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

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. C-1, created 24 Feb. 1845–3 July 1845; handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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,
Franklin D. Richards
2 Apr. 1821–9 Dec. 1899. Carpenter, businessman, newspaper editor. Born at Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Phinehas Richards and Wealthy Dewey. Raised Congregationalist. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Phinehas ...
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, Jonathan Grimshaw, and
Leo Hawkins
19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...
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; 512 pages, plus 24 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the third volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This third volume covers the period from 2 Nov. 1838 to 31 July 1842; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, D-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

This document, “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842],” is the third of six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church” (in The Joseph Smith Papers the “Manuscript History” bears the editorial title “History, 1838–1856”). The completed six-volume collection covers the period from 23 December 1805 to 8 August 1844. The narrative in this volume commences on 2 November 1838 with JS and other church leaders being held prisoner by the “
Governor
14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...
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’s forces” at
Far West
Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...
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, Missouri, and concludes with the death of Bishop
Vinson Knight
14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...
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at
Nauvoo
Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....
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, Illinois, on 31 July 1842. For a more complete discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to this history.

Volume C-1 was created beginning on or just after 24 February 1845 and its narrative was completed by 3 May 1845, although some additional work continued on the volume through 3 July of that year (Richards, Journal, 24 and 28 Feb. 1845; Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 May 1845; 3 and 4 July 1845). It is in the handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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and contains 512 pages of primary text, plus 24 pages of addenda. Additional addenda for this volume were created at a later date as a supplementary document and appear in this collection as “History, 1838-1856, volume C-1 Addenda.” Compilers
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and Thomas Bullock drew heavily from JS’s letters, discourses, and diary entries; meeting minutes; church and other periodicals and journals; and reminiscences, recollections, and letters of church members and other contacts. At JS’s behest, Richards maintained the first-person, chronological-narrative format established in previous volumes, as if JS were the author.
Brigham Young
1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...
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,
Heber C. Kimball
14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...
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,
George A. Smith
26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...
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, and others reviewed and modified the manuscript prior to its eventual publication in the Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News.

The historical narrative recorded in volume C-1 continued the account of JS’s life as prophet and president of the church. Critical events occurring within the forty-five-month period covered by this text include the
Missouri
Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...
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Mormon War; subsequent legal trials of church leaders; expulsion of the Saints from Missouri; missionary efforts in
England
Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...
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by the
Twelve
Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...
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and others; attempts by JS to obtain federal redress for the Missouri depredations; publication of the LDS Millennial Star in England; the migration of English converts to
America
North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...
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; missionary efforts in other nations; the death of church patriarch
Joseph Smith Sr.
12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...
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; the establishment of the
Nauvoo
Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....
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city charter; the commencement of construction of the Nauvoo
temple
Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...
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; the
Wisconsin “pinery”
Also known as the “pinery.” Collective term for regions in Wisconsin where lumbering operations were located, especially along Black, Chippewa, St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Wolf rivers. Latter-day Saints established lumber camps and mills on Black River to provide...
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expedition that facilitated temple construction; the introduction of the doctrine of proxy baptism for deceased persons; the dedicatory prayer by
Orson Hyde
8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...
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on the Mount of Olives in Palestine; publication of the “Book of Abraham” in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons; publication of the JS history often referred to as the “Wentworth letter;” the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo; and the inception of Nauvoo-era temple endowment ceremonies.

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<May 20> appointed with him on a Committee for the printing of the Hymn Book, and cause 3,000 copies to be issued without delay— also that the same Committee — — — — — — — — — cause 3000 copies of the Book of Mormon, to be printed and completed with as little delay as possible, with an index affixed to the same, and the form of the book to be at the disposal of the Committee, Their views were written and signed by Elders , and when left direct for ; saw at the Potteries who approved the Beacon Conference— [HC 4:131]

24–25 May 1840 • Sunday–Monday

<24> Sunday 24 met with the Church and on Monday 25. visited the Printers to enquire their prices &c.

25 May 1840 • Monday

<25> “ May 25. 1840— To the Presidency, High Council, and Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at — We commend to your notice the Brethren and Sisters that have commendatory letters from us of this date, that you will do all that you consistently can for them— for I verily believe they have the utmost confidence in you, and will receive with gratitude your advice and instruction, and cheerfully submit to the rules and regulations of the Church. They have our blessings, and we trust their subsequent conduct will entitle them to your blessings also, and the Church generally. We rejoice that we can say, the work of God here is in a prosperous way, yea, we rejoice greatly at the aspect of the times, expecting the time to be not far distant, when the Standard of Truth will be conspicuously raised throughout this Land. We have witnessed the flowing of the Saints towards , the stream has begun, and we expect to see it continue running, till it shall have drained the Salt or the light from Babylon, when we hope to shout Hosanna home. Dear Brethren accept our love and present it to the Church of your Brethren in the new and everlasting Covenant— , , —

26–31 May 1840 • Tuesday–Sunday

<26> Tuesday 26. Elder arrived at , and 27 arrived <at >, when the Committee on the Hymn Book commenced, and continued selecting <Hymns> until the 30th. when Elders , , and went to and preached on Sunday the 31st..

