which appeared to excite the feeling of some people have recently
been repealed; so that if the "intelligent" inhabitants of Hancock
county want peace, want to abide by the Governor's advice, want to
have a character at home, and really mean to follow the Savior's
golden rule, "To do unto others as they would wish others to do
unto them," they will be still now, and let their own works praise
them in the gates of justice and in the eyes of the surrounding
world. Wise men ought to have understanding enough to conquer men
with kindness.
"A soft answer turneth away wrath," says the wise man; and it
will be greatly to the credit of the Latter-day Saints to show
the love of God, by now kindly treating those who may have, in an
unconscious moment, done wrong; for truly said Jesus, Pray for
thine enemies.
Humanity towards all, reason and refinement to enforce virtue, and
good for evil are so eminently designed to cure more disorders of
society than an appeal to arms, or even argument untempered with
friendship, {220} and the one thing needful that no vision for the
future, guide-board for the distant, or expositor for the present,
need trouble any one with what he ought to do.
His own good, his family's good, his neighbor's good, his country's
good, and all good seem to whisper to every person--The governor
has told you what to do. Now do it.
The constitution expects every man to do his duty; and when he
fails the law urges him; or should he do too much, the same master
rebukes him.
Should reason, liberty, law, light, and philanthropy now guide the
destinies of Hancock county with as much sincerity as has been
manifested for her notoriety or welfare, there can be no doubt that
peace, prosperity, and happiness will prevail, and that future
generations as well as the present one will call Governor Ford _a
peacemaker._ The Latter-day Saints will, at all events, and profit
by the instruction, and call upon honest men to help them cherish
all the love, all the friendship, all the courtesy, all the kindly
feelings, and all the generosity that ought to characterize clever
people in a clever neighborhood, and leave candid men to judge
which tree exhibits the best fruit--the one with the most clubs and
sticks thrown into its boughs and the grass trodden down under it,
or the one with no sticks in it, some dead limbs, and rank grass
growing under it; for by their signs ye can know their fruit, and
by the fruit ye know the trees.
Our motto, then, is Peace with all! If we have joy in the love of
God, let us try to give a reason of that joy, which all the world
cannot gainsay or resist. And may be, like as when Paul started
with recommendations to Damascus to persecute the Saints, some one
who has raised his hand against us with letters to men in high
places may see a light at noonday, above the brightness of the sun,
and hear the voice of Jesus saying, "It is hard for thee to kick
against the pricks."
Intelligence is sometimes the messenger of safety. And, willing to
aid the governor in his laudable endeavors to cultivate peace and
honor the laws, believing that very few of the citizens of Hancock
county will be found in the negative of such a goodly course, and
considering his views a kind of manifesto, or olive leaf, which
shows that there is rest for the soles of the Saints' feet we give
it a place in the _Neighbor,_ wishing it God speed, and saying,
God bless good men and good measures! And as Nauvoo has been, so
it will continue to be, a good city, affording a good market to
a good country; and let those who do not mean to try the way of
transgressors, say "Amen."
The High Council met and settled several cases of difficulty betwixt
brethren.
[Sidenote: Anti-Mormon Convention at Carthage.]
{221} The Anti-Mormons held a convention at Carthage, the object being
to devise ways and means of expelling the Saints from the State. Among
other resolutions was one appointing the 9th of March next as the day
of fasting and prayer, wherein the pious of all orders are requested
to pray to Almighty God that He would speedily bring the false Prophet
Joseph Smith to deep repentance, or that He will make a public example
of him and his leading accomplices.
The ice broke up in the river.
_Sunday, 18.--_Beautiful day. Southwest wind.
A very large assembly of the Saints met at the stand, near the Temple,
when I preached a lengthy discourse.
Four p.m., went to my office with Hyrum and two gentlemen from St.
Louis. Heard Dr. Richards read my correspondence with Senator Calhoun,
and Phelps read my "Views of the Power and Policy of the General
Government."
At seven, attended prayer-meeting in the assembly room.
_Monday, 19.--_At nine a.m. went to my office with Dr. Bernhisel, who
proposed some alterations in my views of the government. Phelps read
the same, and the doctor seemed better pleased with it than before.
_To the Editor of the Neighbor_:--
SIR,--I wish to say to you, as there seems to be a prospect of
peace, that it will be more love-like, more God-like, and man-like,
to say nothing about the _Warsaw Signal_.
If the editor breathes out that old sulphurous blast, let him go
and besmear his reputation and the reputation of those that uphold
him with soot and dirt, but as for us and all honest men, we will
act well our part, for there the honor lies.
We will honor the advice of Governor Ford, cultivate peace and
friendship with all, mind our own business, and come off with
flying colors, respected, because, in respecting others, we respect
ourselves.
Respectfully, I am
JOSEPH SMITH.
A conference was held in Halifax, Halifax county, {222} Nova Scotia,
Elder Robert Dickson, president. Two branches were represented,
consisting of thirty members, three elders, one priest, one teacher,
and two deacons.
The wild geese commenced flying north.
[Sidenote: Delegation from Lyman Wight on Indian Affairs.]
_Tuesday, 20.--_At ten a.m. went to my office, where the Twelve
Apostles and some others met in council with Brothers Mitchell Curtis
and Stephen Curtis who left the pinery on Black River, 1st January.
They were sent by Lyman Wight and Bishop Miller to know whether Lyman
should preach to the Indians, the Menominees and Chippeways having
requested it.
The Chippeways had given Brother Wight some wampum as a token of peace,
and the brethren had given them half a barrel of flour and an ox to
keep the Indians from starving, and Wight had gone through to Green Bay
with them to make a road.
I told them to tell Brother Wight I had no counsel to give him on
the subject. He is there on his own ground and must act on his own
responsibility, and do what he thinks best in relation to the Indians,
understanding the laws and nature of the subject as well as I can here,
and he shall never be brought into difficulty about it by us.
[Sidenote: Western Movement for the Church Contemplated]
I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delegation and
investigate the locations of California and Oregon, and hunt out a good
location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and
where we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own,
get up into the mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live
in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to.
Warm. The ice floating down the river.
[Sidenote: A Wolf Hunt Called for Hancock Co.]
A meeting of the citizens of Hancock county was held at the court-house
in Carthage. Passed a resolution that the second Saturday of March be
appointed for a general wolf-hunt, being the same day {223} selected by
the convention of the 17th instant for a day of fasting and prayer for
my destruction.
[Sidenote: The Prophet on the Necessity of Complete Obedience to God.]
_Wednesday 21.--_The Rev. Mr. De Wolfe, Episcopalian, lectured in the
assembly room in the evening. I attended and, after the sermon, at his
request, spoke to the people, showing them that to get salvation we
must not only do some things, but everything which God has commanded.
Men may preach and practice everything except those things which God
commands us to do, and will be damned at last. We may tithe mint and
rue, and all manner of herbs, and still not obey the commandments of
God. The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in
just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is
popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if
I stand alone in it.
My _Pacific Inuendo_, written on the 17th instant, appeared in the
_Neighbor_ of to-day, in connection with Governor Ford's letter of the
29th of January.
Ice left the west bank of the river, opposite the lower brick house.
Very warm and pleasant.
Council of the Twelve met in my office. I insert the minutes:--
_Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve_.
At a meeting of the Twelve, at the mayor's office, Nauvoo, February
21, 1844, seven o'clock, p.m., Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt,
Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith,
Willard Richards and four others being present, called by previous
notice, by instruction of President Joseph Smith on the 20th
instant, for the purpose of selecting a company to explore Oregon
and California, and select a site for a new city for the Saints.
Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, and David
Fullmer, volunteered to go; and Alphonzo Young, James Emmett,
George D. Watt, and Daniel Spencer were requested to go.
Voted the above persons to be notified to meet with the council on
Friday evening next, at the assembly room,
WILLARD RICHARDS, Clerk.
{224} _Thursday, 22.--_At home.
Ice continues to run in the river. Very pleasant, cool nights.
_Friday, 23.--_W. W. Phelps received a letter from John Whitmer in
relation to certain records, and a book containing some of the early
history of the Church which had been written by my clerks, and was
Church property, and which had been fraudulently detained from my
possession by John Whitmer; to which Dr. Richards replied.
[Sidenote: The Western Exploring Equipment.]
Met with the Twelve in the assembly room concerning the Oregon and
California Exploring Expedition; Hyrum and Sidney present. I told them
I wanted an exploration of all that mountain country. Perhaps it would
be best to go direct to Santa Fe. "Send twenty-five men: let them
preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise
$500, a good horse and mule, a double barrel gun, one-barrel rifle,
and the other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving
pistols, bowie-knife, and a good sabre. Appoint a leader, and let them
beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a
priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God;
when with the savage nations have power to govern, &c. If we don't get
volunteers, wait till after the election."
George D. Watt said, "Gentlemen, I shall go." Samuel Bent, Joseph A.
Kelting, David Fullmer, James Emmett, Daniel Spencer, Samuel Rolfe,
Daniel Avery, and Samuel W. Richards, volunteered to go.
_Saturday, 24.--_At home. Had an interview with Brother Phelps at nine
o'clock.
Seth Palmer, Amos Fielding, Charles Shumway, and John S. Fullmer
volunteered to go to Oregon and California.
Fifteen hundred copies of my "Views" out of press.
Very pleasant the past two weeks; the pleasantest February I ever saw.
{225} President Brigham Young went to Knowlton's settlement on Bear
creek, and preached.
_Sunday, 25.--_I preached at the temple block. Hyrum also preached.
[Sidenote: A Prophecy of Deliverance of the Saints]
Evening, I attended prayer-meeting in the assembly room, We prayed that
"General Joseph Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the United
States," might be spread far and wide, and be the means of opening
the hearts of the people. I gave some important instructions, and
prophesied that within five years we should be out of the power of our
old enemies, whether they were apostates or of the world; and told the
brethren to record it, that when it comes to pass they need not say
they had forgotten the saying.
Some rain in the evening; cloudy and foggy.
_Monday, 26.--_At home. A cold wind from the north. Rainy, dull day.
[Sidenote: The Case of Botswick Slander of Hyrum Smith.]
In the afternoon, held court at the Mansion. City of Nauvoo _versus_
Orsimus F. Botswick, on complaint of Hyrum Smith for slanderous
language concerning him and certain females of Nauvoo. Botswick was
fined $50 and costs. Francis M. Higbee, his attorney, gave notice he
should appeal to the municipal court, and then to the circuit court. I
told Higbee what I thought of him for trying to carry such a suit to
Carthage--it was to stir up the mob and bring them upon us.
Prayer-meeting in the assembly room in the afternoon. My uncle John
Smith and lady were present, were anointed, and received blessings; and
in the evening Father Morley was also blessed.
Ira S. Miles volunteered to join the mountain exploring expedition.
_Tuesday, 27,--_At home, Cool and clear. River clear of ice.
In the afternoon, visited the printing office.
Mailed my "Views of Powers and Policy," &c., to the {226} President
and cabinet, supreme judges, senators, representatives, principal
newspapers in the United States, (all the German), and many postmasters
and individuals.
