PROPHET'S RETIREMENT FROM EDITORSHIP OF "TIMES AND SEASONS"--PROGRESS
OF WORK ON THE TEMPLE--DIVISION OF NAUVOO INTO TEN WARDS--WM. SMITH IN
THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE--GOVERNOR FORD ON MISSOURI'S DEMAND FOR THE
PROPHET.
_Tuesday, November 15, 1842_.--About home. Wrote for the _Times and
Seasons_ the following:
VALEDICTORY.
I beg leave to inform the subscribers of the _Times and Seasons_
that it is impossible for me to fulfill the arduous duties of the
editorial department any longer. The multiplicity of other business
that daily devolves upon me renders it impossible for me to do
justice to a paper so widely circulated as the _Times and Seasons_.
I have appointed Elder John Taylor, who is less encumbered and
fully competent to assume the responsibilities of that office, and
I doubt not that he will give satisfaction to the patrons of the
paper. As this number commences a new volume, it also commences his
editorial career.
JOSEPH SMITH.
Elder Taylor proceeded to his duties as editor.
Elder Bradley Wilson died suddenly in his 74th year. He received the
gospel in Ohio, removed his family to Missouri, and was driven to
Nauvoo in 1839. He has left seven sons and thirty-nine grand-children
residing in Nauvoo.
_Wednesday, 16--_About home. In the evening started on a journey to the
counties north, in company with John D. Parker.
_Thursday, 17_.--There was a severe snow storm, and Elder Alpheus
Harmon (who was just returning from a {194} mission), and another man,
were frozen to death on the prairie between Nauvoo and Carthage. The
Mississippi was frozen over, which fulfilled my prophecy of the 5th
instant.
[Sidenote: Vote to Suspend the _Millennial Star_.]
_Monday, 21_.--A Council of the Twelve, namely, Brigham Young, Heber C.
Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman,
and Willard Richards, assembled at the house of Elder Heber C. Kimball,
in Nauvoo, and decided by unanimous acclamation that the printing of
the _Millennial Star_ and all other publications in England relating
to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be suspended, on
the return of Elder Parley P. Pratt from that country, until further
instruction from the quorum; and that the foregoing minutes be
forwarded to Elder Pratt or to the editor of the _Star_, which was done
by letter from the president and clerk of the council.
_Tuesday, 22_.--I arrived at home, after a pleasant outing, in good
health and spirits.
_Wednesday, 23_.--At home all day.
[Sidenote: Disaster on the Island of Madeira.]
_Thursday, 24_.--By report of the papers, the island of Madeira was
visited by a dreadful storm. The summer was hot and weather fine till
the 15th, when the rain commenced falling heavily and continued to
the 24th. At one o'clock in the afternoon the water fell in torrents,
the sky became dark, the streets in the capital became inundated, and
the affrighted inhabitants in town and country fled to the mountains.
Upwards of two hundred houses were destroyed at Funchal, and much corn
and wine. The damage to lives, houses, and crops on the island, and
boats in the harbors was incalculable.
_Saturday, 26_.--At home in the morning. At ten, met in city council,
which resolved that the inscription for the seal to be procured for
the municipal court of this city shall consist of a circle, including
the words "Municipal Court, City of Nauvoo," within which is to be a
book {195} circled with rays, on which is to be inscribed the words
"Constitution and Charter."
Wrote as follow:--
_Letter of the Prophet to H. R. Hotchkiss--Land Purchase Contract
Considered_.
NAUVOO, November 26, 1842.
_Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq._
DEAR SIR:--Yours of the 8th instant to Sidney Rigdon has been
received; and, in consequence of his not knowing anything
concerning the matters therein mentioned, or being in any way
connected or interested in my affairs, he of course, has handed the
letter to me, which I shall proceed to answer.
And, sir, permit me to say, on the subject of the deal between
myself, as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Latter-day Saints,
and you, that I am as anxious as ever to have the contract continue
good between us, and to meet the obligations specified in the
contract. I am not, neither have I ever been, wishful to shrink
from it in any manner whatever, but intend to make payments as fast
as my circumstances will admit.
