Chapter XXV
AFTERMATH OF THE PROPHET'S RELEASE FROM ARREST--FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT NAUVOO--APPEALS TO GOVERNOR FORD FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MILITARY FORCE--SUPPLEMENTARY AFFIDAVITS ON AFFAIRS IN MISSOURI.
Sunday July 2, 1843.--A large congregation met at the Grove, near the Temple, and heard an interesting address from Elder Orson Hyde. After he closed, Messrs. Walker, Southwick, Patrick, and Wasson spoke on the stand, stating that I had subjected myself to the law in every particular, and had treated my persecutors and kidnappers with courtesy and kindness. They also spoke on the unlawful conduct of my enemies.
Messrs. Patrick, Walker, Southwick, and Harmon Wasson made the following affidavit:--
Affidavit of Attorneys.
Shepherd G. Patrick, Harmon Wasson, Edward Southwick, and Cyrus Walker, being duly sworn, depose and say that they were in company with Joseph R. Reynolds and Harmon T. Wilson, the former acting as agent of the state of Missouri, and having in custody Joseph Smith, who was styled, in the warrant by which he had been arrested, Joseph Smith, Jr.; and who had been delivered into the custody of said Reynolds by said Wilson, who had first, as an officer of the state of Illinois, arrested him, the said Smith, upon a warrant issued by his Excellency Thomas Ford, to apprehend him as a fugitive from the justice of the state of Missouri, when it was alleged he was charged with treason against the said state of Missouri; that the arrest and transfer of the custody of said Smith took place in Lee county, Illinois; and that while said Joseph H. Reynolds was at Dixon, in said county, a writ of habeas corpus was served on him, in behalf of said Smith, commanding him to bring said Smith before the nearest judge or judicial tribunal in the {477} fifth judicial district of the state of Illinois, authorized to hear and determine upon writs of habeas corpus; that said Harmon T. Wilson acted as a guard and assistant under said Joseph H. Reynolds on their journey from Dixon, till they arrived at the city of Nauvoo; that said Smith was allowed by said Reynolds to ride his horse and in a buggy on said journey, while the said Reynolds rode in the coach, upon the assurance and pledge of James Campbell, Esq., the sheriff of Lee county, Illinois, who had said Reynolds and Wilson in custody for want of bail in a civil action, and upon whom they had served habeas corpus, returnable before Judge Young at Quincy, Illinois.
Your affiants as well as others in the company, at the same time gave assurance and pledges to said Reynolds that his prisoner, the said Smith, should not escape from him; and the said Reynolds was satisfied, as he avowed, with the pledges aforesaid, and expressed himself to be so at the time, and fully consented that the said Smith might travel on said journey in the manner he did.
That the friends of said Smith met him in great numbers as he approached the city of Nauvoo, by which place the sheriff, as these affiants believe, voluntarily decided to go at the request of said Smith, and upon representations made to him that it was the best route to Quincy.
That no violence was offered to said Reynolds or Wilson; and that to the best of these affiants' knowledge and belief, no threats or intimidation were made use of to influence and control their conduct, either during the journey to or after their arrival at Nauvoo. Said Reynolds and Wilson dined with said Smith at his own house, and were hospitably entertained; and after dinner, say in two hours after the arrival of the party in said city, a writ of habeas corpus was issued by the municipal court of the said city of Nauvoo in favor of said Smith, which was served upon said Reynolds.
The said Reynolds made return of the writ, together with the body of said Smith, and alleged the causes of his capture and detention, at the same time denying the jurisdiction of the court, and alleging that he had been served with the prior writ of habeas corpus before mentioned. Said Reynolds remained in Nauvoo, and a part of the time in the municipal court-room, and sometime after the examination of the writ of habeas corpus issued by the municipal court had commenced, and, as your affiants believe, during the whole sitting of the court on Friday afternoon, the 30th of June, and then departed for Carthage, after a patient examination of the fact and matter of law set forth in complainant's petition, which said examination lasted from Friday afternoon till the next day, Saturday, at night. The said Smith was discharged as for defects in the warrant under which he had been arrested, and was imprisoned, as upon the merits of the case by the said {478} municipal court; and these affiants further say that said Reynolds and Wilson were, before they arrived at the city of Nauvoo, and while they were there, assured by the said Smith and many of the company who had traveled together from Dixon, (these affiants among the number,) that they should be protected from violence; and that the said Smith did publicly declare in Nauvoo, to the people there assembled, that his honor was pledged that said Reynolds should be protected from violence, and requested every one to preserve his pledge inviolate.
These affiants state further that no violence or threats, to their knowledge or belief, were made use of towards the said Reynolds or the said Wilson, either before or after their arrival at Nauvoo; but the numbers who met and accompanied the said Smith and his escort on the journey, conducted themselves in an orderly and peaceable manner, and manifested only their attachment to said Smith, and joy to find him safe in the custody of the laws of the state of Illinois; all of which facts are true, to the best of the knowledge and recollection of the affiants.
SHEPHERD G PATRICK, CYRUS WALKER, E. SOUTHWICK HARMON WASSON.
Sworn to, etc.
Colonel Markham, Mr. Sanger, and myself also made affidavits on the same subject.
Judge Adams came from Carthage and stated that Wilson and Reynolds were inciting the people to mobocracy, and sending a petition to Governor Ford for a posse to retake me.
A petition to the governor, praying him not to issue any more writs, was immediately made out, and signed by about 150 citizens of Nauvoo; and also
A remonstrance against the Carthage proceedings was gotten up. Signed and forwarded the same to Carthage by Messrs. Southwick and Patrick.
I directed the clerk to make a transcript of the proceedings before the municipal court, to forward to the governor, and to which he attached the following certificate:--
Certification of Documents.
I, James Sloan, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, do hereby certify that the foregoing hereunto attached papers {479} and documents--to wit, that the foregoing petition of Joseph Smith, Sen., and warrant from the governor of the state of Illinois, and commission issued by Thomas Reynolds, governor of the state of Missouri, to Joseph H. Reynolds, and the writ of habeas corpus, and the return of the said Joseph H. Reynolds thereto, and endorsed thereon, are true copies of the papers and originals filed in this court, in the exparte case of Joseph Smith, Sen., upon the petition of said Smith, for a discharge from arrest on habeas corpus; and that the foregoing is a true copy of the true, full, and perfect record of the proceedings had in said case.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, this third day of July, A.D., 1843.
[L. S.] JAMES Sloan, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.
He also made a transcript of the ordinances relating to habeas corpus, and attached the following certificate:--
I, James Sloan, city recorder of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, and clerk of the city council of said city, do hereby certify that the foregoing hereunto attached are true copies of the ordinances of said city, regulating the proceedings on writs of habeas corpus, the one passed the 8th day of August, A.D., 1842, and the other passed November 14, 1842, both of which said ordinances are unrepealed and now in force in said city.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of said city of Nauvoo at said city, this 3rd day of July, A.D., 1843.
[L. S.] JAMES SLOAN, City Recorder and Clerk of the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois.
Which documents were delivered to my lawyers, with instructions to see Governor Ford immediately.
I had an interview with several Pottawattamie chiefs, who came to see me during my absence.
Interview with Pottawattamie Chiefs. _(From Wilford Woodruff's Journal.)_
The Indian chiefs remained at Nauvoo until the Prophet returned and had his trial. During their stay they had a talk with Hyrum Smith {480} in the basement of the Nauvoo House. Wilford Woodruff and some others were present. They were not free to talk, and did not wish to communicate their feelings until they could see the great Prophet.
At length, on the 2nd day of July, 1843, President Joseph Smith and several of the Twelve met those chiefs in the court-room, with about twenty of the elders. The following is a synopsis of the conversation which took place as given by the interpreter:--
The Indian orator arose and asked the Prophet if the men who were present were all his friends. Answer--"Yes."
He then said--"We as a people have long been distressed and oppressed. We have been driven from our lands many times. We have been wasted away by wars, until there are but few of us left. The white man has hated us and shed our blood, until it has appeared as though there would soon be no Indians left. We have talked with the Great Spirit, and the Great Spirit has talked with us. We have asked the Great Spirit to save us and let us live; and the Great Spirit has told us that he had raised up a great Prophet, chief, and friend, who would do us great good and tell us what to do; and the Great Spirit has told us that you are the man (pointing to the Prophet Joseph). We have now come a great way to see you, and hear your words, and to have you to tell us what to do. Our horses have become poor traveling, and we are hungry. We will now wait and hear your word."
The Spirit of God rested upon the Lamanites, especially the orator. Joseph was much affected and shed tears. He arose and said unto them: "I have heard your words. They are true. The Great Spirit has told you the truth. I am your friend and brother, and I wish to do you good. Your fathers were once a great people. They worshiped the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit did them good. He was their friend; but they left the Great Spirit, and would not hear his words or keep them. The Great Spirit left them, and they began to kill one another, and they have been poor and afflicted until now.
The Great Spirit has given me a book, and told me that you will soon be blessed again. The Great Spirit will soon begin to talk with you and your children. This is the book which your fathers made. I wrote upon it (showing them the Book of Mormon). This tells what you will have to do. I now want you to begin to pray to the Great Spirit. I want you to make peace with one another, and do not kill any more Indians: it is not good. Do not kill white men; it is not good; but ask the Great Spirit for what you want, and it will not be long before the Great Spirit will bless you, and you will cultivate the earth and build good houses like white men. We will give you something to eat and to take home with you."
When the Prophet's words were interpreted to the chiefs, they all {481} said it was good. The chief asked, "How many moons would it be before the Great Spirit would bless them?" He [Joseph] told them, Not a great many.
At the close of the interview, Joseph had an ox killed for them, and they were furnished with some more horses, and they went home satisfied and contented.
[Return of the Maid of Iowa Relief Expedition.]
About six p.m., the Maid of Iowa returned to her landing at the Nauvoo House. The company who had been on the expedition on board of her formed in a procession and walked up to my office, where they formed a hollow square, and sent in a deputation to me. As soon as I had bid them welcome, I opened the window of my office and requested that no man would leave the ground until I had spoken to them. My brother Hyrum and I went into the hollow square and directed them not to allow their ranks to be broken. I then shook hands with each man, blessing them and welcoming them home.
I then took off my hat and related to them how I was brought home to the midst of my friends, and how I regained my liberty. I feel, by the Spirit of the Lord, that if I had fallen into your hands that you would either have brought me safe home, or that we should all have died in a heap together.
At this time, a well dressed man, a stranger, who had a cloak around him, broke through the south line of the ranks, when the orderly sergeant took the stranger by the nape of the neck and kicked him outside the ranks, telling him not to come in again. As soon as quiet was resumed, I continued my address to the company.
About dusk I dismissed the company, blessing them in the name of the Lord.
My brother Hyrum then blessed them also, commending them for their diligence and attention to the instructions given by him before their departure.
The following is the report of their doings, as reported by Daniel M. Burbanks:
{482} Burbanks' Account of the Maid of Iowa Expedition for the Prophet's Relief.
Sunday, June 25.--The brethren were collecting through the night on the Maid of Iowa, and commenced making preparations for the trip, all hands uniting in loading the boat with firewood.
26th.--About half-past eight a.m., President Hyrum Smith, in company with Judge Adams, came on board and instructed us to watch for the steamboats that may run up the Illinois river; and if any persons were running Brother Joseph down the river, under any pretext whatever, as the Amaranth had carried the news to Missouri that Joseph Smith was going to be tried at Ottawa, and it had been reported that a company of men were armed in St. Louis and had chartered a steamboat to run up to Ottawa, there to seize Joseph and kidnap him to Missouri;--and if we saw such a boat, we were to rescue Joseph, at all hazards and bring him to Nauvoo.
President Hyrum then blessed the company in the name of the Lord, and the Little Maid started at a quarter-past nine a.m., down the Mississippi river, with the following persons on board--namely, Dan Jones, Captain of boat; Daniel M. Burbanks, first Pilot; Dimick B. Huntington, Mate; Jonathan Dunham, Captain of Company; George W. Langley, Lieutenant; John Taylor, Chaplain; John M. Bernhisel, Surgeon; John S. Higbee, Isaac Higbee, Lucius N. Scovil, Enoch M. King, Lewis Dunbar Wilson, Whitford G. Wilson, Bushrod W. Wilson, John Bair, Ben Rolfe, Sylvester B. Stoddard, James Aikin, Elijah Averett, Levi W. Hancock, William Meeks, Calvin Reed, Robert C. Moore, Levi Stewart, Urban V. Stewart, Allen Stout, Welcome Chapman, William S. Yocum, Thomas Briley, Henry J. Young, James Worthington, George W. Thatcher, H. M. Alexander, Elbridge Tufts, Benjamin L. Clapp, Joseph C. Kingsbury, A. Young, John Fido, John Murdoch, John Lytle, Thomas Carrico, E. J. Sabin, Daniel Avory, H. B. M. Jolley, J. F. Lane, J. H. Holmes, H. P. Palmer, Benjamin Jones, Robert C. Egbert, Tarlton Lewis, R. A. Allred, J. Foutz, H. Permain, John Binby, George W. Rosecran, and about twenty-five others whose names are not reported.
At nine p.m., the boat turned the point of the bend and started up the Illinois river. She did not stop until opposite Diamond Isle, about four o'clock on Tuesday morning, 27th, where the company learned that the Chicago Belle had passed up the Illinois river the day previous with a large company of men, having a swivel gun on the forecastle, as they said, with the intention of taking Joseph Smith, at all hazards, and conveying him to Missouri.
The Maid next hailed at the Erie landing, five miles above Beardstown, where they were told that the Belle was twelve hours ahead, and {483} the company on board had left word that if the Maid of Iowa followed, they would send the "Mormon" boat and crew, with Jo Smith, to hell. The people advised the company on the Maid to return. Stayed there half-an-hour to take in wood, and then continued our journey.
Wednesday, 28th.--At an hour before daybreak, passed Pekin, and the Chicago Belle aground in an island chute. When she saw us coming, she backed her star-board wheel and blocked up the passage.
When the pilot of the Maid came near, he stopped his engine and hailed them with his speaking trumpet, requesting a passage. They inquired, "What boat is that?" and were told, the Maid of Iowa. They replied, "You cannot pass, and we will see you all d--d and in hell first." The pilot saw a little opening in the willows of about twelve feet wide on her left, and signaled for the engineer to put on all steam, and drove her through this narrow channel and a small tow head about five rods, tearing the willows down on each side with the guards and wheelhouse, the captain crying out all the time, "Stop her!--stop her! For God's sake, stop her! You will smash the boat in pieces!"
When the boat had headed round the Belle, and was once more in deep water, the pilot stopped the engine and asked the captain, "What is the matter?" The captain was afraid, and said, "My God, you will smash the boat to pieces," and was answered, "All is safe, and we will go ahead," leaving the Belle still aground in the channel.
Then went to Peoria, about ten miles; found Jesse P. Harmon and Alanson Ripley, who had come from the horsemen with an express instructing the company to proceed to the mouth of Fox River. We took them on board and proceeded on our way.
Thursday, 29th.--Arrived at Peru, at ten a.m. There met William F. Lane with an express from Charles C. Rich, reporting that the company who had Joseph in charge had started from Fox River for Shokoquon, destined to run him through the Iowa territory by that route, and then into Missouri, as they had learned their way by the Illinois river was blocked up by the_ Maid of Iowa_, and for the boat and company to return to Quincy, and there await further orders. We immediately turned round, and on arriving at the mouth of Spoon River, landed Ripley and Harmon, with instructions to pursue their journey by land to Nauvoo.
About one p.m., again overhauled the Chicago Belle at the Grand Pass while they were wooding. They hailed us to inquire "If old Jo was on board," and were answered, "It is none of your business," when another man on the hurricane deck of the Belle shouted, "Hurrah, hurrah for old Jo Smith!"
We continued our journey and again arrived at the Mississippi at nine p.m. In rounding to, broke the tiller rope and came to an anchor; repaired the same, and then continued up the Mississippi.
{484} Arrived at the island below Quincy about eight p.m., on Friday, 30th, when John Taylor, Jonathan Dunham, Dan Jones, George W. Langley, and Daniel M. Burbanks took the yawl and went up to Quincy to learn the news and see if there was any excitement. They found all peace, then returned to the boat, got up steam, and went up to Quincy, landing about midnight.
Saturday, July 1st.--About eight a.m., left Quincy, after steaming about eight miles. Sidney Roberts and another messenger came in a skiff with a letter from Hyrum, saying that Joseph had arrived in Nauvoo, and was going to be tried before the municipal court, and for us to hurry home as quick as possible.
On reaching Keokuk, the engineer, Benjamin Orum (who was not a member of the Church) got dead drunk, when the first pilot turned engineer, and the second pilot took the wheel and run the boat over the rapids to Nauvoo,
[Application for Posse to Retake the Prophet.]
Colonel Markham returned from Carthage in the evening, and reported that on his arriving at Carthage, he found that Reynolds and Wilson had filed their affidavits, that he (Markham) had with armed force taken Joseph Smith out of their hands at the head of Elleston Grove, and that they had also got up a petition, which was signed by the inhabitants of Carthage, and sent it to Governor Ford by the hands of Reynolds and Wilson, requesting him to raise a posse comitatus, and they would come to Nauvoo and take me. They were to start by the mail early this morning; and Markham requested Jacob Backenstos to go with the mail to Governor Ford and request him to suspend all proceedings until documents would be got to show the true state of the case.
On going to the stage proprietor, he engaged and paid for a passage for one man. On their finding who was going, Reynolds and Wilson objected to his going; and that objection was accepted by the stage proprietor, although he had received the passage money. The proprietor then hired a horse from Mr. Hamilton for him [Markham] to ride.
Monday, July 3.--I directed the Twelve Apostles to call {485} a special conference to choose elders to go into the different counties of Illinois to preach the gospel and disabuse the public mind with regard to my arrest.
Elders Brigham Young, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards met at the Grove with the elders, and it was decided that the following elders go on a special mission to the following counties in the state of Illinois:
List of Special Missionaries.
Elijah Reed and Jesse Hitchcock, Adams and Pike; Salmon Warner and Jeremiah Curtis, Calhoun and Jersey; Erastus H. Derby, Orson Hyde, and George J. Adams, Lee; Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, La Salle and De Calb; Levi Richards, Luther A. Jones, and E. Robinson, Joe Davis; John Murdock, Vermillion; Daniel Avery, Schuyler; Zebedee Coltrin, McDonough; Truman Gillet, Benjamin Brown, and Jesse W. Crosby, Cook; Graham Coltrin, Fulton; John L. Butler, Hamilton; David Lewis, Wayne; James Twist, Bureau; George P. Dykes and Samuel Brown, St. Clair; Pardon Webb, Will; E. M. Webb, Grundy; Simeon Dunn, Warren; H. S. Eldredge, Mason; Thomas Dobson, Tazewell; Cyrus Canfield, Menard; Jared Carter, Morgan; Samuel James and J. C. Wright, Scott; Luman H. Calkins, White; J. M. King, Mercer; Daniel Allen, Rock Island; U. C. Nickerson, Henry; Alfred Brown, Putnam; Priddy Meeks, McCoupin; Abel Butterfield and J. H. Van Natta, Winnebago; William Nelson, Iroquois; Samuel Russell, Boone; Levi Stewart, Franklin; William Meeks, Green; W. B. Brink and George Chamberlin, Sangamon; Jacob Wiley, Edwards; William S. Covert, Stark; M. F. Bartlett and Melvin Wilbur, Bond; John Outhouse, Alexander; Cheney G. Van Buren, Brown; James Carroll, Carroll; David Jones, Fayette; John Lowry, Munroe; Urban V. Stewart, Williamson; James McFate, Montgomery; Lyman O. Littlefield, Clinton; Elisha H. Groves, Madison; Theodore Curtis, Cass; Samuel Keele, Jefferson; James Hale, Washington; George W. Thatcher and John A. Forgeus, Hancock; Jacob H. Butterfield, Henderson; George Middah, Clay; James M. Munroe, Crawford; Ezra Chase, Coles; Jesse Chase, Edgar; Amos Lewell, Clark; John Miller, Whitesides; William Martin, Christian; Reuben Parkhurst, De Witt; John Keele, Perry; George W. Langley, Johnson; James M. Henderson, Gallatin; James W. Cummings, Randolph; John Workman, Shelby; Elijah Fordham, Knox; George W. Pitkin and John Wakefield, Peoria.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. W. RICHARDS, Clerk.
{486} About noon, General Charles C. Rich, with twenty-five men, returned, formed a square in front of my house, and sang a new song. I went out, shook hands with each individual, and blessed them in the name of the Lord. The following is a report of their expedition:
Report of Relief Expedition Led by Charles C. Rich.