Almon L. Fullmer and Hosea Stout volunteered to go on the Western
Exploring Expedition.
_Wednesday, 28.--_At home. Rainy day.
At four, p.m., steamboat _General Brooke_ passed up the river: first
boat this season. No ice in sight.
In the evening I sent Brother Coolidge to Brother Phelps, to call the
brethren and pray for Brother Coolidge's sick child, as he thought it
could not live till morning. Elder John Taylor and others prayed for
him.
Dr. Alphonzo Young published an appeal to his native state of
Tennessee, giving a history of our Missouri troubles, and asking the
influence of that state to obtain redress.
The _Neighbor_ of to-day publishes the following:--
FOR PRESIDENT, JOSEPH SMITH.
Having now raised the name of our General and Prophet to the
head of our columns, it becomes us, as Latter day Saints, to be
prudent and energetic in the cause that we pursue, and not let any
secondary influences control our minds or govern our proceedings.
The step that we have taken is a bold one, and requires our united
efforts, perseverance, and diligence; but important as it may be,
it is no greater than others have taken, and they have conceived
that they had a right, without molestation, to pursue that course,
and to vote for that man whose election they in their wisdom
thought would be most conducive to the public weal.
As American citizens, then we presume that all will concede to us
this right; and whatever may be their views respecting the policy
of such a step, they will acknowledge that we act legally, justly,
and constitutionally in pursuing our present course.
Some have nominated Henry Clay, some Colonel Johnson, others John
C. Calhoun, others Daniel Webster, and others Martin Van Buren.
Those several committees, unquestionably thought that they had
each of them made the wisest selection in naming the man of their
choice. They selected their several candidates because they
thought they were the wisest, the greatest statesmen, and the
most competent to {227} fill the presidential chair, whilst they
severally thought that the other candidates were incompetent.
We have governed by the same principles; and if others think they
have made the wisest selection, so do we. If others think they
have nominated the greatest statesman, so do we; and while those
several committees think that none of the nominations made are so
good as their own, we think that the man of our choice is the most
able, the most competent, the best qualified, and would fill the
Presidential chair with greater dignity to the nation; and that his
election would be conducive of more happiness and prosperity at
home and abroad than that of any other man in these United States.
This is a thing that we, as Latter-day Saints, know; and it now
devolves upon us as an imperative duty to make others acquainted
with the same things, and to use all our influence at home and
abroad for the accomplishment of this object.
Mr. Smith is not so generally known personally as are several of
the above-named candidates; and although he has been much spoken of
as a man, he has been a great deal calumniated and misrepresented,
and his true character is very little known.
It is for us to take away this false coloring; and by lecturing,
by publishing, and circulating his works, his political views, his
honor, integrity and virtue, to stop the foul mouth of slander, and
present him before the public in his own colors, that he may be
known, respected, and supported.
Thomas S. Edwards volunteered to join the exploring expedition to the
Rocky Mountains.
[Sidenote: A Reply Sketched to Cassius M. Clay.]
_Thursday, 29.--_Called at my office, and gave Brother Phelps the
_Zanesville Gazette_ of January 31, containing the speech of Cassius
M. Clay, delivered in Scott county, Kentucky, December 30, 1843, on
annexing Texas to the United States; and instructed him to reply to the
same, and gave him the subject matter, and directed the manner I wished
it done; and then rode out with Porter Rockwell.
The steamer _Ohio_ went up the river.
Moses Smith and Rufus Beach volunteered to join the Oregon exploring
expedition.
_Friday, March 1.--_Very frosty night; showery day, west wind.
Spent the day in counseling.
{228} Letters from the elders show a rapid progress of the work of the
Lord in different parts of the Union. Elder John E. Page has gone to
Washington for the purpose of proclaiming to the rulers of our nation
the principles of eternal truth. By a letter received from him, we
learn he has been preaching and baptizing in Boston and vicinity.
_The High Council to the Saints in Nauvoo_.
_The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints at Nauvoo to the Saints of this [Nauvoo] Stake, greeting_.
BELOVED BRETHREN,--Realizing as we do, the importance of the work
in which we are engaged, we deem it expedient to lay before you
such matters from time to time as in our opinion will be beneficial
to the Saints, and the spirit in us may seem to require.
We would remind our brethren, the elders, who have at sundry times
been sent forth as flaming heralds, messengers of the everlasting
Gospel, who proclaim a message of salvation to their fellow-men,
thereby gathering and bringing up to Zion the scattered elect of
God, to be taught more perfectly he principles of salvation; that
whilst their message is abroad we have had our mission to remain
at Nauvoo and to participate with the Saints in the blessing of
poverty, if such it may be called; amid sickness and distress, in
the vexations and turmoils of the unruly and ungodly, for which
no man has paid us, for days, weeks, months, and years; that our
time has been spent in endeavoring to settle difficulties, set in
order the things needful to salvation; in trying to reconcile and
cement the feelings of our brethren to each other in the spirit of
the Gospel; whilst at times, circumstances of a more painful nature
have been presented.
Individuals have been brought before us charged with high crimes in
violation of the laws of heaven, on whom much patient exertion in
the labors of love have by us been bestowed, to reclaim them from
the error and evil of their doings.
We regret to have it to say that in some instances our efforts have
been fruitless; for after we have found in them an obstinate and
unyielding spirit to the principles of right, we have (reluctantly)
been compelled to sever them from the Church as withered branches.
Such persons not unfrequently manifest their wickedness by their
trifling with and bidding defiance to all and every good rule,
regulation and law, set forth for the guidance of all Saints.
One single trait of their depravity is frequently manifested by
their going to some ignorant elder and getting re-baptized into the
Church, {229} not having first made the least satisfaction (as was
required) to such as they have injured.
We have to say that baptism in such cases is not valid and cannot
profit. We here continue to say; let such expelled person first be
reconciled to his injured brother, and bring forth fruit mete for
repentance; or, in case of dissatisfaction with our decision, take
an appeal and reverse it, if found wrong.
Expelled persons not complying with these rules (which are in
accordance with the order of heaven), whom we have been once
necessitated to withdraw fellowship from, cannot be restored in any
illegal way; and we would say that all such clandestine entering
into the Church is climbing up some other way, and that such
persons can only be considered as thieves and robbers. We would
also remind the elders that it is improper for them to re-baptize
any such expelled persons while they remain thus obstinate; and
that it will subject them to censure, and bring them to trial
before a proper tribunal of the Church.
We therefore hope, for the future, that certain officious,
forward-feeling elders will be more prudent in such cases hereafter.
We remain yours in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant,
WILLIAM MARKS,
CHARLES C. RICH,
Presidents.
Samuel Bent, L. Dunbar Wilson,
David Fullmer, Thomas Grover,
Newell Knight, Leonard Soby,
James Allred, Alpheus Cutler,
George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson,
William Huntington, Sen., Henry G. Sherwood,
Counselors.
Hosea Stout, Clerk.
The _Times and Seasons_ of March 1st presents my name to the public as
candidate for president of the United States.
Jonathan Dunham filed his bonds with the recorder, and took the oath of
office as wharf-master of the city of Nauvoo.
Elder Wilford Woodruff very sick; the 37th anniversary of his birthday.
_Saturday, 2.--_Ten a.m. held Mayor's court. Reproved Elder S. B.
Stoddard for giving appearance of evil in attempting to be bail for
Orsimus F. Boswick. Brother Stoddard afterwards explained to my
satisfaction.
{230} President Brigham Young visited Macedonia, accompanied by his
brother, L. D. Young, and preached there on the Sabbath.
_Sunday, 3.--_Ground covered with snow. Attended prayer-meeting in the
evening.
_Monday, 4.--_I suggested the name of James Arlington Bennett, of Long
Island, as a candidate for Vice-President.
At early candle-light, the First Presidency, Twelve Apostles, temple
committee, and others, met in council.
I insert the minutes.
_Minutes of a Council Meeting--Twelve and Temple Committee_.
George Coray came in, and said he was sent by Lyman Wight to get
sheep, &c, to carry to the Pine country, to receipt for them, or
agree to pay lumber.
President Joseph suggested that it was best to let the Nauvoo House
remain as it is until the temple is completed, as we need the
temple more than anything else.
Elder Haws said there was some dissatisfaction about being sent
from the Pinery without accounts, &c., and could not have credit on
tithing, and one month at the Pinery is only called fifteen days
here.
President Joseph told them that they should have their number of
days in full. "We will let the Nauvoo house stand until the temple
is done, and we will put all our forces on the Temple, turn our
lumber towards the Temple, and cover it in this fall, and sell the
remainder to get blasting powder, fuse, rope, steel, &c."
And when the temple is completed, no man shall pass the threshold
till he has paid five dollars; and every stranger shall pay five
dollars towards liquidating the cash debts on the Temple, and I
will not have the house dirtied.
Let Woodworth go to the pinery, take the things wanted, and bring
back the lumber, and his wages go on as usual.
Let a special conference be called on the 6th of April, and all
the elders called home who can come. Let the people of this city
come together on Thursday, at nine o'clock in the morning. After
two or three lectures, we will call on the people to fill up the
boxes with liberal contributions, to procure cash materials for the
temple.
I instructed a letter to be written to James Arlington {231} Bennett to
consult him on the subject of nominating him for Vice-President. I here
insert the letter:--
_Letter--Willard Richards to James Arlington Bennett--The Matter of
Bennett Becoming Candidate for Vice-President of U. S_.
NAUVOO, March 4, 1844.
DEAR GENERAL,--Yours of the 1st of February, was duly received, and
produced the most pleasing sensations among your friends here, and
especially with the Prophet, who said, "Tell General Bennett I am
perfectly satisfied with his explanation; and as to _temper,_ I had
not even thought of it."
You suggest that Brother Joseph's correspondence with Mr. Calhoun
would appear in some degree to contradict the noble sentiments
expressed in that able document to yourself; but if you will notice
that his communication to you was written as an individual, and
that to Mr. Calhoun as the voice of the people he represents,
I think you will discover no discrepancy; but if so, tell me
particulars without delay, and you shall have an explanation.
I have recently mailed to you General Smith's "Views of the
Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States," which
were drawn forth in consequence of his friends selecting him as
a candidate for the next Presidency, which he very reluctantly
acquiesced in, and it seems would not, only to support a favorite
maxim_--"The people must govern;"_ but having once been prevailed
upon to suffer his name to go abroad as a candidate, it is
desirable to him of course, as to every patriot, that those who
have brought him forward should use all honorable means to sustain
him in the canvass; and if I had not felt disposed to uphold him
before the people, I never would have been the first to urge
his nomination; and during the short space since his name has
been published, his friends have been astonished at the flood of
influence that is rolling through the Western States in his favor,
and in many instances where we might have least expected it.
I need not assert what the wisest of the wise admit without
argument--that General Smith is the greatest statesman of the
19th century. Then why should not the nation secure to themselves
his superior talents, that they may rise higher and higher in the
estimation of the crowned heads of the nations and exalt themselves
through his wisdom?
Your friends here consider your letter about the Governorship of
Illinois just like every man in your quarter, mere sport, child's
sport; for who would stoop to the play of a single State, when the
whole nation was on the board?--a cheaper game!
