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 30> At 10 a.m. rode out with Mr. Jackson.
At home most of the day.
The “Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys” sent to press.
Severe frost, so that ice is on the water in the houses.
writes to Major
“The foregoing opinions constitute my reason for refusing to issue the Warrants in your favor— I am not satisfied myself entirely, of the correctness of the opinions of the Attys. General. If you should be dissatisfied with the decision, I would advise you to raise the question before the Supreme court, which will be in Session on the 2nd. Monday of December. I am the more anxious that this should be done, because I wish to be satisfied whether I was correct or not in issuing warrants to you in the Spring. Be pleased to advise me on the subject—
Respectfully
Auditor.”
Enclosing the opinion of the Attorney General as follows;
“ Illinois Novr. 30th. 1843. I have examined the claim of , as Brigade Inspector of the Legion, and it is my opinion that the claim should be disallowed. [HC 6:95]
The Legislature, in giving authority, for the organization of a body of “independent Military men” at , intended no doubt, that all expenses &c except “their proportion of Public arms” should be defrayed by the and its privileged Legion.
They occupy a novel position, disconnected from the Military Communities, of the whole , and in no way subject to the regular Military officers, possessing an exemption, even, from subjection to the general Military laws, with a law-making power invested in their own Legion. It is not reasonable to suppose that the Legislature would confer so many exclusive favors, and yet pay those who profit by the condition of things, as much as is paid to regular Militia officers.
In the absence of any express provision by Law to authorize the payment of the claim, I can see nothing from which an authority of the kind could be derived, and therefore advise accordingly.
Atty General”
and copy of letter from J. N. McDougall to Gen.
“ Illinois Novr. 30th. 1843. Genl. Auditor &c. I have examined the claim of , Brigade Major of the Legion for services under the 53 Sec. of the Militia Law, and have arrived at the conclusion that the Legion are not to be considered, as a part of the regular Militia of this , and that the general law has no further application to them than is expressly provided for in the law authorizing their organization— The Law providing for the organization of the Legion, making no provision for the payment of the officers by the . It is my opinion that the above claim ought not to be audited.
The Legion was organized by the city Council, is subject to their control for the purpose of enforcing their ordinances— it is entirely independent of the general military law, may have a different organization, make laws for its own government and seems evidently designed to sustain the municipal authorities [p. 1791]
Source Note
Source Note
Document Transcript
Document Information
Document Information
Footnotes
Footnotes
- [472]
See 30 Nov. 1843 entry in History Draft.
- [473]
JS, Journal, 30 Nov. 1843.
- [474]
- [475]
Josiah Lamborn, Opinion, Springfield, IL, 30 Nov. 1843, in William Ewing to John Bills, ca. 30 Nov. 1843, JS Office Papers, CHL.
JS Office Papers / Joseph Smith Office Papers, ca. 1835–1845. CHL. MS 21600.
- [476]
J. N. McDougall to William Ewing, 30 Nov. 1843, in William Ewing to John Bills, ca. 30 Nov. 1843, JS Office Papers, CHL.
JS Office Papers / Joseph Smith Office Papers, ca. 1835–1845. CHL. MS 21600.
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