Letter to John C. Bennett, 8 August 1840

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
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of this generation or securing you the riches of the world yet, by so doing you may rely on the approval of Jehovah “That blessing which maketh rich and addeth not sorrow”
Through the tender mercies of our God we have escaped the hands of those who sought our overthrow and have secured locations in this and in the Territory of . Our principle location is at this place, (formerly [)] which is beautifully situated on the banks of the , immediately above the lower rapids and is probably the best & most beautiful site for a city on the — It has a gradual ascent from the river nearly a mile, then a fine level & fertile Prairie, a situation in every respect adapted to commercial & agricultural purposes; but like all other places on the river, is Sickly in summer. The number of inhabitants are nearly three thousand & a is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain there is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the river if not in the western world, numbers have moved in from the Sea board and a few from the Islands of the Sea (Grt. Britain). It is our intention to commence the erection of some publick buildings next spring. We have purchased twenty thousand acres of land in the oposite this place which is fast filling up with our people. It I is my desire that all the Saints as well as all lovers of truth & correct principles to come to this place as fast as possible as their circumstances will permit and endeavor by energy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and take of the poverty of freely. I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come as early as possible believing you will be of great service to us, however you must make arrangements according to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to come here this season to suffer affliction with the people of God no one will be more pleased or give you a more cordial welcome than myself [p. 177]
of this generation or securing you the riches of the world yet, by so doing you may rely on the approval of Jehovah “That blessing which maketh rich and addeth not sorrow”
Through the tender mercies of our God we have escaped the hands of those who sought our overthrow and have secured locations in this and in the Territory of . Our principle location is at this place, (formerly ) which is beautifully situated on the banks of the , immediately above the lower rapids and is probably the best & most beautiful site for a city on the — It has a gradual ascent from the river nearly a mile, then a fine level & fertile Prairie, a situation in every respect adapted to commercial & agricultural purposes; but like all other places on the river, is Sickly in summer. The number of inhabitants are nearly three thousand & is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain there is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the river if not in the western world, numbers have moved in from the Sea board and a few from the Islands of the Sea (Grt. Britain). It is our intention to commence the erection of some publick buildings next spring. We have purchased twenty thousand acres of land in the oposite this place which is fast filling up with our people. I desire all the Saints as well as all lovers of truth & correct principles to come to this place as fast as possible as their circumstances will permit and endeavor by energy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and take of the poverty of freely. I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come as early as possible believing you will be of great service to us, however you must make arrangements according to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to come here this season to suffer affliction with the people of God no one will be more pleased or give you a more cordial welcome than myself [p. 177]
Page 177