General Smith says, if he must be President, Arlington Bennett
must be Vice-President. To this his friends are agreed--agreed in
everything; and in this consists our power: consequently, your
name will {232} appear in our next paper as our candidate for
Vice-President of the United States. You will receive our undivided
support, and we expect the same in return for General Smith for
the Presidency; and we will go it with the rush of a whirlwind, so
peaceful, so gentle, that it will not be felt by the nation till
the battle is won.
Dear General, if glory, honor, force, and power in righteous
principles are desired by you, now is your time. You are safe in
following the counsel of that man who holds communion with heaven;
and I assure you, if you act well your part, victory's the prize.
Brother Arlington, look well to "General Smith's Views," and his
letter to Calhoun, and comprehend him fully. Say to the _New York
Herald,_ now is the time for your exaltation; raise your standard
high, sound your trumpet long and loud, support General Smith and
myself at the next election; and when we are exalted, you shall not
be forgotten.
Hold forth no false shadows to honest men; yet though there is but
one best piece to the fatted calf, yet there are many good slices;
therefore you will not forget the _"Advertiser," "Niles Register,"
"Globe,"_ &c., &c.
Get up an electoral ticket--New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and
any other state within your reach. Open your mouth wide, and God
shall fill it. Cut your quill, and the ink shall flow freely.
Commence at your own mansion and stay not, only for electioneering
purposes, till by some popular route you reach Nauvoo; and if you
preach Mormonism it will help you. At every stage, tavern, boat and
company, expose the wickedness of Martinism in saying, if he is
elected President, he will annihilate the Mormons, and proclaim the
sycophancy of the candidates generally, and uphold Joseph against
every aspersion and you shall triumph gloriously.
We have many things to say to you, which we must keep till we see
you face to face.
All is right at Nauvoo. We are now fitting out a noble company to
explore Oregon and California, and progressing rapidly with the
great Temple, which we expect to roof this season, though there
is yet a chance at the _eleventh hour_ for you to bring in your
thousand, and secure your "penny."
On the 6th of April is our special conference at Nauvoo. I wish you
could be here on that occasion, but the time is too short. From
that period our Elders will go forth by hundreds or thousands and
search the land, preaching religion and politics; and if God goes
with them, who can withstand their influence?
My words are the words of your friends here--Come and see us. {233}
Brother Joseph's, Young's, and Bernhisel's respects to you. Mrs.
Richards' kind respects with mine to yourself and love to all yours.
Most respectfully yours,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
The temple committee proposed to establish a powder manufactory.
Footnotes:
1. That is, process outside of the city government.
{234}
CHAPTER X.
URGING THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE--TENDERS OF PEACE TO
MISSOURI--PROPHET'S DISCOURSE ON ELIAS, ELIJAH, MESSIAH--LYMAN WIGHT'S
PROPOSAL OF A SOUTHWEST MOVEMENT FOR THE CHURCH.
_Tuesday, March 5, 1844.--_I saw Hyrum Kimball at Bryant's store, and
gave him a lecture on his resisting the ordinances of the city, by
telling the captains of the steamboats they need not pay wharfage, &c.
Rode out with Emma.
At two, p.m., met with the City Council. I copy the minutes:--
_Special Session of the City Council_.
March 5, 1844, 2 p.m.
Names of members called. Quorum present.
Mayor stated that he had called the council, because that when the
wharf-master called on the steamboats for wharfage, the officers of
the boats declined paying, assigning as a reason that Hyrum Kimball
and -- Morrison had told them that they owned the land, and they
need pay no wharfage to the city; and he called the council to know
their views on the subject, as he had told Hyrum Kimball that he
should see the ordinances executed; and if the boats did not pay,
he should blow them up and all those who upheld them in resisting
the ordinances. Every measure is taken to palsy the hands of the
officers of the city; and I want to know how to remedy the evil, or
whether I shall abandon the ordinances, &c.
Alderman Harris said that it was the mayor's duty to enforce the
ordinances of the city, and that no man has a right to build a
wharf without leave from the city council.
Councilor Phelps suggested the propriety of licensing those who
owned wharves to collect a tax for the landing of the boat.
{235} Alderman Wells concurred.
Mayor said the land on the water's edge was a street.
Alderman Wells suggested the propriety of having the street worked
as soon as may be.
Councilor Phelps said, if Water street extended round the city,
then Kimball had been constructing a nuisance.
Mayor spoke in explanation, and said that Kimball said, if the city
would make a wharf, he would give up what he had done.
Councilor Orson Spencer said he wished the mayor to execute the law
of the city.
Councilor Brigham Young concurred.
Councilor W. W. Phelps proposed that Water street be worked the
whole length.
Councilor Taylor said, "I go in for executing the laws of the city."
Marshal stated that Morrison said he had a bond for a deed to
low-water mark, and the city could not take his personal rights,
and he objected to the boats paying wharfage.
Councilor Orson Pratt said, if Kimball or Morrison or any one else
has built wharves since that street was laid out, they could get no
damages.
Councilor Daniel Spencer considered the ordinance passed good, and
it ought to be enforced.
Councilor Hyrum Smith, believed it was our duty to stand up to the
ordinances.
Moved by Brigham Young that the city council instruct the Mayor to
order the supervisor to open Water street from Joseph Smith's store
north to the north line of the city.
Councilor Phelps approved of the motion, that the road might be
cleared from rafts, and the rafts might also pay license.
Councilor Warrington said the upper stone house was in the street.
Mayor said that was the greatest nuisance there was in the street.
Councilor Orson Spencer was in favor [i.e., of the motion to open
Water street.] Motion carried unanimously.
The governor having refused to issue commissions to the
aldermen-elect of the city, Councilor Whitney inquired who were
aldermen.
The mayor explained that if the governor refuses to grant a
commission, it does not disqualify the officer elect from acting in
his office; consequently, there is no virtue in the commission, but
the virtue of the office consists in the election.
Councilor Young thought they were aldermen all the time or none of
the time.
Mayor said he wanted all the aldermen to be added to the city
council.
{236} Alderman Wells said he considered the election made the
aldermen, and not the commission.
Mayor said if he had been elected alderman and filed his bonds, he
would act as councilor and magistrate.
[Sidenote: Packard's Memorial to Legislature of Massachusetts]
Noah Packard sent a memorial to the governor, senate, and house of
representatives of Massachusetts, his native state, setting forth in
detail the sufferings of the Saints in Missouri, and their expulsion
from that state.
_Wednesday, 6--_Went to my office, and thence with Brother Phelps to
Mr. Bryant's, to see him about his uniting with Hiram Kimball and
others to resist the ordinances of the city.
The _Neighbor_ publishes the name of James Arlington Bennett as
candidate for Vice-President.
_Thursday, 7.--_A splendid day; wind from the southwest.
_Minutes of a General Meeting in the Interest of the Temple_.
[Reported by Elders Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff.]
A vast assembly of Saints met at the Temple of the Lord at nine
o'clock a.m., by a special appointment of President Joseph Smith,
for the purpose of advancing the progress of the Temple, &c.
The Patriarch, Hyrum Smith, was present; also of the Twelve
Apostles, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson
Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and George
A. Smith; also the temple committee and about eight thousand Saints.
A hymn was sung by the choir; prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt, when
another hymn was sung.
Patriarch Hyrum Smith took the stand and said, The object of the
meeting is to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. It is
necessary to have a starting-point, which is to build the Temple.
With the assistance of the sisters, we expect to get the nails and
glass; and with the assistance of the brethren, we expect to do the
rest. I will proclaim in public and in private that the sisters
bought the glass and nails by penny subscription. Choose ye this
day whom ye will serve.
We shall call upon this vast multitude for a donation to buy powder
and fuse-ropes to blast the rocks in the quarry. We want the
brethren to at least do as much as the sisters.
{237} We do not intend to finish the Nauvoo House this season, but
to take all the hands and finish the Temple this summer, or the
walls of it, and get the roof on by December, and do off the inside
next winter; and about a year from this spring we will dedicate it.
We can do anything we undertake. We have power, and we can do great
things. In five years to come the work will progress more than it
has done for ten years past.
Isaiah said we should perform a marvelous work and a wonder. I
don't wonder he said so, if he saw this vast multitude; and I think
this people is abundantly able to build this temple, and much
depends upon it for our endowments and sealing powers; and many
blessings depend upon it.
President Joseph Smith then arrived, took the stand, arose, and,
after requesting Orson Pratt to come to the stand and take his
post, said:--
I do not know whether the object of the meeting has been told you
or not. I apologize for not coming sooner.
I have had so much on my mind since I saw you, that I hardly know
where to begin or what to say; but one of the grand objects I had
in view in calling this meeting was to make a few remarks relative
to the laws and ordinances of the city and the building of the
temple.
The reason I want to speak of the city ordinances is that the
officers have difficulty in administering them.
We are republicans, and wish to have the people rule; but they must
rule in righteousness. Some would complain with what God Himself
would do.
The laws or ordinances are enacted by the city council on petition
of the people; and they can all be repealed, if they wish it, and
petition accordingly.
At all events, the people ought not to complain of the officers;
but if they are not satisfied, they should complain to the
lawmakers by petition.
I am instructed by the city council to tell this people that if
there is any law passed by us which you dislike, we will repeal
it, for we are your servants. Those who complain of our rights and
charters are wicked and corrupt, and the devil is in them.
The reason I called up this subject is, we have a gang of simple
fellows here who do not know where their elbows or heads are.
If you preach virtue to them, they will oppose that; or if you
preach a Methodist God to them, they will oppose that; and the
same if you preach anything else; and if there is any case tried
by the authorities of Nauvoo, they want it appealed to Carthage
to the circuit court. Mr. Orsimus F. Bostwick's case had to go to
Carthage. Our lawyers will appeal anything to the circuit court.
{238} I want the people to speak out and say whether such men
should be tolerated and supported in our midst; and I want to know
if the citizens will sustain me when my hands are raised to heaven
for and in behalf of the people.
From this time I design to bring such characters who act against
the interests of the city before a committee of the whole; and I
will have the voice of the people, which is republican, and is
likely to be the voice of God; and as long as I have a tongue to
speak, I will expose the iniquity of the lawyers and wicked men.
I fear not their boiling over nor the boiling over of hell, their
thunders nor the lightning of their forked tongues.
If these things cannot be put a stop to, I will give such men into
the hands of the Missouri mob. The hands of the officers of the
city falter and are palsied by their conduct.
There is another person I will speak about. He is a Mormon--a
certain man who lived here before we came here; the two first
letters of his name are Hiram Kimball. When a man is baptized and
becomes a member of the Church, I have a right to talk about him,
and reprove him in public or private, whenever it is necessary, or
he deserves it.
When the city passed an ordinance to collect wharfage from
steamboats, he goes and tells the captains of the steamboats that
he owned the landing, and that they need not pay wharfage.
I despise the man who will betray you with a kiss; and I am
determined to use up these men, if they will not stop their
operations. If this is not true, let him come forward and throw off
the imputation.
