[Sidenote: Col. Copeland and the Vice-Presidency.]

{268} Elder Woodruff read me a letter which he had written to Colonel

Solomon Copeland concerning his nomination to be a candidate for the

Vice-President of the United States.

The _Illinois Springfield Register_ has the following:--

GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH A CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT.

It appears by the Nauvoo papers that the Mormon Prophet is actually

a candidate for the presidency. He has sent us his pamphlet,

containing an extract of his principles, from which it appears

that he is up to the hub for a United States bank and a protective

tariff. On these points he is much more explicit than Mr. Clay,

who will not say that he is for a bank, but talks all the time of

restoring a national currency. Nor will Mr. Clay say what kind of a

tariff he is for. He says to the south that he has not sufficiently

examined the present tariff, but thinks very likely it could be

amended.

General Smith possesses no such fastidious delicacy. He comes right

out in favor of a bank and a tariff, taking the true Whig ground,

and ought to be regarded as the real Whig candidate for President,

until Mr. Clay can so far recover from his shuffling and dodging as

to declare his sentiments like a man.

At present we can form no opinion of Clay's principles, except as

they are professed by his friends in these parts.

Clay himself has adopted the notion which was once entertained by

an eminent grammarian, who denied that language was intended as a

means to express one's ideas, but insisted that it was invented on

purpose to aid us in concealing them.

The_ Iowa Democrat_ publishes the following:--

_A New Candidate in the Field_.

We see from the _Nauvoo Neighbor_ that General Joseph Smith,

the great Mormon Prophet, has become a candidate for the next

presidency. We do not know whether he intends to submit his claims

to the National Convention, or not; but, judging from the language

of his own organ, we conclude that he considers himself a full team

for all of them.

All that we have to say on this point is, that if superior talent,

genius, and intelligence, combined with virtue, integrity, and

enlarged views, are any guarantee to General Smith's being elected,

we think that he will be a "full team of himself."

{269} The _Missouri Republican_ believes that it will be death

to Van Buren, and all agree that it must be injurious to the

Democratic ranks, inasmuch as it will throw the Mormon vote out of

the field.

A traveler, having visited Nauvoo for a few days, wrote to the

_Times and Seasons_--

"Mr. Editor,--Before I take my departure, permit me to express my

views relative to the leading men of your city, where I have been

these few days.

I have been conversant with the great men of the age; and, last of

all I feel that I have met with the greatest, in the presence of

your esteemed Prophet, General Joseph Smith. From many reports, I

had reason to believe him a bigoted religionist, as ignorant of

politics as the savages; but, to my utter astonishment, on the

short acquaintance, I have found him as familiar in the cabinet of

nations as with his Bible and in the knowledge of that book I have

not met with his equal in Europe or America. Although I should beg

leave to differ with him in some items of faith, his nobleness of

soul will not permit him to take offense at me. No, sir; I find him

open, frank, and generous,--as willing others should enjoy their

opinions as to enjoy his own.

The General appears perfectly at home on every subject, and his

familiarity with many languages affords him ample means to become

informed concerning all nations and principles, which with his

familiar and dignified deportment towards all must secure to his

interest the affections of every intelligent and virtuous man that

may chance to fall in his way, and I am astonished that so little

is known abroad concerning him.

Van Buren was my favorite, and I was astonished to see General

Smith's name as a competitor; but, since my late acquaintance, Mr.

Van Buren can never re-seat himself in the Presidential chair on my

vote while General Smith is in the field. Forming my opinions alone

of the talents of the two, and from what I have seen, I have no

reason to doubt but General Smith's integrity is equal to any other

individual; and I am satisfied he cannot easily be made the pliant

tool of any political party. I take him to be a man who stands far

aloof from little caucus quibblings and squabblings, while nations,

governments, and realms are wielded in his hand as familiarly as

the top and hoop in the hands of their little masters.

Free from all bigotry and superstition, he dives into every

subject, and it seems as though the world was not large enough to

satisfy his capacious soul, and from his conversation one might

suppose him as well acquainted with other worlds as this.

So far as I can discover, General Smith is the nation's man, and

the man who will exalt the nation, if the people will give him the

opportunity; {270} and all parties will find a friend in him so far

as right is concerned.

General Smith's movements are perfectly anomalous in the estimation

of the public. All other great men have been considered wise in

drawing around them wise men; but I have frequently heard the

General called a fool because he has gathered the wisest of men

to his cabinet, who direct his movements; but this subject is too

ridiculous to dwell upon. Suffice it to say, so far as I have seen,

he has wise men at his side--superlatively wise, and more capable

of managing the affairs of a State than most men now engaged

therein, which I consider much to his credit, though I would by no

means speak diminutively of my old friend.

From my brief acquaintance, I consider General Smith (independent

of his peculiar religious views, in which by-the-by, I have

discovered neither vanity nor folly,) the_ sine qua non_ of the

age to our nation's prosperity. He has learned the all-important

lesson "to profit by the experience of those who have gone before;"

so that, in short, General Smith begins where other men leave off.

I am aware this will appear a bold assertion to some; but I would

say to such, call, and form your acquaintance, as I have done; then

judge.

Thus, sir, you have a few leading items of my views of General

Smith, formed from personal acquaintance, which you are at liberty

to dispose of as you think proper. I anticipate the pleasure of

renewing my acquaintance with your citizens at a future day.

Yours respectfully,

A TRAVELER.

A writer in the _Quincy Herald_ reflects very strongly upon the conduct

of the _Quincy Whig, New York Tribune_, and other newspapers, for

publishing slanderous falsehoods against the Saints.

Ten, p.m., commenced snowing again.

[Sidenote: Origin of Memorial to Congress.]

_Thursday, 21.--_A cold snow-storm through the night.

In council in the assembly room, discussing the propriety of

petitioning Congress for the privilege of raising troops to protect the

making of settlements in the uncivilized portions of our continent.

Willard Richards was appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to

Congress.

{271} _Friday, 22.--_Snow on the ground; cold, bleak north wind; cloudy.

At ten a.m., held Mayor's court, and afterwards read German in the

reading room.

In the afternoon, met with the Twelve in prayer at President Brigham

Young's house.

[Sidenote: The Seventies' Hall, Instructions on Rebuilding.]

I advised the Seventies to pull down the remainder of the walls and

rebuild the Seventies' hall on a permanent basis from the foundation

and not erect for themselves a trap, but build one two stories high,

and strong enough to stand for a generation.

_Saturday, 23.--_Day warmer. Rode out with Clayton to endeavor to raise

money to furnish the hands in the Pinery with supplies. Visited the

Temple and public works.

Also called with William Clayton and Alexander Neibaur at Dr. Foster's.

He was gone to Appanoose, and Mrs. Foster was at Mr. Gilman's.

I here extract from William Clayton's journal:--

_President Smith's Interview With Mrs. Foster_.

We went down there and saw her, [Mrs. Foster]. President Joseph

asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an

immoral or indecent act. She answered, "No." He then explained

his reasons for asking; which were, he had been informed that

Dr. Foster had stated that Joseph made propositions to his wife

calculated to lead her astray from the path of virtue; and then

asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to

her. She answered, "Never." He further asked if he ever preached

anything like the "plurality of wife" doctrine to her other than

what he had preached in public? She said, "No." He asked her if he

ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her, and especially

when he took dinner during the doctor's absence. She said, "No."

After some further conversation on the subject, we left. Mrs.

Gillman was present all the time. President Joseph and Neibaur then

went on foot to the farm.

_Sunday, 24.--_At ten, a.m., met at the stand near the {272} Temple.

[The following very brief outline of the speeches is from the journal

of Wilford Woodruff]:--

_Discourse of President Smith--Conspiracies in Nauvoo_.

"President Joseph Smith addressed the people. The following is the

substance of what I heard him say:--

I have been informed by two gentlemen that a conspiracy is got

up in this place for the purpose of taking the life of President

Joseph Smith, his family, and all the Smith family, and the heads

of the Church. One of the gentlemen will give his name to the

public, and the other wishes it to be hid for the present: they

will both testify to it on oath, and make an affidavit upon it. The

names of the persons revealed at the head of the conspiracy are as

follows:--Chancey L. Higbee, Dr. Robert D. Foster, Mr. Joseph H.

Jackson, William and Wilson Law. And the lies that C. L. Higbee has

hatched up as a foundation to work upon are--he says that I had

men's heads cut off in Missouri, and that I had a sword run through

the hearts of the people that I wanted to kill and put out of the

way. I won't swear out a warrant against them, for I don't fear

any of them: they would not scare off an old setting hen. I intend

to publish all the iniquity that I know of them. If I am guilty, I

am ready to bear it. There is sometimes honor among enemies. I am

willing to do anything for the good of the people. I will give the

name of one of the gentlemen who have divulged the plot: his name

is M. G. Eaton. He will swear to it: he is a bold fellow. Joseph H.

Jackson said a Smith should not be alive in two weeks,--not over

two months anyhow. Concerning the character of these men, I will

say nothing about it now; but if I hear anything more from them on

this subject, I will tell what I know about them.

_Elder Orson Spencer_ addressed the people as follows:--

While listening to President Smith's remarks, I thought of a

figure, i.e., if a physician was going to dissect a body, he would

not be likely to begin at the limbs but cut the head off first. So

the adversary of the Saints has laid a plan to cut off the head

of the Church with the intention of scattering and destroying the

whole body. It was so in the days of Jesus Christ; the enemies of

the truth sought to kill Him, that the body might be destroyed;

which was also the case in the days of Elijah, Daniel, and many of

the ancients.

I once heard a man say, who was opposed to this work, "That it

might be true, but it gave Joseph Smith power." True, said I; but

if his power be subordinate to the power of God, it is right. If

a man set up a kingdom by the power of God, then let others seek

power from the same source. God sets up kingdoms and pulls down

kingdoms: {273} this makes men mad who will not submit to the

kingdom of God. We all know the result of the power of Moses, who

was the representative of God.

Judging from what is past, how will it be when God sets up His

kingdom in the last days? Whether there is a conspiracy now, or

not, I don't know; but no doubt there will be, if not now, for it

has always been so. In the days of the Nephites, they had their

Gadianton robbers. I have not any doubt but that the apostates will

join with the other wicked powers to try to put down the power of

God, and I am glad to have the power of the kingdom of God tested;

I care not what sacrifice I am called to make for such a kingdom.

If it is friends, wealth, or even life, at the purchase of such

a kingdom, it is cheap. Did the ancient Apostles, Prophets, or

Saints who died pay too much for that kingdom? They did not. It

is necessary that men be put in possession of the knowledge and

mysteries of the kingdom of God, in order to sin as far as they

wish, that they may go to the highest pitch. How often men lay down

their lives for their country and other purposes. How much better,

then, to die for the cause of Zion! Good and righteous men will

administer justice and rebuke evil. The Church should be cleansed

from bad men, and the Lord will take His own way to cleanse the

Church.

We should lift up our voice against wickedness of all kinds. But

will the rulers of our land do it? No, they will not; they will

be cowards until there is no man to fight, and then be brave.

When Government will not do it, some man should take the helm of

government that will do it. Will it be called treason, if the God

of heaven should set up a kingdom? May the Lord give you more and

more of His Spirit, light and intelligence, until you are cemented

together in union and love. Amen.

Elder Sidney Rigdon addressed the meeting.

President Joseph Smith again arose and said--In relation to the

power over the minds of mankind which I hold, I would say, It is

in consequence of the power of truth in the doctrines which I have

been an instrument in the hands of God of presenting unto them, and

not because of any compulsion on my part. I wish to ask if ever I

got any of it unfairly? If I have not reproved you in the gate? I

ask, Did I ever exercise any compulsion over any man? Did I not

give him the liberty of disbelieving any doctrine I have preached,

if he saw fit? Why do not my enemies strike a blow at the doctrine?

They cannot do it: it is truth, and I defy all men to upset it. I

am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Repent ye of your

sins and prepare the way for the coming of the Son of Man; for the

kingdom of God has come unto you, {274} and henceforth the ax is

laid unto the root of the tree; and every tree that bringeth not

forth good fruit, God Almighty (and not Joe Smith) shall hew it

down and cast it into the fire."

After meeting, I rode out with Emma. The trees begin to bud forth.

In the evening, held a conversation with a large company of friends at

my door.

Elder R. H. Kinnamon writes that during the last 22 months he has

baptized over 100 persons while on a mission in Virginia and North

Carolina, organized two branches in Virginia, and calls are continually

made for preaching in every direction.

