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

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page 1767
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<​November​> Elder Hanks is the first Elder who has died at sea, while on a foreign mission, he was a faithful Elder, cut off by consumption in the flower of his days.
[ten lines blank]
4 November 1843 • Saturday
<​4​> Saturday 4. and were with me at the , assisting writing letters.
Wrote to as follows—
“Hon. ,— Dear Sir,— As we understand you are a candidate for the Presidency at the next election; and as the latter day Saints (sometimes called Mormons, who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast republic,) have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the state of , and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her courts, her executive [HC 6:64] councils, and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific, and candid reply to, “What will be your rule of action relative to us as a people”, should fortune favor your ascension to the chief magistracy?
Most respectfully, Sir. your friend,
And the friend of peace, good order
And constitutional rights
Joseph Smith”
In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Like <​Similar​> letters were written to Gen. — Hon. Richard M. Johnson, Hon. . and President — to ’s letter I added the following,
“Also whether your views or feelings have changed, since the subject matter of this communication was presented you in your then official capacity at , in the year 1841— and by you treated with a coldness, indifference, and neglect, bordering on contempt.”
Elder arrived in with paper for the use of the .
5 November 1843 • Sunday
<​5​> Sunday 5. Rode out with , and others, for her health—
At dinner I was taken suddenly sick— went to the door and vomited all my dinner— dislocated my jaws, and raised fresh blood, and had many [p. 1767]
November Elder Hanks is the first Elder who has died at sea, while on a foreign mission, he was a faithful Elder, cut off by consumption in the flower of his days.
[ten lines blank]
4 November 1843 • Saturday
4 Saturday 4. and were with me at the , assisting writing letters.
Wrote to as follows—
“Hon. ,— Dear Sir,— As we understand you are a candidate for the Presidency at the next election; and as the latter day Saints (sometimes called Mormons, who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast republic,) have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the state of , and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her courts, her executive [HC 6:64] councils, and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific, and candid reply to, “What will be your rule of action relative to us as a people”, should fortune favor your ascension to the chief magistracy?
Most respectfully, Sir. your friend,
And the friend of peace, good order
And constitutional rights
Joseph Smith”
In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Similar letters were written to Gen. — Hon. Richard M. Johnson, Hon. . and President — to ’s letter I added the following,
“Also whether your views or feelings have changed, since the subject matter of this communication was presented you in your then official capacity at , in the year 1841— and by you treated with a coldness, indifference, and neglect, bordering on contempt.”
Elder arrived in with paper for the use of the .
5 November 1843 • Sunday
5 Sunday 5. Rode out with , and others, for her health—
At dinner I was taken suddenly sick— went to the door and vomited all my dinner— dislocated my jaws, and raised fresh blood, and had many [p. 1767]
Page 1767