History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. E-1, created 20 Aug. 1855–5 Apr. 1856; handwriting of Robert L. Campbell,
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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, and Jonathan Grimshaw; 392 pages, plus 11 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the fifth volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This fifth volume covers the period from 1 July 1843 to 30 Apr. 1844; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, C-1, D-1, and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

History, 1838–1856, volume E-1, constitutes the fifth of six volumes documenting the life of Joseph Smith and the early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The series is also known as the Manuscript History of the Church and was originally published serially from 1842 to 1846 and 1851 to 1858 as the “History of Joseph Smith” in the Times and Seasons and Deseret News. This volume contains JS’s history from 1 July 1843 to 30 April 1844, and it was compiled in Utah Territory in the mid-1850s.

The material recorded in volume E-1 was initially compiled under the direction of church historian
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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, who was JS’s cousin. Smith collaborated with
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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in collecting material for the history and creating a set of draft notes that Smith dictated to Bullock and other clerks.

Robert L. Campbell, a recently returned missionary and member of the Historian’s Office staff, transcribed
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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’s notes into the volume along with the text of designated documents (such as letters and meeting minutes). The Church Historian’s Office journal entry for 2 May 1855 pinpoints the beginning of his work: “R. L. C. on Book D forenoon, afternoon began book E.” Campbell’s work on the volume apparently concluded on 5 April 1856; entries in the Historian’s Office journal indicate that he then moved on to other assignments while another clerk, Jonathan Grimshaw, began work on volume F-1, the last manuscript in the series. (Historian’s Office, Journal, 2 May 1855; 5 and 9 Apr. 1856.)

Volume E-1 contains 391 pages of primary text and 11 pages of addenda. The initial entry on page 1637 is a continuation of the 1 July 1843 entry that closed volume D-1. The final entry in volume E-1 is for 30 April 1844.

The 391 pages of volume E-1 document a crucial period of JS’s life and the history of the church. Important events recorded here include

• An account of JS’s 2 July 1843 meeting with several Pottawatamie chiefs.

• JS’s 4 July 1843 address regarding his recent arrest, 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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Legion, and Mormon voting practices.

• JS’s 12 July 1843 dictation of a revelation regarding eternal marriage, including the plurality of wives, in the presence of
Hyrum Smith
9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...
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and
William Clayton
17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...
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.

• The 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment of
Sidney Rigdon
19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...
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and revocation of his priesthood license.

• Dispatch of the first missionaries to the Pacific Islands on 20 September 1843, led by
Addison Pratt
21 Feb. 1802–14 Oct. 1872. Sailor, farmer, carpenter. Born in Winchester, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Henry Pratt and Rebekah Jewell. Married Louisa Barnes, 3 Apr. 1831, in Dunham, Lower Canada. Settled on banks of Lake Erie, in New York, where he...
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.

• JS’s 1 October 1843 announcement of
George J. Adams
7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...
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’s appointment to a mission to Russia.

• Minutes of a 6–9 October 1843 general conference inserted under the date of 9 October at which
Sidney Rigdon
19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...
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pled his case in regard to his 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment and was permitted to continue as counselor in the First Presidency.

• Text of JS’s appeal to the Green Mountain Boys of
Vermont
Area served as early thoroughfare for traveling Indian tribes. French explored area, 1609, and erected fort on island in Lake Champlain, 1666. First settled by Massachusetts emigrants, 1724. Claimed by British colonies of New York and New Hampshire, but during...
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, inserted under the date of 29 November 1843.

• A 20 January 1844 entry that includes a poem by
Eliza R. Snow
21 Jan. 1804–5 Dec. 1887. Poet, teacher, seamstress, milliner. Born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Moved to Mantua, Trumbull Co., Ohio, ca. 1806. Member of Baptist church. Baptized into Church...
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commemorating the presentation of two copies of the Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by
Lorenzo Snow
3 Apr. 1814–10 Oct. 1901. Schoolteacher. Born in Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio. Son of Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Attended Oberlin College. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John F. Boynton, 19 June 1836, in Kirtland...
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.

• JS’s nomination on 29 January 1844 as an independent candidate for the presidency of the
United States
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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.

• An account of JS’s
King Follett
24/26 July 1788–9 Mar. 1844. Born at Winchester, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Follett and Hannah Oak (Oake) Alexander. Married Louisa Tanner, by 1815. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spring 1831. Member of Whitmer branch...
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sermon, 7 April 1844.

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<September 20> I answered ’s letter received on the 18th.

instructed Elder to go and engage a passage for himself and Elders Noah Rogers, Knowlton F. Hanks and , as missionaries to the Pacific Islands, [HC 6:36] although they had not one tenth of the means on hand to pay <their passage>.

21 September 1843 • Thursday

<21> Thursday 21 Made affidavit with and to auditor of vs .

About 11 A. M. called with my brother , to see about getting a copy of his blessing, and wished much joy in his new daughter. About noon went on board the “Maid of Iowa” with , Clerk of the boat. 1 p. m, the thermometer stood at 100º in the shade.

22 September 1843 • Friday

<22> Friday 22 The visited the Navy Yard and Harbor of , the Mississippi steam ship, the Rope walk, the Bunker hill Monument, the State House, and the States prison. In the evening they addressed the Saints in Boylston Hall.

accompanied by Elder , engaged a passage to the at $100 each for himself, Noah Rogers, Knowlton F. Hanks and .