But, sir, you are not unacquainted with the extreme hardness of the
times and the great scarcity of money, which put it out of my power
to meet all the payments as they fell due, and which has been the
only cause of any failure on my part; and should you feel disposed
not to press the payments, but offer a lenity equivalent to the
state of the times, then, sir, I shall yet endeavor to make up the
payments as fast as possible, and consider the contract as still
good between us.
I would here say that when I found it necessary to avail myself
of the benefits of the bankrupt law, I knew not but that the law
required of me to include you amongst the list of my creditors,
notwithstanding the nature of the contract between us. This
explains the reason of my doing so.
I have since learned, from a decision of the judge of the supreme
court, that it was not necessary, and that the [bankrupt] law
has no jurisdiction over such a contract. Consequently, as I
have before stated, I am disposed to hold it, provided you will
not press the payments. Under these circumstances, I consider it
necessary to give you the information required in your letter, in
regard to the number and kind of houses on the land, &c.
I shall expect to hear from you again soon. In regard to your
having written to me some few weeks ago, I will observe that I
have received no communication from you for some months back. If
you wrote to me, the letter has been broken open and detained, no
doubt, as has {196} been the case with a great number of letters
from my friends of late, and especially within the last three
months.
Few if any letters for me can get through the post office in this
place, and more particularly letters containing money, and matters
of much importance. I am satisfied that Sidney Rigdon and others
connected with him have been the means of doing incalculable
injury, not only to myself, but to the citizens in general; and,
sir, under such a state of things, you will have some idea of the
difficulties I have to encounter, and the censure I have to bear
through the unjust conduct of that man and others, whom he permits
to interfere with the post office business. Having said so much, I
must close for the present.
You will hereby understand my feelings upon the subject and the
reasons of the course I have hitherto pursued.
With sentiments of due respect, I remain, as ever, yours
respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH.
P.S.--Should it suit you better, I am ready on my part to renew the
contract, and would prefer it.
J. S.
[Sidenote: Sudden Illness of Brigham Young.]
In the evening went to see Brigham Young, in company with Dr. Richards.
He was suddenly and severely attacked by disease, with strong symptoms
of apoplexy. We immediately administered to him by laying on of hands
and prayer, accompanied with the use of herbs. Profuse vomiting and
purging followed, which were favorable indications. Although few so
violently attacked ever survive long, yet the brethren were united in
faith, and we had firm hopes of his recovery.
_Sunday, 27_.--At home, except visiting President Young, who remained
extremely sick.
[Sidenote: Temple Structure Difficulties.]
_Monday, 28_.--At home all day. Charges of an unequal distribution of
provisions, giving more iron and steel tools to Reynolds Cahoon's sons
than to others, giving short measure of wood to Father Huntington, also
letting the first course of stone around the Temple to the man who
would do it for the least price, &c., having been instituted by the
stonecutters against the Temple committee,--viz., Cahoon and Higbee, I
requested the parties to appear at my house this {197} day to have the
difficulties settled by an investigation before myself and Counselor
William Law. President Hyrum Smith acted as counsel for the defendants,
and Elder Henry G. Sherwood for the accusers. The hearing of testimony
lasted until four o'clock, at which time the meeting adjourned for
half an hour. On coming together again, President Hyrum addressed the
brethren at some length, showing the important responsibility of the
committee, also the many difficulties they had to contend with. He
advised the brethren to have charity one with another, and be united,
&c., &c. Elder Sherwood replied to President Hyrum's remarks. President
Hyrum explained some remarks before made. Elder William Law made a
few pointed remarks, after which I gave my decision, which was that
the committee stand in their place as before. I likewise showed the
brethren that I was responsible to the state for a faithful performance
of my office as sole trustee-in-trust, &c., and the Temple Committee
were responsible to me and had given bonds to me, to the amount of
$12,000, for a faithful discharge of all duties devolving upon them as
a committee, &c. The trial did not conclude until about nine o'clock in
the evening.
_Tuesday, 29_.--In council with Brother Hyrum, Willard Richards, and
others, concerning bankruptcy. Afternoon, attended court at the house
of Mr. Hunter, grocer, before Alderman Spencer, for slander. I forgave
Hunter the judgment, but he was fined $10 for contempt of court.
