History, 1838–1856, volume F-1 [1 May 1844–8 August 1844]

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
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<​May 12​> effect would greatly benefit the nation in point of com[HC 6:367]merce and finance; and while he maintains, and philosophically shows, that our country is approaching a fearful crisis, which if not arrested, will end in disgrace to the country, and cause our national banner to hug its mast in disgust and shame, clearly points out the remedy.
“Shall the liberty which our fathers purchased at so dear a price be wrenched from the hands of their children? Shall our national banner, which floated so proudly in the breeze at the declaration of independence, be disgraced and refuse to show its motto? Shall we, as American citizens, fold our arms and look quietly on, while the shackles of slavery are being fastened upon our hands, and while men only seek office for the purpose of exalting themselves into power? I say, shall we still rush blindly on and hasten on our own destruction by placing men in power who neither regard the interests of the people, nor the prayers of the oppressed? Every American citizen will shout at the top of his voice, NO!
“Mr. Smith’s ‘views of the powers and policy of the government’ manifest a republican spirit, and if carried out, would soon place the nation in a prosperous condition, and brighten the prospects of those who now have to toil so incessantly to support the profligate expenditures, and luxurious equipage of the present rulers and representatives of our nation.
“Joseph Smith is a man who is in every way calculated to make a free people happy; he is liberal in his sentiments, and allows every man the free expression of his feeling on all subjects; he is sociable and easy in his manners, is conversant and familiar on all exciting topics, expresses himself freely and plainly, on the different methods of administering the government; while he is not ashamed to let the world know his views, and criticise upon his opinions.
“I am, sir, in no way connected with the Mormon Church, but am disposed to listen to reason in all cases. I have heretofore been a warm advocate of the measures of the Whig party; but considering General Smith’s views and sentiments to be worthy the applause of every citizen of the , and especially the yeomanry of the country, I shall in every instance advocate his principles, and use my utmost influence in his favor.
I am, sir, Yours, in haste,
An American.”
, May 12th., 1844.”
13 May 1844 • Monday
<​13​> Monday 13 Heavy thunder showers during the night. At 10 A. M., went to my and conversed with several of the brethren. Sold one hundred acres of land, received $300 in cash, and his note for $1000, and $20 for the . Paid $298, and [HC 6:368] took up a note of , & ’s, given for money they had borrowed for me, and gave $10 to .
At 2 P. M., attended meeting of the General Council at which the following letter from Elder was read:—
, April 25th. 1844.
“Hon Sir,
I take the liberty to transmit through you to the Council of our Church, the results of my labors thus far. I arrived in this place on the 23rd. inst., by way of , , and .
I found Elder here, having been called home to on account of his wife’s ill health. Elder has been indefatigable in his exertions in prosecuting the business entrusted to his charge. His business has [p. 22]
May 12 effect would greatly benefit the nation in point of com[HC 6:367]merce and finance; and while he maintains, and philosophically shows, that our country is approaching a fearful crisis, which if not arrested, will end in disgrace to the country, and cause our national banner to hug its mast in disgust and shame, clearly points out the remedy.
“Shall the liberty which our fathers purchased at so dear a price be wrenched from the hands of their children? Shall our national banner, which floated so proudly in the breeze at the declaration of independence, be disgraced and refuse to show its motto? Shall we, as American citizens, fold our arms and look quietly on, while the shackles of slavery are being fastened upon our hands, and while men only seek office for the purpose of exalting themselves into power? I say, shall we still rush blindly on and hasten on our own destruction by placing men in power who neither regard the interests of the people, nor the prayers of the oppressed? Every American citizen will shout at the top of his voice, NO!
“Mr. Smith’s ‘views of the powers and policy of the government’ manifest a republican spirit, and if carried out, would soon place the nation in a prosperous condition, and brighten the prospects of those who now have to toil so incessantly to support the profligate expenditures, and luxurious equipage of the present rulers and representatives of our nation.
“Joseph Smith is a man who is in every way calculated to make a free people happy; he is liberal in his sentiments, and allows every man the free expression of his feeling on all subjects; he is sociable and easy in his manners, is conversant and familiar on all exciting topics, expresses himself freely and plainly, on the different methods of administering the government; while he is not ashamed to let the world know his views, and criticise upon his opinions.
“I am, sir, in no way connected with the Mormon Church, but am disposed to listen to reason in all cases. I have heretofore been a warm advocate of the measures of the Whig party; but considering General Smith’s views and sentiments to be worthy the applause of every citizen of the , and especially the yeomanry of the country, I shall in every instance advocate his principles, and use my utmost influence in his favor.
I am, sir, Yours, in haste,
An American.”
, May 12th., 1844.”
13 May 1844 • Monday
13 Monday 13 Heavy thunder showers during the night. At 10 A. M., went to my and conversed with several of the brethren. Sold one hundred acres of land, received $300 in cash, and his note for $1000, and $20 for the . Paid $298, and [HC 6:368] took up a note of , & ’s, given for money they had borrowed for me, and gave $10 to .
At 2 P. M., attended meeting of the General Council at which the following letter from Elder was read:—
, April 25th. 1844.
“Hon Sir,
I take the liberty to transmit through you to the Council of our Church, the results of my labors thus far. I arrived in this place on the 23rd. inst., by way of , , and .
I found Elder here, having been called home to on account of his wife’s ill health. Elder has been indefatigable in his exertions in prosecuting the business entrusted to his charge. His business has [p. 22]
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