfeited, worth from ten to fifteen thousand dollars. About one thousand dollars of the aforesaid sum must be paid in a few days. After conversing some time on the prospects of raising funds, President Young said that his feelings were to draw the money lying in the possession of Sisters Mary Smith and Mercy R. Thompson and A. Cutler, which money has been donated by the sisters of the church, by paying one cent a week, for the purpose of purchasing the nails and glass for the Temple and which amounted to five or six hundred dollars already collected. It is considered wisdom to do this to save the church property from the hands of our enemies; and the straitened circumstances under which the Trustees labor in consequence of perse¬ cution and oppression—we consider sufficient to justify the course. It is also considered certain that the money will be ready by the time the nails and glass are needed for the Temple, and that the money will be saving so much interest, whereas at the present it is lying useless. The suggestion by President Young seemed to meet the feelings of all the brethren, and it was concluded to draw an order for the money on Mrs. Mary Smith, and Mercy R. Thompson, which was immediately done.' LETTER OF PRESIDENT YOUNG TO RELIEF SOCIETY PRESIDENCY 'To Mrs. Mary Smith and Mercy R. Thompson, Dear Sisters : We are under the necessity of raising a considerable sum of money for the use of the church within a few days. We have counseled together on the subject, and have considered it wisdom to call upon you for the money in your hands, donated by the sisters as penny subscription. You will therefore please deliver the same to Bishop Whitney when he presents this order. Done by order of the Quorum of the Twelve, for and in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President of the Quorum of the Twelve. William Clayton, Clerk. Dec. 5, 1844. N. B. Elder W. Richards, the clerk of the Quorum of the Twelve is very sick and unable to attend to business, which is the reason of the above signature as clerk.' " A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 323 CHAPTER XXV PROGRESS OF WORK ON THE TEMPLE— MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS IN CHURCH AND STATE “Friday, December 6, 1844.—I [Brigham Young] insert the following minutes: — THE PLACING OF THE LAST CAPITAL ON THE TEMPLE ‘The last of the capitals was placed on the walls of the Temple. The workmen commenced raising the stone at half after 10 o'clock, but when about half way up one of the block shives broke in two. This placed the matter in a dangerous position, it was impossible to raise the stone higher without a new shive, and to attempt to let it down would have cut off the rope instantly. After much labor the workmen secured the tackle so that it could not move and having this done, they fixed a new shive in the block and after about an hour and a half’s delay, at half after one p. m. the stone was safely fixed in its place in the wall. This stone is the largest one among the capitals and is supposed to weigh over two tons. There are thirty capitals around the Temple, each one composed of five stones, viz. one base stone, one large stone representing the sun rising just above the clouds, the lower part obscured; the third stone represents two hands each holding a trumpet, and the last two stones form a cap over the trumpet stone, and these all form the capital, the average cost of which is about four hundred and fifty dollars each. These stones are very beautifully cut, especially the face and trumpet stones, and are an evidence of great skill in the architect and ingenuity on the part of the stonecutters. They present a very pleasing and noble appearance, and seem very appropriate in their places. The first capital was set on the 23d of September last, making but a little over ten weeks between the first and the last, and out of that time the workmen lost about three weeks through bad weather, and having to wait for stone. There has not been the slightest accident attending the raising of these large stones, except the second one which was set, the workmen, undertook to move the stone a little nearer the building without having first fixed the guy ropes to the crane, and while in the attempt the crane fell over with a tremendous crash and fell within about a foot of Brother Thomas Jaap, one of the workmen, who ran as soon 324 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 as he saw the crane falling but happened to run in the same direction in which it fell. Providentially no further damage was done than to the crane which was partially broken. The weather has been very favorable most of the time, but on account of its being so late in the season, it was generally feared we would not succeed in getting them [the capitals] up before winter set in, but it seems as though the Lord held up the storms and the cold for our advantage, until this important piece of labor has been accomplished to our utmost satisfaction and delight. There are yet twelve of the capitals without trumpet stones, and will have to remain so until spring; three of them however are finished and several others nearly so. The weather changed this morning. It rained nearly all the time the men were at work; and about two hours after the last capital was set, it commenced snowing and continued until the ground was covered about four inches deep. Nine o’clock p. m., it now freezes very sharp and to all appearance stern winter has taken possession of the atmosphere in earnest.’ Elder Wilford Woodruff and family, in company with Elder H. Clark and Dan Jones and their families, Departure and Elders Milton Holmes and Leonard W. Woodruff Hardy sailed from New York in the packet for England. ship John B skiddy, for Liverpool. Sunday, 8.—The seventies met in their hall. Eight brethren were ordained seventies. A letter was read from Elder B. F. Grouard from the Society Isles. Elder Henry Harriman, George A. Smith and Joseph Young instructed the elders. Elder Willard Richards, city recorder, opened office in his new house, and appointed Thomas Bullock his deputy. Thomas [Bullock] commenced putting the city records in order, which had been neglected some four months in consequence of Brother Willard’s in¬ ability through sickness. Monday, 9.—A conference was held in Comstock, Kalamazoo county, Michigan on the 8th and 9th inst. conference Crandall Dunn presiding; five branches were h.Michigan. represented numbering 107 members, 1 high priest, 16 elders, 1 teacher, and one deacon. Resolu¬ tions were passed to sustain the Twelve and agreeing to tithe themselves to aid in building the Temple. Dur- A. D. I 84-4 | HISTORY OF THH CHURCH 325 ing the conference much good instruction was given by Elder Crandall Dunn, C. M. Webb, and D. Savage; one priest was ordained, 3 children blessed, and one person baptized. Wednesday, 11.—Elder Willard Richards recom¬ menced to gather materials for the Church History, assisted by W. W. Phelps. I'hursday, 12.—The high priests of the 5th ward met in the Concert Hall. Friday, 13.—The Aaronic priesthood met. Bishop N. K. Whitney presided. He spoke on the subject of furnishing employment for the poor, the manufactur¬ ing of straw and palm leaf hats, and willow baskets. Two were ordained. Saturday. 14.—Received a lengthy communication from A. W. Babbitt, Esq., house of representatives, Springfield. Advising in relation to his Rep ea! communications with the governor, the an- n,SerT’ ticipated movements of the legislature, and 1>r °i >os< ' 11 - his intended course pertaining to the chartered rights of the city of Nauvoo; to which a reply was written by Orson Spencer showing the injustice and unconsti¬ tutionality of a repeal of the Nauvoo Charter. In company with Elder Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, and George A. Smith, I attended city council. An ordinance was passed organizing the Seventies’ Library and M«th, 0 K uncil Institute Association. The council expressed their views in relation to the illegality of the legislature interfering with the chartered right of the city of Nauvoo; when those rights had never been exercised to the hurt or the prejudice of the innocent. Sunday, 1 5.—Ten a. m. meeting of seventies. Pres¬ ident Joseph Young, presiding. Twenty-nine persons were unanimously received by vote and ordained to be seventies. The ordinance of the city council in relation to the Seventies’ Library and Institute Association was read. Elder George A. Smith advised the elders to get up 326 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 schools, that all the seventies who would, might be school tor taught in the branches of education, and seventies. prepare themselves that the least might be fully competent, to correspond with the wise men of the world. Good and useful instruction relative to manners, order and good behavior were given by the president and some of his council. Monday, 16.—I extract from the Tithing Record No. 2:— ‘A few days ago the Twelve and the Trustees counseled together on the propriety of employing a suitable number of carpenters this winter to prepare the timbers for the Temple, so as to have them all ready when the stone work was finished. They concluded to employ fifteen persons steadily as carpenters, and that the architect be authorized to select such men as he has con¬ fidence in—men who are well qualified to do the work Selected to that is wanted. It was also concluded to fix up a shop Temple 11 the i n Temple f° r t ^ ie carpenters to work in. Accord¬ ingly the south side of the lower story was weather- boarded around and a convenient shop made of it on Saturday, and today, the men have gone to work. The names of the carpenters selected as steady hands are as follows: viz: Truman O. Angel, William Felshaw, William F. Cahoon, Joseph S. Schofield, Samuel Rolfe, Zimri H. Baxter, Addison Everett, John Stiles, Hugh Riding, Miles Romney, Jabez Durfee, Stephen Long- stroth, Benjamin Rolfe, Nicholas T. Silcock, William Carmichael, Hiram Mace, Daniel Avery, Gideon Gibbs, and Wandel Mace. N. B.—Daniel Avery is employed to take care of the shop and the fires, etc. The three last named are engaged in the sawmill shop.’ Tuesday, 17.—I copy the following minutes on file:— PRESIDENCY APPOINTED FOR KIRTLAND ’The Quorum of the Twelve and others in council assembled at the office of President Brigham Young, at the corner of Kimball and Granger Streets. Moved and seconded that Brother Reuben McBride take the presi¬ dency over all the affairs pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland—both spiritually and temporally—which was carried by a unanimous voice of said council. A letter was then read before the council which President Young received from Brothers Joseph Parsons and James McDowell, residing A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 327 in Pittsburgh, containing an acknowledgment that they had been deceived by Elder Rigdon’s false pretensions to Rejccted^by" ;he Presidency, and after a calm and careful investigation £! der h s in of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and Book of ltts urRl ’ Mormon, they had renounced the pretensions of Sidney Rigdon as being false and felt satisfied that the Quorum of the Twelve held the keys of the kingdom. Voted unanimously that their acknowledgment be received and they be received into full fellowship with the saints:' I received a letter from Horace R. Hotchkiss pro¬ posing to dispose of lots in Nauvoo, to be compensated by improvements on adjoining lots; also on IIotcl]ki ^ the subject of home manufactures and Interests building up the city of Nauvoo; to which I replied informing him that property was not so high as it had been, and referred him to Elder Taylor for information on the trades operations. The brethren of the Twelve visited Elder Willard Richards who was sick. Wednesday, 18.—Evening with Elder Heber C. Kimball and Bishop N. K. Whitney. I attended the practice of music at the Concert Hall. Friday, 20.—In company with Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith I spent a portion of the day at the Tithing Office regulating matters pertaining to tithings; called on Brother Willard Richards, found him some better. William Clayton records he ‘had some conversation with Brother Cahoon respecting making a feast for the poor and proposed to do it on New Year’s day. Daniel H. Wells, Esq., agreed to give ten dollars to aid the feast for the poor.’ Sunday, 22.—I met as usual with the Twelve Apos¬ tles and others for prayer. Ten a. m., seventies met at their hall. Joseph Young presiding: five presidents and forty seventies were or¬ dained; fourteenth quorum organized; two brethren were recommended to the high priests’ quorum. Monday, 23.—The Aaronic priesthood met; Bishop 328 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 N. K. Whitney presiding; four persons were ordained to the office of priest. Tuesday, 24.—The stockholders of the Seventies’ Library and Institute Association elected Elder George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Albert Carrington, John D. Lee and James M. Monroe trustees. Wednesday, 25.—I spent an agreeable time at Brother Coolidge’s, in company with Elders Heber C. Banquet Kimball, George A. Smith, A. M. Lyman, and party. John Taylor and their ladies. The band was in attendance. We partook of a substantial din¬ ner; after which I made a few remarks expressive of my good feelings and love to my brethren. I remarked that the Lord would never suffer us to overcome our enemies while we cherished feelings of revenge, when we prevailed over our enemies it must be from a sense of duty and not of revenge. Friday, 27.—I went to the Trustee’s Office. Evening, there was a meeting in the Seventies Hall of the city council, the high council and leading au¬ thorities of the church. Governor Ford’s special message to the Forf^Mes- legislature was read. It was a very meager ffifnois attempt to excuse himself from participation Legislature. ^ assassination of Joseph and Elyrum Smith, being full of misrepresentations, exaggerations and contemptible falsehoods. Brother A. W. Babbitt made a report of his proceed¬ ings in Springfield. Sunday, 29.—I published the following: ‘Brother Taylor on Church Periodicals .—The question is asked in The New York Prophet : Why is it that there is no more interest manifested among the elders in enlisting support or subscriptions for our periodicals? For one I will answer the question. While I have been preaching abroad from place to place, the question being asked of me so many times by the saints, ‘Why do not my papers come? I subscribed and sent the money long ago and have received but two or three numbers.' My reply has been, ‘it seems the post office department is very uncertain.' A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 329 Realizing the very few that have been received by our brethren abroad, in proportion to the many that have been mailed at our establishment, my heart has fainted, and I have not asked men to pay their money fearing they would never receive their papers.' " 330 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 CHAPTER XXVI THE GREAT CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTIES AT NAUVOO-ORGANIZATION OF NEW QUORUMS-DEDI¬ CATION OF THE SEVENTIES’ HALL-NOTABLE DIS¬ COURSES-DOCTRINAL INSTRUCTIONS BY PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG ON PRIESTHOOD—THE TWELVE— THE SEVENTY—AND THE BISHOPRIC “Monday, December 30, 1844.—The following is extracted from the Times and Seasons, Vol. vi, p. 794:— DEDICATION OF THE SEVENTIES’ HALL (Five Days, Dec. 26-30, 1844. A Memorable Conference) ‘Thursday, December 26, A. D. 1844.—The serv¬ ices commenced under the direction of President Joseph Young [the Senior President of the First Quorum of the Seventy ], who organized the meeting in the follow¬ ing order: The stand was occupied by the Seven Presiding Presidents of the Seventy, and the Twelve or as many Arrangement them as were present. The senior pres- Meet'ng. ident of each quorum was seated on the right, the choir of singers on the left, and the brass band in front. The second and third quo¬ rums in order, with their families, occupied the other seats for the day. Each day afforded a new congrega¬ tion, that all the seventies, with their families, might in turn, participate in the privilege of the dedication, according to their respective quorums, there being fifteen quorums whose claims were equal, two of which convened in the hall each day, beginning with the second and third [quorums]. A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 331 The excellent melody of the choir and band, min¬ gling with the devout aspirations of a congregation of all saints, gave the commencement of their services an air of interest, felicity and glory, at once feeling, touch¬ ing, pathetic, grand, sublime! A hymn, composed by Elder W. W. Phelps, for the dedication, entitled ‘A Voice from the Prophet: Come to Me’, was sung: A VOICE FROM THE PROPHET ‘COME TO ME’ (By W. W. Phelps , to the Tune—'Indian Hunter ) ‘Come to me, will ye come to the saints that have died— To the next better world, where the righteous reside; Where the angels and spirits in harmony be. In the joys of a vast Paradise? Come to me. Come to me where the truth and the virtues prevail; Where the union is one. and the years never fail; Where the heart can’t conceive, nor the nat’ral eye see, What the Lord has prepar'd for the just: Come to me. Come to me where there is no destruction or war; Neither tyrants, nor mobbers, or nations ajar; Where the system is perfect, and happiness free, And the life is eternal with God: Come to me. Come to me, will ye come to the mansions above Where the bliss and the knowledge, the light, and the love, And the glory of God, do eternally be? Death, the wages of sin, is not here: Come to me. Come to me, here are Adam and Eve at the head Of a multitude quicken'd and rais’d from the dead: Here's the knowledge that was, or that is, or will be— In the gen’ral assembly of worlds: Come to me. Come to me; here's the myst'ry that man hath not seen; Here's our Father in heaven, and Mother, the Queen, Here are worlds that have been, and the worlds yet to be, Here’s eternity,—endless; amen: Come to me. Come to me all ye faithful and blest of Nauvoo: Come ye Twelve, and ye High Priests, and Seventies, too; Come ye Elders, and all of the great company;— When you’ve finish'd your work on the earth: Come to me, 332 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 Come to me; here’s the future, the present and past: Here is Alpha, Omega, the first and the last; Here’s the fountain, the 'river of life’, and the Tree; Here’s your Prophet and Seer, Joseph Smith: Come to me.’ The dedication prayer by President Brigham Young, was in substance as follows: PRAYER: A SUPPLICATION TO THE THRONE OF GRACE ‘Thou God who dwellest in the midst of thine own kingdoms, and doeth thy pleasure in the midst of the same. We realize that we are thy children, although we have long wandered from thee. Yet we feel that it is thy good pleasure to bless us, when we come unto thee with hearts of humility. Therefore we desire to present ourselves before thee as dutiful children to an earthly parent, knowing that we are thine and ask thee for those things we need. We feel, our Father, that we are in a world of darkness, and trouble, and death, where we cannot behold thy glory; yet we come unto thee in the name of Jesus Christ, thy Son, and ask thee to forgive our sins and past offenses. Fill us with thy Spirit, and accept our praise, while we dedicate ourselves unto thee, and as we have approximated to behold this beautiful morning, the day in which begins a new year, do thou, our heavenly Father, look down in compassion upon us, the creatures of thy care and protection, who dwell upon thy footstool. Increase our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, that we, thy servants, may be enabled to administer salvation to thy people, even as thou hast committed a dispensation of the same unto us; and while we call on thy name we desire union in thy presence, our Father, to dedicate unto thee this hall, the ground upon which it stands, and all things that appertain unto it. We ask thee to let thy blessing rest upon thy servant Edward Hunter, our beloved brother, who has donated to us the ground upon which this sacred edifice has been erected. We pray thee to enrich him and his family, not only with the good things of this world, but with the riches of eternity also. We ask thee, our Father, to accept the dedication of our hearts this morning, and may we feel the prelude of that power and authority with which thy servants shall be clothed, when they shall go forth and open the door of salvation to the nations and kingdoms of the earth; even thy servants, the seventies, upon whom the burden of thy kingdom does rest, and to whom the keys of the same shall be committed from time to time. We now dedicate this hall unto thee, our Father, and ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to sanctify it and make it holy, and may no foul spirit be suffered to enter it, but may it be filled with thy Spirit that it may be called the gate of heaven, and may all who enter within its doors be made to feel thy love and power. We ask thee to pour out thy Spirit upon the Presidency of the Seventies; wilt thou endow them with knowledge and understanding A. D. 18-H | HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 333 that they may be enabled to instruct thy servants over whom they are called to preside; and do thou let the same blessings flow freely upon each quorum, that all thy servants may be filled with thy Spirit, and become mighty men before thee that they may go forth and gather the pure in heart, Zion redeemed and Jerusalem rebuilt. Help us O Lord to separate ourselves from all iniquity, that evildoers may not exist in our midst, but may this people become a holy people, peculiar to thyself, to show forth thy praise in all the world. Our Father in heaven, we humbly beseech thee to shield and protect us in this city; provide for and sustain us by thy power, that we may be enabled to accomplish the work which thou hast commanded us to do. Assist us to build the Temple and Nauvoo House; that the truth and light of the everlasting gospel may shine forth from this place, to the honor, praise and glory of thy name. Regard in mercy the Quorum of the Twelve, at whom the arrows of the destroyer are directed. Preserve them O Lord, by thine own omnipotent power, that they may stand in holy places and be enabled to disseminate the knowledge of thy kingdom to the inhabitants of the earth; wilt thou sustain us, our Father, that we may perform and accomplish the mighty work whereunto we are called. We feel to lament and mourn the loss of our beloved brothers, Joseph and Hyrum, the Prophet and Patriarch, whom thou hast suffered to be martyred for the testimony of the truth; but we thank thee our Father, that although they have been taken from us for the present, yet that same spirit which animated their bosoms, the fruits of which is peace and charity, still remains amongst thy people. We now commit ourselves into thy care, and ask thee to guide and control us by the council of heaven, through all the shifting and various scenes of mortality, that the numbers of our days may be filled up in usefulness, and we be prepared for that exalted station and rest that remains for the people of God, and the honor, praise, and glory of our salvation, we will ascribe unto thee; for thine is the kingdom, power and glory, worlds without end: Amen.'* A hymn composed by Elder John Taylor for the dedication of the Seventies’ Hall and dedicated to Pres¬ ident Brigham Young, was sung by Elder John Kay, assisted by the band, entitled ‘The Seer’. THE SEER ‘The Seer;—the Seer;—Joseph the Seer— I'll sing of the Prophet ever dear, His equal now cannot be found,— By searching the wide world around. *It is doubtful if Brigham Young ever did anything better in oral expression than this beautiful and timely prayer. 334 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 With Gods he soared in the realms of day; And men he taught the heavenly way. ’Mid the foaming billows of angry strife— He stood at the helm of the ship of life. The earthly Seer; the heavenly Seer, I love to dwell on his mem’ry dear;— The chosen of God, and the friend of men, He brought the priesthood back again, He gazed on the past, on the present too;— And ope’d the heavenly world to view. Of noble seed—of heavenly birth, He came to bless the sons of earth; With keys by the Almighty given, He opened the full rich stores of heaven, O'er the world that was wrapt in sable night Like the sun he spread his golden light. He strove,—O, how he strove to stay, The stream of crime in its reckless way— He urged the wayward to reclaim; With a mighty mind, and a noble aim. The saints;—the saints; his only pride, For them he lived, for them he died! Their joys were his;—their sorrows too;— He lov'd the saints;—he lov'd Nauvoo. Unchanged in death, with a Savior's love He pleads their cause, in the courts above. The Seer;—the Seer—Joseph the Seer! O, how I love his memory dear, The just and wise, the pure and free, A father he was, and is to me. Let fiends now rage in their dark hour; No matter, he is beyond their power. He's free;—he’s free;—the Prophet’s free! He is where he will ever be. Beyond the reach of mobs and strife, He rests unharm’d in endless life. His home’s in the sky;—he dwells with the Gods Far from the furious rage of mobs. He died; he died—for those he lov’d He reigns;—he reigns in the realms above, A. D. 1844] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 335 He waits with the just who have gone before, To welcome the saints to Zion’s shore; Shout, shout ye saints—this boon is given, We'll meet our martyr'd Seer in heaven.’* REMARKS OF ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL Elder Heber C. Kimball addressed the congregation in plain though impressive language, and in his usual philanthropic manner, used a chain as a figure to il¬ lustrate the principle of gradation, while in pursuit of celestial enjoyment in worlds to come. ELDER GEORGE A. SMITH’S DISCOURSE AND ADMONITION ON UNION Elder George A. Smith offered some very appro¬ priate remarks relative to union. He referred to the Zion Camp, and their expedition to Missouri, and after giving an interesting account on that subject, concluded with an exhortation to union, firmness, and persever¬ ance. He said that if we were of one heart and mind, we might be as the angels are. Perfect union and harmony exist among them. Hence their concert of action, and consequently their influence and power with God; and upon the same principle [continued he] we could make a heaven wherever in the dispensation of Providence, we might be placed, possessing this prin¬ ciple, consonant with the honors, glory and immortal¬ ity of angels. At 12 o’clock, a recess of one hour was given each day. At 1 o’clock the house was called to order by President Joseph Young. DISCOURSE OF ELDER ORSON HYDE ON UNION—AN ILLUSTRATION Elder Orson Hyde took the stand, and continued the ♦This hymn under the circumstances of its rendition would be very impressive in the congregation of the seventies and their families. John Kay had a rich, deep baritone voice and sang with excellent taste and the martyrdom of the Prophet being so recent, within six months, the saints would be greatly affected by the noble sentiments of Elder Taylor's hymn, accompanied with the musical rendition of it. 336 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 same subject, [unity of spirit and action], and intro- , duced for a comparison the circumstance of the Force m the Assyrian king, who gave his son a bundle Unity. - 7 - i • j of arrows bound in a quiver, and com¬ manded him to break them, which he in vain attempted to do while they were firmly bound together; but when they were unbound and separated, the object was easily effected. This circumstance he likened to this people, and said that if we were united we would be able to stand against all the fiery darts that could be hurled upon us by the adversary of our salvation. Some having a knowledge of this fact, have used every effort to divide this people, in order to accomplish their wicked designs. Some few have been led to the north, others to the west, and some to the east. Those who have separated may be broken; but those who remain together firmly united can never be broken. After speaking of authorities in the church or king¬ dom of God, he observed that ‘Apostles in the primitive age of Christianity were first made witnesses Witnesses to all the nations of the earth. They were afterwards made judges of that same people. Hence the saying of the Apostles, ‘know ye not that the saints shall judge the world?’ that is, that genera¬ tion or people to whom they were sent as witnesses. (See / Cor. vi:2,3). Indeed they were competent to sit in judgment upon them, having had an experimental knowledge of their course of conduct and barbarous treatment towards the servants of God that were sent to establish peace among them. Many of whom they did not only reject, but tortured and slew them in a cruel manner. This was the fate of the Prophets and Apostles who vainly attempted to restore them from their wickedness, assuring them, to use the language of the scripture: ‘As you mete out to others, so shall it be measured to you again.’ ‘The declaration of John while on the Isle of Patmos, through the Spirit of God, declaring things which A. D. 18-141 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 337 would come to pass, says: Give her double tor all her sins. 1 he reason is obvious. The Babylon debt was of a long standing; she had exer¬ cised unceasing tyranny over the servants of God, and refused them justice and mercy. Therefore as they meted out, double measure shall be given them in re¬ turn. I have no doubt,’ said he, ‘but the old scribes, and pharisees, after scourging the saints in the most horrid manner, and causing many to seal their testi¬ mony with their blood, would go into the Temple with all the sanctity imaginable and ask God to forgive their sins: when in reality he would have nothing to do with the matter, until they had first obtained forgive¬ ness from those whom they had injured, by making ample satisfaction to them. For proof of this fact just examine the declaration of Jesus to the Apostles: Whose soever sins ye remit on earth, shall be remitted in heaven. And if they were retained on earth they were to be retained in heaven also. ‘Neither can this generation get forgiveness from God, for the great injuries that they have done us as a people, without first rendering perfect satisfaction to us whom they have injured. The elders of this church have been swift witnesses to Missouri, and all the world. Hence in vain may they plead to have their sins remitted until the proper steps are taken. ‘Our Prophet has been slain, and the burden of the kingdom has fallen upon us (the Twelve) and our lives are sought after: but while the angel n„ rJci , 0 f»i,«. that administers to man is still in attendance, r"ii?n°upon s his life is protected, for the guardian angel ,l * eTwelve - is stronger than death; but when he is withdrawn humanity is easily overcome. Hence it was with the Son of God while upon the cross, that even he, the Savior of the world, could but exclaim: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me! Referring to the protecting angel whom the Lord had called away, leaving Jesus in the arms of death; that he might be taken away from this world of misery and pain to the 22 Vol. 7 338 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1844 mansions of God, where he should turn and rule the nations with a rod of iron [i. e. the law, or word of God |. For proof of my assertion I have only to call upon the same individual who exclaimed on the cross: My God why hast thou taken away my protecting angel. ‘At the time of his arrest he commanded Peter to put up his sword and gave him to understand that if it were the will of God that he should not drink of the bitter cup (death) that he could call on his Father for ten legions of angels who would eagerly fly to his deliver¬ ance. But had he been delivered from the cross, how could the scriptures have been fulfilled? * * * ‘Another word respecting the arrows, which by the Spirit of God was made manifest to me last summer. Kf forty to There were certain persons who endeavored Un)ty oTtil’e to divide and draw away the saints from this saints. place, by telling them in secret councils: I have the wink from the Twelve: their minds are to sanction our going to build up, etc. I have got my work laid out by revelation: but you must not say a word to them (the Twelve) about this matter, for if you do you will not get any satisfaction, they will dis¬ claim in public any knowledge of such a move: but I understand them; all is right; and thus hold them in ignorance; also, bind them by solemn oath, not to dis¬ close the matter to any human being, not even to their wives, under the penalty of death. Through hy pocrisy and false statements, a few, and but a few, have been de¬ ceived and torn from the bundle of arrows by those who have led off from this place. This is an aspiring spirit and is from the devil, and every spirit that refuses to make manifest, is from Lucifer, the prince of dark¬ ness. Now let the saints, from this time forth be guarded against all such secrets, councils or confirma¬ tions.’ ELDER AMASA M. LYMAN’S DISCOURSE Elder Amasa M. Lyman expressed his gratitude to A. D. 1844 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 339 God for the favorable circumstances under which we were placed at present. Said he, when we Effects of contemplate the exalted station and high J, l j e s ti ^“ , ^ lc calling of this august body of elders, we can Kleath. and put you in possession of such information as may be deemed necessary for your welfare, for the furtherance of the cause of God, and for the fulfilling of these great purposes which our heavenly Father has designed in the rolling forth of the dispensation of the fulness of times, ‘spoken of by all the prophets since the world was.’ The Temple has progressed very rapidly since the death of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch. The diligence of those employed, and the willingness of the saints to contribute, have brought it to a state of forwardness, which has far exceeded our most sanguine expectations. You have already been informed that the capitals of the columns were all on; we have now to announce to you that by the time the spring opens we expect that every stone will be cut to complete the Temple, and it will not take long to lay them, when they are all prepared. Great numbers of carpenters, masons, and other workmen are daily engaged in this arduous undertaking, so that not only is stone being prepared, but the sash, flooring, seats, and other things arc progressing rapidly; and it is our design, if possible, so to rush the work forward that the building will be enclosed, and certain portions of it in that state of forwardness, so that we shall be prepared to commence giving the saints their endowments next fall; that the elders of Israel may be prepared by the power and spirit of the great Jehovah, to fulfill with dignity and honor, the great work devolving upon them to perform. We wish to inform you brethren that the work in which we arc engaged is great and mighty, it is the work of God and we have to rush it forth against the combined powers of earth and hell, we feel it to be an arduous undertaking whilst you, many of you have been enjoying ease, prosperity, and peace at home. We have had to combat mobs and to wade through blood to fulfill the work devolving upon us, and you: we have been exerting our energies, expended our money; and employing our time, our labor, our influence, and means for the accomplishment of this purpose; and feeling confident dear brethren, that you would like to share with us the labor, as well as the glory, we make the following requests: We wish all the young, middle aged, and able bodied men who have it in their hearts to stretch forth this work with power, to come to Nauvoo, prepared to stay during the summer; and to bring with them means to sustain themselves with, and For Help, to enable us to forward this work; to bring with them teams, cattle, sheep, gold, silver, brass, iron, oil, paints and tools; and let those who are within market distance of Nauvoo bring with them provisions to sustain themselves and others during their stay. And let all the churches send all the money, cloth, and clothing, together with the raw material for manufacturing purposes; such as cotton. Difficulties Under Which the Work Had to be Carried on 358 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 cotton yarn, wool, steel, iron, brass, etc., etc., as we are preparing to go into extensive manufacturing operations, and all these things can be applied to the furtherance of the Temple. There was a font erected in the basement story of the Temple, for the baptism of the dead, the healing of the sick and other purposes; _ this font was made of wood, and was only intended for Font in the present use; but it is now removed, and as soon as the lempic. t h e s tone cutters get through with the cutting of the stone for the walls of the Temple, they will immediately proceed to cut the stone for and erect a font of hewn stone. This font will be of an oval form and twelve feet in length and eight wide, with stone steps and an iron railing; this font will stand upon twelve oxen, which will be cast of iron or brass, or perhaps hewn stone. If of brass, polished; if of iron, bronzed;—upon each side of the font there will be a suite of rooms fitted up for the washings. In the recesses, on each side of the arch, on the first story, there will be a suite of rooms or ante-chambers, lighted with the first row of circular windows. As soon as a suitable number of those rooms are completed we shall commence the endowment. Brethren, inasmuch as you have long desired blessings, come up to the help of the Lord, and help to forward the work that we are engaged in; for we trust that these rooms will be finished by the first of December next, so that you may enter therein and receive wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and the power of the priesthood, which you have so long desired; that you may be prepared to go forth to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom in all parrs of the world; gather up Israel, redeem Zion; rebuild Jerusalem; and fill the whole earth with the knowledge of God. While upon this subject we would remind the brethren of their duty in tithing according to the laws, and commandments given through The ^ f Joseph the Prophet, it is the duty of all saints to tithe Tithing? ° themselves one-tenth of all they possess when they enter into the new and everlasting covenant; and then one- tenth of their interest, or income, yearly afterwards. If the brethren will attend to this strictly, and send up the sum by agents appointed by us, whose names you will see in this paper, then we shall hold ourselves responsible for all monies and properties delivered to those agents that the names of the several individuals who send their tithing by the legal agents may be entered upon the book of the Law of the Lord; if this is not attended to strictly by the branches of the church abroad, they may be disappointed when they find that they have sent their means by unauthorized agents, who have not made returns to the Trustees, and their names are not recorded as they would have been if they had hearkened to counsel. On the subject of regular appointed agencies we would refer you to an article written by the Trustees, Bishops Whitney and Miller, and published in the Times and Seasons of December, 1844. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 359 We would further say to the brethren that if there should be any of the churches to whom these agents do not come, let them send their means by honest men whom they may select from among themselves, and in whom they can place confidence; but we cannot be responsible for the conduct of any agents that we do not send, and can only give credit for that we receive. And as the churches abroad have been much imposed upon by designing men, without authority, we would warn them against such persons, and advise them not to pay their funds to traveling elders and others without a written authority from us to which shall be attached the private seal of the Twelve and their names published as above stated. Those men that we shall select for agents will be men of honor, men of integrity and respectability, in whom we can confide, and who are responsible, and able, and willing to enter into bonds for the faithful performance of their duty. This course will prevent those many impositions which have heretofore been practiced by villains wearing the garb of saints, and place the churches in a situation that they can forward their tithings with safety. There is now in the city eight of the Twelve all in good health and spirits; our city is progressing, and the work of the Lord is rolling forth with unprecedented rapidity. Thus, dear brethren, we have given you, in part, some of the measures and calculations, which we mean to carry into effect for your salvation, and for the furtherance of the salvation of the world. We have commenced a new year, and, as the Lord says; ‘All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through diligence, faithfulness and prayers of faith,' so we cannot but hope, that you will renew your exertions, your prayers, and your tithings, for the benefit of Zion, that she may arise and shine for the good of all people. We cannot say everything in one short epistle, therefore, from time to time, as the Lord puts into our hearts instructions, we shall give them unto you: solemnly praying that you will increase your faith, double your diligence, walk by light and obedience, and be instant in season, to do the will of our Father in heaven:—Beware of ungodly men, who creep among you unawares; they are clouds without water, driven about by winds, and will finally be blown into outer darkness. Our counsel to the traveling elders abroad is for them to return to Nauvoo by the 6th of April, to conference or as soon as possible afterwards, and before they leave, it will be necessary for them to ordain good and wise men to preside over the branches during their absence. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, a veneration for the names of the first Martyrs, first Elders, and first Prophets of the nineteenth century, inspire your hearts, to hear counsel, to keep counsel, to practice holiness, live the life of saints, and 'die the death of the righteous, that your last end may be like his’. 360 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Done in council, at Nauvoo, this 14th day of January, 1845. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. Willard Richards, Clerk.’* Wednesday, 15.—I went to the Temple, afterv/ards to the stone quarry; Brother Albert P. Rockwood re¬ ported sixty-two hands and six teams engaged today in the quarry. Evening, went to the Seventies’ Hall. The brethren of the Twelve, the high council, Trustees-in-Trust, Assignment of many high priests and seventies were pres- Missnonanes. ent; The elders appointed on missions were assigned to their respective districts. Elder Kimball in¬ structed the elders to be fathers and not masters, and to be wise in their requirements of tithing from the saints abroad. I gave some general instructions, and coun¬ seled the elders to gather all to Nauvoo who could leave their families and especially the young men to help complete the Temple. Heavy thunder, lightning and rain. Thursday, 16.—I spent most of the day with Elder Kimball correcting his history. Friday. 17.—Mr. Joseph A. Kelting, deputy sheriff of Hancock county published the following in the Times and Seasons ( p. 775): TO THE PURI.IC ‘Nauvoo, Jan. 17. 1845. As much has been said concerning stealing and secreting property in this city, for the purpose of giving an impression abroad that Nauvoo was a grand depot for concealing stolen property, and that the Mormon community was concerned in it,—I will state, that so far as my knowledge extends, concerning the matter, I have ascertained that stolen property has been brought by way of Nauvoo. from the country, and then crossed over the Mississippi river to Iowa, and back into the territory some ten or twelve miles: where the thieves have some friends to conceal stolen property. There seems to be a connection of these friends thirty or forty miles back into the country on this side of the river, who, with five or six in this city, seem to have a line for running stolen property through Nauvoo to the territory of Iowa: and I have good reason to believe * Times and Seasons, vol. vi. p. 7 79-780. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 361 that those in the country on this side of the river, those in the city, and those in the territory, are one clan, but they are not Mormons; nor have the Mormons any fellowship with them. I have taken pains to go with a person from the country, with a writ, and have searched every house suspected, till the person was satis¬ fied, and till I was satisfied myself that no such property, as claimed, was in the city. I have good reason to believe that scoundrels stay in Nauvoo, and when stolen property comes into the city, they are ready to pass it on to the territory, and screen themselves under the cloak of Mormonism, in order that the Mormons may bear the blame. If people will satisfy themselves as I have done, they may find a depot in the regions of Iowa, containing the greater part of the property charged to the Mormons. I would state further, that the Mormons had no agency in the searches I made, but that I made them, at the instance of men from the country, and that I spent three days in the territory of Iowa, searching into the facts and matters, and my statements are made up from personal observation. [Signed] JOSEPH A. KELTING, Deputy Sheriff of Hancock County.’ Evening of Friday, 17.—Elder H. C. Kimball, John Taylor and George A. Smith met with me in my upper room: we counseled and prayed.” 362 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 CHAPTER XXVIII THE STORY OF CONTINUED PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH IN NAUVOO, IN EUROPE AND IN THE UNITED STATES-PLEA FOR THE RETURN OF JAMES EMMETT'S COMPANY " Saturday, January 18, 1845.—I called at Elder Willard Richards’ and left some correspondence: pro¬ ceeded to the Temple. Sunday, 19.—The seventies met at their hall. Pres¬ idents for the sixteenth and seventeenth quorums were set apart; fifty persons were ordained. Afternoon the high priests’ quorum met; President George Miller preached on the subject of Intemperance. In the eve¬ ning I met the police and instructed them in their duties. Monday, 20.—I called on Elder Willard Richards and found him engaged on the History. Tuesday, 21.—Forenoon, with Elders Kimball and Richards at the Historian’s Office. Wrote a letter to my brother, Phineas H., with counsel for the saints in Kirtland to come to Nauvoo, that all who have faith in the latter-day work may be united with us in build¬ ing the Temple. Evening, I met in council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman; we wrote to Elder Jedediah M. Grant, Philadelphia, counseling him to forward all the young men and other available help he could to build the Temple. Wednesday, 22.—Forenoon, Elder Orson Pratt wrote a letter, in behalf of the council, to Elder Parley P. Pratt. Afternoon, I went to the Historian’s Office accompanied by Elders Kimball and Taylor. The letters to Elders Grant and Pratt were read and ap- A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 363 proved. A copy of Elder Pratt’s letter was sent to Wm. Smith. Evening, accompanied by my wife I attended a party at Brother Woodruff’s, Heber C. Kimball, John Tay¬ lor, George A. Smith, W. W. Phelps and their wives were present. Elder Elias Smith received a letter from A. W. Bab¬ bitt, Springfield, Ill., with the information that he was before the Legislative House Committee on Banks and Corporations pertaining to the bill for the uncondi¬ tional repeal of the Nauvoo Charter. Jacob A. Davis made a strong anti-Mormon speech before said com¬ mittee and presented them with a full file of the Nauvoo Neighbor containing the ordinances passed by the city council. Mr. Backenstos was also before the committee and pleaded like an apostle for the rights of his con¬ stituents. The committee inquired of Mr. Babbitt as to ‘bogus-making’—spiritual wife doctrine—and whether he believed in [Joseph] Smith’s revelations. He had made two speeches before the committee, but believed they would recommend the passage of the bill.* Thursday, 23.—I wrote to Elder Ezra T. Benson: called at the Trustees' Office; went to the Temple; called at Elder Richards’, Kimball’s, Taylor’s and Hyde’s. Found Brother John Scott at my house who said Brother Aaron Smith had just returned from Appanoose and said Wilson Law was there lecturing to the mob; counseling them to drive the ‘Mormons’ from Nauvoo before the Temple was done or they never could. Friday, 24.—Elders Heber C. Kimball and N. K. Whitney were at my house. Elder Orson Hyde re¬ turned from St. Louis, Mo. The plasterers finished plastering the Concert Hall. This building is thirty feet by fifty and eleven feet high. The ceiling is arched and has sounding jars. It has ♦The speeches in the Illinois legislature will be found in extenso in the Compre¬ hensive History of the Church, Century I, vol. ii, ch. lxvii. 364 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 been built amidst difficulty and discouragement in con¬ sequence of poverty, and has cost nearly one thousand dollars: much of the burden has laid on the Trustees, Stephen H. Goddard, Wm. F. Cahoon, and Wm. Clay¬ ton. Saturday, 25.—I went to the Temple this morning, thence with Elder Kimball, my brother Joseph, and Marshal Jon. C. Wright, to Brother Richards’ office. Sunday, 26.—I attended the regular meeting of the high priests’ quorum at the Masonic Hall. George i% h Miller presiding, who introduced the sub- Contempiiated. J ect building a hall for the use of the quorums of high priests one hundred and twenty feet long by eighty wideband about thirty-three feet high. I asked all that were in favor of having such a hall built, and were willing to do something towards building it, and not merely look on and see their brethren build it, to raise their hands; all hands were raised. I told them such a building as had been pro¬ posed would not cost less than fifteen thousand dollars. Two years ago or even one year ago we had not a public hall in this city. The room in Brother Joseph’s store was the only one where a congregation could convene. A year ago last fall I said to the seventies that if I were as strong and numerous a body as they were, I would go to work and put up a building that I might have a place to worship in. They put up their building, but the plan being altered, at the suggestion of Brother Hyrum, they had to wait for timber and could not finish it that season. Should the high priests com¬ mence the erection of the building proposed, next fall will come and even winter and the quorum will still be without a place to meet in, and probably the next season would pass away before it could be finished. I proposed to the quorum to finish off the upper story of the Temple in which they could receive their wash¬ ings and anointings and endowments instead of under¬ taking a building from the commencement: this propo¬ sition was received by unanimous vote. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 365 Elder Heber C. Kimball preached in the Concert Hall. The seventies met in their hall. President Joseph Young presiding, James M. Munroe expressed his willingness to teach the seventies English Newsof grammar. Elder George A. Smith spoke on N™ r v t °° r ' s the benefits arising from education; he said, |« n e 8 ]ed the saints should improve and be diligent in acquiring knowledge, this people and their gathering together has been made a political question, and we are a bone for all the world to pick at; Lawyer Babbitt had written that the legislature had repealed the city charter of Nauvoo, and there was a great rejoicing among the priests at their victory. President Joseph Young spoke of the importance of being able to speak correctly. He lectured the youth who joined the quorums as to obedience; Admonition said, if he knew of a man belonging to these V p JTv en L quorums stealing he would be cut off the church and published in the Neighbor. The saints had always taught honesty, virtue and uprightness—the lives of thousands were jeopardized by rascals and hypocrites, who would call you brother and pilfer your property; such were neither fit to be called saints nor decent human beings, they would go to hell. The names of several suspected of stealing were mentioned. James Dunn was cut off, two members were called in question for drunkenness. Evening, I attended prayer meeting. Monday, 27.—Attended to sending off fifty mis¬ sionaries and forwarding letters to Elders Parley P. Pratt, Wm. Smith and J. M. Grant. Elder Kimball preached the funeral sermon of Sister Perrygrine Ses¬ sions. Evening, at Dr. Richards’ office; I dictated a letter to Joshua Grant and heard several articles read. I insert minutes of meeting of the Presidents of Seventies: MINUTES OF SEVENTIES COUNCIL ‘Meeting opened by singing and prayer. President Joseph Young 366 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 spoke upon the lack of wisdom and economy of the members of this church. As an example he quoted the teaching of a certain elder, a president of one of the quorums, who told the people he considered the Twelve Apostles to be God to us. This sentiment expresssd to many was not only dangerous to the community, but was calculated to jeopardize the lives of the Twelve. The same allusion was made to Joseph, and the reply of the mob was, well if Jo Smith is their God we will kill their God, and so they did, and it may be so with the Twelve. The brethren should speak and act in wisdom for their own sake as well as for the truth's sake. There are brethren in these quorums and even presidents who are connected with a body of those consecrating thieves, who pretend to say that they have a right to consecrate from the Gentiles, but such will steal from their brethren as well as others. Several elders spoke on the subject, expressing their sense of the propriety of expelling said members from the church and publishing their names. The clerk. Elder John D. Lee, said that some of the brethren were probably too hasty in their decision according to his view of the matter. He considered that if the elders acted with discretion they must not be excited nor influenced by passion and remarked that did the elders possess the power of Jehovah in their present weak condition in less than twenty-four hours the earth would be depopulated, espe¬ cially should the elders be vested with that power in turns, for what would be spared by one would likely be destroyed by another. President Brigham Young arose and said, ‘When men have come into our midst who were as corrupt as the devil himself, many have supposed it would have been better to have cut their With C Mnncrs throats with a feather and exposed their sink of corrup- May°Repent ^ on ’ anc * * et t ^ cm 2° to w ^ ere they belonged, than to have borne with them as Brother Joseph Smith did; but this course would meet with a conflicting argument. To stop a man in his career would be taking away his agency. Cain was permitted to live, peradventure, he might repent of his wickedness, and redeem a portion of his time, and thereby obtain a glory and salvation, though not a full salvation; and this is the reason that Brother Joseph bore so long with Jackson* and others, that per¬ adventure they might, notwithstanding they had been guilty of murder and robbery, come to the waters of baptism through repentance, and redeem a part of their allotted time. If they were cut off from the earth they might with propriety come up in the day of judgment and say we took away their agency, which if we had let alone, they would ♦This was a desperate character who appeared in Hancock county about the time the “Mormon" troubles approached a climax in the life of the Prophet. Jackson was supposed to be implicated in the murder oj the Prophet. (See this History, vol. vi. pp. 149, 521, 560). A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 367 have repented of their sins and redeemed a part of their time. The presidents of seventies should be men of wisdom and know how to save men instead of destroying them; for example let a hot-headed president stand at the head of a quorum and let some of the members of his quorum be overtaken in a fault, it would make no difference how small or great the offense might be, the first steps that would be taken (instead of going in a private manner, as a prudent reflecting president should and teach the guilty the law of redemption, bind up the breach and thereby save a soul from ruin) would be to have the offense made public—have the accused arraigned before the quorum in order to ferret out the crime, thus increasing the wound, especially if it should be an interruption between a man and his wife; the offense having become public, confidence is lost, not only in the accused, but the parties concerned lose confidence in each other, their reputation sinks, consequently despair rushes into the troubled soul, who is thus rashly treated and he or they suppose they have not a friend on earth, consequently imagine it is useless for them to try to redeem their former standing, and in fact instances have been known of individuals under like circumstances giving up to intoxication and finally become the most miserable dissipated and abandoned wretches on earth; whereas, had wisdom been used, the soul might have been reclaimed and saved by casting the mantle of charity around them and thereby covering up a multitude of sins. This is what is meant by the mantle of charity that Paul speaks of [covering a multitude of sins]. We should be charitable, liberal, patient and forbearing with each other and above all never blast each others' characters, rather hide each others faults with the mantle of charity; for when but few know your faults they seem but few, but expose them and they become multitudes.' Tuesday, 28.—I met in council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, John E. Page, Bishops Whitney and Miller, Reynolds Cahoon and v s Land Elias Smith, when was read a letter from Gram sought Wm. P. Richards, Esq., Macomb, McDon- ga "' ough county, Illinois, to Bishop George Miller sug¬ gesting the propriety of petitioning congress for a grant of land twenty-four miles square in the pineries or other uninhabited portions of public domain to be set apart as a reserve for the saints, with power to make our own local arrangements, and enact laws not re¬ pugnant to the Constitution of the United States. This he considers necessary in consequence of the irreconcil¬ able feelings of the public in relation to us as a religious 368 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 body: his communication with the correspondence thereon was published in the Neighbor. Wednesday, 29.—I called at Elder Richards' office with Elder Kimball and Thomas Kingston and read a „ , letter* from J. B. Backenstos informing us Prejudice in 0 * stron £ prejudice entertained by the Leglslaun*c” members of the legislative assembly and the determined spirit evinced to repeal the Nau- voo City Charter; also informing us that John Dough¬ erty, senator from Union county, openly justified the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and that the senate had discharged from arrest Jacob C. Davis, one of their number, who was indicted for murder. Mr. Backenstos had appealed to the sense of justice, equal rights, patriotism and humanity possessed by the mem¬ bers of the house of representatives in vain. His col¬ league Mr. Babbitt and himself had done their duty. Afternoon, attended council. Evening, I assisted Brother Kimball to prepare his Journal for the press, and blessed his child, Brigham Willard. Thursday, 30.