_Wednesday, 30_.--Morning, in counsel in the large assembly room
preparing evidence in the case of bankruptcy. Afternoon, had Amos Davis
brought before the municipal court for slander; but, in consequence
of the informality of the writ drawn by Squire Daniel H. Wells, I was
non-suited.
A severe storm of snow, rain and wind is reported to have been
experienced at Boston this day and evening, doing much damage to the
ships and wharves.
_Thursday, December 1, 1842_.--Emma was sick, attendance {198} upon her
occupied some of my time. Visited George A. Smith and Brigham Young,
who were sick. Called at Mr. Angel's, in company with Elder Richards,
to give some counsel concerning a sick sister. Called on William W.
Phelps to get the historical documents, &c.; after which I commenced
reading and revising history.
_Extract of a Letter from Orrin Porter Rockwell, superscribed to
Newel K. Whitney, dated Philadelphia, December 1, 1842, whither he had
gone to escape the hands of those who sought his life in Missouri_.
DEAR BROTHER JOSEPH SMITH:--I am requested by our friend Orrin
Porter [Rockwell] to drop a few lines informing you that he is in
this place. His health is good, but his spirits are depressed,
caused by his being unable to obtain employment of any kind. He
has applied in different parts of the city and country, but all
without success, as farmers can get persons to work from sunrise
till dark for merely what they eat. He is most anxious to hear
from you, and wishes you to see his mother and the children and
write all the particulars, how matters and things are, and what the
prospects are. I pity him from the bottom of my heart. His lot in
life seems marked with sorrow, bitterness and care. He is a noble,
generous friend. But you know his worth: any comments from me would
be superfluous. He will wait in this place until he hears from you.
Please write immediately, as it will be a source of great comfort
to him to hear [from you].
If Joseph is not at home, Brother Whitney will be kind enough
to write. He says every other one he has come across has been
afraid of their shadows, but he watches them well. He comes to see
me every day, and I keep him a close prisoner! But he does not
complain of my cruelty, or being hard-hearted, but, when with me,
seems resigned to whatever punishment I may see proper to inflict,
but he takes it in good part. Answer this as soon as received.
Yours truly,
S. ARMSTRONG,
for Orrin Porter [Rockwell].
_Friday, 2_.--Sat as Mayor on trial of Amos Davis, who was fined in
the sum of $25 for breach of city ordinance for selling spirits by the
small quantity. In the evening, called on Elder Richards, and Bishop
Whitney to take an appraisal of the printing office establishment,
preparatory {199} to a lease to Elders Taylor and Woodruff for the term
of five years.
_Saturday, 3_.--Called at the printing office several times. In the
afternoon, attended the municipal court in the case of Amos Davis, for
breach of city ordinance, &c.
_Sunday, 4_.--The weather being very wet, I remained at home all day.
The High Council of Nauvoo met, heard, accepted, and adopted the report
of their committee for dividing the city into ten wards, as follows:--
The First Ward is bounded on the north by the city boundary line, and
on the south by Brattle street.
The Second Ward is bounded on the north by Brattle street or the First
Ward, and on the south by Carlos street or the Third Ward.
The Third Ward is bounded on the north by Carlos street or the Second
Ward, and on the south by Joseph street or the Fourth Ward.
The Fourth Ward is bounded on the north by Joseph street or the Third
Ward, and on the south by Cutler street or the Fifth Ward.
The Fifth Ward is bounded on the north by Cutler street or the Fourth
Ward, and on the south by Mulholland street.
The Sixth Ward is bounded on the west by the Mississippi river, and on
the east by Main street or the Seventh Ward.
The Seventh Ward is bounded on the west by Main street or the Sixth
Ward, and on the east by Durfee street or the Eight Ward.
The Eight Ward is bounded on the west by Durfee street or the Seventh
Ward, and on the east by Robinson street or the Ninth Ward.
The Ninth Ward is bounded on the west by Robinson street or the Eight
Ward, and on the east by Green street or the Tenth Ward.
