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

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 1259
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<​December 4​> and of the [HC 4:467] Quorum of the Twelve <​Apostles​> being present, when it was unanimously resolved by the whole conference that the organization of the Church at as a Stake be discontinued, and that John Lawson be presiding Elder over the branch, and Joseph Johnson Clerk; and that William Whiteman the Bishop, transfer all the Church Property in to the Sole Trustee in Trust Joseph Smith President of the whole Church”
5 December 1841 • Sunday
<​5​> <​I commenced to proof read the Book of Mormon, previous to its being stereotyped, read 60 pages.​>
<​In the evening and Wife visited me. We conversed about the troubles; and the death of , also his last request.​>
7 December 1841 • Tuesday
<​7​> Tuesday 7. Copy of a Letter to Lawyers and of
“Esqres. and — Gentlemen— your letter of 23. ult: concerning two notes placed in your hands by Messrs. & Co. against myself and thirty one others for collection, was duly received. In reply I must inform you, that I am not in the possession of means, belonging to me individually to liquidate those notes at present. The reason is apparent to every one: I need not relate to you the persecution I have suffered and the loss and confiscation of all my effects at various times, as a reason of my inability; you know it all, and so do the Gentlemen whose notes you hold for collection. But I wish you to say to them, that if they will give me my time (and no more than that I must necessarily have) they shall have their pay in some way or other; that I have the means at command in the east; which, with a sufficient indulgence, will enable me to pay them every whit; but unless this is granted me, it will be impossible for me to do so. All I ask of those Gentlemen and this generation is, that they should not tie up my hands, nor thwart me in my operations; if this is granted me, I pledge my word. yea my sacred honor, that all that can in fairness be demanded at my hands, either now or at any time, shall ultimately be adjusted to the satisfaction of all concerned. This is all that I can say at this time, or do, [HC 4:468] hoping that you will communicate to Messrs. and Co. the Contents, or at all events the purport of this letter, together with my sincere regard for their welfare, and as regards you, Gentlemen, I remain, very respectfully your obt. servt.. Joseph Smith.”
8 December 1841 • Wednesday
<​8​> Wednesday 8. The Twelve who attended the Conference on the 4th. instant returned with near a thousand dollars worth of property for the , which had been donated by the Saints at ; consisting of horses waggons, provisions, clothing &c
10 December 1841 • Friday
<​10​> Friday 10. <​I wrote to​>
Esqre. Dear Sir. your letters dated October 11th. and November 9th. 1841 have both been received, and that of the 9th. November is now before me. I am glad that you are pleased with the proceedings of our last Conference, relative to “ purchase,” concerning which, together with some unpleasant feelings, which had originated, partly from a misunderstanding between us, and partly through the inefficiency, neglect or sickness of , I wrote to your friend and partner , some time since, which no doubt you have seen before now, and with which I hope you [p. 1259]
December 4 and of the [HC 4:467] Quorum of the Twelve Apostles being present, when it was unanimously resolved by the whole conference that the organization of the Church at as a Stake be discontinued, and that John Lawson be presiding Elder over the branch, and Joseph Johnson Clerk; and that William Whiteman the Bishop, transfer all the Church Property in to the Sole Trustee in Trust Joseph Smith President of the whole Church”
5 December 1841 • Sunday
5 I commenced to proof read the Book of Mormon, previous to its being stereotyped, read 60 pages.
In the evening and Wife visited me. We conversed about the troubles; and the death of , also his last request.
7 December 1841 • Tuesday
7 Tuesday 7. Copy of a Letter to Lawyers and of
“Esqres. and — Gentlemen— your letter of 23. ult: concerning two notes placed in your hands by Messrs. & Co. against myself and thirty one others for collection, was duly received. In reply I must inform you, that I am not in the possession of means, belonging to me individually to liquidate those notes at present. The reason is apparent to every one: I need not relate to you the persecution I have suffered and the loss and confiscation of all my effects at various times, as a reason of my inability; you know it all, and so do the Gentlemen whose notes you hold for collection. But I wish you to say to them, that if they will give me my time (and no more than that I must necessarily have) they shall have their pay in some way or other; that I have the means at command in the east; which, with a sufficient indulgence, will enable me to pay them every whit; but unless this is granted me, it will be impossible for me to do so. All I ask of those Gentlemen and this generation is, that they should not tie up my hands, nor thwart me in my operations; if this is granted me, I pledge my word. yea my sacred honor, that all that can in fairness be demanded at my hands, either now or at any time, shall ultimately be adjusted to the satisfaction of all concerned. This is all that I can say at this time, or do, [HC 4:468] hoping that you will communicate to Messrs. and Co. the Contents, or at all events the purport of this letter, together with my sincere regard for their welfare, and as regards you, Gentlemen, I remain, very respectfully your obt. servt.. Joseph Smith.”
8 December 1841 • Wednesday
8 Wednesday 8. The Twelve who attended the Conference on the 4th. instant returned with near a thousand dollars worth of property for the , which had been donated by the Saints at ; consisting of horses waggons, provisions, clothing &c
10 December 1841 • Friday
10 Friday 10. I wrote to
Esqre. Dear Sir. your letters dated October 11th. and November 9th. 1841 have both been received, and that of the 9th. November is now before me. I am glad that you are pleased with the proceedings of our last Conference, relative to “ purchase,” concerning which, together with some unpleasant feelings, which had originated, partly from a misunderstanding between us, and partly through the inefficiency, neglect or sickness of , I wrote to your friend and partner , some time since, which no doubt you have seen before now, and with which I hope you [p. 1259]
Page 1259