—Attended council with the author¬ ities of the city, pertaining to the action of the legisla- i chanty of turc ' n repealing the City Charter. The Repeal of council agreed to have the city election go charters on tomorrow, not knowing whether the governor would pass or veto the bill. A committee was appointed to confer with legal gentle¬ men in relation to the legitimacy of the legislature repealing a charter granted for the term of perpetual succession. * * * Friday, 31.—Elders Heber C. Kimball, John Tay¬ lor, Willard Richards and W. W. Phelps engaged in writing letters to eminent jurists, inquiring as to the constitutionality of the action of the Illinois legislature in repealing the City Charter of Nauvoo. Received a letter from Elder Parley P. Pratt in rela- ♦See letter file in Historian’s Office, box 7. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 369 tion to the prosperity of the church under his care, [i. e. N. Y. ] and the great demand for Books of Doc¬ trine and Covenants and Hymn Books. A meeting was held in the Seventies’ Hall, for the purpose of forming a Mercantile and Mechanical Asso¬ ciation, Elder John Taylor, chairman. Twelve trustees were elected to control the association, viz. Daniel Garn, Samuel Bent, Shadrach Roundy, Charles C. Rich, John D. Lee, L. N. Scovil, Joseph Worthen, Joseph Horn, Hosea Stout, Edward Hunter, Gustavus Williams and Charles A. Davis. Bishops Whitney and Miller, Trustees-in-Trust for the church published the following: AGENTS APPOINTED FOR RECEIVING DONATIONS AND TITHING FOR BUILDING THE TEMPLE 'To Whom It May Concern : This certifies that the following named elders have been appointed by the proper authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, agents to collect donations and tithings for the Temple in Nauvoo and for other purposes; and have complied with all necessary requirements by entering into bonds to our entire satisfaction. We hope they will be received as such by all people wherever they may travel. [Then follow the names of 46 elders so appointed]. We hope also that the brethren will have confidence in them, inasmuch as we hold ourselves responsible to credit on the Book of Law of the Lord, for all donations put into their hands, to the names of the donors on their tithing. Inasmuch as this is a very good opportunity, and inasmuch as we feel very anxious that all should double their exertions in order to finish the building of the Temple the next season, that the saints may receive their endowments; we hope the saints universally will embrace the opportunity, and donate liberally, that they may the more speedily receive their reward, for great things depend on our finishing the building of the Temple with speed.' Saturday, February 1, 1845.—At ten a. m. I met with Elders John Taylor, Willard Richards, Orson Spencer, George Miller, W. W. Phelps and L. R. Foster in committee to complete the letters to eminent jurists [i. e. on legality of the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter]. Sunday, 2.—I preached in the Concert Hall, to a crowded assembly. Elder Orson Hyde preached in the 24 Vol. 7 370 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Masonic Hall. Elder Heber C. Kimball preached at Brother Gully’s at candle light; Father John Smith and Bishop Miller made a few remarks. The seventies met at their hall in the evening, Elders George A. Smith, Joseph Young and others preached; several were ordained into the quorums, and several presidents were set apart for the eighteenth quorum. I spent the evening at home with my family, city Election Monday, 3.—The following officers were at Nauvoo. elected without a dissenting vote (about 900 votes polled): Mayor : Orson Spencer. Aldermen : Daniel Spencer, N. K. Whitney, George W. Harris and Charles C. Rich. Councilors: David Fullmer, John Pack, George Miller, W. W. Phelps, Jonathan C. Wright, Samuel Bent, Phineas Richards, James Sloan and Edward Hunter. I received the following communication from the attorney-general of the state of Illinois: A FRIENDLY LETTER FROM JOSIAH LAMBORN. STATE OFFICIAL 'Springfield, 28th Jan., 1845. Dear Sir : You and I were slightly acquainted heretofore, though I presume you have forgotten me. During my sojourn here this winter, I have carefully watched the progress of events and particularly so in reference to your friends and fellow citizens of Nauvoo. Throughout all the persecutions and abuses which have been heaped upon you. though I have been far removed from any political or pecuniary influence which might bias my mind; yet I have always considered that your enemies have been prompted by religious and political prejudices and by a desire for plunder and blood, more than for the common good. By the repeal of your charter and by refusing all amendments and modifications our legislature has given a kind of sanction to the barbarous manner in which you have been treated. Your two representatives exerted themselves to the extent of their abilities in your behalf, but the tide of popular passion and frenzy was too strong to be resisted. It is truly a melancholy spectacle to witness the lawmakers of a sovereign state condescending to pander to the vices, ignorance and malevolence of a class of people who are at all times ready for riot, murder and rebellion. You had many true A. D. 18*5] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 371 friends here. Most of the intelligent gentlemen out of the legislature felt that you were an injured and an outraged people. The members living nearest to your city and having better means of information than those living remotely, sustained and defended you to the last. The opposition was made up of the body of the whig party, together with such demagogues of the other party as could be cajoled and bamboozled by the whigs. There is now presented to the house a new charter for your city. It is referred to a select committee. What its fate may be no man can tell. Your senator, Jacob C. Davis, has done much to poison the minds of members against anything in your favor. He walks at large in defiance of law, an indicted murderer. If a Mormon was in his position the senate would afford no protection, but he would be dragged forth to the jail or to the gallows or to be shot down by a cowardly and brutal mob. All you have to do is to be quiet, submissive to the laws and cir¬ cumspect in your conduct. Heap coals of fire on their heads by humility and kindness, and my word for it, there will be a mighty reaction in the public sentiment, which will ultimately overthrow all your enemies. The sober second thought of the people will always be right, and heaven will protect you against all the assaults of a corrupt and bloodthirsty rabble. Excuse me for attempting to give you advice. I do not wish to interfere with your affairs or to dictate in any way to your minds. My motives are those of friendship springing warm from my heart and the same which would control in relation to all mankind. Yours, etc. [Signed] JOSIAH LAMBORN.’ Tuesday, 4.—I met in council with the authorities of the church. Afternoon, Elder Kimball visited Mother Smith. Thursday, 6.—I preached in the Concert Hall to a large congregation on the occasion of the death of Alonzo W. N. Whitney. Friday, 7.—A meeting was held of the Council of the Trades Association. Elders John Taylor, George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman attended. Sunday, 9.—Elder Kimball and I preached at Brother Horner’s Mill; had a good meeting with the brethren: many came to hear us. Meeting at the stand: Elders John Taylor and George A. Smith preached on the necessity of the 372 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Seventy’s Quorums to be Purged Wicksedn of people sustaining themselves by home pro¬ ductions and their industry; manufacturing their own clothing and being united and keeping such good order that the repeal of the city charters would be no injury to the community. Afternoon, high priests’ quorum met. Seventies met in their hall. President Joseph Young said he meant by the assistance of the great God to cut off all liars, swearers, bogus-makers and bogus-circu¬ lators and endeavor to purify the bodies of the seventies from filth and wickedness. Seven presidents were set apart, and thirty members ordained for the nineteenth quorum. Elder Amasa M. Lyman addressed the meet¬ ing on the subject of order. The branch at Quincy, Illinois, held a conference. There were represented one hundred members, includ¬ ing nine high priests, one seventy, twelve elders and two priests, one teacher and one deacon. Monday, 10.—Meeting of the Presidents of Seven¬ ties at early candle light. After the business before the Revelation meeting was attended to, I instructed the Doctrine. elders on the subject of revelation; showing how the Lord dealt with his children in revealing to them here a little and there a little, as they were capaci¬ tated to receive, comprehend and improve upon, named baptism for the dead in which the Lord first revealed the principle, then the order. Elders John E. Page and George A. Smith bore testimony. Tuesday, 11.—Elders Kimball, Page, Taylor, Smith, Lyman and myself met with the Trades Com¬ mittee. Afternoon, attended meeting at Elder Taylor’s with a Committee of the Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. It was proposed that the citizens be invited to subscribe twelve thousand days work, which it was estimated would put a sufficient dam in the Mississippi to propel machinery. Mr. John C. Elliott, one of the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith was arrested by John Kay. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 373 With other items, I wrote Elder Woodruff the fol¬ lowing: PRESIDENT YOUNG S LETTER TO ELDER WOODRUFF IN ENGLAND ‘It will rejoice your heart to hear that we have a remarkable mild winter, clear and pleasant, no snow, and peace in the city, as it does ours to live here and enjoy it. Though the papers report a total repeal of the Nauvoo Charter by a large majority in both houses, we remain undisturbed, and city affairs go on as usual. We expect to appeal to the U. S. court. The stone is nearly hewn for the Temple; a stone font is abouf to be erected, the woodwork is progressing rapidly under a temporary roof in the basement story, and we hope to commence the endowments next fall or early in the winter. We will not send many elders to England until after the endowment. You will please call at Stationer’s Hall, London, the first oppor¬ tunity, and get or by some means procure a copy of the ‘copyright of the Book of Mormon ' and safely keep it until further Copyrights notice. The saints arc more engaged than ever to finish the Temple, and it is desirable that tithings be forwarded from all branches at the earliest safe conveyance. The different quorums are becoming perfected in their several organizations, by which means the elders are learning their duty. Union, love and peace were never more universal among the saints at Nauvoo, than at the present time. Brother Willard is convalescent, collecting materials for history and much regrets the absence of Elder Woodruff's Journals.’ Wednesday, 12.—Mr. Elliott was examined before Justices Aaron Johnson, Daniel H. Wells, Isaac Higbee and committed to Carthage jail to await his trial at the next term of the circuit court. Thursday, 13.—I met in council with the Twelve and others. With Elders Willard Richards, George A. Smith, and others, I spent the evening at Elder Kim¬ ball’s: had a good time. Friday, 14.—Father Morley arrived from Yelrome near Lima, Adams county, bringing word that five of the brethren there had been arrested charged Brethren with larceny; he says that property had been Arrested at concealed on their premises and recovered by ™« nseg a search warrant, on the principle ‘those that hide can find’. These proceedings were had to produce 374 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 excitement, and a warrant is said to be out for Father Morley. I met with the Twelve and others and prayed for the deliverance of these brethren. Father Morley was counseled to remove his family to Nauvoo and Solomon Hancock was appointed to preside over that branch. Dr. John M. Bernhisel was appointed a Traveling Bishop to visit the churches. Some conver¬ sation ensued on the subject of sending six brethren with Brother Lewis Dana to the west and especially to Texas. Saturday, 15.—A conference was held in Lipsey, Tuscaloosa county, Alabama. Five branches were rep¬ resented containing one hundred and forty-one mem¬ bers, including twenty-four officers, A. O. Smoot, pre¬ sided. Died—in Nauvoo, Asa Works, Sen., aged eighty- three years, after a sickness of six months. He served his country as a soldier in the American Revolution; was in the battles of Bennington and a. soldier of Monmouth, in the latter of which he received Revolution 3 " a wound in his left arm between the shoulder Dies - and elbow,—underwent a great deal of hard¬ ship, privation and hunger in helping to gain American independence. In the year 1838, he emigrated to Far West, Mis¬ souri, at which place he was called to witness the viola¬ tion of that liberty he fought to obtain. He endured with the Latter-day Saints all the persecution and suf¬ fering inflicted upon them in 1838 and 9 in Missouri; and since that time has lived in exile in the state of Illinois. Brother Asa Works was the father of my first wife, Miriam. Sunday, 16.—Elder Amasa M. Lyman preached in the Masonic Hall. The seventies from the first to the eighth quorums met in their hall. Elder Zerah Pul¬ sipher preached. Elder George A. Smith preached to the high priests: three persons were ordained high priests. Evening, I attended prayer meeting at the Trustees’ Office. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 375 Monday, 17.—Meeting of the Presidents of Seven¬ ties. Measures were adopted to facilitate the building of President Joseph Young’s house. Tuesday, 18.—The Board of the Mercantile and Mechanical Association met at the Masonic Hall and proceeded to organize. I attended a council at President John Smith's, and ordained Wm. Perkins'bishop of Macedonia and An¬ drew H. Perkins his counselor. Thursday, 20.—I called at Elder W. Richards’ office with Elders Joseph Young, George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman. I heard a recital of the Haun’s Mill Massacre by my brother Joseph: afterwards went to the Temple. Friday, 21.—I preached at Brother Robert Pierce’s on the occasion of the funeral of Brother Morris White- sides. Saturday, 22.—I attended meeting of the high coun¬ cil in the Seventies’ Hall: a full quorum present. Sunday, 23.—I preached at Hiram Kimball’s, Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith administered the sacrament: had a good meeting. Meeting of seventies in their hall. Elders P. B. Lewis made a few remarks. President Joseph Young spoke of the principle of receiving revelation from God. Meeting at Bishop Hale’s. Elder Dunham preached, followed by Mother Smith, who gave a recital of the persecutions endured by her family, in establishing the church, and exhorted the brethren and sisters to bring up their children in the way they should go: there were meetings held in the Concert and Masonic Halls. Afternoon, high priests quorum met. Elder Kim¬ ball preached. Evening, the Twelve Apostles and others met in council and for prayer. Monday, 24.—In company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Amasa M. Lyman, George Mil¬ ler, William Clayton, George D. Grant, E. D. Woolley, John Kay and John L. Smith I went to Macedonia; 376 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 we were armed with forty-six rounds, loaded pistols. After the company partook of refreshments, we met at Brother Benjamin F. Johnson’s and enjoyed a pleas¬ ant evening; Brother Kay sang a number of songs. Evening, the Presidents of Seventies met in their hall. The charges against James Carrol and Hiram Gates, were investigated and they were expelled from the church. The brethren agreed to trade with those merchants who sustained good order and honored the laws of the city. Tuesday, 25.—I spent the day in Macedonia, set¬ tling the church business with Elder B. F. Johnson. The company from Nauvoo dined at Elder Wm. G. Perkins'. Afternoon, visited the saints. Evening. Elders Orson Pratt, Amasa M. Lyman, George Miller and I Premonitions preached. Chatted at Brother Johnson’s Young sident after midnight. I told the brethren that all was not right and that we would have some of the brethren from Nauvoo before daybreak; George D. Grant and John Kay agreed to watch during the night. A rumor having reached Nauvoo that Elder Kimball and I were in Carthage jail, Elders John E. Page, John Taylor, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, and Charles C. Rich, met in Nauvoo at Elder Taylor’s and investigated the report, and though they did not believe it, they deemed it prudent to dispatch Brother Hosea Stout and seven of the old police to Macedonia, as a protection for us. President John Smith very sick, several of the Twelve administered to him. Wednesday, 26.—Brother Hosea Stout and com¬ pany arrived in front of Brother Johnson’s house; we Arrive—Not at ^ rst thought it was the mob, but when :he Mob. , Wm. H. Kimball cried out ‘Father don’t you know me’, we immediately recognized the brethren and had a joyful meeting; they brought us word of the rumor which had arisen in Nauvoo from two suspi- A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 377 cious persons who had been at Brother Turley’s inquir¬ ing for Elder Kimball and me. At ten a. m. we started for Nauvoo, twenty-three of the brethren from Macedonia accompanying us through the timber about seven miles when we halted and How¬ ard Egan recited a negro sermon; I made a few remarks by way of counsel to the Macedonia brethren and blessed them in the name of the Lord; they returned home; we proceeded and arrived in Nauvoo about three p. m. Thursday, 27.—This morning in company with Elders George A. Smith, John E. Page, Willard Rich¬ ards and John Taylor I proceeded to the bank of the river, in the lower part of the city, the site of the con¬ templated dam and in presence of about one hundred individuals consecrated the ground by prayer; Elder John E. Page being mouth. I made a few remarks. The Twelve Apostles, Trustees, mayor, aldermen and councilors met in council. Moses Smith repre¬ sented the condition of the company led in- Delegation to the wilderness by James Emmett. After v^SjamU 0 mature deliberation on the situation and Company in condition of James Emmett's company, it was unanimously voted that Elder Amasa M. Ly¬ man visit them, and that he choose a companion to accompany him. Voted that Elder Orson Pratt write a fatherly epistle in behalf of this council and Elder Orson Spencer assist him: Elder Lyman chose Elder Daniel Spencer to accompany him. The following is a copy of the letter written: THE COUNCIL'S LETTER WRITTEN TO JAMES EMMETT AND COMPANY ‘Nauvoo, February 27, 1845. To James Emmett $ Company, Dear Brethren: We, the Twelve and some other of the authorities of the church, being in council assembled, send unto you this epistle by the hand of our beloved, trustworthy and faithful brother Amasa M. Lyman, whom we have counseled to visit you, and give you instruction for your good and salvation. Though our counsel has been lightly esteemed and disregarded by Brother Emmett, yet we verily believe there are those among you who 378 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 have been honestly and sincerely deceived by his vain pretenses and mis¬ representations. We labored long and faithfully to persuade Brother Emmett to hearken to the counsel of his friends to whom were committed the power, authority and keys for the salvation of Zion and the redemption of her children together with the keys of endowment for the lifting up and exaltation of the heirs of promise—the remnant of Joseph—but our counsels, our persuasions, our entreaties, and all our labors with him were in vain. He still persisted in his course and has led you forth from our midst and separated you from the body and like a branch severed from a tree you must and will perish together with your posterity and your progenitors unless you are engrafted again thereon before you wither and die; and because we know your unfortunate condition, and because we feel for your safety as a kind father feels for his tender offspring we therefore stretch out our arms to you and would feign welcome you to the bosom of our counsels and rescue you from the vortex of ruin and destruction into which you will inevitably and irrecoverably plunge yourselves by continuing to hearken to the counsels of one who will not regard the advice and counsel of the proper authorities of the kingdom of God. Do you wish, dear brethren, to see the house of our God built up, adorned, and prepared according to the commandment and pattern given? Do you wish to enter into its sacred courts and receive your washings and anointings, and the keys of knowledge and power? Do you desire the eternal seal of the priesthood placed upon your head by which your progenitors for ages past and your posterity for endless generations to come shall be secured to you in a covenant that is everlasting? Do you desire to take part with the servants of God in teaching, civilizing, saving and exalting the Lamanitcs? And, in fine, do you desire to stand forth with the servants of God and in :he majesty and strength and greatness of the everlasting priesthood rescue the earth from violence, oppression and wickedness and seal all things unto the end of all things that the saints alone may have dominion. All of you are ready to answer yes, and respond with a hearty affirmative. But remember that there is but one way by which you can realize or partake of these things; it is by hearkening to our counsel in all things; and for this reason we send unto you Brother Amasa [M. Lyman], who' will counsel you in all things according to the mind and will of God, according to the circumstances in which you are placed. If Brother Emmett will receive our advice and continue so to do, it shall yet be well with him, but if not we say in the name of the Lord that it shall be ill with him and all that follow him.’ Evening, called on Father John Smith, who was still sick; united with the brethren and prayed for him: he felt blessed. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 379 Friday, 28.—I went to the Temple and visited the Trustees, and counseled with them pertaining to busi¬ ness: all things going on well. Saturday, March 1, 1845.—I met with the ‘General Council’* at the Seventies Hall. We decided to send nine brethren westward, to search out a location for the saints: many eloquent speeches were made on the present position of affairs: had a good meeting, which continued all day. The high council met: no business. The overflowing of rivers in the north of China submerged whole provinces with populations respec¬ tively larger than some of the second class kingdoms of Europe. When the waters receded thousands of corpses were left on the ground. Upwards of seventeen mil¬ lions of human beings who have escaped from the inun¬ dations have spread over the adjacent provinces, beg¬ gared of all things and crying for bread. Sunday, 2.—At home—unwell. Elders Heber C. Kimball and John E. Page preached in the Music Hall. The seventies and their families met in their hall. Elders Luman A. Shurtliff, Hiram Dayton, and Joseph Young preached. Evening, visited Father John Smith and the mother of the Prophet. Monday, 3.—I accompanied Elder Heber C. Kimball at his request on to the hill to transact some business: returned home quite sick and went to bed. Evening, the Presidents of Seventies met, and inves¬ tigated the characters of several of their members. The choir had a concert at the Music Hall; Elders Taylor and Kimball addressed the assembly spiritedly. Tuesday, 4.—Continued sickly. General Council met at Seventies Hall; Elder Kimball presided; the subject of the western mission was discussed. ‘"General Council is the Council of Fifty." This is the footnote in President Young’s Ms. History. This Council of Fifty is the legislature of the kingdom of God which includes the church. (For treatise see Note at end of chapter.) 380 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Thursday, 6 .—Elders Kimball and Richards called on me this evening. I sat up a little and felt better. Friday, 7.—I walked over to my brother Joseph’s: felt considerably better. I had no doctor in my sick¬ ness, but the Lord, my wife, and the laying on of hands of the elders. Saturday, 8.—I rode up to the Temple. High council met—no business—adjourned. Sunday, 9 .—I attended council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, George A. Smith, N. K. Whitney and George Miller, most of the day; after¬ wards met with the high priests’ quorum and preached. Evening, attended seventies meeting and addressed the brethren. Elder Wilford Woodruff attended conference at Preston, England. Five hundred and five members were represented. Monday, 10.—Forenoon, with Elders Kimball and Richards. Afternoon, Elders George A. Smith assisted Elder Richards to get out historical items. Tuesday, 11. —I attended the General Council. The subject of writing to Governor Ford; also the present movements of the mob were discussed. It was con¬ sidered best for those who are hunted with writs to go on missions; as the policy of commencing a mob per¬ secution has always been to get out vexatious writs in order to provoke resistance to the form of legal author¬ ity and thereby produce a collision between us and the state; so that we may, if possible, evade the blow until we can finish the Temple and the Nauvoo House. It was also decided that the workmen on the walls of the Temple commence work tomorrow. Wednesday, 12.—The sheriff is here with writs for several of the brethren. He says that the mob have sent messengers to the governor to inform him that the Mormons have resisted the officers and requesting him to order a posse comitatus to come and take Bracken- bury: Mr. Brackenbury was a witness against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 381 Wm. Marks left town suddenly. A dreadful earthquake occurred in the city of Mexico at fifty-two minutes past three p. m., which caused a great amount of suffering and great destruction of property. Thursday, 13.—Several brethren accompanied Mr. Brackenbury to Augusta. Friday, 14.—I attended meeting in the Masonic Hall and proposed that deacons be appointed to take care of the poor, in every neighborhood, with bishops at their head: agreed to meet the bishops and their counselors at the Masonic Hall on Monday morning to organize. Brother A. P. Rock wood recorded the following: ‘For the three and a half years that I have been in charge of the Temple quarry, with from twenty to one hundred and fifty hands, Brother Moses Horn has been the first person that has met with an accident by blasting. During this time there has been burned, according to my judgment, about one hundred casks of powder. Brother Horn had retired to the usual distance while blasting; he was struck on the head by a stone weighing one and a half pounds which fractured his skull; we immediately conveyed him home, sent for Dr. Bernhisel and other physicians, who pronounced the wound mortal: he died in three hours.’ ” NOTE President Young in writing a letter (May 3, 1844) to Reuben Hedlock, president of the European Mission at the time, said to him: “The kingdom is organized; and although as yet no bigger than a grain of mustard seed, the little plant is in a flourishing condition and our prospects brighter than ever. Cousin Lemuel is very friendly [referring to the Indians] and cultivating the spirit of peace and union in his family very extensively.”* Again in a discourse under date of July 8, 1855,t President Young said: “As was observed by Brother Pratt [this morning] that king¬ dom [i. e. of God] is actually organized and the inhabitants of the earth do not know it. If this people know anything about it, all right; it is organized preparatory to taking effect in the due time of the Lord, and in the manner that shall please him. As observed by * Millennial Star, vol. xxiii, p. 4 22. t Deseret News, August 1. 1 85 5, vol. v, p. 162; sec also Journal of Discourses, vol. ix, pp. 309-17. 382 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 one of the speakers this morning that kingdom grows out of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is not the church; for a man may be a legislator in that body which will issue laws to sustain the inhabitants of the earth in their individual rights and still not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ at all. And further though a man may not even believe in any religion it would be perfectly right, when necessary, to give him the privilege of holding a seat among that body which will make laws to govern all the nations of the earth and control those who make no profession of religion at all; for that body would be governed, controlled and dictated to acknowledge others in those rights which they wish to enjoy themselves. Then the Latter-day Saints would be protected, if a kingdom of this kind was on the earth, the same as all other people/' The late President George Q. Cannon while editor of the Juvenile Instructor * said: “We are asked, Is the Church of God, and the Kingdom of God the same organization? and we are informed that some of the brethren hold that they are separate. This is the correct view to take. The Kingdom of God is a separate organization from the Church of God. There may be men acting as officers in the Kingdom of God who will not be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On this point the Prophet Joseph gave particular instructions before his death, and gave an example, which he asked the younger elders who were present to always remember. It was to the effect that men might be chosen to officiate as members of the Kingdom of God who had no standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kingdom of God when established will not be for the protection of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alone, but for the protection of all men, whatever their religious views or opinions may be. Under its rule, no one will be permitted to overstep the proper bounds or to interfere with the rights of others/' Undoubtedly all this has reference to the time spoken of by St. John in Revelation when he said: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever/’t However it is proper to note that sometimes these terms “the Church of Christ", “the Kingdom of God" and “the Kingdom of Heaven" are used interchangeably in the scriptures and hence the confusion in these terms sometimes obtains. *Vol. xxxi, p 140. IRev. xi:15. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 383 CHAPTER XXIX THE JAMES EMMETT COMPANY OFFICIALLY VISITED- APRIL CONFERENCE OF 1845— MUNICIPAL CORPORA¬ TIONS UNDER GENERAL STATE LAW — WESTERN MOVEMENT PROPOSED BY GOVERNOR FORD "Saturday, March 15, 1845.—Attended council at the Trustees’ Office: present—a quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Presidency of the Seventies, Temple Com¬ mittee, Trustees and Architect. We decided to put all our help on the Temple—build a drain for the font— a wall on the south side of the Temple block—keep three cranes going, and stop building the dam in the Mississippi till next winter. Afternoon, I attended the high council in company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, George A. Smith, and John E. Page. Elders Amasa M. Lyman and Daniel Spencer re¬ turned from their visit to Emmett’s company. At five p. m., the Twelve and Trustees repaired to the Mansion and heard Elder Lyman give an account of his late mission to Emmett’s company. He found them on the Iowa river one hun- Spencer’s dred and fifty miles west of the settlements Emmett’s in a deplorable condition, caused chiefly by the rigid enforcement of Emmett’s measures: he having limited their food to three gills of corn each per day. The company were much distressed and in all prob¬ ability many would soon return to Nauvoo. The Twelve and Trustees partook of supper pro¬ vided by Brother John Pack at the Mansion: after which the band discoursed sweet music. Mr. Brackenbury and company returned from 384 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Augusta; he had not been brought to trial, the party Brackenbury- prosecuting alleging they were not ready; riot Against. Brackenbury offered to admit the charge, and give bonds for his appearance at next court, which was all the justice of the peace could require, if the trial had proceeded and the charge had been sustained; but the justice would not do it, so determined were the mob to annoy Brackenbury and get an opportunity to do him personal violence. Mr. Brackenbury was arrested for perjury; but the real intention of the mob was to get him into their hands to murder him, to prevent his being a witness against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Sunday, 16.—Elder Amasa M. Lyman preached at the stand. He spoke as follows: ‘I have been in the woods and have seen those people who have gone into the wilderness to get their endow- \masa m. ment. They have suffered much—have been Piiiuber''Report reduced in their rations to three gills of corn nl~r ett P er day, and latterly to two gills, hence you condition^. w ill not be surprised when I tell you that they have grown very poor. This is the way they live in the wilderness, still they profess to abide the counsel of the Twelve. Emmett is trustee-in-trust and Butler is second in command. Their countenances brightened up when they saw Brother Spencer and me, and found they were not all entirely cut off. The majority of them were under the impression that their movement was directed by the orders of the Twelve. Brother Emmett did not manifest any disposition to follow the counsel of the Twelve, he said if the Twelve would live among the Gentiles longer he had no ob¬ jections, but that he had endured the driving from Missouri with patience, and that he was clear from the blood of the Gentiles. He seemed determined to go ahead against the advice of God, man or the devil. He got his company to consecrate wife, children, cloth¬ ing and everything they had. and place all their prop- A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 385 erty under the control of the bishop; there is not one who can control a second suit of clothes. Brother Hilmer wanted to come away. Emmett said to him, ‘Did not you covenant to stand by us? If you want to be a covenant-breaker you can go.’ They have more arms than men. More than one-half of the party were for stopping. Orders were given for the arms to be brought in and piled. Those who declared their determination to go ahead took the arms and the others were commanded to stand and have their tents searched. The suffering they have endured is too bad to talk about. Once in a while their cattle die; they have not the trouble of killing them; they then go to work and eat them. I stayed one night, my heart was sick; I left and wrote to them.’ REMARKS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG ON EMMETT'S COMPANY AND SUNDRY TOPICS I [Brigham Young] also addressed the meeting and said: ‘I will give a few of my own ideas in short. Liv¬ ing poor, being in the wilderness, etc., is nothing to me when I am called to endure it, but people who run headlong into misery and bring upon themselves suffer¬ ing, do not arrive at anything but darkness and despair. There is not one of Emmett’s company that can claim the protection of heaven or any blessing of the ever¬ lasting gospel; their sufferings add nothing to their exaltation, but if the Lord had called them to pass through trials, they would have visions, revelations and faith (if necessity required) to cause him to feed them like the children of Israel. We told James Em¬ mett, if he went, he would get into trouble: this congregation can be led by a thread. Religion is one thing and fanaticism is another. Spring is here; we covenanted to labor on the Temple until it was finished and do all we could towards its completion; but we have not done it; if the brethren had continued, they might have worked on those walls four days a week. The stonecutters and joiners have 25 Vol. 7 386 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 been at work; the joiners have far exceeded our expec¬ tations this winter. The timber holds out, we keep using and there is enough left; there will be no lack of timber. If the brethren will go to work now, there will be no lack of provisions. We want the brethren to pay up their tithing. If you will haul wood, timber, etc., and help on the Temple you will find that it will be made up to you in your crops. Since N. K. Whitney and George Miller have taken charge of the business, no man has needed anything but what has been supplied. I can call scores of men around me, who would sooner sacrifice every dollar they have, than the work on the Temple should stop. We can set four hundred men to work on the Temple. I do not want any man to go to preach till he is sent. If the world want to hear preaching let them come here, and if they really want the gospel, let them clean fup] Carthage jail. I have proposed to the leading men of the Water Power Company, to put their work on the Temple. I will call the stockholders together, and give my rea¬ sons to them. We want to press forward the work on the Temple. I now proclaim to all saints who control means, to go to the Trustees and see if they want means to procure provisions, etc., for the hands; and I ask you to use all your influence to strengthen the hands of the Trustees. I swear by the God of heaven that we will not spend money in feeing lawyers. All the lawsuits that have been got up against the saints, have been hatched up to fee lawyers, tavernkeepers, etc. I would rather have a six-shooter than all the lawyers in Illinois. I am sworn not to pay lawyers, but to pay our debts, and it will relieve us from an immense tax. Do not let there be a lot laying vacant in this town, join fences, for there is land enough in this city without going on to the prairie. I am going to drop the name Nauvoo and call this the ‘City of Joseph’. Tomorrow evening we want the bishops at the Masonic Hall, and we will A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 387 organize them according to our notion of things. We have no police; the legislature has repealed our charter, and we mean to have the ‘City of Joseph’ organized. The streets shall be kept clear; and the poor cared for. Brother Wm. Marks has gone without being ‘whit- ;led’ out. He would hire a man for twenty- n tureof five cents a day and would make a man work wm^Mark^ two days in the harvest field for one bushel of wheat, which is one of the most low, dishonest, mean things a person can do.’ Elder Heber C. Kimball preached at Brother Luce’s on the occasion of the death of Brother Moses Horn. Monday, 17.—One hundred and five extra laborers and about thirty teams commenced work at the Temple this morning in obedience to the call of yesterday to hasten its completion. Tuesday, 18.—I met with General Council all day. Wednesday, 19.—Colonel Hosea Stout, who was on duty this evening at my house [i. e. as watchman] called upon me and I had some conversation with him in regard to the saints settling the country near the headwaters of the Colorado of the west. Thursday, 20.—Elder Heber C. Kimball and I called on Elder Richards and found him and his clerks engaged on the history: we proceeded to the Temple. Evening, attended prayer meeting at Brother Joseph B. Noble’s. Friday, 21.—In company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John E. Page and A. W. Babbitt, I went to the Trustees’ Office and . . . , . e Movement consulted in relation to the best course for “>«, Mr. Brackenbury to pursue. We agreed that rac c '”‘ n he should sue out a writ of habeas corpus returnable before Judge Young at Quincy, and that Brother Bab¬ bitt should accompany him thither. Evening, attended prayer meeting at Brother Joseph B. Noble’s. Saturday, 22.—I attended the General Council. The 388 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 subject of the western mission was considered and occupied the most of the day: the Nauvoo House, Printing Office, Church History and organization of the city were also matters of consideration. Sunday, ,23.—Elder Heber C. Kimball preached in the Music Hall on the building of the Temple. Elder Wilford Woodruff attended a conference in Edinburgh, Scotland: four hundred and nine members were represented. Monday, 24.—In company with the Twelve Apos¬ tles I attended a meeting at the Concert Hall in the evening. We ordained bishops who were directed to set apart deacons in their wards to attend to all things needful and especially to watch; being without any city organization, we deemed it prudent to organize the priesthood more strictly that the peace and good order hitherto sustained by the city might still be preserved. Tuesday, 25.—I attended council with the Twelve and prayer meeting in the evening. Wednesday, 26.—Elder Amos Fielding with about fifty saints arrived this evening, being a portion of the Arrival of. company who left Liverpool, England, on English saints. t i ie p a i rri y ra; man y Q f the company were unable to get further than St. Louis. At nine p. m., I rode to the upper landing and welcomed the saints, and directed the schoolhouse to be opened for the use of the company during the night. Brother Perkins from Macedonia, brought word that the mob were making active preparations to make a Mob break upon us about court time, which is Movements. the third Monday in May: they were col¬ lecting artillery and organizing themselves for a general raid. Thursday, 27.—I attended council with the Twelve, the Trustees, the Temple Committee and Brother Amos Fielding at Father Cutler’s. Church matters and the plans of the mob were canvassed. At three p. m., Brother Wm. W. Player finished setting the last trumpet stone on the capitals of the A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 389 pilasters of the Temple. All the capitals and trumpet stones are now safe on the walls, which is a matter of rejoicing to all who love to witness the prosperity of the work. The weather has been sometimes very cold and at other times very windy, so that it has been im¬ possible for the hands to continue on the walls, much of the time of late. Friday, 28.—I attended a party at the Mansion; most of the Twelve and their families and about one hundred and forty others were present: the brass band performed some good pieces. Saturday, 29.—Elder Kimball and I called on Elder Richards at the Historian’s Office; thence we proceeded to the Temple. Elder Orson Hyde preached at the stand on the oc¬ casion of a Masonic funeral. Sunday, 30.—I preached to the saints. It was very windy. It rained in the afternoon. Monday, 31.—Elder Wilford Woodruff attended a conference at Liverpool, England: twelve branches were represented containing six hundred and seventy- six members. I wrote to Governor Ford asking his counsel in rela¬ tion to the reorganization of the militia of the city of Nauvoo, as the Legion was dissolved by a AJ . „ . repeal of the charter, and soliciting his views FromGov- on the great western measure: and also whe¬ ther it would be the best policy to organize Nauvoo under the act for organizing towns. Tuesday, April 1, 1845.—I commenced revising the History of Joseph Smith at Brother Richards’ office: Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith were with me. President Joseph Smith had corrected forty- two pages before his massacre. It afforded us great satisfaction to hear Brother Richards read the history of the infancy of the church. Adjourned at eleven p. m. having read one hundred and forty pages in Book ‘A’. Wednesday, 2.—Engaged at Elder Richards’ office 390 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 with Elders Kimball and Smith revising Church His¬ tory. Brother Jesse D. Hunter returned from his mission having visited the branches in the state of Tennessee since January last, and received two hundred and thirty dollars on tithing and offerings for the Temple mostly in property. Thursday, 3.—Accompanied by Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards and George A. Smith, I went to the Temple. Evening, the brethren of the Twelve and others met at Elder Richards’ office and prayed; we remembered our enemies and prayed that their designs against Zion might fail; we felt the power of God. Friday, 4.—I visited Brother Moore, who had been accidentally shot. Dr. Bernhisel decided that the wound was mortal; but by the blessing of God he recovered. Elder Benjamin L. Clapp reported that he left Nau- voo on the twenty-third day of October, 1844, on a special mission to collect tithing throughout the south¬ ern states. He returned about this date, having held many meetings, baptized fifteen persons and collected one thousand and forty-seven dollars which he de¬ livered to the Trustee-in-Trust. The mob left notice with Sheriff Backenstos of Carthage to leave by three p. m. today. The Jack- Backenstos Mormons (the name attached to those Threatened. friendly to Mormonism), say they will de¬ fend him and are gathering a company for that purpose. Backenstos says he will not be driven, but will stand bis ground: report says the mob are divided among themselves. Brother William W. Major exhibited a painting of the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith by the mob at Carthage. Sunday, 6.—The following Conference Minutes are extracted from the Times and Seasons: A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 391 CONFERENCE MINUTES ‘Special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, April 6, 1845; it being the first day of the sixteenth year (i. e. of the organization of the church). The choir sang ‘Hark the Jubilee' at quarter past ten o’clock, while the assembly was collecting. Present—President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde. Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Willard Richards, and Amasa M. Lyman of the Quorum of the Twelve— Father John Smith, president of the stake—Bishops Whitney and Miller—the high council—and about twenty-two thousand persons (in attendance). Elder Kimball called the meeting to order at half past ten a. m.; and the choir sang the thirty-first hymn; followed by prayer by Elder Kimball; the choir then sang ‘Come All Ye Sons of Zion’. The morning was spent in teaching, on the baptism for the dead, by President Young. Conference adjourned until two o’clock. Two o’clock p. m .—Conference met pursuant to adjournment; the forepart of which was taken up by the blessing of children, but owing to the immense number it was found impossible to complete the whole, when it was accordingly dispensed with, and the remainder of the afternoon was occupied in exhortation from the stand, by Elder Page and President Young and the conference adjourned until tomorrow at ten o'clock a. m. Monday, April 7, 1845, ten o’clock a. m .—Conference met pursuant to adjournment; after the conference was seated, in conse¬ quence of the high wind, it was thought best to remove into the valley, a little south; and the whole of this immense congregation was removed, and comfortably seated in the short space of about forty minutes. The choir sang ‘The Heavenly Vision’, and was followd by prayer, by Elder John Taylor, after which the choir sang another hymn. Elder Kimball then arose and stated to the congregation some of the items of business which would be necessary to attend to during the day, viz.: the building of the Temple, and the Nauvoo House; also, to take into consideration all old obligations against the church, which are pouring in like a torrent, also to ascertain the feelings of the people, in regard to sustaining the authorities of the church under the present organization. President Brigham Young then arose, and said he would now present the first item of business, which would be to present the authorities of the church for the approval or disapproval of the conference. He also said he wanted to know if sittsffed^th the saints are satisfied that Joseph Smith lived and died Rsc^Smkh as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to this church. Whereupon Elder Phelps moved that we accept the labors of Joseph 392 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Smith as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the nineteenth century; and that we are satisfied that he lived according to his profession, and died a martyr to the truth. Carried unanimously. Elder Phelps moved that we accept the labors of Hyrum Smith, believing that he lived according to his profession, and died a martyr to the truth. Carried unanimously. Elder Phelps moved that this conference accept the Twelve as the First Presidency and leaders of this church. Carried unanimously. [After which each of the Twelve was sustained separately by unanimous vote]. * * * The chairman then observed, concerning the course of Lyman Wight, his feelings are, that we should let him remain for the present, Lyman probably hereafter there may be a time that he will hearken to counsel, and do much good which he is capable of—for he is a noble-minded man. The chairman then stated that the next item of business would be, to present to the conference, the presidency of the stake; moved and seconded that Patriarch John Smith continue in his office, as president of this stake, and that he be sustained in his office. Carried unani¬ mously. Moved and seconded that Charles C. Rich be continued and susta.ned in his office of counselor to Father Smith. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that George Miller be continued and sustained in his office, as president of the high priests’ quorum. Carried unani¬ mously. Moved and seconded that William Snow and Noah Packard be continued and sustained in their office as counselors to President Miller. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Samuel Bent, be continued and sustained in his office as president of the high council. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that George W. Harris, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington Sen., James Allred, Henry G. Sherwood, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, Lewis D. Wilson, David Fullmer, Ezra T. Benson, and Aaron Johnson be continued and sustained in their office as mem¬ bers of the high council. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Joseph Young be continued and sustained as President of the First Presidency of the Seventy. Carried unani¬ mously. Moved and seconded that Levi W. Hancock, Henry Harriman. Zerah Pulsipher, Jedediah M. Grant, and Daniel S. Miles be continued and sustained in their office, as Associate Presidents to President Joseph Young. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that if Roger Orton will reform and become a good man, he be received and ordained as a member of this presidency. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Samuel Williams be continued and HISTORY OF THE CHURCH A. D. 1845] 393 sustained in his office as the president of the elders’ quorum. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Jesse Baker, and Joshua Smith be con¬ tinued, and sustained as counselors to President Williams. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Newel K. Whitney and George Miller be continued and sustained in tbm offices as Bishops and Trustees-in- Trust, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Carried unanimously. Moved and seconded that Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds Cahoon be continued and sustained as Temple Committee. Carried unani¬ mously. On the subject of the old church debts coming, it was moved and seconded that the debts of Kirtland, and Missouri, and the debts that are said to be accrued in consequence of purchasing the Galland tract in Iowa territory, be dropt, and come up no more, and the Trustees shall be dunned for them no more forever;—neither shall they be sold into the hands of the Gentiles. Carried unanimously. Conference then adjourned until 2 o’clock. Two o’clock p. m .—Conference met pursuant to adjournment. The choir sang a hymn, which was followed by prayer from Elder Orson Pratt; after which the choir sang another hymn. By request of President Young, Elder Orson Pratt read the revelation, given January 19th, 1841, concerning the building of the Temple, Nauvoo House, etc. After which he read an extract from the Law of the Lord, page 240. The chairman then stated that he wanted to lay before the conference, the subject of completing the Nauvoo House, whereupon— Elder Phelps moved ‘that we fulfill the revelation, by completing the Nauvoo House, as soon as possible.' Carried unanimously. The chairman called for a show of hands from all those who could, and would, take one share of stock in the Nauvoo House, there were so many hands uplifted that they could not possibly be counted. He next called for a show of hands from those who could and would, take two shares; quite a large number of hands were shown. He then called for a show of hands from all, both male and female, who, after they had done all they could to finish the Temple are willing to sacrifice their all, to finish the Nauvoo House, rather than not have it done. Every hand was raised in the congregation. The President then proclaimed to the conference, that on next Monday, the books for the Nauvoo House Association would be opened in the upper part of the brick store on Water Street. The conference then adjourned until tomorrow at 10 o’clock a. m. Tuesday, April 8, 1845.—Conference met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. and was addressed by Elders Kimball and Young, upon the propriety of the saints staying in Hancock county, and in the afternoon Elders Young, Page, and Hyde addressed the assembly. 394 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Perfect union and harmony prevailed throughout the conference and there was but one dissenting vote in the entire congregation. Nauvoobe- ^ was movec * by the President, [Brigham Young] that comes City henceforth and forever, this city shall be called ‘The City of Joseph’. [Carried unanimously.] Great praise is due to ex-Marshal A. P. Rockwood, and his asso¬ ciates for their unwearied exertion, to arrange and seat the numberless assembly, for the most perfect order was maintained by them through¬ out the whole city and the conference—and to the saints universally for seconding their movements. On motion conference adjourned until the 6th of October next. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. William Clayton) Thomas Bullock \ Clerks of Conference.’ COMMENTS ON THE CONFERENCE ‘Elder George D. Watt, whose valuable services to this chu::ch as Professor of Phonography, are highly appreciated; has taken down the speeches delivered on this occasion, and they will appear from time to time as circumstances will allow. Never have we seen the time before when the people were more will¬ ing to receive and listen to counsel than now. The high council have only had one case in about seven weeks. Our magistrates have nothing to do. We have little or no use for charter or law. Every man is doing his best to cultivate the ground, and all are anxious to provide things honestly in the sight of all men—to honor our God, our country and its laws. Whenever a dispute or difficulty arises, a word from the proper source puts all to right, and no resort to law. May God ever save us from this snare of men, this drainer of the purse, and this fruitful source of contention and strife.'* Monday, April 7, 1845.—The stockholders of the Nauvoo House Association met. Elders George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman were appointed trustees in the place of Lyman Wight and John Snider; L. R. Foster was appointed clerk. Tuesday, 8 .—I had a conversation with Dr. W. G. Goforth on the principles of the gospel and baptized him, and in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith confirmed him a member of the church and ordained him a high priest. Brother Elijah Fordham returned from New York *Times and Seasons, vol. vi, pp. 869-871 A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 395 and brought twelve hundred and sixty-three dollars for the Temple. Wednesday, 9.—I met in council with the Twelve and bishops at the Trustees’ Office. We agreed to advise Peter Maughan and Jacob Peart to return from Rock river whither they had been to work a coal mine; Reuben McBride to put the Kirtland property in the best state possible, without paying out money and to come to Nauvoo bye and bye. The bishops were in¬ structed to sell the steamboat Maid of Iowa for what they could get for it. Elder Lorenzo Snow returned to Nauvoo and brought some money and property and a six-pounder cannon on tithing. Thursday, 10.—I met in council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Willard Richards and Amasa M. Nauvoo to Lyman. We decided to print our own works Public Center at Nauvoo; remove the printing office into for,heChurch - the Masonic Hall, and print the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Hymn Book and History as soon as pos¬ sible. A resolution was passed to disfellowship George J. Adams and Sam Brannan, and a letter was written to Elder Parley P. Pratt on the subject. The trustees of the Nauvoo House Association met and examined their books. Evening, the Twelve and bishops met at the His¬ torian's Office and prayed for rain; an abundant har¬ vest; deliverance from our enemies and blessings on the saints. Friday, 11.—I met with the General Council at the Masonic Hall. Saturday, 12.—The trustees of the Nauvoo House Association met. The old police invited the Twelve and their families to a party at the Masonic Hall, when a comfortable repast was partaken of. The police performed a new piece entitled, ‘Father Marks’ Return to Mormonism'. 396 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Evening, the U. S. deputy marshal for the district of Illinois arrived in town with writs for myself and others. Sunday, 13.—Meeting at the stand. Elders Heber C. Kimball and John Taylor preached. Several of¬ ficers attended meeting. Elder Taylor gave them to understand that if they made an attempt to serve writs on him it would cost them their lives, and said, if they wished to magnify the law and make it honorable they should bring to justice the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum, two of our best men, who were treacher¬ ously butchered while in the custody of officers pledged for their safety; and that he would not submit any more to such outrages on our lives and liberties, for under present circumstances the law is only powerful to hold men still while the lawless massacre them. I attended the high priests’ quorum meeting and gave much counsel. The following letter from the governor was read: LETTER OF GOVERNOR FORD ON THE ORGANIZATION OF TOWN GOVERNMENT WITHIN NAUVOO ‘Springfield, April 8, 1 845. General Brigham Young : I have received your letter of March the 31st and have attentively considered its contents until this time. It is a matter of much delicacy and importance to answer in the best manner the inquiries contained in it. A town corporation under the general law, will evidently be insufficient for such a place as Nauvoo. The general law does not extend your limits over a mile square. This however may be remedied in some degree by making a number of corporations to include the whole territory of the city. In this case however you will be liable to a want of united action; and so many governments though less efficient must be more expensive than a city government. I make no doubt also that you stand in need of a local court which however you cannot have higher than that of a justice of the peace under the present law. I would advise that you incorporate as many towns, one mile square as will cover the city; and I make no doubt but that your peaceable and orderly conduct, if continued, will be duly appreciated by the next session of the legislature. By that time the storm of passion produced by recent events will have subsided and I make no doubt a new charter will be granted. The powers under your town charters will be but limited it is true. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 397 They are to make and execute ordinances not inconsistent with law and the Constitution; to prevent and remove nuisances; to restrain and prohibit gaming and disorderly conduct; to prevent the indecent exhi¬ bition of horses; to license public shows; to sink and repair public wells; to open and repair the streets and alleys and make pavements and sidewalks, and to provide means to protect the town from injuries by fires, and to levy a tax on real estate for town purposes. These powers are somewhat better than none; and will give you some protection and provide somewhat for the advancement and comfort of your city. And I would advise the people to avail themselves of them until they can do better at another session. As to a want of legal united action, on the part of so many corporations in any common design for the good of the city; that must be supplied at present by their voluntary concurrence, which can be brought about by the influence of your leading citizens. There is no other way to do it that I can think of. Whether you have that spirit of unity amongst you which will enable them to do so, you know better than I can know. As to your military affairs I have already written to the Hon. A. W. Babbitt concerning that subject and I refer you to that letter for my opinions at length as to your military organization. Since I wrote that letter I have been advised of the movement at Carthage in relation to the Hon. J. B. Backenstos, and also of the proceedings of the Carthagcnians in removing the cannon from McComb. As yet I am ignorant of their design in this latter movement. Whether they intend it as a mere bravado, to keep up agitation and excitement, until after the trials; or whether there is to be a general move and renewal of the designs of last summer and fall I am not aware. I have seen the Warsaw Signal which again preached expulsion but beyond this I have seen nothing and know nothing of their designs. I have on Saturday last dispatched a bold and trusty man to demand the arms and cannon at Carthage and Warsaw. These events may for aught I know point to a new war against you. If they do you cannot be organized as a part of the state militia too soon. I am aware that under such an organization there must be many persons exempt from military duty; but in case of danger no doubt they will voluntarily enroll themselves; there is no law to forbid their service; their exemption is not a disqualification to serve, but a privilege not to serve if they choose. In case a mob should be raised against you it will be your privilege and one of your highest duties to society and yourselves to resist it. But you know your condition as a people. You know the prejudices which exist; and the disposition of the public mind to believe evil of you. You will therefore have to be cautious. Do nothing which will allow your opponents to say that you have begun a war. Place them clearly in the wrong and keep them so. As to the great western measure if congress would grant you the land, I think it would be good policy for your people to move to some 398 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 far distant country. Your religion is new and it surprises the people as any great novelty in religion generally does. They cannot rise above the prejudices excited by such novelty. However truly and sincerely your own people may believe in it; the impression on the public mind everywhere is that your leading men are impostors and rogues and that the others are dupes and fools. This impression in the minds of the great mass is sufficient to warrant them in considering and treating you as enemies and outcasts; as men to be cherished and trusted in nothing, because in their estimation some of you are deluded, and others designing in matters of religion. If you can get off by yourselves you may enjoy peace; but surrounded by such neighbors I confess that I do not foresee the time when you will be permitted to enjoy quiet. I was informed by General Joseph Smith last summer that he contemplated a removal west; and from what I learned from him and others at that time I think if he had lived he would have begun to move in the matter before this time. I would be willing to exert all my feeble abilities and influence to further your views in this respect if it was the wish of your people. WESTERN MOVEMENT OF THE SAINTS SUGGESTED I would suggest a matter in confidence, California now offers a field for the prettiest enterprise that has been undertaken in modern time. It is but sparsely inhabited and by none but the Indian or imbecile Mexican Spaniard. I have not inquired enough to know how strong it is in men and means. But this we know that if conquered from Mexico that country is so physically weak and morally distracted that she could never send a force there to conquer it. Why would it not be a pretty operation for your people to go out there, take possession of and conquer a portion of the vacant country, and establish an independent government of your own subject only to the laws of nations. [?] You would remain there a long time before you would be disturbed by the proximity of other settlements. If you conclude to do this your design ought not to be known or otherwise it would become the duty of the United States to prevent your emigration. But if you once cross the line of the United States territories you would be in no danger of being interfered with. I am very respectfully Your obedient Servant, [Signed] THOMAS FORD.’* Sunday 13, (continued ).—At four p. m., I met with the Quorum of the Twelve. Evening, in company with several brethren I visited the U. S. deputy marshal at the Mansion; he was very polite.” *A facsimile of this paragraph of Governor Ford's letter will be found in the Comprehensive History of the Church. Century I. vol. iii, p. 420. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 399 CHAPTER XXX AN APPEAL TO LYMAN WIGHT TO BE UNITED WITH THE TWELVE—LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE GOVERNORS OF THE RE¬ SPECTIVE STATES—LETTERS OF GOVERNOR FORD TO STATE MILITARY LEADERS—IMPORTANT DOCTRINAL LETTER OF THE TWELVE TO THE CHURCH " Monday, April 14, 1845.—The public hands commenced the foundation of the wall around the Temple block. Elder Richards and I attended the deacons’ meeting. The deacons have become very efficient looking after the welfare of the saints; every part of the city is watched with the strictest care, and whatever time of night the streets are traveled at the corner of every block a deacon is found attending to his duty. Tuesday, 15.—Brother Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith and myself went to visit Philo Dibble, who was sick. We then went to Isaac Higbee’s _ _ . , , ... , . Towns Under office and attended a council in relation to general state 1 . . r - 1 Corporation the organization of a town under the gen- ^ sidered eral incorporation act. Afterwards visited the arsenal and Uncle John Smith who let Dr. Cannon have his house and lot in Macedonia to cancel an obli¬ gation for four hundred dollars held by Dr. Cannon’s wife and her sister against myself and Brother Kimball. Proceeded to Bishop Whitney’s and administered to his wife who was sick; thence to the Seventies’ Hall and attended General Council, where the letter from Gov¬ ernor Ford was read. If the advice of Governor Ford relative to organizing city government under the state law, were complied with to the letter, it would require 400 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 twelve incorporations, as limited by the state statutes to supply the place of the Nauvoo Charter and cover the limits of the city with this species of complicated, restricted town protection. 'Wednesday, 16.—At sunset, Brother Heber C. Kim¬ ball and I laid hands on Brother W. Richards who was sick. A small portion of the city was incorporated as the town of Nauvoo and Alpheus Cutler, Orson Spencer, Charles C. Rich, Theodore Turley and David Fullmer were appointed trustees; they selected police¬ men, and appointed Hosea Stout captain, they also appointed assessors, collectors and other officers. Thursday, 17.—I met in council with Elders Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman,*C. C. Rich, and Samuel Bent, at Elder Richards’. We wrote as follows: LETTER TO LYMAN WIGHT ET AL: A PLEA FOR UNION ‘To Brother Lyman Wight and All the Brethren With Him — Greeting: We the Council of the Twelve being assembled and having learned your present circumstances and situation and also your future calcu¬ lations with regard to your journey west, cannot feel justified without giving you a word of counsel and advice together with some infor¬ mation relative to our present prospects. We are prospering in this city both temporally and spiritually. Immigration continues to this city. Several hundred have arrived this spring. Great peace and union prevail among all the saints. There were many thousands present at our conference this month. All of our business was performed with the utmost peace and union and not a dissenting voice. We are rushing the Temple ahead with a strong hand. Tithings come in for the Temple more liberally than they have ever done before, and with but few exceptions the saints are willing to give their all for the Temple if required. There is every prospect of getting on the roof and finishing some rooms by next autumn when we shall com¬ mence administering the ordinances of endowment according to the commandment. We intend commencing again on the Nauvoo House within a few days. All the saints feel spirited and determined to carry out the measures of our martyred Prophet. There is no prospect of any mob at present, and all things bid fair for peace and prosperity. And now, dear brethren, if you will hearken to our counsel you will give up all idea of journeying west at present. If you go westward before you have received your endowments in the Temple you will A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 401 not prosper. And when you meet with trouble and difficulty let no one say that the counsel of the Twelve brought them into it, for we now in the name of the Lord counsel and advise you not to go west at present. We desire, dear brethren, that you should take hold with us and help us to accomplish the building of the Lord’s houses. Come brethren, be one with us, and let us be agreed in all of our exertions to roll on the great wheel of the kingdom. We forward this letter by Brother Bent. He will give you further instructions relative to our proceedings and future calculations and we hope you will receive his counsel and do accordingly and all shall be well.’ Elder Samuel Bent was instructed to read the fore¬ going letter aloud to all the company. Brother Lyman Wight has one hundred and thirty souls numbering forty able bodied men with him. Evening, the Twelve and presiding bishops met and prayed. Friday, 18.—As the workmen on the Temple had raised a large stone about fifteen hundred pounds weight, the chain broke and it fell fifty feet, but with¬ out injury to the building or any person. Sunday, 20.—Elders Orson Pratt, Phineas H. Young and I preached. Afternoon, in council with the Twelve at the Seventies’ Hall when four elders were set apart for missions. Monday, 21.—Elder Wm. W. Player put up the first star on the southeast corner of the Temple. Elders Heber C. Kimball and William Clayton were watching the progress of the stone towards its destination: the ‘stars’ will add much to the beauty of the Temple. Tuesday, 22.—Attended General Council. Wednesday, 23.—Brother George A. Smith spent the evening with me. Thursday, 24.—Elders Phineas H. Young, Jon¬ athan Dunham, Charles Shumway, Lewis Dana and S. Tindale, started west on a mission to the Lamanites. Evening, attended prayer meeting with the Twelve at Elder Richards. Realizing fully the insecurity of our position sur¬ rounded as we are by mob violence, and the constitution and laws of Illinois being powerless for our protection 26 Vol. 7 402 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 we deemed it wisdom, in General Council, to write as follows to the President of the United States and to the governor of every state in the Union except Mis¬ souri [and Illinois]: LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE GOVERNORS OF THE RESPECTIVE STATES ‘Nauvoo, Illinois, April 24, 1845. His Excellency James K. Polk, President of the United States. Hon. Sir: Suffer us, Sir, in behalf of a disfranchised and long afflicted people to prefer a few suggestions for your serious consideration in hope of a friendly and unequivocal response, at as early a period as may suit your convenience, and the extreme urgency of the case seem to demand. It is not our present design to detail the multiplied and aggravated wrongs that we have received in the midst of a nation that gave us birth. Most of us have long been loyal citizens of some one of these United States over which you have the honor to preside, while a few only claim the privileges of peaceable and lawful emigrants designing to make the Union our permanent residence. We say we are a disfranchised people. We are privately told by the highest authorities of this state that it is neither prudent nor safe for us to vote at the polls; still we have continued to maintain our right to vote, until the blood of our best men has been shed, both in Missouri and Illinois, with impunity. You are doubtless somewhat familiar with the history of our ex¬ termination from the state of Missouri, wherein scores of our brethren were massacred; hundreds died through want and sickness occasioned by their unparalleled sufferings; some millions of our property were confiscated or destroyed, and some fifteen thousand souls fled for their lives to the then hospitable and peaceful shores of Illinois; and that the state of Illinois granted to us a liberal charter (for the term of perpetual succession) under whose provision private rights have become invested, and the largest city in the state has grown up, numbering about twenty thousand inhabitants. But Sir, the startling attitude recently assumed by the state of Illinois forbids us to think that her designs are any less vindictive than those of Missouri. She has already used the military of the state with the executive at their head to coerce and surrender up our best men to unparalleled murder, and that too under the most sacred pledges of protection and safety. As a salvo for such unearthly perfidy and guilt she told us through her highest executive officer, that the laws should be magnified and the murderers brought to justice; but the blood of her innocent victims had not been wholly wiped from the floor of the awful arena, where the citizens of a sovereign state pounced upon A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 403 two defenseless servants of God our Prophet and our Patriarch, before the senate of that state rescued one of the indicted actors in that mournful tragedy from the sheriff of Hancock county and gave him an honorable seat in her hall of legislation, and all who were indicted by the grand jury of Hancock county for the murder of Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith are suffered to roam at large watching for further prey. To crown the climax of those bloody deeds the state has repealed all those chartered rights, by which we might have lawfully defended ourselves against aggressors. If we defend ourselves hereafter against violence whether it comes under the shadow of law or otherwise (for we have reason to expect it both ways) we shall then be charged with treason and suffer the penalty; and if we continue passive and non- resistant we must certainly expect to perish, for our enemies have sworn it. And here, Sir, permit us to state that General Joseph Smith, during his short life, was arraigned at the bar of his country about fifty times charged with criminal offenses, but was acquitted every time by his country, his enemies, or rather his religious opponents, almost invari¬ ably being his judges. And we further testify that as a people, we are law abiding, peaceable, and without crime and we challenge the world to prove the contrary; and while other less cities in Illinois have had special courts instituted to try their criminals, we have been stripped of every source of arraigning marauders and murderers who are prowling around to destroy us except the common magistracy. With these facts before you, Sir, will you write to us without delay as a father and friend and advise us what to do. We are members of the same great confederacy. Our fathers, nay some of us, have fought and bled for our country, and we love her Constitution dearly. In the name of Israel's God and by virtue of multiplied ties of country and kindred, we ask your friendly interposition in our favor. Will it be too much for us to ask you to convene a special session of congress and furnish us an asylum, where we can enjoy our rights of conscience and religion unmolested? Or, will you in a special message to that body, when convened recommend a remonstrance against such unhallowed acts of oppression and expatriation as this people have continued to receive from the states of Missouri and Illinois? Or, will you favor us by your personal influence and by your official rank? Or will you express our views concerning what is called the ‘Great Western Measure' of colonizing the Latter-day Saints in Oregon, the northwestern territory, or some location remote from the states, where the hand of oppression shall not crush every noble principle and extinguish every patriotic feeling? And now, Honored Sir, having reached out our imploring hands to you, with deep solemnity, we would importune with you as a father, a friend, a patriot and the head of a mighty nation, by the Constitution of American Liberty, by the blood of our fathers who 404 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 have fought for the independence of this Republic, by the blood of the martyrs which has been shed in our midst, by the wailings of the widows and orphans, by their murdered fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, wives and children, by the dread of immediate destruction from secret combinations now forming for our overthrow, and by every endearing tie that binds man to man and renders life bearable, and that too, for aught we know for the last time, that you will lend your immediate aid to quell the violence of mobocracy, and exert your influence to establish us as a people in our civil and religious rights where we now are, or in some part of the United States, or at some place remote therefrom, where we may colonize in peace and safety as soon as circumstances will permit. We sincerely hope that your future prompt measure towards us will be dictated by the best feelings that dwell in the bosom of human¬ ity, and the blessings of a grateful people and of many ready to perish shall come upon you. We are Sir, with great respect, Your Obt. Servts. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, Willard Richards, Orson Spencer, Orson Pratt, W. W. Phelps, A. W. Babbitt, J. M. Bernhisel, Committee in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois.’ ‘P.S. As many of our communications, postmarked at Nauvoo have failed of their destination and the mails around us have been intercepted by our enemies, we shall send this to some distant office by the hand of a special messenger.’ The letters to the governors were the same as the above with slight requisite alterations. Saturday, 26 .—In company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, and others I attended Brother George D. Watt’s phono¬ graphic class from nine a. m. till noon. Sunday, 27.—Elders A. W. Babbitt and John Tay¬ lor preached at the stand. I met with the brethren of the Twelve at Elder W.- Richards’: we revised the con¬ ference minutes. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 405 Evening, the Twelve Apostles, Presidents John Smith and Joseph Young met for prayer. Monday, 28.—In council with Brothers H. C. Kim¬ ball, John Taylor and N. K. Whitney; we read letters from Parley P. Pratt in relation to his movements in the east; he thinks that he has influence with Pres¬ ident Polk and other leading men of the nation, who are determined secretly to control the officers of Illinois so as to induce them to do away with mobs and mobo- cracy. Tuesday, 29.—Evening, I attended General Coun¬ cil: Elder Samuel Bent reported the result of his visit to Lyman Wight’s camp. Thursday, May 1, 1845.—Accompanied by Broth¬ ers Heber C. Kimball, Newel K. Whitney, Alpheus Cutler and Wm. Clayton I rode to the river and bought lumber to the amount of sixteen hundred dollars. Brother Kimball and I gathered teams to draw it to the Temple. Evening, attended prayer meeting. Saturday, 3.—Brother Ellis M. Sanders let the Trustees of the Temple have one thousand dollars in cash. At a conference held in Batavia, N. Y., four branches containing seventeen elders, one priest and forty-two members were represented: Elder Winslow Farr pre¬ sided. Sunday, 4.—I attended meeting. Elder Orson Spencer and I preached. I dined at Brother Willard Richards’ in company with Elders Kimball, Smith, Taylor and our wives. I met with the Twelve and wrote letters to Elders Parley P. Pratt and E. T. Ben¬ son, notifying the latter of his release and of Willard Snow’s appointment as his successor in Massachusetts. William Smith and family arrived from the east. Elder Wilford Woodruff attended a conference in Blackburn, near Preston, England, and dedicated a new hall to worship; full house and interesting time. Monday, 5.—Attended council of the Twelve at my house, on the case of Samuel Brannan and matters 406 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 in the east. William Smith was present and expressed his satisfaction with the organization of the church. Tuesday, 6.—The following was published in the Nauooo Neighbor: A VOICE FROM NAUVOO 'Whereas it is currently reported in various parts of this county, and in the adjoining counties, as we are creditably informed, that it is our intention to throng Carthage during the ensuing session of the circuit court of this county, for the purpose of awing or overruling the court so as to procure a conviction of certain men of the crime of murdering Joseph and Hyrum Smith; and whereas such reports are calculated to awaken an unjust prejudice against an innocent people; and whereas our enemies have jumped upon this stratagem as a hobby to raise an excitement against us; and whereas many honest and law abiding men are liable to be misled and imposed upon by these false, malicious, and envious reports; and whereas the governor of our state has solemnly pledged himself to us that the laws should be executed in justice in the premises; and whereas we did at that time pledge ourselves as a people to patiently wait their execution, and the action of the government; and whereas it is reported that certain individuals are trying to raise an excitement on the editorials of the Nauvoo Neighbor . We therefore , in behalf of the church we represent do hereby publish to all men, that as a people and a council, we have no knowl¬ edge of the Neighbor until we read it as do others, and therefore cannot be responsible for it, and all we ask is the same consideration in the public mind, as is exercised towards the editorials of other papers in our land. And we further declare to all men, that as a people we are still determined to abide our pledge, and await the action of the executive and judiciary, and tarry at home and attend to our own business as usual during the sitting of the court except such as have lawful business with the court and are required to be in attendance, and hope that all men will do the same, and we wish, decidedly wish, that those whose business it is to keep the peace during court, should do it, and let us as a people alone, for we do net wish to be brought in collision with our neighbors and we are determined to abide the law. In behalf of a General Council of the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo. [Signed] WILLARD RICHARDS, Committe.’ Evening, I attended General Council, when it was agreed that letters should be written to Governor Ford and J. B. Hoge, M. C., in relation to the threats of the mob; and to take measures for the brethren to hold A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 407 themselves in readiness for defense in case of an attack, and to pursue a medium course avoiding extremes that might raise an excitement in the country. The Twelve met with the old police at the Masonic Hall to make preparations to prevent our surprise by the mob. Wednesday, 7.—Brother Orson Hyde reported that a mob of about two hundred men were collected at Appanoose who had prevented some of the brethren from going to work on the Island. The mob captain told the brethren that they had arranged matters so as to cut off all communication with the governor. The officers of the Legion met at the Masonic Hall. Evening, attended prayer meeting with the Twelve, N. K. Whitney, and Levi Richards. Thursday, 8.—I called at Elder Richards’ office at ten a. m., and remained till five p. m., when Elder Richards accompanied me to Elder Kimball’s. Evening, met and prayed with the Twelve. The council wrote to Elder Woodruff as follows: COUNCIL'S LETTER TO ELDER WILFORD WOODRUFF—ENGLAND ‘It is a part of our religion to support any government, wherever we may be, that will protect us in common with other citizens; for, to this end governments are instituted; and as England has ever been true and faithful to us, as a people in common with others, the elders cannot be too particular to enjoin on all the saints to yield obedience to the laws, and respect every man in his office, letting politics wholly, entirely and absolutely alone, and preach the principles of the gospel of salvation; for to this end were they ordained and sent forth. We are for peace, we want no contention with any person or government, and should war commence between England and America, it will probably be wisdom for you and all the American elders to return immediately home, and leave all parties to fight their own battles. * * The stones are in rapid progress for the new font [i. e. of the Temple]. The wall for the foundation of the pickets or railing around the Temple block, and the block west of the Temple (to be in one) is also commenced. The bricks are making for the Nauvoo House; one hundred and forty thousand feet of pine timber was received last Saturday for our public buildings; another raft is expected soon and we anticipate they will be enclosed early in the fall. Immigration 408 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 has been greater than usual this season; perfect peace and union prevail. It is also a time of health. We have thought it would be very agreeable to the feelings of the English saints to furnish a bell for the Temple, if this is their pleasure you can forward it the first conveyance, and we will have it hung as the building is going up. We are but little acquainted with the weight of bells; we have thought of two thousand pounds weight, but we leave this to your judgment; we want one that can be heard night or day. We forward you with this in a package a letter of attorney consti¬ tuting you an agent to transact all necessary business for the church in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and on the continent of Europe.' Friday, 9.—I met with the Twelve in council, also Elders N. K. Whitney and W. W. Phelps and J. B. Backenstos. Saturday, 10.—Brother George A. Smith called up¬ on me this morning and I accompanied him to the Historian’s Office where we read and revised Church History. Afternoon, met in General Council. Sunday, 11.—Elders William and George A. Smith and I preached at the stand. Evening, attended prayer meeting. Elder Woodruff attended a quarterly conference at Clitheroe, England, and ordained one elder and several _ . to the lesser priesthood. He had an inter- Conference . * . • i i at clitheroe esting and affectionate time with those churches built up by Elder Heber C. Kimball on his first mission to England. Monday, 12.—Evening, with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards and George A. Smith at Brother Edward Hunter’s revising history. Tuesday, 13.