When they appeal to Carthage, I will appeal to this people, which
is the highest court. I despise the lawyers who haggle on lawsuits,
and I would rather die a thousand deaths than appeal to Carthage,
Kimball and Morrison say they own the wharves; but the fact is,
the city owns them, sixty-four feet from high water mark. From the
printing office to the north limits of the city is public ground,
as Water street runs along the beach, and the beach belongs to the
city and not to individuals.
Another thing: I want to speak about the lawyers of this city. I
have good feelings towards them; nevertheless I will reprove the
lawyers and doctors anyhow. Jesus did, and every prophet has; and
if I am a prophet, I shall do it: at any rate, I shall do it, for I
profess to be a prophet.
The maritime laws of the United States have ceded up the right to
regulate all tolls, wharfage, &c., to the respective corporations
who have jurisdiction, and not to individuals.
Our lawyers have read so little that they are ignorant of this:
they {239} have never stuck their noses into a book on maritime law
in their lives, and, as Pope says:--
Shallow draughts intoxicate the brain;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring.
Our city lawyers are fools to undertake to practice law when they
know nothing about it.
I want from this time forth every fool to stay at home and let the
steamboats and captains alone. No vessel could land anywhere, if
subject to individual laws.
The corporation owns the streets of the city, and has as much right
to tax the boats to make wharves as to tax citizens to make roads.
Let every man in this city stay at home, and let the boat-captains,
peace-officers and everybody alone.
How are we to keep peace in the city, defend ourselves against
mobs, and keep innocent blood from being shed? By striking a blow
at everything that rises up in disorder.
I will wage an eternal warfare with those that oppose me while I
am laboring in behalf of the city. I will disgrace every man by
publishing him on the house top, who will not be still and mind his
own business. Let them entirely alone, and they will use themselves
up.
I was visited by an old gentleman this morning, who told me that
the spirit of mobocracy was about subsiding. A couple of merchants
in this city (I will not tell their names,) have told the country
people not to bring butter, eggs, &c., to Nauvoo for sale; at
least, so the people abroad say.
Now, if they will not let the people bring their produce, the
people will not buy their goods; and the result will be, the
merchants will get a spirit of mobocracy.
Another man (I will not call his name,) has been writing to the_
New York Tribune,_ some of the most disgraceful things possible
to name. He says, in that article, that there are a great many
donations to the Temple which have been appropriated to other
purposes.
His object evidently was to stigmatize the trustee and excite
prejudice against us abroad. But I pledge myself that whoever has
contributed any old shoes, harness, horses, wagons, or anything
else, if he will come forward, will show that every farthing is on
the book and has been appropriated for the building of the Temple.
I pledge myself that if he finds the first farthing that we cannot
show where it has been appropriated, I will give him my head for a
football.
He also states that the Temple cannot be built, it costs so much.
Who does not know that we can put the roof on the building this
season, if we have a mind to? By turning all the means from the
Nauvoo House and doubling our diligence we can do it.
{240} There are men in our midst who are trying to build up
themselves at our expense, and others who are watching for
iniquity, and will make a man an offender for a word. The best way
for such men is to be still. If I did not love men, I would not
reprove them, but would work in the darkness as they do.
As to who is the author of the article in the _Tribune,_ read it
and you will see for yourselves. He is not a lawyer; he is nearer
related to a doctor--a small man. (Mr. McNeil inquired if he was
the man.) No; I do not know you: you are a stranger. But I will
rest myself and give way for others.
President Hyrum Smith arose and made a few remarks. He compared the
lawyers to polliwogs, wigglers, and toads. He said they would dry
up next fall. "Those characters, I presume, were made in gizzard
making time, when it was cheaper to get gizzards than souls; for
if a soul cost $5, a gizzard would cost nothing: like tree toads,
they change color to suit the object they are upon. They ought to
be ferreted out like rats. You could describe them as you would a
hedgehog: they are in every hedge, stinking like the skunk." [1]
Charles Foster asked if Joseph meant him.
_Joseph_ said, "I will reply by asking you a question."
_Foster_: "That is no way."
_Joseph_. "Yes, that is the way the Quakers do. But Jesus said,
'Whose image and superscription is this?' Why did you apply the
remarks to yourself? Why did you ask if we meant you?"
_Foster_. "Then I understand you meant me."
_Joseph_. "You said it."
_Foster_. "You shall hear from me."
_Joseph_. "As Mayor, I fine you $10 for that threat, and for
disturbing the meeting."
Doctor Foster spoke in palliation of his brother Charles, and asked
Joseph to await, &c. He said, "He has not threatened you." Joseph
said, "He has." Doctor Foster said: "No one has heard him threaten
you," when hundreds cried, "I have!" Doctor Foster continued to
speak when the Mayor called him to order, or, said he, "I will fine
you."
William W. Phelps then read General Smith's "Views of the Powers
and Policy of the General Government of the United States;" after
which, it was voted, unanimously, with one exception, to uphold
General Smith for the Presidency of the United States.
{241} An article was also read by W. W. Phelps, entitled, "A Voice
of Innocence from Nauvoo," and all the assembly said "Amen" twice.
At thirty minutes past twelve, the meeting adjourned till two p.m.
When the people assembled according to the adjournment, choir sang
a hymn. Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt. Singing.
President Brigham Young addressed the congregation. He said: I wish
to speak on the duty of lawyers, as they have been spoken of this
morning. They were first among the children of Israel to explain
the laws of Moses to the common people.
I class myself as a lawyer in Israel. My business is to make peace
among the people; and when any man who calls himself a lawyer takes
a course to break peace instead of making it, he is out of the line
of his duty. A lawyer's duty is to read the law well himself, then
tell the people what it is, and let them act upon it, and keep
peace; and let them receive pay like any laboring man.
It is desirable for justices of the peace, when men call for writs,
to inquire into the merits of the case, and tell the parties how to
settle it, and thus put down lawsuits. To cure lawing, let us pay
attention to our business.
When we hear a story, never tell it again, and it will be a perfect
cure. If your brother mistreats you, let him alone; if your enemy
cheats you, let it go; cease to deal with men who abuse you. If all
men had taken the straightforward course that some have, we should
not have such disorderly men in our midst.
I have no objection to any man coming here, but I will have nothing
to do with men who will abuse me at midnight and at noonday. Our
difficulties and persecutions have always arisen from men right in
our midst.
It is the lust of individuals to rob us of everything, and to take
advantage of divisions that may arise among us to build themselves
up. I feel that I want every man should stay and lift up holy hands
without dubiety, wrath or doubting.
To the men who own land here I would say: Do not think you can sell
your lands here, and then go off and spend it somewhere else in
abusing the Mormons. I tell you nay; for know it, ye people, that
Israel is here; and they are the head, and not the tail; and the
people must learn it. All those who have gone from us have gone
from the head to the tail.
The grand object before us is to build the temple this season.
We have heard the effects of slander, and we want a cure and balm;
and I carry one with me all the while, and I want all of you to
do the same. I will tell you what it is: it is to mind your own
business, and let others alone, and suffer wrong rather than do
wrong. If any take {242} your property away, let them alone, and
have nothing to do with them.
A spirit has been manifested to divide the Saints. It was manifest
in the last election. It was said, if they did not look out, the
Saints on the flat would beat the Saints on the hill.
Great God! how such a thing looks, that the Saints should be afraid
of beating one another in the election, or being beat? I would ask,
who built up this city? Would steamboats have landed here, if the
Saints had not come? Or could you, even the speculators, have sold
your lands for anything here, if the Saints had not come? They
might have sold for a few bear and wolf skins, but not for money.
If any of you wish to know how to have your bread fall butter-side
up, butter it on both sides, and then it will fall butter-side up.
Oppose this work, and it will roll over you.
When did this work ever stop since it began? Never. The only thing
the Saints now want to know is--what does the Lord want of us, and
we are ready to do it.
Well, then, build the Temple of the Lord. Keep the law of God, ye
Saints, and the hypocrite and scoundrel will flee out of your midst
and tremble, for the fire of God will be too hot for them.
I expect the Saints are so anxious to work, and so ready to do
right, that God has whispered to the Prophet, "Build the Temple,
and let the Nauvoo House alone at present." I would not sue a man,
if he owed me five hundred or a thousand dollars, should he come to
me and say he would not pay me.
Elder John Taylor remarked that it was said by some discontented
persons that the municipal officers of the city were acting in an
arbitrary manner, which was false. He then went to explain the
principles of Democracy, until it was announced that it would be
desirable to set a contribution on foot immediately to get fuse
rope and blasting powder, as a boat was coming down the river, and
the messenger was waiting to go down to St. Louis.
Elder Taylor paused awhile for this purpose, and a collection
amounting to about sixty dollars was made. He then continued his
speech: "When society was first organized they found themselves
without legislature, congress, house of lords, or anything of the
kind, every man was lord over his own house.
Difficulties began to arise, and the people began to contend and
combine together in governments. By-and-by, some two or three
requested that they might return to their original customs, and the
government said they might. This was the situation of this city in
the main, when we asked for a charter.
Of General Joseph Smith some are afraid, and think it doubtful
about his election; and, like the ostrich, stick their heads under
a bush, {243} and leave their bodies out, so that we can all see
them; and after this it will be a by-word--"That man is an ostrich
who hides his head in this cause." He spoke also on going on with
the temple.
President Brigham Young said--"Those who have not paid their
property tithing we shall call upon, and take dinner; and we had
rather be saved that trouble, and have them come up and pay. You
will want a blessing in the temple when it is done."
President Joseph Smith remarked:--In relation to those who give in
property for the temple. We want them to bring it to the proper
source, and to be careful into whose hands it comes, that it may
be entered into the Church books, so that those whose names are
found in the Church books shall have the first claim to receive
their endowments in the temple. I intend to keep the door at the
dedication myself, and not a man shall pass who has not paid his
bonus.
As to politics, I care but little about the presidential chair.
I would not give half as much for the office of President
of the United States as I would for the one I now hold as
Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion.
We have as good a right to make a political party to gain power to
defend ourselves, as for demagogues to make use of our religion to
get power to destroy us. In other words, as the world has used the
power of government to oppress and persecute us, it is right for us
to use it for the protection of our rights. We will whip the mob by
getting up a candidate for President.
When I get hold of the Eastern papers, and see how popular I am,
I am afraid myself that I shall be elected; but if I should be, I
would not say, "_Your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you_."
What I have said in my views in relation to the annexation of Texas
is with some unpopular; the people are opposed to it. Some of the
Anti-Mormons are good fellows. I say it, however, in anticipation
that they will repent. They object to Texas on account of slavery.
Why, it is the very reason she ought to be received, so that we
may watch over them; for, of the two evils, we should reject the
greatest.
Governor Houston of Texas, says--"if you refuse to receive us
into the United States, we must go to the British Government for
protection."
This would certainly be bad policy for this nation; the British are
now throughout that whole country, trying to bribe all they can;
and the first thing they would do, if they got possession, would be
to set the negroes and the Indians to fight, and they would use us
up. British officers are now running all over Texas to establish
British influence in that country.