{200} The Tenth Ward is bounded on the west by Green street or the
Ninth Ward, and on the east by the city boundary line.
_Monday, 5_.--In the morning, attended in council with Brother Hyrum
and others on bankruptcy, making an inventory of our property, and
schedule of our liabilities, that we might be prepared to avail
ourselves of the laws of the land as did others. Afternoon, had
conversation with Brother Green. In the evening, attended the Masonic
Lodge.
_Tuesday, 6_.--Attended the trial of an appealed case of Amos Davis
before the municipal court. Judgment confirmed.
_Wednesday, 7_.--Dined with Elder Orson Hyde and family. Elder Hyde has
this day returned home from his mission to Jerusalem. His presence was
truly gratifying. Spent the day with Elder Hyde and drawing wood.
_Thursday, 8_.--Spent the day at home. Received a visit from Elder Hyde
and wife.
[Sidenote: Inaugural Address of Governor Ford.]
This day, Thomas Ford, governor of Illinois, in his inaugural address
to the Senate and House of Representatives, remarked that a great deal
has been said about certain charters granted to the people of Nauvoo.
These charters are objectionable on many accounts, but particularly
on account of the powers granted. The people of the state have become
aroused to the subject, and anxiously desire that these charters
should be modified so as to give the inhabitants of Nauvoo no greater
privileges than those enjoyed by others of our fellow citizens.
_Friday, 9_.--I chopped wood all day. My Brother Hyrum started for
Springfield to attend to his case of bankruptcy, with Benjamin Covey as
witness. Willard Richards, William Clayton, Henry G. Sherwood, Peter
Haws, Heber C. Kimball, Alpheus Cutler, and Reynolds Cahoon accompanied
them to attend to my case, present testimony to the government that
I was in Illinois at the {201} time Boggs was shot--consequently
could not have been a fugitive from the justice of Missouri, and thus
procure a discharge from Governor Ford, on Governor Carlin's writ for
my arrest. The weather was very cold, and the traveling tedious; yet
my messengers traveled thirty-four miles, and stayed with my Brother
Samuel Smith, who kept a public-house at Plymouth.
[Sidenote: Agitation as to Nauvoo Charters.]
Mr. Davis, of Bond county, introduced a resolution to the house of
Representatives at Springfield, concerning the charter of Nauvoo, and
urged its repeal.
Mr. Hicks was in favor of having the state arms taken from the Mormons.
Mr. Owen thought they had no more than their quota.
[The arms referred to consisted of three cannon, six-pounders, and a
few score of muskets, swords, and pistols, which were furnished by the
United States to Illinois, for the supply of her militia for common
defense, of which the Nauvoo Legion had received but a small portion of
that to which it was entitled.]
My Brother, William Smith, representative of Hancock county, colleague
with Mr. Owen, made the following speech in the House, in reply to Mr.
Davis:--
_Speech of William Smith, Brother of the Prophet, on the Chartered
Rights of Nauvoo_.
MR. SPEAKER.--I beg the privilege of making a few remarks on this
subject. This, sir, seems to be a question which has excited, to a
very considerable extent, the attention of members who compose this
honorable body. But, Mr. Speaker, it does really appear to me that
this is a question that has been gotten up quite prematurely; for
I doubt not many members here have not yet had the opportunity of
learning what privileges are granted in the Nauvoo City Charter.
The subject which the gentleman has raised is only an assumption.
I doubt not that if the subject had been fairly investigated, and
weighed equally in the balance by every candid individual in the
community, that prejudices of this kind would not have obtained
such a hold upon the public mind. In the estimation of genuine
democracy, the rights of the people of Nauvoo are just as sacred as
those of any {202} other people. The people that live there should
have just the same privileges extended to them as are awarded to
Springfield, Chicago, Quincy, or any other city in the state.
It is true, indeed, that they have labored under many
embarrassments. The public mind has been heated in regard to
what was supposed to be their chartered privileges. But you, Mr.