—With Elders Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards and George A. Smith reading and revising Church History at Brother Edward Hunter’s where we had retired to keep out of the way of writs reported to have been issued against us. Governor Ford wrote the following letters: A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 409 LETTERS FROM GOVERNOR FORD TO GENERAL DEMING ‘Executive Department, Springfield, Ill, May 13, 1845. M. R. Deming , Brigadier-General, Illinois Militia. Sir : I have received information which I do not know whether to credit or not, that certain persons in Hancock county are preparing a force, with a view to prevent the witnesses on the part of the state in the murder cases, now pending, from attending court at the term to be held this month. If such should be the case, and if it should become necessary to protect the court, the jurors or the witnesses whose duty it may be to attend; or to secure the custody of prisoners, you are hereby fully authorized and empowered to call out and employ a sufficient force of militia from your brigade for that purpose. This order to include the militia of Nauvoo. [Signed] THOMAS FORD, Governor and Commander-in-Chief.' ‘Springfield, Ill., May 13, 1845. Brigadier-General M. R. Deming: Sir: I herewith send you authority to call out the militia of your brigade if necessary. The defendants in the murder cases have written here for Logan to defend them; and it is understood here that they do not intend to create any disturbance. The signs are not yet suffi¬ ciently certain to authorize me now to send militia there. I have employed Lambom to assist in the prosecution. You will advise with him. If the defendants should organize a force to prevent a fair trial and keep off the witnesses I think it would be best to get the cases continued and at another term it will be so manifest that a force will be necessary to protect the court that I will be justified in sending one. But if at present I send one I will be laughed at and it will be universally believed that no necessity existed for it and that I have put the state to expense for nothing. If however you see that force is to be used and should think it most advisable to meet the crisis at this time, I give you power to employ your whole brigade including the Mormons of course. Upon the whole I think that they are the most fit material to be called on as their fidelity in doing their duty during the pending trials may be more thoroughly relied on than any troops I could send there. I am most respectfully your obedient servant. [Signed] THOMAS FORD.' GOVERNOR FORD’S LETTER TO. A. W. BABBITT—VACILLATION ‘Springfield, May 13, 1845. Hon. A. W. Babbitt: Dear Sir: I received your favor from Galena last evening. If I thought that I could have the least influence in preventing a disturbance in Hancock county I would cheerfully go over there. My opinion 410 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1H45 however is that my presence there, and that of Mr. Hoge would only aggravate matters. I have employed Mr. Lamborn to assist the prose¬ cution and have sent a military order to General Deming giving him authority to call out his whole brigade, including the Mormons of course if necessary to protect the court, the witnesses, the jurors; or to secure the custody of prisoners. He will use this order with dis¬ cretion. You can certainly raise a force in Hancock amply sufficient to overpower any mob forces which can be got together. The defendants have written here for counsel, and it is universally under¬ stood here, that they do not intend to resist. At any rate the signs are not so definite as to authorize me now to call the militia. If I were to do so, the people would be made to believe all over the state that there was no necessity for it, and that the public had been corruptly put to this expense to serve the Mormon vote. Besides I very much question whether I could raise a force now, when there is so little apparent necessity for it; and I also question whether any force which I could send could be relied on to act efficiently. You suggest in your letter that if there shall be a disturbance the distance to this place where I reside, would prevent a messenger from arriving until after the event had occurred. Nearly the same thing would happen if I were at Carthage. If I were to call on the militia (other than the Mormons) I would have to send back an order to this side of the Illinois river before I could begin to find any that I could rely on. It is evident to my mind that it would not do to call on any of the militia of the military tract. They would either stand idle or join the enemy. If a force shall really become necessary I can think of none which can be embodied so soon, or who would be likely to act with the requisite zeal and fidelity as the Mormons themselves. General Deming has my orders for this purpose; and as I do not pretend to be a military man I do not see why he cannot act as efficiently with this force in my absence as if I were present. I would make another suggestion: Possibly, if a mob should be organized to keep away the witnesses it may be the best for the prosecution to move for a continuance of the indictments grounded on the absence of testimony setting forth all the circumstances calculated to prevent a fair trial. And if the case shall have to be continued on account of a mob, the necessity will then be apparent to all the world for a force at the next term. But until such a necessity is manifest it is the very worst policy to be making frequent calls of the militia. The very idea that the necessity for protecting the Mormons and putting the state to expense for that purpose continually exists, creates a prejudice against them and a strong desire everywhere of getting them out of the state. Besides the mob party have this advantage that if I send a force there capable of overpowering them they can and will swear that they never had the least intention of creating the least possible disturbance. And what is more they will make the whole people of the state believe it. They will believe in such a case that I A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 411 have been humbugged; and humbugged by the Mormons. You may well conceive what a prejudice this impression will create. Upon the whole I am decidedly of opinion that the local militia under the command of General Deming ought to be relied on; that even this force ought not to be called out until it is manifestly apparent that it is needed for the protection of the law against actual violence and that in fact it might be better to suffer a continuance of the prosecutions if it will be the means of shewing to the world what the defendants and their friends will do if not prevented. I have made these same suggestions to Mr. Lamborn and General Deming. I am most respectfully. Your Obedient Servant, [Signed] THOMAS FORD.' Wednesday, 14.—Continued at Brother Edward Hunter’s as yesterday; my health, and that of Brother Richards poor; but we read and revised history all day. Thursday, 15.—I was quite unwell, Brother George A. Smith called in the forenoon and read the Neighbor to me; Brothers W. Richards and Amasa M. Lyman sick. Fast day: all works were stopped. Meetings were held in the several wards and donations made to the bishops for the poor; enough was contributed to supply the wants of the poor until harvest. Evening, met at Brother Richards’ for prayer. Friday, 16.—I spent the day at Brother Hunter’s in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith and N. K. Whitney revising history: Thomas Bullock read for us. I wrote a letter to the architect directing him to place a stone in the west end (front) of the Temple with the inscrip¬ tion Holiness to the Lord’ thereon. Isaac Chase agreed to let the church have one thousand dollars. Elder Orson Pratt called and reported that four hun¬ dred men had gone up the opposite side of the river. Saturday, 17.—Revising history as yesterday, with the addition of Brother John Taylor: Brother Hunter and family were very kind to us. We wrote an epistle to the saints in Nauvoo dated at Point Clear and directed the same to Brother Orson Pratt. 412 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Sunday, 18.—Elder Orson Pratt preached to the saints; also read the following epistle: GENERAL LETTER OF THE TWELVE TO THE CHURCH FROM THEIR RETIREMENT ‘Point Clear, Steamboat under way, one o’clock Saturday morning, May 17, 1845. To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the City of Joseph — Greeting: Beloved Brethren : Our whole souls bless you; and we are happy in the privilege of communicating to you a few thoughts. Much more would we rejoice were it our privilege to be in your midst the coming Sabbath and tell you all that is in -our hearts; but we are pilgrims in a world of sorrow and woe. In our journeyings to proclaim the gospel and bring about salvation to the honest in heart, God is with us and we prosper; though weary, we are not cast down nor discouraged, for we know that victory is with the upright. We are happy to hear of the great union and love manifested at your recent fast, which also the Spirit bore witness of to us, and of your liberality towards the poor, and may the abundance which you have so liberally contributed in your penury in dealing your bread to the hungry be the omen of an abundant harvest of the fruits of the earth into your granaries the present and all future seasons. Since we commenced our journey we have discovered some letters from Brother Joseph Smith to Bishop Partridge from which we extract the following for your edification and instruction: MESSAGE OF NEWLY DISCOVERED LETTERS OF THE PROPHET ON CONSECRATION ‘I proceed to answer your questions concerning the consecration of property. First, it is not right to condescend to very great particulars in taking inventories. The fact is this, a man is bound by the law of the church, to consecrate to the bishop, before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of Zion; and this too without constraint; and unless he does this, he cannot be acknowledged before the Lord, on the church book: therefore to condescend to particulars, I will tell you that every man must be his own judge how much he should receive, and how much he should suffer to remain in the hands of the bishop. I speak of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of themselves and their families. ‘The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties; for to give the bishop power to say how much every man shall have, and he be obliged to comply with the bishop’s judg¬ ment is giving to the bishop more power than a king has; and upon the other hand, to let every man say how much he needs and the A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 413 bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment is to throw Zion into confusion and make a slave of the bishops. The fact is, there must be a balance or equilibrium of power, between the bishop and the people; and thus harmony and good-will will be preserved among you.’ THE PRINCIPLE OF FASTS DEFINED Let this be an ensample to all saints, and there will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and every one will abound for a long time; and this is one great and important principle of fasts approved of the Lord. And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance. We will give you another extract from the same author in a letter to Elder Phelps when in Zion: FATE OF THE SONS OF PERDITION NOT REVEALED ‘Say to the brethren Hulets and to all others that the Lord never authorized them to say that the devil, or his angels, or the son of perdition should ever be restored; for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed save to those who are made partakers thereof; consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the Spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the bishop and his council in relation to this doctrine being a bar of communion.’ Let this extract remind the elders and all saints that a wise head keeps a still tongue. And that it is far better many times for men, yes and women too to forget all they know, than to tell all they know. And better still to forget than to tell some great things which they do not know. Probably the elders in Zion know about as much about the devil's being redeemed, as the elders know about the great God of the Gods, of the God of this world, which some have spoken of, concerning which they know nothing. There are Lords many and Gods many. But who are they, and what their relation to us, or this earth? Who can answer? This is a subject not revealed, therefore let the elders be silent concerning it. And who knows anything about our suffering in this world for sins committed in a former state of existence? Let him who had the answer by revelation speak: and if no such revelation exists, let this subject also live where it belongs in eternal forgetfulness to the ignorant until they shall be instructed from the right source. Wisdom is justified of her children, therefore beloved brethren be wise and live up to the holy religion which you profess—to mind your own business and let your neighbors alone. Plant your gardens and 414 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 till your farms; acknowledge your heavenly Father in all things; continue to raise up his house; walk humbly before him; watch and pray without ceasing; for ye know not what hour the thief will come. But be ye sure of this the thief will never come while he sees the good man of the house watching for him. If ye are one, says Jesus, then are ye mine, and whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it unto you. Then brethren continue to be one and ask unceasingly and God will deliver you from all your enemies, break the oppressor's power and continue peace in the beloved city. Brethren pray for us that we may be prospered on our journey, and be returned to the saints in peace and safety when we shall have completed our mission. We bless you and praying the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to bless you with every blessing even unto everlasting life and salvation in his presence in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen/ Sunday, 18, ( continued ).—At five p. m., the Pres¬ idents of Seventies met. President Joseph Young spoke emphatically as to putting down wickedness and evil known to exist among members of the quorums. Evening, attended council and prayer meeting with the Twelve at Brother Richards’: adjourned at 2 a. m. Elder Woodruff attended a conference at Carlisle, England, one hundred and sixty-five members were represented including thirty-seven officers. A conference was held in Ilion, Herkimer county, New York, fifty-two members, nine elders and two priests were represented. Monday, 19.—Associated with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, and George A. Smith, I spent the day at Brother Robert Pierce’s: Brother Pierce had gone to Carthage as a juror, his family made us very comfortable. Brothers W. Richards and George A. Smith went to Brother Elijah Fordham’s. Many brethren went to Carthage to attend the trial of the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith: George D. Watt attended court and reported the proceedings. Tuesday, 20.—With the brethren named I remained at Brother Pierce’s: Willard Richards and George A. Smith joined us. We read and revised fifty-seven pages of History of Joseph Smith from Book ‘B’: Brothers Amasa M. Lyman and others called to see us. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 415 Wednesday, 21.—Brother Richards went to Brother Fordham’s. Brother George A. [Smith] visited the families of the Twelve who were from home and spent the afternoon with Brother Richards. At nine p. m., Brothers H. C. Kimball, J. Taylor, G. A. Smith, W. H. Kimball, Bishop Garn and I called at Brother Richards’ and remained till midnight. The following letter was sent to Josiah Lamborn, attorney-general of Illinois [by George A. and John Smith]: REVIEW OF DIFFICULTIES ATTENDANT UPON COLLECTION OF EVI¬ DENCE FOR THE PROSPECTIVE TRIAL OF THOSE CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF THE PROPHET AND PATRIARCH JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH ‘Sir: We are this evening informed by Mr. Scott that it is your wish as prosecuting attorney vs. the murderers of the Generals Smith that the Mormons should hunt up the witnesses in the case, and that Mr. Murray McConnell had conveyed the idea that there was a committee in the county whose business it was to collect and arrange the testimony against the day of trial and that said committee are supposed to be Mormons, etc. etc. Now, Sir, in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; or, if you choose, the Mormon fraternity, we beg leave to state to you, what has been often reiterated by us, and which is a well known fact, both to our people and the state, viz: that the difficulty causing the pending trials is not between the Mormons and anti- Mormons; nor between the Mormons and the murderers; but it is between the state and the prisoners or offenders. The facts are, the Messrs. Smiths were murdered while in the charge of the state, relying on the plighted faith of the state for protection, and not in the presence of Mormon witnesses, for the Mormons were not there, but doubtless in the presence of many who were not Mormons. To show our loyalty to the institutions of our country and preserve peace in the county, as a people, we pledged ourselves to abide the operations of the law as directed by the proper authorities of the com¬ monwealth; and that we would abide the decisions of the court, not taking vengeance into our own hands, (as was then feared by some) or commencing prosecutions, to which we have strictly adhered, and intend still to adhere, that our pledge may be honorably redeemed in the sight of all men, although we have been strongly solicited to enter the field of prosecution, and that, too, by the state or her agents: for instance when Mr. McConnell was engaged in preparation for the prosecution he came to Nauvoo and strongly solicited the Mormons 416 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 to come out as complainants and assist in procuring witnesses, etc.; but we replied that we had had nothing to do with the affair, and wanted nothing to do with it; and for us to enlist in attempting to bring the murderers to justice, no matter how legal in our movements it would be construed into a persecution, or a desire to pick a quarrel on our part, which we were and still are determined to avoid, even every appearance of evil, and cut off every occasion of our enemies, or of those who are ready to seize upon any pretext to make us trouble. We are decidedly for peace, and we ever have been and as the murders were committed while the murdered were in immediate charge of the state, all we ask is, that the state will prosecute the case to final judgment, and redeem her pledge, as we have ours; or if she choose to abandon the prosecution we shall submit peaceably; although, for public good, we would prefer that justice should take place. We are unacquainted with the statute which suffers indicted mur¬ derers to roam at large month after month without arrest; or, after delivery, or surrender, to run at pleasure before trial, and we know not what other similar laws we might come in contact with, and be liable to break to our own endangering or disadvantage, should we attempt to have anything to do with the case in question. It is reported to us, true or false we know not, that the sheriff of Hancock county and his deputies have been forbidden by the court to act in pending trials, and that the jurors have been discharged without impaneling. If this be true we are unacquainted with the statutes in the case and have nothing to say. When Mr. McConnell was here last fall, at his earnest solicitation, we collected all the information in our possession and presented the same to him, supposing he would prosecute the case to final judgment. He took minutes at the time and probably has them now, if he has not handed them over, of which you must be acquainted, better than we, and of which we did not preserve minutes: we know of no new information since that period. We were happy to hear that the trials had been committed to your able charge, and anticipated that you would have made us a visit before the sitting of the court; and we still anticipate that after court you will make us a visit, that we may have the pleasure of a more general acquaintance among our citizens; and we feel confident that such a visit would be higly appreciated by our friend, General Young, with whom we understand you are acquainted. We shall be ever ready to assist in favoring the ends of right so far as we can do it and not give any occasion of excitement which would be detrimental to public peace. We are Sir, Most Respectfully Your Servts. [Signed] GEORGE A. SMITH, John Smith/ A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 417 Thursday, 22.—Elder Kimball and I spent the day at Brother Parley P. Pratt’s. Caroline Grant, wife of Elder Wm. Smith, died, aged thirty years and four months. Evening, I attended council and prayer meeting. Friday, 23.—Forenoon, Elder Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor, George A. Smith, John E. Page and myself at Brother Taylor’s. After¬ noon, Samuel Brannan arrived from New York and in company with Wm. Smith visited us. Brother John Kay was engaged in drilling out a six-pounder cannon and preparing it for service. Evening, in council with the Twelve and Bishop Whitney : the improper course of Wm. S mith was the subject of conversation. Saturday, 24.—A large number of the saints assem¬ bled to witness the laying of the capstone on the south¬ east corner of the Temple. Of the Twelve T . ,, there were present, besides myself, Heber C. capstone 0 f Kimball, John Taylor, Willard Richards, e empe ' Amasa M. Lyman, George A. Smith, John E. Page, Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt, also Newel K. Whitney and George Miller the Presiding Bishops and Trustees- in-Trust, Alpheus Cutler and Reynolds Cahoon, Tem¬ ple Committee, William Clayton, Temple recorder, John Smith, patriarch and president of the stake and several members of the high council. The brass band arranged themselves and played the ‘Nightingale’. At six o’clock and eight minutes a. m., Brother Wm. Player commenced spreading the mortar, perfect silence prevailing: the stone being lifted to its place. I stepped on the same and fitted it precisely to its position with the large beetle, at twenty-two minutes past six a. m., the capstone was pronounced set; the band played the ‘Capstone March’ composed for the occasion by Wm. Pitt. I said: ‘The last stone is now laid upon the Temple and I pray the Almighty in the name of Jesus to defend us 27 Vol. 7 418 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 in this place and sustain us until the Temple is finished and we have all got our endowments.’ The whole congregation then shouted, ‘Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, and Amen,’ which was repeated a second and third time. I concluded by saying, ‘So let it be, O Lord Almighty. This is the seventh day of the week or the Jewish Sabbath. It is the day on which the Almighty finished his work and rested from his labors; we have finished the walls of the Temple and we may rest today from our labors.’ I dismissed the workmen for the day and requested them to spend the day in giving thanks to God; and dismissed the congregation, and with the brethren of the Twelve retired to our places of retreat, out of the way of constables and officers who are prowling around the city from Carthage. The morning was wet and cold, but those present were highly interested with the morning’s services, and felt well in consideration that the walls of the Temple were completed, notwithstanding the prophecies of our enemies and apostates. Elder Orson Pratt preached the funeral discourse of Caroline, the daughter of Joshua and Thalia Grant and wife of Elder Wm. Smith, to a large assembly at the stand; her remains were deposited in the tomb of Jos¬ eph: she has left two children to mourn her loss. At three p. m., a council of the Twelve met at Elder Taylor’s and took into consideration the case of Elder Samuel Brannan who had been disfellowshiped; an investigation was entered into and Elder Brannan in¬ troduced testimony to prove his innocence of the charges made against him: he was restored to fellowship. The brethren present expressed their feelings towards Elder Wm. Smith to which he responded. The Twelve wide Smith t ^ cn their hands upon him and or- PaLjarj* t° dained him to be a Patriarch to the whole Church. church: there was a warm interchange of good feeling between William Smith and the quorum. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 419 Sunday, 25.—Elder John E. Page preached at the stand. The Presidents of Seventies met and preached to each other. Evening, the Twelve and others met for prayer. Monday, 26.—I met with several of the Twelve and others in the Phonographic School at Brother Rich¬ ards’. The Twelve and Trustees met in council at Bishop Miller’s and wrote a long communication to Elder Parley P. Pratt. Tuesday, 27.—I received a respectful letter from Governor Drew in reply to our Memorial to him as governor of Arkansas; stating his inability to protect us in the state of Arkansas, and suggesting the pro¬ priety of our settling in Oregon, California, Nebraska or some other country where we will be out of the reach of our persecutors.”* ♦The letter of Governor Drew will be found in extenso in The Comprehensive History of the Church. Century I. vol. ii. p. 525-6. 420 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 CHAPTER XXXI SUNDRY EVENTS GROUPED TOGETHER LOOKING TO AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT AT NAUVOO—HARVEST FEAST AT NAUVOO “'Wednesday, May 28, 1845.—This morning the workmen commenced to raise the attic story of the Temple. Thursday, 29.—Evening, met at Brother Richards’ for prayer in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimba ll, prayer and Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, its objective. j 0 h n Taylor, Amasa M. Lyman, N. K. Whitney, George Miller, Joseph Young and Levi Richards. Prayed that the Lord would overrule the movements of Wm. Smith who is endeavoring to ride the Twelve down; also that the Lord would overrule the proceedings of the mob so that we may dwell in peace until the Temple is finished. The court at Carthage heard the lawyer’s pleas on the defense in the case the state of Illinois us. the mur¬ derers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith; the counsel for the defense exhibited a cruel and mendacious spirit. Cal¬ vin A. Warren of Quincy made the most inflammatory speech. Friday, 30.—I attended council with the Twelve at Elder Taylor’s. The jury at Carthage brought in a verdict of ac¬ quittal in favor of Levi Williams, Thomas C. Sharp, Mark Aldrich, Jacob C. Davis and William N. Grover —as we had anticipated: the court, attorneys, jury and bystanders being all fully satisfied of their guilt.* ♦John Hay. secretary of state in two presidential administrations—McKinley's and Roosevelt’s, 1898-1905—who as a boy was reared in Hancock county, in the Atlantic Monthly for December, 1869, contributed an article on the "Mormon Prophet's Tragedy", in which he reviews this mass trial of the above named characters, where at one point he writes: "The case was closed, there was not a man on the jury, in the court, in the county, that did not know the defendants had done murder. But it was not proven, and the verdict of ‘not guilty' was right in law." Rather a sad comment on justice in Illinois at that time (See Comprehensive History of the Church, Century I, vol. ii, p. 327). A. D. 1 84*5 J HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 421 Brother George D. Watt attended the trial and took lengthy minutes from which the following is extracted: GEORGE D. WATT’S REPORT OF THE CARTHAGE TRIAL ‘District Court of Illinois, • Carthage, Hancock County, State of Illinois, May 19, 1845. The Hon. Richard M. Young of Quincy on the bench. The fore¬ noon was spent in organizing. Adjourned at twelve m. Court met at two p. m. Colonel Levi Williams, Thomas C. Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal, Jacob C. Davis, state senator, Mark Aldrich and William N. Grover were held to bail with each other for sureties, in the sum of one thousand dollars each, to make their appearance in court each day of the term; they were indicted for the murder of Joseph Smith at Carthage jail on the twenty-seventh day of June, 1844. The court decided that their case would be tried on Wednesday morning, May 21st. Accordingly the sheriff notified the witnesses for both parties to make their appearance on said morning at seven o'clock; the court then proceeded to other business. Wednesday Morning, May 21st. Court opened. The names of the counsel for the defense are as follows; William A. Richardson, O. H. Browning, Calvin A. Warren. Josiah Lamborn, Esq. for the people. Colonel Wm. A. Richardson presented before the court two affidavits drawn out by the defendants to quash the array. The charge of prejudice, consanguinity and partiality was preferred by these affidavits against the county commissioners, the sheriff and his deputies in the arrangement of the present panel of jurors; that their design was to hurt and prejudice the present trial, and thus endanger the lives of the defendants. On these grounds the defendants pleaded for the quashing of the array. After Referring to the statute to show the provision made /for such a proceeding he submitted to the court. The attorney for the people then arose and made the following observations, viz .: , That the doctrine advanced by Colonel Richardson was a novelty to him, as the affidavits of the defendants predicated no charge against the present panel of jurors, either individually or col¬ lectively; he showed from the statute that the array could not be quashed upon the above principle, neither did he believe the officers of the county could be discharged upon a mere exparte affidavit, but the charges ought to be made and affidavits filed and a trial had before the court. He said it was the first time he had heard of such a 422 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 proceeding to quash the array, at the same time nothing alleged against it individually or collectively. He showed that the statute referred to by Coloael Richardson applied to civil and not criminal cases. He could not suffer the idea of having the panel quashed by the discharge of all the officers of the county upon a mere exparte affidavit, and that too made by five men indicted for murder. He asked for a precedent in all the experience of this state or any other in criminal cases; he defied them to produce a single case. Mr. Browning, for the defense, said, that although there had not been a precedent in the United States for such a proceeding, the reason is there has never been a case like this in the United States. He contended that such a proceeding is fully warranted by the English statutes and the statutes of the United States, that in a case like this the county commissioners, the sheriff and his deputies can be discharged, and in their place can be appointed elisors for the purpose of choosing another jury. The court ruled that the jury be discharged and elisors appointed. The court then adjourned. Thursday, May 22nd. The court appointed Thomas H. Owen and William D. Abernethy elisors and they selected a full panel of jurors. Four panels of jurors were successively called and out of the ninety- six men twelve were selected as a jury satisfactory to the defense. Mr. Lamborn prosecuted before this jury in a manner which showed clearly to every bystander the certainty of the guilt of the prisoners who were honorably acquitted. Mr. Frank Worrell, who had com¬ mand of the guard at the jail at the time of the massacre, being summoned as a witness, and being asked by the prosecuting attorney if the guard had their guns loaded with blank cartridges at the time of the attack on the jail refused to answer, assigning as a reason that he could not without incriminating himself/ The Nauvoo Neighbor has the following: THE CARTHAGE ASSASSINS ‘On Friday last the trial terminated, and the prisoners were acquitted in the case of Joseph Smith. This accords with the vote of the city council last July, that when the law failed to atone for the blood of our Prophet and Patriarch shed at Carthage on the 27th of June last by a mob, we would refer the case to God for a righteous judgment, and we have never varied from that intention. If those men had been found guilty it would have been a novel case and a violation of all the rules of the world in all marryr cases before. The murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith can rest assured that their case, independent of all earthly tribunals, will be tried by the Supreme Judge of the Universe, who has said, vengeance is mine and I will repay.' A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 423 Saturday, 31.