It will be more honorable for us to receive Texas and set the
negroes {244} free, and use the negroes and Indians against our
foes. Don't let Texas go, lest our mothers and the daughters of the
land should laugh us in the teeth; and if these things are not so,
God never spoke by any Prophet since the world began.
How much better it is for the nation to bear a little expense than
to have the Indians and British upon us and destroy us all. We
should grasp all the territory we can. I know much that I do not
tell. I have had bribes offered me, but I have rejected them.
The government will not receive any advice or counsel from me: they
are self-sufficient. But they must go to hell and work out their
own salvation with fear and trembling.
The South holds the balance of power. By annexing Texas, I can do
away with this evil. As soon as Texas was annexed, I would liberate
the slaves in two or three States, indemnifying their owners, and
send the negroes to Texas, and from Texas to Mexico, where all
colors are alike. And if that was not sufficient, I would call upon
Canada, and annex it.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by President B. Young.
[Sidenote: Arrival of Wm. Kay and Company of English Saints.]
The barque _Fanny_, Captain Patterson, arrived at New Orleans with
210 souls, led by Elder William Kay. They express, [the opinion] in
a letter to the _Millennial Star,_ that no people ever had a more
prosperous voyage than the Lord has favored this company with; and
such a captain and crew, for kindness, could scarcely be met with,
the captain frequently administering from the cabin stores unto the
necessities of all who required it.
Elder John E. Page published an address to the inhabitants of
Washington.
_Friday, 8.--_Very heavy rain all night, accompanied by thunder.
Bishop Miller arrived from the Pinery.
[Sidenote: Jas. A. Bennett Ineligible for Vice-President of U.S.]
At ten a.m., my scribe, Willard Richards, called to tell me that James
Arlington Bennett was a native of Ireland, and therefore was not
constitutionally eligible to be the Vice-President. He wanted to know
who should be nominated for Vice-President. I told him to counsel with
others upon that {245} point, when he said he would call a council this
evening.
At seven p.m., the First Presidency, the Twelve, Bishop Miller, Levi
Richards, W. W. Phelps, and Lucian Woodworth assembled in the Mayor's
office, when W. W. Phelps read the following pacific communication,
which I had previously dictated him to write:--
_A Friendly Hint to Missouri_.
One of the most pleasing scenes that can occur on earth, when a sin
has been committed by one person against another, is, to forgive
that sin; and then according to the sublime and perfect pattern of
the Savior, pray to our Father in heaven to forgive him also.
Verily, verily, such a friendly rebuke is like the mellow zephyr
of summer's eve--it soothes, it cheers and gladdens the heart
of the humane and the savage. Well might the wise man exclaim,
"A soft answer turneth away wrath; "for men of sense, judgment,
and observation, in all the various periods of time, have been
witnesses, figuratively speaking, that water, not wood, checks the
rage of fire.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
the children of God." Wherefore if the nation, a single State,
community, or family ought to be grateful for anything, it is peace.
Peace, lovely child of heaven!--peace like light from the same
great parent, gratifies, animates, and happifies the just and the
unjust, and is the very essence of happiness below, and bliss above.
He that does not strive with all his powers of body and mind,
with all his influence at home and abroad, and to cause others to
do so too--to seek peace and maintain it for his own benefit and
convenience, and for the honor of his State, nation, and country,
has no claim on the clemency of man; nor should he be entitled to
the friendship of woman or the protection of government.
He is the canker-worm to gnaw his own vitals; and the vulture to
prey upon his own body; and he is, as to his own prospects and
prosperity in life, a _felo-de-se_ of his own pleasure.
A community of such beings are not far from hell on earth, and
should be let alone as unfit for the smiles of the free or praise
of the brave.
But the peacemaker, O give ear to him! for the words of his mouth
and his doctrine drop like the rain, and distil as the dew. They
are like the gentle mist upon the herbs, and as the moderate shower
upon the grass.
Animation, virtue, love, contentment, philanthropy, benevolence,
compassion, humanity and friendship push life into bliss: and
men, a {246} little below the angels, exercising their powers,
privileges, and knowledge according to the order, rules, and
regulations of revelation, by Jesus Christ, dwell together in
unity; and the sweet odor that is wafted by the breath of joy
and satisfaction from their righteous communion is like the rich
perfume from the consecrated oil that was poured upon the head of
Aaron, or like the luscious fragrance that rises from the field of
Arabian spices. Yea, more, the voice of the peacemaker--
It is like the music of the spheres--
It charms our souls and calms our fears;
It turns the world to Paradise,
And men to pearls of greater price.
So much to preface this friendly hint to the state of Missouri:
for, notwithstanding some of her private citizens and public
officers have committed violence, robbery, and even murder upon
the rights and persons of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, yet compassion, dignity, and a sense of the principles of
religion among all classes, and honor and benevolence, mingled
with charity by high-minded patriots, lead me to suppose that
there are many worthy people in that state who will use their
influence and energies to bring about a settlement of all those old
difficulties, and use all consistent means to urge the State, for
her honor, prosperity, and good name, to restore every person she
or her citizens have expelled from her limits, to their rights,
and pay them all damage, that the great body of high-minded and
well-disposed Southern and Western gentlemen and ladies--the
real peace-makers or a western world, will go forth--good
Samaritan-like, and pour in the oil and the wine, till all that
can be healed are made whole; and after repentance, they shall be
forgiven; for verily the Scriptures say, "Joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety-and-nine just
persons that need no repentance."
Knowing the fallibility of man, considering the awful
responsibility of rejecting the cries of the innocent, confident
in the virtue and patriotism of the noble-minded Western men,
tenacious of their character and standing, too high to stoop to
disgraceful acts, and too proud to tolerate meanness in others;
yea, may, I not say, without boasting that the best blood of the
West, united with the honor of the illustrious fathers of freedom,
will move, as the forest is moved by a mighty wind, to promote
peace and friendship in every part of our wide-spread, lovely
country.
Filled with a love almost unspeakable, and moved by a desire
pleasant as the dew of heaven, I supplicate not only our Father
above, but also the civil, the enlightened, the intelligent, the
social, and the best inhabitants of Missouri--those that feel bound
by principles of honor, justice, moral greatness, and national
pride, to arise in the character of {247} virtuous freemen from
the disgrace and reproach that might inadvertently blur their good
names, for want of self-preservation.
Now is the time to brush off the monster that, incubus-like, seems
hanging upon the reputation of the whole State. A little exertion,
and the infamy of the evil will blacken the guilty only, for is it
not written, "The tree is known by its fruit?"
The voice of reason, the voice of humanity, the voice of the
nation, and the voice of Heaven seem to say to the honest and
virtuous throughout the State of Missouri, wash yourselves, make
you clean, lest your negligence should be taken by the world, from
the mass of facts before it, that you are guilty!
Let there be one unison of hearts for justice; and when you
reflect around your own firesides, remember that fifteen thousand
once among you, now not, but who are just as much entitled to the
privileges and blessings you enjoy as yourselves, like the widow
before the unjust judge, are fervently praying for their rights.
When you meditate upon the massacre at Haun's mill, forget not that
the Constitution of your State holds this broad truth to the world,
that none shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, but by
the judgment of his peers or the law of the land.
And when you assemble together in towns, counties, or districts,
whether to petition your legislature to pay the damage the Saints
have sustained in your State, by reason of oppression and misguided
zeal, or to restore them to their rights according to Republican
principles and benevolent designs, reflect, and make honorable,
or annihilate, such statute law as was in force in your state in
1838,--_viz._: "If twelve or more persons shall combine to levy war
against any part of the people of this state, or to remove [them]
forcibly out of the state or from their habitations, evidenced by
taking arms and assembling to accomplish such purpose, every person
so offending shall be punished by imprisonment in the Penitentiary
for a period not exceeding five years, or by a fine not exceeding
five thousand dollars and imprisonment in the county jail not
exceeding six months."
Finally, if honor dignifies an honest people, if virtue exalts
a community, if wisdom guides great men, if principle governs
intelligent beings, if humanity spreads comfort among the needy,
and if religion affords consolation by showing that charity is the
first, best and sweetest token of perfect love, then, O ye good
people of Missouri, like the woman in Scripture who had lost one of
her ten pieces of silver, arise, search diligently till you find
the lost piece, and then make a feast, and call in your friends for
joy.
With due consideration, I am the friend of all good men,
JOSEPH SMITH.
NAUVOO, ILL., March 8, 1844.
[Sidenote: St. Louis Comment on the Prophet's Candidacy.]
{248} Brother George A. Smith brought the information that Brother
Farnham had just returned from St. Louis, and said the people in that
place were saying, "Things have come to a strange pass. If Joe Smith is
elected President, he will raise the devil with Missouri; and if he is
not elected, he will raise the devil anyhow."
[Sidenote: Copeland of Tennessee Considered as Candidate for
Vice-President.]
It was agreed that Colonel Solomon Copeland, living at Paris, Henry
county, Tennessee, should be written to on the subject of the
Vice-Presidency; and that Elder Wilford Woodruff should write the
letter, and invite him to visit us, and see if he would suffer his name
to run for that office.
_Saturday, 9.--_Met in the City Council, and gave my reasons in favor
of the repeal of the hog law. [The subject was discussed at some
length.]
Council adjourned for one hour. In the afternoon City Council rejected
the petition to repeal the hog law.
[Sidenote: Matter of Wharfage.]
I proposed to license Hiram Kimball and Mr. Morrison, who own the land
opposite to the wharf, to make wharves and collect wharfage; then the
city can dispense with a wharf-master; that Kimball and Morrison pay a
tax for the landing of every boat; and they could tax the boat, or not,
as they liked.
The Female Relief Society met twice in the assembly room, and
sanctioned "The Voice of Innocence From Nauvoo," and then adjourned
for one week to accommodate others who could not get into the room at
either of the meetings.
[Sidenote: Death of King Follett.]
Our worthy brother, King Follett, died this morning occasioned by the
accidental breaking of a rope, and the falling of a bucket of rock upon
him while engaged in walling up a well, and the men above were in the
act of lowering the rock to him.
{249} KING FOLLETT BIOGRAPHY.
Elder Follett was one of those who bore the burden, in common with
others of his brethren, in the days when men's faith was put to the
test. He was a native of Vermont and moved many years since into
Cuyahoga county, Ohio.
There, for the first time, he heard the Gospel preached, united
with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the spring
of 1831, and has been a sharer in the afflictions through which the
Saints have passed from that time until the time of his death.
He shared in the violence of Missouri persecution, was cast into
prison, and endured many months' imprisonment; and, after long
delay, obtained a trial on the charges preferred against him, and
was honorably discharged, being acquitted of all the crimes with
which a band of wicked persecutors could charge him.
All the persecutions he endured only tended to strengthen his faith
and confirm his hope; and he died as he had lived, rejoicing in the
hope of future felicity.
Having united with the Church in the forty-first year of his age,
he filled up the prime of his life in the service of his God, and
went to rest in his fifty-sixth year, being fifty-five years, seven
months, and fourteen days old when he slept the sleep of death.
So the righteous pass, and so they sleep, until the mandate of Him
for whom they suffer and in whom they trust shall call them forth
to glory, honor, immortality and eternal life.