Speaker, are well aware that all the corporate privileges that they
enjoy have been granted to them by a previous Legislature. Upon
that occasion all that was done was not considered, by any, more
than an act of justice towards them. They had no greater rights or
privileges given them than were already enjoyed by the citizens of
Quincy or Springfield. The people had chartered privileges in both
of those cities, and we have the same in Nauvoo. Our condition in
that respect is not at all different from Chicago, Alton, and many
other chartered cities in this state. It would be hardly worth
while, Mr. Speaker, to detain either you or this honorable body
by making many preliminary remarks in respect to our religion.
This is a matter that cannot at all come under the purview of this
legislature.
I do not fancy myself placed here before a body of sectarians
invested, in their own estimation, with authority to enact rules
for the government or regulation of any sect upon matters of
religion. I do not suppose that I stand in the presence of persons
disposed to take away one single religious right pertaining to the
people among whom I dwell.
But what could legislation in regard to the matter effect? What
would it prove? It would neither prove Joseph Smith to be a
Christian nor that Tom Thumb came from the moon. It would prove
nothing in reference to the principles of any body of religionists.
But I do not feel it my prerogative to enter into a discussion
of religious principles here. I know very well that the people
called "Mormons" are thought to be a very strange people. I come
right from among them, and you can all judge whether or not they
seem to have the appearance of a strange animal of seven heads and
ten horns. You can all decide for yourselves whether, from the
appearance I present, I should be numbered among outcasts, or be
ranked among human beings.
One word further as to the chartered privileges. They have, as this
honorable body is well aware, assembled a population of from five
to ten or fifteen thousand inhabitants. It is in consequence of the
privileges granted in their Charter that they have been induced
to do this. Nauvoo is not, as some may erroneously suppose--a
city composed entirely of Mormons. I can inform gentlemen that
Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Universalians, in short,
many of the different kinds of religion, and even infidels may be
found there; and all these {203} are tolerated there just as in
any other community. A great many persons have gone to Nauvoo, and
there invested their property. They are now engaged in the erection
of buildings, which, when consummated will cost enormous sums of
money. But should the Charter of that city be repealed, individuals
who now consider themselves rising to wealth, in consequence of
what has been done by a former legislature of this state, will be
reduced to wretchedness and want. In that event property now worth
three to ten thousand dollars will not be worth five hundred, or
nothing in comparison to that amount.
There is another point, Mr. Speaker, to which I would call your
attention, and that is to the observations which have been made
in regard to taking away from the city of Nauvoo the state arms.
Well suppose that should be done, would that effect anything?
They are now organized, and have, under existing laws drawn a
certain portion of the public arms. In that wherein are they acting
differently from any other citizens? They have not even that equal
proportion of arms that they are entitled to by law. What would
be the object in taking away the public arms from the militia of
this state? It surely cannot be believed that there is any danger
of the Mormons breaking out and killing the people. There is no
more danger of that than there is that five, six or a dozen old
women and a few boys should do the same thing. Is this state to
be carried by a hue-and-cry of that kind raised by politicians?
I own that it is not the design of that people even so much as
to molest a hair on the head of a single individual; but that,
on the contrary, it is their intention in all things to conform
to the Constitution and laws of the land. If prejudices have
been accumulating upon the public mind calculated to produce the
expression that they are villains, such prejudices are entirely
unfounded. And it is a great mistake to suppose the contrary. Those
people consider themselves bound by the laws, and endeavor to
obey them. Have they not, I would ask, contributed their portion
towards replenishing your county and state revenues? Have they ever
refused to pay their taxes? Have they not always been both ready
and willing to obey both the civil and military laws of this state?
Where, then, is the necessity, that this honorable body should
enact a law taking away from them their chartered privileges?
I will not, Mr. Speaker, detain you or this honorable body
much longer. I am heartily sorry that a blow has been aimed at
the chartered privileges of Nauvoo. I speak in defense of my
constituents upon this occasion, feeling myself bound to do so, not
by any former pledges, but by principle. I believe in defending the
cause of the defenseless, as has already been remarked. All that we
claim is equal rights and equal provisions. I would remark, for the
satisfaction of my own feelings {204} in this matter, that I was
some little interested in the event of the last election. I then
was engaged in the cause of Democracy, enlisted in the campaign of
canvassing my county, and in consequence of the many prejudices,
that were excited against the "Mormons," as they are called, I was
placed under circumstances of most unparalleled embarrassment; but
still I thought it a favorable opportunity to unite the Democracy
of the county.