—Brother George D. Watt returned from Carthage. Threats were made that his minutes should never go to Nauvoo, but he succeeded in passing them out of the court room about every hour. Calvin A. Warren [counsel for the defense] said that if the prisoners were guilty of murder he himself was guilty alleging that it was the public opinion that the Smiths ought to be killed, and public opinion made the laws consequently it was not murder to kill the Smiths. [! ] Elder Orson Spencer made the following report: REPORTED INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR FORD AND EX-GOVERNOR REYNOLDS ‘By the appointment of the Twelve I went to Springfield, Illinois about the middle of June [a note in the manuscript changes this to ‘the last of May’] in company with Brother Samuel Brannan in order to see Governor Ford. Immediately on our arrival we found his Excellency who received us politely and introduced us to the secretary of state, Mr. Campbell, and to ex-Governor Reynolds. After dinner we all repaired to the governor's office in the state house except Mr. Campbell. There we held a familiar interview for several hours; during which both governors spoke freely of the unreasonable prejudice of the people through the state especially in the southern part of it. They were requested to use their influence officially and personally to allay prejudice and rebut slanders that might ultimately endanger the safety of this people unless counteracted. Governor Reynolds said that he had attempted to speak in extenuation of the supposed faults of the saints at public meetings, but the people rudely resisted his efforts and accused him of being a ‘Smithite' and a 'Mormon'; and he was seriously afraid they would mob us by making an attack by the cooperation of steamboats upon our city. Both governors strenuously urged the necessity that the saints should cease to gather in one place and also opposed my suggestion to buy out the anti-Mormons in the county. They alleged that we might spread through other counties as we had done in Hancock, which would increase the alarm in other counties and in the state generally. They said that our political influence was that which exasperated the people. Governor Ford said he durst not trust the best militia in the state to defend the Mormons. They would go over to the side of the mob in the event of a collision. He said that even General Hardin could not be trusted in our defense against the mob. He further said that the conduct of Governor Boggs of Missouri was unlawful and barbarous and pledged himself never to act like him in driving the saints and 424 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 confirmed a former pledge that he would never demand the leaders of this church on criminal writs to expose them to assassination as the Smiths had been, and to use his utmost endeavors to suppress all mobs. He said however that his official influence was only nominal, there was really no force in the government. Large masses of people that migh’t assemble for violent and tumultuous purposes could not be restrained by any law or government. He was then assured that it was our intention as soon as we could finish the Temple to send off many of our people to distant parts of the earth and in the course of eighteen months very many of our people would colonize distant parts; and we were ready from that time forth to sell our property as soon as practicable and commence removals, if the people round about would buy us out.' Sunday, June 1, 1845.—I attended meeting at the stand. Elder Heber C. Kimball preached. [In the remarks of Elder Kimball the following occurs]. DISCOURSE OF ELDER KIMBALL ‘I will mention one thing that we united in prayer for and called upon the Father in the name of Jesus: that our enemies should not have power to come in here with vexatious writs, for his servants during this court, and they have not done it. Is not this a miracle? Yes; and we have asked for rain, and it has rained; and we have asked for God to heal the sick, and he has healed them, or they are mending in answer to our prayers. Are not these great blessings? Does not this prove that God is with this people? Yes, verily, his name is to be praised, if this people will feel the same interest for the building up of this kingdom, and for the erecting of those houses, his will will be done, and there is no power that can stay them, and when that is done, I am satisfied; I do not care if I go into the wilderness the next day.'* Elder John Taylor followed [Elder Kimball] on the subject of our persecutions. I made a few remarks. At four p. m. the Presidents of Seventies met and preached to each other, and ordained four presidents for the twenty-seventh quorum. Evening, I met for council and prayer with Elders H. C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, John E. Page, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa M. *Times and Seasons, p. 987, vol. vi. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 425 Lyman, John Smith, N. K. Whitney, George Miller, Levi Richards, Joseph Young and Wm. Clayton. Voted that Brother Peter O. Hanson translate the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon into the Danish Norwegian language and that Elder Orson Pratt assist him. Voted that the Trustees give George D. Watt a quarter of a lot and build him a house and employ him as reporter for the church and let his labors go towards paying for his house and lot. We prayed that justice might overtake the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum and that George J. Adams be stopped in his mad career. A conference was held in Merthyr-Tydvil, Wales, Elder William Henshaw presided; forty had been bap¬ tized since the April conference, and the brethren felt determined to spread the gospel. At a special conference held in Cincinnati, thirty- two members were represented. Monday, 2.—I met with the Twelve in council. Thursday, 5.—I met for prayer with the Twelve and other brethren. Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote to the Twelve of date, as follows: ELDER PARLEY P. PRATT’S LETTER TO THE TWELVE IN NAUVOO— CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK CITY ‘As it regards publishing in this city [New York], if all the political and religious influence and support we have combined will support a periodical, even allowing the editor to work for nothing and live on sawdust pudding, it will be more than we have yet done, or are likely to do at present. There is little prospect of a periodical being supported by church or state, even if we give our time gratis, and use the utmost economy; therefore to divide it and either of us succeed seems at present impracticable; and I doubt very much whether we can continue to publish. The churches are few in number, we decrease while you increase. The law of tithing, emigration, the strengthening and defense of the City of Joseph has occupied the attention and employed the energies of the saints so entirely, since we came from the west and laid before them their duty and the necessity of immediate action, that it seems almost vain to mention subscriptions for papers in this country. If they have a dollar to spare, it is handed in for tithing, or used for the purchase of arms, clothing and ammunition, or to help themselves to emigrate and settle in the west. 426 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Our teachings and influence, aided by yours and by the Spirit of God, have tended to produce this state of things, and it pleases us so well that we do not like to counteract it in the least; but it rather embarrasses us as to immediate means to clothe or to furnish us money for necessary expenses and involves us in debt, besides devoting our entire time. I have become convinced that I can do no good here. The public are entirely indifferent, and will neither come to meeting, hear, nor read the truth. The saints are few, about fifty of them attended a Sunday meeting in a large hall, and perhaps half a dozen strangers come in and out to gaze and gape and wonder and perish. I have labored hard for six months without an idle moment, and have used economy in living, traveling and clothing. I feel as if I was now done with this city, and nearly so with the nation. My garments are clear, if they all perish. If I tarry a little longer in the east it will necessarily be in Boston and vicinity, where there is mere interest manifested for the truth.’ Saturday, 7.—Elder W. Woodruff visited the saints in London and secured the copyright of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants at Stationer’s Hall, having published three thousand copies at Liverpool: he pre¬ sented a copy to the Library of the British Museum. The copyright was secured in forty-eight hours after the last sheets were obtained from the printers: which defeated a secret plan of some of our enemies who were taking measures to print the book and secure the copy¬ right. Sunday, 8.—At four p. m., I met with the Twelve and others for counsel and prayer: we decided that Elder Orson Hyde go to the east and buy canvas for a Tabernacle [tent], and type to print the History of Joseph Smith. General Conference of Seventies met and proceeded with the organization of the quorums. A conference was held in Florence, St. Joseph county, Michigan, when one hundred and twenty-eight mem¬ bers, one high priest, sixteen elders and four of the lesser priesthood were represented: Elder Crandall Dunn, president and Elder E. M. Webb, clerk. Tuesday, 10.—I met in council with the brethren of the Twelve, and discussed the title of the Church History. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 427 Thursday, 12.—I spent the afternoon with several of the Twelve. Sunday, 15.—Elder Orson Hyde preached at the stand; Elder George A. Smith advocated the building of the Nauvoo House, and was followed by Elders Amasa M. Lyman and George Miller on the same sub¬ ject. The high priests’ quorum met. Evening, I met with the Twelve. The seventies met; Elder Joseph Young and others preached. Monday, 16.—Council met on the Temple walls. Tuesday, 17.—The Council of the Twelve wrote the. following: LETTER OF THE TWELVE TO THE SAINTS ABROAD ‘To the Saints Abroad, Greeting : The walls of our Temple are completed and the roof is nearly on. Through the liberality of the brethren that building is in a rapid state of advancement; but it will only accommodate a small portion of our congregation when completed. Pursuant to the counsel of Joseph Smith given previous to his martyrdom, we now intend to erect a Tabernacle for the congregation made of canvas. It will take about four thousand yards, which, with other fixtures, will cost between one and two thousand dollars. We have appointed Elder Orson Hyde one of our own quorum, a faithful, trusty and competent man of God, to go forth and raise all the necessary funds for the above purpose, to procure the EWcrH de , s materials and return with them to this place as soon as Mission to es possible. Elder Hyde is authorized to raise the necessary |3;2roacle Cnt funds by loan, by contribution, or tithing or donation; if by loan, the church here will refund the same in lands at a low rate, or in cash as soon as we can command it; and any contract that he may make in relation to the above, the church will be responsible for. It is hoped that no brother or sister who has funds that he or she can spare for a season will withhold them from Brother Hyde, for it is the aid that he seeks for us. Also we hope that the saints will be liberal in their donations, and every other person that wishes well to the Temple of God and to the Tabernacle of the congregation in Zion. May God bless all that feel interested in the matter/ Bishop Whitney started for St. Louis with $1,549 to purchase materials for the Temple. 'Wednesday, 18.—I met with Elders Heber C. Kim- 428 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 ball, John Taylor and George A. Smith at Brother Taylor’s; we revised a portion of the History of Joseph Smith. Elders Phineas H. Young and Charles Shumway returned from their missions and reported favorably. Thursday, 19.—I spent the day with Brothers H. C. Kimball and George A. Smith revising history. Eve¬ ning, the Twelve met for council and prayer. I received a lengthy letter from Mr. H. R. Hotchkiss in relation to the necessity of establishing manufac¬ tories in Nauvoo for the employment of our rapidly increasing population of mechanics. Friday, 20.—Elders H. C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and myself engaged revising Church History. Sunday, 22.—Meeting at the stand; Elder Orson Pratt preached, but as it rained heavily, the meeting was dismissed. Evening, I met with the Twelve and others for prayer; Sister Jennetta Richards being very sick was administered to. Arrest of Monday, 23.—The sheriff came in with R«favefL ,er writs for a number of brethren and succeeded Attempted in arresting O. P. Rockwell and J. P. Har- Arrests. mon, but Rockwell got away from him. A constable from Le Harpe came in with writs for Brother Taylor, myself and others, but we kept out of the way. Jonathan Dunham who was on a mission to the Lamanites received a notification from Ranes, the In¬ dian Agent of the Neosha sub-agency to leave the country immediately. Tuesday, 24.—I examined Church History with the brethren. Evening, Hiram Kimball and D. H. Wells returned from Carthage and brought word that Sheriff Deming had shot Sam Marshall. William Smith Wednesday, 25.—At three p. m., I met Poii« auv0 ° with the Quorum of the Twelve for prayer; and in council in relation to a difficulty be¬ tween William Smith and Brother Elbridge Tufts. After council the Twelve met with the police at the A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 429 Masonic Hall when Wm. Smith delivered a very pa¬ thetic speech, delineating in a sectarian tone, the wrongs that his brothers and himself had sustained; asserting that we were all dependent upon his family for the priesthood, and pronouncing the most fearful an¬ athemas upon all those who should not sustain him in his course, justifying his assault upon Brother Tufts, and demanding of the Twelve to inform the police that it was their duty to take his counsel in relation to the manner they discharge their duty. I told him that as an officer Brother Tuft was subject to the magistrates, and had no right to discharge a prisoner only by the order of the proper officer; that he (Brother William Smith) had no more right to interfere with the police than I had; that when he beat Brother Tufts for refusing to discharge his prisoner, he was doing wrong, and meddling with that which was not his business and should make satisfaction; that we received the priesthood from God through Joseph Smith and not through William, and that he had no authority or power to curse the Twelve Apostles who received the priesthood from Joseph; that we were not in¬ fluenced by his curses, and that his prayers and impre¬ cations upon the heads of those who were seeking to fulfill the instructions of Joseph to the letter would rise no higher than the smoke from a dung hill. Brother William appeared humbled and agreed to make ample satisfaction to Brother Tufts. Received a letter from James Arlington Bennett of New York, in which he applies to be consecrated a general of the Nauvoo Legion, that he may j ameS Ariin^ ‘fight Napoleon’s battles over again, either ,onBennett - in Nauvoo or elsewhere.’ This wild spirit of ambition has repeatedly manifested itself to us by many com¬ munications received from various sources, suggesting schemes of blood and empire, as if the work of the Lord was intended for personal aggrandisement. Thursday, 26.—The Twelve met for council and 430 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. J845 prayer: several children were blessed. The first stone for the new font was laid in the Temple. Friday, 27.—Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Amasa M. Lyman, George A. Smith, Willard Richards, John E. Page, George Miller, Joseph Young and John Taylor met for fasting, prayer and counsel. I wrote the following letter to Elder Woodruff: BRIGHAM YOUNG'S LETTER TO W ILFORD WOODRUFF IN ENGLAND — PROGRESS AND UNITY IN NAUVOO ‘Nauvoo, June 27th, 1845. Dear Brother Woodruff .—We sit down to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, and it being one year this day since the massacre of our beloved brethren Joseph and Hyrum, we have concluded to spend the day in conversation, counsel and prayer, and also to write answers to your letters, well knowing that a little information from this place must be acceptable to you at all times, for we feel it as a source of comfort to us to hear of your prosperity. We have met from time to time to offer up our prayers and thanksgivings before the Lord for the salvation and peace of the saints, and that the Lord would enable us to finish the Temple and the Nauvoo House that the brethren might obtain their endowments, for this we have supplicated by night and by day, and hitherto we have been prospered in a manner beyond our most sanguine expectations. Another subject for which we have constantly supplicated is the welfare and success of our dear brethren in England, Brother Parley P. Pratt in New York, and the brethren on the Islands of the Pacific, these with our petitions for the sick in our midst, and that God will preserve us from internal broils, has been the theme of our prayers from time to time, and we are happy to say that God has heard and answered our prayers, and has done all things well. The most perfect union, peace and good feeling has invariably prevailed in our midst and still continues. It seems like a foretaste of celestial enjoyment and Millennial glory. 1 * * * The capstone of the Temple was laid by the Twelve on Saturday morning the 24th of May, at six o'clock, in the presence of many saints. It would have pleased you to have heard the hosannas on that occasion, and to have witnessed the short but interesting ceremony. The frame work of the roof is on the building, and the next week the brethren expect to put on the shingles; the frame work around the foundation of the tower is all up, and the first timbers for the tower itself were raised this day. The new stone front is mostly cut, and the first stone was laid today at about four o'clock. We expect in about five or six weeks the attic story of the Temple and the font will be all finished and ready for dedication, and just as soon as they A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 431 are ready we shall dedicate them. We have all the timbers for the Temple on the ground, and above one hundred thousand shingles for the roof. The lead for the eaves and the tin for the dome of the tower are also bought. We have paid near 4000 dollars this spring for lumber (pine, boards, etc.) and near 1000 dollars for lead and tin, and have as yet lacked nothing. There is the most perfect union prevailing among the saints, and every man seems determined to do all he can to roll on the work of the Temple as fast as possible. Elder Hyde started cast, about ten days ago, to purchase the cloth for the Tabernacle; and Elder Egan is gone to St. Louis to buy about 125 dollars worth of hemp to make cords for it. The brethren are clearing the ground round the Temple, and we expect to have the Tabernacle reared, so as to be ready to meet in this fall. We are building a stone wall around the Temple block, eight feet high and about five feet thick at the base, the wall on the north side is nearly built, the most of the woodwork for the Temple is finished, all the windowframes and sashes are made, and the glaziers are ready to set the glass, which we expect here in a few days, the frame and ornamental work of the tower is all ready to be put up, and the whole is far on the way of completion. The Nauvoo House Committee have reorganized, and the saints have appointed Elders A. Lyman and George A. Smith on that committee, in the place of Lyman Wight and J. Snider. A large quantity of brick is already made for the Nauvoo House, and considerable means are on hand to prosecute the work. We calculate to have it covered in before winter. The arsenal is ready for the roof timbers and the timbers on the ground. There are many good buildings erecting in different parts of the city, there is not much sickness in the place, and there never was a more prosperous time, in general, amongst the saints, since the work commenced. Nauvoo, or, more properly, the ‘City of Joseph’, looks like a paradise. All the lots and land, which have heretofore been vacant and unoccupied, were enclosed in the spring, and planted with grain and vegetables, which makes it look more like a garden of gardens than a city; and the season has been so favorable, the prospect is, there will be enough raised within the limits of the corporation to supply the inhabitants with corn, potatoes, and other vegetables. Hundreds of acres of prairie land have also been enclosed, and are now under good cultivation, blooming with corn, wheat, potatoes, and other necessaries of life. Many strangers are pouring in to view the Temple and the city. They express their astonishment and surprise to see the rapid progress of the Temple, and the beauty and grandeur of Mormon looks. Many brethren are coming from abroad, who seem highly delighted with the place and all its appendages. We now conclude with our best wishes and prayers for your health and prosperity with that of your family, and those associated with you. Please remember us to Brothers Clark, Hedlock and families, and those 432 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1345 of all the brethren with you, and believe us to be as ever—yours in the bonds of truth and righteousness. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG. P.S. Sunday , June 29.—This day the twenty-eighth quorum of the seventies has been organized, and is nearly full. There are twenty-seven quorums duly organized and all appear united in the same interest, and firm in the faith. Brother Milton Holmes is remembered by us in his station, he has been appointed one of the presidents of a quorum of seventies.'* Bonds for General Deming—a Contrast. The saints in England observed this, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, by fasting and prayer: Elder Woodruff addressed a large as¬ sembly of saints at Birmingham. Saturday, 28.—A number of brethren met and removed the stand and benches to the ground west of the Temple. I rode out to the prairie with several of the Twelve: we felt thankful to God to see the crops looking so well. Some of our wealthy brethren went to Carthage and became sureties on the bond upon which General Dem¬ ing was set at liberty: the sum required was ten thousand dollars. Each signer was re¬ quired to swear to the lowest cash value of his property and that it did not lie in the City of Nauvoo and he was then taken for one-half the sworn amount, so that twenty thousand dollars in property at its lowest cash value was held in security for General Deming’s appearance at court. This contrasts strangely with the clemency extended by the court to Sharp, Wil¬ liams, Aldrich, Grover, and Davis who were admitted to bail at the last court for one thousand dollars each on their own security; Deming having killed Marshall in self-defense, while the others violated the solemn faith of the state, pledged by its executive, and mur¬ dered innocent, unoffending men while confined in helpless condition in a prison awaiting examination! Thirteen hundred dwellings were burned in Quebec, Canada, and at least six thousand persons were rendered homeless. * Millennial Star, vol. vi, pp. 91-2. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 433 Father John Smith and Brother George A. Smith called upon William Smith in relation to his mother’s visions. William evinced a very bitter spirit Att ted and declared himself President of the Church, and said that he would have his rights: his f h ™i£ h w a e”ve uncle reasoned with him and endeavored to show him the falsity of his position. Sunday, 29.—Elder Ezra T. Benson and I preached in the forenoon and Elders John Taylor and Amasa M. Lyman in the afternoon, at the grove west of the Temple. Evening, I met with the Twelve and others for prayer. Monday, 30.—Visited Mother Smith in company with the Twelve and Bishops Whitney and Miller. William Smith was invited but did not attend. Mother Smith expressed herself satisfied with the Twelve and the course they were pursuing. * * * Tuesday, July 8, 1845.—Brother Joseph Toronto handed to me $2,500 in gold and said he wanted to give himself and all he had to the upbuilding of the church and kingdom of God; he said he should hence¬ forth look to me for protection and counsel. I laid the money at the feet of the bishops. ’ Wednesday, 9.—Sister Jennetta Richards, wife of Dr. Willard Richards, died at 10:15 a. m. At 2 p. m. the Smith family attended a public dinner at the Mansion which was given by Bishops Whitney and Miller in behalf of the church; seven widows and about fifty of the family were present. Brothers H. C. Kimball, John Taylor, Bishops Whitney, Miller and myself, assisted in waiting on the table; the band and a few friends attended: Mother Smith addressed her kindred and the audience in a feeling and pathetic manner. * * * Saturday, August 2, 1845.—In council with several of the Twelve and bishops. Brother Emmett desired in 28 Vol. 7 434 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1848 behalf of his company to be retained in the fellowship James of the church. I informed him that if he Desire'tq be in and his company would follow the counsel Fellowship. of the Twelve we would fellowship them, but not otherwise. Afternoon, I rode out in the new church carriage with Brother Kimball and the bishops to look at two [city] blocks of Emma Smith’s which she has agreed ... . , to sell the Trustees for $550.00. We se- Lucy Smith Lcted blocks 96 and 97 and then went to Mother Smith’s and brought her in the carriage to choose which of the two blocks she would have deeded to herself and her daughters. She se¬ lected block 96, and desired to have the church build her a house like Brother Kimball’s. She asked for the carriage we rode in, a horse and a double carriage harness. We gave her the use of the carriage during her lifetime. Monday, 4.—Elders Daniel Spencer and Charles Shumway were appointed to go on a mission west in company with Brothers Herring and Otis. Afternoon, in council with the Twelve, James Em¬ mett and others. Emmett wished to be restored to the priesthood. He confessed his fault in leading away his company contrary to counsel and promised to make all the restoration in his power, he said he would abide counsel. Council decided he should be restored. Wednesday, 6.—In council with Brothers H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, G. A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman. From the New York Sun. TEMPLE AT NAUVOO ‘The building of the Mormon Temple under all the troubles by which those people have been surrounded, seems to be carried on with a religious enthusiasm which reminds us of olden times, by the energy which controls all the movements towards its completion. It occupies the highest and most imposing position in Nauvoo and is built of fine limestone. Has thirty pilasters—six at each end and nine at each side—each surmounted by a capital on which is carved a human face with rays around it and two hands holding trumpets. The Temple is 88 feet by 128 feet; from floor to ceiling is 65 feet; and A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 435 from the ground to the top of the spire is 165 feet. The baptismal font is in the basement, to be supported by stone oxen. Three hun¬ dred and fifty men are zealously at work upon the building, which it is supposed will be finished in a year and a half, probably at a cost of half a million of dollars. The spiritual concerns of the Mormons are governed by a Council of Twelve, composed of the following persons Brigham Young— The Lion of the Lord. H. C. Kimball— The Herald of Grace. Parley P. Pratt— The Archer of Paradise. Orson Hyde— The Olive Branch of Israel. Willard Richards— The Keeper of the Rolls. John Taylor— The Champion of Right. Wm. Smith— The Patriarchal, Jacob’s Staff. Wilford Woodruff— The Banner of the Gospel. George A. Smith— The Entablature of Truth. Orson Pratt— The Gauge of Philosophy. John E. Page— The Sundial. Lyman Wight— The Wild Ram of the Mountains. It is supposed that the Mormon inhabitants of this city are fully 12,000 souls, and of the surrounding country, 5,000 more. The only property owned in common is the Temple. The Mormons are industrious, good farmers, raise wheat plentifully, and are about to engage in manufactures. The whole community may be considered in their peculiar traits singular and remarkable and in after ages their Temple, like the ruins of Palenque may strike the beholder with wonder and history may be unable to explain what race worshiped there.’