The Succession of the Twelve Apostles--Preparation to Leave Nauvoo
1844-1846
A Crisis in the Church
The martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith came as a terrible shock to
the members of the Church. The thought that the Prophet was to be
taken from them had not entered their minds, notwithstanding the many
predictions he had made regarding his approaching death. He was only in
his thirty-ninth year. His constitution was strong and he was possessed
of exceptional vitality. The Lord had saved him so many times from
perils and threatened death, that the Saints fully expected the same
power to shield him always.
His death brought about a crisis in the Church, for it was the first
disorganization of the presiding quorum of the Priesthood. Very little
thought had been given to the subject of succession in the Presidency,
even by the leading brethren, for such a contingency seemed to them
to be very remote. The revelations were clear on that point, but
there had been no occasion for consideration of the subject. In the
revelation on Priesthood, given to the apostles in 1835 (Doc. and Cov.
Sec. 107), the Lord said that the council of the apostles was equal
in authority with the First Presidency, and Joseph Smith stated that
its place was second only to the presidency of the Church, and where
there was no First Presidency, the apostles would preside. When the
Saints were left without the guiding hand of the Prophet, they were
in confusion, not fully understanding this order of the Priesthood.
Sidney Rigdon, first counselor to President Joseph Smith, had lost
the spirit of the work. Contrary to the direct command of the Lord in
a revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 124:108-9) he moved his residence
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was of little assistance as
a counselor in the presidency. For many months before his death,
Joseph Smith had suspected Sidney Rigdon of being in league with his
enemies. The Prophet openly accused Sidney of being guilty of such
treacherous action, from which accusation he was not entirely cleared.
He had manifested much sympathy for John C. Bennett, the arch-traitor,
although he denied any direct communication with him. At the October
conference, 1843, the Prophet refused to sustain Sidney Rigdon as
a counselor, but through the merciful pleadings of Hyrum Smith and
others, he was sustained. On that occasion the Prophet said: "I have
thrown him off my shoulders, and you have put him on me; you may
carry him, but I will not." Amasa M. Lyman had been chosen to act as
a counselor in his stead. William Law, Joseph's second counselor, had
been excommunicated for apostasy, and was one of those who brought to
pass the martyrdom.
Sidney Rigdon's Attempt to be "Guardian to the Church"
Most of the apostles were in the Eastern States on missions at the time
of the martyrdom. Only two were at Nauvoo, and one of them seriously
wounded. As soon as Sidney Rigdon heard of the death of Joseph and
Hyrum Smith, he hastened to Nauvoo, where he arrived Saturday, August
3, 1844. Elders Parley P. Pratt and George A. Smith had arrived a few
days before. The apostles invited Sidney Rigdon to meet with them the
following morning, at eight o'clock at the home of John Taylor, where
they might discuss the affairs of the Church, which Sidney Rigdon
promised to do. Instead of doing so he met with William Marks and
a few others, and endeavored to lay plans for the appointment of a
trustee-in-trust and a "guardian" for the Church, before others of the
apostles could arrive. At ten o'clock a public meeting was held and
Sidney Rigdon preached declaring that a "guardian" must be appointed,
"to build up the Church unto Joseph," and stating that he, Sidney, was
the identical man spoken of by the ancient prophets to do the work they
had spoken of in prophecy. Another meeting was held in the afternoon,
at which Elder William Marks, president of the Nauvoo Stake, announced
that there would be a special meeting of the Church on Thursday,
August 8th, "for the purpose of choosing a guardian." Sidney Rigdon
had requested that the meeting be held on the 6th, but William Marks
announced it for the 8th, which was providential, for President Brigham
Young and most of the other apostles arrived in Nauvoo on the evening
of the 6th. The next morning the apostles held a council meeting at
the home of Elder Taylor. At four o'clock the apostles met with the
high council of Nauvoo and the high priests. Sidney Rigdon was invited
to express his views. He spoke at some length, relating a vision he
claimed to have had, and stating that there could be no successor to
Joseph Smith, but that the Church must be built up to him. He, Sidney,
had been called to be a spokesman to Joseph Smith, and he proposed to
be a guardian to the Church, if the people would receive him.
President Young's Remarks
President Brigham Young said he did not care who presided over the
Church, but one thing he would have to know and that was what the Lord
said about it. "Joseph conferred upon our heads," he said, "all the
keys and powers belonging to the apostleship which he himself held
before he was taken away, and no man or set of men can get between
Joseph and the twelve in this world or in the world to come. How often
has Joseph said to the twelve: 'I have laid the foundation and you must
build thereon, for upon your shoulders the kingdom rests.'"
The Special Meeting of Thursday, the 8th of August
Thursday, August 8, 1844, the special meeting called by William Marks
in behalf of Sidney Rigdon was held at 10 o'clock. Sidney Rigdon, from
a position in a wagon in front of the stand in the grove, addressed
the vast assembly for about one hour and a half. He presented himself
to them as a "guardian" for the Church, that it might be built up unto
Joseph Smith. The longer he talked, the more the people were convinced
that he was without the inspiration of the Lord, and they left the
meeting feeling that his was not the voice of the true shepherd.
Transfiguration of Brigham Young
At the close of the morning meeting, President Brigham Young, made a
few remarks and announced that there would be another meeting at 2
o'clock. At the appointed time a great multitude of Saints assembled.