_Sunday, 10.--_Frost in the night; beautiful day. South wind.
Brother King Follett was buried this day with Masonic honors.
I attended meeting at the stand, and preached on the subject of Elias,
Elijah, and Messiah. [A sketch of which was reported by Elder Wilford
Woodruff, as follows]:--
_Discourse of the Prophet.--Elias, Elijah, Messiah_.
There is a difference between the spirit and office of Elias and
Elijah. It is the spirit of Elias I wish first to speak of; and in
order to come at the subject, I will bring some of the testimony
from the Scripture and give my own.
In the first place, suffice it to say, I went into the woods to
inquire of {250} the Lord, by prayer, His will concerning me, and I
saw an angel, and he laid his hands upon my head, and ordained me
to a Priest after the order of Aaron, and to hold the keys of this
Priesthood, which office was to preach repentance and baptism for
the remission of sins, and also to baptize. But I was informed that
this office did not extend to the laying on of hands for the giving
of the Holy Ghost; that that office was a greater work, and was to
be given afterward; but that my ordination was a preparatory work,
or a going before, which was the spirit of Elias; for the spirit
of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater,
which was the case with John the Baptist. He came crying through
the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight." And they were informed, if they could receive it, it
was the spirit of Elias; and John was very particular to tell the
people, he was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that
Light.
He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and
baptize with water; but it was He that should come after him that
should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost.
If he had been an imposter, he might have gone to work beyond his
bounds, and undertook to have performed ordinances which did not
belong to that office and calling, under the spirit of Elias.
The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation
of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that
Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to
prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias,
it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of
the world.
John's mission was limited to preaching and baptizing: but what
he did was legal; and when Jesus Christ came to any of John's
disciples, He baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost.
We find the apostles endowed with greater power than John: their
office was more under the spirit and power of Elijah than Elias.
In the case of Phillip when he went down to Samaria, when he was
under the spirit of Elias, he baptized both men and women. When
Peter and John heard of it, they went down and laid hands upon
them, and they received the Holy Ghost. This shows the distinction
between the two powers.
When Paul came to certain disciples, he asked if they had received
the Holy Ghost? They said, No. Who baptized you, then? We were
baptized unto John's baptism. No, you were not baptized unto John's
baptism, or you would have been baptized by John. And so Paul went
and baptized them, for he knew what the true doctrine was, and he
knew that John had not baptized them. And these principles are
{251} strange to me, that men who have read the Scriptures of the
New Testament are so far from it.
What I want to impress upon your minds is the difference of power
in the different parts of the Priesthood, so that when any man
comes among you, saying, "I have the spirit of Elias," you can know
whether he be true or false; for any man that comes, having the
spirit and power of Elias, he will not transcend his bounds.
John did not transcend his bounds, but faithfully performed that
part belonging to his office; and every portion of the great
building should be prepared right and assigned to its proper place;
and it is necessary to know who holds the keys of power, and who
does not, or we may be likely to be deceived.
That person who holds the keys of Elias hath a preparatory work.
But if I spend much more time in conversing about the spirit of
Elias, I shall not have time to do justice to the spirit and power
of Elijah.
This is the Elias spoken of in the last days, and here is the rock
upon which many split, thinking the time was past in the days of
John and Christ, and no more to be. But the spirit of Elias was
revealed to me, and I know it is true; therefore I speak with
boldness, for I know verily my doctrine is true.
Now for Elijah. The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that
ye have power to hold the key of the revelation, ordinances,
oracles, powers and endowments of the fullness of the Melchizedek
Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth; and to receive,
obtain, and perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of
God, even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the
children, and the hearts of the children unto the fathers, even
those who are in heaven.
Malachi says, "I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming
of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the
heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children
to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
Now, what I am after is the knowledge of God, and I take my own
course to obtain it. What are we to understand by this in the last
days?
In the days of Noah, God destroyed the world by a flood, and He
has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days: but before it
should take place, Elijah should first come and turn the hearts of
the fathers to the children, &c.
Now comes the point. What is this office and work of Elijah?
It is one of the greatest and most important subjects that God
has revealed. He should send Elijah to seal the children to the
fathers, and the fathers to the children.
Now was this merely confined to the living, to settle difficulties
with {252} families on earth? By no means. It was a far greater
work. Elijah! what would you do if you were here? Would you confine
your work to the living alone? No; I would refer you to the
Scriptures, where the subject is manifest: that is, without us,
they could not be made perfect, nor we without them; the fathers
without the children, nor the children without the fathers.
I wish you to understand this subject, for it is important; and
if you will receive it, this is the spirit of Elijah, that we
redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which
are in heaven, and seal up our dead to come forth in the first
resurrection; and here we want the power of Elijah to seal those
who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven. This is the power
of Elijah and the keys of the kingdom of Jehovah.
Let us suppose a case. Suppose the great God who dwells in heaven
should reveal Himself to Father Cutler here, by the opening
heavens, and tell him, "I offer up a decree that whatsoever you
seal on earth with your decree, I will seal it in heaven; you
have the power then; can it be taken off? No. Then what you seal
on earth, by the keys of Elijah, is sealed in heaven; and this is
the power of Elijah, and this is the difference between the spirit
and power of Elias and Elijah; for while the spirit of Elias is a
forerunner, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling
and election sure; and the same doctrine, where we are exhorted to
go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance
from dead works, and of laying on of hands, resurrection of the
dead, &c.
We cannot be perfect without the fathers, &c. We must have
revelation from them, and we can see that the doctrine of
revelation far transcends the doctrine of no revelation; for one
truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in
existence.
This spirit of Elijah was manifest in the days of the apostles, in
delivering certain ones to the buffetings of Satan, that they might
be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. They were sealed by the
spirit of Elijah unto the damnation of hell until the day of the
Lord, or revelation of Jesus Christ.
Here is the doctrine of election that the world has quarreled so
much about; but they do not know anything about it.
The doctrine that the Presbyterians and Methodists have quarreled
so much about--once in grace, always in grace, or falling away
from grace, I will say a word about. They are both wrong. Truth
takes a road between them both, for while the Presbyterian says
"once in grace, you cannot fall;" the Methodist says: "You can have
grace today, fall from it tomorrow, next day have grace again;
and so follow on, changing continually." But the doctrine of the
Scriptures and the {253} spirit of Elijah would show them both
false, and take a road between them both; for, according to the
Scripture, if men have received the good word of God, and tasted
of the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, it
is impossible to renew them again, seeing they have crucified the
Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame; so there is a
possibility of falling away; you could not be renewed again, and
the power of Elijah cannot seal against this sin, for this is a
reserve made in the seals and power of the Priesthood.
I will make every doctrine plain that I present, and it shall stand
upon a firm basis, and I am at the defiance of the world, for I
will take shelter under the broad cover of the wings of the work in
which I am engaged. It matters not to me if all hell boils over; I
regard it only as I would the crackling of the thorns under a pot.
A murderer, for instance, one that sheds innocent blood, cannot
have forgiveness. David sought repentance at the hand of God
carefully with tears, for the murder of Uriah; but he could only
get it through hell: he got a promise that his soul should not be
left in hell.
Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power
of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood; and the Priesthood
that he received, and the throne and kingdom of David is to be
taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the
last days, raised up out of his lineage.
Peter referred to the same subject on the day of Pentecost, but the
multitude did not get the endowment that Peter had; but several
days after, the people asked "What shall we do?" Peter says, "I
would ye had done it ignorantly," speaking of crucifying the Lord,
&c. He did not say to them, "Repent and be baptized, for the
remission of your sins;" but he said, "Repent ye therefore, and be
converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts iii.
19.)
This is the case with murderers. They could not be baptized for the
remission of sins for they had shed innocent blood.
Again: The doctrine or sealing power of Elijah is as follows:--If
you have power to seal on earth and in heaven, then we should be
wise. The first thing you do, go and seal on earth your sons and
daughters unto yourself, and yourself unto your fathers in eternal
glory. * * * * * * * I will walk through the gate of heaven and
claim what I seal, and those that follow me and my counsel.
The Lord once told me that what I asked for I should have. I have
been afraid to ask God to kill my enemies, lest some of them
should, peradventure, repent.
I asked a short time since for the Lord to deliver me out of the
hands of the Governor of Missouri, and if it needs must be to
accomplish it, to {254} take him away; and the next news that came
pouring down from there was, that _Governor Reynolds had shot
himself._ And I would now say, "Beware, O earth, how you fight
against the Saints of God and shed innocent blood; for in the days
of Elijah, his enemies came upon him, and fire was called down from
heaven and destroyed them.
The spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, and Messiah last.
Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power
of Elijah is to come after, holding the keys of power, building
the Temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek
Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready;
then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all.
Messiah is above the spirit and power of Elijah, for He made the
world, and was that spiritual rock unto Moses in the wilderness.
Elijah was to come and prepare the way and build up the kingdom
before the coming of the great day of the Lord, although the spirit
of Elias might begin it.
I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking
the Lord, He gave a sign and said, "In the days of Noah I set a
bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the
bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be
seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the
bow withdrawn, it shall be a token that there shall be famine,
pestilence, and great distress among the nations, and that the
coming of the Messiah is not far distant.
But I will take the responsibility upon myself to prophesy in
the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come this year, as
Father Miller has prophesied, for we have seen the bow; and I also
prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come in
forty years; and if God ever spoke by my mouth, He will not come in
that length of time. Brethren, when you go home, write this down,
that it may be remembered.
Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise time that
He would come. Go and read the Scriptures, and you cannot find
anything that specifies the exact hour He would come; and all that
say so are false teachers.
There are some important things concerning the office of the
Messiah in the organization of the world, which I will speak of
hereafter, May God Almighty bless you and pour out His Spirit upon
you, is the prayer of your unworthy servant. Amen.
At half-past three p.m., I met with the Twelve, Bishop Miller and the
Temple Committee, in the Nauvoo Mansion.
{255} The following letter from Lyman Wight and others was read:--
_Letter:--Lyman Wight to the First Presidency--Preaching the Gospel
to the Indians and Proposing to Migrate to Texas_.
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Feb. 15, 1844.
_To the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve of the Church
of Christ of Latter-day Saints_.
DEAR BRETHREN,--Through the goodness and mercy of God, the Eternal
Father, and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are
permitted to write and send by a special messenger a concise
account of our lumbering operations, together with the apparent
prospects of the introduction and spread of the Gospel among the
Chippewa and Menomanee Indians, and also the projects of our hearts
in regard to future operations in spreading the Gospel south in
all the extent of America, and the consequences growing out of the
same, all of which we beg leave to submit to your consideration
that we may have your concurrence, or such views as shall be in
accordance with the mind and will of the Lord, and govern ourselves
in accordance therewith.
Since we have been here lumbering, we have had many difficulties
to encounter; but the main hindrance to our successful operations
was the feeding, clothing, and transporting a great many lazy,
idle men, who have not produced anything by their pretended labor,
and thus eating up all that the diligent and honest could produce
by their unceasing application to labor; and we have not yet got
entirely clear of such persons.