The detachment left the main body of the camp and started from McQueen's Mills about one a.m., on Monday, the 26th of June, under the command of General Rich, as follows:--C. C. Rich, Hosea Stout, John Pack, Truman R. Barlow, James W. Cummings, Daniel Carnes, Jesse P. Harmon, Alanson Ripley, Stephen Abbott, Charles W. Hubbard, A. L. Fullmer, Joel E. Terry, Alfred Brown, Dr. Josiah Ells, William Edwards, Thomas Woolsey, Osmon M. Duel, Dr. Samuel Bennett,--Babcock, Isaiah Whitesides, Jesse B. Nichols, Stephen Wilkinson, Samuel Gulley, and four or five others, on horses, with one baggage wagon drawn by two horses, with instructions to proceed to Peoria, there cross the Illinois river, and then proceed up the east side of the river on the main stage road leading from Springfield to Ottawa. We traveled till about three o'clock in the morning, when we halted for about an hour and put out a guard. At daybreak we again took up the line of march, and traveled through the day, mostly without a road, and the following night till near daybreak of the 27th, and again made a halt for an hour and passed through Ellesville before sunrise. When going through that village, the people were opening their shops, and many persons came in their shirts to the windows.
Dr. Ells and J. W. Cummings were behind the company about six rods, when one man came running, full of anxiety, and inquired, "Where in the world are you all going to?" Dr. Ells, who carried a very sanctified face, drawled out, "We're a-hunting a wheelbarrow's nest;" after which, we again resumed the march, about noon halted on the Kic-a-poo creek, and sent Hosea Stout and A. L. Fullmer to Peoria to see Lawyer Charles C. Ballance and obtain what information they could get from him; and about two p.m., crossed the Illinois river at Peoria, where we obtained supplies for our further journey. Here we left Jesse P. Harmon and Alanson Ripley with instructions to hail the steamer Maid of Iowa, and procure what information they had of the whereabouts of Brother Joseph Smith.
The company after crossing the river, proceeded nearly due east, till they intersected the stage road running from Springfield to Ottawa, at a small town named Washington, ten miles east of Peoria. There we stopped for about an hour and fed our horses. At dusk we again resumed {487} the march on the stage road towards Ottawa, and traveled about ten miles to Black Partridge Point, and camped for the night.
At daybreak of the 28th, we were on the march, traveled about 35 miles to the little town of Magnolia, and halted for noon, where we fed ourselves and animals at the public house of Captain William Haws (the captain of a company in which Hosea Stout served in the Black Hawk war). We again resumed the march, and about dark camped about two miles below Ottawa, near the Illinois river, having traveled over 200 miles in two days and eighteen hours with the same horses, which had become very tired.
General Rich left the company about an hour before sunset, and about dusk crossed the Illinois river into Ottawa, and put up at Brother Sanger's. There he learned positively that Joseph had come as far as Pawpaw Grove, where he was informed that Judge Caton was absent, and had returned to Dixon and obtained another writ of habeas corpus, and had started in the direction of Quincy, Adams county; and also that Lucien P. Sanger had taken his stage-coach to convey Brother Joseph to Quincy. When he had obtained this information, he left orders for the Maid of Iowa to return with all speed to Quincy.
Early on the morning of the 29th, General Rich returned to his company and gave them the information, when the company started on their return for Nauvoo, came as far as Captain Haws', and stayed all night. He gave us the use of the barn to sleep in. In conversing with the citizens of Magnolia, they approbated our course, manifested a warm feeling, and offered to help us with their artillery company, if we needed their assistance.
On the 30th we made a direct course for the Narrows, four miles above Peoria, where we recrossed the Illinois river, and camped near the town.
1st July. We traveled forty miles and camped on a small creek near a farmhouse, where the entire company had an abundance of milk for the night.
July 2nd. Early in the morning, Jesse B. Nichols went into the village of Gallsburg, waked up a blacksmith, and employed him to set a couple of horse-shoes. The blacksmith objected, saying it was Sunday morning, and, being a professor of religion, he would not do it unless for double price, which Nichols consented to give him. He went to the shop; and whilst setting the shoes, the company passed through, exciting considerable curiosity among the villagers. Two of the brethren remained to accompany Nichols. As he was about paying the blacksmith for the work, a Presbyterian minister came up and said to him, "You ought to charge a dollar a shoe. These are Mormons; and you, who are a church member, have been shoeing this Mormon's horse on {488} Sunday; and you ought to be brought before the church for doing it." Upon which, the blacksmith demanded two dollars for his work instead of one as agreed before. Nichols handed him one dollar, the priest telling the blacksmith he ought not to take it--that Joe Smith was an impostor, and ought to be hung. The son of Vulcan, however, took the dollar, but demanded more; upon which Nichols mounted his horse and left, amid the loud cheers of a number of spectators.
We continued our journey to La Harpe, where we learned the full particulars of Brother Joseph's safe arrival and trial before the municipal court, when we made merry, composed a song, and danced, and proceeded to Nauvoo.
During the entire journey the heat was extremely oppressive; and as the necessity of the case was very urgent, we had not time to sleep. It may be safely said to be one of the most rapid, fatiguing marches that is on record, having traveled with the same horses about 500 miles in seven days.
Another copy of the remonstrance to the governor against his sending an armed force was made out and taken to the porch of the Temple, where it was signed in the course of the day by about 900 persons.
Tuesday, 4.--About one a.m., Messrs. Walker, Patrick, Southwick, Markham, and Lucien Woodworth started for Springfield, carrying with them the affidavits, petition, and the doings of the municipal court.
[Fourth of July Celebration at Nauvoo.]
At a very early hour people began to assemble at the Grove, and at eleven o'clock near 13,000 persons had congregated, and were addressed in a very able and appropriate manner by Elder Orson Hyde, who has recently been appointed on a mission to St. Petersburg, Russia.
A constant accession of numbers swelled the congregation to 15,000 as near as could be estimated.
At two p.m., they were again addressed by Elder Parley P. Pratt on redemption, in a masterly discourse, when I made some remarks.
The following is the report of the speech by Wilford Woodruff:
{489} The Prophet's Speech--Politics and Military Organization at Nauvoo.
If the people will give ear a moment, I will address them with a few words in my own defense in relation to my arrest. In the first place, I will state to those that can hear me that I never spent more than six months in Missouri, except while in prison. While I was there, I was at work for the support of my family. I never was a prisoner of war during my stay, for I had nothing to do with war. I never took up a pistol, gun or sword: and the most that has been said on this subject by the Missourians is false. I have been willing to go before any governor, judge, or tribunal where justice would be done, and have the subject investigated. I could not have committed treason in that state while I resided there, for treason in Missouri consists in levying war against the state or adhering to her enemies. Missouri was at peace, and had no enemy that I could adhere to, had I been disposed; and I did not make war, as I had no command or authority, either civil or military, but only in spiritual matters, as a minister of the gospel.
This people was driven from that state by force of arms, under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs. I have never committed treason. The people know very well I have been a peaceable citizen; but there has been a great hue and cry about Governor Boggs being shot. No crime can be done, but it is laid to me. Here I was again dragged to the United States Court and acquitted on the merits of the case, and now it comes again. But as often as God sees fit for me to suffer, I am ready; but I am as innocent of the crimes alleged against me as the angels in heaven. I am not an enemy to mankind, I am a friend to mankind. I am not an enemy to Missouri, nor to any governor or people.
As to the military station I hold, the cause of my holding it is as follows: When we came here the state required us to bear arms and do military duty according to law; and as the Church had just been driven from the state of Missouri, and robbed of all their property and arms, they were poor and destitute of arms. They were liable to be fined for not doing duty when they had not arms to do it with. They came to me for advice, and I advised them to organize themselves into independent companies and demand arms of the state. This they did. Again: There were many elders having license to preach, which by law exonerated them from military duty; but the officers would not release them on this ground. I then told the Saints that though I was clear from military duty by law, in consequence of lameness in one of my legs, yet I would set them the example and would do duty myself. They then said they were willing to do duty, if they could be formed into an independent company, and I could be at their head. This is the origin of {490} the Nauvoo Legion and of my holding the office of lieutenant-general.
All the power that I desire or have sought to obtain has been the enjoyment of the constitutional privilege for which my fathers shed their blood, of living in peace in the society of my wife and children, and enjoying the society of my friends and that religious liberty which is the right of every American citizen, of worshiping according to the dictates of his conscience and the revelations of God.
With regard to elections, some say all the Latter-day Saints vote together, and vote as I say. But I never tell any man how to vote or whom to vote for. But I will show you how we have been situated by bringing a comparison. Should there be a Methodist society here and two candidates running for office, one says, "If you will vote for me and put me in governor, I will exterminate the Methodists, take away their charters," &c. The other candidate says, "If I am governor, I will give all an equal privilege." Which would the Methodists vote for? Of course they would vote en masse for the candidate that would give them their rights.
Thus it has been with us. Joseph Duncan said if the people would elect him he would exterminate the Mormons, and take away their charters. As to Mr. Ford, he made no such threats, but manifested a spirit in his speeches to give every man his rights; hence the members of the Church universally voted for Mr. Ford and he was elected governor. But he has issued writs against me the first time the Missourians made a demand for me, and this is the second one he has issued for me, which has caused me much trouble and expense.
President Smith also rehearsed the account of his being taken by Reynolds and Wilson, and the unlawful treatment he received at their hands.
The multitude gave good attention and much prejudice seemed to be removed.
[Nauvoo's Visitors.]
Three steamers arrived in the afternoon; one from St. Louis, one from Quincy and one from Burlington, bringing from eight hundred to a thousand ladies and gentlemen. On the arrival of each boat, the people were escorted by the Nauvoo band to convenient seats provided for them, and were welcomed by the firing of cannon, which brought to our minds the last words of the patriot Jefferson, "Let this day be celebrated by the firing of cannon," &c. The visitors and Saints appeared to be highly gratified.
{491} A collection was taken in the morning to assist Elder Hyde to build his house; and in the afternoon Elder Hyde on his own responsibility, proposed a collection to assist me in bearing the expenses of my persecution.
The meeting closed about 7 p.m. The day was pleasant, sky clear, and nothing tended to disturb the peace.
I extract from the Quincy Whig.
Report of the Fourth of July Celebration at Nauvoo--The Quincy Whig.
I left Quincy on the glorious Fourth, on board the splendid steamer Annawan, Captain Whitney, in company with a large number of ladies and gentlemen of this city, on a pleasure excursion to the far-famed city of Nauvoo. The kindness of the officers of the boat and the hearty welcome received from the citizens of Nauvoo on our arrival there, induced me to return to each and all of them my own and the thanks of every passenger on board the Annawan, and I am sure all alike feel grateful for the pleasure they experienced. We left Quincy at half-past eight, and reached Nauvoo at about two o'clock p.m., where we received an invitation from the Prophet to attend the delivering of an oration, which was accepted; and two companies of the Legion were sent to escort us to the Grove (on the hill near the Temple), where the oration was to be delivered. When we reached the brow of the hill, we received a salute from the artillery there stationed, and proceeded on to the Grove, where we were welcomed in a cordial and happy manner by the Prophet and his people.
The large concourse of people assembled to celebrate the day which gave birth to American independence, convinced me that the Mormons have been most grossly slandered, and that they respect, cherish and love the free institutions of our country, and appreciate the sacrifice and bloodshed of those patriots who established them. I never saw a more orderly, gentlemanly and hospitable people than the Mormons, nor a more interesting population, as the stirring appearance of their city indicates. Nauvoo is destined to be, under the influence and enterprise of such citizens as it now contains, and her natural advantages, a populous, wealthy and manufacturing city.
The services of the day were opened by a chaste and appropriate prayer by an Elder whose name I do not know, which was followed by rich strains of vocal and instrumental music. Then followed the oration which was an elegant, eloquent and pathetic one, as much so as I ever heard on a similar occasion.
We started home about six o'clock, all evidently much pleased {492} with Nauvoo, and gratified by the kind reception of her citizens.
A CITIZEN OF QUINCY.
Wednesday, 5.--I called in the office and heard the testimony of my brother Hyrum before the municipal court read.
Judge Adams and Esquire Southwick returned from Warsaw; found but little excitement there. Esquire Southwick wrote a piece for the Warsaw paper in my defense, and the justice of the decision of the municipal court.
The remainder of the day I was at home.
Thursday 6.--I remained at home all day.
Governor Ford wrote the following letter:
_Letter of Governor Ford to Sheriff Reynolds Replying to a Petition for Military force to Re-arrest the Prophet._
EXECUTIVE Department, SPRINGFIELD, July 6, 1843.
Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq.:
SIR:--I have received your petition for a detachment of Illinois Militia to assist you in retaking Joseph Smith, Junior, representing him to have escaped from your custody after having been arrested on a warrant granted for his apprehension. I have also received a remonstrance and some affidavits adverse to the prayer of your petition. I have also to inform you that I had heard, before your arrival in this city, of the escape of Smith, and rumors that he had been rescued by a military force. Deeming these remarks of sufficient importance to justify me in so doing, I did, on the 4th day of this present month, dispatch a trusty and competent person as my agent to collect information of the various matters contained in your petition; and you will, I hope, at once see the propriety of all action being suspended on my part until I can receive the most authentic and unquestionable information as to the movements complained of.
I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FORD.
And endorsed on the back of it:
MR. BACKENSTOS:--The annexed letter to Joseph H. Reynolds is all the answer which I can at present make to either of the parties touching {493} his application for a detachment of militia to assist him in retaking Joseph Smith, said to be a fugitive from justice.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FORD.
Friday, 7.--Mr. Braman, a messenger from the governor, arrived in Nauvoo, requesting a copy of all the testimony that was given before the municipal court and other affidavits concerning the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri.
I therefore employed James Sloan, Samuel Gulley, George Walker and Joseph M. Cole, in addition to my other clerks, who sat up all night to copy the testimony.
In addition to the above I made the following affidavit:
Joseph Smith's Affidavit on the Troubles in Missouri, Sent to Governor Ford.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK COUNTY. ss.
Personally appeared before me, Ebenezer Robinson, a notary public within and for said county, Joseph Smith, senior; who being duly sworn, says that in the year 1838 he removed with his family to the state of Missouri; that he purchased land and became a resident of Caldwell county; that he was an elder and teacher of the Church of Latter-day Saints; that the religious society of which he was an elder numbered several thousand people, who were remarkably industrious in their habits, quiet in their manners and conscientious observers of the laws; that they had been for some years prior to his removal thither purchasing and improving lands, and were possessed of a vast amount of property, probably to the amount of $3,500,000 of real and personal estate; that prejudices had for a long time existed in the minds of the rough and uncultured people by whom his people were surrounded, on account of their peculiar religious views and their different habits of life; that in the summer of 1838 the prejudice of the people against the deponent and his associates became great; that while in the peaceful pursuit of their labors upon their own farms, without any violence or aggression on their part, they were frequently attacked by armed mobs, their houses burned, their cattle stolen, their goods burned and wasted, many inoffensive people murdered, whole families driven out and dispersed over the country at inclement seasons, and every barbarity {494} which the ingenuity and malice of mobs could devise inflicted upon them.
These scenes of violence raged unchecked by the civil authorities, and many officers of the state of Missouri were open leaders of the mob and shared in its crimes. The armed militia of the state were arrayed, without authority of law, for the purpose of driving the deponent and his inoffensive people out of the state, or of exterminating them if they should remain within it. (For proof of this fact see the order of Governor Boggs, dated October 27, 1838, sent herewith). That this deponent and his people received notices, warnings and orders from the civil and military officers of Missouri, as well as from mobs who co-operated with them, to leave the state, and were threatened with death if they refused: that this deponent with others was taken prisoner by an armed mob, and oppressed, imprisoned, and carried from place to place, without authority of law. That his whole people, comprising at least 15,000 people, were driven out like wild beasts, that hundreds were murdered by shooting, stabbing and beating, and having their brains beaten out with clubs. Great numbers were starved to death; many died from fatigue and hardship in the fields; women were ravished, children murdered, and every cruelty inflicted. This deponent with his comrades was imprisoned about six months and until nearly all his people were driven out of the state; that they were then, by order of the officers of the state, set at liberty and ordered to flee from the state. That, after they were released, they were pursued by armed men, who endeavored to shoot them; and they thus were pursued out of the state, and were in peril of their lives as long as they remained within its limits.
And this deponent says that he never committed any crime against the laws of Missouri; that he never commanded or controlled any military or other force; that he never left the state voluntarily, and hoped to be permitted to enjoy his rights, property and liberty, like other peaceable citizens; but that he was driven out by force directed by the officers and approved by the legislature of Missouri; and that the lands and houses which his people had purchased and improved are now in many cases occupied and enjoyed by the very men who composed the mobs who dispossessed them; and he believes that the desire of plunder was one of the inducements which led to the great wrongs which his people have suffered.
And he further says that the recent requisition made upon the governor of Illinois, upon which a warrant for his arrest has been issued, has its origin in the proceedings before recited, in which this deponent, instead of being a "fugitive" from the justice of Missouri, was driven at the point of the bayonet beyond its borders; and that since such expulsion he has not been within the limits of Missouri.
{495} Wherefore he prays that, upon examination of the premises, the governor of Illinois will cause the writ issued by him to be revoked, and this deponent released from further proceedings in the premises.
JOSEPH SMITH.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of July, A.D. 1843. Given under my hand and notarial seal, the day and year last written.
[L. S.] EBENEZER ROBINSON, Notary Public.
Hancock county, Illinois.
Also Caleb Baldwin and Alanson Ripley joined me in the following:
Supplementary Affidavits.
STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK COUNTY. SS.
Personally came before Ebenezer Robinson, a notary public in and for said county, Caleb Baldwin who being sworn, says that after the arrest of himself and others as mentioned in the foregoing affidavit, he went to Judge Austin A. King, and asked Judge King to grant him a fair trial at law, saying that with the result of such a trial, he would be satisfied. But Judge King answered that "there was no law for the Mormons;" that "they must be exterminated;" that the prisoners, this deponent Smith and others, must die; but that some people, as women and children, would have the privilege of leaving the state, but there was no hope for them.
He told Judge King that his family, composed of helpless females, had been plundered and driven out into the prairie; and asked Judge King what he should do. To which Judge King answered, that if he would renounce his religion and forsake Smith, he would be released and protected. That the same offer was made to the other prisoners; all of whom, however, refused to do so, and were in reply told that they would be put to death.
Alanson Ripley, being in like manner sworn, says that the same offer was made to him by Mr. Birch, the prosecuting attorney, that if he would forsake the Mormons, he should be released and restored to his home, and suffered to remain; to which he returned an answer similar to that of Mr. Baldwin.
Joseph Smith, being in like manner sworn, says that he and Mr. Baldwin were chained together at the time of the conversation above recited by Mr. Baldwin; which conversation he heard, and which is correctly {496} stated above; but that no such offer was made to him, it being understood for certain that he was to be shot.
JOSEPH SMITH, CALEB BALDWIN, ALANSON RIPLEY.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 7th day of July, A.D. 1843. Given under my hand and notarial seal, the day and year last written.
[L. S.] EBENEZER ROBINSON. Notary Public, Hancock County, Illinois.
Afterwards Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Hyrum Smith, James Sloan, Alexander McRae, and Dimick B. Huntington joined me in the following affidavit:
STATE OF ILLINOIS, HANCOCK COUNTY. ss.
Personally appeared before Ebenezer Robinson, a notary public within and for said county, the undersigned citizens of said county; who, being first duly severally sworn according to law upon said oath, depose and say that the said affiants were citizens and residents of Caldwell county and the adjoining counties in the state of Missouri during the years A.D. 1837, 1838, and a part of A.D. 1839. That said affiants were personally conversant with and sufferers in the scenes and troubles usually denominated the Mormon war in Missouri. That Governor Boggs, the acting executive officer of said state, together with Major-General Atchison and Brigadier-General Doniphan, and also the authorities of the counties within which the Mormons resided, repeatedly by direct and public orders and threats commanded every Mormon in the state, Joseph Smith, their leader included, to leave the state, on peril of being exterminated. That the arrest of said Smith in the month of November, A.D. 1838, was made without authority, color, or pretended sanction of law; said arrest having been made by a mob, by which said Smith, among others, was condemned to be shot; but which said sentence was finally revoked. Said mob, resolving itself into a pretended court of justice without the pretended sanction of law, then and there made out the charges and procured the pretended conviction for the same which are mentioned in the indictment against the said Smith; by virtue of which he, the said Smith, on the requisition of the executive of Missouri, has been recently arrested by the order of his excellency, Thomas Ford, governor of the state of Illinois.