[Sidenote: Progress on Memorial to Congress.]

_Monday, 25.--_At home in the morning. After dinner rode up to the

upper landing to see the _St. Louis Oak_ steamer. Learned that a

company of emigrants from England were expected soon. Called at my

office on returning, and heard read the draft of a memorial to Congress

which my clerk had been writing, as a committee appointed by the

council on Thursday last, and was pleased with the instrument.

Millions of wild pigeons flying north, and millions of gnats dancing in

the air. Dull day. At night thunder, lightning and rain.

_Tuesday, 26.--_Dull day. From nine to twelve, noon, in council; also

from two to five p.m.

The memorial drawn up by Dr. Richards was read, discussed, and approved

by the general council.

Started this morning to go to Ramus with Brother Amasa Lyman. Rode as

far as the Temple, and found it so muddy that we turned back.

Issued a warrant on the complaint of Vernon H. Bruce, against Ianthus

Rolfe, for stealing two stone-cutter's tools.

I wrote the following:--

{275} _The Prophet's Memorial to Congress_.

_To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America, in Congress Assembled_:

Your memorialist, a tree-born citizen or these United States,

respectfully showeth that from his infancy his soul has been filled

with the most intense and philanthropic interest for the welfare

of his native country; and being fired with an ardor which floods

cannot quench, crowns cannot conquer, nor diplomatic intrigue

corrupt, to see those principles which emanated from the bosoms of

the fathers of seventy-six, and which cost the noblest talents and

richest blood of the nation, maintained inviolate and perpetuated

to future generations; and the proud eagle of American freedom

soar triumphant over every party prejudice and local sinistry, and

spread her golden pinions over every member of the human family,

who shall stretch forth their hands for succor from the lion's

paw or the oppressor's grasp; and firmly trusting in the God of

liberty, that He has designed universal peace and goodwill, union,

and brotherly love to all the great family of man, your memorialist

asks your honorable body to pass the following:--

ORDINANCE.

_An Ordinance for the Protection of the Citizens of the United

States Emigrating to the Territories, and for the Extension of the

Principles of Universal Liberty_.

PREAMBLE.

Whereas, many of the citizens of these United States have migrated

and are migrating to Texas, Oregon, and other lands contiguous to

this nation; _and whereas,_ Texas has declared herself free and

independent, without the necessary power to protect her rights

and liberties; _and whereas_ Oregon is without any organized

government, and those who emigrate thither are exposed to

foreign invasion and domestic feuds; _and whereas_ the Oregon,

by geographical location and discovery more rightfully belongs

to these United States than any other general government; _and

whereas_ it is necessary that the emigrants of that newly settling

territory should receive protection; _and whereas_ the Texan

Government has petitioned the United States to be received into our

Union, but yet retains her national existence; _and whereas_ the

United States remember with gratitude the seasonable support they

received in alike situation from a LaFayette_; and whereas_ the

United States desire to see the principles of her free institutions

extended to all men, especially {276} where it can be done without

the loss of blood and treasure to the nation_; and whereas_ there

is an almost boundless extent of territory on the west and south

of these United States, where exists little or no organization

of protective Government; _and whereas_ the lands thus unknown;

unowned, or unoccupied, are among some of the richest and most

fertile of the continent; _and whereas_ many of the inhabitants of

the Union would gladly embrace the opportunity of extending their

researches and acquirements so soon as they can receive protection

in their enterprise, thereby adding strength, durability, and

wealth to the nation; _and whereas_ the red man, the robber,

and the desperado have frequently interrupted such research and

acquisition without justifiable cause; _and whereas_ Joseph Smith

has offered and does hereby offer these United States, to show

his loyalty to our Confederate Union and the Constitution of our

Republic; to prevent quarrel and bloodshed our frontiers; to extend

the arm of deliverance to Texas; to on protect the inhabitants of

Oregon from foreign aggressions and domestic broils; to prevent

the crowned nations from encircling us as a nation on our western

and southern borders, and save the eagle's talon from the lion's

paw; to still the tongue of slander, and show the world that a

Republic can be, and not be ungrateful; to open the vast regions of

the unpeopled west and south to our enlightened and enterprising

yeomanry; to protect them in their researches; to secure them in

their locations, and thus strengthen the Government and enlarge

her borders; to extend her influence; to inspire the nations with

the spirit of freedom and win them to her standard; to promote

intelligence; to cultivate and establish peace among all with

whom we may have intercourse as neighbors; to settle all existing

difficulties among those not organized into an acknowledged

government bordering upon the United States and Territories; to

save the national revenue in the nation's coffers; to supercede

the necessity of a standing army on our western and southern

frontiers; to create and maintain the principles of peace and

suppress mobs, insurrections, and oppression in Oregon and all the

lands bordering upon the United States and not incorporated into

any acknowledged national government; to explore the unexplored

regions of our continent; to open new fields for enterprise to our

citizens, and protect them therein; to search out the antiquities

of the land, and thereby promote the arts and sciences, and general

information; to amalgamate the feelings of all with whom he may

have intercourse on the principles of equity, liberty, justice,

humanity and benevolence; to break down tyranny and oppression

and exalt the standard of universal peace, provided he shall be

protected in those rights and privileges which constitutionally

belong to every citizen of this Republic; therefore, that the said

memorialist may {277} have the privilege, and that no citizen of

the United States shall obstruct, or attempt to obstruct or hinder,

so good, so great, so noble an enterprise to carry out those plans

and principles as set forth in this preamble, and be shielded from

every opposition by evil and designing men.

Section 1. _Be it ordained by the Senate and House of

Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress

Assembled,_ that Joseph Smith, of the city of Nauvoo, in the State

of Illinois, is hereby authorized and empowered to raise a company

of one hundred thousand armed volunteers in the United States and

Territories, at such times, and places and in such numbers, as he

shall find necessary and convenient for the purposes specified in

the foregoing preamble, and to execute the same.

Sec. 2. _And be it further ordained_ that if any person or persons

shall hinder or attempt to hinder or molest the said Joseph Smith

from executing his designs in raising said volunteers, and marching

and transporting the same to the borders of the United States and

Territories, he, or they so hindering, molesting, or offending,

shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars

each for every offense, or by hard labor on some public work not

exceeding two years, or both, at the discretion of the nearest

District Court of the United States, where the hindrance or offense

shall be committed, having jurisdiction.

Sec. 3. _And be it further ordained,_ the more fully to remove

all obstructions and hindrances to the raising, enlisting, and

marching the volunteers as aforesaid, the said Joseph Smith is

hereby constituted a member of the army of these United States, and

is authorized to act as such in the United States and Territories,

and on all lands bordering upon the United States and Territories,

for the purposes specified in the foregoing preamble, provided

said land shall not be within the acknowledged jurisdiction of any

acknowledged national government.

Sec. 4._ And be it further ordained_ that nothing in this ordinance

shall be so construed by any individual or nation to consider

the volunteers aforesaid as constituting any part of the army

of the United States; neither shall the said Joseph Smith, as a

member of the United States army, disturb the peace of any nation

or government acknowledged as such, break the faith of treaties

between the United States and any other nation, or violate any

known law of nations, thereby endangering the peace of the United

States.

Sec. 5. _And be it further ordained,_ that the said Joseph Smith

shall confine his operations to those principles of action

specified in the preamble to this ordinance, the perpetuity

of which shall be commensurate with the circumstances and

specifications which have originated it.

And your memorialist will ever pray, &c.

JOSEPH SMITH.

CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 26, 1844.

{278} Dr. Willard Richards wrote to the Saints at Augusta, Lee County,

Iowa, requesting a brief history of the settling of that branch, and

also asking a donation of lumber for his house.

In the afternoon, Abiathar B. Williams made the following affidavit

before Daniel H. Wells, Esq:--

_Affidavit of Abiathar B. Williams, Concerning a Conspiracy against

the Prophet_.

STATE OF ILLINOIS,

HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.

Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, Acting Justice of

the Peace in and for the said county, Abiathar B. Williams, who

being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that on or

about the 15th day of March, A. D., 1844, Joseph H. Jackson came to

my house and requested me to walk with him; which I did. During the

time we were walking, said Joseph H. Jackson said that he was then

coming direct from Mr. Law's; that there was going to be a secret

meeting in the city of Nauvoo, probably tomorrow evening: but, as

it was not decided, he could not say positively as to the time; but

he would inform me in season. The said Joseph H. Jackson said that

Doctor Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee, and the Laws were red hot for a

conspiracy, and he should not be surprised if in two weeks there

should not be one of the Smith family left alive in Nauvoo. After

we arrived at Mr. Loomis', near the Masonic hall, in the city of

Nauvoo, he related some things which he stated that Dr. Foster had

said relative to his family. This he did in the presence of Mr.

Eaton and myself, and strongly solicited myself and Mr. Eaton to

attend the secret meeting and join them in their intentions. The

said Joseph H. Jackson further said that Chauncey Higbee had said

that he, the said Chauncey Higbee, had seen men tied hand and foot,

and run through the heart with a sword, and their heads taken off,

and then buried; and he durst not say a word. This the said Jackson

said in Mr. Loomis' room. And further this deponent saith not.

A. B. WILLIAMS.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of March, A. D.

1844.

[L. S.]

DANIEL H. WELLS, J. P.

Also M. G. Eaton made affidavit as follows:--

{279} _Affidavit of M. G. Eaton--A conspiracy Against Joseph Smith_.

STATE OF ILLINOIS,

HANCOCK COUNTY, ss.

Personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, an acting Justice

of the Peace, in and for the said county, M. G. Eaton, who being

duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that on or about

the fifteenth day of March, A. D. 1844, Joseph H. Jackson came to

me several times and requested me to go on the hill with him. I

finally consented went with him to the Keystone Store, in the city

of Nauvoo. Dr. Foster and one of the Higbees (I think Chauncey L.

Higbee) were in the store. The said Joseph H. Jackson, together

with the said R. D. Foster and said Higbee, went into the back room

of the store. They appeared to enter into private council. Soon

after they went into the said room, the said Joseph H. Jackson

invited me into the room where they were sitting. I immediately

complied.

Soon after I went in, the said Higbee commenced talking about the

spiritual wife system. He said he had no doubt but some of the

Elders had ten or twelve apiece. He said they married them, whether

the females were living or not; and they did it by recording the

marriage in a large book, which book was sealed up after the record

was made, and was not to be opened for a long time,--probably not

till many of the husbands of those who were thus married were dead.

They would then open the book and break the seals in the presence

of those females, and when they saw their names recorded in that

book they would believe that the doctrine was true and they must

submit. He said this book was kept at Mr. Hyrum Smith's. I asked

the Chauncey L Higbee. * * * * *

[Here follows some expressions too indecent for insertion.]

The aforesaid R. D. Foster then asked me what I would think, if,

during my absence from home, a carriage should drive up to my

house, a person alight, and the carriage then drive off again; this

person should then go into my house and begin to tell my wife a

great many things against me to prejudice her mind against me, and

use every possible means to do this, and finally would introduce

and preach the spiritual wife doctrine to her, and make an attempt

to seduce her; and further, this person should sit down to dine

with my wife, bless the victuals, &c.; and while they were thus

engaged, I should come home and find them thus associated, this

person should rise up and say, "How do you do?" and bless me in a

very polite manner, &c.; and also if, upon these appearances, I

should feel jealous that something was wrong, and when the person

was {280} gone I would ask my wife what had been the conversation

between her and this person, but she would refuse to tell me; I

then draw a pistol and present it to her head and threaten to shoot

her if she did not tell me all, but she would still refuse: I then

would give her a double-barrelled pistol, and say to her, "Defend

yourself; for if you don't tell me, either you or I would shoot"

she would then faint away through fear and excitement, and when she

came to again, she would begin and tell how this person had been

trying to poison your wife's mind against you, and, by preaching

the spiritual wife system to her, had endeavored to seduce her. I

replied, I should think he was a rascal: but who has had such a

trial as that? The said R. D. Foster answered that he was the man

who had had that trial, and who had been thus abused.

The said Dr. Foster, Higbee, and Joseph H. Jackson then remarked

that they were about to hold a secret meeting to oppose and try to

put a stop to such things. The said Joseph H. Jackson also said

that if any person undertook to arrest him, he should begin to cut

them.

The said R. D. Foster further said he was afraid of his life, and

dared not be out at nights.

The said Higbee said he had not a doubt but there had been men

killed in Missouri who had secrets that they were afraid they would

divulge. He said he was afraid of his life.

