History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]
Source Note
Source Note
JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. E-1, created 20 Aug. 1855–5 Apr. 1856; handwriting of Robert L. Campbell, , 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
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 , who was JS’s cousin. Smith collaborated with 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 ’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 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 and .
• The 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment of and revocation of his priesthood license.
• Dispatch of the first missionaries to the Pacific Islands on 20 September 1843, led by .
• JS’s 1 October 1843 announcement of ’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 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 , inserted under the date of 29 November 1843.
• A 20 January 1844 entry that includes a poem by commemorating the presentation of two copies of the Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by .
• JS’s nomination on 29 January 1844 as an independent candidate for the presidency of the .
• An account of JS’s sermon, 7 April 1844.
<November 24> The young men have established a debating society in to discuss topics of various descriptions. [HC 6:80]
<25> Saturday 25. United States Surveyor from , arrived in . In evening the sat on the case of charged with seduction, and having stated that I had taught it was right— charge not sustained. I was present with several of the , and gave an address tending to do away with every evil, and exhorting them to practice virtue and holiness before the Lord— told them that the had not received any permission from me to commit fornication, adultery, or any corrupt action, but my every word and action has been to the contrary. If a man commit adultery, he cannot receive the of God, even if he is saved in any kingdom, it can not be the celestial kingdom; I did think that the many examples that have been made manifest, such as and others, were sufficient to shew the fallacy of such a course of conduct.
I condemned such actions in toto, and warned the people present against committing such evils, for it will surely bring a curse upon any person who commits such deeds.
After adjournment, held a Council, and agreed to meet at the to morrow morning.
I received a letter signed by and six other , requesting permission for Elder to remain in the ensuing winter; also a letter from giving his assent to the petition, to which the wrote the following reply:
“Elder , Beloved Brother, Your letter dated at , in connection with [HC 6:81] some one hundred and fifty of the brethren, is received, and we proceed to reply: Your letter is not before us this moment, consequently you must excuse a reference to dates, and names, which have escaped our recollection, but the subject is fresh, and the letter was read in a council of presidents Joseph, and the Twelve, when the word of the Lord came through Joseph the Seer, Thus:—
“Let my servant take his departure speedily from the city of , and go directly to the city of , and there labor diligently in proclaiming my Gospel to the inhabitants thereof, and if he is humble and faithful, lo! I will be with him, and will give him the hearts of the people that he may do them good, and build up a church unto my name in that .”
Now if you wish to follow council counsel, and do the will of the Lord, as we believe you desire to do, call the church at together, without delay, and read this letter to them, calling upon them to assist you in your Mission, and go thy way speedily unto the place which is appointed unto you by the voice of the Lord, and build up a church in the city of , for it is expedient and absolutely necessary that we have a foot hold in that popular . Let your words be soft unto the people, but full of the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost. Do not challenge the sects for debate, but treat them as brethren and friends, and the God of heaven will bless you, and we will bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the people will rise up and bless you and call you a sweet messenger of peace. You will pardon us for giving you [p. 1780]
Source Note
Source Note
Document Transcript
Document Information
Document Information
Footnotes
Footnotes
- [456]
“Nauvoo Lyceum,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 29 Nov. 1843, [2].
Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.
- [457]
See 25 Nov. 1843 entry in History Draft.
- [458]
JS, Journal, 25 Nov. 1843; Woodruff, Journal, 25 Nov. 1843.
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
- [459]
George B. Wallace et al., Boston, MA, to JS et al., Nauvoo, IL, 30 Oct. 1843, JS Collection, CHL.
Smith, Joseph. Collection, 1827–1846. CHL. MS 155.
- [460]
Brigham Young, Nauvoo, IL, to John E. Page, Boston, MA, 25 Nov. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.
Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.
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