History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843]

<The Roll of History from preceding this is in hand writing This is mostly ’s writing

<​1843​>

<​March 1​> This morning I read <​& recited​> in German; went to my & reviewed my valedictory letter in Times & Seasons, no 7 Vol 4; after which, I went with Marshall to procure some provisions for <​Tho[mas]​> Morgan & <​Robt​> Taylor, who on Petition of the Inhabitants of the , I had directed should work out their punishment for on the highways of .

called on me this afternoon to borrow a horse; I instructed my Ostler to put the Lieutn Generals saddle on my horse “Jo. Duncan”, & let ride the on the Lieutn. General’s saddle.

Signed a power of Attorney dated Feb 28 to , to sell all the lands in Henderson County, deeded to me by

Some 30 Inhabitants of Saratoga N,Y. have died recently of a disease called the Black Tongue.

The <​froze up on 19th Novr. last &​> still continues frozen up so, Wagons <​& teams​> frequently <​constantly​> pass over on the ice to .

I am consequently constantly receiving applications from abroad for Elders, which was replied to, in the T&S <​of this day​> that the on 6 April next, will attend to <​as​> many of them as possible.

About this time a slide from Mount Ida n[ea]r. Troy N. Y. takes place burying ten houses & killing 30 or 40 persons.

The wrote to <​​> <​ I. T. [Iowa Territory] & other ​> as follows The Twelve to the in & about Greeting (here insert)

<​2​> I was engaged in the Court room, sitting as Mayor, on the case of v all day. in evening examining Blackstone & Phillips on Evidence.

<​3​> The Legislature of : took up the bill to repeal City Charter (”Mr. Davis of Bond see Wasp 182) receive them”

<​3​> <​3​> House b Mr. of (see Wasp 182) then passed

<​1​> <​3​> I was again sitting on the case of v. until 10½ pm, <​many witnesses were examined, many lawyers pleas <​made​> & much law read; it was a very tedious suit & excited much feeling among the people, when I returned home I found <​x​>​>

<​2​> returned from this evening with 5 teams loaded with provisions <​& grain as a present to me, which afforded me very seasonable relief, & may it be returned upon their heads an hundred fold.​>

<​x​> <​my​> Mother’s health is improving I als visited Sister Durphy who was sick, in company with

<​4​> The English papers report an Eruption of Mount Elna; during the last 3 weeks poured forth considerable torrents of lava are flowing toward Bronte doing immense damage.

<​4​> In Council with brother & others from , on the subject of building a Meeting House at there, out of Church Property. I told them the property of the Church should be disposed of by their own direction, <​of the Trustee in Trust appointed by the voice of the whole church​>, & made the following comparison: There is a wheel, this is the hub, we will drive the first spoke in , 2nd in 3rd. in 4th. in , that is half the wheel; the other half is over the , we will let that alone at present, we will call the Saints from to these Spokes, then send over & convert the whole <​people​>. or, It is like a bank, they <​that​> will not discount, because they have plenty of specie, we will draw this specie, when they will discount our paper (call for our Elders) & I agreed to go there <​to ​> this day week.

at 10 o clock I opened the City Council, prayer by , <​when​> a bill regulating the Currency was read, & as the Legislature of have long been trying to repeal the Charter of , I made some remarks, as I had frequently [p. 1] done on former occasions, to shew the Council and others, that the Legislature can not repeal a charter, where there is no repealing clause; upon which I read a letter from <​dated Feby. 1 43​> which confirms my decision.

In debate on the bill, thought said imprisonment was better than hanging.

but I replied, I was opposed to hanging, even if a man kill another, <​I would​> shoot him or cut his throat <​off his head​>, spilling his blood on the ground, and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God; and if ever I have the privilege of making a law on that point subject, I will have it so.

In reply to some of the Councillors who thought it impolitic to stop circulating Bank Notes as currency, at once; I replied I would use a figure, & talk like some <​foolish​> fathers do to their children, if you want to kill a serpent dont cut off his head, for fear he will bite you, but cut off his tail piece by piece, & perhaps you wont get bit; it is the same with this bill: I say if paper currency is an evil, put it down at once. when Councillors get up here, I want to hear them speak sense; Great God where is common sense & reason? is there none on the Earth? Why have the kanker <​canker​> remaining any longer to sap our life? if you get hold of a <​$​>5 bill, you can get nothing with it, there is no one dare touch it fearing it to be a counterfeit <​or the note of a broken bank​>; I wish you had my soul <​long enough​> to know how good it feels, I say it is expedient when you strike at an enemy, to strike the most deadly blow possible.

asked me what an Editor should do, I told him advertize in your next paper to your agents to send you gold & silver, as paper is <​will be​> no longer taken as pay.

The bill Ordinance regulating currency in the City, passed by an unanimous vote as follows

“Be it (see Wasp page 179) Joseph Smith Mayor”

<​I was re-elected Registrar of Deeds for the ,​>

Dr. was chosen Alderman, & , & firewardens in the <​I instructed <​by my suggestion​> the Committee on Public works <​were instructed​> to prepare a bill for the erection of a City Prison.​>

On returning to my after dinner, I spoke the following proverb, For a man to be a great, man, he must not dwell upon small things, though he may enjoy them; showing that a Prophet cannot <​well​> be <​his own​> a scribe &c <​but must have some one to write for him​> I told that there was one thing he failed in, as an historian, & that was, noting surrounding objects, weather &c.

The battle of Gog & Magog is <​will be​> after the Millenium & during the Millenium a the Prophets <​see Zechariah​> <​The remnant of all nations that fight against Jerusalem were commanded to go up to Jerusalem to worship in the Millenium.​>

I continued dictating <​dictated​> my decision in the case of v. until 4½ pm

This day in the State Senate moved to take from the table the bill to repeal the charter of the City of , but the Senate refused to suspend the rules <​repeal it​>, nays 17 ayes 16. [3 lines blank]

was taken prisoner in by the Missourians charged <​on an advertizement accusing​> <​him​> with shooting at on the 6th. day of <​May​> 1842

<​5​> I staid at home all da[y] to take care of my

A severe shock of an Earthquake felt at Tenn: [p. 2]

<​Monday March 6​> I read in the Boston Bee a letter from & also another communication shewing the progress of the Truth in & vicinity; at 9 oclock called in my & ordered <​requested​> to write to the Bee, after which I recited in German until dinner; & in the evening rode out to visit the sick.

this <​In the​> evening a grand display of burning prairie on the side of the , opposite —

The Municipal Court was in session this day to hear any complaints against the <​city​> assessment, But none appeared.

<​7​> I was in my at 9 am & reviewed my decision in the case of v ; & conversing with on the subject of Medicine. after dinner I executed several deeds for city lots, & settled with the purchasers assisted by —

Brother [David] Manhard of Iowa brought me two loads of corn & one hog; for which may the Lord bless him.

East wind thro the day, commencing <​commenced​> raining at 3 p.m.

<​8​> In my at 8 a m. and signed some documents in relation to the , and also settling with Wm Ford. giving him a title to his property Rode out with in the evening.

In the evening a meeting was held in the house of , which was crowded; he made use <​preached from Jer 18 ch 2 to 5 v​> of <​on​> the figure of clay in the hands of the Potter.

Accounts from Jamaica describe A terrible earthquake <​occurd​> at Guadaloupe, & other West India Islands. Thousands of persons buried under the ruins of the fallen houses.

The Ship “Yorkshire” leaves England with 83 Saints on board, under the supervision of & Richard Rushton.

<​9​> I received a no of the Boston Bee containing minutes of

took the papers of Decision of in the District Court on 5 Jany last, & other papers relating thereto; also ’s opinion; to lay before the of , in order to induce him to recall a writ issued on the requisition of the of , & intended to seize me, <​for my arrest,​> if I in case I should visit my friends in .

I told that he should be a lawyer & understand law, & the time will come when I shall <​not​> need not say to you thus & thus is the law, for you shall know. the law.

<​He​> <​E H Mower wrote me from Clinton Co. Ia. that he had recently 32, & a great many enquiring.​>

Wm O Clark gave me a load of corn & Sandford Porter <​gave me​> a hog.

I is Rain & sleet the whole of the day.

clear & cold day

I read my decision to <​alderman​> before I went into Court— <​I opened court​> at 10 am. <​Messrs. & [David] Skinner Counsel for , & Mess.rs & Counsel for & Parties present & many Spectators​> I went into <​open​> Court & delivered the following

after I had delivered my decision, I referred to the threat of the s Counsel, ordering (next, as attempting to intimidate &c) counsel explained satisfactorily. [p. 3]

<​Tho Great Salt Lake City Utah Territory​>

<​10d contd​> I directed to fix a room to confine the City prisoners in. <​​>

I told that I had no objection to him building a brewery.

I signed <​issued​> an against — and——

Issued a search warrant in favor <​on oath of​> , to search the house of Dial Sherwood; ¶ in the evening the brought 2 trying squares, claimed by bro Norton; 1 Padlock, claimed by & 1 Shirt, which were claimed; by owners also a bit stock, smoothing plane, & 3 or 4 other little tools. some of which were claimed as stolen property.

I with & many others, about 7 p.m. discovered a stream of light in the South west quarter of the Heavens, the its pencil rays of light were in the form of a broad sword, with the hilt downward, the blade raised, pointing from the West south west, raised to an angle of 45 degrees from the horizon, & extending nearly, or within 2 or 3 degrees to the zenith of the degree where the sign appeared; this sign gradually disappeared from 7½ oclock & at 9 had entirely disappeared. while viewing it I declared as sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens, & as sure as he ever spoke by me, so sure there will be a speedy & bloody war, & the broad sword seen this evening is the sure sign thereof—

A shock of an Earthquake felt in Lancashire, England <​& on the Guernsey isle of Guernsey,​> producing considerable alarm.

The papers teem with accounts of singular phenomena, fearful sights are seen in all parts of the world.