The said Jackson further said he should not be surprised if there

should be a real muss and an insurrection in the city in less

than two months; and that if a disturbance should take place, the

Carthaginians and others would come and help them.

He mentioned some names of persons who would come from Carthage,

which names I do not remember. The same day, when in Mr. Loomis'

room, I heard the said Jackson say that the Laws were ready to

enter into a secret conspiracy, tooth and nails.

The said Higbee also said, while at the Keystone Store, that if

ever he was brought before the Mayor's court again, and the Mayor

told him to hold his tongue, he should get up and tell him he had a

right to speak, and should do so; and then if any man attempted to

put him out of court, he would shoot him through. And further this

deponent saith not.

M. G. EATON.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 27th day of March, A. D.,

1844.

[L. S.]

DANIEL H. WELLS, J. P. [1]

{281} This evening, Dr. Reynolds, of Iowa City, lectured on astronomy

in the assembly room.

_Thursday, 28.--_Dull day, drizzling rain, cold north-east wind.

Transferred the trial of Ianthus Rolfe to Aaron Johnson, J. P.

This afternoon, had the assembly room and office plastered where the

same had been knocked off, &c.

_Friday, 29.--_Night boisterous: about eight, a.m., hailstorm,

northeast wind, nipping frost; frost, hail, and strong wind all day.

Spent the day at home.

[Sidenote: The Robbery at Rollasson's Store in Nauvoo.]

_Saturday, 30.--_This morning I heard there was some disturbance on the

hill; I rode up and found it reported that a robbery had been committed

at the Keystone Store, kept by Mr. Rollasson, of some $400 or $500, and

some goods, and they were suspicious of a certain black man. I issued a

search-warrant and returned to my office, where I found the black man,

-- Chism, with his back lacerated from his shoulders to his hips, with

twenty or more lashes. My clerk, Dr. Richards, kept him secreted, and

called Aaron Johnson, a justice of the peace, who issued a warrant for

-- --, a Missourian, who had boarded at my house a few days, and on

testimony fined him $5 and costs for whipping -- Chism. One Easton, a

witness, said he could not testify without implicating himself, and he

was apprehended and held in custody. W. H. J. Marr, Esq., refused to

testify, because he was counsel.

[Sidenote: Memorial to the President of the United States.]

I got prepared a memorial to his Excellency John Tyler, {282} the

President of the United States, embodying in it the same sentiments as

are in my Petition to the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States, dated 26th March, 1844, asking the privilege of raising

100,000 men to extend protection to persons wishing to settle Oregon

and other portions of the territory of the United States, and extend

protection to the people in Texas.

_Sunday, 31.--_Cold, fine day.

At home this morning until nine, when I went over to my reading-room,

again heard read and signed my memorial to Congress for the privilege

of raising 100,000 volunteers to protect Texas, Oregon, &c., dated 26th

instant; and also a memorial to the President for the same purpose, if

the other fail.

Also signed an introductory letter to Elder Orson Hyde, who is going to

carry the memorials [2] to Washington as follows:--

{283} _"Credentials of Orson Hyde, Agent to Present the Prophet's

Memorial to Congress_.

CITY OF NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, March 30, 1844.

_To whom it may concern:_ We, the Mayor and Recorder of said city,

do certify that Orson Hyde, Esq. the bearer, a Councilor in the

City Council of said city, is sent as our agent, by the authorities

of said city, to transact such business as he may deem expedient

and beneficial for the party whom he represents; and 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.

About this time, Brother Alexander Mills, one of the police, informed

me that Chauncey L. Higbee drew a pistol on him the night before, and

threatened to shoot him. I instructed him to make complaint to Esquire

Wells, and have him apprehended.

Footnotes:

1. In addition to these affidavits the Prophet was apprised by two

young men Denison L. Harris and Robert Scott, the latter living in the

family of William Law, of a secret movement then on foot to take his

life, and the lives of several other leading men in the Church, among

them the Prophet's brother, Hyrum. These young men were invited to

the secret meetings by the conspirators, but before going conferred

with the Prophet, who told them to go, but to take no part in the

proceedings of these wicked men against himself. They carried out

his instructions, and at the risk of their lives attended the secret

meetings three times, and brought to President Smith a report of what

they had witnessed. A full account of this conspiracy written by

Horace Cummings--the narrative being detailed to him by Dennison L.

Harris--was published in the _Contributor,_ for April, 1884.

2. President Smith's memorial to Congress, of the 26th of March,

asking to be appointed "a member of the army of these United States,"

to be authorized "to raise 100,000 armed volunteers" to police the

inter-mountain and Pacific slope west, was presented to the House of

Representatives by Mr. John Wentworth, of Chicago, where the following

occurred with reference to it:

MORMONS:

"Mr. Wentworth asked permission to present a memorial from Gen. Joseph

Smith, the head of the Mormons, and required that it might be read by

the clerk for the information of the House.

"The clerk commenced the reading of the memorial.

"Before the reading was concluded.

"Mr. J. R. Ingersoll interposed, and objected a the reception at first,

and still objected.

"Mr. Weber observed that if memorials of this kind were to be read, he

was entrusted with the presentation of one of a peculiar character,

from certain city of Frederick county, Md.

"Mr. Wentworth said he would move a suspension of the rules to enable

him to have the paper read; and he wished a inquire of the chair

whether it would be in order for him to assign him reasons for making

such a motion.

"Mr. Duncan observed, if the gentleman would yield him the floor, he

would move to suspend the rules, to go into committee of the whole on

the Oregon bill.

"Mr. Wentworth said that, as he had the floor, he would make the

motion. Mr. Wentworth then moved that the rules be suspended, for the

purpose of going into committee of the whole on the Oregon Bill.

"The Speaker said that the question would be put on suspending the

rules to go into committee of the whole. If that motion prevailed, the

gentleman could move to take up any bill he pleased.

"Mr. Vance called for the yeas and nays on the question; which were

ordered.

"Mr. McKay inquired if the House should refuse to go into committee of

the whole, if it could by postponement of the previous orders, take up

the naval appropriation bill which had been reported from the committee

of the whole.

"The speaker said a motion to that effect would require a vote of

two-thirds.

"The question was put on suspending the rules and rejected--yeas 79,

nays 86." ("Congressional Globe" for May 25th, 1844. Vol. 13, No. 39,

p. 624.)

{284}

CHAPTER XII.

THE AUTHORITIES OF NAUVOO VS. THE HIGBEES, ET. AL--DEDICATION OF

THE MASONIC HALL--THE CHURCH CONFERENCE OF APRIL, 1844--ADDRESS OF

PRESIDENT SIDNEY RIGDON; DITTO PATRIARCH HYRUM SMITH--HISTORICAL

RESUME, AND BUILDING THE TEMPLE.

_Monday, April 1, 1844.--_In the court-room in the Mansion, Mr. J.

Easton was brought up as being accessory to whipping Chism, [a negro].

Referred the case to Alderman Wells. On investigation, it appeared to

the satisfaction of the court that he had been on trial for the same

offense before Robert D. Foster, and acquitted.

I extract from the _Neighbor_:--

_Comment on the Negro Chism's Case_.

After the court dismissed the case, General Smith fearlessly stated

that he believed that it was a plot on the part of those who were

instrumental in getting up the previous trial to thwart the ends

of justice and screen the prisoner from the condemnation he justly

deserves. Mr. Foster then stated, by way of an apology, that at the

time he issued the warrant he did not know that the prisoner was

under an arrest, or that there was any process out against him.

We hope, for the honor of such a man as Mr. Foster, that his

statement is true. Mr. Foster, however, called upon one of his

jurors, Mr. Carn, to corroborate what he had said; but, to our

astonishment, be replied that when Mr. Foster summoned him to

appear and act as a juryman, he was not informed what case he was

to act upon, nor did he learn until he entered the office, where he

acted according to the evidence given; but believed then, as well

as now, that it was a sham trial, and a mere mockery of justice. We

state facts as they are, and let the public judge for themselves.

{285} The statement of the negro was that Messrs. Easton,

Townsend, and Lawyer W. H. J. Marr were the persons engaged in

this diabolical affair. Mr. Gibbs, one of the witnesses against

Townsend, believed the above persons were engaged in it; but as

a negro knows nothing in this state, and Mr. Gibbs could not

positively swear to it, of course we don't know; but we have our

opinion, and so have the public. We don't remember ever having seen

more indignation manifest than was manifested on this occasion,

and the public mind is not satisfied at the turn affairs have

taken. Lynch law will not do in Nauvoo, and those who engage in

it must expect to be visited by the wrath of an indignant people,

not according to the rule of Judge Lynch, but according to law and

equity.

It was thought best to acquit Easton and leave the case to the Circuit

Court.

[Sidenote: The Higbee Brothers in Trouble.]

Francis M. Higbee and Chauncey L. Higbee were brought up before Esquire

Wells for assaulting the police, and acquitted. Chauncey L. Higbee

a lawyer, was brought before Daniel H. Wells Esq., on the charge of

using abusive language to and insulting the city marshal while in the

discharge of his official duty. He was fined ten dollars.

Also Robert D. Foster, Esq., was taken before Isaac Higbee, J. P.,

and fined ten dollars, for a breach of the ordinance pertaining to

gambling, &c.

We are sorry to find that our lawyers and magistrates should be taking

the lead among gamblers and disorderly persons, and be numbered among

the law-breakers, rather than supporting virtue, law, and the dignity

of the city.

[Sidenote: Counter move of the Higbees.]

_Tuesday, 2.--_At home, somewhat unwell, and kept my house this fine

day. John P. Greene, marshal; Andrew Lytle, and John Lytle, policemen,

were arrested by a warrant issued by Robert D. Foster, on complaint

of Francis M. Higbee, for false imprisonment. As the case was going

to trial, the prisoners were taken by John D. Parker, with a writ of_

habeas corpus_ before the Municipal Court; and tomorrow, at one, p.m.,

was fixed for trial.

{286} _Wednesday, 3.--_At one, p.m., presided in a special session of

the Municipal Court, with Aldermen William Marks, Newel K. Whitney,

Orson Spencer, George W. Harris, Gustavus Hills, George A. Smith, and

Samuel Bennett as Associate-Justices. John P. Greene, Andrew Lytle, and

John Lytle were brought up on _habeas corpus_ having been taken from

the officer who held them on a writ issued by Robert D. Foster, before

whom they had been arraigned on the complaint of Chauncey L. Higbee,

charged with false imprisonment.

Joel S. Miles, Andrew Lytle, John Lytle, John P. Greene, and Robert D.

Foster were sworn, gave testimony in the case, and the court decided

that Greene and the two Lytles be discharged, and that Chauncey L.

Higbee is a very disorderly person; that this case on _habeas corpus_

originated in a malicious and vexatious suit, instituted by Chauncey L.

Higbee against the petitioners now discharged; and that said Higbee pay

the costs.

Warm and cloudy.

[Sidenote: Conference in New York.]

A conference was held in the city of New York; Elder William Smith

presiding, and Elder William H. Miles, clerk. Fifteen branches were

represented, containing 566 members, including 3 High Priests, 26

Elders, 15 Priests, 16 Teachers, and 9 Deacons.

_Thursday, 14.--_In a general council in the assembly room from nine to

twelve, a.m., and from one to four, p.m.

I was visited by eleven Indians, who wanted counsel, and had an

impressive interview.

Elder Orson Hyde was in the council, and left immediately for

Washington. [1]

{287} A company of Saints arrived on the steamer _St. Croix_.

Showery day.

[Sidenote: Dedication Masonic Temple.]

_Friday, 5.--_Attended the dedication of the Masonic Temple, which

was attended by about 550 members of the Masonic fraternity from

various parts of the world. A procession was formed at Henry Miller's

house, and was accompanied by the Nauvoo Brass Band to the hall. The

dedicatory ceremonies were performed by the Worshipful Master Hyrum

Smith. Elder Erastus Snow delivered an able Masonic address. Dr.

Goforth and I also addressed the assembly. All the visiting Masons were

furnished a dinner at the Masonic Hall at the expense of the Nauvoo

Lodge. The building is admitted to be the most substantial and best

finished Masonic Temple in the Western States. It has been erected

under the direction of Mr. Lucius N. Scovil.

In consequence of ill health, I deferred preaching the funeral sermon

of King Follett until Sunday. Elder Amasa Lyman addressed a very large

assembly at the stand.

