we could gather there in a short time while the other part of the company go on to view the country. Circumstances will arise wherever to go to vary our course. His feelings are that we make the utmost benifit we possibly can from the next grand council in June, and that the important things that we want to have them consider should be presented to these tribes in the north previous to their council, so that they may ponder on the subject and when they come together they will be prepared to do something for us. We cant always tell what would be best for us to do untill the time comes to act. Does the circumstances of the case, or the spirit of the Lord dictate to us to send these men to explore the country, and perhaps bring no more information than what we already possess. [p. [183]]
At the previous meeting of the council, Spencer similarly advocated finding “a place of retreat near by” in addition to a site for a permanent settlement. (Council of Fifty, “Record,” 18 Mar. 1845.)
Jonathan Dunham first mentioned this upcoming gathering of Indian tribes at the previous meeting of the council. (Council of Fifty, “Record,” 18 Mar. 1845.)