<​Last night I dreamed that an <​silver headed​> old man came to me, & said there was a mob force coming upon him & he was likely to loose his life, that <​He had heard​> that I was the Lieut.t Gen.l & had the command of a large force, <​that I always sought to defend the oppressed​> & I was also a Patriot & disposed to protect the innocent & unoffending, & wanted I should assist <​protect​> him. <​and he had come to hear with his own ears what I would say to him,​> I told him I wanted some written documents to shew the facts that they r [are] the aggressors, & I would raise a force sufficient to protect him, that I would collect the . He <​the old man then​> turned to go from me, <​when he got a little distance, he suddenly​> but turned again & said to me, <​You must call out the Legion & he would have the papers ready when I arrived, and says he​> “I have any amount of men & will put them <​which you can have​> under your command.”​>

<​11​> Very severe frost <​cold​> last night, the water froze in the warmest rooms in the .

at 9 am I started in company with bro to & had a delightful drive, arrived at at 1/4 to 4: lodged with bro. . In the evening I pulled up Justus A. Morse, the strongest man in , with one hand, at pulling sticks.

It is reported in the papers that workmen employed on the General Pratte (which was burned & sunk last fall near , in the ,) with a diving bell, on the 3rd. Jan.y. found the wreck in about 24 feet water; on that night was an earthquake; next day the wreck had disappeared, no trace could be found, & the water was from 100 to 120 feet deep, & for about 100 feet no bottom; and in another place, a bar was discovered where previous was deep water.

<​The N. Y. Herald published The Vision in Poetry &c also miss ’s festival song. an unusual act of liberality towards the Saints, for a Publisher.​>

<​12​> I preached to the Saints in <​in the morning​> taking for a text 14 ch John 20, in my fathers house r [are] many mansions.

I found the brethren well & in good spirits: in the afternoon preached.

having been called to , 1200 inhabitants of petition for Elders & to come & labor in that place <​and also to return to ​> the same a similar petition was also sent from , Mass: by Elder . [p. 4]

<​March 13​> I wrestled with Wm Wall the bully <​most expert wrestler​> of , & threw him.

In the afternoon held a meeting when was appointed by the unanimous voice of the people the <​of​> that .

In the evening meeting <​I blest​> 27 children were blest <​were blest,​> 19 of whom I blest myself, with great fervency, <​virtue went out of me, &​> my strength left me, when <​I gave up the meeting to the brethren.​>

Mercury was 3° below zero at Sunrise, in .

Newspapers report that iron filings & sulpher have fallen in the form of a snow storm in five Counties in .

arrived at , & stated that came with him from to , when was arrested by advertisement on 4 March, & put in Jail.

gone to to preach.

<​14​> <​ enquired of me the cause of my <​turning pale &​> losing strength last night <​while blessing children;​> when I told him that I saw that Lucifer would exert his influence to destroy the children that I was blessing, & I strove with all the faith & spirit that I had, to seal upon them a blessing, that would secure their lives upon the Earth, & so much virtue went out of me <​into the children,​> that I became weak, of which I have *​>

I Elder & myself returned from , & after a severe cold ride, arrived in , about 4 pm.

<​* not yet recovered, & referred to the case of the woman touching the hem of the garment of Jesus, in Galilee (Luke 8 ch.) the virtue here referred to, is the spirit of life, & <​a​>men who <​exercise great faith &​> administer on the ordinances to the sick he is liable to become weak & a man who exercises great faith in administering to the sick, blessing little children, or confirming, is liable to become weakened.​>

Mr. [Bradley] Wilson the Assessor for the County of assessed a number of lots to Dr. which he had previously assessed to me as Trustee in Trust, in order no doubt, to collect taxes twice, for the benefit of his own pocket, or to make trouble to the Mormons. to which the following <​is a​> reply was made

at about 1/2 past 7 oclock in the evening, the sword which had made its appearance for several evenings past, moved up near the moon, & formed itself into a large ring round the moon; two balls immediately appeared in the ring opposite each other, something in the form of sun dogs, as in the following diagram

(see ’s journal page 17 & copy)

<​15​> I wrote a letter to & signed deeds for , & , & .

In the most of the day, gave the following name to the “Wasp” enlarged, as is contemplated “The Nauvoo Neighbor”

<The following is an extract from the Prospectus of this date

We feel pleasure (see T&S. Pa 129) to the Neighbor.

to be published every Wednesday by & .>

I prophecied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that might <​would​> get away <​honorably​> from the Missourians. and I cautioned to correct his boys, for if he did not curtail them <​in their wickedness,​> they would eventually go to Prison. [p. 5]

<​20​> <​* A letter appears in the Millenial Star under this date giving particulars of the Passage of the Ship “Swanton” from to <​& arrival at​> , loaded with Saints in which the power of the Holy is manifested in the healing of the sick: the Steward (see Mil: Star page 15) (to) God of Israel.​>

 

I dreamed last night, that I was swimming in a river of pure water, clear as crystal, over a school of fish of the largest size I ever saw, they were directly under my belly. I was astonished, & felt afraid they might drown me or do me injury.

The Editor of the Wasp has the following editorial “What reliance (see Wasp 182 <​186​>) to set them right.

The N. Y. Herald gives a list of indebtedness of the several states who refuse to pay their State indebtedness as follows

A great fire at Valparaiso unequalled in Chili [Chile], <​damage​> 2,000,000<​, $​>

<​16​> In the , reading papers, & giving counsel to , , & many others.

<​17​> Part of the day in my , remainder at home.

Settled with Father [Asahel] Perry, gave him a deed of <​for​> 80 acres of land & city Land <​lot.​> & prophesied that it would not be six months before he could sell it for cash.

at 4 p.m. brought in a letter from Esqre. <​dated 7th. inst.​> concerning , which I immediately answered. [blank] Reports reach us that new indictments have been found against myself, <​& some 100 others, on the old subject & is making threats.​>

The Island of Hong Kong is ceded to Great Britain, by the Emporer of China, & <​who​> opened 5 ports to the English trade, by treaty.

<​ex[amine]d ​>

<​March 18​> I was most of the forenoon in the , in cheerful conversation with , & others.

finished writing a letter to .

about noon I laid me down on the writing table, with my head on a pile of law books, saying, write & tell the world I acknowledge myself a very good lawyer, I am going to study law, <​& this is the way I study it,​> & <​then​> fell asleep.

rode out in the afternoon <​with looking at lots for ,​> & played ball with the boys.

The French seize upon the Isle of Tahiti in the Society group of Pacific Isles.

<​19​> Rode out with , & visited my , returned about 11 a.m. & spent the remainder of the da[y] at home.

started for with a letter to U. S. Atty. concerning [p. 6]

<​March 19​> <​received a letter from​> wrote me on this date, giving a synopsis of his mission to , since August 1839, in which I find he has published since April 41. (when the remainder of the returned home.) 1500 copies of “Hymn books”, 2500 copies “Voice of Warning”, 3000 copies of a large tracts, intitled “Heaven on Earth”, 3000 copies of “s Mission to ”, 10,000 copies of <​copies of​> “a letter to the Queen”, <​& some other works, & continued the Star monthly:​> he left 20 Octr. 42, & after a voyage of ten weeks arrived in ; & being ice bound <​on the ​>, & leaving a dislike to the <​outlaws who govern​> , he wintered at Chester, Ill: on the news of his arrival, he was warmly pressed to preach; which he did several times, & two <​men​> in Chester that place.

Sir James South J. W. Hersh <​James South, &​> <​Sir​> J<​ohn​> Herschel, <​M. Arago, & other astronomers in Europe,​> have published notices of the sword seen in the heavens, on the eve of the 10th., & several successive evenings; they represent it, as the stray tail of a comet, as <​no​> nucleus could be discovered with the most powerful instruments.

at Paris, M. Arago, communicated to the Academy of Sciences, on the subject of a <​the​> comet, that the observations of the Astronomers were not complete, the nucleus not being discovered.

<​20​> I went <​rode out​> to see with Mrs. [Margaret Lawrence] Butterfield, about a deed for the Estate,

Settled with & gave him a note to balance all demands, & afterwards he took <​I​> acknowledgements acknowledged of about 20 deeds from me as Trustee <​in Trust​> to different individuals; which occupied my time until about 3 pm

<​*​>

<​21​> I was in the office about 9, writing orders; & about noon started with for , dined at bro. Russells, & then resumed our journey to Libeus T. Coon’s [Libbeus Coons’s] <​16 miles;​> when I returned back. [2 lines blank ]

Wonderful signs have been seen in the heavens, during the week. the This day, <​evening​> <​night, about 12 oclock,​> the Pilot & officers of the Steamer Wm. Penn, <​on the Ohio River between Aurora & the Rising Sun, Indiana,​> observed <​a great light​> a serpent in the sky, about 12 oclock at night, in the form of a serpent; it turned to a livid bright red, deep & awful, & remained stationery among the stars, for two or three minutes, & then in a gradual manner formed a distinct Roman G. in about 1½ minutes, it turned into a distinct O. & afterwards changed to a plain D. when it disappeared <​when​> it turned into the same <​an​> oblong shape, as before & gradually disappeared.

(see Times & Seasons 150)

<​22​> Was spent in visiting my friends. [2 lines blank]

writes from Westfield. Mass. that he has twenty, on this mission, & organized a in Little River Village.

Elder James Burnham died in , Mass: <​aged 46, he had been on a mission to & Wales about 2 yrs &​> he had <​was​> <​then​> been <​on​> a mission in the Eastern States, & thro’ excessive labor & exposure, brought on quick consumption; he left a faithful wife & several children to lament his loss. [p. 7]

<​23​> Spent the day in visiting my friends. [2 lines blank]

at 7½ a m the heavens exhibited a splendid appearance of Circles & accompanied by two mock suns for further particulars see Times & Seasons pa. 157.

there have also been the sword <​has been​> seen for several nights past, & <​also​> on the opposite side of the horizon, a black streak has been seen about the size of the light one; while the one is as black as darkness, the other has considerable of the appearance of the blaze of a comet, but it can <​is​> not be a comet, for it appears about 7 oclock & disappears about 9.

<​24​> I took a ride to Camp Creek, met , returned to Lib[b]eus T. Coons, where we warmed for an hour & then returned home.