_General Conference Minutes of the Church, April, 1844_.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Present--President Joseph

Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and William Marks. Of the

Twelve--Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Wilford

Woodruff, John Taylor, and George A. Smith.

The members of the High Council, an immense number of Elders, an a

very large concourse of people.

Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith came to the stand at a quarter

past ten o'clock, when the meeting was called to order by Elder

Brigham Young. The choir sang a hymn, after which

_Opening Address of President Joseph Smith_.

President Joseph Smith rose to state to the congregation the

nature of the business which would have to come before them.

He stated that it had been expected by some that the little

petty difficulties which have existed would be brought up and

investigated before this conference, but {288} it will not be

the case: these things are of too trivial a nature to occupy the

attention of so large a body. I intend to give you some instruction

on the principles of eternal truth, but will defer it until others

have spoken, in consequence of the weakness of my lungs. The

Elders will give you instruction; and then, if necessary, I will

offer such corrections as may be proper to all up the interstices.

Those who feel desirous of sowing the seeds of discord will be

disappointed on this occasion. It is our purpose to build up and

establish the principles of righteousness, and not to break down

and destroy. The Great Jehovah has ever been with me, and the

wisdom of God will direct me in the seventh hour. I feel in closer

communion and better standing with God than ever I felt before in

my life, and I am glad of this opportunity to appear in your midst.

I thank God for the glorious day that He has given us. In so large

a congregation it is necessary that the greatest order and decorum

be observed. I request this at your hands, and believe that you

will all keep good order.

Prayer was offered by W. W. Phelps, after which the choir sang a

hymn.

_Elder Sidney Rigdon_.

Elder Sidney Rigdon then rose and said: It is with no ordinary

degree of satisfaction I enjoy this privilege this morning. Want

of health and other circumstances have kept me in silence for

nearly the last five years. It can hardly be expected that when

the violence of sickness has used its influence, and the seeds

of disease have so long preyed upon me, that I can rise before

this congregation, only in weakness. I am now come forth from

a bed of sickness, and have enough of strength left to appear

here for the first time in my true character. I have not come

before a conference for the last five years in my true character.

I shall consider this important privilege sacred in my family

history during life. I hardly promise myself lungs to make this

congregation hear me. I shall do the best I can, and the greatest

can do no more.

The circumstance by which we are now surrounded point out the

principles of my discourse--the history of this Church, which I

have known from its infancy. My text is--"Behold the Church of God

of the last days." I do not know that I can find it in the Bible.

I do not think it necessary to have Paul to make a text for me;

I can make a text for myself. I recollect in the year 1830 I met

the whole Church of Christ in a little old log-house about 20 feet

square, near Waterloo, N.Y., and we began to talk about the kingdom

of God as if we had the world at our command. We talked with great

confidence, and {289} talked big things. Although we were not many

people, we had big feelings.

We knew fourteen years ago that the Church would become as large

as it is today. We were as big then as we ever shall be. We began

to talk like men in authority and power. We looked upon the men of

the earth as grasshoppers. If we did not see this people, we saw

by vision the Church of God, a thousand times larger. And when men

would say we wanted to upset the Government, although we were not

enough to well man a farm, or meet a woman with a milk-pail, all

the Elders, all the members met in conference in a room twenty feet

square.

I recollect Elder Phelps being put in jail for reading the Book of

Mormon. He came to see us, and expressed great astonishment, and

left us, apparently pondering in his heart. He afterwards came to

Kirtland, Ohio, and said he was a convert. Many things were taught,

believed, and preached then, which have since come to pass. We knew

the whole world would laugh at us; so we concealed ourselves, and

there was much excitement about our secret meetings, charging us

with designs against the Government, and with laying plans to get

money, &c., which never existed in the hearts of any one else [_i.

e._, but in the hearts of their accusers]. And if we had talked in

public, we should have been ridiculed more than we were. The world,

being entirely ignorant of the testimony of the Prophets, and

without knowledge of what God was about to do, treated all we said

with pretended contempt and much ridicule, and had they heard all

we said, it would have made worse for us.

We talked about the people coming as doves to the windows; and that

nations should flock unto it; that they should come bending to the

standard of Jesus, saying, "Our fathers have taught falsehoods and

things in which there is no profit," and of whole nations being

born in one day. We talked such big things that men could not bear

them, and they not only ridiculed us for what we did say in public,

but threatened and inflicted much personal abuse; and if they had

heard all we said, their violence would have been insupportable.

God had great things to say for the salvation of the world, which,

if they had been told the public, would have brought persecution

upon us unto death: so we were obliged to retire to our secret

chamber and commune ourselves with God. If we had told the people

what our eyes behold this day, we should not have been believed;

but the rascals would have shed our blood if we had only told them

what we believed. There we sat in secret and beheld the glorious

visions and powers of the kingdom of heaven pass and repass. We had

not a mighty congregation to shelter us. If a mob came upon us, we

had to run and hide ourselves to save our lives.

{290} The time has now come to tell why we held secret meetings. We

were maturing plans fourteen years ago which we can now tell. Were

we maturing plans to corrupt the world, to destroy the peace of

society? No. Let fourteen years' experience of the Church tell the

story. The Church never would have been here if we had not done as

we did in secret. The cry of "False prophet and imposter!" rolled

upon us. I do not know that anything has taken place in the history

of this Church which we did not then believe. It was written

upon our hearts and never could be taken away. It was indelibly

engraved; no power beneath yonder heavens could obliterate it. This

was the period when God laid the foundation of the Church, and He

laid it firmly, truly, and upon eternal truth.

If any man says it is not the work of God, I know he lies. Some of

you who know you have a house, how long would it take to make you

reason yourselves into a belief that you have no house where you

now reside with your family? Neither have we any power whereby we

can ever persuade ourselves that this is not the Church of God. We

do not care who sinks or swims, or opposes, but we know here is

the Church of God, and I have authority before God for saying so.

I have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. I

have slept with it,--I have walked with it. The idea has never been

out of my heart for a moment, and I will reap the glory of it when

I leave this world. I defy men and hell and devils to put it out of

my heart. I defy all, and will triumph in spite of them.

I know God. I have gazed upon the glory of God, the throne, visions

and glories of God, and the visions of eternity in days gone by.

What is a man of God to do, when he sees all the madness, wrath and

follies of our persecutors? He will do as God does--he will sit and

laugh. * * * These were the beginning of good days--shut up in a

room eating nothing but dry johnny-cake and buttermilk. Every man

who had a little farm or clothes, sold them and distributed what he

had among the rest, and did the best he could. I had a little to

eat--little to wear, and yet it was the beginning of good days.

Some say "I want plenty to eat, plenty to drink, plenty to wear,

and a good house to live in;" and, say they, then I will believe. But

God will not give it until you have proved yourselves unto Him.

No wonder, then, that we should be joyful today. If the people will

do as they are told, I will tell you what to do. Get the visions

of heaven, and seek not what you shall eat or what you shall

drink, but seek the will of God. Get into the presence of God, and

then you will have johnny-cake and milk-and-water no more. Would

you not be astonished if even now we should tell the glories and

privileges of the Saints of God to you and to the world? We should

be ridiculed; and {291} no wonder we shut it up in secret. If we

were to tell you when Jehovah is looked upon, lo it is beauty, it

is heaven, it is felicity to look upon Jehovah. I should marvel if

it were otherwise. If a man tells you one glory or one message, he

is learning another at the same time. Do not be astonished, then,

if we even yet have secret meetings, asking God for things for your

benefit.

Do not be afraid. Go back to the commencement of this Church, and

see what was concocted then. There was no evil concocted when

we first held secret meetings, and it is the same now. Has God

forgotten to be gracious, to be merciful to mankind? Did He ever

concoct anything that was devilish for mankind? He could not do it.

I never am afraid of God or man concocting anything to hurt me.

I have faith to detect men, even if they did. I would ask God to

detect them, and hold them fast before they should do it. I am not

afraid of men or devils. I have none of those fears, jealousies,

dreads, forebodings, surmisings, &c. I put my trust in God, and

whatever God does for me is only for my salvation.

A man is a bad teamster who runs his team in the worst road. What

I have already said is only to prepare the way. [Here five of the

Pottawattomie tribe appeared with their interpreter, and were

assisted to the stand by the President.] I am going to tell of

something that surprised me at the beginning of the Church. I have

handled, heard, seen and known things which I have not yet told.

After the Church began to grow, it was favored with marvelously

wise men. They had so much wisdom that they could dispute what God

said, and what His servant said. They were opposed to virtue. They

would say they had revelations and visions, and were as certain

that the Lord had given it as I was that the devil had.

He referred to the children of Israel who were snivelling and

murmuring about their leeks and onions, &c., &c.; and so it is in

these last days; some men are always yelling about what the Church

believes and opposing every good thing.

I want devils to gratify themselves; and if howling, yelling and

yelping will do you any good, do it till you are all damned.

If calling us devils, &c., will do you any good, let us have the

whole of it, and you can then go on your way to hell without a

grunt.

We hear these things ever since the Church existed. They have come

up with us; they have had so much more wisdom, they knew all about

the kingdom before God revealed it, and they know all things before

they were heard; they understand more than God knows. We gather of

all kinds. If we get all nations, we get all wisdom, cunning, and

everything else.

The sectarians cannot be as wise as we are, for they have only got

{292} man's plans, the devil's plans, and, the best of all, we have

God's plan.

I do not know whether there are any of these wise men here this

morning or not; I have merely given this as a part of the history

of this Church. I am disposed to give some reasons why salvation

only belongs to the kingdom of God, and to that alone.

I will endeavor to show why salvation belongs to us more

peculiarly, in contradistinction to all other bodies. Will this be

clear enough?

I discover one thing: Mankind have labored under one universal

mistake about this--viz., salvation was distinct from government;

_i. e_., that I can build a Church without government, and that

thing have power to save me!

When God sets up a system of salvation He sets up a system of

government. When I speak of a government, I mean what I say. I mean

a government that shall rule over temporal and spiritual affairs.

Every man is a government of himself, and infringes upon no

government. A man is not an honorable man, if he is not above all

law and above government.

I see in our town we have need of government. Some study law only

for the purpose of seeing how many feuds, how many broils they can

kick up, how much they can disturb the peace of the public without

breaking the law, and then say--"I know my rights, and will have

them;" "I did not know it was the marshal, or I would not have done

it."

He is no gentleman. Gentlemen would not insult a poor man in the

street, but would bow to him, as much as those who appear more

respectable. No marshal or any one else, should pull me up. We

ought to live a great way within the circle of the laws of the land

would live far above all law.

The law of God is far more righteous than the laws of the land. The

kingdom of God does not interfere with the laws of the land, but

keeps itself by its own laws. (Reported by Elder Thomas Bullock.)

Elder Rigdon stopped to refresh himself. The choir sang hymn 104.

Elder John Taylor, being called upon to address the congregation,

said--It gives me pleasure to meet and associate with so large

an assemblage of the Saints. I always feel at home among the

brethren. I consider them the honorable of the earth; and if I can

do anything to conduce to their happiness, or that will in anywise

tend to their edification, I am satisfied.

I therefore address this congregation with cheerfulness and

pleasure, and if by unfolding any of the principles of truth that I

am in possession {293} of, or laying before you anything pertaining

to the kingdom--if my ideas will enlarge your minds, or produce

beneficial results to any, I shall consider myself on this, as on

all other occasions, amply repaid.

Many things have been spoken by Elder Rigdon concerning the early

history of this Church. There is no person who has searched the

oracles of eternal truth, but his mind will be touched with the

remarks made by our venerable friend, which unfold the dispensation

of Jehovah, and have a tendency to produce the most thrilling

feelings in the bosoms of many who are this day present, and

to promote our general edification. He traces with pleasure on

the historic page--the rise of nations, kingdoms and empires.

Historians dwell with great minuteness on the heroic deeds, the

chivalrous acts, the dangers and deliverances, the tact, bravery,

and heroism of their chieftains, generals and governments.

We, as Republicans, look back to the time when this nation was

under the iron rule of Great Britain, and groaned under the power,

tyranny and oppression of that powerful nation. We trace with

delight the name of a Washington, a Jefferson, a LaFayette, and an

Adams, in whose bosoms burned the spark of liberty. These themes

are dwelt upon with delight by our legislators, our governors and

presidents; they are subjects which fire our souls with patriotic

ardor.