Said affiants further state that they were imprisoned with the said {497} Joseph Smith, when they and the said Smith were delivered into the hands of a guard to be conducted out of the state of Missouri, and by said guard, by the order and direction of the authorities of said counties where said Mormons were arrested and confined, and by order of the governor of the state of Missouri, were set at large, with directions to leave the state without delay. That said Joseph Smith and his affiants were compelled to leave the state for the reasons above mentioned, and would not and did not leave said state for any other cause or reason than that they were ordered and driven from the state of Missouri by the governor and citizens thereof. And further say not.
CALEB BALDWIN, LYMAN WIGHT, PARLEY P. PRATT, HYRUM SMITH, JAMES SLOAN, ALEXANDER MCRAE, DIMICK B. HUNTINGTON.
Sworn to before me, and subscribed in my presence, this 7th day of July, A.D. 1843. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix my notarial seal at my office in Nauvoo, this 7th day of July, A.D. 1843.
EBENEZER ROBINSON, Notary Public, Hancock County, Illinois.[A]
[Footnote A: The affidavits on Missouri troubles supplement those on the same subject published in the Appendix to Volume III of this work. Taken together they comprise a somewhat exhaustive history of the Latter-day Saints in the state of Missouri.]
About four p.m. Elders Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith and Eli P. Maginn, started on the steamer Rapids on their eastern mission.
Saturday, 8.--Municipal Court sat and approved of the copies of the evidence heard on the habeas corpus and revised it for the press. In the afternoon Shadrach Roundy started with the affidavits of Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, Lyman Wight, and G. W. Pitkin, to carry to the governor.
Bishop Miller arrived from the Pinery with one hundred and fifty-seven thousand feet of lumber, and seventy thousand shingles for the Temple.
Elders Young, Woodruff, and Smith arrived at St. Louis, and reshipped on board the Lancet for Cincinnati.
{498}
Chapter XXVI
DISCOURSE OF THE PROPHET--HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND--PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTS OF THE LATE TRIAL TO GOVERNOR FORD--REVELATION ON THE ETERNITY OF THE MARRIAGE COVENANT AND PLURALITY OF WIVES.
Sunday, July 9, 1843.--Meeting at the Grove in the morning. I addressed the Saints.
[The following is a brief synopsis, as reported by Dr. Willard Richards:]
The Cause of the Prophet's Success--Love for His Fellow-Man.
Joseph remarked that all was well between him and the heavens; that he had no enmity against any one; and as the prayer of Jesus, or his pattern, so prayed Joseph--"Father, forgive me my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me," for I freely forgive all men. If we would secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others, even our enemies as well as friends.
Sectarian priests cry out concerning me, and ask, "Why is it this babbler gains so many followers, and retains them?" I answer, It is because I possess the principle of love. All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand.
The Saints can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for my brethren. If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a "Mormon." I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.
It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul--civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. Love of liberty was diffused into my soul by my grandfathers[A] while they dandled me on their knees; and shall I want friends? No.
[Footnote A: Revolutionary ancestors of the Prophet.]
{499} The inquiry is frequently made or me, "Wherein do you differ from others in your religious views?" In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views, but that we could all drink into one principle of love. One of the grand fundamental principles or "Mormonism" is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may.
We believe in the Great Eloheim who sits enthroned in yonder heavens. So do the Presbyterians. If a skilful mechanic, in taking a welding heat, uses borax, alum, etc., and succeeds in welding together iron or steel more perfectly then any other mechanic, is he not deserving of praise? And if by the principles of truth I succeed in uniting men of all denominations in the bonds of love, shall I not have attained a good object?
If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way. Do you believe in Jesus Christ and the Gospel of salvation which He revealed? So do I. Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst; and they will do it before the millennium can be ushered in and Christ takes possession of His kingdom.
"Do you believe in the baptism of infants?" asks the Presbyterian. No. "Why?" Because it is nowhere written in the Bible. Circumcision is not baptism, neither was baptism instituted in the place of circumcision. Baptism is for remission of sins. Children have no sins. Jesus blessed them and said, "Do what you have seen me do." Children are all made alive in Christ, and those of riper years through faith and repentance.
So far we are agreed with other Christian denominations. They all preach faith and repentance. The gospel requires baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, which is the meaning of the word in the original language--namely, to bury or immerse.
We ask the sects, Do you believe this? They answer, No. I believe in being converted. I believe in this tenaciously. So did the Apostle Peter and the disciples of Jesus. But I further believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Evidence by Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:38. You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half--that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
The Savior says, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." "Though we or an {500} angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed," according to Galatians 1:8.
I am free today. Messengers have returned with offers of peace from the governor.
[Sidenote: Markham Outwits Sheriffs Reynolds and Wilson.]
This morning, [the 9th of July] Esquire Patrick and Colonel Markham returned from Springfield. Markham stated that on the 4th they drove to Beardstown, hired fresh horses, and got to Springfield, 124 miles, about seven on the morning of the 5th, about two hours in advance of the Carthage mail, carrying Reynolds and Wilson, and ready with the documents to see the governor. The affidavits were in the possession of Cyrus Walker, who refused to give them up, on account of a political squib in the State Register, charging Walker with making capital stock out of my arrest to favor his election to Congress. Markham then demanded them as my agent, telling him that, if he would not give them up, he would take them from him. Walker then turned and said, "I will do my duty, if it takes my head," and then went with Markham and delivered the papers to the governor. When they received the decision of the governor, they started on their return home. When they returned to Rushville, they learned that General Moses Wilson[B] had been staying there two or three weeks, with ten or twelve men, waiting for an opportunity of transporting me to Jackson county, and had only left there the morning previous, when they learned the decision of Governor Ford.
[Footnote B: This was the Gen. Moses Wilson who was active in the Missouri persecutions of the Saints, see Vol. II, pp. 46, 191. Also Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. Edition of 1874, chapt. xxi, Affidavit. Hist. of the Church, Vol. III, Appendix.]
In the evening, Shadrach Roundy started for Springfield, to carry further affidavits and see Governor Ford.
Monday, 10.--I rode out with Emma to the farm.
Tuesday, 11.--I rode out with my family in the carriage.
Wednesday, 12.--I received the following revelation in {501} the presence of my brother Hyrum and Elder William Clayton:--
Revelation on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including the Plurality of Wives. Given through Joseph, the Seer, in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 11th, 1843.[C]
[Footnote C: Doctrine and Covenants, section 132. For a treatise on the date of publication and authorship of this revelation see Introduction to this volume.]
Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I the Lord justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David, and Solomon my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines; behold and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching this matter. Therefore prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same; for, behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory; for all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world: and as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.
And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment, through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this Priesthood are conferred,) are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.
Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name? Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed? And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except {502} it be by law, even as I and my father ordained unto you before the world was? I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you this commandment, that no man shall come unto the Father but by me, or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord; and everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me, or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God; for whatsoever things remain are by me, and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed.
Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world, and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead and when they are out of the world; therefore they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world: therefore, when they are out of the world, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more and an exceeding and an eternal weight of glory: for these angels did not abide my law; therefore they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity, and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God for ever and ever.
And again, verily I say unto you, If a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid, neither of force, when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word. When they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass: they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory, for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.
And again, verily I say unto you, If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this Priesthood, and it shall be said unto them, Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths; then shall it be written in the Lamb's book of life, that he shall commit no murder, whereby to shed innocent blood; and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby {503} to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time and through all eternity, and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels and the gods which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads; which glory shall be a fullness and a continuation of the seeds for ever and ever.
Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue. Then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law, ye cannot attain to this glory; For strait is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world, neither do ye know me. But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation, that where I am, ye shall be also. This is eternal lives, to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. I am He. Receive ye, therefore, my law. Broad is the gate and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder, wherein they shed innocent blood,--yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan, unto the day of redemption; saith the Lord God.
The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world, nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder, wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord.
I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee the law of my Holy Priesthood, as was ordained by me and my Father before the world was. Abraham received all things, whatsoever he received by revelation and commandment, by my word, saith the Lord, and hath entered into his exaltation, and sitteth upon his throne.
{504} Abraham received promises concerning his seed and of the fruit of his loins,--from whose loins ye are--viz., my servant Joseph,--which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed out of the world, they should continue: both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the sea shore, ye could not number them. This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law are the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein He glorifieth Himself. Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law, and ye shall be saved. But if ye enter not into my law, ye cannot receive the promises of my Father, which He made unto Abraham.
God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises. Was Abraham therefore under condemnation? Verily, I say unto you, Nay: for I the Lord commanded it. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written, Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.
Abraham received concubines, and they bare him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded, and because they did none other thing than that which they were commanded they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels, but are gods.
David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, and Moses my servant, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin, save in those things which they received not of me.
David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me, save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord.
I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you, according to my word. And as ye have asked concerning adultery, verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man receiveth a wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she be with another man, and I have not appointed unto her by the holy anointing, she hath committed {505} adultery, and shall be destroyed. If she be not in the new and everlasting covenant, and she be with another man, she has committed adultery; and if her husband be with another woman, and he was under a vow, he hath broken his vow and hath committed adultery; and if she hath not committed adultery, but is innocent, and hath not broken her vow, and she knoweth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph, then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy Priesthood to take her and give her unto him that hath not committed adultery, but hath been faithful; for he shall be made ruler over many; for I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the Priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time.
And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven.
And again, verily I say, Whomsoever you bless I will bless; and whomsoever you curse I will curse, saith the Lord; for I the Lord am thy God.
And again, verily I say unto you, my servant Joseph, that whatsoever you give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one on earth by my word and according to my law, it shall be visited with blessings, and not cursings, and with my power, saith the Lord, and shall be without condemnation on earth and in heaven; for I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee, even unto the end of the world and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father. Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins. I have seen your sacrifices, in obedience to that which I have told you. Go, therefore; and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the offering of Abraham of his son Isaac.
Verily, I say unto you, A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself, and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice; and let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me: and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God; for I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice: and I give unto my servant Joseph that he {506} shall be made ruler over many things, for he hath been faithful over a few things; and from henceforth I will strengthen him.
And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment, she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her, if she abide not in my law: but if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him, and multiply him, and give unto him an hundredfold, in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives in the eternal worlds. And again, verily I say, Let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses, and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me; and I the Lord thy God will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice.
And again, I say, Let not my servant Joseph put his property out of his hands, lest an enemy come and destroy him, for Satan seeketh to destroy; for I am the Lord thy God, and he is my servant; and behold and lo, I am with him, as I was with Abraham thy father, even unto his exaltation and glory.
Now, as touching the law of the Priesthood, there are many things pertaining thereunto. Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of Him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this Priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law, and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him. Let no one, therefore, set on my servant Joseph; for I will justify him; for he shall do the sacrifice which I require at his hands for his transgressions, saith the Lord your God.
And again, as pertaining to the law of the Priesthood, If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery, for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else: and if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him: therefore is he justified. But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfill the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men, for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified.
{507} And again, verily, verily I say unto you, If any man have a wife who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my Priesthood as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God, for I will destroy her; for I will magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide in my law. Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she receive not this law, for him to receive all things whatsoever I, the Lord his God, will give unto him, because she did not believe and administer unto him according to my word; and she then becomes the transgressor, and he is exempt form the law of Sarah, who administered unto Abraham according to the law, when I commanded Abraham to take Hagar to wife. And now, as pertaining to this law, verily, verily I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you hereafter; therefore let this suffice for the present. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega. Amen.
Hyrum took the revelation and read it to Emma.
I directed Clayton to make out deeds of certain lots of land to Emma and the children.
I extract from the Neighbor:--
Editorial.
Joseph Smith is at Nauvoo in peace, quietly pursuing his own business; where we hope he will long remain free from the power of his inhuman persecutors.
The testimony already given[D] needs no comment. It shows but too plainly the inhumanity, recklessness, barbarism, and lawlessness of the state of Missouri; and we could wish, for the sake of humanity, for the sake of suffering innocence, and for the sake of our honored institutions, that our nation's escutcheon had never been stained by the inhuman acts and bloody deeds of Missouri, and that the non-efficiency of the nation to execute law had not been so fully developed. But it is too true, we have witnessed most of the things mentioned by Mr. Smith, and we have also witnessed the carelessness and apathy of Congress on this subject, or their inefficiency to remedy the evil; the which, had it been fully investigated, and the perpetrators of those damning crimes brought to condign punishment, it would have exposed a blacker history than ever was written of any pagan, not to say Christian nation, and would have exposed half of that state to the charge of treason, murder, robbery, arson, burglary, and extermination.
[Footnote D: This has reference to the testimony of Hyrum Smith published in the same issue of the Neighbor in which the Editorial appeared. The late President John Taylor was the editor.]
{508} As it is, the blood of the innocent yet cries for vengeance; and if it overtakes them not here, and God spares my breath, if no one else does it, their deeds shall be handed down to posterity, that unborn generations may execrate these anti-republico cannibals, and tell that in the state of Missouri lived a horde of savages, protected and shielded by American republican legislative authority, who, in the face of open day, dragged the innocent to prison, because of their religion,--who murdered the oppressed that they had in their power, and fed the victims with their flesh; that they glutted their diabolical lust on defenseless innocence, and violated female chastity in a manner too horrid to relate; that in their mock tribunals they refused all testimony in favor of the accused, and thrust their witnesses into prison; that, after robbing them of their property, they drove 15,000 persons from the state; that they cried to the authorities of that state for redress, and from them to Congress; but the echo from both was--"We can render you no assistance."
Elders Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith arrived in Louisville, and visited Mr. Porter, the "Kentucky baby!" 7 feet 7 inches high, and weighing 250 lbs.
Sheriff Reynolds, having published a garbled statement of my arrest in The Old School Democrat, [St. Louis] it was replied to by Esq. Southwick in the same paper.
{509}
Chapter XXVII
STATE OF AFFAIRS IN NAUVOO, WILLARD RICHARDS--A POLITICAL TRICK, ILLINOIS STATE REGISTER--BURDEN OF THE PROPHET'S MINISTRY, DISCOURSE--ENLARGEMENT OF MORMONISM, "BOSTON BEE"--THE PROPHET ON POLITICS, DISCOURSE--MOVEMENTS OF THE APOSTLES.
Thursday, July 13, 1843.--I was in conversation with Emma most of the day, and approved of the revised laws of the Legion.
The Legion authorized the issuing of Legion scrip to the amount of $500.
Shadrach Roundy returned from Springfield, and reported that the Governor had gone to Rock River; and he therefore left the affidavits in the care of Judge Adams. Brother Roundy had started with an old decrepit animal, and rode him all the way there and back again. He also reported that General Moses Wilson, of Missouri, had started from Jacksonville for Washington City.
Elders Ezra T. Benson, Q. S. Sparks and Noah Rogers preached at Cabbotville, Mass. While Elder Rogers was preaching, some person threw stones through the windows, and one hit Elder Benson on the thigh. The mob threw stones at them which flew like hail, when they left the room, but did not injure the brethren.
Friday, 14.--Spent the day at home. I was visited by a number of gentlemen and ladies who had arrived from Quincy on a steamboat. They manifested kind feelings.
Elder Jonathan Dunham started on an excursion to the western country.
{510} Saturday, 15.--Spent the day at home. Weather very hot.
A shower this morning wet the ground one inch.
At six p.m. went with my family and about one hundred others on a pleasure excursion on the Maid of Iowa, from the Nauvoo House landing to the north part of the city, and returned at dusk.
A theatrical performance in the evening by Mr. Chapman.
Sunday, 16.--Preached in the morning and evening at the stand in the Grove, near the west of the Temple, concerning a man's foes being those of his own household.
"The same spirit that crucified Jesus is in the breast of some who profess to be Saints in Nauvoo. I have secret enemies in the city intermingling with the Saints, etc. Said I would not prophesy any more, and proposed Hyrum to hold the office of prophet to the Church, as it was his birthright.
"I am going to have a reformation, and the Saints must regard Hyrum, for he has the authority, that I might be a Priest of the Most High God; and slightly touched upon the subject of the everlasting covenant, showing that a man and his wife must enter into that covenant in the world, or he will have no claim on her in the next world. But on account of the unbelief of the people, I cannot reveal the fullness of these things at present."
Elders Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff preached at the house of Father Hewitt in Cincinnati. Afterwards went to Kentucky to attend an appointment at the Licking Branch. Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith afflicted with the influenza, politically called "the Tyler gripe."
Monday, 17.--At home with my brother Hyrum, conversing on the Priesthood. Called at the office once, and in the evening visited the performance of Mr. Chapman in the court room.
{511} Elders Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff preached at Collins Pemberton's near Licking River, and blessed eight children.
Tuesday, 18.--I was making hay on my farm.
Elder Willard Richards wrote the following to President Brigham Young:
Letter of Willard Richards to Brigham Young--Detailing Current Events at Nauvoo.
By this time, I suppose you would like to hear a word from the city of the prophets. I forgot to hand you your introduction to General James Arlington Bennett; therefore I enclose it in this. Don't forget to remember me to the General and his delightful family most warmly, together with Mrs. Richards (read, seal and deliver, if it suits you.) As you passed our office on the 7th, I discharged my last charge of powder and ball over your heads: had no occasion to reload since; all is peace.
Saturday, 8. Municipal court session, to compare minutes of the habeas corpus trial and make ready for the press.
Sunday, 9. Beckenstos and Esquire Patrick returned from Springfield, when Reynolds, Mason, &c., started from Carthage for Springfield in the stage. They crowded Beckenstos out, so he borrowed a team, and when they arrived at Springfield. Beckenstos had been there six hours, seen the friends, and Governor, &c. The Governor had sent Mr. Breman, a special agent, to Nauvoo to learn the facts, as reports said, "the Mormons had rescued Jo," &c. Reynolds petitioned for a posse to retake Jo. Governor would not grant it, but waits the return of his agent. Reynolds started for Missouri. At St. Louis, 10th inst. he published a garbled account in the Old School Democrat. Esquire Southwick was in St. Louis, and refreshed Reynolds' memory by a reply, on the 12th inst., same paper. Governor manifested every feeling of friendship; wanted affidavits similar to those on trial, and would quash the writ. Joseph gave a sweet conciliatory discourse at the stand, expressive of good feeling to all men. This eve, Shadrach Roundy started for Springfield with affidavits.
Monday, 10. Preparing minutes of trial for publication.
Tuesday, 11. Platted my ground for a house.
Wednesday, 12. Warsaw Message published an extra to circulate correct information concerning the "Mormons" and they have given it correctly. George J. Adams and Hollister returned from Springfield. Popular opinion is going in our favor. General Wilson of Missouri was visiting his brother near Jacksonville, when news of the Governor's {512} inaction to Reynolds arrived, and he started immediately for Washington city (report says). Also that General Clark, or some famous military chief from Missouri, has been taking a survey of Nauvoo City. Do you believe it? Bah! It is more generally believed that Ford will quash the writ, issue no more, and Missouri will make no further attempts only by mob. Distance is but short between this and Upper Missouri. Is it? Bah!
13th. Roundy returned from Springfield this p.m., less than four days. Governor gone to Rock River visiting; ten days or two weeks absence: left the affidavits with General Adams.
14th-15th. Sun hour high p.m., president and family and private secretary and family, and about one hundred more went on board the steamboat Maid of Iowa at Nauvoo House, and went up to north part of city and back. At dusk, evening, a theatre in the store chamber; Mr. Chapman and suite, actors. Rain this morning; wet the ground one inch.
Sunday, 16th. Joseph preached all day; a.m., 27th chap. Matthew &c. Did not hear him. Man's foes, they are of his own house; the spirit that crucified Christ; same spirit in Nauvoo; referred particularly to--I won't say who; was it Brother Marks? Did not say. Brother Cole? Did not hear the sermon; why ask me. Nothing new; same as when you left. The spirit was against Christ because of His innocence; so in the present case. Said he would not prophesy any more; Hyrum should be the prophet; (did not tell them he was going to be a priest now, or a king by and by;) told the Elders not to prophesy when they went out preaching.
17th. Theatre again. 18th. And again this eve. I am writing for your eye.
18th. Evening, Bishop Miller arrived with 157,000 feet of lumber, sawed shingles, &c., about 170,000 feet in all. He says it was all sawed in two weeks and brought down in two more; says he has bought all the claims on those mills for $12,000 payable in lumber at the mills in three years, one third already paid for. Two saws did this job. Chance for as many mills as they may have a mind to build, and every saw can run five thousand feet per day, year round. Two saws now running, can deliver 157,000 every fortnight. All that is wanting is hands. I understand the Maid of Iowa starts for Black River, Thursday. Bishop feels well. No investigation of Nauvoo House books yet. Clayton tells me today the committee do not want a clerk, and Joseph says little about it. Showers all around us; little rain here. Joseph is on the prairie haying today. Wind blowing from all quarters for four days past. More calm after a shower. Good hay weather. Vegetation is drying with drought--dying, Brother Orson, if you want to criticise.