<​The papers report that Gen Napier <​with 3700 English troops​> gaind a brilliant victory over the Belochee Army of 27,000 22,000 men on the 17th. ult​>

<​In the evening​> Two loaded teams arrive from , loaded with provisions, also 1 load from

<​The St. Louis Republican says, “at Point Petre, W. I. [West India] Islands, 2000 persons ran together in the public square, when the Earth opened & swallowed the whole mass”.​>

<​ ​>

<​25​> In my <​the​> at 8 a m, heard a report from concerning thieves, whereupon I ordered published <​issued​> the following “proclamation “to the Citizens of (see wasp 191) to city”

received a letter from requesting me to lend him <​the loan of​> a cannon, to celebrate the organization of the new County of ; which I granted.

also received a letter from , with a bond for 1/4 section of land,

<​I Mr. Mifflin of ​> issued a writ for the <​ar​>rest of A. Fields, for disorderly conduct, who was brought in drunk about noon; he abused the court, & I ordered him to <​be​> put in Irons ’till he was sober.

The <​with my brother presiding​> sat to day, on an appeal of Benjamin Hoyt, from the decision of David Evans, ; on a charged of <​having been tried for​> accusing certain persons of being witches or wizards & using a divining rod, & burning boards to heal those whom he said were betwitched & using other incantations the Council decided to confirm the Bishops decision <​which was “that Br Hoyt cease to call certain characters witches or wizards, & cease to work with his divining rod, & cease burning​> a board or boards to heal those whom he said were bewitched”, on hearing the case, the Council decided to confirm the decision of Bishop Evans.

The St. Louis Gazette reports “an Awful Gale” within the last 6 weeks. 154 vessels were wrecked on the Coast of & 190 lives lost; on the coast of Ireland 5 vessels, & 134 lives; on the coast of Scotland 17 vessels 39 lives; & on the coast of 4 vessels & 100 lives. value of vessels & cargoes roughly estimated 4,170.000 <​4,125,000​>

The Thames Tunnel completed, opened for foot passengers, when 30,000 persons pass thro this first day.

<​26​> At home, the weather being too severe for meeting. [p. 8]

<​March 27​> I wrote a <​dictated the following​> letter to shewing my reasons for believing that he was concerned <​concerned​> <​leagued​> with , & & unless he made <​see (Copy)​> satisfaction to me I should withdraw the hand of fellowship & bring him before the & sent it to him by Dr. , to which I received the following reply <​(copy)​>

opened Court to try Field [A. Fields] for drunkenness, & abusing his wife; I & fined him $10 & Costs & <​required him​> to find bail <​of $50—​> to keep the peace for 6 months

<​(leave a line blank)​> <​see s memoranda pa 3​>

A Conference held at Johnson’s Creek <​Hartland,​> Niagra Co. N. Y. 3 & 1 <​were ordained,​> & <​&​> 5 added to the .

<​28​> It is reported <​estimated​> that the Chinese loss <​in their recent war with was​> is estimated at 15,000 men, 1500 pieces of cannon, & the <​a​> greatest portion of their Navy.

<​28​> I removed my from the (which I have been obliged to occupy for some months,) to the small upper room of <​in​> the New .

came to my house & insulted me so, <​outrageously​> that I was under the necessity of kicking <​kicked​> him out of the house, <​out of the house,​> across the yard & into the Street.

<​29​> I sat with on a case of debt, & giving <​gave​> judgment against the Deft.

<​30​> In my <​the​> in relation to a new bond which was presented to me by , which I rejected on <​as​> account of being informal; & told he might improve his my share of the Ferry one year; & cautioned him, that if he did not consider good for heavy damages, he would be foolish to go <​be​> his bondsman. afterwards took an appeal to the Municipal Court, to be tried on 10 April.

<​ returned from having delivered ten Lectures & 3 persons.​>

At 1½ pm I was called to sit as Justice of Peace with Alderman , on the case of Webb v Rigby for forcible entry & detainer— during the trial <​I <​the court​> fined​> Esqre. twenty dollars for contempt of court for insulting a witness & would have fined him ten dollars more, for <​his​> contempt of court, but let him off on his submissive acknowledgments, the trial closed about one on Friday morning.

<​31​> at 10 am I opened Court for trial of Amos Lower for assaulting John H. Burghardt, after hearing testimony fined Lower $10—

<​Spent​> In the afternoon at Mr. ’s, in company with my brother , , , , & , with our wives, & had a good time & <​were​> feasted on a fat Turkey.

About 1000 persons are preparing to settle in , & they have apponted <​selected​> for their rendezvous to organize into companies sufficiently strong to protect themselves thro the Indian Country. [p. 9]

<​April 1​> Called at the about 10 a m for “the Law of the Lord”; & about noon I heard read Truthiana no. 3 <​from the Boston Bee,​> as follows <​([blank])​>

at 2 pm I started in company with & & for , <​(here insert)​> the roads were very muddy we arrived about 6½ pm & were very joyfully received by bro , where we slept for the night.

The Times & Seasons contains a well written Editorial upon the sighns of the Times See Page 153.

A was held at , Lee County, Iowa Teritory. Prest of the Saints in , Presiding; James Brown was apointed the of the , which Numbered 84 members in good standing, Including 2 , 11 Elders, 4 , 2 <​&​> 1 , 12 Persons united with the Branch 7 Elders 2 Priests & 1 Deacon were , 1 <​one​> of the Elders was a of the delaware Tribe, A Resolution was unanimously Passed to uphold the & follow their Councils, & to use their utmost Endeavours to build the , as well as the , a No of Discourses were Preached during the conference & several Persons Requested at the Close. ¶ Elder writes “ apr 1st, Bro (to ) -[See Times & Seasons Page 148 to 149 <​& copy​>]- ¶ a Short Sketch of the Rise of the young Gentlemen & Ladies Relief Society <​is​> Published in the T&S of this day as follows (<​See​> alterd coppy <​& copy)​>

The Boston weekley Bee has the following “Mormonism Sir (to) DWR” (see altered copy T&S pa 180)

<​2​> Wind N. E. snow fell several inches, but melted more or less.

Returned from and at 10 a m went to meeting, heard preach on 1st. Epistle John 1 Chap 1st. 3 verses comparing the sectarian preachers to crows living on carrion, as they were more fond of the lies about the Saints than the Truth; & alluding to the coming of the Savior he said, “when he shall appear we shall be like him &c, he will appear on a white horse <​as a warrior, & maybe we shall have some of the same Spirit; our God is a Warrior.” John 14 ch 2 & 3 v it is our privilege to have the Father & Son dwelling in our hearts &c​>

We dined at <​with my​> Sister, ; when I told that I am <​was​> going to offer some corrections to his sermon this morning, <​& <​he​>​> replied they shall be thankfully received. “When the <​Savior​> shall appear, we shall see him as he is; we shall see that he is a Man like ourselves, and that same sociality which exists among us here, will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy”. 14 John 2, 3 v the appearing of the Father & the Son in that verse, is a personal appearance— to say <​& the Idea​> that the Father & the Son dwells in a man’s heart, is an old Sectarian notion & is not correct false. <​In answer to the question took to him “Is not the reckoning of God’s time, angels time, prophets time & man’s time, according to the planet on which they reside?​> <​I He answered Yes, but​> There are no Angels who administer to this Earth, but <​those who do belong, or​> who have belonged <​to it​> to this Earth. The Angels do not reside on a Planet like this Earth, but they reside in the presence of God, on a Globe like a sea of glass & fire, where all things are manifest, past, present, & to come future, <​and are continually before the Lord.​> The place where God resides is a great <​The Urim and Thummim is a small representation of this Globe.​> This Earth in its sanctified & immortal state will be <​made like orb Chrystal, & will be​> a Urim & Thummim, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it, and this Earth will be with Christ. Then the white stone mentioned in the Revns ch 2 v 17 [p. 10]

One evening In the latter part of January last <​1843​> a few <​number of​> yo[u]ng people assembled at the house of , who addressed them in a very able manner, warning <​warned​> them against the various temptations to which young peop <​youth is​> exposed, and proposed that <​gave​> an appointment be given out expressly for the young, when he would again address them. An appointment having been given out, a meetig was held at the house of Elder Billings, when gave them <​gave them​> such instruction and advice as was eminently calculated to a reformation in the conduct of his yong friends. <​and another​>

A similar meetig by appointment was held in the ensu[i]ng week at Bror [Aaron] Farr’s schoolroom, which was filled to overflowing. s delivered an <​delivered​> address<​es​>, exhorting the young people to study the Scriptures, and enable themselves to “give a reason for the hope within them”, and to be ready to go on to the stage of actions, when their present instructors and leaders had gone behind the scenes. He also exhorted them to be careful in <​also to​> keeping good company, and to keep pure and unspotted from the world.

The next meeting was appointed to be held at My house, and notwithstandng the inclemency of the weather, my house <​it​> was completely filled at an early hour. as usual deliverd an address, warnig his hearers against giving heed to their youthful passions, and exhorting them to be obedient and to pay strict attention to the advice and command of their parents, who were better calculated to guide the pathway of youth them [than] they themselves.

My house being too small, the next meetig was appointed to be held at the lodge room <​in the [illegible] hall​> over my store. I was present and addressed the yong people for some time. I expressed <​expressing​> my grattitud to for havng commenced this glorious work which would be the means of dong a great deal of good. The <​and said the​> gratitude of all good men & of the youth would follow him thro’ life, and he would always look back upon the winter of 1843 with pleasure. I said I experienced more embarrassment in standig before them than I should before kings & nobles of the earth; for I knew the crimes of which they were guilty, and knew precisely how to address them; but that my yong friends were guilty of none of them & therefore that I hardly knew what to say. I advised them [p. 10a] to organize themselves into a society for the relief of the poor. I <​&​> told <​recommended to​> them a <​poor​> lame English brother (Modlsley <​Maudesley​>) <​who​> wanted a house building <​built​> that he might have a home amongst the saints— that he had gathered a few materials for the purpose but was unable to use them, and he now sends in his <​has​> petition<​ed​> for aid. I advised them to choose a committee to collect funds for this purpose, and peform this charitable act as soon as the weather permitted. I gave them such advice as has I deemed was calculated to guide their conduct thro’ life and prepare them for a glorious eternity.