But under all these mighty clogs and hindrances, we have been able
to accomplish and have in progress, so that we can deliver in
Nauvoo about one million feet of lumber by the last of July next,
which will be a great deal more than what is necessary to build
the Temple and the Nauvoo House. Besides all this, we have made
valuable improvements here,--all the result of much labor done
under trying circumstances.
We have recently ascertained that the lands from the falls of Black
River to its sources are the property of the Menomanee Indians,
and the general government having urged them to move off the lands
in the vicinity of Green Bay to their own lands. The Indians say
they will, provided the Government will remove all strange Indians
and trespassing white men off their lands; consequently, the agent
and superintendent of Indian Affairs are taking such steps as will
stop all further trespassing on the Indian lands, on the Wisconsin,
Black and Chippewa rivers, under the penalties of the laws relative
to the cases.
{256} We sent Brothers Miller and Daniels, in company with the
principal chief of the Menomanee Indians, overland to the Wisconsin
river, to ascertain more about the matter. They saw the agent;
found him a gruff, austere man, determined to stop all trespassing
on Indian lands.
The Indians are willing to sell privileges to individuals for
lumbering and cutting timber, as they have hitherto done; but the
agent is opposed to it. Thus a difficulty arises between themselves.
Now, as regards the introduction of the Gospel of Christ among the
Indians here, it will require more exertion, to all appearances, to
check the enthusiastic ardor of these our red brethren, until the
full principles of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shall
be reasoned into their minds, than to urge them on to receive it.
They have great confidence in us.
The country belonging to these northern Indians is a dreary, cold
region, and to a great extent, cranberry marshes, pine barrens, and
swamps, with a small amount of good lands, scarce of game, and only
valuable in mill privileges and facilities for lumbering purposes.
As to mineral resources, they have not been fully developed. There
is no doubt as to the abundance of iron ore, but uncertain as to
quality.
Now, under all these circumstances, a few of us here have
arrived at this conclusion in our minds (such as can undergo all
things,)--that as the Gospel has not been fully opened in all the
South and Southwestern States, as also Texas, Mexico, Brazil, &c.,
together with the West Indian Islands, having produced lumber
enough to build the Temple and Nauvoo House,--also having an
influence over the Indians, so as to induce them to sell their
lands to the United States, and go to a climate southwest, (all
according to the policy of the U. S. Government),--and having also
become convinced that the Church at Nauvoo or in the Eastern States
will not build the Nauvoo House according to the commandment,
neither the Temple in a reasonable time, and that we have, so
far as we have made trials, got means in the south,--we have in
our minds to go to the table-lands of Texas, to a point we may
find to be the most eligible, there locate, and let it be a place
of gathering for all the South (they being incumbered with that
unfortunate race of beings, the negroes); and for us to employ our
time and talents in gathering together means to build according to
the commandments of our God, and spread the Gospel to the nations
according to the will of our Heavenly Father. We, therefore, our
beloved brethren, send our worthy Brother Young, with a few of our
thoughts, on paper, that you may take the subject-matter under
consideration, and return us such instructions as may be according
to the mind and will of the Lord our God.
We have thought it best to sell the mills here, if you think it
expedient. We feel greatly encouraged to spend and be spent in the
cause of Christ, according to the will of our Heavenly Father.
{257} You will, therefore, after due deliberation, send us, by the
hands of Brother Young, such instructions as may be the result of
your deliberations.
Holding ourselves ready under all circumstances in life to try to
do all things whatsoever commanded or instructed to do by those
ordained to direct the officers of the Church of Jesus Christ;
subscribing ourselves yours truly, while life shall endure,
Lyman Wight,
George Miller,
Phineas R. Bird,
Pierce Hawley,
John Young.
Select Committee to write expressly the views of the branch of the
Church at Black River Falls.
Joseph Smith, P. C.,
Brigham Young, P. T.,
Willard Richards, Clerk.
Also a letter to myself from Lyman Wight and others--
_Letter:--Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith--Suggesting a
Southwest Movement for the Church_.
BLACK RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN TERRITORY,
February 15th, 1844.
_To Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and to the Twelve Apostles, greeting:--_
Believing a concert of action in all things in this Church
to be highly important, we deem it necessary, under existing
circumstances, to make you acquainted with our views, feelings, and
temporal and spiritual prospects, as they now exist.
We wrote you last fall a full and complete description of this
country as high as the falls on Black River, without exaggeration,
giving a slight description of the Pinery.
With the exception of several renegades and false brethren, things
passed smoothly until some time in the month of January, when we
were visited by three different tribes of Lamanites upon the most
friendly terms, receiving us as their counselors, both temporal and
spiritual.
The names of those tribes are Menomanees, Chippewa, and
Winnebagoes. They informed us that all the land above the falls
belongs to the Menomanee tribe, and that the agents and the
governor, the general {258} agent in the northwest of all the
Indian affairs, had agreed with them to remove all the lumbermen
from Black River, Chippewa, and Lemanware rivers, by their request;
but after a lengthy conversation with them, they felt to treat us
as their friends, and not their enemies.
We dispatched two messengers--namely, George Miller and Cyrus
Daniels, to go immediately to Wisconsin, where they met with the
agent, who gave them to understand we could get the timber, which
is already cut, at a reasonable rate, and for any future prospect
we will be under the necessity of entering into a contract.
We calculate the present prospect for lumber betwixt this and the
last of July next will be from eight to twelve hundred thousand
feet, which we deem will be all sufficient to finish the two
houses, which will accomplish the mission on which we started to
this country.
We, therefore, as a branch and a member of the body of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose the following
committee--namely, Lyman Wight, George Miller, Pierce Hawley,
Phineas R. Bird and John Young, to correspond with your reverend
council, giving you our views concerning matters and things, and
requesting your counsel on the same.
This committee views it inexpedient to purchase standing timber on
so rapid and unnavigable a stream for the purpose of making lumber
to gain wealth.
The Lamanites owning this land, notwithstanding their great anxiety
to receive the Gospel and the Book of Mormon, have a strong desire,
if counseled by us so to do, to go south-west, where game is more
plentiful as their only resource here for a living is the pitiful
annuities and proceeds from their pine timber, which timber is the
only inducement to the Government to purchase their lands.
This committee is therefore led to take a brief view of the south
and western part of North America, together with the Floridas,
Texas, West India Islands, and the adjacent islands to the Gulf
of Mexico, together with the Lamanites bordering on the United
Territories from Green Bay to the Mexican Gulf, all crying with one
voice, through the medium of their chiefs, Give us an understanding
of your doctrine and principles, for we perceive that your ways are
equal, and your righteousness far exceeds the righteousness of all
the missionaries that we have yet become acquainted with,--that
your conduct with one another is like that of ours, and that all
your feasts and attendant ceremonies are precisely like ours.
Your servants, the committee, have viewed the Colorado river, with
all its beautiful hills and valleys and fertile soil, with deep
regret, when viewing the countless thousands of inhabitants on
either side thereof, without the knowledge of God or the doctrine
of the Church of Jesus {259} Christ of Latter-day Saints, and say
in their hearts, Would it be expedient to form a mission of those
true and full-blooded Ephraimites, who, from principle, and the
love of the truth, have borne the most extreme burdens, fatigue,
and hunger, to prosecute the mission, to procure lumber sufficient
to build the two houses, to open the door to all the regions which
we have named, which regions have never yet had an opportunity
to hear the Gospel and to be made acquainted with the plan of
salvation? or shall they continue to suffer the fatigues of hunger,
wet and cold, in a rigid, inclement climate, for the pitiful sum
that it shall avail them, after undergoing those hazardous perils?
or shall they, like Timothy and Titus, with Paul, hazard the perils
of the sea and land through the Southern States and West India
Islands, and all the Lamanite world, go forth and proclaim to them
the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and teach them to
build up Zion?
Are there not thousands of the rich planters who would embrace the
Gospel, and, if they had a place to plant their slaves, give all
the proceeds of their yearly labor, if rightly taught, for building
up the kingdom, being directed by the President of the whole Church
to make the right application? We answer, Yes, we believe they
would.
Your servants, the committee, are of the opinion that a concerted
and reciprocity of action between the North and the South would
greatly advance the building up of the kingdom.
The committee is well informed of the Cherokee and the Chocktaw
nations who live between the state of Arkansas and the Colorado
river of the Texans, owning large plantations and thousands of
slaves, and that they are also very desirous to have an interview
with the Elders of this Church, upon the principles of the Book of
Mormon.
This committee is of the opinion that they can choose soldiers for
this expedition who are as undeviating in the principles of the
doctrine of Christ and the Book of Mormon as the sun in his daily
course, and as indefatigable in their exertions in this cause as
the earth is in its daily revolution.
This committee views it as a matter of investigation, whether would
the Southerner, with his slaves and abundance of wealth, do better
to take them to some slave-holding point, keep them in lively
exercise according to his former customs and habits turning over
his yearly proceeds into the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust for the
whole Church, or to abolish slavery and settle himself in a climate
uncongenial to his nature and entirely derogatory to his former
occupations in life?
After having procured the lumber for those two houses, the
committee is of the opinion that the preaching of the Gospel and
raising funds {260} in the south would be a far more speedy way of
accomplishing the work than any other that could be introduced at
the present time.
We, your servants, therefore, will wait patiently the result
of your council, and submit ourselves to the same with all
cheerfulness, our only object being to advance the cause and
kingdom of God, stand ready to take hold wherever your wise council
may consider it to be of the most advantage.
This committee view with deep regret the many different teachings
this Church has received concerning the distribution of their
property, such as raising funds for the printing of tracts,
evidences of the Book of Mormon, and pamphlets of various
descriptions, which we consider has not advanced the cause in the
least degree, but has tended directly to sap the foundation of
building the houses.
We therefore believe that no person embracing the doctrine of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should give any part or
parcel of the property without a direct counsel, written or oral,
from the First Presidency of the Church.
Whereas the committee having appointed George Miller and Lyman
Wight to write the views of the committee, each wrote separate and
apart, having laid the same before the committee, the committee
resolved that both productions be sent without alterations.
We, the committee, conclude by subscribing ourselves your friends
and well-wishers in the Lord, praying a speedy answer from your
worthy council, or the word of the Lord.
LYMAN WIGHT,
GEORGE MILLER,
PHINEAS R. BIRD,
PIERCE HAWLEY,
JOHN YOUNG,
Select Committee to write expressing the views of the branch of the
Church at Black River Falls.
Joseph Smith, Sen., P. C.
Brigham Young, P. T.
William Richards, Clerk.
The brethren went into council on the subject matter of the letters
during the evening.
_Monday 11.--_At home till nine; then spent the day in council in the
lodge room over Henry Miller's house.
_Special Council Meeting on Wight and Miller Letters_.
Present--Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C.
Kimball, Willard Richards, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John
Taylor, {261} George A. Smith, William W. Phelps, John M.