{513} Proceedings of court to the end of Hyrum's affidavit were published in the last Neighbor and Times and Seasons, to be continued in the next, all in pamphlet when finished. Shall mail paper for you and the brethren in New York, where I will direct this. I have said nothing about Brothers Kimball and Pratt, and Woodruff, and Smith, and Page, &c., &c.; but you will understand this is a kind of family letter, I suppose. Brother Woodruff's paper arrived, but no line, no letter from St. Louis. I have seen most of the widows since you left. Sister Young is well; was afflicted on Saturday with cholera morbus; called the Elders and right up again. Sisters Kimball is well. Sisters Woodruff is well, and I believe all the Sisters be's well; Sisters Pratt and Smith and all.
19th.I send by this mail six papers to Brother Woodruff, same direction. Just met Hyrum in the street; said to him, I am writing to the brethren, has our new prophet anything to say to them? "Give my respects to them." Elders Taylor's and Hyde's best compliments, with success. Great many loves to you all; mine particularly to all the brethren.
Yours for ever, WILLARD.
A shower of rain in the p.m. The son of James Emmett, aged eight years, killed by lightning while standing in his father's doorway in Bain Street.
To show the spirit of the times, although I do not vouch for the accuracy of the statements, I copy from the Illinois State Register:
Was the Arrest of the Prophet a Political Trick?
The public is already aware that a demand was lately made upon the Governor of this State for the arrest of Joseph Smith, and that a writ was accordingly issued against him. We propose now to state some of the facts, furnishing strong ground of suspicion that the demand which was made on the Governor here, was a manoeuvre of the Whig party.
1. A letter was shown to a gentleman of this city, by the agent of Missouri, from the notorious John C. Bennett to a gentleman in one of the western counties of that State, urging the importance of getting up an indictment immediately against Smith, for the five or six year old treason of which he was accused several years ago.
2. This charge had been made once before, and afterwards abandoned by Missouri. It is the same charge on which Smith was arrested and carried before Judge Douglas and discharged two years ago. After that decision, the indictment against Smith was dismissed and the charge wholly abandoned.
{514} 3. But in the letter alluded to, Bennett says to his Missouri agent, Go to the Judge, and never leave him until he appoints a special term of the court; never suffer the court to adjourn until an indictment is found against Smith for treason. When an indictment shall have been found, get a copy, and go immediately to the governor, and never leave him until you get a demand on the governor of Illinois for Smith's arrest; and then dispatch some active and vigilant person to Illinois for a warrant, and let him never leave the governor until he gets it; and then let him never come back to Missouri without Smith.
4. A special term of the circuit court of Daviess county, Missouri, was accordingly called on the 5th day of June last. An indictment was found against Smith five years old. A demand was made and a writ issued, as anticipated, by the 17th of the month.
5. Bennett, it is well known, has for a year past been a mere tool in the hands of the Whig junto at Springfield. He has been under their absolute subjection and control, and has been a regular correspondent of the_ Sangamo Journal_, the principal organ of the Whig party. He has been a great pet of both the Journal and the junto, and that paper has regularly announced his removal from place to place, until latterly and within the last year has published more of his writings than of any other person except the editor.
6. Cyrus Walker, a short time after his nomination as the Whig candidate for Congress, in the 6th district, made a pilgrimage to Nauvoo, for the purpose of currying favor with the Mormons and getting their support. But in this he was disappointed, as it appeared that many of the Mormons were disposed to support the Democratic candidate. Cyrus went home disappointed and dejected; and it was generally believed that, failing to get the Mormon vote, he would be beaten by his Democratic opponent.
7. Let it be also borne in mind that the treason of which Smith was accused was five or six years old; that it had been abandoned as a charge by Missouri; that the circuit court of that State sat three times a year; that Smith was permanently settled at Nauvoo, no person dreaming that he would leave there for years to come; that they might have waited in Missouri for a regular term of the court, if the design was simply to revive a charge of treason against Smith, with a perfect assurance that he would always be found at home, and be as subject to arrest at one time as another. But this delay did not suit the conspirators, as it would put off an attempt to arrest Smith until after the August election.
Let it be borne in mind also that the agent of Missouri, after he had obtained the custody of Smith at Dixon, refused to employ a Democratic lawyer, and insisted upon having a Whig lawyer of inferior {515} abilities, simply upon the ground, as he stated, that the Democrats were against him.
Let it also be borne in mind that Cyrus Walker, the Whig candidate for Congress, miraculously happened to be within six miles of Dixon when Smith was arrested, ready and convenient to be employed by Smith to get him delivered from custody; and that he was actually employed, and actually did get Smith enlarged from custody; and withal, let it be remembered that John C. Bennett is the pliant tool and pander of the junto at Springfield; and that he was the instigator of an unnecessary special term in Missouri, on the 5th day of June last, for the purpose of getting Smith indicted.
We say, let all these facts be borne in mind, and they produce a strong suspicion, that the whole affair is a Whig conspiracy to compel a Democratic governor to issue a writ against Smith, pending the Congressional election, so as to incense the Mormons, create a necessity for Walker's and perhaps Browning's professional services in favor of Smith, to get him delivered out of the net of their own weaving, and thereby get the everlasting gratitude of the Mormons and their support for the Whig cause.
Thursday, 20.--I furnished Bishop Miller with $290 for the expedition to the Pinery.
Friday, 21.--Rode to the farm with my daughter Julia.
The Maid of Iowa sailed for the Pinery in Wisconsin, with Bishop Miller, Lyman Wight and a large company, with their families.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Scott was elected Col. 1st, Reg., 2nd cohort of the Nauvoo Legion, to fill the vacancy of Col. Titus Billings, resigned.
Saturday, 22.--I rode out in my buggy in the evening.
Sister Mary Ann Holmes was brought to my house sick. She has been confined to her bed for upwards of two years.
Elders Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith left Cincinnati at eleven a.m. on board the Adelaide, for Pittsburg.
Elder Kimball dreamed that he was at work in a pottery, where there was a large amount of clay drawn together: he examined it and found it to be yellow, rotten stuff of no account; and he thought it was easier to go to {516} the clay bank and get new clay, which would make better vessels; but, after awhile he concluded to work up this clay into vessels, which when made proved to be rotten; which is a representation of the people of Cincinnati.
Sunday, 23.--Meeting at the stand. I preached. I insert a brief synopsis of the discourse, reported by Dr. Willard Richards:
Discourse--Burden of the Prophet's Ministry--Friendship.
I commence my remarks by reading this text--Luke 16:16:--"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."
I do not know that I shall be able to preach much; but, with the faith of the Saints, may say something instructive. It has gone abroad that I proclaimed myself no longer a prophet. I said it last Sabbath ironically: I supposed you would all understand. It was not that I would renounce the idea of being a prophet, but that I had no disposition to proclaim myself such. But I do say that I bear the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.
There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. I discover hundreds and thousands of my brethren ready to sacrifice their lives for me.
The burdens which roll upon me are very great. My persecutors allow me no rest, and I find that in the midst of business and care the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Although I was called of my Heavenly Father to lay the foundation of this great work and kingdom in this dispensation, and testify of His revealed will to scattered Israel, I am subject to like passions as other men, like the prophets of olden times.
Notwithstanding my weaknesses, I am under the necessity of bearing the infirmities of others, who, when they get into difficulty, hang on to me tenaciously to get them out, and wish me to cover their faults. On the other hand, the same characters, when they discover a weakness in Brother Joseph, endeavor to blast his reputation, and publish it to all the world, and thereby aid my enemies in destroying the Saints. Although the law is given through me to the Church, I cannot be borne with a moment by such men. They are ready to destroy me for the least foible, and publish my imaginary failings from Dan to Beersheba, though they are too ignorant of the things of God, which have been revealed to me, to judge of my actions, motives or conduct, in any correct manner whatever.
The only principle upon which they judge me is by comparing my {517} acts with the foolish traditions of their fathers and nonsensical teachings of hireling priests, whose object and aim were to keep the people in ignorance for the sake of filthy lucre; or as the prophet says, to feed themselves, not the flock. Men often come to me with their troubles, and seek my will, crying, Oh, Brother Joseph, help me! help me! But when I am in trouble, few of them sympathize with me, or extend to me relief. I believe in a principle of reciprocity, if we do live in a devilish and wicked world where men busy themselves in watching for iniquity, and lay snares for those who reprove in the gate.
I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it. Where this people are, there is good society. What do we care where we are, if the society be good? I don't care what a man's character is; if he's my friend--a true friend, I will be a friend to him, and preach the Gospel of salvation to him, and give him good counsel, helping him out of his difficulties.
Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of "Mormonism"; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers. Even the wolf and the lamb shall dwell together; the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf, the young lion and the fatling; and a little child shall lead them; the bear and the cow shall lie down together, and the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall play on the cockatrice's den; and they shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountains, saith the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah.)
It is a time-honored adage that love begets love. Let us pour forth love--show forth our kindness unto all mankind, and the Lord will reward us with everlasting increase; cast our bread upon the waters and we shall receive it after many days, increased to a hundredfold. Friendship is like Brother Turley in his blacksmith shop welding iron to iron; it unites the human family with its happy influence.
I do not dwell upon your faults, and you shall not upon mine. Charity, which is love, covereth a multitude of sins, and I have often covered up all the faults among you; but the prettiest thing is to have no faults at all. We should cultivate a meek, quiet and peaceable spirit.
Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, &c,, any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true "Mormons."
Last Monday morning certain brethren came to me and said they could hardly consent to receive Hyrum as a prophet, and for me to resign. {518} But I told them, "I only said it to try your faith; and it is strange, brethren, that you have been in the Church so long, and not yet understand the Melchisedek Priesthood."
I will resume the subject at some future time.
It is contrary to Governor Ford's oath of office, to send a man to Missouri, where he is proscribed in his religious opinions; for he is sworn to support the Constitution of the United States and also of this State, and these constitutions guarantee religious as well as civil liberty to all religious societies whatever.
[Sidenote: The Thirty-eighth Vexatious Lawsuit.]
Monday, 24.--This morning I had a long conversation with Mr. Hoge, the Democratic candidate for Congress. I showed him the corruption and folly of the governor's sending an armed force to take me, &c., and told him this made the 38th vexatious lawsuit against me for my religion.
Exhibition of Divine, the Fire King, in the court room.
Settled with William and Wilson Law. They were $167 in my debt, for which William Law gave his note.
Tuesday, 25.--During this day I signed Nauvoo Legion scrip, a copy of one of which I insert:
NAUVOO LEGION, July 25, 1843.
No. 406. This certificate will be received by the Nauvoo Legion, as one dollar in payment of debts due the Legion, and redeemable by the Paymaster-General on demand, with any moneys in the treasury.
WILSON LAW, Major General, JOSEPH SMITH, Lieutenant-General, JOHN S. FULLMER, Paymaster-General.
Being sick, I lay on my bed in the middle of the room: visited by Dr. Willard Richards.
Elder Noah Rogers administered to Sister Webster at Farmington, Connecticut, who had been unable to walk for several years past.
Wednesday, 26.--Sister Webster arose from her bed this morning and walked.
I copy from the Boston Bee:
Prospective Enlargement of Mormonism--Missouri Rapped.
Sir,--In my last I touched upon the vested rights of the city of the {519} Saints, as they appear upon the face of the charter; and it may be proper hereafter to go into the merits of that document, for I hold the maxim good that the "Union is interested in the Union;" but at the present time I have another subject on the tapis, which more immediately concerns the wise and honest portions of the American people. I reason from facts, no matter who may cry, "hush!" as to "Mormonism" and the "disgrace" which the State of Missouri inherits from her barbarous treatment and unlawful extermination of the Mormon people.
The great day has already been ushered in, and the voice of the Mormon is not only heard setting forth his own rights and preaching the Gospel of the Son of God in power and demonstration incontrovertible from revelation, in every city and hamlet in our wide-spread American Free States; but other realms and kingdoms hear the same tidings; even the Indians, Australia, Pacific Islands, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany and the Holy Land, where God Himself once spoke, have heard a Mormon; and all this in the short space of twelve or fourteen years; yea, and measures have been taken that Russia may hear the "Watchman cry."
Now, sir, "what has been done can be done." I shall not be surprised if the Mormons undertake to cope with the world. Virtue and truth are twin sisters of such winning charms, that honest men of every nation, kindred and tongue will fall in love with them; and what hinders the Mormons, with the Bible in one hand and humanity in the other, from Mormonizing all honest men? Nothing. The meaning of "Mormon," the Prophet Joe says, is "More good;" and no matter where it is the Mormons will have it; and if they cannot obtain it by exertion in the world, they will merit it by faith and prayer from the "old promise" of "ask and ye shall receive."
But do not think that I, even I, have been Mormonized by what I write for I say nay; though I am willing to admit--and all men of sense will do the same--the more light, the more truth; the more truth, the more love; the more love, the more virtue; the more virtue, the more peace; the more peace, the more heaven--what everybody wants. The Mormons believe rather too much for me. I can't come it.
Another word on Missouri. When her constitution was framed, they commenced the preamble as follows: "We, the people of Missouri, &c., by our representatives in convention assembled at St. Louis on Saturday, the 12th day of June, 1820, do mutually agree to establish a free and independent Republic," &c. Independent Republic! Well, some of the subsequent acts prove the truth of it, and as the broad folds of the constitution often conceal more than meets the eye: notwithstanding it is the aegis of the people to keep lawmakers and lawbreakers {520} within and without bonds, let us quote from the 13th article of the aforesaid constitution, the 3rd paragraph: "That the people have a right peaceably to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those vested with the powers of government for redress of grievances; and that their right to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state cannot be questioned." This otherwise right of gun-fence was made, as I have earned, for breachy Indians, but was used by Governor Boggs as a sine quo non, pointed with steel and burning with brimstone, to exterminate the Mormons. Truly we may ask, what is right and what is law contrary to the constitution? The Legislature of Missouri acknowledged the exterminating order of Boggs as constitutional, and appropriated more than $200,000 to pay the drivers and robbers, and I may as well say, mobbers of the Mormons, for services rendered the State in 1838. O Gladius! O Crumena! Viator.
Shower of rain at noon.
Thursday, 27.--I drove through the city with Father Morley in my carriage.
[Sidenote: Movements of Brigham Young, et al.]
The Adelaide run aground on the sand bar. Elders Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith were set ashore and each took coach for Pittsburg, where they arrived at six o'clock: went to the Temperance Hall, and unobserved heard Elder John E. Page preach against the sects. Here they met with Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Pratt.
Friday, 28.--I was at home sick, and was visited by Father Morley.
At noon James Sloan, the recorder, brought the desk containing city and Church books and papers to the mayor's office, as he was about to go on a mission to Ireland.
The Twelve met at Richard Savary's. Elder Young inquired concerning the proceedings of the Twelve in Cincinnati; found that Elders Kimball, Pratt and Page had held a conference, organized the church, and then left for Pittsburg.
{521} [Sidenote: Unwisdom of Elder Page.]
Elder Page stayed a few days and overruled what had been done, and reorganized the church, but the church was left in no better situation. Elder Young reproved Brother Page for undoing alone what three of the quorum had done together. He also alluded to my instructions to be gentle and mild in their teachings, and not to fight the sects any more at present, but to win the affection of the people.
In the evening they met at Jeremiah Cooper's house. Elders Young, Kimball and Smith addressed the Saints, numbering seventy-five.
[Sidenote: Political Debate, Hoge vs. Walker.]
Saturday, 29.--I rode up to the Temple and sent a copy of certificate of trustee, and Granger's power of attorney to Reuben McBride, Kirtland. Walked up to near the lodge room, met my brother Hyrum and had a conversation about Henry G. Sherwood. There was a political meeting at the Temple, when Mr. Joseph P. Hoge, candidate for Congress, addressed the citizens for three hours, and was replied to in short by Mr. Cyrus Walker.
Council of the Twelve met in the evening at Brother Savary's to teach the Elders. Elder Young said:
Views of Brigham Young on Presidency.
A man should, in the first place preside over himself, his passions, his person, and bring himself into subjection to the law of God; then preside over his children and his wife in righteousness; then he will be capable of presiding over a branch of the Church. But many Elders are contending about presiding over churches, when they are not capable of presiding over themselves or the least child they have.
The first principle of our cause and work is to understand that there is a prophet in the Church, and that he is at the head of the Church of Jesus Christ on earth.
Who called Joseph Smith to be a prophet? Did the people or God? God, and not the people called him. Had the people gathered together and appointed one of their number to be a prophet, he would have been accountable to the people; but inasmuch as he was called by God, and not the people, he is accountable to God only and the angel who committed the gospel to him, and not any man on earth. The Twelve {522} are accountable to the prophet, and not to the Church for the course they pursue; and we have learned to go and do as the prophet tells us.[A]
[Footnote A: The principle in the above in the main is doubtless correct, but side by side with the principle there set forth should be considered the principle that modifies it somewhat, namely, the principle of common consent and the voice of the people in the government of the Church. The Lord will call whom He sees proper to call to His priesthood; and so far they are amenable to Him alone for the discharge of the duties of the priesthood. But when in the exercise of the factions of the priesthood or its offices it comes to presiding over the Church or any of the branches or departments thereof, that can only be with the consent of those over whom they preside (see Doctrine and Covenants, sec. xx:65, 66; Ibid sec. xxvi:2; Ibid. sec. cvii:22). It is evident and a well settled principle that in these relationships to the Church, the officers of the Church, even the President thereof and the apostles, as well as all others, are amenable to the Church, else why the doctrine of the revelations that there is not any person belonging to the Church who is exempt from the law of the Church, and that inasmuch as even the president of the high priesthood, who is also the president of the Church, (Doc. and Cov. sec. cvii) shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the Church (Presiding Bishopric) assisted by twelve counselors of the high priesthood; that court is competent to try him, even the president of the Church; "and their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him. Thus none shall be exempt from the justice and the law of God." The Church, in other words is greater than any man in it (Doc. and Cov. sec. cvii; 81-84).]
Conference met in Utica, New York. Elder John P. Greene in the chair. Four branches were represented, containing 7 elders, 5 priests, 6 teachers, 2 deacons, and 159 members; 1 elder, 2 priests, 1 teacher and 1 deacon were ordained.
[Sidenote: Illness of the Prophet.]
Sunday, 30.--I was very sick, my lungs oppressed and overheated, through preaching last Sunday; and called for my brother Hyrum and William Law, and Willard Richards to lay on hands and pray for me.
Elder John Taylor preached in the morning. After preaching, President Marks called a special conference to appoint recorders for baptism for the dead. Elder Sloan having started on his mission to Ireland, Willard Richards was appointed General Church Recorder; and Joseph M. Cole, George Walker, Jonathan H. Hale, and J. A. W. Andrews, recorders for the baptisms for the dead. In the afternoon clerks met to organize and prepare for their duties.
[Sidenote: Meeting in Pittsburg.]
{523} Brothers Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith preached in the morning, John E. Page and Orson Pratt in the afternoon, and Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young in the evening, in the Temperance Hall in Pittsburg.
[Sidenote: Conference in Michigan.]
A conference was held in Briton, Michigan, when Mephibosheth Sirine was chosen president. Nine branches were represented, comprising 5 elders, 6 priests, 7 teachers, 1 deacon, and 225 members.
Monday, 31.--My health improving, I went to the prairie, sold one hundred acres of land, and called at my farm. Wrote to General Adams.
The following is from Elder Woodruff's journal under this date:
Enterprises in Pittsburg, 1843.
Our quorum assembled and walked over Pittsburg. We first visited Mr. Curling's glass works, and saw them at work through each branch. We saw them make pressed, stamped and plain tumblers, large jars, &c. We next went on the bluff above the city, and had a view of the new basin that is to contain the water to be forced into it from the Alleghany river to water the city. From this place we had a fair view of the city below. It truly sends forth its columns of smoke and blackness that arise from the coal fires which propel the numerous engines that are the mainspring of all the foundries, manufactories and works of the great city of Pittsburg.
We then descended the hill and visited the city water works or reservoir. The building is 150 feet long, 110 feet wide, and contains two engines of 200 horse power each, to drive a force pump to force the water from the Alleghany river into the basin on the bluff, to supply the wants of the citizens. The whole cost of this building, reservoir, and basin was $200,000. The building is after the Roman order. The whole architecture, design, making and finishing the building, was executed by Elder Charles Beck, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We visited every branch of the Miltonberger's iron works; saw the iron form the keel of an iron steam ship of war, 140 feet long. The vessel is designed to navigate Lake Erie.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Altercation with Bagby.]