A meeting was appointed to carry out my <​these​> suggestions, at whch was chosen president and Marcellus L Bates, Clerk Andrew Cahoon, C V Spencer and were appointed to draft a constituti[o]n for the society, and the meetig adjour[ne]d to the 28th March; when the said committee submitted the draft of a constitution consistng of 12 articles or sections. This report was unanimously adopted, and the meeting proceeded to choose their officers. William Walker was chosen president, vice president treasurer, and James M Monroe secretary.— Marcellus L. Bates, R A Allred, Wm. H Kimball, and Garrett Ivans [Ivins] were appointed as a committee of vigilance. The meeting then adjourned until next Tuesday even[i]ng

The next public meeting was addressed by & in a very interesting and highly instructive manner, and the addresses <​whose instructions were​> <​listened​> to with breathless attention.

<​* see below​> Whatever principle of intelligence we obtain <​attain unto​> in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection, and if a person gains more knowledge <​and intelligence​> in this life thru his diligence & obedience than another; he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law irrevocably decreed in Heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

<​The Father has a body of flesh & bones as tangible as mans; The Son also; but​> The Holy Ghost is a personage <​of Spirit​> & a person cannot have the personage of the H. G. in his heart. A man may receive the , and the H. G. may descend upon a man, but not to tarry with him.

He also repeated his dream of 10 March, when gave this interpretation, “The Old Man represents the Government of the , who will be invaded by a foreign foe, probably . The U. S. Government will call on the Saints to defend probably all this Western Territory, & will offer their <​leader​> any amount of men he shall desire, & put them under his command for that purpose.

I prophecy in the name of the Lord God, that the commencement of bloodshed, as preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man, will commence in South Carolina, (it probably may arise through Slave Trade) this a voice declared to me, while I was praying earnestly on the subject: 25 Decr. 1832.

I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following, “Joseph my Son, if thou livest until thou art 85 years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man, therefore let this suffice & trouble me no more on this matter”. I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the Millenium, or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die & thus see his face. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time.

at 1 p. m. attended meeting, I read 5 ch of Revelations, referring particularly to the 6 verse, shewing from that the actual existence of beasts in heaven, probably those were beasts which had lived on another planet, than <​and not​> ours. God never made use of the figure of a beast to represent the kingdom of Heaven; <​when it is made use of, it is to represent an apostate Church.​> This is the first time I have ever taken a text in Revelations, & if the young would let such things alone, it would be far better.

Then corrected s remarks, same as I <​had done​> did to him privately.

<​At the close of​> After the meeting we I expected to start for , but the bad weather prevented, so I directed that <​called​> another meeting should be held in the evening.

Between meetings I read in revelations with , & expounded same, during which time several persons came in, & expressed their fears that I had come in contact with the old scriptures.

At 7 o clock meeting I resumed the subject of the beast, shewed very plainly that John’s vision was very different from Daniel’s prophecy— one referring to things <​actually​> existing in Heaven, the other <​being​> a figure of things which are on the Earth.

<​* * to come in here​>

What is the meaning of the Scriptures, he that is faithful over a few things shall be made rule over many? & he that is faithful over many, shall be made ruler over many more? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Talents? also the conversation with Nicodemus, except a man be born of water & of the Spirit? <​were questions put to me which​> I shall not tell you <​answer​> at present.

I closed by flagellating the audience for their fears; & called upon to get up & fulfil his covenants to preach 3/4 of an hour, otherwise I would give him a good whipping.

arose & said Brothers & Sisters I feel as though all had been said that can be said, I can say nothing but bless you.

at the close of the meeting, we returned to ’s <​where we slept &​> who I told that the sealing of the 144,000 sealed, are the Priests who should be anointed to administer in the daily sacrifice. [p. 11]

<​<​2​> returns having had a very cold & severe journey. The ice in Chicago Harbor was 3 feet thick— brought <​me​> a letter from ​>

<​leave a line or two​>

<​April 3​> ’s day of Judgment has arrived, But its too pleasant for false prophets.

at 2 pm started for , where we arrived about 4 p m & staid at ’s.

in evening reading the book of Revelation with & conversing with

Upwards of $12,000,000 have been recently expended <​by the French Government,​> to fortify the city of Paris.

<​4​> Spent 5 hours teaching <​preaching​> <​to​> , , & the Backenstosses; Backman said, “almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”.

We left about 2 p m, & arrived at at 5½.

<​revised . .​>

<​5​> I Sat <​with , , , , & associate Justices​> in the Municipal Court, on a writ of , & discharged Jonathan & Louis <​Lewis​> Hoopes from Custody.

A of the is organized at Mount Holly, New Jersey of 25 members— by Elder Newton

<​6​> I was detained from , to hear a case of , Wo. [widow] v Dixon until 11 a.m.

The first day of the 14th year of the . Sun shone clear, warm & pleasant— the snow has nearly all disappeared, except a little on the north side of the hill above ; the ice about 2 feet thick on the , West of the ; considerable number of the brethren crossed from the side of the to the conference, on the ice; the walls of the are from 4 to 12 feet above the floor of the Conference.

A<​n​> special <​Annual​> conference (see T&S 180 181) to) give him”— (2nd col)

(see page 13 & copy) motioned (to) also

The first Presidency <​President​> being disposed of (see T&S. 181 2nd col to 184 1st. col) of the “

The of (see proof sheet) to cloth, boards, &c.

I want all the congregation (T&S. 185) to a gift

In relation (see scrap) a quarrel there. The shoulders of a few. other subjects.

The question has been asked, can a member not belonging to the , bring a member before the for trial? I answer, No! If I had not actually <​got into this work &​> been called of God, I could back out, but I cannot back out, I have no doubt of the truth. Were I going to Prophecy, I would prophecy <​say​> the end will not come in 1844, 5, or 6, or 40 years, there are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death ’till Christ comes,

I was once praying earnestly upon this subject, & a voice said unto me, My Son if thou livest <​un​>till thou art 85 years of age, thou shalt see the face of the son of man. I was left to draw my own conclusions concerning this, & I took the liberty to conclude, that if I did live to that time, he would make his appearance; but I do not say whether he will make his appearance, or I shall go where he is. I prophecy in the name of the Lord God, & let it be written, the Son of Man will not come in the Heavens till I am 85 years old— then read 14 <​ch.​> Rev: 6 <​& 7​> verse<​s​>, and I saw another angel fly in the midst of Heaven <​having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the Earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him;​> for the hour of his judgment is come; & Hosea 6th. chapter after 2 days &c 2520 years

<​There [[is no]] necessity [[for the]] 12 [[being]] abroad [[of the]] here <​preaching​> [[and]] ga[the]r[[ing]] funds for [[the]] [.] spend time that belongs [[to]] preaching abroad [[and the]] rest [[of the]] time at home [[to]] suppport themselves​> [p. 12]

H ◊ nominated <​motioned​> & Elder 2nd, that be cautioned in his office as councilor to Prest. Smith. spoke, Saying the Last time El <​I​> had the Privaledge of attending was at the Laying <​of​> the corner stone<​s​> of this , & I have had but poor health since, & being connected with circumstances the most forbiding which Doubtless has Produced some feeling. I have never had a Doubt of the work; my feelings concerning were always the Same, I told my family to Guard that fellow, for some time he will attempt to make a Rupture among this people, I had so little confidence in him, that I always felt myself at his Defiance. I was once Threatened by Warren Parrish, if I would not coincide with his views, & I have Just Received such a Threatening letter from , & if I Did not Turn my course I should feel the course <​force​> of his Power; as there is now an Increase of my health & Strength, I Desire to Serve you in any way it is Posible for me to Do, if any on has any feelings <​against me,​> I hope they will Express them.

asked him what he meant, when he Said was a Good man &c when he called him a Perfect Gentleman, <​and had nothing against him;​> said he Did not Recollect it, he did not then know as much about as he <​has​> learned afterwards, I say now he never offered any abuse in my house; has never been about my house but Little, I never Saw anything about the man but what was Respectable; he came to ’s, I was in debt to him, & consequently Boarded him. I think must be mistaken, ¶ () I know I am not, I have no Private Pique against . The vote was then Put & carried almost unanimously

Prest Joseph Smith next called up Elder <​presented​> s name <​as his 2nd Councillor​>, who was then absent, <​and when he was sustained by unanimous vote.​> by Reason of Sickness, Elder nominated & Seconded that Retains his standing. <​& voted unanimously.​> Prest , said he wished to be Tried, when it was voted unanimously that He Retains his office as the <​of​> Patriarch <​who he​> The Patriarch then Blessed the People, & asked the Lord to Bless them also. [p. 13]

[verso of page 13 includes text unrelated to the history draft and is not transcribed]

The . of has granted <​Issued​> a writ in the same manner that did, and it is now held in . <​as a cudgel over my head.​> I was told by the Attorney that the Gov. of had no jurisdiction after the decision of the supreme Court. <​and that all writs thus issued were legally dead.​> Appeals have been made to , but although he has no plausible excuse, he is not willing to kill that writ or to take it back; I will, therefore advise you to serve them a trick that the devil never did, i e, come away and leave them—come into , pay taxes in , and let them <​Iowegians​> take their own course. I dont care whether you come away or not. I do not wish to control you, but if you wish for my advise, I would say, let every man as soon as he conveniently can, come over here, for you can live in peace with us; we are all Green Mountain boys; Southerners, Northerners, Westerners, and every other kind of ers, and will treat you well. <​and let that know, that we dont like to Be imposed upon—​>