27 May 1840 • Wednesday

<27> Wednesday 27 Bishop died at aged 46 years— He lost his life in consequence of the Persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required at their hands. His daughter Harriet Pamela died on the 16th. of May, aged 19 years. [HC 4:132]

The first number of “The Latter Day Saints Millenial Star” was issued at , in pamphlet form of Twenty four pages. Edited by price Six pence— Office 149 Oldham Road—

1 June 1840 • Monday

<June 1> Monday June 1. 1840 The Saints have already erected about two hundred and fifty houses at — mostly block houses, a few framed, and a many more in lively operation. The Gospel is spreading through the — , England, Scotland and other places, with great rapidity. [HC 4:133]

Elders and were engaged in blessing the brethren who were about to sail for . [p. 1060]

May 20 appointed with him on a Committee for the printing of the Hymn Book, and cause 3,000 copies to be issued without delay— also that the same Committee — — — — — — — — — cause 3000 copies of the Book of Mormon, to be printed and completed with as little delay as possible, with an index affixed to the same, and the form of the book to be at the disposal of the Committee, Their views were written and signed by Elders , and when left direct for ; saw at the Potteries who approved the Beacon Conference— [HC 4:131]

24–25 May 1840 • Sunday–Monday

24 Sunday 24 met with the Church and on Monday 25. visited the Printers to enquire their prices &c.

25 May 1840 • Monday

25 “ May 25. 1840— To the Presidency, High Council, and Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at — We commend to your notice the Brethren and Sisters that have commendatory letters from us of this date, that you will do all that you consistently can for them— for I verily believe they have the utmost confidence in you, and will receive with gratitude your advice and instruction, and cheerfully submit to the rules and regulations of the Church. They have our blessings, and we trust their subsequent conduct will entitle them to your blessings also, and the Church generally. We rejoice that we can say, the work of God here is in a prosperous way, yea, we rejoice greatly at the aspect of the times, expecting the time to be not far distant, when the Standard of Truth will be conspicuously raised throughout this Land. We have witnessed the flowing of the Saints towards , the stream has begun, and we expect to see it continue running, till it shall have drained the Salt or the light from Babylon, when we hope to shout Hosanna home. Dear Brethren accept our love and present it to the Church of your Brethren in the new and everlasting Covenant— , , —

26–31 May 1840 • Tuesday–Sunday

26 Tuesday 26. Elder , and 27 arrived at , when the Committee on the Hymn Book commenced, and continued selecting Hymns until the 30th. when Elders , , and went to and preached on Sunday the 31st..

27 May 1840 • Wednesday

27 Wednesday 27 Bishop died at aged 46 years— He lost his life in consequence of the Persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required at their hands. His daughter Harriet Pamela died on the 16th. of May, aged 19 years. [HC 4:132]

The first number of “The Latter Day Saints Millenial Star” was issued at , in pamphlet form of Twenty four pages. Edited by price Six pence— Office 149 Oldham Road—

1 June 1840 • Monday

June 1 Monday June 1. 1840 The Saints have already erected about two hundred and fifty houses at — mostly block houses, a few framed, and a many more in lively operation. The Gospel is spreading through the — , England, Scotland and other places, with great rapidity. [HC 4:133]

Elders and were engaged in blessing the brethren who were about to sail for . [p. 1060]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]
ID #
7513
Total Pages
562
Handwriting on This Page
- Thomas Bullock
Footnotes
1. 669
  See 24 May 1840 entry in History Draft.
2. 670
  Young, Journal, 24–25 May 1840, p. [29].
  
  Historian’s Office. “History of Brigham Young.” In Manuscript History of Brigham Young, ca. 1856–1860, vol. 1, pp. 1–104. CHL. CR 100 150, box 1, fd. 1.
3. 671
  See 25 May 1840 entry in History Draft.
4. 672
  Letter from Heber C. Kimball, Joseph Fielding, and William Clayton, 25 May 1840.
5. 673
  See 26 May 1840 entry in History Draft.
6. 674
  Young, Journal, 26–31 May 1840, p. [29].
  
  Historian’s Office. “History of Brigham Young.” In Manuscript History of Brigham Young, ca. 1856–1860, vol. 1, pp. 1–104. CHL. CR 100 150, box 1, fd. 1.
7. 675
  See 27 May 1840 entry in History Draft.
8. 676
  Obituary for Edward Partridge, Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:127–128.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
9. 677
  LDS Millennial Star, May 1840, 1:1.
  
  Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.
10. 678
  See 1 June 1840 entry in History Draft.
11. 679
  “Immigration,” Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:127.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
12. 680
  Young, Journal, 1–3 June 1840, [29].
  
  Historian’s Office. “History of Brigham Young.” In Manuscript History of Brigham Young, ca. 1856–1860, vol. 1, pp. 1–104. CHL. CR 100 150, box 1, fd. 1.