LUCY SMITH VISITS DETROIT.
As Hyrum, my eldest son, was directed to go to Missouri by the way
of Detroit, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit the
family of my brother, General Mack. Accordingly, my niece, Almira
Mack, Hyrum,--brothers Murdock, Lyman Wight, and Corril and I, set out
together for Detroit. When we first went on board the vessel which
took us across the lake, we concluded to keep perfectly still upon the
subject of religion; but it was afterwards proposed by Hyrum, that
Mother Smith should say just what she pleased, and if she got into
difficulty, the Elders should help her out of it. Shortly after this, I
was sitting at the door of the cabin, reading the Book of Mormon, when
a lady came up and inquired of me what book I was reading. "The 'Book
of Mormon'," I replied. But the title of the book was no advantage
to her, for she had never before heard of there being such a work in
existence. By her request I gave her a brief history of the discovery
and translation of the book. This delighted her, and when I mentioned
that it was a record of the origin of the aborigines of America, she
said, "how I do wish I could get one of your books to carry to my
husband, for he is now a missionary among the Indians."
Just then, another lady, who was a doctor's wife, came near us, with
the appearance of wishing to hear our conversation. She was gorgeously
dressed, and carried herself very daintily, I assure you. She wore a
splendid satin scarf, which, as she walked to and fro before us, she
would occasionally let fall from the left shoulder, and expose a neck
and bosom decorated with very brilliant jewels. Presently she stopped
short, and said, "I do not want to hear any more of that stuff, or
anything more about Joe Smith either. They say that he is a 'Mormon'
prophet; but it is nothing but deception and lies. There was one Mr.
Murdock, who believed in Joe Smith's doctrines; and the 'Mormons' all
believe they can cure the sick and raise the dead; so when this Mr.
Murdock's wife was sick, he refused to send for a doctor, although the
poor woman wanted him to do so, and so by his neglect his wife died."
I told her I thought she must be a little mistaken, that I was
acquainted with the family, and knew something in regard to the matter.
"I know all about it," said the lady.
"Well now, perhaps not," said I, "just stop a moment and I will explain
it to you."
"No, I won't," returned the woman.
"Then," said I, "I will introduce you to Mr. Murdock, and let him tell
the story himself." I then turned to Mr. Murdock, who stood near, and
gave her an introduction to him. Before this, however, the chambermaid
went down stairs and complained to the doctor of his wife's unbecoming
behavior, and before she had heard a dozen words from our brother, her
husband came bustling up stairs. "Here," said he, to his wife, "they
tell me that you are abusing this old lady;" and taking her hand, he
drew it within his arm, and marched her off without further ceremony.
This circumstance introduced the subject of "Mormonism" among the
passengers, and it continued to be the topic of conversation until we
arrived at Detroit. On landing in Detroit, we repaired immediately to
a tavern, as my niece, Mrs. Cooper, was exceedingly nervous, and we
deemed it imprudent to disturb her that evening. The next morning,
Almira Mack and myself visited Mrs. Cooper, who was Almira's sister.
Almira went into her room, and found her lying on the bed. After the
usual salutations she informed Mrs. Cooper that Aunt Lucy was in the
parlor waiting to see her, and requested the privilege of inviting me
into her room; but it was some time before her nerves were sufficiently
settled to see me. However, before I was admitted into her presence,
she was further informed that her cousin Hyrum, as also several other
Elders, had come to Detroit in company with me, and that I would expect
them to be invited as well as myself. But this was refused, Mrs.
Cooper, declaring that she could not endure the presence of so many
visitors. She sent for me, but forbade her sisters inviting any one
else.
I went to her, and after the compliments were over, I said, "Lovisa, I
have with me four of my brethren, one of whom is your cousin Hyrum, if
I stay they must be invited also."
"Oh! no, no; I never can consent to it," exclaimed she,--"why, aunt, I
am so nervous I am scarcely ever able to see any company."
"Now, Lovisa," I replied, "do you know what ails you? lean tell you
exactly what it is: there is a good spirit and an evil one operating
upon you, and the bad spirit has almost got possession of you; and when
the good spirit is the least agitated, the evil one strives for the
entire mastery, and sets the good spirit to fluttering, just ready to
be gone, because it has so slight a foothold. But you have been so for
a long time, and you may yet live many years. These men who are with
me are clothed with the authority of the Priesthood, and through their
administration you might receive a blessing; and even should you not be
healed, do you not wish to know something about your Savior before you
meet him? Furthermore, if you refuse to receive my brethren into your
house, I shall leave it myself."
It was finally concluded that a sumptuous dinner should be prepared,
and that the brethren should all be invited. While they tarried with
her, they administered to her twice by the laying on of hands in the
name of the Lord. They stopped with her during the day, and in the
evening left for Pontiac. When she learned that they were not expected
back again, she seemed greatly distressed, because she had not urged
them to stay and preach.
