History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 955
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<​June 13​> I had promised some money as soon as I could sell a yoke of Cattle, I know of nothing else I have that I can raise money with at this time, and they are getting to be dull sale to what they were— Sister Meeks has been quite sick but she is getting better, she has nothing to eat, only what she is helped to, a number of other poor here I think need assistance Wid. Sherman for one, but if you think that all the means should be kept up there, I have nothing to say, only, that I do not believe it to be my duty to stay here living on expence, where I can earn nothing for myself, nor do any thing to benefit others. As I before stated I have promised some money as soon as I can raise it, I have not at this time two dollars in the world $1.44 is all. I owe for my rent, and for making clothes for some of the poor, and some other things, I am going into the room, br. Harris leaves to save rent, what is best for me to do I hardly know, hard labor I cannot perform, light labor I can, but I know of no chance to earn any thing, at any thing that I can stand it to do— It is quite sickly here, five were buried in four days, Brother More’s Child, Sister Louisa P, and brother Pettigrew’s son Hiram, 18 or 19 years of age the other two were children of the world. I spoke to brother about his seine, he said that he would speak to his brother about it, He said he thought that they would sell it, or they would come up in the fall and fish awhile, but to lend it, he [HC 3:376] thought it would not be best as those unaccustomed to fish in the rivers would be apt to tear it to pieces, you perceive that I have not means to get you twine at present, therefore I presume that you will not blame me for not doing it—
15th Were I well I would …….. go up to with and settle with the Committee & , and see what is best to do, probably may come next week. If could sell one yoke of Cattle, and let me have the avails of them I should be glad, and I think it best to let two yoke that are up there to go to Father Myers, As to teams to move up some of the Poor, do as you think best— “Prest. Josh. Smith Jr., ,”
14 June 1839 • Friday
<​14​> Friday 14 Continued writing history. This evening there was a great excitement about the Jail at Columbia Mo.— Several individuals went, and called for the Jailer, but he was absent. They next called for the Jailer’s Wife, and offered her money to let the prisoners go, which she declined, and becoming alarmed raised a cry, which brought the whole village together, armed with bowie knives, guns, pistols &c but finding no one there, they soon returned home, except a few to guard the prison. This row brought different individuals, to see the prisoners, and by acquaintance, those feelings were softened towards the Saints.
15 June 1839 • Saturday
<​15 Joseph visits ​> Saturday 15. I started with my family, to visit Bro. , we met on the Prairie, about four miles west of , found him in good spirits, and went with him to his house in , found [p. 955]
June 13 I had promised some money as soon as I could sell a yoke of Cattle, I know of nothing else I have that I can raise money with at this time, and they are getting to be dull sale to what they were— Sister Meeks has been quite sick but she is getting better, she has nothing to eat, only what she is helped to, a number of other poor here I think need assistance Wid. Sherman for one, but if you think that all the means should be kept up there, I have nothing to say, only, that I do not believe it to be my duty to stay here living on expence, where I can earn nothing for myself, nor do any thing to benefit others. As I before stated I have promised some money as soon as I can raise it, I have not at this time two dollars in the world $1.44 is all. I owe for my rent, and for making clothes for some of the poor, and some other things, I am going into the room, br. Harris leaves to save rent, what is best for me to do I hardly know, hard labor I cannot perform, light labor I can, but I know of no chance to earn any thing, at any thing that I can stand it to do— It is quite sickly here, five were buried in four days, Brother More’s Child, Sister Louisa P, and brother Pettigrew’s son Hiram, 18 or 19 years of age the other two were children of the world. I spoke to brother about his seine, he said that he would speak to his brother about it, He said he thought that they would sell it, or they would come up in the fall and fish awhile, but to lend it, he [HC 3:376] thought it would not be best as those unaccustomed to fish in the rivers would be apt to tear it to pieces, you perceive that I have not means to get you twine at present, therefore I presume that you will not blame me for not doing it—
15th Were I well I would …….. go up to with and settle with the Committee & , and see what is best to do, probably may come next week. If could sell one yoke of Cattle, and let me have the avails of them I should be glad, and I think it best to let two yoke that are up there to go to Father Myers, As to teams to move up some of the Poor, do as you think best— — “Prest. Josh. Smith Jr., ,”
14 June 1839 • Friday
14 Friday 14 Continued writing history. This evening there was a great excitement about the Jail at Columbia Mo.— Several individuals went, and called for the Jailer, but he was absent. They next called for the Jailer’s Wife, and offered her money to let the prisoners go, which she declined, and becoming alarmed raised a cry, which brought the whole village together, armed with bowie knives, guns, pistols &c but finding no one there, they soon returned home, except a few to guard the prison. This row brought different individuals, to see the prisoners, and by acquaintance, those feelings were softened towards the Saints.
15 June 1839 • Saturday
15 Joseph visits Saturday 15. I started with my family, to visit Bro. , we met on the Prairie, about four miles west of , found him in good spirits, and went with him to his house in , found [p. 955]
Page 955