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Letter from George Fidler, 23 March 1842

Source Note

George Fidler

?–after July 1842. Probably born in England. Immigrated from Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, 10 May 1841; arrived in Quebec, Province of Canada, 12 July 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illlinois, by 1842. Served as clerk for JS, by 1842.

View Full Bio
, Letter,
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, to JS,
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, 23 Mar. 1842; handwriting presumably of
George Fidler

?–after July 1842. Probably born in England. Immigrated from Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, 10 May 1841; arrived in Quebec, Province of Canada, 12 July 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illlinois, by 1842. Served as clerk for JS, by 1842.

View Full Bio
; four pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes address, dockets, and notation.
Bifolium measuring 12½ × 7½ inches (32 × 19 cm). Fidler inscribed the letter on all four pages; on the last page, he left space in the middle for an address panel. The bifolium was trifolded twice in letter style, addressed, and sealed with a red adhesive wafer. When the letter was opened, the wafer tore two holes in the second leaf; wafer residue appears on both sides of the leaf. The letter was refolded for filing.
The document was docketed by
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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, who served as scribe to JS from 1842 to 1844 and as
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
temple recorder from 1842 to 1846.
1

JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

Another docket was inscribed by
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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, who served as a clerk in the Church Historian’s Office (later Church Historical Department) from 1853 to 1859.
2

“Obituary of Leo Hawkins,” Millennial Star, 30 July 1859, 21:496–497.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

The document was listed in an inventory produced by the Church Historian’s Office circa 1904.
3

“Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.

A graphite notation of unknown significance and in unidentified handwriting appears above the address block: “Clarrissa Marvel”. By 1973 the document had been included in the JS Collection at the Church Historical Department (now CHL).
4

See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.


The document’s early dockets as well as its inclusion in the circa 1904 inventory and in the JS Collection by 1973 indicate continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  2. [2]

    “Obituary of Leo Hawkins,” Millennial Star, 30 July 1859, 21:496–497.

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  3. [3]

    “Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.

    Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.

  4. [4]

    See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

On 23 March 1842
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
member
George Fidler

?–after July 1842. Probably born in England. Immigrated from Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, 10 May 1841; arrived in Quebec, Province of Canada, 12 July 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illlinois, by 1842. Served as clerk for JS, by 1842.

View Full Bio
wrote a letter to JS from
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, about concerns that he had lost JS’s confidence because he had failed to repay a debt. JS had hired Fidler, a recent immigrant from
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
, as a clerk.
1

Maughan, Autobiography, [41].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Maughan, Mary Ann Weston. Autobiography, 1894–1898. CHL. MS 6402.

Although Fidler’s specific assignment is unknown, JS apparently dismissed him before he finished his work. Fidler suspected that
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
, a
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
in Nauvoo, had encouraged JS to take that action.
Fidler

?–after July 1842. Probably born in England. Immigrated from Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, 10 May 1841; arrived in Quebec, Province of Canada, 12 July 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illlinois, by 1842. Served as clerk for JS, by 1842.

View Full Bio
left JS’s employ believing that JS was satisfied with his work. Sometime later JS made comments to Fidler’s mother suggesting he no longer held him in high esteem, and Fidler became troubled. Fidler believed he had upset JS because he had taken out a debt that exceeded his salary. He wrote JS a private letter to explain why he was unable to repay the debt, stating that all of his money had gone toward providing his family with necessities.
The lack of postal markings, together with the fact that
Fidler

?–after July 1842. Probably born in England. Immigrated from Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, 10 May 1841; arrived in Quebec, Province of Canada, 12 July 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illlinois, by 1842. Served as clerk for JS, by 1842.

View Full Bio
wrote the letter in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, indicates that the letter was hand carried rather than mailed. JS evidently received this letter, as indicated by a docket by
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
. If JS responded, the response is no longer extant.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Maughan, Autobiography, [41].

    Maughan, Mary Ann Weston. Autobiography, 1894–1898. CHL. MS 6402.

Page [3]

that I was anxious to pay him I gave him a Note. due Next Decr. for. $25. and he excepted [accepted] it. as security for the Debt, by these diabolical Lies circulating without provocation, I gave up what since I may have converted in to. “Food” for my family.
Could I by any means repay back your due by my Labour gladly would I embrace the opportunity, I once asked on
Milikin [Arthur Millikin]

9 May 1817–23 Apr. 1882. Clerk, saddler, laborer, baggage master. Born at Saco, York Co., Maine. Son of Edward Millikin and Hannah Andrews. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ca. 1835. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1837. ...

View Full Bio
4

Millikin was married to Lucy Smith Millikin, JS’s sister. (Hancock Co., IL, Marriages, 1829–1849, p. 32, entry no. 376, microfilm 229,486, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Marriage License and Certificate for Arthur Millikin and Lucy Smith, 3 June 1840.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

when you first open’d the
store

Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. Completed 1841. Opened for business, 5 Jan. 1842. Owned by JS, but managed mostly by others, after 1842. First floor housed JS’s general store and counting room, where tithing...

More Info
,
5

JS’s general store opened on 5 January 1842. (Letter to Edward Hunter, 5 Jan. 1842.)


to ask you if you would allow me to keep your books as I could attend to. <​it​> of an evening after any other employment was finished stating to him same <​time​> that I was indebted to you. and wo[ul]d like to work it out in that way. but “No” I much fear that the kindness you evinced towards me when with you (for I cannot assign any other reason) raised that despicable monster, “Jealousy” in the bosom of one under your directions in the same department, and by those reasons was not allowed, if possible by his voice to have my tender’d services excepted you may think me not acting candid in at once, declaring who I am now hurling my thoughts against. I hate to prevaricate. or dissemble. “
[Newel K.] Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
” is the person I now allude to. it was me that. he caused to leave your estab[lis]hment.
6

TEXT: “estab[page torn]hment.” Missing text in this document has been supplied from context.


before my work was complete. I was perfectly satisfi[ed]
7

TEXT: “satisfi[page torn]”.


with you. when you discharged me and proud of the affectionate and kind manner you adressed me that morning. about my— services being no longer required, but with him I must say he acted a double part[.] if I wrong him in thinging thinking that he prevented me from working out my debt may I be forgiven but such is my feelings at present. or why when he heard I was dissatisfied. about leaving, through him shod. he have left word I may return and finish the Books.
I sincerely hope you will not for one moment induldge the thought that I have such thus portray’d this subject in glowing Colours to excite an act of Charity from your generous breast “No” Sir “very different are my views. can I get time to pay my just debts, I shall in a short time be enabled to raise my head.” again in this
City

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, free from the Fetters of Debt, all I ask all [p. [3]]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page [3]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from George Fidler, 23 March 1842
ID #
800
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D9:298–302
Handwriting on This Page
  • George Fidler

Footnotes

  1. [4]

    Millikin was married to Lucy Smith Millikin, JS’s sister. (Hancock Co., IL, Marriages, 1829–1849, p. 32, entry no. 376, microfilm 229,486, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Marriage License and Certificate for Arthur Millikin and Lucy Smith, 3 June 1840.)

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  2. [5]

    JS’s general store opened on 5 January 1842. (Letter to Edward Hunter, 5 Jan. 1842.)

  3. [6]

    TEXT: “estab[page torn]hment.” Missing text in this document has been supplied from context.

  4. [7]

    TEXT: “satisfi[page torn]”.

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