Bernhisel, Lucien Woodworth, George Miller, Alexander Badlam, Peter
Haws, Erastus Snow, Reynolds Cahoon, Amos Fielding, Alpheus Cutler,
Levi Richards, Newel K. Whitney, Lorenzo D. Wasson, and William
Clayton, whom I organized into a special council, to take into
consideration the subject matter contained in the above letters,
and also the best policy for this people to adopt to obtain their
rights from the nation and insure protection for themselves and
children; and to secure a resting place in the mountains, or some
uninhabited region, where we can enjoy the liberty of conscience
guaranteed to us by the Constitution of our country, rendered
doubly sacred by the precious blood of our fathers, and denied to
us by the present authorities, who have smuggled themselves into
power in the States and Nation.
Footnotes:
1. Nauvoo was unfortunate in being overrun with pettifogging lawyers
at this time, and it was to these, doubtless, that the disparaging
remarks of both the Prophet and Hyrum, respecting lawyers referred. It
is unfortunate that they did not segregate the pettifoggers from the
worthy men of the profession; than whom no class of citizens, and no
other profession, render more valuable service to the state.
{262}
CHAPTER XI.
ORSON PRATT SENT TO WASHINGTON AS AGENT OF NAUVOO--AMOS FIELDING TO
ENGLAND, DITTO--COMMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF JOSEPH SMITH FOR PRESIDENT
OF THE U.S.--CONSPIRACIES OF THE LAWS, HIGBEES, FOSTERS, ET AL. AGAINST
JOSEPH SMITH--THE PROPHET'S MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS==OCCUPATION OF THE
WEST CONTEMPLATED.
_Tuesday, March 12, 1844.--_At home in the morning. At eleven a.m., I
told Brother Cole I wanted the room over the store for more important
purposes, and wished him to remove the school to Henry Miller's house
immediately; which he did.
The brethren who were in council with me yesterday assembled there in
the afternoon and evening.
Gave the following recommend to Elder Orson Pratt.
_Credentials of Orson Pratt as Agent for the City of Nauvoo_.
CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 12, 1844.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:--
We, the mayor and recorder of said city, do hereby certify that
Orson Pratt, Esq., the bearer, a councilor in city council of
said city, is sent as an agent by the authorities of said city or
corporation to transact such business as he may deem expedient and
beneficial for the community which he represents; and as such agent
and gentleman of principle and character, he by us is recommended
to the due consideration of all the executive officers of the
government, both houses of Congress, and gentlemen generally of the
United States.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the
seal of said corporation at the time and place aforesaid.
[CORPORATION SEAL.]
JOSEPH SMITH, Mayor,
WILLARD RICHARDS, Recorder.
{263} A dull cloudy day.
[Sidenote: Co-operative Store Planned.]
A meeting of the inhabitants of the Tenth ward was held this evening
at the schoolhouse on the hill, in Parley street, to take into
consideration the propriety of establishing a store on the principle of
co-operation or reciprocity. The subject was fully investigated, and
the benefits of such an institution clearly pointed out.
The plan proposed for carrying out the object of the meeting was by
shares of five dollars each.
The leading feature of the institution was to give employment to our
own mechanics, by supplying the raw material, and manufacturing all
sorts of domestic goods, and furnishing the necessaries and comforts of
life on the lowest possible terms.
A committee was appointed to draft a plan for the government of said
institute, to be submitted for adoption or amendment at their next
meeting; after which an adjournment took place till next Tuesday
evening, at half-past: six o'clock, at the same place.
_Wednesday, 13.--_In special council from nine to twelve a.m. Orson
Hyde, Wilford Woodruff and James Emmett were present, in addition to
those of the preceding day. Willard Richards was appointed historian,
and William Clayton clerk of the council.
It was decided that Amos Fielding should return to England, when I and
my brother Hyrum gave him the following letter of attorney:--
_Credentials of Elder Amos Fielding on Departing for England_.
"This is to certify that the bearer thereof, our worthy brother
Elder Amos Fielding, hath been appointed by the First Presidency
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our agent, to
transact such business as may be deemed necessary for the benefit
of said Church, and such as he shall see proper throughout the
island of Great Britain.
He is hereby authorized to receive moneys for the Temple in Nauvoo,
{264} the poor, or for the Church; and the brethren will be safe
should they deposit money in his hands for any purpose pertaining
to the Church business in this place.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and placed the
corporation seal of City of Nauvoo this 13th day of March, A. D.
1844.
[CORPORATION SEAL.]
JOSEPH SMITH,
HYRUM SMITH.
Presiding Elders of the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
_Thursday, 14.--_In special council over the store from nine till one.
At two, went to see Brother John Wilkie. He had sent to me to come and
see him. He wanted to know what he should do. I told him of the order
of tithing, &c., and he wanted I should come again.
At four, went to assembly room again. Lucien Woodworth sent on a
mission to Texas. At seven, adjourned to next Tuesday, at nine, a.m.
_Friday 15.--_Dull, cloudy day, north wind. Frosty night. Spent the day
in council.
Being in a strait to raise money to assist the hands in the Pine
country, I sent Elders Brigham and Willard Richards to borrow some
money from Mr. Orme, who, it is believed, had a large sum of money
lying idle, but they did not get any.
I copy from the Law of the Lord:--
_John Wilkie. The Blessing of the Prophet upon Him_.
"This day President Joseph Smith rode over to Brother John Wilkie's
at his special request, to give him some instructions relative to
his duty in regard to tithing and consecration.
Brother Wilkie has for a long time back been struggling with his
feelings, designing to do right, but laboring under many fears and
prejudices, in consequence of having in some degree given way to
believe the base reports circulated by individuals for the purpose
of injuring the authorities of the Church, and also from various
other causes. His faithful companion has persevered diligently, and
with fervent prayer has called upon God in his behalf, until she
has realized her utmost wishes.
{265} Brother Wilkie now feels anxious to do right in all things,
and especially to pay his tithing to the full. President Joseph
showed him the principles of consecration and the means whereby
he might realize the fullness of the blessings of the celestial
kingdom; and as an evidence that he desired to do right, he paid
over to the Trustee-in-Trust the sum of three hundred dollars in
gold and silver for the benefit of the Temple, and which is now
recorded on consecration.
He also signified his intention of paying more as soon as he could
get matters properly arranged. The president then pronounced a
blessing upon him and his companion, that they should have the
blessing of God to attend them in their basket and in their
store--that they should have the blessing of health and salvation
and long life, inasmuch as they would continue to walk in obedience
to the commandments of God.
May the Lord grant his Spirit and peace to abide upon Brother
Wilkie and his companion through the remainder of their days; may
their hearts expand and become enlarged to receive the fullness of
the blessings of the kingdom of heaven; may they have the light
of eternal truth continually springing up in them like a well of
living water; may they be shielded from the powers of Satan and the
influence of designing men, and their faith increase from day to
day until they shall have power to lay hold on the blessings of God
and the gifts of the Spirit until they are satisfied; and, finally,
may they live to a good old age; and when they have lived while
they desire life, may they die in peace and be received into the
mansions of eternal life, and enjoy a celestial glory forever and
ever! Even so, amen.
The editors of the _Times and Seasons_ published a short account of
"Our City and the Present Aspect of Affairs," which we insert.
STATUS OF NAUVOO IN THE SPRING OF 1844.
Believing that our patrons and friends are pleased to hear of our
prosperity, we feel happy in apprising them of the same, through
the columns of our paper.
Owing to the scarcity of provision and the pressure in the money
market during the past winter, commercial business has been
somewhat dull; consequently, those who were not previously prepared
have been obliged to employ the principal portion of their time in
obtaining the necessary means for the sustenance of their families:
therefore little improvement has been made. But old Boreas is now
on his receding march, and spring has commenced its return with all
its pleasantness.
{266} Navigation is open, and steamboats are almost continually
plying up and down our majestic river. They have already brought
several families of emigrants to this place, who have cordially
joined with their friends and brethren in the great work of the
upbuilding of Zion and the rolling forth of the kingdom of God.
The work of improvement is now actively begun, and in every
direction may be heard the sound of the mason's trowel, the
carpenter's hammer, the teamster's voice, or, in other words, the
hum of industry and the voice of merriment. Indeed, to judge from
the present appearance, a greater amount of improvement will be
done the ensuing summer than in the preceding one.
Almost every stranger that enters our city is excited with
astonishment that so much has been done in so short a time; but
we flatter ourselves, from the known industry, perseverance, and
diligence of the Saints, that by the return of another winter so
much more will be accomplished, that his astonishment will be
increased to wonder and admiration.
Quite extensive preparations are being made by the farmers in this
vicinity for the cultivation of land; and should the season prove
favorable, we doubt not that nearly, if not a sufficient amount of
produce will be raised to supply the wants of the city and adjacent
country.
We are also pleased that we can inform our friends abroad that the
Saints here of late have taken hold of the work on the Temple with
the zeal and energy that in no small degree excites our admiration.
Their united efforts certainly speak to us that it is their
determination that this spacious edifice shall be enclosed, if not
finished, this season.
And a word we would say to the Saints abroad, which is, that the
Temple is being built in compliance with a special commandment of
God not to a few individuals, but to all. Therefore we sincerely
hope you will contribute of your means as liberally as your
circumstances will allow, that the burden of the work may not rest
upon a few, but proportionately upon all.
Where is the true-hearted Saint that does not with joy and delight
contemplate the endowment of the servants of God and the blessings
He has promised to His people on condition that they speedily
build the Temple? Certainly you cannot reasonably expect to enjoy
these blessings if you refuse to contribute your share towards its
erection.
It is a thing of importance, and much depends upon its
accomplishment: therefore we wish to forcibly impress the matter
upon your minds, hoping you will become aroused to a sense or
your duty--that every company of Saints, every Elder that comes
here, and every mail may bring money and other property for this
important work,--which, {267} when completed, will stand, in one
sense of the word, as a firm pillar in Zion, and which will greatly
facilitate the prosperity of the great cause of truth which we all
are actively engaged in.
_Saturday, 16.--_At home. At one p.m., I sat in council with Willard
Richards, Orrin P. Rockwell, and Bishop George Miller.
The Female Relief Society had two meetings in the assembly room, as it
would not hold all at once, and sanctioned the "Voice of Innocence from
Nauvoo."
[Sidenote: Wind Storm at Nauvoo.]
_Sunday, 17.--_Last night, Nauvoo was visited by a very strong wind
from the west. It blew down a portion of the west wall of the new hall
(28 by 40 feet on the ground,) which the Seventies had commenced on
Bain street, and they had raised for the roof.
The wind continued very strong all day. In the evening, had a smart
snowstorm, which covered the ground, was succeeded by a frosty night.
Attended prayer meeting.
_Monday, 18.--_The frost of last night was so severe as to form ice
inside the houses.
I stayed at home to recite German with Brother Neibaur.
_Tuesday, 19.--_Met in council in the assembly room. Elder Samuel Bent,
Uriah Brown, Samuel James, John D. Parker, Orrin P. Rockwell, Sidney
Rigdon, William Marks, and Orson Spencer met in council, in addition to
the former names.
In the afternoon, heavy, driving rain. Northwest wind. Dull, cold day.
_Wednesday, 20.--_Severely cold northwest wind, with a snow and hail
storm until ten a.m. Afternoon dull. West wind.
Spent the morning and afternoon in the assembly room, studying the
languages.