23 September 1843 • Saturday

<23> Saturday 23 returned from ; the trial of and being postponed ‘till May next.

returned from the . He reports the water in Black River so low that they could not get their raft into the .

I had an interview with Elder , from whom I borrowed $75 for the

24 September 1843 • Sunday

<24> Sunday 24 I preached on the about one hour on the 2nd. ch. Acts; designing to shew the folly of common stock. In every [HC 6:37] one is Steward over his own. After preaching, I called upon the brethren to draw stone for the , and gave notice for a special for 6th. Octr. next. Adjourned the meeting about one p. m., on account of the prospect of rain. Judge McBride, and a lawyer from were present at the meeting.

25 September 1843 • Monday

<25> Monday 25 Wet day. At home— held a conversation with the Lawyer.

26 September 1843 • Tuesday

<26> Tuesday 26 Held Mayor’s court, and tried case “Dana vs Leeches.” No cause of action. Called at the about 6 p.m. and directed the Clerk to issue papers on the case “Medagh vs Hovey.”

27 September 1843 • Wednesday

<27> Wednesday 27 The “Neighbor” of this date has the following editorial:—

“We find that the “ Whig” has some very righteous remarks to make concerning the Mormons, emanating from the purest principles of patriotism(?) The Editor has had some “private conversation” with some individual, or individuals about certain charges brought against the Mormons, particularly that of screening horse thieves.

We think that the Whig has not done itself much credit in advocating the principles contained in those resolutions— we leave that however for [p. 1737]

September 20 I answered ’s letter received on the 18th.

In the evening Elders , , , , and visited Mr. O. S. Fowler the Phrenologist, who examined their heads, and gave their Phrenological Charts.

21 September 1843 • Thursday

21 Thursday 21 Made affidavit with and to auditor of vs .

22 September 1843 • Friday

22 Friday 22 The visited the Navy Yard and Harbor of , the Mississippi steam ship, the Rope walk, the Bunker hill Monument, the State House, and the States prison. In the evening they addressed the Saints in Boylston Hall.

accompanied by Elder , engaged a passage to the at $100 each for himself, Noah Rogers, Knowlton F. Hanks and .

23 September 1843 • Saturday

23 Saturday 23 returned from ; the trial of and being postponed ‘till May next.

returned from the . He reports the water in Black River so low that they could not get their raft into the .

I had an interview with Elder , from whom I borrowed $75 for the

24 September 1843 • Sunday

24 Sunday 24 I preached on the about one hour on the 2nd. ch. Acts; designing to shew the folly of common stock. In every [HC 6:37] one is Steward over his own. After preaching, I called upon the brethren to draw stone for the , and gave notice for a special for 6th. Octr. next. Adjourned the meeting about one p. m., on account of the prospect of rain. Judge McBride, and a lawyer from were present at the meeting.

25 September 1843 • Monday

25 Monday 25 Wet day. At home— held a conversation with the Lawyer.

26 September 1843 • Tuesday

26 Tuesday 26 Held Mayor’s court, and tried case “Dana vs Leeches.” No cause of action. Called at the about 6 p.m. and directed the Clerk to issue papers on the case “Medagh vs Hovey.”

27 September 1843 • Wednesday

27 Wednesday 27 The “Neighbor” of this date has the following editorial:—

We think that the Whig has not done itself much credit in advocating the principles contained in those resolutions— we leave that however for [p. 1737]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]
ID #
8112
Total Pages
448
Handwriting on This Page
- Robert L. Campbell
Footnotes
1. 282
  JS, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Ford, [Springfield, IL], 20 Sept. 1843, JS Collection, CHL; see also JS, Journal, 19 Sept. 1843.
  
  Smith, Joseph. Collection, 1827–1846. CHL. MS 155.
2. 283
  Pratt, Journal, 20 Sept. 1843.
  
  Pratt, Addison. Journals, 1843–1852. Addison Pratt, Autobiography and Journals, 1843–1852. CHL. MS 8226, fds. 4–11.Pratt, Addison. Autobiography and Journals, 1843–1852. CHL.
3. 284
  Woodruff, Journal, 20 Sept. 1843.
  
  Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
4. 285
  See 21 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
5. 286
  JS, Journal, 21 Sept. 1843.
6. 287
  See 22 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
7. 288
  Woodruff, Journal, 22 Sept. 1843.
  
  Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
8. 289
  Pratt, Journal, 22 Sept. 1843.
  
  Pratt, Addison. Journals, 1843–1852. Addison Pratt, Autobiography and Journals, 1843–1852. CHL. MS 8226, fds. 4–11.Pratt, Addison. Autobiography and Journals, 1843–1852. CHL.
9. 290
  See 23 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
10. 291
  JS, Journal, 23 Sept. 1843.
11. 292
  Clayton, Journal, 23 Sept. 1843.
  
  Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.
12. 293
  See 24 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
13. 294
  JS Journal, 24–26 Sept. 1843.
14. 295
  See 25 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
15. 296
  See 26 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
16. 297
  See 27 Sept. 1843 entry in History Draft.
17. 298
  Editorial, Nauvoo Neighbor, 27 Sept. 1843, [2].
  
  Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]

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