The next morning, I and my niece set out for Pontiac, in the first
stage, to visit Sister Mack, my brother's widow, and her daughter, Mrs.
Whitermore. Here we were treated with great attention and respect by
Mr. Whitermore and his family. The subject of religion was introduced
immediately after our arrival, and continued the theme of conversation
until near tea-time, when Sister Mack arose, saying, "Sister Lucy, you
must excuse me, for I find my nerves are so agitated I cannot bear
conversation any longer; the subject is so entirely new, it confuses
my mind." I requested her to stop a moment. I then repeated to her the
same that I had done two days previous to Lovisa, adding, "Suppose a
company of fashionable people were to come in and begin to talk about
balls, parties, and the latest style of making dresses, do you think
that would agitate you so?" She smiled at this, and said, "I do not
know that it would, Sister Lucy; you know that those are more common
things."
I then told her that I would excuse her, and that she might go where
she pleased, concluding in my own mind never to mention the subject to
her again, unless it should be by her own request. That night we slept
in the same room. When I was about retiring to rest, she observed, "Do
not let my presence prevent you from attending to any duty which you
have practiced at home." And soon afterwards she again remarked, "The
house is now still, and I would be glad to hear you talk, if you are
not too much fatigued." I told her I would have no objections, provided
the subject of religion would not make her nervous; and, as she did not
think it would, we commenced conversation, the result of which was, she
was convinced of the truth of the gospel.
In a few days subsequent to this, we all set out to visit Mrs. Stanly,
who was also my brother's daughter. Here Mr. Whitermore gave me an
introduction to one Mr. Ruggles, the pastor of the Presbyterian church
to which this Mr. Whitermore belonged.
"And you," said Mr. Ruggles, upon shaking hands with me, "are the
mother of that poor, foolish, silly boy, Joe Smith, who pretended to
translate the Book of Mormon."
I looked him steadily in the face, and replied, "I am, sir, the mother
of Joseph Smith; but why do you apply to him such epithets as those?"
"Because," said his reverence, "that he should imagine he was going to
break down all other churches with that simple 'Mormon' book."
"Did you ever read that book?" I inquired.
"No," said he, "it is beneath my notice."
"But," rejoined I, "the Scriptures say, prove all things;' and, now
sir, let me tell you boldly, that that book contains the everlasting
gospel, and it was written for the salvation of your soul, by the gift
and power of the Holy Ghost."
"Pooh," said the minister, "nonsense--I am not afraid of any member
of my church being led astray by such stuff; they have too much
intelligence."
"Now, Mr. Ruggles," said I, and I spoke with emphasis, for the Spirit
of God was upon me, "mark my words--as true as God lives, before three
years we will have more than one-third of your church; and, sir,
whether you believe it or not, we will take the very deacon too."
This produced a hearty laugh at the expense of the minister.
Not to be tedious, I will say that I remained in this section of
country about four weeks, during which time I labored incessantly for
the truth's sake, and succeeded in gaining the hearts of many, among
whom were David Dort and his wife. Many desired me to use my influence
to have an elder sent into that region of country, which I agreed
to do. As I was about starting home, Mr. Cooper observed that our
ministers would have more influence if they dressed in broadcloth.
When I returned, I made known to Joseph the situation of things where
I had been, so he despatched Brother Jared Carter to that country. And
in order that he might not lack influence, he was dressed in a suit
of superfine broadcloth. He went immediately into the midst of Mr.
Ruggles' church, and, in a short time, brought away seventy of his best
members, among whom was the deacon, just as I told the minister. This
deacon was Brother Samuel Bent, who now presides over the High Council.
In less than a month after my arrival, Samuel returned home from
Missouri, and remained until the succeeding October, at which time a
revelation was given, commanding him and Wm. McLellin to go to the
town of Hiram, which was about thirty miles distant. Samuel commenced
making preparations, but before he was ready to start he heard a voice
in the night, which said, "Samuel, arise immediately, and go forth on
the mission which thou wast commanded to take to Hiram." He arose from
his bed and took what clothing he had in readiness, and set off without
further delay.
On arriving at the above-mentioned place, he found Wm. E. McLellin
there according to previous appointment. Here they commenced preaching
together, and after laboring a while in this town, they went from place
to place, bearing testimony of the truth in whatever city, town, or
village they entered, until the twenty-seventh of December, at which
time they arrived at Kirtland. Samuel was not long permitted to remain
at home in quiet; on the first of January he was sent, with Orson Hyde,
on a mission into the eastern country. They went and preached from city
to city, until they were called home to receive the ordinance of the
washing of feet.