Tuesday, August 1, 1843.--I was very sick at home in the morning. At four p.m. I rode up to the Temple and {524} complained to the clerks that Mr. Hamilton had got a tax title from the sheriff on one of my city lots. Mr. Bagby, the collector, came up in the midst of our conversation and when asked about it denied all knowledge of it. I told him that I had always been ready to pay all my taxes when I was called upon; and I did not think it gentlemanly treatment to sell any of my lots for taxes; and I told him that he was continually abusing the citizens here. Bagby called me a liar, and picked up a stone to throw at me, which so enraged me that I followed him a few steps, and struck him two or three times. Esquire Daniel H. Wells stepped between us and succeeded in separating us. I told the Esquire to assess the fine for the assault, and I was willing to pay it. He not doing it, I rode down to Alderman Whitney, stated the circumstances, and he imposed a fine which I paid, and then returned to the political meeting. Bagby stayed awhile, muttering threats against me. I went home, commenced to work awhile, but soon was very sick.
Received a private communication from a Mr. Braman, stating that the writ was returned to the governor and killed.
Hyrum and Hoge called at the office, when Hoge acknowledged the power of the Nauvoo Charter habeas corpus.
Esquire Walker gave a stump speech at the stand until dusk, and was immediately replied to by Esquire Hoge for over two hours, having lit candles for the purpose to hear them politically castigate each other.
The Twelve visited Alleghany City. Elders Young, Page and Kimball preached in the evening.
The Temple is progressing steadily. The walls of the noble edifice continue to rise, and its completion is looked forward to with great interest and anxiety by many.
All kinds of improvements are going on rapidly in Nauvoo and vicinity. Houses are going up in every direction {525} in the city and farms are being inclosed without. "The wilderness" will soon "blossom as the rose."
Elder Luman A. Shurtliff writes that he has traveled in the New England States, and recently baptized twenty persons.
Wednesday, 2.--I was a little easier today and rode out to Jacob Baum's to borrow money. In the evening conversing with Dr. J. M. Bernhisel.
A subscription has been got up to build a house for Elder Willard Richards, to which I subscribed a city lot. The brethren subscribed $25 cash, 10 cords of stone, 30 bushels of lime, 105 days work, $59 in work, 15,900 bricks, glass, lumber and other materials, together with a quantity of produce. I hope the day is not far-distant when my clerk will have a comfortable house for his family.
Thursday, 3.--Elder Beck of Pittsburg having paid $48 for the passage of six of the Twelve Apostles to Baltimore, they started this morning and rode all day and night over the Alleghany mountains in the stage.
I continued unwell. I received $800 in specie, and a $200 note from Benjamin Meginness for one hundred acres of land.
Friday, 4.--My health improving, I rode out to the farm. In the evening went with Emma to visit Elder Cahoon, where I met my brother Hyrum and his wife.
Saturday, 5.--Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith arrived in Philadelphia at 4 a.m., having traveled four hundred and thirty miles in forty-eight hours by stage, railroad and steamboat. A very severe storm of wind and rain raged in Philadelphia in the evening, doing immense damage.
Sunday, 6.--Meeting at the stand. Elder Parley P. Pratt preached on testimony.
When he closed, I told the people I would preach my sermon next Sunday, I was not able today; but I would now speak on another subject--viz., the election.
{526}The Prophet's Attitude on Politics.
I am above the kingdoms of the world, for I have no laws. I am not come to tell you to vote this way, that way or the other. In relation to national matters, I want it to go abroad unto the whole world that every man should stand on his own merits. The Lord has not given me a revelation concerning politics. I have not asked Him for one. I am a third party, and stand independent and alone. I desire to see all parties protected in their rights. As for Mr. Walker, he is the Whig candidate, a high-minded man. He has not hung onto my coat tail to gain his election, as some have said. I am going to give a testimony, but not for electioneering purposes. Before Mr. Walker came to Nauvoo, rumor came up that he might become a candidate. Said I--He is an old friend, and I'll vote for him. When he came to my house, I voluntarily told him I should vote for him. When I made him acquainted with the ordinances of Nauvoo, in relation to writs of habeas corpus, he acted in accordance therewith on my testimony. The rascals (Reynolds and Wilson) took Walker's and Montgomery's security when I was arrested. Walker made Reynolds come to me and beg my pardon for the abuse he gave me; and through his means and influence the pistols were taken from the rascals. He (Walker) withdrew all claim to your vote and influence if it would be detrimental to your interests as a people.
Brother Hyrum tells me this morning that he has had a testimony to the effect it would be better for the people to vote for Hoge; and I never knew Hyrum to say he ever had a revelation and it failed. Let God speak and all men hold their peace. I never authorized Brother Law to tell my private feelings, and I utterly forbid these political demagogues from using my name henceforth and for ever. It is my settled opinion that if Governor Ford erred in granting a writ against me, it is an error of the head, and not of the heart; and I authorize all men to say I am a personal friend of Governor Ford.
The cap to Parley's sermon is this--Every word that proceedeth from the mouth of Jehovah has such an influence over the human mind--the logical mind--that it is convincing without other testimony. Faith cometh by hearing. If ten thousand men testify to a truth you know, would it add to your faith? No. Or will ten thousand testimonies destroy your knowledge of a fact? No. I don't want any one to tell I am a prophet, or attempt to prove my word.
I prophesy in the name of God Almighty, they [the Saints] shall bear off the palm.
Hyrum Smith explained at some length concerning the election.
{527} Emma started to St. Louis to transact some business for me, it not being prudent for me to go to Missouri.
Meeting of the Twelve Apostles in Philadelphia.
The quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Philadelphia held a meeting in the Canaanite Church. About three hundred Saints were present. Meeting was opened by Jedediah M. Grant, and President Brigham Young addressed the congregation at considerable length. He said that a man or woman may ask of God, and get a witness and testimony from God concerning any work or messenger that is sent unto them; but if a person asks for a thing that does not concern him, such as governing the Church, as a member of the Church inquiring concerning the duty of a presiding Elder, what the prophet or the Twelve ought to do, &c., he will not get an answer. It he does it will not be from God. He also remarked that if any in the Church had the fullness of the Melchisedec Priesthood, he did not know it. For any person to have the fullness of that priesthood, he must be a king and priest. A person may have a portion of that priesthood, the same as governors or judges of England have power from the king to transact business; but that does not make them kings of England. A person may be anointed king and priest long before he receives his kingdom.
In the evening Elder Orson Pratt preached, and was followed by Elder George A. Smith. (Above from Wilford Woodruff's Journal.)
Monday, 7.--Election of Representatives to Congress and state and county officers, the Democratic ticket prevailing in Nauvoo by an overwhelming majority.
Tuesday, 8.--The Twelve in Philadelphia went out on a pleasure excursion on the Delaware river, with about one hundred and fifty of the Saints. They went down to Glouster Point and spent the day in various innocent amusements.
Wednesday, 9.--I rode out to my farm with a gentleman.
Thursday, 10.--Rode through the city with my brother Hyrum.
OBITUARY.
(From the Times and Seasons.)
Friday, 11. It is with regret that we announce the death of our respected brother, General James Adams, of Springfield. He joined the {528} Church some time ago in the above place, and had come to Nauvoo for the purpose of arranging matters preparatory to his removal to this place. He was attacked by the cholera morbus, and died on Friday night, the 11th instant. He has left an amiable family and a large circle of acquaintances, by whom he was greatly respected, to mourn his loss. Peace to his ashes!
Saturday, 12.--Emma returned from St. Louis. I was sick at home. Robert D. Foster having on Monday last been elected school commissioner, and George W. Thatcher, clerk of county commissioner's court, they went to Carthage to give bonds and take oath of office. When before the court, Harmon T. Wilson, John Wilson, Franklin J. Morrill and Prentice, and twelve or fifteen others, came in armed with hickory clubs, knives, dirks and pistols, and told the court they must not approve the bonds [of the above officers elect] or swear them into office; if they did blood would be spilt; and pledged their word, honor and reputation, to keep them out of office and put down the Mormons. The bonds, however, were accepted, and the mob gave notice of a meeting of the anti-Mormons of Hancock county for Saturday next, to consider about the Mormons retaining their offices.
Elder Willard Richards was sworn into office as recorder of the city of Nauvoo.
{529}
Chapter XXVIII
THE PROPHET ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF JUDGE ELIAS HIGBEE--LIFE AND RESURRECTION--EXPLANATION Of ELECTION DAY TROUBLES--GOVERNOR FORD'S REFUSAL TO PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF MISSOURI--ANTI-MORMON AGITATION AT CARTHAGE--ELDER JONATHAN DUNHAM'S REPORT OF HIS WESTERN EXPLORATIONS.
Sunday, August 13, 1843.--I went to the stand on Sunday morning, August 13, 1843, and preached on the death of Judge Higbee, a synopsis of which was reported by my clerk, Dr. Willard Richards.
The Prophet's Remarks at the Funeral of Judge Higbee.
BRETHREN AND SISTERS, you will find these words in II Peter iii:10, 11:--"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness."
I am not like other men. My mind is continually occupied with the business of the day, and I have to depend entirely upon the living God for every thing I say on such occasions as these.
The great thing for us to know is to comprehend what God did institute before the foundation of the world. Who knows it? It is the constitutional disposition of mankind to set up stakes and set bounds to the works and ways of the Almighty.
We are called this morning to mourn the death of a just and good man--a great and mighty man. It is a solemn idea that man has no hope of seeing a friend after he has lost him. But I will give you a more painful thought. It is simple; for I never design to communicate any ideas but what are simple; for to this end I am sent. Suppose you have an idea of a resurrection, etc., etc., and yet know nothing at all {530} of the gospel, nor comprehend one principle of the order of heaven, but find yourselves disappointed--yes, at last find yourselves disappointed in every hope or anticipation, when the decision goes forth from the lips of the Almighty. Would not this be a greater disappointment--a more painful thought than annihilation?
Had I inspiration, revelation, and lungs to communicate what my soul has contemplated in times past, there is not a soul in this congregation but would go to their homes and shut their mouths in everlasting silence on religion till they had learned something.
Why be so certain that you comprehend the things of God, when all things with you are so uncertain. You are welcome to all the knowledge and intelligence I can impart to you. I do not grudge the world all the religion they have got: they are welcome to all the knowledge they possess.
The sound saluted my ears--"Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant" (Hebrews xii, 22, 23, 24). What would it profit us to come unto the spirits of the just men, but to learn and come up to the standard of their knowledge?
Where has Judge Higbee gone?
Who is there that would not give all his goods to feed the poor, and pour out his gold and silver to the four winds, to go where Judge Higbee has gone?
That which hath been hid from before the foundation of the world is revealed to babes and sucklings in the last days.
The world is reserved unto burning in the last days. He shall send Elijah the prophet, and he shall reveal the covenants of the fathers in relation to the children, and the covenants of the children in relation to the fathers.
Four destroying angels holding power over the four quarters of the earth until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads, which signifies sealing the blessing upon their heads, meaning the everlasting covenant, thereby making their calling and election sure. When a seal is put upon the father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that they cannot be lost, but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father and mother.
To the mourners I would say--Do as the husband and the father would instruct you, and you shall be reunited.
The speaker continued to teach the doctrine of election and the sealing powers and principles, and spoke of the doctrine of election with {531} the seed of Abraham, and the sealing of blessings upon his posterity, and the sealing of the fathers and children, according to the declarations of the prophets. He then spoke of Judge Higbee in the world of spirits, and the blessings which he would obtain, and of the kind spirit and disposition of Judge Higbee while living; none of which was reported.
Remarks by President Joseph Smith, on Sunday afternoon, August 13, 1843, reported by Dr. Willard Richards:
The Prophet's Explanation of Election Day Troubles.
President Joseph Smith complained of the citizens of Nauvoo. He reproved some young men for crowding on to the ladies' seats on the meeting ground, and laughing and mocking during meeting; and, as mayor, he instructed the marshal to keep that portion of the grove clear of young men. "The city is enlarging very fast. We have many professedly learned men in this city, and the height of their knowledge is not to know enough to keep in their place."
He then complained of the treatment he had received from Walter Bagby, the county assessor and collector, who has exercised more despotic power over the inhabitants of the city than any despot of the eastern country over his serfs. I met him, and he gave me some abusive language, taking up a stone to throw at me: I seized him by the throat to choke him off. He then spoke of Esquire Daniel H. Wells interfering when he had no business, and of the abuses he received at the election on the hill. They got a constable by the name of King. I don't know what need there was of a constable. Old Father Perry said, "Why, you can't vote in this precinct."
King took me by the collar and told me to go away. (All our wrongs have arisen under the power and authority of Democracy; and I have sworn that this arm shall fall from my shoulder, and this tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth before I will vote for them,) unless they make me satisfaction, and I feel it sensibly. I was abused and neglected at the ground, and there was not a man in the crowd to say, "This is Brother Joseph, or this is the Mayor." He then spoke of the grog shops, and the disturbance of the crowd in the street by Moeser's grocery. "I have been ferreting out grog shops, groceries, and beer barrels. I have warned the rum and beer dealers to be scarce after this time, and the peace officers to watch the grog shops and give me seasonable notice of any disorder. If they are conducted as they have been, I will rip them up."
He then sat down, but resumed--"I had forgotten one thing. We have had certain traders in this city, who have been writing falsehoods {532} to Missouri; and there is a certain man in this city who has made a covenant to betray and give me up to the Missourians, and that, too, before Governor Carlin commenced his persecutions. That man is no other than Sidney Rigdon. This testimony I have from gentlemen from abroad, whose names I do not wish to give.
I most solemnly proclaim the withdrawal of my fellowship from this man, on condition that the foregoing be true; and let the Saints proclaim it abroad, that he may no longer be acknowledged as my counselor: and all who feel to sanction my proceedings and views will manifest it by uplifted hands.
There was a unanimous vote that Sidney Rigdon be disfellowshiped, and his license demanded.
The Twelve Apostles held meetings in various parts of Philadelphia.
Monday, 14.--Rode out at nine a.m. At home at one p.m. In the evening, attended the funeral of Lydia Walker, who died at my house yesterday.
I copy from the State Register as follows:--
A Post-Election Denial of Governor Ford Menacing the Citizens of Nauvoo.
We have seen and heard a statement that Governor Ford had delayed making a decision upon the demand of Missouri for the militia to arrest Joseph Smith, until after the election, so as by intimidation to compel the Mormons to vote the Democratic ticket.
The authors of this desperate and reckless slander take counsel from their own corrupt hearts, and judge others by a knowledge of what they would do in like case. No doubt but that they would do this, and more too, if necessary, to secure the success of their party; and hence their readiness to believe evil of others.
If, however, they had been in the least degree inclined to judge correctly, they would have gone, as we have done, to the records of the secretary's office, where they would have ascertained that all these suspicions were groundless, and that the governor had actually decided not to call out the militia eleven days before the election.
The following letters we copy from the records in the office of the secretary of state:--
[Mentioned in the above article from the State Register.]
{533} Official Documents Proving that Governor Ford Decided not to Call out Militia to Arrest Joseph Smith Previous to Late Election.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, July 26, 1843.
To his Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of Missouri:--
Sir,--The demand of Joseph H. Reynolds, Esq., the agent appointed by you to receive Joseph Smith, Jr., for a detachment of militia to assist in retaking said Smith, has been duly considered by me; and I now, at the earliest moment, after coming to a conclusion on the subject, proceed to lay before you the result of my deliberations.
The request for a military force is declined. The reasons which have influenced me in coming to this determination will be furnished to you at large, as soon as I can obtain leisure to do so.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully
Your obedient servant, THOMAS FORD.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, August 14, 1843.
To his Excellency, Thomas Reynolds, Governor of the State of Missouri:
SIR,--On the 26th day of July last, I had the honor to inform you by letter that, after full consideration, I had come to the conclusion to decline ordering out a detachment of the militia to assist in retaking Joseph Smith, Jr., who was said to have escaped from the custody of the Missouri agent; and in that letter I engaged to furnish you with my reasons at large for coming to that determination.
It appears that an indictment was found, at a special term of the Daviess Circuit Court, Missouri, held on the 5th day of June last, against Smith for treason. Upon this indictment, the governor of Missouri issued a requisition to the governor of this state, demanding the arrest and delivery of Smith. A writ was thereupon duly issued by me for the apprehension and delivery of Smith as demanded. This writ was put into the hands of an officer of this state to be executed. The officer to whom it was directed immediately arrested Smith, and delivered him to Joseph H. Reynolds, the agent of Missouri, appointed to receive him. The writ has been returned to me as having been fully executed.
After Smith was delivered into the hands of Mr. Joseph H. Reynolds, it is alleged that he was rescued from his custody by the Municipal Court of the city of Nauvoo.
Affidavits on both sides of the question have been filed before me, and I also have additional information on the subject contained in a report of Mr. Brayman, Esq., a special agent appointed by myself to investigate and collect facts in relation to the whole matter.
{534} The undisputed facts of the case are, that Smith was arrested near Dixon, in Lee county. He was immediately delivered over to Mr. Reynolds. Smith immediately brought an action against Mr. Reynolds for false imprisonment, and held him to bail in the sum of $400. Mr. Reynolds being in a strange country and unable to give bail, was taken into custody by the sheriff of Lee county and held as a prisoner, whilst Reynolds held Smith as his prisoner.
The parties finally concluded to get out writ of habeas corpus, and try the legality of the imprisonment in each case. The writs were accordingly issued, returnable before the nearest judicial tribunal in the circuit in which Quincy is situated; and thereupon all parties proceeded in the direction of Quincy, Smith being in the custody of Reynolds, and Reynolds himself in the custody of the sheriff of Lee county.
On the road, during their progress, they were met by parties of the citizens of Nauvoo, some or most of whom are said to have been members of the Nauvoo Legion, though there is no evidence that they appeared in a military capacity. There was no exhibition of arms of any description, nor was there any military or warlike array, nor was there any actual force used, though Mr. Reynolds testifies that he felt under constraint, and that Smith, soon after meeting the first parties of Mormons, enlarged himself from his custody.
Mr. Reynolds also testifies (and there can be no doubt of the fact) that he was taken to Nauvoo against his will.
But whether he was taken there by the command of Smith and his friends, or by the voluntary act of the sheriff of Lee county, who had him in custody, does not appear by any testimony furnished by Mr. Reynolds. The affidavit of the sheriff has not been obtained, though there is an evidence on the other side to show that the sheriff of Lee county voluntarily carried Mr. Reynolds to the city of Nauvoo, without any coercion on the part of any one.
After arriving at Nauvoo, a writ of habeas corpus was issued by the Municipal Court of that city, and Mr. Reynolds was compelled by the authority of the court to produce Mr. Smith before that tribunal. After hearing the case, the court discharged Smith from arrest.
There is much other evidence submitted; but the foregoing is the material part of it to be considered on the present occasion.
Now, sir, I might safely rest my refusal to order a detachment of militia to assist in retaking Smith upon the ground that the laws of this state have been fully exercised in the matter. A writ has been issued for his apprehension. Smith was apprehended and was duly delivered by the officer of this state to the agent of the state of Missouri appointed to receive him. No process, officer, or authority of this state has been resisted or interfered with. I have fully executed the duty which the {535} laws impose on me, and have not been resisted either in the writ issued for the arrest of Smith or in the person of the officer appointed to apprehend him. If there has been any resistance to any one, it has been to the officer of Missouri, after Smith came to his custody; and everything had been done on my part which the law warranted me in doing.
Another objection to ordering a detachment of militia, arises out of the militia laws of this state, the forty-third section of which is as follows:--
"Whenever it may be necessary to call into actual service any part of the militia of this state, on a requisition by the executive of the United States, on an actual or threatened invasion of this state, or any of the neighboring states or territories of the United States, the commander-in-chief shall forthwith demand from each division a detachment in proportion to the strength thereof, except as hereinafter excepted, which order shall be delivered by a special messenger to the several commandants of divisions, specifying the number demanded from each division, the time and place of rendezvous, if ordered to march; and if the same be detached under any particular act of the United States, to endorse the same on such order: Provided that whenever the safety of any of the frontier settlements in this state shall, in the opinion of the governor, require it, he may exempt the militia in such settlements from being called into service, and make such further provision for the defense as the necessity of the case may require; which exemption shall be expressed in his orders to commandants of the divisions, who, together with the commandants of brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies, shall govern themselves accordingly. And provided, also, that such militia men may be required to serve as spies on their own frontiers; and that, on actual invasion or any extreme emergency, the commander-in-chief, commandants of divisions, brigades, battalions, and companies, may call on the whole or any part of the militia under their respective commands, as the nature of the case may require; who shall continue in service, if necessary, until the militia can be regularly called out."