In relation to , it has been supposed that I made a great bargain with a certain great man there. A person from them <​there​> came to me in the beginning of August last, a stranger, and <​came to my house,​> put on a very long face, and stated that he was in great distress; that he was a stranger in this place, <​​> and having understood that I was benevolent, he had come to me for help. He said that he was about to lose $1,400 of property <​at Sheriff’s sale​> for $300 in cash; that he had money in which he expected in two or three days; that the sale would take place the next day, and that he wanted to hire some money for two or three days. I thought of <​on​> the subject over night, and he came the next morning for an answer. <​I did not like the looks of this man but thought I, he is a stranger​> I then reflected upon the situation that I had frequently been placed in, and that I had often been a stranger in a strange land, and whenever I had called <​asked​> for assistance I had obtained it, and it may be that he is an honest man; and if I turn him away I shall be guilty of the sin of ingratitude. I therefore concluded to loan him $200, in good faith, sooner than be guilty of ingratitude. He gave me his note for the same, and said ‘whenever you call on me you shall have the money.’ Soon after, <​when​> I was taken with a <​’s​> writ, and <​I​> asked him for the money, but he answered, ‘I have not got it, <​from you ought to have it​> but shall have it in a few days.’ He then said, ‘since I saw you, a project has entered my mind, which I think may be profitable both for you and me.’ ‘I propose deeding to you all the property which deeded to you, <​I will give you a deed for all the Land you bought of ,​> which is twenty thousand acres, you paid the notes and ought to have them, they are in my hands <​as his ​>, and I will give them up.’ ‘I also propose deeding to you, one half of my right to all my land in the , and all I ask is, for you to give your influence to help to build up .’ I answered, ‘I have not asked for your property, I dont want it, and would not give a snap of my finger for it, but I will receive the papers, and if I find it as you say, I will use my influence to build up the place; but I wont give you any thing for the land. I <​&​> told him I wanted the $200; <​which is due me​> he went to make the papers <​made out the deeds & gave them to me & I got them recorded​>, and he gave up the notes except a few. I then said to , if you go there with the brethren, I will give you the property. <​but he would not accept it.​> I then let the same gentleman have some cloth. <​to the amount of 6 or 700 $​> He began soon after to tell the brethren what obligations I was under to him. I then wrote him a letter on the subject, and <​but​> I have since found that he is swindling, and that there is no prospect of getting any thing from him. He is owing <​me​> about $1100. <​&​> I thought it my duty to publish his rascality, that the might do the same in that territory, and prevent the brethren from being imposed upon. He has got a writing to the <​this​> effect, that if he <​owned as much as he pretended &​> did as he said, I would <​give my influence to build up ,​> build the place, and on no other terms. His name is . He took this plan to swindle me out of money, <​cloth​> boards, &c.

[verso of proof sheet blank]

In relation to the , it is best described by its name, it is half-breed land, and every wise and judicious person, as soon as he can dispose of his effects, if he is not a half-breed, will come away. I wish we could exchange some half-breeds, and let them go over the . If there is <​are​> any that are not good citizens, they will be finding fault tomorrow at my remarks, and that is the keyword whereby you may know them. There There is a chance in that place for every abomination to be practised on the innocent, if they go; and I ask forgiveness of all who I advised to go there. The men who have possession have the best title, all the rest are forms for swindling. I do not wish for the saints to have a quarrel there.

President J. Smith stated that the next business was to settle difficulties where have had their taken away, &c. or their membership, but whilst they were preparing, if there was any such cases, he would talk on other subjects. He then said that the burthen has rested upon the shoulders of a few.

[verso of scrap blank]

Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, & the Temple, & water come out from under the Temple, & the waters of the dead sea be healed: It will take some time to build the walls & the Temple &c & all this must be done before the Son of Man will make his appearance. Wars & rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above, and on the Earth beneath; the Sun turned into darkness & <​the​> moon to blood; earthquakes in divers places, the Seas heaving beyond their bounds. then one grand sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: but what will the world do? they will say it is a planet, a comet, &c, consequently the son of man will come as the sign of <​the​> coming of the Son of Man, is as the light of the morning cometh out of the East.

Choir sang a hymn Prayer by

Adjourned at 6 p m until tomorrow morning.

<​revised ​>

<​April 7​> convened at 10 a.m. Singing by the choir. Prayer by & singing

Prest. Joseph <​stated that the next business in order, was to listen to appeals of Elders, &c, but none appeared; he​> was rather hoarse from speaking so long yesterday, & therefore <​he said​>, he would use the boys lungs to day.

The next business in order, was to appoint some missions for <​to​> the Elders

It was voted that be sent to preside over the at .

d[itt]o. Joshua Grant —— do.—— .

do. Pelatiah Brown go to the village of , in & build up a Church.

The were they called up for trial. at 11, o, clock ¶ said some may expect I am going to be the <​a​> means of the downfall of the Temple Committee, ’tis not so, but I design to shew they have been partial.—— — Elder has overrrun the amount allowed by Trustees about 1/4— pretty much all ’s son has received, <​has been​> in money & store pay— ’s son has had nothing credited on his <​​>. has paid all his tenth, the others of s sons have had nothing to their credit on tenth <​tithing​>; the committee have had a great amount of store pay— one man who is laboring continually wanted 25 in store pay, when his family were sick, but said he would not have it— Wm was never appointed a boss over the <​Stone​> cutting shop, but was requested to keep an amount of labor in the the Shop <​it.​> during the last 6 months very little <​means​> has <​have​> been brought in to the <​Temple​> Committee— there are certain individuals in this , who are watching every man who has any thing to give the , to get it from him, & pay for the same in his labor.

Elder said he did not know of any wrong he had done, if any one would show it, he would make it right— The conference voted him clear. [p. 14]

said, this is not an unexpected matter at all <​for me​>, to be called up: I do not want you to think I am perfect. Somehow or other since went up into the , I have from some cause been placed in very peculiar circumstances. I think I never was placed in so high a screw since I was borne, for I have been screwed to the back bone. When Prest. Smith had goods last summer, we had better property, goods would not buy corn without some cash— instead of horses &c we took store pay. I have dealt out meal & flour to the hands to the last ounce, when I had not a morsel of meal, flour, or bread <​left​> in my house. if the Trustee, or the , or all <​of them​> will examine & see if I have too much, it shall go freely. <​I call upon all the brethren, if they have any thing to bring it forward & have it adjusted.​>

said he <​I​> felt <​feel​> it his <​my​> duty to defend the as far as he could <​I can,​> for I would as soon go to hell as be a committee man. I will make a comparison for the temple committee, a little boy once came in & said <​told his Father​> he had seen an Elephant on a tree, the people did not believe it, &c <​but​> ran out to see what it was, they looked, & it was only an owl.

said when was gone, kept the books, & they have found as many mistakes against as in his favor.

The conference then voted clear.

said I am not afraid or ashamed to appear [hole in page] before you; when I kept the books I had much other business & <​on​> my hands & made some mistakes.

The conference voted in favor of unanimously.

Prest. Joseph Smith stated that the business of the conference had closed, & the remainder of this Conference will be devoted to instruction. It is an insult to a meeting for persons to leave just before its close; if they must go out, let them go half an hour before. No Gentleman will go out of meeting just at closing.

Singing by the choir Prayer by Elder —

Conference again called to order Singing, Prayer by Elder , & singing—

Elder delivered a discourse from the Prophecy of Daniel on the Ancient of Days, for a synopsis of which see Times & Seasons page 204.

While the Choir was singing, Prest. Joseph remarked to , this day is a millenium, it is a millenium within these walls, for there is nothing but peace.

To a remark of ’s, that a man’s body changes every seven years, I <​Prest. Joseph​> replied there is no fundamental principle belonging to a human system that ever goes into another, in this world, or in the world to come: I care not what the principles <​theories​> of men are. We have the testimony that God will raise us up, & he has <​the​> power to do it. if any one supposes that any part of our bodies, that is, the fundamenttal parts thereof, ever goes into another body, he is mistaken.

Singing by the Choir— Prayer by Elder —

The ice <​which had remained in made a bridge across the since last November,​> moves awa[y] opposite , in considerable dimensions in immense masses. [p. 15]

<​April 7 8​> again convened

<​see ’s report & journal (leave a page blank for it)​>

at 1/2 past 11 Prest. Smith’s lungs failed him, the wind blowing briskly at the time.

Choir sung a hymn

rose to make <​& made​> a few remarks; among which were the following, “I have never said much about the Beasts, &c, in my preaching, & <​but​> <​&​> when I have done it, it has been to attract attention & keep the people from running after a greater fool than myself.

Singing & prayer & adjourned till 2

A strong west wind, ice floating down the — seen from the —

2 pm Conference again opened, but the wind being too strong, the congregation moved made a temporary stand at the East end of the walls; when resumed his remarks on the kingdom of God say being set up in the last days, & will be like the little stone cut out of the mountain.

Elder said it was three years since he met with the Saints, when he <​&​> was set apart to <​for​> his mission to ; he had travelled in the four quarters of the globe, & been among 14 or 15 different languages & people, & they all agree that some great event is coming close at hand.

Singing and prayer

<​9​> opened by singing the spirit of God like a fire is burning. Prayer & singing

In consequence of <​Prest.​> Joseph Smith being afflicted at <​in​> his lungs & breast, he was not able to preach, & <​who​> called on Joshua Grant to preach <​speak;​> who stated that since he had just returned from a mission of three years, he had travelled through several States, & had in conjunction <​company​> with his brother raised up a church of 200 members— for synopsis of discourse see T<​imes​> & S<​easons​> page 236 & 237.

Elder also addressed the Saints preached an eloquent discourse on the Book of Mormon, Resurrection of the dead & eternal judgment. <​see T. & S. 218–219–220.​> [5 lines blank] [p. 16]

<​April 10​> at 10 a m a special of convened, “& continued (see T&S 157 to 159 <​revised​>) <​(& see <​17a​> if persons ordained are named)​>

Clk”

Made a letter of Attorney to to sell some of the property in .

A conference was held at N. Y. on 6 & 7 April. El Prest., R. J. Coats, Secretary. Clerk, 11 , <​& some scattering branches were represented​> 167 members, 1 , 48 Elders, 2 & 3 , were represented in good standing, <​a general spirit of inquiry prevailing.​> 7 Elders were . <​& others​> delivered an addresses to the young Elders; & also an addresses on the signs of the Times; the mission of the Prophet; & the building of the .

A conference was also held in the at , which passed a resolution for the removal of all the Saints in that place, to . Elder the President, preached several times, and about one hundred <​apostates, & a few new members​> were during the Conference.

wrote me <​to ​> on the 7th. as follows

(copy) <​to ​>

The plague appears at Alexandria, Manshura, & Diamelta, making great ravages.