But if these things animate them so much, how much more great,

noble and exalted are the things laid before us! They were engaged

in founding kingdoms and empires that were destined to dissolution

and decay; and although many of them were great, formidable and

powerful, they now exist only in name. Their cloud-capped towers,

their solemn temples, are dissolved, and nothing now remains of

their former magnificence or ancient grandeur but a few dilapidated

buildings and broken columns. A few shattered fragments remain to

tell to this and to other generations the perishable nature of

earthly pomp and worldly glory.

They were engaged in founding empires and establishing kingdoms

and powers that had in themselves the seeds of destruction, and

were destined to decay. We are laying the foundation of a kingdom

that shall last forever--that shall bloom in time and blossom in

eternity. We are engaged in a greater work than ever occupied the

attention of mortals. We live in a day that prophets and kings

desired to see, but died without the sight.

When we hear the history of the rise of this kingdom from one who

has been with it from its infancy--from the lips of our venerable

friend who has taken an active part in all the history of the

Church, can we {294} be surprised if he should feel animated, and

that his soul should burn with heavenly zeal? We see in him a man

of God who can contemplate the glories of heaven, the visions of

eternity, and yet who looks forward to the opening glories which

the great Elohim has manifested to him pertaining to righteousness

and peace--a man who now beholds the things roll on which he has

long since beheld in prophetic vision.

Most men have established themselves in authority by laying

desolate other kingdoms and the destruction of other powers. Their

kingdoms have been founded in blood, and supported in tyranny and

oppression. The greatest chieftains of the earth have obtained

their glory--if glory it can be called--by blood, carnage and ruin.

One nation has been built up at the expense and ruin of another,

and one man has been made at the expense of another; and yet these

great men were called honorable for their inglorious deeds of

rapine. They have slain their thousands, and caused the orphans to

weep and the widows to mourn.

Men did these things because they could do it--because they had

power to desolate nations, and spread terror and desolation.

They have made themselves immortal as great men. The patriots of

this country had indeed a laudable object in view--a plausible

excuse for the course they took. They stood in defense of their

rights, liberty and freedom. But where are now those principles

of freedom? Where are the laws that protect all men in their

religious opinions? Where the laws that say, "A man shall worship

God according to the dictates of his own conscience?" What say ye,

ye Saints--ye who are exiles in the land of liberty? How came you

here? Can you in this land of equal right return in safety to your

possessions in Missouri? No. You are exiles from thence, and there

is no power, no voice, no arm to redress your grievance. Is this

the gracious boon for which your fathers fought and struggled and

died? Shades of the venerable dead, could you but gaze upon this

scene, and witness tens of thousands of Americans in exile on

Columbia's soil--if pity could touch your bosoms, how you would

mourn for the oppressed! If indignation, how would you curse the

heartless wretches that have so desecrated and polluted the temple

of liberty? "How has the gold become dim, and the fine gold, how

has it changed." Let it not be told among the monarchs of Europe,

lest they laugh and say, "Ha; so would we have it."

Ye Saints, never let it go abroad that ye are exiles in the land of

liberty, lest ye disgrace your republic in the eyes of the nations

of the earth; but tell it to those who robbed and plundered and

refused to give you your rights. Tell your rulers that all their

deeds of fame are tarnished, and their glory is departed.

{295} Are we now, indeed, in a land of liberty, of freedom, of

equal rights? Would to God I could answer, Yes. But no, no, I

cannot! They have robbed us, we are stripped of our possessions,

many of our friends are slain, and our government says, "Your cause

is just, but we can do nothing for you."

Hear it, ye great men, we are here in exile! Here are thousands of

men in bondage in a land of liberty--of freedom! If ye have any

patriotism, shake off your fetters and come and proclaim us free,

and give us our rights. I speak of this government as being one of

the best or governments--as one of the greatest and purest; and

yet, what a melancholy picture! O ye venerable fathers who fought

for your liberty, blush for your children, and mourn, mourn over

your country's shame! We are now talking about a government which

sets herself up as a pattern for the nations of the earth, and yet,

oh, what a picture! If this is the best, the most patriotic, the

most free, what is the situation of the rest?

Here we speak with national pride of a Washington, a LaFayette, a

Monroe and a Jefferson, who fought for their liberties, achieved

one of the greatest victories ever won; and scarcely has one

generation passed away before fifteen thousand citizens petition

government for redress of their wrongs, and they turn a deaf ear to

their cry.

Let us compare this with the Church of Christ. Fourteen years

ago a few men assembled in a log cabin; they saw the visions of

heaven, and gazed upon the eternal world; they looked through the

rent vista of futurity, and beheld the glories of eternity; they

were planting those principles which were concocted in the bosom

of Jehovah; they were laying a foundation for the salvation of the

world, and those principles which they then planted have not yet

begun to dwindle; but the fire still burns in their bones; the

principles are planted in different nations and are wafted on every

breeze.

When I gaze upon this company of men, I see those who are actuated

by patriotic and noble principles, who will stand up in defense

of the oppressed, of whatever country, nation, color or clime. I

see it in their countenances. It is planted by the Spirit of God.

They have received it from the great Elohim, and all the power or

influence of mobs, priestcraft or corrupt men cannot quench it.

It will burn. It is comprehensive as the designs of God, and as

expansive as the universe and reaches to all the world. No matter

whether it was an Indian, a negro, or any other man or set of men

that are oppressed, you would stand forth in their defense.

I say unto you, continue to cherish those principles. Let them

expand. And if the tree of liberty has been blasted in this

nation--if it has been gnawed by worms, and already blight has

overspread it, we {296} will stand up in defense of our liberties,

and proclaim ourselves free in time and in eternity.

The choir, by request, sang, "O stop and tell me, Red Man." After

prayer by Elder John P. Greene, the meeting was adjourned for one

hour.

Footnotes:

1. The object of his mission was to assist Elders Orson Pratt and John

E. Page in getting President Smith's Memorial, asking to be appointed

"a member of the U. S. Army" and to be authorized to raise one hundred

thousand armed volunteers to police the inter-mountain and Pacific

coast west from Oregon to Texas.

{297}

CHAPTER XIII.

CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH, APRIL, 1844, CONTINUED--ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH

HYRUM SMITH--THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE.

_Saturday, April 6, 1844, [Conference Report Continued_.]

The President arrived at the stand at half-past two o'clock, p.m.

The choir sang a hymn; after which prayer by Elder John P. Greene,

when the choir sang another hymn.

Elder Rigdon resumed his history of the Church.

A little before five o'clock the assembly was dismissed without

ceremony, until next morning, on the appearance of a shower. The

people had scarcely time to retire before a heavy shower of rain,

wind, thunder and lightning followed. A splendid double rainbow

seen in the heavens.

_Sunday, 7_.--

Very pleasant morning. The President arrived at ten o'clock, the

largest congregation ever seen in Nauvoo having assembled. The

choir sang the hymn, "Ye slumbering nations that have slept."

President Rigdon offered an affectionate appeal for the prayers of

the Saints on behalf of the sick, and then prayer by Elder George

J. Adams.

Choir sang the hymn, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning," &c.

_President Joseph Smith_.

The Mayor requested the people to keep good order, and observed

to the police, who were round the outskirts of the congregation

to keep order, "Policemen, I want you to exercise your authority;

and don't say you can't do anything for us, for the constitutional

power calls you to keep good order, and God Almighty calls you, and

we command you to do it."

Elder Sidney Rigdon arose and continued his subject of yesterday.

Choir sang. Benediction. Intermission.

{298}

During the intermission, thirty-five were baptized in the

Mississippi river for the remission of their sins.

_Address of Elder Hyrum Smith, Patriarch to the Church_.

_At 2 o'clock p. m._

Patriarch Hyrum Smith arrived at the stand, and said he wanted to

say something about the temple.

"We want 200,000 shingles, as we shall resume the work on the

Temple immediately. All who have not paid their tithing, come

on and do it. We want provisions, money, boards, planks, and

anything that is good; we don't want any more old guns or watches.

I thought some time ago I would get up a small subscription,

so that the sisters might do something. In consequence of some

misunderstanding, it has not gone on as at first. It is a matter of

my own; I do not ask it as a tithing. I give a privilege to any one

to pay a cent a week, or fifty cents a year. I want it by next fall

to buy nails and glass. It is difficult to get money. I know that a

small subscription will bring more than a large one. The poor can

help in this way. I take the responsibility upon myself, and call

again upon the sisters. I call again until I get about $1,000. It

only requires two thousand subscribers.

I have sent this subscription plan to England and the branches. I

am not to be dictated to by any one except the Prophet and God. I

want you to pay in your subscriptions to me, and it shall always be

said boldly by me, the sisters bought the glass in that house, and

their names shall be written in the Book of the Law of the Lord. It

is not a tax, but a free will offering to procure something which

shall ever be a monument of your works. No member of the Relief

Society got it up. I am the man that did it. They ought not to

infringe upon it. I am not a member of the Female Relief Society! I

am one of the committee of the Lord's House.

I wish to accomplish something, I wish all the Saints to have an

opportunity to do something. I want the poor with the purse of five

dollars to have a chance. The widow's two mites were more in the

eyes of the Lord than the purse of the rich; and the poor woman

shall have a seat in the house of God--she who pays her two mites

as well as the rich, because it is all she has. I wish to have a

place in that house. I intend to stimulate the brethren. I want to

get the roof on this season. I want to get the windows in, in the

winter, so that we may be able to dedicate the House of the Lord

by this time next year, if nothing more than one room. I will call

upon the brethren to do something.

I cannot make a comparison between the House of God and anything

now in existence. Great things are to grow out of that house.

There {299} is a great and mighty power to grow out of it. There

is an endowment. Knowledge is power. We want knowledge. We have

frequently difficulties with persons who profess to be Latter-day

Saints. When the sacrament will be administered in the Lord's House

it will do away with a great deal of difficulty that is now in

existence. If we can have a privilege and confess our faults unto

God and one another every Sabbath day, it will do away with these.

* * * You sisters shall have a seat in that house. I will stand on

the top of that pulpit and proclaim to all what the sisters have

done. When you offer up your sacraments every Sabbath, you will

feel well a whole week; you will get a great portion of the Spirit

of God, enough to last you a week--and you will increase. We are

now deprived of the privilege of giving the necessary instruction;

hence we want a house.

All the money shall be laid out for what you design it. It shall

not be paid for anything else. I am one of the committee. The

committee tells me the quarry is blockaded; it is filled with rock.

The stone cutters are wanting work. Come on with your teams as soon

as conference is over. It is not necessary for me to tell who will

come and do it. I will prophesy that you will do it. There is not

one in the city but what will do right if he knows it, with only

one or two exceptions, and they are not worth notice. God will

take care of them, and if He doesn't, the devil will. I described

them once, and you will always know them while you see them. They

will keep hopping till they hop out of town. Some of them are tree

toads, who climb the trees and are continually croaking.

We are now the most noble people on the face of the globe, and

we have no occasion to fear tadpoles. We are designated by the

All-seeing Eye to do good, not to stoop to anything low. We are apt

to suffer prejudice to get into our hearts on hearing reports. We

never should allow it--never should pass our judgment until we hear

both sides.

I will tell a Dutch anecdote: A certain Dutchman had a case brought

before him, and heard one side, and he gave in his decision--"Sure

you have got the case;" and when the other party brought their

witnesses, he said again, "Sure, you have got the case, too." If

you hear of any one in high authority, that he is rather inclined

to apostasy, don't let prejudice arise, but pray for him. God may

feel after him, and he may return. Never speak reproachfully nor

disrespectfully; he is in the hands of God. I am one of those

peacemakers who take a stand above these little things. It has

been intimated we should have investigations this conference. Do

you think I would trouble this conference with it? If I have a

difficulty with a man, I will go and settle it. Let them settle

their difficulties. There is not a man who has had a difficulty

{300} who would trouble this congregation about it. We ask no

favors; we can settle it ourselves. Don't think anything about

persons who are on the eve of apostasy; God is able to take care of

them. Let God judge, do your duty and let men alone.

Never undertake to destroy men because they do some evil thing. It

is natural for a man to be led, and not driven. Put down iniquity

by good works. Many men speak without any contemplation; if they

had given the matter a little contemplation it would not have been

spoken. We ought to be careful what we say, and take the example of

Jesus, cast over men the mantle of charity, and try to cover their

faults. We are made to enlighten, and not to darken one another;

save men, not destroy them. Do unto others what you would have them

do unto you. It is well enough to root out conspiracy. Do not fear,

but if you are in the right track, having God to guide you, He will

save you; for God will save you, if He has to destroy the wicked so

as by fire.