The governor has no other authority, in calling out the militia, than that which is contained in this section; by which it appears that there must be either a requisition from the president, an actual or threatened invasion, or some extreme emergency, to warrant the governor in exercising this power. No one of these contingencies has arisen. There has been no requisition from the president; there has been no actual or threatened invasion of the state; nor is this such an extreme emergency as is contemplated by the law.
If we allow that force was exhibited and threatened to compel your agent to carry his prisoner before the municipal court of Nauvoo, that {536} the court there took cognizance of the cause without jurisdiction and against the consent of your agent, it would amount at most to a riot; and to a resistance of authority in a single case, and that, too, under color of law and legal process. To constitute an extreme emergency, so as to justify a call for the militia, there ought, in my opinion, to be something more than a mere illegal act--something more than a design to resist the law in a single instance. The design ought to be general, as in treason, rebellion, or insurrection; in which cases a universality of design is essential to constitute the offense.
If a person resist a constable or sheriff, or other officer charged with the execution of process, with an intention to resist the law in that particular instance, such an act is a misdemeanor at most, is indictable as such, and may be met by the posse comitatus. But something more than a mere misdemeanor must have been contemplated by the law. It would seem to me that it could never have been intended that the governor should call out the militia in every case, where a constable or sheriff may be resisted; and even in a case of a riotous resistance it would not be an extreme emergency without some military array, some warlike show, or some threatened resistance to the government itself.
In this case, there has been no warlike array in the proceedings of Smith and his friends, no exhibition of arms, and no actual force of an illegal character. Mr. Reynolds was not subjected to illegal imprisonment. He was arrested on lawful process; and although that process may have been wrongfully obtained, yet his arrest was not riotous or unlawful, but according to the forms of law. Mr. Reynolds continued in the custody of the sheriff, by virtue of that process, until he was taken to Nauvoo; and although he was taken to that city against his will, and was by that means compelled to take his prisoner there, yet was he taken by lawful process, by an authorized officer who acted, so far as I have any evidence, freely and voluntarily, in so doing. In no one aspect of the case can I consider the present an extreme emergency, warranting a call for the militia according to the provisions of law in this state.
Thus, sir, I have stated to you the principal reasons which have influenced me in refusing to order a call of the militia. To my mind they are entirely satisfactory, and I hope they will meet with the approval of your Excellency and the citizens of Missouri.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient servant, THOMAS FORD.
Tuesday, 15.--Went in the evening to see Mr. La Forest exhibit feats of strength.
{537} Wednesday, 16.--At ten a.m., attended the funeral of General James Adams, who was buried with Masonic honors.
I sent Sidney Rigdon's affidavit to Governor Ford.
Thursday, 17.--I held mayor's court through the day, and tried several suits.
Elders Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde started from Nauvoo for Boston, via Chicago.
Elder J. M. Grant wrote me a letter reporting the church in Philadelphia to be in a prosperous condition.
Friday, 18.--Conversed with Mr. Swartout, of Quincy, and bought from him thirteen quarter-sections of land. Visited the lumber yard.
Elders Young and Kimball visited Mount Holly, New Jersey.
Saturday, 19.--"Great Meeting of Anti-Mormons!" At a public meeting of the citizens of Hancock county, without distinction of party, held at the Court House in Carthage, in pursuance of previous notice, on Saturday, the 19th of August, A.D. 1843.
Anti-Mormon Meeting at Carthage.
Major Reuben Graves was called to the chair, and William D. Abernethy appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated by Valentine Wilson in an animated address. The meeting was afterwards addressed by Walter Bagby and also by Hiram Boyle, of Adams county.
On motion of F. J. Bartlett, a committee of nine was appointed by the chair to draft and report resolutions for the action of the meeting.
F. J. Bartlett, Walter Bagby, Valentine Wilson, G. M. Swope, R. T. Madison, J. A. Beebe, John Wilson, Henry Hunter, and John Cameron were appointed that committee.
After a short absence the committee submitted the following:
REPORT.
Your committee respectfully requests to be excused from making a formal report at this time, owing to the short time allowed them and the importance of the business that has called us together, and ask to be discharged from further duties and recommend that a committee of six be appointed to draft resolutions and make a report to an adjourned meeting.
{538} Whereupon the following gentlemen were appointed to compose that committee,--viz.:
Walter Bagby, F. J. Bartlett, Stephen Owen, Stephen H. Tyler, Valentine Wilson and Joel Weston.
The meeting then adjourned to meet again at this place on the 6th of September next, at one o'clock p.m.
REUBEN GRAVES, Chairman. W. D. ABERNETHY, Secretary.
Sunday, 20.--I was at home all day. My brother Hyrum preached at the stand, and Sidney Rigdon read a copy of a letter to show the people that he was not guilty of treachery.
Monday, 21.--I received a letter from Mr. Patrick, covering one from Mr. J. Hall, of Independence, Missouri, breathing hard things against us as a people. I gave instructions to have them copied with some additional remarks, and sent to Governor Ford. The following is a copy of the letter, with the comments of the Neighbor thereon.
Letter of J. Hall, Missouri, on the Recent Arrest and Trial of the Prophet.
INDEPENDENCE, MO., July 23, 1843.
MY DEAR OLD FRIEND:--Your letter dated on the 12th, and mailed on the 14th instant, is just at hand; and not being able to answer your questions correctly or advise you judicially, in relation to the Rockwell case until after I see him and some other of my friends, I will postpone that part of this letter until tomorrow, and in the meantime will say such things as I can write about without much reflection.
Sheriff Reynolds, upon his return gave me his compliments from you and for the first time I learned that you resided in Illinois. He also gave a narrative of his adventures in your state, which was anything but favorable, either to the reputation of your people or yourself, as a law abiding people or a profound or honest lawyer. Certainly there can be but little virtue in the community, and little honesty in the officers or the law, who will trample upon the forms of justice, the laws of the country and bid open defiance to both in the manner that Sheriff Reynolds informs us that you acted with him, after his arrest of the Mormon Prophet. That the state courts have a right upon a writ of habeas corpus to investigate the legality of all imprisonment within {539} their respective chartered limits, whether such imprisonment is by the authority of the United States or of a state, no sound lawyer, perhaps, will doubt; but it is equally certain that no court upon such a writ has any right to go beyond the forms and the prima facia evidence of the case. If the officers of courts and the community are so corrupt as to disregard their own laws and trample them under their feet, and liberate their criminals in defiance of law, then it appears to me that the power of self government is extinct; if Illinois by her own authority, cannot capture the prophet, it will be but a small matter to raise volunteers enough here to raze the city of Nauvoo to the ground; if Illinois fails to deliver up Jo Smith, there will be something serious between the two states. Missouri will have Jo Smith for trial or impose as powerful restrictions as the Constitution will allow upon the intercourse of the citizens of Illinois in Missouri. If the governor of Illinois is so imbecile as to allow his warrant to be disregarded by the Mormons, and permit the Prophet to go at large, then let him be impeached, and a new, honorable, energetic man be placed in his stead. I have it from a high source that Missouri will hold the whole state responsible for the treatment of our messenger, and for the delivery of the Prophet. Had you liberated the Prophet by a regular writ of habeas corpus without mistreating our Reynolds, I should have gloried in my acquaintance with you; but to have done it in the manner it was done reflects no honor either on yourself, your people, or your government. The Mormons are only a lawless banditti, and I fear the pestilence has contaminated the whole community; and if Reynolds' opinion be correct, yourself among the rest, Holy Jo was not afraid of the "injustice of our people;" it is the just punishment and their violated laws that he fears.
I will now give you an impartial opinion of the prejudices against Rockwell here, and my opinion of his guilt. There is not a man in this community but believes him guilty. There is a chain of circumstances against him so strong that no rational man can doubt his guilt. I was at Boggs' house two minutes after the deed; it is in sight of mine; and the insidiousness of the offense renders it difficult to restrain the citizens from hanging him up without judge or jury. So far, however, we have succeeded in quelling it; but should he be discharged upon trial, the power of man cannot save him. (More tomorrow.)
J. HALL.
Editorial Comments of the "Nauvoo Neighbor" on the Foregoing Letter.[A]
[Footnote A: The editorial is by John Taylor.]
The foregoing letter was sent from J. Hall, of Independence, Missouri, to a respectable lawyer of Dixon, Illinois, and by him with an explanatory {540} letter enclosed and forwarded to General Smith of this city; and after retaining copies, it was thought advisable to forward both the originals to Governor Ford for his consideration. By this proceeding it is not to be understood that the citizens of Nauvoo fear that "volunteers from Missouri will raze Nauvoo to the ground." There is too much honor and patriotism in Illinois to allow such a barbarous and disgraceful transaction; but it was done to apprize his Excellency of the mode and manner of doing business in cases of emergency in Missouri, and to show his Excellency how much responsibility he and the state were under in case the Prophet should not be delivered up on the requisition of Missouri, where, according to the nicest calculations of the famous lawyer Hall, taking Rockwell's case for a sample, if he were discharged upon his trial, "the power of man could not save him!"
As to the non-intercourse, or "restrictions" which Missouri may assume or inflict over the citizens of Illinois, we have nothing to say. The Latter-day Saints have seen Boggs' signature to such a bill as that and many know the penalty.
There is little need of comment on Mr. Hall's famous letter; for to us it seems to be of itself a comment that makes honesty, virtue and common sense blush, and law, liberty and republicism shudder! We appeal to the liberal-minded and proud-hearted Americans, whether such a spot upon the withering character of Missouri could be removed, any more than an African could be washed white, or a wolf be possessed of the innocence of a lamb, unless the Lord interfered.
Talk of justice in Missouri! You might as well make a burning limekiln or coal-pit an ice-house or hospital! The ice would melt and the sick would suffocate, the power of man could not save them! No wonder a negro could be burned alive in Missouri! No wonder a criminal could be taken out of jail and murdered while the sheriff held a respite in his hand, in Missouri; and no wonder that a Mormon will not risk his life in Missouri; the power of man could not save him, even if discharged by what is styled a court of justice.
To glance at the whole without recurring to the many crimes of the people of the state, officially or unofficially, whether it be feeding prisoners on human flesh, or taking them out of jail and lynching them without mercy, to help justice beforehand, or whether it be Boggs' exterminating order or even the present hint at restriction and assumption of responsibility, we are apt to believe that the good sense and virtue of the citizens of Illinois in general and the Mormons especially like the old experienced rat will shun Missouri as a whitened heap under which there is mischief concealed.
Rode out with Mr. Moore. In the afternoon held mayor's {541}court, and tried Frederick J. Moeser for breach of temperance ordinance. Fined him $3 and costs.
Mary Ann Young, daughter of Elder Brigham Young, died, aged six years and eight months, of dropsy around the heart.
Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith arrived in New York.
Tuesday, 22.--Held mayor's court, and fined Stephen Wilkinson for selling spirits without a license.
We constantly hear rumors that the people of Carthage are determined to raise a mob to drive the Mormons out of the state.
My brother Hyrum has gone to Plymouth.
Wednesday, 23.--I attended mayor's court and tried several suits.
Sent George J. Adams to Augusta to procure some articles for the temple.
Elders Orson Pratt and Wilford Woodruff arrived in New York, accompanied by Elders Jedediah M. Grant and James Sloan.
Thursday, 24.--Engaged in land business, selling and making titles of land and settling with several individuals.
Friday, 25.--My brother Hyrum in the office, conversing with me about the new revelation upon celestial marriage.
Rain in gentle showers through the day, being the first of any amount that has fallen in Nauvoo since the 1st of June. The earth has been exceedingly dry, and the early potatoes nearly destroyed. Corn has been stunted in its growth and even vines much injured by the drouth.
Saturday, 26.--Six hundred houses destroyed by fire in Kingston, Jamaica; estimated damage, $1,500,000.
The U.S. Steam frigate Missouri destroyed by fire.
Elder Jonathan Dunham returned from his exploring excursion west. The following is extracted from his journal:
{542} _Extracts from Journal of Elder Jonathan Dunham while Engaged on an Exploration in the Western Country_.[B]
[Footnote B: See this volume, page 509.]
Saturday, July 16, 1843.--Stayed all day at Zarahemla; all night at Mr. Hawley's.
Sunday, 17.--Miss Daniels finished my tent, &c. Left Hawley's at twelve o'clock, went fifteen miles and camped for the night. In the morning our horses were gone; we hunted for them some time before we found them.
18th July.--Left the camp at seven o'clock; traveled all day; came within sixteen miles of the agency. Camped on the prairie.
Tuesday, 19.--Left the camp at six o'clock; passed the agent's house, half-past twelve. Came to Sugar Grove creek; stopped, rested our horses, took dinner, &c., at two o'clock p.m.; stopped at dark on Mesquito creek, and stayed all night.
Wednesday, 20.--Started at six o'clock; traveled thirty miles; fell in with the Sac Indians, who had been to the old Sac village after corn. At night they got drunk and fought. We encamped at dark, and stayed all night in the timber, on a bluff bank of the Des Moines river.
Started late in the morning of Thursday, 21st. We traveled until twelve o'clock: stopped in the round flat of the Des Moines river (here another drunken Indian frolic which lasted all the afternoon); left the ground at half-past two p.m. and went thirteen miles; came within twenty miles of the garrison troops, or Sac settlement, and encamped on the edge of the prairie.
Friday, 22nd July.--Left for the Sac village; at noon we got parted from each other, and the Indians got drunk and quarreled; and Captain Joe would not go any further. He lay down, was mad, and I could not get him to go. So I left him and went towards the Sac village. Stayed all night at the trading house.
Saturday morning, 23rd July.--Came to the Sac village, and waited for Captain Joe to arrive with his party.
Sunday, 24.--Stayed at the Sac waiting for my pilot, who was sick and lame in one knee, so that he could not travel.
Monday, 25.--This morning at Wapamuneto's; stayed until noon of Tuesday, 26th; then Neotanah, my guide came, and we started off immediately for Missouri; stayed on the prairie all night.
Wednesday, 27.--Traveled until noon; baited our horses; no water; we had nothing to eat; continued our journey; it rained all the afternoon; stayed all the night in the prairie; lay in the wet grass.
Thursday, 28.--Started on our journey this morning early. Saw in {543} the forenoon a herd of elk. The Indian went up the hollow to shoot one, while I held the horses out of sight of the elk. He crawled in the grass some fifty or sixty rods, and snapped four times at them when they were lying down; he could not get his gun off. The elk ran off a rifle shot and looked at him. He broke his gun to pieces on the ground and threw it away down the hill, and came back to me swearing mad. Went on until three o'clock, then baited our horses and prepared for a shower that was apparently nigh at hand. We went until sundown, then pitched our tents in the grass; and such rain and thunder and lightning I never before witnessed. Lay all night in the rain. Our tent blew over.
Friday, 29th July.--We dried our things by the fire, and then went on about twenty-five miles; came to a village of the Pottawatamies about sunset: found nobody at home; went into the house of my guide; his wife was dead, and his son and wife gone to the north on a buffalo hunt. We made a fire, and got something to eat. Late in the night there came four Indians and one old squaw; they brought some jerked venison and some half-boiled corn.
Saturday morning, 30th July.--We were sent for to the chief's house. We went. The Indians, squaws and children came from every quarter to see the man that had come with Neotanah. Breakfast was ready for us as soon as we came in. This was the first time that I ever ate at a wigwam amongst little and great, when the victuals relished as it did at this time; but this is easily accounted for: hunger will make anything that is eatable taste good. Stayed all day at the chief's house. My rifle seemed to be the great wonder amongst all Indians and squaws; it went the rounds, from one to another, as if it had been one of the seven wonders of the world. This Indian town stands on the creek called the Pottawatamie Tour-se-pas. This creek is from three to eight rods wide, is deep, and often flows its banks. Its length is sixty miles and it enters into the Missouri river, thirty miles from Pottawatamie town.
Sunday, 31.--Nothing this day transpired worth mentioning. About three o'clock p.m. a delegate from the Pottwatamie tribe returned from Iowa river, where he met in council with two of the Sioux and one Winnebago. He said the distance from the Pottawatamies to Galena is five hundred miles.
Monday, 1st August, 1843.--This day I spent in looking up the creek for a mill seat, and found one and two beds of iron ore.
Tuesday, 2.--This morning the chief of the warriors brought me two cat fish, and left them in the wik-a-up where I stayed. I cooked half of one of them, and it eat very good. The Indians all are very kind to me, more so than I could expect. This tribe is somewhat scattered, {544} through the timber up and down the creek; but the main village or town stands on an eminence that overlooks the whole of the rest of the Indian habitations. It appears to be a healthy habitation. The water is good and the climate wholesome. Some considerable timber, though no very great sawing timber, except bass wood, black walnut, some cottonwood. This tribe have been here for six years from Rock river.
The Pottawatamies this side of the Missouri river, they say, will number 2,000 men, women and children. Thirty-four miles from the Pottawatamie town to the Council Bluffs, 200 miles south lies Fort Leavenworth; and about the same distance southeast lies Far West. One hundred miles north is a buffalo country, where the Pottawatamies hunt and catch buffalo.
Wednesday, August 3.--Council met at two o'clock. They own five millions of acres of land. Last annuities, the number was 1,552 souls. Council arose at sunset, when the decision was made that Neotanah should conduct me back again to the agency in Iowa, on the nearest and most convenient route. The head chief was to conduct me home; but in council a messenger arrived and brought news that the superintendent of the annuities had arrived at the garrison, Leavenworth, and the middle of August he would visit the chiefs at Council Bluffs to pay them their money. Be said he was very sorry that he could not conduct me to Nauvoo; he wanted to see the place and the people. The interpreter appeared very friendly indeed, and regretted much that he could not go with me home; but said he would visit Nauvoo in the spring, as early as the weather and streams of water would permit.
Thursday, 4.--This morning I discovered a little dissatisfaction in some, which began to cause a division, that the same Indian that conducted me to their nation should conduct me back again.
The Pawnees on the head of the Big Platte, 150 miles from Council Bluffs.
About the 7th of July, (1843) the Sacs, 600 men, came against the Pawnees, 160. They fought from daylight until noon, killed sixty Sioux and about sixty-two of the Pawnees. The missionary went upon the bluff and saw the battle. They offered no abuse to the whites.
Friday, 5.--Nothing of note passed.
Saturday, 6.--This day I took dinner with a friend, who had just come from the buffalo hunt. His daughter cooked a johnny cake and got some tea; had sugar a plenty, and buffalo meat. This, for the first time that I had seen any corn meal, was pounded in a mortar, and the finest sorted out and baked; but the manner in which it was wet up and shortened was a caution to the hogs. But this all passed over very well. I have no reason to complain, for they did the best they knew {545} how. Severe hunger made all things relish well that was eatable for dogs.
Sunday, 7.--Went down the creek to make some arrangements about returning home. Saw some new Indians, and had to go and dine with them; then, after dinner, went up town and stayed all night.
Monday, 8.--Went about eight or ten miles after wild honey; found two trees, got the honey, and returned home by dark the same day.
Tuesday, 9.--This morning had breakfast of honey, and buffalo meat dried and smoked; then, in about one hour and a half, boiled corn and elk bone broth was served up. This was a great dish amongst the Lamanites; but not so good a dish for me as I have seen in past days in my own land and amongst my own people.
On the 8th instant a great feast was held at the Black Chief's, called the buffalo feast, or after the buffalo hunt was over; and all returned in safety and all their labors crowned with success. An address was delivered by a subordinate speaker because the chief was very ill. This address or sermon was lengthy and delivered in great oratorical style. At the end of the last sentence the congregation responded a loud amen; then they commenced eating as the feast was prepared already. After the feast the singers commenced to sing, and sang three songs, the dances commenced at a loud whoop from the war chief. After dancing was passed off the priest offered up a prayer to the Great Spirit for giving them good hunting. The congregation then dispersed.
Wednesday, 10.--Another feast was prepared for the lower town, who were absent at the first feast. This last feast held all night, or the dance continued all night.
Thursday, 11.--I went to the lower town and visited them: they also were very friendly. The town is situated on the east bank of the river, about three miles below the middle town, and the middle town about one mile below the upper town. The head chief lives in the middle town and one chief in each of the other towns.
Friday, 12.--All was still and quiet, nothing going on worthy of notice; all busy about their employment. The old men were lying on their couches and smoking their pipes; the old women were making sacks in which to gather their corn and beans and potatoes: the young women were making mats to sleep on and weaving wampum belts for the warriors; the young men were constantly riding from town to town visiting and playing cards and gambling continually after the return from their buffalo hunt, which lasted fourteen days.