<​11​> Called at my at 11 am In the most of the day.

1 pm some rain & wind.

A volcano breaks out near Koenigshatte, in Silesia.

<​12​> In conversation with Mr. concerning the purchase.

<​In consequence of misunderstandings on the part of the , & their interference with the business of the Architect,​> I gave the following a certificate to to carry out the designs & architecture of the in . (copy) <​& that no person or persons shall interfere with him, or his plans, in the building of the .​>

Before the closed, the Steamer “Amaranth” appeared in sight of the , coming up the , & about noon landed her passengers at the wharf opposite the old Post Office building; consisting of about 240 Saints <​from ,​> under the charge of Elder , who left last January, after a mission <​there​> of 2 or <​nearly​> 3 years.

I & with a large company of the brethren & sisters were present to greet the arrival of our friends: & gave notice to the Emigran new comers to meet at the tomorrow morning at 10 o clock to hear instructions.

After unloading the Saints, the Amaranth proceeded up the , being the first boat up this Season.

About 5 pm the Steamer “Maid of Iowa” hauled up at the , & discharged about 200 Saints, in charge of Elders & , these had been detained [p. 17]

Charles Ryan, Jacob E. Terry, Henry Moore, Samuel P. Carter, Wm Ishewood, Samuel Rowland, Dorr P. Curtiss, Abraham S. Workman, , James G. Culbertson, Samuel Ferrin, Samuel Crane, David Moore, Wm. Brown, Benjamin Barber, Oliver Huntington, Edward Clegg, Daniel Mc. Rea, Wm. S. Covert, , James Song & Wm. Empy were —— with this express injunction, that they quit the use of Tobacco, & keep the . [p. 17a]

[verso of page 17a blank]

So many of my friends & acquaintances arriving in one day, kept me very busy receiving their congratulations, & answering their questions. I was rejoiced to meet them in such good health & fine Spirits, for they are equal to any that had ever come to .

<​13​> Municipal court met at 9 a.m. to hear the case of Brink v <​v on appeal,​> but adjourned the case to the 19th.

at 10 a.m. the Emigrants & a great multitude of others, assembled at the . Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by , when I addressed the Saints, of which the following synopsis was written by .

made some remarks concerning the Prophets.—— —— every report in circulation not congenial to good understanding, is false; false as the dark regions of hell.

Closed by singing & prayer

After meeting many of the Saints repaired to the ; the Steamer “Maid of Iowa” arrived during meeting from , where it went last night, after the freight which it left, to enable it to get over the Rapids.

I was among them until about 3 oclock, when the boat left I walked with .

18 vessels wrecked on the Irish Coast, by the Easterly winds.

The Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey <​​> explode killing seven persons.

The Siamese twins Chang and Eng, marry the two misses <​two sisters​> Sarah & Adelaide Yeates of Wilkes Co. N. C. [p. 20]

<​Frida[y] April 14​> rode out to my & to the Prairie, with some of the Emigants: & sold 20 acres of land & returned. & when I was again riding out in the evening, broke the Carriage on the side hill, when we all returned home on foot.

The Natchez Free Trader I give the following speech entire, as copied from the National Intelligencer, as a specimen of the way the seed of Joseph are being “wasted before the Gentiles.” Speech of Col Cobb (T&S. 205 <​copy​>) your side—

<​15​> Attended Court Martial which was held at my house

In the evening rode out in my carriage with .

<​A is (held at Vinalhaven, Maine <​Fox Islands, Maine,​> when 4 consisting of 128 members, 4 , 5 , 6 & 3 are represented quite a number have been recently .​>

<​Sunday 16​> Meeting at the at 10 a m I read s letter to the of the Times & Seasons concerning the death of <​who died in 20 Decr. 1842—​> & remarked that I read it, because it was so appropriate to all who had died in the faith.

Almost all (copy it (pages 22 & 23)

I received a letter from the Post Office, of which the following is a copy

(see Journal 82) [blank]

I insert this letter in the history to shew <​a specimen of​> the many despisable falsehoods; resorted to by the enemies of truth to disturb me & my friends.

*

<​17​> Rain last night, green grass begins to appear.

Walked out in the with , visited , & gave him some instructions about the letter purporting to come from the Attorney General [Hugh] Legare;— also called on in relation to the house he lived in, above the old buryng ground— returned home & conversed with <​Elder​> . Received from 50 Gold Sovereigns from for the & ; also received £87 from the English Brethren, for Land— at 5½ p.m. called at the for a short time, when I returned home & listened to the reading of a synopsis of my sermon of last Sabbath—

Advices from Guadaloupe, state, that up to the 25 March, 4500 bodies had been dug out of the ruins of Pointe-a-Pitne & 2,200 of the wounded <​by the late, Earthquake​> were in the hospital at Basseterre; & that five other shocks have been subsequently felt.

Elder E[dward] M. Webb he writes, that he has been laboring with success in several counties in , & when he came to comstock in Kalamazoo Co., Dr. was there lecturing, <​in Kalamazoo, the Shire town; who​> & when he <​who​> was told that there was a Mormon Elder in the Town, <​neighborhood,​> he <​​> said, “that is one of Jo. Smith’s 500 destroying angels, who is come to kill me ”& he left in such haste, that he forgot to pay his tavern bill, & as also the poor Presbyterians for lighting & warming the house for him— Elder Webb commenced preaching there, 24, & organized a at <​in​> Kalamazoo there

100 barrels or 10,000 lbs of Gunpowder, are deposited in 15 separate chambers, & simultaneously fired, with complete success in the Abbotts Cliff, Dover, England. [p. 21]

<​April 16 43​> Almost all who have fallen in these last days, in the , have fallen in a strange land; this a strange land to those who have come from a distance. We should cultivate sympathy for the afflicted among us. If there is a place on Earth where men should cultivate this spirit & pour in the oil & Wine in the bosoms of the afflicted, it is this place: & this Spirit is manifest here, & altho he is <​a man is​> a Stranger & <​is​> <​&​> afflicted when he arrives, he finds a brother & a friend ready to administer to his necessities.

Another remark, I would esteem it one of the greatest blessings, if I am to be afflicted in this world, to have my lot cast where I can find brothers & friends all around me, but this is not the thing I referred to; it is to have the privilege of having our dead buried on the land, where God has appointed to gather his Saints together, & where there will be none but Saints; where they may have the privilege of laying their bodies where the Son of Man will make his appearance, & where they may hear the sound of the trump, that shall call them forth to behold him; that in the morn of the resurrection they may come forth in a body, & come right up out of their graves, & strike hands immediately in Eternal glory & felicity, rather than to be scattered thousands of miles apart. There is something good & sacred to me in this thing; the place where a man is buried is sacred to me; this subject is made mention of in the Book of Mormon, & <​the​> Scriptures; <​even​> to the aborigines <​of this land​>, the burying places of their Fathers & is more sacred than any thing else.

When I heard of the death of our beloved ; it would not have affected me so much, if I had the opportunity of burying him in the land of . I believe those who have buried their friends here, their condition is enviable. Look at Joseph in Egypt, how he required his friends to bury him in the tomb of his fathers; see the expense which attended the entombing embalming, & the going up of the great company to his burial. It has always been considered a great curse <​calamity​> not to obtain a honorable burial, & one of the greatest curses <​calamaties​> <​curses​> the Ancient Prophets could put on any one <​man​>, was that he may should go without a burial.

I have said Father, I desire to be buried <​die​> here <​among the Saints,​> before <​but if I <​should​> go hence & di​> I go hence, but if this is not thy will, <​& I go hence & die,​> may I return, <​wilt thou​>,or find some kind friend to bring me <​my​> <​body​> back; & gather my friends, who have fallen in foreign lands, & bring them up hither, that we may all lie together.

I will tell you what I want, if tomorrow I shall be called to lay in yonder tomb, in the morning of the resurrection, let me strike hands with my Father, & cry my Father, & he will say my Son, my Son, as soon as the rock rends, & before we come out of our graves.

And may we contemplate these things so? yes, if we learn how to live & how to die. When we lie down we contemplate how we may rise up in the morning, & it is pleasing for friends to lie down together, locked in the arms of love, to sleep; & awake in each other’s embrace, & renew their conversation.

Would you think it strange <​if​> that I relate what I have seen in vision, in relation to this interesting theme? those who have died in Jesus Christ, may expect to enter into all that fruition of joy when they come forth, which they have possessed here. So plain was the vision, that I actually saw men, before they had ascended from the Tomb, as though they were getting up slowly, they took each other by the hand & it was tho they said to each other My Father & My Son; My mother, My Daughter; My brother my Sister; & when the voice calls <​for the dead to arise,​> suppose I am laid by the side of my Father, what would be the first joy of my heart? where is <​to meet​> my Father, my Mother, my brother, my Sister— & when they are by my side, I embrace them, & they me. [p. 22]

[verso of page 22 contains text that is unrelated to the history and is not transcribed]

More painful to me the thoughts of annihilation, than death; if I had no expectation of seeing my <​Father​> Mother, Brothers, Sisters & friends again, my heart would burst in a moment, & I should go down to my grave. The expectation of seeing my friends in the morning of the resurrection, cheers my soul, & makes me bear up against the evils of life; it is like their taking a long journey & on their return we meet them with increased joy.

God has revealed his Son from the heavens & the doctrine of the resurrection also, & we have a knowledge that those we bury here, God will bring them up again, clothed upon, & quickened by the Spirit of the great God, & what mattereth it, whether we lay them down, or we lay down with them, when we can help them no longer. then let them sink down, like a ship in the storm, the mighty anchor holds her safe, in the storm, so let these truths sink down in our hearts, that we may even here begin to enjoy that which shall be in full hereafter. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to Almighty God, that rays of light begin to burst forth upon us, even now. I cannot find words to express myself; I am not learned, but I have as good feelings as any man, O<​h​> that I had the language of the Archangel to express my feelings once to my friends, but I never expect to in this life. When others rejoice I rejoice, when they mourn I mourn.