I want to put down all false influence. If I thought I should be

saved and any in the congregation be lost, I should not be happy.

For this purpose Jesus effected a resurrection. Our Savior is

competent to save all from death and hell. I can prove it out of

the revelation. I would not serve a God that had not all wisdom and

all power.

The reason why I feel so good is because I have a big soul. There

are men with small bodies who have got souls like Enoch. We have.

We have gathered our big souls from the ends of the earth. The

Gospel picks the big souls out of all creation, and we will get the

big souls out of all the nations, and we shall have the largest

city in the world.

We will gather all the big souls out of every nation. As soon as

the Gospel catches hold of noble souls, it brings them all right

up to Zion. There is a thing called guiding star. The Gospel is

similar. We will have a people great enough to be saved.

Popery could not write what Enoch preached. He told the people that

the Spirit of God took him up into a high mountain, showed him the

distress of the people--the destruction of the world, and he said

his heart swelled wide as eternity. But adherents of Popery could

not receive anything as large as that, and every man-made society

is just like them. Men's souls conform to the society in which they

live, with very few exceptions, and when men come to live with the

Mormons, their souls swell as if they were going to stride the

planets as I stride the Republic of America. I can believe that man

can go from planet to planet--a man gets so high in the mansions

above.

A certain good sister came to my house and she was troubled because

she heard so many big things. She thought it weakened her faith.

I {301} told her she had too much faith. She believed too much. I

will tell you how you may know whether the thing is true or not.

When any one comes to you with a lie, you feel troubled. God will

trouble you, and will not approbate you in such belief. You had

better get some antidote to get rid of it. Humble yourself before

God, and ask Him for His Spirit and pray to Him to judge it for

you. It is better not to have so much faith, than to have so much

as to believe all the lies.

Before this conference closes, I want to get all the Elders

together.

I shall make a proclamation. I want to take the line and ax and

hew you, and make you as straight as possible. I will make you

straight as a stretched line. Every Elder that goes from Nauvoo to

preach the Gospel, if he preaches anything else, we will silence

him through the public print. I want all the Elders to meet and to

understand; and if they preach anything but the pure truth, we will

call them home.

At a quarter-past three p.m., President Smith having arrived, the

choir sang a hymn. Elder Amasa Lyman offered prayer.

President Joseph Smith delivered a discourse before twenty thousand

Saints, being the funeral sermon of Elder King Follett.

[Transcriber's note: page number jumps from 301 to 318 here in the

original. This is a printer's error--there are no missing pages.]

{318}

CHAPTER XIV.

GENERAL CONFERENCE FOR APRIL, 1844, CONCLUDED--THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT

THE WHOLE LAND OF AMERICA IS ZION--INSTRUCTIONS TO ELDERS SET APART FOR

MISSIONS--A GENERAL CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND.

_Monday, April 8, 1844.--[Conference Report Continued_.]

At three-quarters past 9 a.m., President Joseph Smith took his seat

on the stand and requested the choir to sing a hymn. He called upon

Elder Brigham Young to read 1st Corinthians, 15th chapter, as his

own lungs were injured.

Elder Brigham Young said--to continue the subject of President

Smith's discourse yesterday, I shall commence by reading the 15th

chapter of 1st Corinthians, from an old Bible; and requested W. W.

Phelps to read it.

Prayer by Elder Brigham Young, after which the choir sang a hymn.

_President Joseph Smith's Remarks--The Whole of America Zion_.

President Joseph Smith said:--It is just as impossible, for me to

continue the subject of yesterday as to raise the dead. My lungs

are worn out. There is a time to all things, and I must wait. I

will give it up, and leave the time to those who can make you hear,

and I will continue the subject of my discourse some other time. I

want to make a proclamation to the Elders. I wanted you to stay,

in order that I might make this proclamation. You know very well

that the Lord has led this Church by revelation. I have another

revelation in relation to economy in the Church--a great, grand,

and glorious revelation. I shall not be able to dwell as largely

upon it now as at some other time; but I will give you the first

principles. You know there has been great discussion in relation

to Zion--where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation

is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken

and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover

a broader ground._ The whole of America is Zion itself {319} from

north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that

it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that

it should be in the center of the land._ When Elders shall take up

and examine the old prophecies in the Bible, they will see it.

The declaration this morning is, that as soon as the Temple and

baptismal font are prepared, we calculate to give the Elders of

Israel their washings and anointings, and attend to those last

and more impressive ordinances, without which we cannot obtain

celestial thrones. But there must be a holy place prepared for

that purpose. There was a proclamation made during the time that

the foundation of the Temple was laid to that effect, and there

are provisions made until the work is completed, so that men may

receive their endowments and be made kings and priests unto the

Most High God, having nothing to do with temporal things, but their

whole time will be taken up with things pertaining to the house

of God. There must, however, be a place built expressly for that

purpose, and for men to be baptized for their dead. It must be

built in this the central place; for every man who wishes to save

his father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, must go through

all the ordinances for each one of them separately, the same as for

himself, from baptism to ordination, washings and anointings, and

receive all the keys and powers of the Priesthood, the same as for

himself.

_I have received instructions from the Lord that from henceforth

wherever the Elders of Israel shall build up churches and branches

unto the Lord throughout the States, there shall be a stake of

Zion. In the great cities, as Boston, New York, &c., there shall

be stakes._ It is a glorious proclamation, and I reserved it to

the last, and designed it to be understood that this work shall

commence after the washings, anointings and endowments have been

performed here.

The Lord has an established law in relation to the matter: there

must be a particular spot for the salvation of our dead. I verily

believe there will be a place, and hence men who want to save

their dead can come and bring their families, do their work by

being baptized and attending to the other ordinances for their

dead, and then may go back again to live and wait till they go

to receive their reward. I shall leave my brethren to enlarge on

this subject: it is my duty to teach the doctrine. I would teach

it more fully--the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. God is

not willing to let me gratify you; but I must teach the Elders, and

they should teach you. God made Aaron to be the mouth piece for the

children of Israel, [1] and He will make me be god to you in {320}

His stead, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don't like

it, you must lump it. I have been giving Elder Adams instruction in

some principles to speak to you, and if he makes a mistake, I will

get up and correct him.

Elder G. J. Adams preached a discourse which occupied three hours,

and which could be heard a great distance.

President Joseph Smith turned over the conference into the hands of

the Twelve.

Choir sang a hymn. Prayer.

President Hyrum Smith called the conference to order at twenty-five

minutes to four p.m., and spoke to the assembly one hour and a half.

He treated upon the subject of Elders preaching abroad. He said

it was a matter of consequence that the Elders of Israel should

know what they were about when they go to preach the Gospel. They

should, like Paul, be ready to give a reason for the hope of their

calling. When they are sent to preach the Gospel, they should

preach the Gospel and nothing else, if they wish to stand approved

themselves. The Elders are sent into the world to preach faith,

repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of

hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost and they should let the

mysteries alone.

God has commanded you to preach repentance to this generation; and

if this generation will not receive the first principles of the

Gospel and the Book of Mormon, they will receive nothing greater.

Just go and do as you are told and God will bless you.

It is the power of God that is going to convert the world, and

nothing but the power of God. Every man who knows me knows that I

have taught these principles from the beginning. It is the honest

and pure in heart that will harken to the everlasting covenant.

They are those who are noble and good; they will feed and clothe

you and receive your testimony; and we want the Elders to gather

out the good seed to Nauvoo. The day will come when you will see

the wicked flee when no man pursueth. I want you to be wise as

serpents and harmless as doves. Preach principles that will stand

the test of ages; teach them good precepts and save souls, go forth

as men of God, and you will find friends wherever you go. Drink

deep of the Spirit of Truth and a great and mighty work shall be

wrought in the world; hundreds {321} and tens of thousands shall

flock to the standard and go up to Zion.

Many other remarks were made by the speaker.

After which Sidney Rigdon made a few remarks, and concurred in what

Brother Hyrum had said.

Twelve minutes to six, adjourned to April 9th, at eight o'clock,

a.m.

_Special Meeting of Elders_.

_Tuesday, 9.--[Conference Report Continued]._ At 8 a.m., the Elders

assembled at the stand, (President Brigham Young presiding,) and

were addressed by Elder Amasa Lyman; after which: President Brigham

Young said--

_Address of Brigham Young_.

What has been given is correct; the speech and conduct of Elders

one towards another is frequently wrong; one Elder will speak evil

of another; and while you trample others you will sink yourself.

A man has sinking principles; but if his feelings are elevated,

he will build up others and build up himself. Just as sure as one

Elder tries to build himself upon the destruction of another, he

will surely sink himself.

I would like to sit and hear the brethren teach for a week; but as

business is pressing, we must hurry through. Preach repentance to

this generation. Faith must go before repentance, and of course all

men must follow the course and obey the laws and ordinances for the

remission of sins, so as to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and

then your mission is done. Let a man who goes into the vineyard

build up all he can. If a man preaches anything in error, pray to

God that no man may remember it any more. No Elder will correct

another in public before unbelievers unless he has the sinking

principle. I call all the Elders together to witness that I always

use charity, for it covers a multitude of sins.

_North and South America Zion_.

Let us obey the proclamation of Joseph Smith concerning the Elders

going forth into the vineyard to build up the Temple, get their

endowments, and be prepared to go forth and preach the Gospel. You

may build up Zion, and learn to be men, and not children. It was a

perfect sweepstakes when the Prophet called North and South America

Zion. Let us go to and build the Temple with all our might, that we

may build up the kingdom when established and her cords lengthened.

It is a perfect knock-down to the devil's kingdom. There is not

a faithful Elder who cannot, if he is humble and diligent, build

up the Church. There are many men who will give you large sums to

build a {322} Stake of Zion where they live. It proves the words of

the Prophet of the last days.

The Priesthood is fitted to every capacity in the world. There are

blessings and conditions in that Priesthood that suit every man.

This will suit the condition of thousands, because it is as broad

as the heavens, deep as hell, and wide as eternity.

I am asked all sorts of questions about making gods and devils, and

organizing the eternal worlds; but we could not get it precisely

into our understandings so as to make them. The God we serve is

the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There is no need of breaking

the law of the land if you keep the law of the Lord. I want a wife

that can take care of my children when I am away, who can pray,

lay on hands, anoint with oil, and baffle the enemy; and this is a

spiritual wife.

The sweepstakes is a perfect knock-down to the devil. We will

build up churches and establish Zion and her stakes. This is a

fire which, cannot be put out: it has spread far faster than ever

it did before. If you kick us and cuff us, we will turn the world

upside down, and make the cart draw the horse. We want to build the

Temple and have the roof on this fall, in the name of Israel's God.

There are hundreds of Elders who will sell their property to build

up the Temple. Let us pay up our tithing. If there are any men who

have not paid their tithing, they will not get in there. Let the

branches send teams with provisions to work all the year.

We are acquainted with the views of Gen. Smith, the Democrats and

Whigs and all factions. It is now time to have a President of

the United States. Elders will be sent to preach the Gospel and

electioneer. The government belongs to God. No man can draw the

dividing line between the government of God and the government of

the children of men. You can't touch the Gospel without infringing

upon the common avocations of men. They may have helps and

governments in the Church, but it is all one at last.

_Address of Hyrum Smith the Patriarch_.

Patriarch Hyrum Smith said: I never knew a proclamation to be

understood at once. President Brigham Young wished to draw the

attention of the brethren, first to build the Temple and get your

washings, anointings, and endowments; after that to build up

branches throughout the nations. We must do all we can to build up

the Temple, and after that to build churches. The gathering will

continue here until the Temple is so far finished that the Elders

can get their endowments; and after that the gathering will be from

the nations to North and South America, which is the land of Zion.

North and South America, are the symbols of the wings. The {323}

gathering from the old countries will always be to headquarters,

and I have no doubt this conference will do a great deal of good.

We have every power and principle to teach the people. Say what

God says, and say no more. Never deviate one fraction from what

God tells you. Elder Rigdon's remarks were very correct. Give

out the simple principles. A man never fails who only says what

he knows; and if any man says more, and can't give reasons, he

falls short. Preach the first principles of the Gospel--preach

them over again: you will find that day after day new ideas and

additional light concerning them will be revealed to you. You can

enlarge upon them so as to comprehend them clearly. You will then

be able to make them more plainly understood by those who teach,

so that you will meet with scarcely any honest man but will obey

them, and none who can oppose. Adduce sufficient reason to prove

all things, and you can convert every honest man in the world. The

knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not prevalent in the

world, although it is written in the Holy Book. You can prove it

by the Holy Book they profess to believe in, and your arguments

will be so strong and convincing, that people will hear and obey

it by thousands. The Savior says that to you it is given to know

the mysteries of God, but to the world it is not given. You have

power; you are authorized to put down every foolish thing you hear.