I know that considerable political capital has been made by the
question of Mormonism and anti-Mormonism. Perhaps one thing that
now contributes to that result is, that there are hints in the
governor's message in regard to a repeal of the Nauvoo Charter.
It is a circumstance within my own knowledge that, previous to
the last election in Hancock county, some few individuals there
made strong efforts to get our votes for the governor's election.
By exertions made there, more than a thousand votes were cast for
the governor by Mormon influence; and since I have been here, a
gentleman of opposite politics has said to me, "Now your governor
is paying you off."
I do not allude to this to wound the feelings of any person
whatever. I do not consider that the recommendation of the governor
was designed to effect the repeal of our Charter. All that we have
to say is that we throw ourselves upon your mercy. As Democrats
we ask for equal justice and equal rights. Give us those rights,
and we are content; without them we are deprived of that which was
purchased by the blood of our fathers.
_Saturday, 10_.--In this day's paper, William Smith gave his
valedictory, resigning the editorship of the _Wasp_ to Elder John
Taylor.
_Tuesday, 13_.--I continued to chop and haul wood, and attend to my
domestic concerns. My delegation arrived at Springfield about three
o'clock this afternoon, and found the question of the repeal of the
Nauvoo Charter in a high state of agitation in the legislature.
_Wednesday, 14_.--My delegation at Springfield having made affidavit
that I was in Illinois on the 6th of May last, and consequently could
not have been concerned in the attempted assassination of ex-Governor
Boggs, and also having prepared a petition to Governor Ford to revoke
the writ and proclamation of Governor Carlin for my arrest, they
called on Governor Ford at four in the afternoon, there were present
by their selection: Dr. {205} Richards, Brother Hyrum, Elders Sherwood
and Clayton, in company with Mr. Butterfield, United States district
attorney, who read his communication to Sidney Rigdon, Esq., of the
20th October, my petition to revoke and countermand Governor Carlin's
writ and proclamation, and the affidavit of Lilburn W. Boggs.
Governor Ford, in reply, stated that he had no doubt but that the writ
of Governor Carlin was illegal; but he doubted as to his authority to
interfere with the acts of his predecessor. He finally concluded that
he would state the case before the judges of the supreme court at their
council next day, and whatever they decided on shall be his decision.
He then stated his reasons for recommending a repeal of the Charter,
and said that he regretted that he had not recommended a repeal of all
the charters in the state.
_Thursday, 15_.--My delegates at Springfield continued to prosecute my
discharge. On the 16th, Brother Hyrum received his discharge in case of
bankruptcy; every arrangement was made with Mr. Butterfield, whereby I
was equally entitled to a discharge, but was put off with a plea that
he must write to the office at Washington before it could be granted.
_Saturday, 17.--_
_Governor Ford to Joseph Smith--on the Missouri Requisition_.
SPRINGFIELD, December 17, 1842.
DEAR SIR:--Your petition requesting me to rescind Governor
Carlin's proclamation and recall the writ issued against you has
been received and duly considered. I submitted your case and all
the papers relating thereto to the judges of the Supreme Court,
or at least to six of them who happened to be present. They were
unanimous in the opinion that the requisition from Missouri was
illegal and insufficient to cause your arrest, but were equally
divided as to the propriety and justice of my interference with the
acts of Governor Carlin. It being, therefore, a case of great doubt
as to my power, and I not wishing, even in an official station, to
assume the exercise of doubtful powers, and inasmuch as you have
a sure and effectual remedy in the {206} courts, I have decided
to decline interfering. I can only advise that you submit to the
laws and have a judicial investigation of your rights. If it should
become necessary, for this purpose, to repair to Springfield, I
do not believe that there will be any disposition to use illegal
violence towards you; and I would feel it my duty in your case, as
in the case of any other person, to protect you with any necessary
amount of force from mob violence whilst asserting your rights
before the courts, going to and returning.