When a hunter rides out for elk or deer, and returns with the spoils, he rides to the door of his wigwam, where he finds his wife sitting at work, and a kettle of corn and beans and a little buffalo meat {546} or bones broken, or elk meat, all ready for him. If not quite done, she steps to the next door and returns with his wooden bowl and ladle full. The Indian throws off at the door his meat in a great hurry, unharnesses his horse, lies down on some skins or blankets and eats his food prepared for him, enough for four white men.
The meat is left in charge with the squaw. He has no more care of it. He has done his part in getting the meat and bringing it to his house. The squaws then prepare and dry or smoke the meat. This they call jerking the meat, so that it will not spoil. Meat prepared this way is dried in the blood, and will keep year after year if not eaten before. Nothing of notice occurred through the day.
I spent the forenoon in the town. In the afternoon I went to see the Indian who was appointed by the council to conduct me home. He was gone to the lower town on a drunken frolic. I stayed until he came home, which was a little before sunset. I then returned to my place of lodging. Soon after I had got to bed or laid down upon my blanket, I heard the beating of a drum. An Indian came in, or came to the door and said that we must all attend the feast or dance. At an instant each one caught a bowl and ladle, and ran for the place of gathering. I went with the crowd, though not equipped. I had no bowl or ladle, but was made welcome as though I was an Indian with the rest. A place was prepared for me to sit or lie down as I chose; and as they all lay down, I laid down with the rest, between two large warriors, who soon commenced smoking their pipes. The music was continually playing. After smoking was past, the war chief began to dance, and was followed by his braves with a hideous yell as each fell into the dance. They passed around the room three or four times, and then they were joined by the squaws. They all and each one performed their parts well that was assigned them, from the least to the greatest; and I think better time kept by those that danced I never saw before. All was solemn and silent as though they were going to be burnt at the stake,--except, when the chief gave the whoop, they all answered with a yell that would reach the very heavens. This dance continued about one hour while the supper was preparing. They then all took supper; and after supper, commenced dancing again as usual. This performance lasted until about three o'clock in the morning when all went quietly to their homes.
The next morning, the chief sent for me to take breakfast with him. I immediately went. The two little girls were cooking, frying flour pancakes. The chief's wife was busily engaged attending on her sick child in s small booth built for that purpose out at the door. These cakes above mentioned, fried by those little girls, were just scorched {547} a little on either side, and the middle was dough. As it was those cakes and sweetened water was a good breakfast.
Saturday morning, 13.--This morning the chief told me that in consequence of being used in the manner I was, in coming to visit them, they had come to the conclusion that they would not let the same Indian go back with me that came with me, and that they had selected in the first council, but after more investigation, they concluded to make a new selection of men that would be more respectable and could do honor to their nation, and have authority to act for the tribe; and it would be satisfactory to the whole nation, as the nation was much displeased with the conduct of Neotanah, and in council gave him a severe flogging, and said that he was not fit to go anywhere amongst the whites. They seemed to express much regret and feeling of sorrow that I had received such treatment from one that pretended to be a friend and an honorable man of the Pottawatomies, for they consider themselves honorable men.
While I now write, I have seven of the most honorable in the tribe around me--the head chief and his counselors. One of them is aged, his head is silvered o'er with age; while in his prime none could endure more fatigue, none whose constitution was stronger than his: but now he says, he is soon to go and shake hands with the great Shaminyto (that is, God) that had made him, and had given him strength to hunt, and in war to fight his enemies. Here the old man would show the wounds received in battle, in fighting for his nation, his wife and little ones. He said he had never fought but on the defensive. Ninety-eight years, as near as he can remember, he has seen; and now, he says, he wants to know how the Mormons worship the great Shaminyto different from what he did; if the best way, he wanted to get into it before he went on his journey to see the great Shaminyto.
Sunday, 14.--There is no day known amongst these Indians. Every day is alike unto them. They have no day of the month, neither day of the week. All things move on one day after another. They count their months by moons, and twelve moons make a year. They can tell how many years they have lived in the west, and most of them can tell how old they are, &c.
Monday, 15.--This morning the Indians arrived from Missouri, and brought an interpreter, and one to go to the East or to the Mississippi, to conduct me home and to see the big chief. Council is to sit at nine o'clock this morning; but in consequence of the head chief's child to be buried this morning, council will be called immediately after dinner. The afternoon was spent in business matters, writing, preparing for the journey to Nauvoo.
{548} Tuesday, 16.--This morning I went to see a squaw that was bitten last night by a rattlesnake twice upon the top of her left foot. She was in great pain all night, her foot and leg very much swollen. In the afternoon the Indians all met for worship and to prepare for drawing the blankets and money. They were as merry as bees in a hive, old and young, from the grey head to the suckling on a board. They had their meeting until one o'clock in the morning. Danced and prayed and preached some.
Wednesday, 17.--They commenced again the worship about sunrise, dressed in the richest and best style possible, except some few who were employed in cooking for the rest. Here I will notice that the most profound silence and good order that I ever saw in any congregation whatever, small or great, was observed. All that is wanting to make them the happiest people in the world is the Gospel, a perfect knowledge of it, and to feel its power. Their sectarian creeds and ceremonies would go to the moles and bats soon. Although they labor with as much energy of body and mind, and have as much zeal as the shaking Quakers, yet it is heathen worship, like all other sectarian societies. Their idea of the Supreme Being is much more consistent than many of the holy enlightened sectarians; for the Indians believe in the Great Shaminyto as having body and parts like unto a man.
Thursday, 18.--This morning, we started for Nauvoo. A long and tedious journey to perform lay before us. We had no compass to steer our course by: the sun rising in the morning was our principal guide. Our course was due east. This course we intended to follow as near as we could.
The place we left, Belle Vue, or Mosquito Creek, is in the same latitude as Nauvoo. Therefore on our return, our course must be east; and this direction we followed until we came to the Keosoqua, on the Des Moines river. We traveled fifteen miles unto another Indian village, stayed all night; and in the morning a council was called, and we stayed all day.
Friday, 19.--At the village we got some provisions cooked, and the chief's brother was sent as a delegate from the band. Our company now consisted of four Indians, one squaw, one interpreter, and myself, seven in number. The interpreter was a white man, half English and half French, formerly from Canada; and since the last war has lived with the Pottawatamies; married a squaw, sister to the chief where we now are. We came to the conclusion to stay all day on Friday, because two of our horses went back to where we first started.
Saturday, 20th of August.--Left the village at ten o'clock. Traveled all day until dark. Encamped on the battle-ground where the Sioux and Pottawattamies and sixteen of the Oneidas fought. I took up {549} one of their blankets to ride on. We started this morning as soon as it was light enough to see to follow the trail.
Sunday, 21.--Came to the Naama river, or creek, at twelve o'clock. Stopped and took dinner on a high bank. On this stream, on either side, is a quantity of timber. Where we crossed is a beautiful mill seat, &c. Traveled until dark, and encamped in the weeds all night.
Monday, 22.--We started at daybreak; went until twelve o'clock; stopped on the east bank of White Breast Creek and took dinner. Here we found plenty of red plums, though not fully ripe; but my comrades dined heartily upon them. This was a good hit for me: when we came to eat dinner they could eat but little. By this means I made out to get nearly enough to satisfy hunger, for I had eaten nothing since the night before. We passed on until we came to English creek. Stayed all night.
Tuesday, 23.--Started about sunrise without breakfast. Traveled until two o'clock. Crossed the Des Moines river at Eddyville. There I bought a loaf of wheat bread, a loaf of sweet cake and an apple pie, and went up on the side hill to the Indian Spring, and there we all took dinner. And this was a dinner indeed, good enough for the king. I thought the best that I ever ate in may life; but being so extremely hungry, it was delicious, &c. Came ten miles; stayed all night at Mosquito creek; got two ears of green corn apiece and roasted them.
Wednesday, 24.--This morning we started at day-light, then ten miles from the old agency of the Sacs and Fox. We traveled twenty-five miles beyond the agency, which made thirty-five miles, then encamped for the night. Here we bought some bacon and half a loaf of warm wheat bread.
Thursday, 25.--This morning some rain and showery. We took a bite and then started for Nauvoo city; traveled until sunset, then camped in the woods about twelve miles from Nauvoo. We killed one grey squirrel, and eat a little dry buffalo meat, and lay down in the rain all night.
In the morning we got a few potatoes and boiled them. I killed two grey squirrels and the squaw burned off the hair and boiled them.
Friday, 26.--We traveled all day in the rain, and at night reached the Mississippi river, and encamped on the bank, above the Potter house.
I have seen much delightful country, but the prospect for bee hunting is not as good as I could wish.
[N. B. The names of places and distances were procured from the Indians and are not accurate.]
August 27.--The Quorum of the Twelve met with {550} the Saints in the Columbian Hall, Grand Street, New York, in conference.
Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve in New York City.
Meeting opened by prayer.
President Young arose and addressed the meeting in an interesting manner upon the subject of the gathering, the building of the Nauvoo House and Temple. He spoke of the Priesthood, and said that it was a perfect system of government.
In the afternoon the conference reassembled; and Elder Kimball spoke in parables--Gather in the wheat and the tares, thrash the wheat and the mill will blow away the chaff. He said an elder could get a people together and could get them to receive the work, if he did not whip the sects so much. He compared such elders to a shepherd who would call up a buck and a flock of sheep and hand them a little salt; and just as they begin to eat, hit him with a club across the head, and the sheep will run away.
Elder George A. Smith followed and bore testimony of the work. Spoke of the elders spending their time in speaking about mysteries and speculating about things beyond the grave which they did not understand. Advised them to wait till God revealed hidden mysteries to them before they undertook to preach them to the people. * * * * Elder Smith counseled the elders to be wise enough to let such things alone, in other words to tell the good things of the kingdom which we have received and do understand, and wait patiently until the Lord takes off the veil of darkness. He spoke of the collegiate education he received from President Joseph Smith which was to preach short sermons and make short prayers, which had done him much good in life.
President Brigham Young said the scriptures had been mystified to that degree that the greatest divines of the day are as ignorant as the dumb ass concerning the things of God; comparatively they don't know their right hand from their left. We try to revere the scriptures and to make them so simple that the people can understand them. Place a man in this room who is ignorant of science, and take everything out that he can see and then ask him if there is anything in the room. He will say, No, only we two. I tell him there are millions of live animals in the room--that we even breath them; and I will show him by the aid of the microscope that there are live animals in a drop of water, which appear to be eight feet long; but he won't believe it until he sees it through the magnifying glass. So with the unbeliever in revelation. He does not believe in God, in angels or in spirits, because he cannot {551} see them; but let him have spiritual glasses, or obey the commandments of God, get the Spirit of God, and then he can see the truth.
A hymn was then sung.
Then several questions were asked as follows:
1. Can any officer in any branch of the Church say that his word is law and shall be obeyed?
Answer: He can say that his word is law; but does that make it so? Yes, if he has the law of God and delivers it: otherwise it is not.
2. Is it right for a priest to be appointed to accompany a teacher to the house of each member, when his duty is set forth in the Covenants?
Answer: Yes, any officer from a high priest to a deacon may visit the Church or members, and be set apart for this purpose, if the Church will receive it.
3. Can a branch of the Church make by-laws on the principle of expediency, which are not specified in any revelation?
Answer: Yes, if they wish, they may make laws to stick their fingers into their eyes; but it is like the man who habituated himself to sticking his fingers into a knot-hole in a board partition every morning, until custom compelled him to do it; for having omitted it one morning he felt so curiously at the breakfast table, that he could not eat. He then bethought himself, went and put his finger into the knot-hole and returned with a good appetite, and ate a hearty breakfast.[C]
[Footnote C: The answer is not as direct as one might wish it to be, but certainly it is not favorable to the making of by-laws not "specified in any revelation."]
Elder Young said that if elders or high priests are so situated that they cannot get word from the Prophet or the Twelve Apostles, they may get a revelation concerning themselves. The Twelve may get a revelation in any part of the world concerning the building up of the kingdom, as they have to establish it in all parts of the world. So any person can ask the Lord for a witness concerning himself, and get an answer, but not to lead the Church: that belongs to the head of the Church.
Conference met at half-past ten o'clock, according to adjournment. Meeting opened by singing. Prayer by Elder Jedediah M. Grant. The congregation was then addressed by Elder Wilford Woodruff from II Peter 1:20, 21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
If the prophecies that had been fulfilled were fulfilled literally, in like manner would those prophecies which are still unfulfilled be fulfilled {552} literally. The gathering of the Saints, the building up of Zion, the gathering of the Jews, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the establishing of the Church and kingdom of God in the last days, and the preaching of the Gospel to all the world are events looked for by the Latter-day Saints. And notwithstanding these things are unpopular, and not looked for or believed in by the world, yet we feel encouraged to persevere and press forward in assisting to accomplish these great and glorious things, with a firm belief that they will as truly be brought to pass and perfected as those things were which were prophesied in ancient days. He also bore testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and of Joseph Smith being a prophet of God.
Elder Kimball gave his testimony, when the meeting took a recess for two hours.
In the afternoon, after Elder John E. Page had addressed the meeting, Elder George T. Leach was appointed to preside over the Church in New York, in place of Elder L. R. Foster, who was about to remove to Nauvoo. After which several children were blessed, and the meeting adjourned until evening; at which time Elder Orson Pratt addressed the people in an edifying manner concerning the Book of Mormon, its history, what it was, &c.; that it was a history of nearly one-half of the globe, and the people that inhabited it; that it gave a history and names of cities that have been of late discovered by Catherwood and Stephens; that it spoke for the establishing of our government; and what is more highly interesting, it reveals its final fate and destiny; so that, by reading the Book of Mormon, you can clearly see what will befall this nation, and what will be its final end.[D]
[Footnote D: This statement of Elder Orson Pratt's views is doubtless faulty. The Book of Mormon does not predict what will befall our nation, The United States, nor "its final end." But it contains a conditional prophecy in relation to the two American continents. These continents are a promised land. They are given, according to the Book of Mormon, primarily to the descendants of the Patriarch Joseph, son of Jacob, as an inheritance, but the Gentile races are also given an inheritance in them with the descendants of Joseph. The whole land, however, is dedicated to righteousness and liberty and the people who possess it, whether of the house of Israel or Gentile must be a righteous people and worship "the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ." In that event God stands pledged to preserve the land and the people thereof, free from bondage of all other nations, and to bless them with very great and peculiar blessings, guaranteeing to them freedom and peaceful possession of the land forever. If the Gentile races shall observe these conditions they and their children are to share in the blessings of the land in connection with the descendants of the Patriarch Joseph. But if they depart from justice, reject righteousness and Jesus Christ, then judgments of destruction decreed in the Book of Mormon, will overtake them until they are wasted away. This is the decree of God respecting the western hemisphere, and is one of the important messages that the Book of Mormon has to deliver to the present generation. See Book of Mormon II Nephi 1:5-12; also Ether 1:42; III Nephi 20:14-20; III Nephi 20:27, 28; III Nephi 21:11-25; also "New Witness for God" Vol. III, pp. 314-323. But it will be seen that these prophecies are conditional, and therefore cannot be held to be predictions of what the final end of our nation, the United States and other nations of the American continents, will be, since it yet remains to be demonstrated whether they will abide or violate the conditions upon which they may possess the continents perpetually.]
{553} In that book you will find recorded the pure principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by Himself on the continent of America, so plain that no two persons could disagree as to the points of doctrine set forth. He then bore testimony of the truth of Joseph Smith being a prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon was true; also that the Church of the Latter-day Saints was the Church of God. He spoke about two hours; and after he closed five children were blessed, and then the people were dismissed.
August 27.--I attended meeting at the stand at ten a.m., and made a few remarks; the following report of which is by Dr. Willard Richards:
Address of the Prophet--Sidney Rigdon's Status--The Priesthood Expounded.
Two weeks ago today something was said about Elder Sidney Rigdon, and a vote was taken to disfellowship him and to demand his license, on account of a report brought by Elder Hyde from Quincy.
He [President Smith] then read a letter from Thomas Carlin to Sidney Rigdon as follows:
QUINCY, ILLINOIS, August 18, 1843.
DEAR SIR:--Yours of the 15th instant was received, but not in time to answer it by return mail. You say that a Mr. Orson Hyde, on board of the steamboat Anawan a short time since, was told by an officer of the boat that a Mr. Prentice, in the vicinity of Quincy, said that some person in high standing in the Church of Latter-day Saints in this place (Quincy) had an interview with you (me) said he would use all the influence that his circumstances would admit of to have Joseph Smith arrested and delivered into the hands of the Missourians, &c. This interview is said to have taken place at the time the first warrant was issued against Smith, and since the last warrant was issued, that the same person had written to you, (me) or had an interview with you, giving the same assurances. It has been publicly said in this town that I (Sidney Rigdon) was the person who had this interview or interviews and correspondence with you. Now, sir, it gives me pleasure {554} to be perfectly able to disabuse you. I have not seen you to my recollection, nor had any correspondence with you, until the present, since 1839; and in all the intercourse I have had with you I have always looked upon you as one of the most devoted followers of Joseph Smith and one of the pillars of the Church of Latter-day Saints. I never sought through the aid of any person to entrap Joseph Smith. A faithful discharge of my official duties was all that I attempted or desired.
Very respectfully Your obedient servant, THOMAS CARLIN.
[He, President Smith] then resumed: The letter is one of the most evasive things, and carries with it a design to hide the truth. Has any man been concerned in a conspiracy to deliver Joseph Smith to Missouri? If so, who?
He then read the 7th chap. Hebrews. Salem is designed for a Hebrew term. It should be Shiloam, which signifies righteousness and peace: as it is, it is nothing--neither Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, nor any other language.
I say to all those who are disposed to set up stakes for the Almighty, You will come short of the glory of God.
To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, one must put away all his false traditions.
I prophesy and bear record this morning that all the combined powers of earth and hell shall not and cannot ever overthrow or overcome this boy, for I have a promise from the eternal God.
If I have sinned, I have sinned outwardly; but surely I have contemplated the things of God.
Respecting the Melchizedek Priesthood, the sectarians never professed to have it; consequently they never could save any one, and would all be damned together. There was an Episcopal priest who said he had the priesthood of Aaron, but had not the priesthood of Melchizedek: and I bear testimony that I never have found the man who claimed the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The power of the Melchizedek priesthood is to have the power of "endless lives;" for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken.
The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destructions.
The sectarian world are going to hell by hundreds, by thousands and by millions.
There are three grand orders of priesthood referred to here.
1st. The King of Shiloam. (Salem) had power and authority over {555} that of Abraham, holding the key and the power of endless life. Angels desire to look into it, but they have set up too many stakes. God cursed the children of Israel because they would not receive the last law from Moses.
The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things. When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. The Israelites prayed that God would speak to Moses and not to them; in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law.
What was the power of Melchizedek? 'Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam.
Abraham says to Melchizedek, I believe all that thou hast taught me concerning the priesthood and the coming of the Son of Man; so Melchizedek ordained Abraham and sent him away. Abraham rejoiced, saying, Now I have a priesthood.
Salvation could not come to the world without the mediation of Jesus Christ.
How shall God come to the rescue of this generation? He will send Elijah the prophet. The law revealed to Moses in Horeb never was revealed to the children of Israel as a nation.
Elijah shall reveal the covenants to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers.
The anointing and sealing is to be called, elected and made sure.
"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually." The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right from the eternal God, and not by descent from father and mother; and that priesthood is as eternal as God Himself, having neither beginning of days nor end of life.
The 2nd Priesthood is Patriarchal authority. Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood.
The 3rd is what is called the Levitical Priesthood, consisting of priests to administer in outward ordinance, made without an oath; but the Priesthood of Melchizedek is by an oath and covenant.
The Holy Ghost is God's messenger to administer in all those priesthoods.
{556} Jesus Christ is the heir of this Kingdom--the only begotten of the Father according to the flesh, and holds the keys over all this world.
Men have to suffer that they may come upon Mount Zion and be exalted above the heavens.
I know a man that has been caught up to the third heavens, and can say, with Paul, that we have seen and heard things that are not lawful to utter.
Fifteen minutes past one, closed my address.
Sidney Rigdon said: "I never saw Governor Carlin but three times, and never exchanged a word with any man living on the subject.[E] I ask pardon for having done anything which should give occasion to make you think so."
[Footnote E: i. e. of betraying Joseph Smith to Missouri.]
In the evening I attended council and prayer meeting with my brother Hyrum, Newel K. Whitney, Willard Richards, William Law and William Marks.
Monday, 28.--I was visited by a deputation of Pottawattamie Indians.
