History Draft [6 August 1838–30 December 1839]

Source Note

History draft; handwriting of
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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; 71 pages; CHL. This manuscript covers the period from 6 August 1838 to 30 December 1839.
Historical Introduction

See Introduction to History Drafts, 1844–1856.

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<Aug 12> led by who preachd to the Kirtand camp in the P.M.

<Mob at > About this time the mob warnd the Saints to leave , but they gave little heed to the warning.

<Returned to .> <13> Monday 13th. I returnd, with my council, to . We were chased by some evil designing men 10 or 12 miles but we eluded their grasp. When within about 8 miles of home we met some brethen who had come to inform us that a writ had been issued by . for my arrest. & that of , for attempting to defend our rights againt the Mob.

<Camp.> <14> The camp continued to work on the road & embankment, but, as a body, they were not united, and did not improve their tine [time] and labor as they ought. Some were faithful. In the evening they were called together and receivd precept upon precept— that thy might have no excuse; and were instructed in all meekness, forbeara[n]ce and love but in great faithfulnss by & ,

14–15 August 1838 • Tuesday–Wednesday

<14> 14 & 15th. I spent principally at home, engagd in Domestic affair.—

16 August 1838 • Thursday

<Writ to arrest Joseph> <16> Thursday 16th.I spent principally at home. The sheriff of Co called on m on accompaned by , called on me, and notified me that he had a writ for to take me in <to> . on trial, for visiting that county on the 7th instant. It had been currently reported that I would not be apprehended by legal process, and that I would not submit to the Laws of the Land, but I told him <the> Sheriff that I calculate always to submit to the laws of our . but I wished to be tried in my own as the citizns of were highly exasperated at me. and that <the> laws of the country gave me this pivilege. Upon hearing this, the sheriff declind serving the writ, & said he woud go to & see on the subje[c]t. I told him I would remain at home until his return. The sheriff returd from and found me at home (where I had remaind during his absence) and informd me very gravely that I was out of his jurisdicti[o]n & that he could not act in , and retired. [p. 6]

Aug 12 led by who preachd to the Kirtand camp in the P.M.

13 August 1838 • Monday

Returned to . 13 Monday 13th. I returnd, with my council, to . We were chased by some evil designing men 10 or 12 miles but we eluded their grasp. When within about 8 miles of home we met some brethen who had come to inform us that a writ had been issued by . for my arrest. & that of , for attempting to defend our rights againt the Mob.

Camp. The camp continued to work on the road & embankment, but, as a body, they were not united, and did not improve their tine [time] and labor as they ought. Some were faithful. In the evening they were called together and receivd precept upon precept— that thy might have no excuse; and were instructed in all meekness, forbearance and love but in great faithfulnss by & ,

14–15 August 1838 • Tuesday–Wednesday

14 14 & 15th. I spent principally at home, engagd in Domestic affair.—

16 August 1838 • Thursday

Writ to arrest Joseph 16 Thursday 16th.I spent principally at home. The sheriff of accompaned by , called and notified me that he had a writ for to take me to . on trial, for visiting that county on the 7th instant. It had been currently reported that I would not be apprehended by legal process, and that I would not submit to the Laws of the Land, but I told the Sheriff that I calculate always to submit to the laws of our . but I wished to be tried in my own as the citizns of were highly exasperated at me. and that the laws of the country gave me this pivilege. Upon hearing this, the sheriff declind serving the writ, & said he woud go to & see on the subject. I told him I would remain at home until his return. The sheriff returd from and found me at home (where I had remaind during his absence) and informd me very gravely that I was out of his jurisdiction & that he could not act in , and retired. [p. 6]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History Draft [6 August 1838–30 December 1839]
ID #
8472
Total Pages
74
Handwriting on This Page
- Willard Richards
Footnotes
1. 12
  See 13 Aug. 1838 entry in JS History, vol. B-1, p. 815.
2. 13
  See 14–15 Aug. 1838 entry in JS History, vol. B-1, p. 815.
3. 14
  See 16 Aug. 1838 entry in JS History, vol. B-1, p. 815.

History Draft [6 August 1838–30 December 1839]

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