A wise man will put it out of existence as he goes along; for light

cleaveth unto light, knowledge to knowledge, and intelligence to

intelligence.

We engage in the election the same as in any other principle: you

are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin: to

vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse

the evil. Men of false principles have preyed upon us like wolves

upon helpless lambs. Damn the rod of tyranny; curse it. Let every

man use his liberties according to the Constitution. Don't fear man

or devil; electioneer with all people, male and female, and exhort

them to do the thing that is right. We want a President of the U.

S., not a party President, but a President of the whole people;

for a party President disfranchises the opposite party. Have a

President who will maintain every man in his rights.

I wish all of you to do all the good you can. We will try and

convert the nations into one solid union. I despise the principle

that divides the nation into party and faction. I want it to grow

up like a green bay tree. Damn the system of splitting up the

nation into opposite belligerent parties. Whatever are the rights

of men guaranteed by the Constitution of these United States, let

them have them. Then, if we were all in union, no one dare attempt

to put a warlike foot on our soil. I don't like to see the rights

of Americans trampled down. I am opposed to the policy of all such

persons as would allow Great Britain {324} or any other power to

take from us Oregon or any portion of our national territory; and

damn all who attempt it. Lift up your voices like thunder: there is

power and influence enough among us to put in a President. I don't

wonder at the old Carthaginian lawyer being afraid of Joseph Smith

being elected.

[A unanimous vote was passed by the immense assembly for Joseph

Smith to be the candidate for the next President.]

_Address of Heber C. Kimball_.

Elder Heber C. Kimball arose and said--What Brother Hyrum has told

you is God's truth, and will eventually come to pass. As he was

making his observations to the Elders, it made me think of the

first time that I went out into the vineyard to preach. I dwelt on

one subject till it branched like unto a tree that was cultivated,

until the branches shot forth in all directions. Suppose you

had only one seed to plant, and that seed was an acorn, and you

spend your time in cultivating it till it comes forth a great and

mighty tree, branching forth with many branches, and bearing fruit

abundantly after its own kind. So it is with the first principles

of the Gospel, they branch out in all directions, unfolding new

light continually. They are eternal principles. I never preached

anything else but the first principles. When first we went to

England, we preached nothing else, and never even touched on the

gathering, as there was no place of gathering, the Church having

been driven from Jackson County and also from Kirtland, and the

Prophets, Patriarchs, Apostles and Saints were wandering in the

wilderness seeking for a home; but as soon as the people were

baptized and received the Holy Ghost, the most of them had the

spirit of prophecy, and prophesied of coming to this land, as being

the land of Zion; and the time would come that they should come

here. Yet we never taught the doctrine of the gathering or Book of

Doctrine and Covenants.

If you tell the people to stay, they will gather here stronger

than ever. If you want to cut anything off, you should know how

to restore. You should never cut off the ears of the people until

you are able to make them others. It is no matter what way you

convert them so you do convert them to believe the doctrines of

the very Bible they have always professed to believe. It is no

use attempting to teach them other things until you can make them

believe the principles contained in the Bible which they have been

taught to reverence and believe from their infancy. It teaches the

gathering and all the principles of the Gospel necessary to be

taught to the unbelieving world. This is the thrashing floor, where

the wheat is gathered to be thrashed. There are a great many green

heads, and they of course have to be pelted a little harder. After

the {325} wheat is thrashed, it has to go through the fanning-mill,

and then the screen, and then the smut-mill; then it has to be

ground and to be bolted: but many bolt away and leave. If you get a

cudgeling, don't be mad, for your heads are green. We are going to

arrange a plan for Conferences, and we design to send Elders to all

the different States to get up meetings and protracted meetings,

and electioneer for Joseph to be the next President.

A great many of the Elders will necessarily have to leave their

families, and the mothers will have to assume the responsibility of

governing and taking care of the children to a much greater extent

than when their husbands were at home. I therefore exhort them to

be humble, faithful, and diligent, seeking to the Lord for wisdom

to rear up their children in righteousness and prepare them to roll

on the work of the Lord when their fathers shall have been worn out

in the ministry. The mothers, therefore, are the persons who will

more or less have to train the children.

Twenty minutes to 11: A call was made for the volunteers to go

preaching to pass out to the green. A great company moved out and

returned to the right of the stand, and were numbered 244.

Twenty minutes to 1: Adjourned for one hour.

Met according to adjournment. The names of the volunteers were

called, and places assigned to each.

_Brigham Young's Instruction to the Elders_.

President Brigham Young said: Take care of yourselves, be wise, be

humble, and you will prosper. I curse all who degrade themselves

with corruption and licentiousness, as many have done. Magnify your

calling, keep yourselves pure and innocent, and your path shall be

clear as the horizon. We have all manner of prejudices to contend

with. We thank God for the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the

Temple, and sing glory to God; and yet there are characters among

us who from mere covetousness will squeeze a sixpence two inches

long, and we have all their iniquity to bear.

We have the honor to be the first fruits of this dispensation,

and have to contend with floods of oppression. Go humbly and

prayerfully, trusting and believing in God, and what you desire to

do you will accomplish. Cease not to ask the Father what you shall

do, and He will give you the Spirit. You know not the day of your

visitation. What is asked for in the name of Jesus Christ will be

granted. J. C. Bennett's power fell like the lightning. God was

asked not to let Joe Duncan be governor, and it was so. We asked

the Lord to deliver us from Governor Reynolds, of Missouri; and he

shot himself, and has {326} gone to hell. As for Squire Warren, of

Quincy, it takes two of him to make a shadow.

The Lord is cutting off the bitterest branches. Look at the

explosion of the big gun on board of the _Princeton_ war-steamer

at Washington. God will deliver His faithful Saints. You will

be innocent, and do a good work: you will come back, and bring

your sheaves with you, rejoicing. Every man has the privilege of

practicing godliness and virtue, and of manifesting himself as

a servant of the Most High God. Doctor Foster lost his money by

gambling, and joined blacklegs. Those men who say there is evil in

the Church are evil themselves. This doctrine is the best for any

man to practice, and will do him good. Ask of God that you may have

wisdom to do all things. If you hear anything of an Elder preaching

false doctrine, ask of God in full faith that it may be taken off

the minds of the people.

A contribution was taken up for President Joseph Smith, $100 was

raised, and another $100 loaned.

[Sidenote: Comment of President Smith on the Conference.]

_Tuesday, April 9th, [Continued]:--_The weather has been beautiful

for the conference; and they have been the greatest, best, and most

glorious five consecutive days ever enjoyed by this generation. Much

good was done. Many spectators were present from Quincy, Alton, Warsaw,

Fort Madison, and other towns. When we consider the immense number

present, and the good order that was preserved, it speaks much in favor

of the morality of the city.

In the afternoon I rode out with Emma, Dr. Goforth, and others to the

mound. The peach trees look beautiful.

The Mayor and Marshal received a notification to produce docket and

other papers in case of O. F. Bostwick, before the circuit court at

Carthage; also a similar notification to produce papers in case of Amos

Davis, appealed before Circuit Court.

_A General Conference in England Beginning April 6th, and

Continuing Until April 9th, 1844_.

According to previous announcement, the general conference of

the various branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, commenced its sittings in the Music Hall, Liverpool, on the

6th of April, {327} 1844, Elder Reuben Hedlock, president of the

mission, presiding, and Elder J. S. Cantwell, acting as clerk.

_Morning Session_.

After opening meeting by singing and prayer, it was voted

unanimously that Elder Reuben Hedlock preside over the conference

and that Elder J. S. Cantwell, act as clerk.

The number of officers present at the opening are as follows:--High

Priests, 10; Elders, 23; Priests, 5; Teachers, 3; Deacons, 2. The

representation of the various conferences was then called for:--

Manchester Conference represented by Elder Charles Miller,

including the branches of Manchester, Stockport, Ashton,

Duckenfield, Newton Moor, Mottram, Bolton, Edgeworth Moor,

Edgerton, Leith, Chewmoor, Breightmet Fold, Bradshaw, Tottington,

Summerseat, Bury, Haslingden, Royton, Oldham, Rochdale, Eccles,

Pendlebury, Heatons, Ratcliffe, Halfare, Crossmoor, Didsbury,

Middleton, Crompton Fold, Marble Bridge, Ashworth Tops, Vale House.

Comprises 1583 members, 2 High Priests, 41 Elders, 100 Priests, 56

Teachers, 19 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 194.

Liverpool Conference represented by Elder Mitchelson, including

Liverpool, the Isle of Man, Chester, part of Wales, Warrington,

St. Helens, and Graseby. Comprises 596 members, 3 High Priests, 29

Elders, 39 Priests, 19 Teachers, 11 Deacons. Baptized since last

general conference, 107.

Preston Conference represented by Elder John Banks, including

Preston, Lancaster, Kendal, Brigsteer Holme, Heskin, Hunter's Hill,

Euxton, Leyland, Southport, and Longton. Comprises 594 members,

1 High Priest, 16 Elders, 23 Priests, 17 Teachers, 4 Deacons.

Baptized since last general conference, 21.

London Conference represented by Elder John Cairns, including

London, Newbury, Woolwich, Dover, and Luton. Comprises 324 members,

1 High Priest, 11 Elders, 21 Priests, 5 Teachers, 5 Deacons.

Baptized since last general conference, 47.

Macclesfield Conference represented by Elder Galley, including

Macclesfield, Bollington, Middlewich, Northwich, Plumbley, and

Crewe. Comprises 219 members, 1 High Priest, 10 Elders, 22 Priests,

14 Teachers, 7 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 15.

Birmingham Conference represented by Elder Crook, including

Birmingham, Gritsgreen, Oldbury, Wolverhampton, Dudley,

Brittlelane, Bilston, Kidderminster, Leamington, Bloxwich,

Stratford-upon-Avon, Catthorpe, Westbromwich, Penydarren,

Abersychan, Beaufort, Rumny, Tredegar, Merthyr Tydvil, Aberdare.

Comprises 707 members, {328} 38 Elders, 49 Priests, 27 Teachers, 12

Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 200.

Wooden Box represented by Elder Robert Crook, including Wooden Box,

Dunstall, Branstone, Barton, and Colebille. Comprises 96 members,

9 Elders, 10 Priests, 6 Teachers, 5 Deacons. Baptized since last

general conference, 60.

Staffordshire Conference represented by Elder George Simpson,

including Burslem, Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent, Newcastle, Baddely

Edge, Bradley Green, Knutton Heath, Longton, Coxbank, Prees,

Tunstall, Leek, Longport, Hassell Green, Allsager's Bank. Comprises

370 members, 1 High Priest, 29 Elders, 48 Priests, 20 Teachers, 11

Deacons.

Edinburgh Conference represented by Elder George P. Waugh,

including Edinburgh, Wemyss, Sterling, and Pathead. Comprises 330

members, 11 Elders, 16 Priests, 7 Teachers, 3 Deacons. Baptized

since November, 1843, 37.

Garaway Conference represented by Elder Blakey, including Garaway,

Llanfoist, Buckle, Ewaisharold, Llanthony, and Llanvano. Comprises

172 members, 4 Elders, 9 Priests, 8 Teachers, 1 Deacon.

Glasgow Conference represented by Elder James Houston, including

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilbirnie, Bridge of Weir, Thorny Bank and Shaws,

Campsie, Renfrew, Greenock, Ayr, Bonhill, Balfrone, Johnstone,

Airdrie, Irvine, and Calry. Comprises 833 members, 1 High Priest,

26 Elders, 39 Priests, 30 Teachers, 19 Deacons.

Sheffield Conference represented by letter, including Sheffield,

Woodhouse, Dennington, and Brampton. Comprises 201 members, 5

Elders, 9 Priests, 5 Teachers, 3 Deacons.

Bradford Conference represented by Elder William Speakman,

including Bradford, Idle, Leeds, Doncaster. Comprises 206 members,

9 Elders, 15 Priests, 8 Teachers, 6 Deacons. Baptized since last

general conference, 44.

Ireland represented by Elder Sloan, including Hillsborough,

Crawfordsburn, and Melusk. Comprises 52 members, 5 Elders, 1

Priest, 1 Teacher.