I am most respectfully yours,
THOMAS FORD.
_Letter of Justin Butterfield--Opinion on Governor Ford's Action_.
SPRINGFIELD, December 17, 1842.
_Joseph Smith, Esq._
DEAR SIR:--I have heard the letter read which Governor Ford has
written to you, and his statements are correct in relation to
the opinion of the judges of the Supreme Court. The judges were
unanimously of the opinion that you would be entitled to your
discharge under a habeas corpus to be issued by the Supreme Court,
but felt some delicacy in advising Governor Ford to revoke the
order issued by Governor Carlin. My advice is, that you come here
without delay, and you do not run the least risk of not being
protected while here, and of being discharged by the Supreme Court
by habeas corpus. I have also the right to bring the case before
the U. S. Court, now in session here; and there you are certain of
obtaining your discharge. I will stand by you, and see you safely
delivered from your arrest.
Yours truly,
J. BUTTERFIELD.
_Letter from James Adams, Advising the Prophet to Appear for Trial_.
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, December 17, 1842.
_General J. Smith_.
MY SON:--It is useless for me to detail facts that the bearer can
tell. But I will say that it appears to my judgment that you had
best make no delay in coming before the court at this place for a
discharge under a habeas corpus.
I am, &c.,
J. ADAMS.
On receiving the foregoing letters, and Dr. Richards having entered for
the copyright of a map of the city of Nauvoo for Joseph Smith, in the
clerk's office of the {207} District of Illinois, the brethren left
Springfield for Nauvoo.
_Tuesday, 20_.--Chopping and drawing wood with my own hands and
team, as I had done mostly since the 9th. President Young continued
very sick. This afternoon the brethren arrived from Springfield and
presented me with Messrs. Ford, Butterfield and Adams' letters, and
general history of their proceedings, which was highly satisfactory.
[Sidenote: The First Elder to Die in a Foreign Land.]
Elder Lorenzo D. Barnes died this morning at a quarter past three
o'clock, at Bradford, England. He is the first Elder who has fallen
in a foreign land in these last days. He had been long connected with
the Church, and had been distinguished, both in his native land and in
Great Britain, for his piety, and virtue. Read correspondence between
Dr. Richards and General James Arlington Bennett, and read German with
Elder Orson Hyde. Brother Shearer inquired the meaning of the "little
leaven which a woman hid in three measures of meal." I replied, it
alluded expressly to the last days, when there should be but little
faith on the earth, and it should leaven the whole world; also there
shall be safety in Zion and Jerusalem, and in the remnants whom the
Lord our God shall call. The three measures refer directly to the
Priesthood, truth springing up on a fixed principle, to the three in
the Grand Presidency, confining the oracles to a certain head on the
principle of three.
_Friday, 23_.--Wrote R. M. Young, Esq., U. S. Senator from Illinois,
Washington City, that I would accept the proposals of John C. Walsh,
and give him $2,500 for the north-west quarter of section 8, 6 north, 8
west, said land lying between my farm and the city.
_Saturday, 24_.--At home afternoon. Read and revised my history with
Secretary Richards, and walked with him to see Sister Lyon, who was
sick. Her babe died a few minutes before our arrival. From there we
went to {208} Brother Sabine's to compute expense money for our journey
to Springfield, having just borrowed $100 for that purpose. While
there, Brother Richards asked if I wanted a wicked man to pray for me?
I replied, Yes; if the fervent, affectionate prayer of the righteous
man availeth much, a wicked man may avail a little when praying for a
righteous man. There is none good but one. The better a man is, the
more his prayer will avail. Like the publican and the Pharisee, one was
justified rather than the other, showing that both were justified in a
degree. The prayer of a wicked man may do a righteous man good, when it
does the one who prays no good.
_Sunday, 25_.--I wrote to Orrin Wright, Jun., Philadelphia.
The Manchester, (England) conference met, numbering 1,507 members
including thirty-three Elders, eighty-seven Priests, fifty-three
Teachers, and nineteen Deacons under the presidency of Elder Thomas
Ward.
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