Tuesday, 29.--Elder Brigham Young paid a visit to James Arlington Bennett, Arlington House, Long Island, and baptized and confirmed him next day.
I held a mayor's court and tried several cases. Erastus H. Derby was bound over to keep the peace for six months. Previous to the close of the trial he gave up his license as an elder to the Church Recorder.
Wednesday, 30.--The Nauvoo Neighbor publishes an article from the Boston Bee, upholding the chartered rights of Nauvoo.
Thursday, 31.--I commenced removing into the Nauvoo Mansion.
(END OF VOLUME V.)
ERRATUM: At page 504 a line is omitted in the third paragraph, fourth line. This should be inserted after the word "commanded;"--and because they did none other thing than that which they were commanded-- [Transcriber's Note: in this edition, this change has been made.]
INDEX TO VOLUME V.
A
Adams, Judge James of Springfield, present at introduction of endowments at Nauvoo, 1-2; warns Prophet of impending arrest, 433.
Adams, John Q., on right of petition, 283. and note.
Addresses to the Church of Latter-day Saints and the public generally, Joseph Smith denounces John C. Bennett, 35-38.
Affidavits, John C. Bennett exonerating Prophet from accusation of teaching immorality, 11; ditto, 38; ditto of Wilson Law et al., 38-39; Lilburn W. Boggs of, Mo. 67; of City Council concerning John C. Bennett, 67-8; of Hyrum Smith anent Bennett, 71-75; William Law anent Bennett, 75-77; of Prophet's attorneys in Dixon arrest case, 476; Joseph Smith on Missouri troubles, 493-5; of Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight et al., 496-7.
Arsenal, one ordered built at Nauvoo, 430.
B
Barnes, Lorenzo D., death of in England, 20; eulogy of, 319-20.
Bennett, John C, evil designs of upon the Prophet, 4-5; exonerates the Prophet from teaching immorality, 11; resigns his office as Mayor of Nauvoo, 12; statement of before City Council on the character of Joseph Smith, 13; notice given of disfellowship by First Presidency, Twelve and Bishops 18; begs not to be exposed, 18 confesses to wickedness, 18-19 an expelled Mason, 22, 32; article on in Times and Seasons, 78-82, and notes; deposed as chancellor of University, 120.
Bennett, James Arlington, letters to the Prophet, 112; letter of Prophet to, 156, et seq.; baptism and confirmation of, 556.
Boggs, Lilburn W., ex-Governor of Missouri, report of attempted assassination of, 9; assassination of reported in Quincy Whig, 14.
Boston Weekly Bee, on Mormonism, 322; character sketch of the Prophet in, 406-8; judgment of on Mormonism, 518-28.
Brayman, Mr., secret agent of Governor Ford, 493.
Brewster, James Collins, revelations of, 214-15.
Butterfield, Justin, counsel for the Prophet, Springfield trial, 215-223.
C
Call, Anson, on Joseph Smith's prophecy of removal of Saints to Rocky Mountains, 85-6, and note.
Carlin, Governor, of Illinois, acknowledges proceedings against Joseph Smith illegal, 91; duplicity of respecting Nauvoo affairs, 118-19.
Carthage, Hancock county, threats of mob violence at, 528.
Charts, phrenological, of Joseph Smith, 52-5; of Willard Richards, 58-60.
Chicago Democrat, account of Prophet's arrest in, 448-9.
Clark, Hyrum, appointed to take charge of emigration from England, 26.
Clayton, William, succeeds Willard Richards temporarily as clerk, 49; visit of to Governor Carlin, 118; messenger to warn Prophet of impending arrest, 436; 438-9 et seq.
Conferences, General, in England, 9-10; at Manchester, England, 21; special at Nauvoo, 136; at Boston, 268; at Augusta, Iowa, 318; general at Nauvoo, April 6th, 1843, 327 et seq.; special at Nauvoo, appointing elders for missions, 347-352; Batavia, N. Y., 352; at Kirtland, 352; at Vinalhaven, Fox Island, Maine, 360; special at Nauvoo, 369; minutes of at Manchester, 418-19.
Conover, Peter W. his account of relief expedition, 450-1; reveals plot against Prophet, 452-3.
Cob, Col., Indian, speech of, 358-9.
Council, High, Nauvoo, investigates charges against John C. Bennett, 21; minutes of, 119; case of Wilson Law and Nickerson, before, 280; decision of in Hoyt case, 311; Coltrin vs. Matthews, 371-2; of the Twelve et al., 131-2.
Cowan, John D., assists the Prophet, 299; appointed aid de camp, 364.
Cowdery, Oliver, Prophet's inquiry concerning, 368.
Court, Mayor's at Nauvoo, proceedings in, 365-68; orders of in case of Joseph Smith, 474; approves copies of evidence before, 497.
D
Derby, Erastus H., assists the Prophet when in retirement, 90-95; blessings of Prophet upon, 106-7.
De Wolfe, Episcopal minister, preaches at Nauvoo, 427.
Dixon, the Prophet at, 439.
Duncan, Joe, a horse, 60.
Dunham, Jonathan, aids the Prophet in seclusion, 90-109; appointed superintendent to build arsenal, 430; starts on exploration expedition, 509; returns from expedition from the west, 541; extracts from his journal--an expedition to the west, 542-549.
E
Editorials, Times and Seasons, on persecution, 98-103; on happiness, 134-36, and note; the Lions of the press, Joseph Smith, 274-7; On Nauvoo charter Wasp, 306; Times and Seasons on ancient records, 372-4; introducing Nauvoo Neighbor, 380-2; on proscription of the Jews, 434; Nauvoo Neighbor, on recent Dixon arrest of the Prophet, 507.
Edwards, B. S. Esq., counsel for the Prophet, 221.
England, mission in, summary of work, 308.
Epistles, see Letters.
F
Ford, Governor, inauguration of--against Nauvoo charter, 200.
Foster, Robert D., charges preferred against for abusive language, 14.
G
God, government of, 61-66; Kingdom of, sermon on by the Prophet, 256-9.
Grant, Jedediah, M. questions the Prophet, 303.
H
Habeas Corpus, bill on in city council, 84; on habeas Corpus procedure, 87-8.
Higbee, Elias, death of, 420-21, and note.
Higbee, Francis M., complains of having wickedness exposed, 49: statement of in denial of Bennett's charges, 77-78.
Higbee, Chauncey L., excommunicated by High Council, 18.
Hoge, Joseph P., candidate for Congress, conversation of with Prophet, 518-21; acknowledges power Nauvoo charter on habeas corpus, 524.
Huntington, Dimick B., elected coroner of Nauvoo, 18.
Hyde, Orson, return of from Jerusalem, 200; with the Prophet at Ramus, correction of 323-5; appointed on mission to St. Petersburg, 488.
I
Illinois, State Register, on the Dixon arrest of the Prophet, was it a political trick? 513-15.
Indians, visit of to Prophet, 365; interview with Pottawattamie chiefs, 479-80.
J
Johnson, Benjamin F., remarks of the Prophet to, 391.
K
Kilburn, Edward and D. W., charged with designs of bringing mob to Nauvoo, 61.
Kimball, Hyrum, accused by the Prophet of making evil insinuations, 12-13.
Kimball, Heber C, takes initiative in organizing Young People's Association, 320 et seq.; remarks on Word of Wisdom, 428; dream of at Cincinnati, 515-16.
Knight, Newel and Joseph, Prophet's friendship for, 125.
Knight, Joseph, Sen., esteem of Prophet for, 124-25.
Knight, Vinson, death of, 84.
L
Law, William, defense of the Saints by, 32-34; conversation with sheriff, meeting of the Prophet, confidential friends, 89-90.
Legion, Nauvoo, trial and sham battle of, 3-5; officer's drill of, 369; parade of, 383-4; script, copy of, 518.
Lyman, Amasa, appointed councilor to the Prophet, 255.
Letters, Joseph Smith to Horace R. Hotchkiss, 6-7; Joseph Smith to Mr. Bartlett, editor Quincy Whig, 15; High Council to the Church in Nauvoo and the Saints abroad, 15-17; Joseph Smith to Jeanette Richards, 40-41; Joseph Smith to Governor Carlin, 42-44; Geo. Miller to Gov. Reynolds of Missouri, 46-48; Gov. Carlin to Joseph Smith, 49-51; Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, 51: Joseph Smith to Horace R. Hotchkiss, 52; Joseph Smith to citizens of Hancock county, 55-56; Gov. Carlin to Joseph Smith, 82; Joseph Smith to Gov. Carlin, 83; the Prophet to Wilson Law, 93-5; Wilson Law to the Prophet, 96-7; Prophet to Emma Smith, 103-5; Joseph Smith to Wilson Law, 105-6; James Arlington Bennett to the Prophet, 112-14; Wilson Law to Joseph Smith, 114-15; Emma Smith to Gov. Carlin, 114-15; Gov Carlin to Emma Smith, 130-31; Emma Smith to Gov. Carlin, 132-4; the Prophet to the Saints at Nauvoo, baptism for the dead, 142-44; William Law to Times and Seasons, 144; Female Relief Society to Gov. Carlin, 146-48; Prophet to the Church, baptism for the dead, 148-53; Gov. Carlin to Emma Smith, 153-5; Prophet to James Arlington Bennett, 156-9; Brigham Young to Times and Seasons, 161-2; James Arlington Bennett to the Prophet, 162-4; William Clayton to Saints of Nauvoo, 169; James Arlington Bennett to J. G. Bennett, 170-2; Justin Butterfield to Sidney Rigdon opinion on requisition of Missouri for Joseph Smith, 173-9; Geo. D. Watt to Joseph Smith, 184-5; the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss, 195-6; Orrin P, Rockwood to the Prophet, 198; Gov. Ford to Joseph Smith, 204-6; Justin Butterfield to Joseph Smith, 206; James Adams to the Prophet, 206; the Prophet to Josiah Butterfield, 250; John C. Bennett to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, 250-1; the Prophet to the Wasp, 259; Joseph Smith to Hon, R. M. Young, 266; Sidney Rigdon to Mr. Bryant, 273; the Twelve to the Church, 279-80; Sidney Rigdon to Alfred E. Stoakes, 280-1; the Twelve to the Church, 293; Willard Richards to Mr. Bagby, 304; Joseph Smith to Sidney Rigdon, 312-14; Sidney Rigdon to Joseph Smith, 314-16; J. H. Reynolds to Newel K. Whitney, 352; Hugh L. Legare to Joseph Smith--Canard, 363; H. R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, 382; Brigham Young to the Church in Philadelphia, 413; Samuel C. Owens to Gov. Ford, 422; Gov. Ford to Sheriff Reynolds, 492; Willard Richards to Brigham Young et al., 511-13.
M
Mack, Temperance, visits the Prophet, 119.
Maid of Iowa, river boat, purchase of, 386, 417-18; expedition of to relief of the Prophet, 481-4.
Markham, Col. Stephen, elected colonel in Legion, 165; resigns as alderman, 288; messenger to warn tee Prophet of impending arrest, 436-438-9 et seq.; meeting of with the Prophet, 439; arms the Prophet, 443; reveals existence of conspiracy, 451-2; messenger to Gov, Ford, 484; report on movements at Springfield, 500.
Meetings, political, at Nauvoo, addressed by Prophet, 19; at Nauvoo, Prophet denounces John C. Bennett at, 34-35.
Mission, British, progress of work in, 6,
Mission, Pacific Isles, 386; 404-5.
Miller, William, Second Adventist, teachings of, 272 and note; his "Day of Judgment," 326 and note.
Missionaries, list of special, 485.
Mormon, Prophet's definition of, 399.
McFall, Gen. Hugh, denies signing military order, 164.
N
Nauvoo, division of into ten wards, 119-20 and note; municipal seal of, 194-5; division of into ten wards, 198-200; charter of considered in Legislature, 294; repeal of part of by the house, 295; motto of, 305; industries of menaced, 436-8; 4th of July celebration at, 433, 488-92; public meeting at in relation to arrest of Joseph Smith, 474-6.
Neighbor, a Nauvoo Weekly, paper, 304; first number of issued, 380.
Newhall, J. B., lectures on Nauvoo, 431-2.
Nye, G. N., Master Mason, Prophet's remarks on, 370.
O
Olney, Oliver, trial of, 269.
Ordinances, on writs of habeas corpus, 57; ditto, 87-88; on returns of, 161; regulating proceedings on, 185-192; on currency, 297; concerning strangers in city, 457-8.
P
Page, Elder John E., unwisdom of, 521.
Pawpaw Grove, the Prophet at, 444-5.
Petitions, Nauvoo City Council to Governor Carlin, 68-70; Joseph Smith for writ of habeas corpus, 461-65.
Philadelphia, meeting of Apostles at, 527.
Phelps, W. W., vade mecum, authority of, 253-4.
Pittsburg, Apostles at, 520-21, 523.
Pinery, lumber from for Temple, 45-6; expedition to started, 57.
Plates, Kinderhook, discovery of, 372-8 and notes.
Powers, lawyer in the service of the Prophet, 89, 91, 95.
Pope, Judge, decision on the Prophet's case at Springfield, 223-231; modifications of his opinion, 244-45,
Pratt, Orson, missing from Nauvoo, 60; denies connection with John C. Bennett, 167; exonerated by the Prophet, 252-255-6; rebaptism of, 256.
Pratt, Parley P., arrival of at Nauvoo from England, 354.
Pratt, Addison, sent to Society Islands, 404-5; 406.
Prophet, see Joseph Smith; Pagan, remarks of on Temple, 283-4.
Proclamations of Mayor Nauvoo, 310-11.
Q
Quincy Whig, account of assault on Boggs, 14-15; report of 4th of July celebration at Nauvoo, in, 49.
R
Ralston, attorney for the Prophet, 89-91.
Rockwood, Albert P., assists the Prophet in retirement, 90; his account of second relief expedition, 454-6.
Reynolds, agent of Missouri, arrests Prophet, 439 et seq; refuses to submit to habeas corpus, proceedings at Nauvoo, 465.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, making known unfriendliness of Hyrum Kimball, 12; on keys by which angelic administrations are made known, 267; on eternity of the marriage covenant written, 501-7.
Relief Society ladies addressed by the Prophet, 19-21; 23-25; ditto, 139-41.
Resolutions, Nauvoo mass meeting passes, 70.
Rich, Chas. C, in command of relief expedition, 486-8.
Rigdon, Eliza, strange experience of, 121-22.
Richards, Elder Levi, in charge of British Mission, 6.
Rigdon, Sidney, Prophet's interview with on Nauvoo scandals, 8, 46; reaffirms faith, 121, 123; reports conspiracy against the Prophet, 168; reconciliation of with Prophet, 270; alarmed by false reports, 369; suspected by the Prophet; explanation of, 553, 4, 6.
Rockwell, Orrin P., Prophet's blessing on, 125; reward offered for arrest of, 167; prophecy on, 305.
Roundy, Shadrach, the messenger to Governor Ford, 509.
S
Saints, to receive endowments, 2; English, condition of at Nauvoo, 25.
Salem Advertiser and Argus article on Nauvoo and the Prophet, 432-3.
Scandinavians, in Illinois, labor among, 395.
Seichrist, William, excommunicated from Baptist Church, 166.
Shokoquon, visit of Prophet to, 378.
Signs, in heaven, 301, 304, 309 and note, 310.
Smith, Emma, meets the Prophet in his seclusion, 89 92, 95; sentiments of the Prophet towards, 107; illness of, 166, 167, 168, 182.
Smith, Hyrum, the Prophet's regard for, 107-8: bankruptcy of, 200.
Smith, Samuel H., prefers charge against R. D. Foster, 14; Prophet's appreciation of, 109.
Smith, Geo. A., elected member of city council., 13.
Smith, William, elected member of Nauvoo city council, 13; remarks of in Illinois Legislature, Nauvoo charters, 201-4; retires from editorship of Wasp, 204.
Smith, Joseph, the Prophet, inaugurates endowment ceremonies at Nauvoo, 2, and note; suspects treachery of John C. Bennett, 4-5; for moral reform in Nauvoo, 8; denies complicity in Boggs affair, 15; editorial of on the gift of the Holy Ghost, 26-32; rides in Masonic procession, 41-2; sits for drawing of profile for lithograph, 44; reviews Nauvoo legion, 56-57; predicts removal of Saints to Rocky Mountains, 85 and note; arrest on charge of Governor Boggs Missouri, 86-7; reflections of on Missouri procedure, 87; avoidance of officers, 89; courage and calmness of while in seclusion, 97; exaltation of spirit of, 108-9; appreciation of friends, 124-28; sudden appearance of from seclusion, 137; council of to the Church, 138-9; attempted arrest of, 145-6; portrait of painted, 164-5; reward offered for arrest of, 167; advice of to new arrivals in Nauvoo, 180-181; resigns as editor of Times and Seasons, 193; responsible to the state as Trustee-in-Trust, 197; petition of to Governor Ford to quash Carlin's writ, 201, 204-5; arrest of by Wilson Law, 209; departure of for Springfield, 209-11; trial of at Springfield, 212-245; explains prophetic calling, 215; views of on negro race, 217-11; discharge of from arrest, 238; return of to Nauvoo, 246-248; discourse of on the Kingdom of God, 256-9; on John the Baptist and the interpretation of scriptures, 260-2; studies German, 264, 272, 292; views on civic policy, 270-1; of the earth becoming Urim and Thummim, 279 and note; remarks of to workmen on Temple, 284-7; views of on constitution of power, 289; on sign of the Son of Man, 290-1: views of on blood atonement. 296; remarks of on greatness, 298; dreams of, 301, 306; preaches at Ramus, 302; indictment found against in Missouri, 307; instructions of at Ramus. Ill, 323-7; remarks of on conditions in Iowa, 334; on the second coming of the Christ, 386-7; expounds the scriptures, 339 et seq; remarks of to newly arrived Saints from England, 354 et seq; remarks of on death of Lorenzo D. Barnes, 360-3; on salvation through knowledge, 387; on the value of aged men in council. 389; love of for Geo. A. Smith, 390; on the eternity of the marriage covenant, 390; prophecy of on Stephen A. Douglas, 393-4 and note, 395-8; reproves self-righteousness, 401; characterization of himself, 401; on calling and election. 402-3; on temperance societies, 404; discourse of on gathering of Israel--Godhead, 423-27; arrest of at Dickson, 438 et seq; arrival of at Nauvoo under arrest, 458 et seq; speech of at Nauvoo while under arrest, 465-73; speech of on 4th of July, 489-90; address of at Nauvoo, love of fellowman, 498-500; ditto, on marriage covenant, 510; on burden of his ministry, 516-18; assault of on Mr. Bagly, 524; attitude of in politics, 526; remarks of at funeral of Judge Higbee, 529; explains election day troubles, 531; suspects Sidney Rigdon of treachery, 553-4: expounds Melchizedek Priesthood, 554-5.
Snow, Lorenzo, arrives in New Orleans with company of Saints, 252; arrival of at Nauvoo with Saints, 353.
Society, Young Gentlemen's and Ladies' Relief, 330, 322.
T
Taylor, Father, Prophet in seclusion at home of, 169, 180.
Taylor, John, becomes editor of
Times and Seasons, 193; made editor of the Wasp, 204.
Tate, Elder H., labors of, 409.
Town, David, rebukes the Prophet's captors, 445.
Truthiana, a series of tracts, 318.
Twelve, the, to labor in Illinois, 160; council of in Nauvoo, 194; ditto at home of Brigham Young, 265; ditto at Prophet's home, 268; council of, at the Prophet's office, 369-80; record of the first, 412.
W
Wales, South, preaching in, 281-2, 312.
Walker, William, misleads Prophet's enemies, 91.
Walker, Cyrus, becomes counsel for the Prophet, 500; political speech of at Nauvoo, 521, 524.
Wasson, L. D., report of from mission field, 81-84.
Wasp becomes Neighbor, 304.
Webb, Elder E. M. reports movements of John C. Bennett, 364.
Weeks, William, appointed overseer of work on Temple, 553.
Whitney, Newel K., Prophet's friendship for, 108.
Wilson, Harman T., sheriff, of Hancock county, Ill., arrests the Prophet, 439, et seq.
Winchester, Elder Benjamin, silenced by the Twelve, 8-9, 403; investigation of, 409-12.
Woodruff, Elder Wilford, furnishes powder to expedition going to relief of Prophet, 474.
Y
Yalrome, meetings at, 387-80.
Young, Brigham, preaches at Nauvoo on providing labor for the poor, 44; sickness of, 196; proclamation of to Saints, 248-9; bond executed by, 414; credentials of, 416-17; starts on Eastern mission, 497; views on prophecy, 521-22 and note; baptizes and confirms James Arlington Bennett, 556.