¶ To Marcellus Bates let me administer comfort, you shall soon have the company of your companion in a world of glory; & the friends of , & all the Saints who are mourning; this has been a warning voice to us all to be sober & diligent & lay aside mirth, vanity & folly, & be prepared to die tomorrow. (preached about 2 hours)

said he was a boarder with Prest. Jos. Smith; the first week he was in , he helped to carry the chain for the Surveyor, & helpd to lay out the first city lots.

Prest. Joseph Smith said as President of this house, I forbid any man leaving this house, just as we are going to close the meeting, he is no Gentleman who will do it, I don’t care who it comes from, even if it were the King of . I forbid it.

Dismissed with singing, & prayer by [p. 23]

[verso of page 23 contains text that is unrelated to the history and is not transcribed]

<​Tuesday April 18​> Signed an appointment to Esqre. of , as one of my Aides de camp, as Lieutt. Genl. of the — & conversing with him.

Rode out on the Prairie, sold 130 acres of land to the English Brethren, & took a bond from for two lots.

Signed a transcript of the <​Mayor’s​> Docket v. Dixon.

In the evening had a talk with three Indian Chiefs, who had come as a delegation from the Pottawatomies tribe, who complained of having their cattle, horses &c stolen; they were much troubled, & wanted to know what they should do they have borne their grievances patiently.

The met in my .

<​19​> Went to the at 9 oclock to open <​attend​> Municipal Court <​in case of on appeal of <​from​> Mayors Docket <​decision​> of 10 March,​> at 1/2 past 9, called to order, & issued an against , , , , , , & Associate Justices, to bring them before the Court forthwith, to answer for contempt. Aldermen , , <​​> & appeared, & were excused upon condition of their paying the costs of attachment & Marshalls fees. Associate Justice, was excused by reason <​on account​> of his absence from home the .

12½ <​p.m.​> Court opened, original papers being called for; the Clerk () enquired if the would issue from this court? Sit down, (said the Mayor) & attend to your own business, if any thing is wanted I will tell you <​you will be told​> time enough. for plead <​moved​>, that the case be dismissed for want of jurisdiction, in the Court below, <​much law was read <​quoted​> on both sides.​> The Court decided that the Mayor had jurisdiction, but this <​the municipal​> Court has not <​being authorized only by the Charter to try appeals <​in cases​> arising under the ordinances of the — this case arose under the Statute of , &, should have been appealed directly to the Circuit Court​>; & dismissed the Appeal, & then stated that a legal bond <​for appeal​> was not presented till after the 20 days had expired. <​& therefore it could not now be <​legally​> appealed to the circuit court.​>

After adjournment while conversing with & Esqre. , I told them I had been called to thousands of cases in sickness, & I have never failed of administering comfort where the patient has thrown himself unreservedly on me; & the reason is, that I never prescribed any thing that would injure the patient, if it did him no good. I have lost a Father, brother & child, because in my anxiety I depended more on the judgment of others men than my own; while I have raised up others, who were lower than they were. I will here remark (& by the bye I will say that that man who stands there, (pointing to ) is the best physician I have ever been acquainted with) people will seldom die from disease, provided we know it seasonably, & treat it mildly, patiently, & perseveringly & do not use harsh means. It is like the Irishman’s digging down the Mountains, he does not put his shoulder to it, to push it over, but puts it in his wheelbarrow & carries it away day after day, & perseveres in it, until the whole mountain is removed; so we should persevere in the use of simple medicines remedies (& not push against the Constitution of the patient) day after day & the disease will be removed & the patient saved. It is better to save the life of a man, than to raise one from the dead

At 3 pm I met with <​, , , , , , & of ​> the in my , & told the Twelve to go in the name of the Lord God of Israel, & tell to put the hands on to the , & begin the work, & be patient till means can be provided. [p. 24]

call on the Inhabitants of , & get them to bring in their means, then go to , & serve them the same, thus commence your career thus commence your career

And never stand still till the Master appear, for it is necessary the should be done. out of the stock that is handed to me, you shall have as you have need, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. I hereby command the hands to go to work on the , trusting in the Lord. Tell to put them on, & he shall be backed up with it— you must get cash, property, lands, horses, cattle &c & flour, corn, wheat &c the grain can be ground at this mill. If you can get hands on to the , it will give such an impetus to the work, it will never stop till it is completed <​take all the devils out of hell to stop it​>. Let the keep together, you will do more good to keep together, not travel together all the time but meet in alternately from place to place, & associate together, & not be found more than 200 miles <​long​> apart <​from each other​>; then travel from <​here to​> , till you make a perfect highway for the Saints.

It is better for you to be together, for it is difficult for a man to have strength of lungs & health to be instant in season & out of season, under all circumstances, & you can assist each other, & when you go to spend a day or two in place, you will find the people will gather together in great companies. If 12 men cannot build that house they are poor tools.

asked if any of the Twelve should go to ? I replied, No. I dont want the Twelve to go to this year, I have sent them to , & they have broke the ice & done well, & now I want to send some of the & try them; may stay at home till he gets rested. The Twelve must travel to save their lives. I feel all the veins & stratas necessary for the twelve to move in, to save their lives.

You can never make any thing out of , if you take him out of the Channel he wants to be in. Send to , thus saith the Lord: also , for he is a Heavenly Messenger wherever he goes; you need not be in a hurry, send these two now, & when you think of some one else send them.

, I believe you can do more good in the Editorial Department, than preaching; you can write for thousands to read, while you can preach to but few at a time. We have no one else we can trust the papers with, & hardly with you, for you suffer the paper to come out with so many mistakes.

may stay at home & build his house. Bro . I don’t know how I can help you <​him​> to a living, but to go & preach, put on a long face & make them Doe over to you <​him​>, if you <​he​> will go, your <​his​> lungs will hold out. The Lord will give you <​him​> a good pair of lungs yet.

can be spared from the , if you both stay, you will disagree. I want should go.

asked if he should go? Yes, go. and I want to be called away from , & a good Elder sent in his place <​if he stays there much longer, he will get so as to sleep with his granny, he is so self righteous; He is <​when he went <​asked to go​> back there, he was​> going to tear up all , & he can not <​even​> get money enough to pay postage on his letters, or come & make us a visit.​> can go & travel, and I want you all to meet in . [p. 25]

I want bro to continue in the History at present, perhaps he will have to travel some, to save his life. The History is going out by little & little, in the papers, & cutting its way, so that when it is completed it will not raise a persecution against us.

When comes home <​from ,​> I intend to send him right back again— is going East with his sick . will also travel.

I want you to cast up a highway for the Saints from here, to .

Dont be scared about the . Dont say any thing about <​against​> it, but make all men know that your Mission is to build up the . It is not necessary that Joshua Grant should be a , he is too young; he is one of ’s children, & has got into ’s spirit. & also, & they <​he and & his brother ​> clip half their words, & I intend to break them off it. If a High priest comes along & goes to snub him, let him knock his <​the man’s​> teeth down his throat, &c. &c. You shall make a monstrous wake as you go.

, tell the to put hands <​enough​> on that house, (on the Diagonal Corner from the ,) & finish it right off; the Lord hath need of other houses as well as a .

If I can sell $10,000 <​worth​> of property this Spring, I will meet you at any in , or any Conference where you are, and stay as long as it is wisdom.

Take Jacob Zaundall [Zundel], & , & tell them never to drink a drop of ale, or wine, or any Spirit, only that which flows right out from the presence of God, & send them to . & when you meet with an Arab, send him to Arabia. When you find an Italian, send him to Italy. & a Frenchman to , or an Indian that is suitable, send him among the Indians. send them to the different places where they belong; send somebody to Central America; To Spanish America; & dont let a single corner of the Earth go without a mission—

Write to & ask him if he has not eat husks long enough? if he is not almost ready to return, <​be clothed in robes of righteousness​> & go up to ? hath need of him.

(a letter was written & signed by the members of the present) <​copy, if can be found​>

I returned home about 4½ p m.

This evening located the site for a Music Hall on lot 4 block 67 on <​Corner of​> Woodruff <​Page​> & Knight <​Young​> Streets.

By a Certificate of of this date, we learn that , has recently published a little work on the , & a Synopsis of Concordance to the Scriptures.

<​ex[amine]d. .​>

<​20​> I settled with Manhard & <​I​> <​then​> went out with to shew him <​Bro. Manhard [illegible] shew him some​> lots, & settled with him. & afterwards heard read the <​a​> proof <​sheet​> of the .

<​ received a letter last Sunday, informing him that the was <​is​> abolished. He foolishly supposed it genuine, neglected his duty, & started for to learn more about it, & <​but​> was met by Mr. Hamilton an old Mail contractor, who satisfied <​him​> it was a hoax, & he returned home & the mail arrived as usual <​to day​> & there is no evidence but it is merely another attempt to disturb our peace by designing men​> [p. 26]

<​April 21​> I rode out in the , & in the afternoon went to my .

There was an officer drill of the .

<​22​> The cohorts of the were in exercise this day; my staff came out with me, & spent the day in riding, exercising & <​or​> <​&​> organizing; & sitting in Court Martial, to ascertain to what staff , Surgeon General; , Adjutant General; & Commissary General; belonged.

<​Sunday 23​> 9 to 10 a.m. at home, heard read Truthiana No 6; also the minutes of special , which I revised.

11 a. m. meeting at the , , , , , , , present. prayed. Prest. preached on the subject of Salvation, & the commenced their mission to build the ; & for the salvation of the , it was necessary that the public building should be erected, &c.

preached in the afternoon, showing the rapid increase of during the past three years.

called for 25 hands to go with him to the , to get lumber for the .

Prest. instructed the laborers on the to commence next morning, even if they have to beg food of their neighbors to commence with, & requested familes to board hands, till means could be procured.

<​24​> In the morning I took my children a pleasure ride in the carriage.

at 1 p m the , , , , , & met in my , & agreed <​to go​> to , Iowa; & spend the next Sabbath, & devise means to secure the property which has been purchased of , by the Nauvoo House Trustees. & voted John Carnes [Cairns] go on a mission to — & Jas Brown to Tuscaloosa; <​Ala.​> & that Murray Seaman be instructed to return home immediately— & that Mr. be respectfully requested, immediately to furnish the with a draft of the exterior & interior of the .