Lincolnshire Conference represented by letter. Comprises 27

members, 2 Elders, 2 Priests, 1 Teacher, 1 Deacon. Baptized since

last general conference, 17.

Worcestershire Conference represented by Elder Thomas Smith,

including Earls Common, Pinvin, Flyford Flavel, Worcester,

Bromsgrove, Randan Woods, Barford, St. John's, and Milton.

Comprises 140 members, 6 Elders, 10 Priests, 3 Teachers, 3 Deacons.

Baptized since last general conference, 28.

Clitheroe Conference represented by Elder William Snalam, including

{329} Clitheroe, Chatburn, Downham, Waddington, Ribchester,

Chaigley, and Settle. Comprises 299 members, 16 Elders, 22 Priests,

18 Teachers, 4 Deacons. Baptized since last general conference, 14.

Leicester Conference represented by Elder Thomas Margetts,

including Leicester and Nottingham. Comprises 127 members, 5

Elders, 10 Priests, 1 Teacher, 2 Deacons.

Cheltenham Conference represented by letter, consisting of 18

branches. Comprises 532 members, 17 Elders, 30 Priests, 13

Teachers, 5 Deacons. Baptized since last General Conference, 90.

Bath represented by letter, comprising 31 members, 1 Elder, 2

Priests.

Wolverton represented by letter. Comprises 8 members, 1 Elder, 2

Priests.

Carlisle represented by letter. Comprises 160 members, 8 Elders, 19

Priests, 8 Teachers, 3 Deacons; and contains four branches.

Littlemoor represented by letter. Comprises 6 members, 1 Priest.

Bedfordshire Conference represented by letter, including 12

branches Comprises 184 members, 14 Elders, 20 Priests, 9 Teachers,

2 Deacons.

The number of members and authorities of each conference being

ascertained as nearly as possible, it was determined that the

delegates should represent the condition of each conference, and

what alterations or measures were necessary to be adopted for the

well being of each other.

Elder Charles Miller having remarked that he had been challenged to

discussion, and had accepted it, it led to some remarks from Elder

Ward as to the very little good effected in general by discussions;

and that it was beneath the servants of God to turn aside from the

path of duty to wrangle and dispute like the people of the world;

and that while the professors of modern religion were in a manner

devouring each other, the path of the Saints ought to be onward in

the proclamation of the principles of truth.

Elder Hedlock agreed with the remarks of Elder Ward, and stated

that they were in perfect accordance with the advice of the First

Presidency, and that the evil ought to be guarded against as much

as possible.

[The remaining sessions of the conference were devoted to hearing

reports from the several conferences comprising the mission,

giving instruction relative to ordaining men to the ministry,

and the manner of conducting the ministry of the Church to make

it effective. Among other items of interest was a communication

from the Twelve in Nauvoo making the nomination of Elders Reuben

Hedlock and Thomas Ward to preside over the British Mission, which

nomination was accepted by the conference, and these brethren were

unanimously {330} sustained as the presidency of the mission. The

publication of the _Millennial Star_ had been ordered suspended

by the Twelve, but the conference voted by unanimous acclamation

that this conference request the quorum of the Twelve to permit

the continued publication of that periodical. The minutes of the

conference state that--]

"Elder Hedlock addressed the assembly on the subject of the

publications, and was desirous of taking the sense of that meeting

on the same. It was true that the quorum of the Twelve had advised

that the publication of the _Millennial Star_ be stopped, and

had given him authority to publish a circular as occasion might

require; but he believed most sincerely that the stoppage of the

_Star_ would have a most injurious tendency.

"Several having spoken to the same effect, Elder Ward remarked

that, if a publication was to be issued at all, it appeared

trifling with the interest of the cause to change the name,

inasmuch as the office had received the name of the _Millennial

Star_ Office, and many letters came to them with that address."

[Then followed the action of the conference upon the subject noted

above. Permission must have been given soon afterwards to renew the

publication of the _Star,_ since it missed but one issue, that of

May, 1844.--it was then published monthly. See vols. v and vi.]

Footnotes:

1. The scripture alluded to in the text is as follows:--Moses pleaded

to be excused from the appointment to deliver Israel on the plea that

he was not eloquent; whereupon the Lord said: "Is not Aaron the Levite

thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh

forth to meet thee; and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his

heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put in his mouth; * * * And

he shall be the spokesman unto the people: * * * * he shall be to thee

instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Exodus

iv:14-16.)

Somewhat later this passage occurs: "And the Lord said unto Moses, See,

I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy

prophet" (Exodus vii:1.)

{331}

CHAPTER XV.

DIFFICULTIES WITH THE HIGBEES AND FOSTERS--CONFERENCES APPOINTED BY THE

TWELVE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES--INSTRUCTIONS TO REUBEN HEDLOCK,

PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH MISSION--PREPARATIONS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF THE

WORK--FRANCIS M. HIGBEE'S SUIT AGAINST PRESIDENT SMITH--THE PROPHET

RELEASED.

_Wednesday, April 10, 1844.--_The Twelve were in council arranging a

plan for appointing conferences.

_Thursday, 11.--_In general council in Masonic Hall, morning and

afternoon. Had a very interesting time. The Spirit of the Lord was with

us, and we closed the council with loud shouts of Hosanna!

_Friday, 12.--_The Twelve met in council. Rode out with Brothers Parker

and Clayton to look at some land.

A conference was held at Cypry, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Elder

Benjamin L. Clapp, president, and John Brown, clerk. Seven branches

were represented, consisting of 192 members, 12 Elders, 5 Priests, 4

Teachers, and 2 Deacons, all in good standing.

_Saturday, 13.--_At 10 a.m. met in City Council. George P. Styles was

appointed City Attorney. I advise that the council take such a course

as would protect the innocent: that in many cases the attorney would

get his pay off the individual employing him; that the appointment

would be a valuable consideration, and for one year a salary of $100

would be sufficient; perhaps $160 the next year, &c., increasing as

the city increases; and if $100 would not satisfy, we had better have

no attorney. "I would {332} rather give my services as counselor, &c.,

than levy a tax the people are not able to pay; and that every man

ought to be willing to help prop the city by bearing a share of the

burden till the city is able to pay a higher salary. My opinion is

that the officers of the city should be satisfied with a very small

compensation for their services. I have never received twenty-five

dollars for my services; [as counselor] but the peace I have enjoyed in

the rights and liberties of the city has been ample compensation."

I suggested the propriety of inserting a clause in the ordinance to be

made relating to the City Attorney, authorizing him to claim fees of

parties in certain cases, and the small salary satisfy the attorney

in cases where he can get no fees from his client. "I would rather be

docked $100 in my salary than have the $200 given to the City Attorney

by the city."

I also proposed that the Council take into consideration the payment

of the police; also proposed that a public meeting be called in each

ward to see if they will not, then the council will take the case into

consideration.

At 1 p.m., the Municipal Court sat in the assembly room, where I asked

Dr. R. D. Foster if he bore my expenses to Washington, or any part

thereof.

Foster replied he did not.

I stated that Dr. Goforth had said that he was taken in a secret

council when Foster told him he had paid my expenses.

Dr. Foster replied he never had a secret interview with Dr. Goforth,

and gave his version of the meeting.

I then asked him--"Have I ever misused you any way?"

Foster said--"I do not feel at liberty to answer this question, under

existing circumstances?"

I again asked him--"Did I ever misuse you?"

He again replied--"I do not feel at liberty to answer under existing

circumstances."

I then asked--"Did I ever wrong you in deal, or personally misuse you

in any shape?"

{333} Foster said, "I do not feel at liberty to answer. I have treated

you Christianly and friendly too, so far as I have had the ability."

I then asked him to tell me where I had done wrong, and I will ask his

forgiveness; for I want you to prove to this company by your testimony

that I have treated you honorably.

Foster then said--"I shall testify no further at present."

I then asked Justice Aaron Johnson--"Did I ever make oath before you

against Simpson?"

He replied--"Not before the prosecution."

I then told the whole story.

Andrew Colton then came up before the Municipal Court on_ habeas

corpus,_ and was discharged on the insufficiency of the papers.

After which, I preferred the following charge before the High Council

against Dr. Robert D. Foster "for unchristian-like conduct in general,

for abusing my character privily, for throwing out slanderous

insinuations against me, for conspiring against my peace and safety,

for conspiring against my life, for conspiring against the peace of my

family, and for lying."

A charge was preferred against Harrison Sagers for teaching spiritual

wife doctrine and neglecting his family, which was handed over to the

High Council to act upon.

At 2 p.m., Elder John Taylor delivered a political discourse.

About 5 p.m., the _"Maid of Iowa"_ arrived at the Nauvoo House wharf,

filled with passengers from England, led by William Kay. 210 souls

started from Liverpool, and nearly all arrived in good health and

spirits, one smaller company having previously arrived.

_Sunday, 14.--_Rainy day. No meeting at the stand. I preached on board

the _"Maid of Iowa_."

Committee of the Council met in the afternoon at my office.

{334} _Monday, 15.--_At home settling with Dan Jones for steamboat

_"Maid of Iowa."_ She has returned in debt about $1,700. After much

conversation and deliberation, I agreed to buy out Jones, by giving him

property in the city worth $1,231, and assuming the debts.

I rode out in the afternoon.

The Twelve Apostles arranged the appointments for the general

conferences in the United States as follows:

Quincy, Ill.,...............................Sat. and Sun. May 4 and 5

Princess Grove, Ill.,....................... " " " 11 12

Ottowa, Ill.,............................... " " " 18 19

Chicago, Ill.,.............................. " " " 25 26

Comstock, Kalamazoo county, Mich.,.......... " " June 1 2

Pleasant Valley, Mich.,..................... " " " 8 9

Frankland, Oakland county, Mich.,........... " " " 15 16

Kirtland, Ohio,............................. " " " 22 23

G.A. Neal's six miles west of Lockport, N.Y.," " " 29 30

Batavia, N. Y.,............................. " " July 6 7

Portage, Alleghany county, N. Y.,........... " " " 13 14

Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y.,............ " " " 20 21

Oswego, N. Y.,.............................. " " June 29 30

Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y.,............. " " July 6 7

London, Caledonia county, N. Y.,............ " " June 15 16

Northfield, Washington county, ten miles

of Montpelier, at Lyman Houghton's, N.Y., " " " 29 30

Fairfield, Essex Co, at Elder Tracy's, N. Y.," " July 13 14

Boston, Mass.,.............................. " " June 29 30

Salem, " ............................... " " July 6 7

New Bedford, Mass.,......................... " " " 13 14

Peterboro, N. H.,........................... " " " 13 14

Lowell, Mass.,.............................. " " " 27 28

Scarboro, Maine,............................ " " " 6 7

Vinal Haven,................................ " " " 13 14

Westfield, Mass.,........................... " " " 27 28

Farmington, Mass.,.......................... " " Aug. 3 4

New Haven, Conn.,........................... " " " 10 11

Canaan, Conn.,.............................. " " " 17 18

Norwalk, " ............................... " " " 24 25

New York City, N.Y.,........................ " " " 17 18

Philadelphia, Pa.,.......................... " " Aug. 31 Sep.1

Dresden, Weekly county, Tenn.,.............. " " May 25 26

{335}

Eagle Creek, Benton county, Tenn.,..........Sat. and Sun. Jun 8 and 9

Dyer county, C. H.,......................... " " " 22 23

Rutherford county, C. H., Tenn.,............ " " July 20 21

Lexington, Henderson county, Tenn.,......... " " Aug. 3 4

New Albany, Clinton county, Ky.,............ " " June 29 30

Alquina, Fayette county, Ia.,............... " " " 1 2

Pleasant Garden, Ia.,....................... " " " 15 16

Fort Wayne, Ia.,............................ " " " 29 30

Northfield, Boon county, Ia.,............... " " July 13 14

Cincinnati, Ohio,........................... " " May 18 19

Pittsburgh, Pa.,............................ " " June 1 2

Leechburg, " ............................. " " " 15 16

Running Water Branch, Noxuble Co., Miss.,... " " " 1 2

Tuscaloosa, Ala.,........................... " " " 22 23

Washington City, D. C.,........Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

We also publish the names of the Elders who are appointed to the

several states, together with their appointments. Those who are

numbered with the figures 1 and 2 will take the presidency of the

several states to which they are appointed.

MAINE.

J. Butterfield, 1st Jonathan H. Hale

Elbridge Tufts, 2nd Henry Herriman

S. B. Stoddard John Moon