* Tuesday, 12.—9 a. m., the Twelve, presiding bishops and others met in council, and wrote letters for H. G. Sherwood and John S. Fullmer, with author¬ ity to lead, direct and instruct Emmett’s company who are now encamped among the Sioux on the Missouri river about thirty miles above the mouth of Big Sioux river. We laid our hands upon the heads of Brothers Sherwood, Fullmer and Emmett and blessed them for the mission. Brother Emmett declared he would be subject to counsel. Sunday, 17.—I dreamed this morning I saw Brother Joseph Smith, and as I was going about my business, he said, ‘Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry', which was repeated the second and third times with a degree of sharpness. ♦The author of the Sun article is supposed to be William W. Phelps, writing from Nauvoo. 436 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Monday, 18.—I met with the brethren of the Coun¬ cil, and Trustees of the Nauvoo House on the walls of the building. Elder Kimball dedicated it to the Lord, asking his blessing to attend the work and those en¬ gaged upon it. The workmen then commenced: Brother Alonzo H. Raleigh laid the first brick. Wednesday, 20.—A severe thunderstorm this morn¬ ing, Brother Ralph was killed by lightning on Parley Street. Others were knocked down. Governor Ford ordered the state arms in the pos¬ session of the Carthage Greys to be delivered to Sheriff Backenstos. Friday, 22.—Elders W. Richards and George A. Smith commenced writing the History of Zion’s Camp. Brother George A. Smith supplying many incidents from memory. Sunday, 24.—Meeting at the stand: My brother Joseph Young, preached a funeral sermon. I made a few remarks. Evening, the quorums all met at the stand and I instructed them about building the houses the Lord had commanded, called upon the bricklayers to come forward and put up the Nauvoo House, fifty came forward. Elder David Foote was buried. He was born, Au- An l. d. s. gust 7, 1769, Harrington, Litchfield county, Revolution Connecticut. His father enlisted in the army soldier Dies. Q f ^ Revolution and died in the service. David was reared by his uncle, Jonathan Barker. In 1791 he married Irene, the eldest daughter of Matham and Dorcas Lane. He joined the Methodists and served as a class leader several years, he subse¬ quently became a believer in universal restoration. In the winter of 1830 he obtained a copy of the Book of Mormon which was read by himself and family, he considered it a true record. He was baptized by Elder John Murdock in Genesee, in the fall of 1833, and ordained an elder in 1834, commenced preaching and raised up a branch in Greenwood, New York, A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 437 where he resided, and was called to preside over the same in 1835. Several elders visited him during the summer, and members were added to the branch. In 1837, he moved with his family to Chester, near Kirtland, and in May, 1838, started for Missouri and arrived in Caldwell county in August in time to share in the persecutions that followed, and was driven to Adams county, Illinois. He was ordained a high priest in November, 1844. August 14, 1845 he was t^ken sick with the chills and fever, his sickness continued till the night of the 22nd, when he fell asleep and all attempts to awake him proved ineffectual, he slept till 11 p. m., when he passed behind the veil without a struggle or a groan. Dying as he lived, a faithful saint. Wednesday, 27.—Elder Parley P. Pratt gave an account of his mission in the east where he had been about 9 months (and returned on August 26th), preaching to and counseling the saints, and collecting tithing. Council voted they were satisfied with the course of Elder Pratt. Monday, September 1, 1845. — Elders Daniel Spencer and Charles Shumway, who left Nauvoo on a mission to the west, on the fourth of last month returned with news confirmatory of the death of Brother Jonathan Dunham, which took place on the 28th of July last, a little before daylight. Thursday, 4.—2 p. m., met for counsel and prayer with the Twelve and others. Messrs. Elam Meacham, Phineas Richards, Levi R. Chase, Francisco Durphy, Isaac Houston, John Wait, Gardner Clark and Thomas Corbitt the AHarvcst trustees and officers of the Big Field Asso- ciation having invited us to attend a public dinner, Elders H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, John Tay¬ lor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Father John Smith, Bishops George Miller and N. K. Whitney went to the field about six miles southeast from the city and partook with them of an excellent dinner. 616 adults 438 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 sat down to the table: They had an ample bowery prepared for the occasion. I preached encouragingly to the brethren and advised them to store their grain in the city. They have 30,000 bushels of corn in the field.” A. D. 18-*5] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 439 CHAPTER XXXII PREPARATIONS FOR WESTWARD JOURNEY-THE FINAL WORD: THE CHURCH MUST LEAVE ILLINOIS —DETAIL OF THE PLANS—AMERICAN GOVERNMENT FAILS IN THE CASE OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS " Tuesday, September 9, 1845.—Forenoon, unwell. Two p. m. General Council [Council of Fifty] met. Resolved that a company of 1500 men be Sa]tLake selected to go to Great Salt Lake valley and X* 11 **. , that a committee of five be appointed to ^ s ct p t I l ^ e 0 n f t gather information relative to emigration, and report the same to the council. Wednesday, 10.—I dreamed last night that I was chased by a mob to a place like a barn full of corn or grain, one chased me so close that he got into the same room with me and it was Thomas Ford, who appeared only two and one-half feet high, I took his wrist be¬ tween my fingers and stepped to the door and knocked down one after another of the mob with him till I discovered he was dead. News arrived that the mob are burning the houses of the brethren at Yelrome. Thursday, 11.—I received a letter from Sheriff J. B. Backenstos announcing the death of General Miner R. Deming, who died at half past ten o’clock D ath of yesterday of congestive fever; during his ill- JJjner r. ness his life was repeatedly threatened by the mob, he was prevented from sleeping at night by their yells and hideous screams, as they kept up a continual row in the streets of Carthage near the general’s resi¬ dence which greatly aggravated his fever, and doubtless caused his death. I answered Sheriff Backenstos’ letter assuring him of our regret at the loss the cause of liberty, law, and 440 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 order had sustained in the unexpected death of General Deming, and informed him of the burning of the houses of the citizens of Morley Settlement by the mob yester¬ day, and requested him to take immediate steps to suppress the mob, advised him to inform the governor that he may take the necessary measures to protect the lives and property of the people in this country. A messenger from Lima reports eight houses burned. The Twelve met in council; it was agreed to dispatch a messenger to the Lima branch and counsel the breth¬ ren to propose to sell their property to the mob and bring their families and grain here, and to send a mes¬ senger to Michigan to advise the brethren to sell their farms for stock, sheep, etc., also to Ottawa and recom¬ mend the brethren there to gather all the hay they can. Prayers were offered up that the Lord would give us wisdom to manage affairs with the mob so as to keep them off till we can accomplish what he requires at our hands in completing the Temple and Nauvoo House, also for wisdom to manage the affairs in regard to the western emigration. A selection was made of members of the council to start westward next spring. Friday, 12.—Nine a. m., council met at Historian’s Office, wrote and dispatched the following letter by James H. Woodland:— BRIGHAM YOUNG S LETTER TO SOLOMON HANCOCK ‘Nauvoo, Sept. 12, 1845. President Solomon Hancock, Dear Brother : We have received your communication of last eve and taken it into consideration in council, and decided that it is wisdom for you to remove the women and children from Yelrome as fast as you can with what teams you have got, and we will send you more as fast as we can, and not only remove the women and chil¬ dren but your grain and let all the brethren stay there and keep ‘bachelor’s hall' and watch movements of the mob. The object of our enemies is to get opposition enough to raise popular excitement but we think it best to let them burn up our houses while we take care of our families and grain. Let the sheriff of Hancock county attend to the mob, and let us A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 441 see whether he and the Jack-Mormons, so-called, the friends of law and order, will calmly sit down and watch the funeral processions of Illinois liberty; if so, they will all fall under the same condemnation. At a future day our course will be plain. Be calm and patient till all things are ready. What is a little property or a few lives, compared with the properties and lives of a great people, and the house and ordinances on which the salvation of that people depend? You will employ the best scribe you have, or half a dozen of them, if necessary, to pen minutely all the movements of the enemy and friends, what houses are burned, by whom, at what hour, who were present, and who saw them do it, etc.: even every particular and forward us a daily copy, if opportunity permits. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. W. Richards, Clerk/ SOLOMON HANCOCK'S ANSWER TO BRIGHAM YOUNG By letter from Solomon Hancock, Yelrome, we learn that the mob have burned all the houses on the south side of the branch [brook], and left last evening for Lima, said they would return this morning as soon as light, and swear they will sweep through and burn everything to Nauvoo. Colonel Levi Williams is at the head of the mob. The following notice was issued by the council: ‘Nauvoo, Sept. 12, 1845. To the Brethren in and About Nauvoo, Greeting : The Council of the Church requests every man who Aid Sent to has a team to go immediately to the Morley Settlement, Morley and act in concert with President Solomon Hancock in Settlcmcnt - removing the sick, the women, children, goods and grain to Nauvoo. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. W. Richards, Clerk.’ The brethren at Yelrome made the following propo¬ sition to the mob:— ‘Yelrome, Sept. 12. 1845. We the undersigned, a committee appointed by the Morley and Hancock Settlement (a branch of the Mormon Church); Whereas there seemingly exists some difficulty between said body Conciliation and anti-Mormons, we, as representatives of said body, Offered to wish to make some propositions so as to make peace; ie 1 442 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 we wish to sell our deeded lands as well as our improvements as low as it could be reasonably expected, reserving to ourselves the crops now on the premises; and will take in exchange, working cattle, beef cattle, cows, sheep, horses, wagons, harness, store goods, and any available property and give possession as soon as our crops can be taken care of and we receive pay for the same; the whole of which may be purchased from the undersigned acting as committee or from owners. [Signed] DANIEL TYLER, Horace Rawson, Marcellus McCown, Samuel Alger.' An extra Nauvoo Neighbor was issued giving an account of the burning; and appealing to the citizens to come forward and magnify the laws. Saturday, 13.—Brother H. C. Kimball and Andrew Perkins visited me. Brother Perkins wanted to know joumey west something about our going west; I told him the b Apo«fes ,n that those who went must expect to go on ti.'fngTin^ 11 the Apostles’ doctrines and no man say aught that he has is his own, but all things are the Lord’s: and we his stewards, and every man receive his stewardship. George W. Lang reported that he had been among the mob at Green Plains and Lima. Esquire Hill of Lima told him they did not design gathering in large bodies, but go on as they had done and finish burning Yelrome, then attack some other place and drive the Mormons all into Nauvoo, then they had further plans to move them from there by help from abroad. Afternoon, I visited the sick and met the Committee on Emigration and others at Brother Daniel Spencer’s. Father Bent was instructed to organize a company of 100 families. George Miller said he went to Carthage with his w ife and was transacting business at the county clerk’s office, Arrest of when he was arrested by Michael Barnes, -R«?sunc" constable, and taken before Captain Robert F. Smith, justice of the peace; was charged with treason and as the state was not ready for trial, A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 443 and the offense not bailable, Captain Smith ordered him to be committed to jail, upon which Miller told him there was not enough men in the little town to put him in jail. Said he had served the United States gov¬ ernment in two wars—had made the roads into this country and had killed snakes, and it was an imposition for these slinks that followed his tracks to charge him with treason, but if they wished to have an examina¬ tion, he would come and attend court, but would not go into that jail alive. Upon which Esquire Smith took his verbal recognizance for his appearance at Car¬ thage the next Saturday. Sunday, 14.—* * * I prophesied we would have a winter of peace in Nauvoo. I said, in relation to the mob burning houses, I was willing they should do so, until the surrounding coun¬ ties should be convinced that we were not the aggres¬ sors, peradventure they may conclude to maintain the supremacy of the law by putting down mob violence and bringing offenders to justice. I counseled the brethren to bring their families and grain here, and called for volunteers with wagons and teams to aid e in removing the saints to this Resolution place; one hundred and thirty-four teams [£ e H s e ]? nts were procured and started forthwith. The t f 0 r XXoo omc brethren agreed to continue until they had brought in all their families, effects and grain of the saints in the settlements attacked by the mob. I received a letter from John Loveless and Westley Knight informing me that the Highland branch was embodied [organized] by order of the sheriff to pro¬ tect their property. SUBSTITUTION OF MILITARY MEASURES FOR CIVIC MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION As the repeal of our City Charter had deprived us of our military organization, the following was issued by the council:— 444 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 'To Charles C. Rich : President of all the Organized Quorums of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hancock County. Greeting : You are hereby instructed to hold the same [i. e. quorums of the priesthood] in readiness for all duties that shall be necessary in all emergencies. Done at the 'City of Joseph' this 14th day of September, A. D. 1845. [Signed] BRIGHAM YOUNG, President.' Monday, 15.—Seven a. m., the police met at my house and put me up a stable. Sheriff Backenstos went to Warsaw and tried his best to summon a posse to stop the burning but could not raise one. Arrest of Prominent Citizens of Nauvoo Attempted. Forty-four buildings have been burned by the mob. Several houses have been burned in the Prairie branch, Green Plain precinct. Michael Barnes a constable from Carthage, and his brother came into Nauvoo with writs for H. C. Kim¬ ball, Willard Richards, John E. Page, Daniel Garn, Wm. and George A. Smith, and my¬ self, issued by Captain Smith of the Carthage Greys, on the complaint of_Back- man. The charges were for aiding and abetting Joseph Smith in treasonable designs against the state, for being officers in the Nauvoo Legion, for building an arsenal, for keeping cannon in times of peace, for holding a private council in Nauvoo, and for holding corres¬ pondence with the Indians. He called on General Miller and made known his business. Miller told him he would get the men to¬ gether and they would meet him at the Masonic Hall at 4 o’clock p. m. The constable said he did not wish to see Wm. Smith, but was anxious for all the others; before the time appointed he concluded to leave the names of the parties with General Miller and requested them to meet the justice at A. G. Fellow’s house on the Prairie four miles this side of Carthage. I wrote Elder Samuel Brannan in regard to the con¬ tinuation of the New Y'ork Messenger as follows: A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 445 'Do as you and Brother Pratt think best, only do not think to sustain it [the Messenger ] from the tithing. You know ... your circumstances and whether the subscription list will of Eastern warrant its continuation or not. Referred to I wish you together with your press, paper, and ten thousand of the brethren, were now in California at the Bay of San Francisco, and if you can clear yourself and go there, do so.' I received a letter from J. B. Backenstos, dated, Carthage, September 15th, in which he stated his in¬ ability to raise law and order citizens to quell the mob and requested us to hold two thousand well armed men in readiness for immediate service at any Steps , Atteinpt . hour that he may call for them and added: Maintenance that if we will not defend our own lives and ord«” w and property that we cannot reasonably expect any considerable support from those citizens commonly called ‘Jack-Mormons’. ‘Colonel Levi Williams has ordered out his brigade of militia, I am certain the turnout will be slim, we must whip them.’ In reply I advised him to wait a few days and see if there are any law and order citizens in the county that are not Mormons, and if it proved there were none else to stand up for the Constitution and laws of the state, it would then be time enough for us, as the old citizens had heretofore advised us to ‘hold still’! ‘Keep cool’! ‘Be quiet’! etc., etc., we were determined to do so. The first regiment, second cohort of the Nauvoo Legion met and organized, choosing the old officers, to place themselves in readiness to act at the sheriff’s call. ‘There is grain enough growing within ten miles of this city, raised by the saints, to feed the whole popula¬ tion for two years if they were to sit down and do nothing but gather it in and feast upon it, and worship God. We expect to bring it all into the city or near it and the people too. The mob seem determined to drive us to our duty in gathering, and then drive us to carry the fulness of the gospel from among them and carry it to Israel. We are all well. | Signed ] [ Brigham Young]. ’ 446 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Tuesday, 16.—Sheriff Backenstos arrived in great haste and somewhat excited, said that the mob had sheriff driven him from his house in Carthage yes- F.xpeiw'from terday, and he went to Warsaw and stayed Carthage. over n igh ti He soon ascertained that the people were so enraged at him for trying to stop the house-burning that there was little probability of get¬ ting away alive, but finally prevailed on an influential mobocrat to escort him out of Warsaw this morning, who came with him about three and a half miles and on leaving cautioned him that if he saw two men together to avoid them for there were deep plans laid to kill him. Soon after he was pursued by a party of the mob on horseback, three of whom took the lead, one of the three had a swifter horse and gained a hundred yards in advance of his party in a short time when his horse stumbled and threw his rider. Back¬ enstos maintained his speed, driving as fast as his horse could go. The mob took the nearest road to cross his track and on his arrival at the old railroad crossing, the mob were within about 200 yards, they being on horseback and he in a buggy, they had gained on him considerably. Orrin P. Rockwell and John Redding were refreshing themselves near the crossing as they had been out to bring in some of the burnt-out families who were sick, and on looking up saw Backenstos coming down the hill at full speed, and asked what was the matter. Backenstos replied the mob were after and determined to kill him and commanded them in the name of the people of the state to protect him. Rockwell replied, fear not, we have 50 rounds (two fifteen-shooter rifles besides revolvers). Sheriff Backenstos then turned to the mob and com¬ manded them to stop, and as they continued to advance jailing of raising their guns, he ordered Rockwell to fi re; Frank Worrell, SO a [ m [ n g at t hg c l as p Q f t J-j e belt on one of the mob, which proved to be Frank Worrell, A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 447 who fell from his horse and the rest turned back and soon brought up a wagon and put his body into it. * * * Tuesday, 30.—Met in General Council at the Sev¬ enties’ Hall. * * * Parley P. Pratt said he had made a calculation for an outfit that every family of five persons would re¬ quire: one good wagon, three yoke of cattle, outfit two cows, two beef cattle, three sheep, one F ' q w r «twlrd thousand pounds of flour, twenty pounds of y o{ for a sugar, one rifle and ammunition, a tent and Five Persons - tent poles; and that the cost would be about $250.00 provided the family had nothing to begin with, only bedding and cooking utensils; and the weight would be about twenty-seven hundred including the family, and calculating them to walk considerably would reduce it to about nineteen hundred weight. It was decided that all the council [i. e. of the Twelve] were to go west with their families, friends and neighbors. General C. C. Rich reported that General J. J. Hardin with his troops had arrived in the city and were on the square northeast of the temple, wait- Inter vicw ing an interview with the Twelve and au- Authorities thorities of the place. Also that Sheriff i v ng h Gen™af nii Jacob B. Backenstos and Judge Stephen A. Hardin e ‘ ai Douglas were at Elder Taylor’s and wished to see me as soon as possible. Council adjourned. I went with the Twelve to Elder Taylor’s and saw Judge Douglas and Sheriff Backenstos. They said it was hard to make the people, the other side of the Illinois river, believe that it was not the Mormons that were burning houses in Hancock county. They wished us to go and see General Hardin. In company with H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, John Tay¬ lor, George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman, I went on to the hill and met General Hardin and staff sur¬ rounded by his troops, four hundred in number. He 448 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 read us his orders from the governor to come here and keep the peace if he had to keep the county under martial law: said he wished to search for the bodies of two dead men who were last seen in Nauvoo and it was supposed they had been murdered. I told him he was welcome to search for dead bodies or anything else he pleased. He inquired if I knew anything about them or of crimes having been com¬ mitted in Nauvoo. I replied I knew nothing of the kind, but that I had reliable information that some hundred houses had been burned in the south pari: of the county and probably if he would go there, he would find the persons who had done it. I tendered him the hospitality of the city and a home at my house, to which he replied drily, ‘I always stay in camp.’ General Hardin marched his troops to, and searched the Temple, Masonic Hall, Nauvoo House, and the stables of the Mansion. There were deposited some forty barrels of wild grape wine in the Masonic Hall which attracted the attention of some of the searchers and caused some delay. While searching the Mansion stables, they found where a horse had been bled and sent for the landlord and demanded an explanation: after being shown the horse, the General and Judge Douglas ran their swords into the manure, as though they expected to prick some dead bodies and make them squeal. Almon W. Babbitt told them they must think we were fools to bury dead men in a stable when it was so easy to throw them into the Mississippi river, which was only a few rods off. They then marched off and camped on the south side of the city. Caleb Baldwin was arrested and taken into camp, and examined as a witness. Most of the questions asked were designed to find out where the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum Smith were buried. * * * A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 449 Plans of the Saints’ Proposition to Remove from Illinois. Wednesday, October 1, 1845.—Met in council at Elder Taylor’s. General John J. Hardin, Hon. Stephen A. Douglas and J. A. Mc- Dougal were present. E. A. Bedell, Esqr., asked General Hardin for three or four men to go to Warsaw and make ar¬ rests, which request was granted. I asked the gentlemen present as to their feelings as friends and neighbors, and in relation to our proposi¬ tions for removal. General Hardin said he would do all in his power by counsel, etc., to help us, and approved of our pro¬ posed location at Vancouver’s Island. He thought it desirable for our sakes that we should remove, also for the peace of the county. Judge Douglas said Vancouver’s Island was claimed by the United States, and he felt sure there would be no objection to its settlement, or to the settlement of Ore¬ gon. General Hardin proposed that we should appoint trustees-in-trust to sell our property. I proposed a committee of the whole on both sides, and informed them that we were not sowing „ any winter wheat, and a greater testimony ofthesainw of our intentions to remove should not be be “just and asked. fair "' Judge Douglas said, all competent men must admit that the propositions of the committee of citizens of Nauvoo were just and fair. General Hardin said he was satisfied we intended to remove but had not the assurance we could go if our property could not be sold. We received the following: LETTER FROM THE QUINCY COMMITTEE ‘Nauvoo, October 1, 1845. To the First President and Council of the Church at Nauvoo: Having had a free and full conversation with you this day in reference to your proposed removal from this county, together with members 29 Vol. 7 450 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH [A. D. 1845 Church Lead- of your church, we have to request you to submit the facts to^ace Terms anc * i ntent i° ns stated to us in the said conversation to of Departure writing, in order that we may lay them before the m Writing. governor and the people of the state. We hope that by so doing it will have a tendency to allay the excitement at present existing in the public mind. We have the honor to subscribe ourselves. Respectfully yours etc. [Signed] JOHN J. HARDIN, W. B. Warren, S. A. Douglas, J. A. McDougal.' Thursday, 2.—The council received the following from Camp Mississippi: 'To the First President and High Council of the Church of the Latter-day Saints: Since our conference with you yesterday, we have arrived at this place and have held free conversation with the anti-Mormons of this and the surrounding counties. We have read to them your statement made to us on the 1st instant. We have informed them that you individually made similar statements to us, with the most solemn protesta¬ tions of truth, and with every appearance of earnest determination to carry out your expressed intentions in In the Resolutions which were adopted yesterday, in this place, by the delegates from nine counties, (the citizens of Hancock being excluded from the meeting), it was resolved (as we are informed, not having seen a copy of the Resolutions), to accept your proposition to remove in the spring. Since we have made public the statement by you made to us, there seems to be a general acquiescence in it by citizens of other counties, and of this, so far as to agree to restrain and withhold all further violence, and that you be permitted to depart in peace next spring. We are convinced that affairs have reached such a crisis, that it has become impossible for your church to remain in this country. After what has been said and written by yourselves, it will be confidently expected by us and the whole community, that you will remove from the state with your whole church, in the manner you have agreed in your statement to us. Should you not do so, we are satisfied, however much we may deprecate violence and bloodshed, that violent measures will be resorted to, to compel your removal, which will result in most disastrous consequences to yourselves and your opponents, and that the end will be your expulsion from the state. Acquiescence of the Citizens of Illinois to the Agreed Removal of the Saints. good faith. A. D. 1845] HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 451 We think that steps should be taken by you to make it apparent that you are actually preparing to remove in the spring. By carrying out, in good faith, your proposition to remove as submitted to us, we think you should be, and will be permitted to depart peaceably next spring for your destination, west of the Rocky Mountains. For the purpose of maintaining law and order in this county, the commanding general purposes to leave an armed force in this county which will be sufficient for that purpose and which will remain as long as the governor deems it necessary. And for the purpose of preventing the use of such force for vexatious or improper objects, we will recommend the governor of the state to send some competent legal officer t