<​Prince Louis Napoleon <​claimant of the Imperial throne of ,​> writes from his prison at Ham, to the Parisian journals, that “I would prefer captivity on the French soil, to freedome in Exile.”​>

<​25​> Called at <​In​> the in the morning, & heard <​read​> the report of the proceedings of the yesterday.

& other Masons came to see me concerning , <​when​> who was threatening revenge on , I replied, if he injured , he would be cursed. I was told that Grand Master <​G. M. Jonathan​> Nye was dead, which caused the following remark. “When Nye was here trying to pull me by the nose & trample on me, I enquired of the Lord if I was to be led by the nose & cuffed <​about​> by such a man”, I received for answer “wait a minute”; Nye is dead, and any man or mason who attempts to ride me down, and oppress me, will run against the boss of Jehovah’s buckler; & will be quickly moved out of the way. Nye was <​is​> <​was​> an hypocritical Presbyterian preacher, & is <​was​> known to have violated his oath as a Master Mason <​& committed adultery,​> & <​he has​> started an opposition Lodge <​on the Hill, called the Nye <​[illegible]​> Lodge,​> on which subject I replied “they will do us all the evil <​injury​> they can, but let them go ahead, altho it will result in a division of the Lodge”. Nye fearing the execution of his Oath, <​penalty of the City ordinances on Adultery​> speedily fled from , and is now dead. <​soon after died suddenly in . at . Iowa. *​> <​* his funeral was attended by , , & <​& Noah Rodgers [Rogers]​> as a deputation from the Nauvoo Lodge, a donation from several lodges defrayed the expenses of his funeral[.] at the time the coffin was lowered into the grave there was about two feet of water in it.​>

at 3¼ pm rain fell in torrents, & wind blew strong <​from N. W. several barns were blown down;​> so dark for 15 minutes, could not see to write— considerable hail fell The Creeks rose very high, the land covered with water. [p. 27]

<​Wednesday 26​> <​At home​> Squally & cold weather.

<​Received of a deed of N 1/2 of lot 4 block 12 in ’s 2nd. additon valued at $50 on .​>

<​27​> at 11 Sat in Mayors Court when Jonathan Ford proved <​his claim​> a stolen horse.

I rode to <​Visited at​> bro ’s with

<​H G S.​> The new <​Nye​> Lodge was installed on the hill.

English State Documents shew an annual loss of £3,000,000 & 1000 on the coast of Portsmouth for want of harbors of refuge.

<​28​> at home

<​29​> I rode out to Prairie with <​my​> brothers & , & John Topham, & appointed a lot between Sister [Sarah Scott] Mulholland &

, , , , & rode to , Iowa.

<​30​> The brethren held a <​Meeting​> at <​& had a good time​> about 200 Saints were present; this is a flourishing little town; there are 3 saw mills, 2 flour mills, having excellent water privileges

at 10 a m a trial, commenced before the , vs. , being on appeal from the on complaint, first, For a failure in refusing to perform according to contract respecting the sale of a piece of land by him sold to me. 2nd for transferring his property in a way to enable him to bid defiance to the result & force of law, to compel him to evade the aforesaid contracts, thereby wronging me out of my just claim to the same, & also for lying, &c &c

Witnesses for , , N[ewman] G. Blodgett, , .

Witnesses for , 2 affadavits of Geo Reads, Mrs. [Elizabeth Burgess] Matthews, bro Browett, Samuel Thompson, Richard Slater.

Decision of Court <​Council​> is, that the charges are not sustained.

<​Monday Ma[y] 1​> I rode out with , & paid him £20 for , which I borrowed of Wm. Allen.

I have seen the six brass plates <​of a bell shape​> found near Kinderhook in Pike Co. Ill, on April 23, <​by Mr. R[obert] Wiley​> while escavating a large mound Mr. R. Wiley They had found a skeleton about 6 feet from the surface of the Earth, which was <​must have stood​> 9 feet high, The plates were found on the breast of the Skeleton & were covered with ancient characters there being <​from​> 30 to 40 on each side of the plates.

I have translated a portion of them, & found they contained the history of the person with whom they were found; he was a descendent of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh King of Egypt, & that he received his kingdom from the ruler of Heaven & Earth

I extract the following from the Times and Seasons, When the Book of (see page 185–6–7 revised any man now living.”

Slavery is this day abolished in every part of the British Dominions in India. [p. 28]

<​May 2​> Rode out in the forenoon; about 3 p m the “Maid of Iowa” arrived from <​I was on the bank of the awaiting the arrival of my​> <​who​> returned with ,

Received a letter from , <​wrote me a letter​> wanting to dispose of Property, & buy <​establish​> a Printing Press in — on which I directed the to send him to Liberia, or some other place <​in order​> to save him

<​About 1 pm The mate of the <​Ship​> Yorkshire pres opened the Testament to 27 <​ch.​> Acts, & asked how <​the passengers how​> we should feel to be shipwrecked <​like Paul​>; replied, <​instantly​> it is very likely we shall be shipwrecked, but the hull of this vessell has got to carry us safe into — the mate was then called away <​to​> hoist the fore top royal sail— about between 1 & 2 next morning <​when off Cape Sn. Antonio. Cuba.​> <​vivid lightning when​> a white squall arose caught the foretop royal sail, which careened the vessel, when the foremost, mainmast, & mizenmast snapped asunder <​with an awful crash​> the whole of the masts above, with [illegible] <​the Jib​> & 16 sails & studding poles, were carried overboard, with a tremendous splash & surge, when the vessel righted; leaving literally nothing but the hull to go into X​> <​X at day break found the deck all in confusion, & a complete wreck; <​during the day hoisted a sail from the stump of the main post, to the bow of the vessel—​> thus literally nothing but the hull of the vessel had to carry us <​the Saints​> into ​>

<​3​> Called at the & drank a glass of wine of her mo wine with Sister , of <​made by​> her Mothers in , & reviewed <​a portion​> the of minutes. of 1st half day

at 2 p m held Mayors Court, “City vs. A. Gay” on complaint of for unbecoming language, & refusing to leave store when told to leave. fined $5 and costs.

Directed a letter to be written to Gen: of , to have him meet the Maid of Iowa on her return from , & arrange with the proprietors to turn her into a Nauvoo Ferry Boat. which was done same hour.

The first number of “Nauvoo Neighbor” issued by & , in place of the “Wasp” which ceased & <​*​> <​* I here insert their first Editorial (see Neighbor— <​pa​> 2—) sustain​>

<​4​> at 4 p m heard read a letter from , shewing that he was sick & could not attend the inspection of the , as had been expected, according to his appointment.

Having received a letter from in relation to his land difficulties, I went to & procured a deed for ’s of his farm, & settled that business.

<​5​> Told the that I had a right to take away any property I choose from the Temple <​office or store,​> & they had not right to stand in the way. It is the people that are to dictate me, & not the Committee. All the property I have belongs to the , & what I do is for the benefit of the . & you have no authority only as you receive from me.

Received the following “New York [blank] Copy [blank] which I caused to be recorded in the <​City​> Recorders <​of Land​> <​of Deeds​> (see over) [blank] Clerk

<​6​> In the morning had an interview with a lecturer on Mesmerism & Phrenology. objected to his performing in the city. also an interiew with a Methodist Preacher, & conversed about his God without body or parts.

at 9½ a m I mounted with my staff, & with the band & about a dozen ladies led by , & proceeded to the General Parade Ground of the , east of my on the Prairie, The (see Neighbor 6 page) evolutions. <​county​> In the course of my remarks <​on the Prairie​> I told the Legion when we have petitioned those in power for assistance, they have always told us they had no power to help us, damn such power <​Traitors​>— when they give me power to protect the innocent, I will never say I can do nothing for their good, I will exercise that power. So help me God. at the close of the Parade the address the Legion marched to the & disbanded in Main Street about 2 p m, being windy & very cold.

<​There were 2 officers, & of , were present, & ex who expressed great satisfaction at our appearance. & evolutions.​>

in the evening, attended Mr. Vickers performance of wire dancing Legerdemain Dancing <​Magic​> &c &c

was held at Toulon, Stark Co. Ill. 5 , 129 members 17 , 3 , 4 , 2 , & 129 members. were represented. a branch has been recently organized at Lyons, Wayne Co. N. Y. consisting of 2 Elders, 1 Priest, 1 Teacher & 22 members.

<​ex[amine]d. JG [Jonathan Grimshaw]​> [p. 29]

<​Sunda[y] Ma[y] 7​> In the forenoon I was visited by several Gentn., concerning the plates which were dug out near Kalamazoo <​Kinderhook.​>— I sent my brother to the for the Hebrew Bible & Lexicon.

The Council of <​the​> met. as usual

<​ preached at in the morning​>

<​8​> I called <​at ​> at 7 am with a to stay suit v Dixon.

is dissatisfied to give Sister [Sarah Scott] Mulholland one fourth of the lot as directed by me.

<​9​> I<​n​> <​company with​> with <​& my , &​> the whole of my adult family, , , , & about one hundred Gentn & Ladies, start at 10 min: before 8 <​am​> from the Nauvoo Dock, under a salute of Cannon; having on board a fine band of Music. We had an excellent address from our esteemed friend ; the band (see Neighbor 6 <​copy​>) anticipated & we returned home about 8 o clock

<​10​> Directed never to let the Court room be occupied by any person, until he received $2 in advance—

The blossoms on the Apple &c trees, appear.

Took my brother , & , , & Horace Whitney in my carriage to the Upper Steam Boat landing & back. They were intending to start on their mission, but no Steam boat came.

<​a meeting of the Saints at Leechburg, presiding— numbers five elders, 2 , 1 & 50 members​>

<​11​> At 6 a m [blank] Snow, , &c

8. went to see the new carriage made by <​Thos.​> Moore, which is ready for travelling.

went to in the new carriage. I rode out as far as the Prairie.

at 10 a m , <​,​> , , , , , & assembled in Council in my , & voted that , Noah Rodgers [Rogers], & Knowlton F. Hanks go on a mission to the Pacific Isles— Captain prepare himself to take a mission to Wales— go to Ireland— , John Cairnes, & to — & that preside over the &c, & be assisted by