The various quorums of the Priesthood were arranged in order before
the stand, and after the opening exercises President Brigham Young
addressed the congregation. He spoke with great power and the people
were convinced that the authority and power of presidency was with
the apostles. When he first arose to speak the people were greatly
astonished, for President Young stood transfigured before them and they
beheld the Prophet Joseph Smith and heard his voice as naturally as
ever they did when he was living. It was a manifestation to the Saints
that they might recognize the correct authority. Following his remarks
in the afternoon, Amasa M. Lyman, William W. Phelps and Parley P. Pratt
each spoke endorsing the remarks of President Young.
The Apostles are Sustained
After the other brethren had spoken President Young arose and was about
to put the question to the assembly whether or not they wanted Sidney
Rigdon for a leader and to be a "guardian" for the Church, but at the
request of Elder Rigdon the question of supporting the apostles as the
presiding quorum of the Church was presented first by President Young
as follows:
"I will ask you as quorums: Do you want Brother Rigdon to stand
forward as your leader, your guide, your spokesman? President
Rigdon wants me to bring up the other question first, and that is:
Does the Church want, and is it their only desire to sustain the
twelve as the First Presidency of this people?
"Here are the apostles, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine
and Covenants--they are written on the tablet of my heart. If the
Church want the twelve to stand as the head, the First Presidency
of the Church, and at the head of this kingdom in all the world,
stand next to Joseph, walk up into their calling, and hold the keys
of this kingdom, every man, every woman, every quorum is now put in
order, and you are now the sole controllers of it.
"All that are in favor of this, in all the congregation of the
Saints manifest it by holding up the right hand."
There was a universal vote, after which President Young called for the
negative as follows:
"If there are any of the contrary mind, every man and every woman
who does not want the twelve to preside, lift up your hands in like
manner."
There were no hands raised, and President Young then remarked that
since the vote was unanimous it superseded the other question of
presenting Sidney Rigdon as "guardian" and also trying the vote by
quorums. In this manner the apostles, who were the rightful authorities
according to the revelations of the Lord, were sustained by the vote
of the people and by common consent, as the Lord had commanded that
all things should be done. The matter of succession was properly and
rightfully decided, and was now binding on the members of the Church.
At the close of the services the Saints returned to their homes, their
minds at rest, for they were, with very few exceptions, no longer in
doubt regarding the authority of the Priesthood and the presidency of
the Church.
Excommunication of Sidney Rigdon
Manifesting a bitter spirit and great disappointment, Sidney Rigdon
returned to Pittsburgh. However, before he left Nauvoo he gave
expression to his feelings declaring that the Church had not been led
by the Spirit of the Lord for a long time, and he refused to sustain
the apostles in their calling. A charge was made against him and his
case was presented before the high council, with Bishop Newel K.
Whitney presiding. After a lengthy hearing he was cut off the Church
by the unanimous vote of the council. His case was then presented to
the congregation of the Saints, and they sustained the action of the
high council, only ten persons voting in the negative. After his return
to Pittsburgh, he organized a church with officers after the order of
the Church of Jesus Christ. He published a paper and prophesied that
all who followed the apostles would go with them to destruction. He
gathered around him a few of the disaffected spirits from Nauvoo, but
his organization did not prosper and soon came to an end.
Action Against William Marks
At the October conference, 1844, the apostles were again sustained as
the presiding quorum of the Church by a united vote of the members.
When the name of William Marks, president of the Nauvoo Stake, was
presented, objection was raised and he was rejected, only two persons
voting to sustain him. He had favored the claim of Sidney Rigdon,
although he supported the apostles, but his spirit was no longer in
the work and he was found in rebellion. He later left the Church and
followed James J. Strang[1] and others, and was excommunicated.
Trial of the Murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
In October, 1844, a grand jury selected by the Hancock County circuit
court, brought into court two bills of indictment against nine
individuals for the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The trial took
place in May, 1845, but proved to be nothing but a farce. The sentiment
throughout the country was so bitter against the Saints that no attempt
was made to obtain justice, which the governor had faithfully promised
them. The jurors were instructed by the court to bring in a verdict of
"not guilty," which was accordingly done. Yet every man in the place,
including the court and jury, knew that the defendants were among those
who committed the murder. The blood of the martyrs was left unavenged
to cry from the ground against their enemies, and with the blood of all
the martyrs, shall continue to cry until the Son of Man shall come "red
in his apparel" to take vengeance upon the ungodly.
Growth of the Work
After the question of the presiding quorum was decided, the Saints
settled down to their usual duties, and the progress of the Church
continued with greater strides than ever before. At the October
conference in 1844, a great deal of important business was transacted.
At that time and subsequently many brethren were ordained to the
ministry, a number of quorums of seventy were organized, and
missionaries were called to go to various parts of the United States
and abroad with the message of salvation. The building of the temple
was continued with renewed diligence, and prosperity was manifest in
the settlements of the Saints. On the 6th of December 1844, the last of
the thirty capitals on the temple was erected, and the following April,
the capstone was laid amidst solemn and enthusiastic services. Each
room was dedicated separately as it was finished, and ordinance work
for the Saints, as well as baptisms for the dead, were performed.
Mob Activities Renewed
The enemies of the Latter-day Saints thought that the murder of Joseph
and Hyrum Smith would be the end of "Mormonism." They rejoiced in
the accomplishment of their frightful deed of blood, and boasted of
the downfall of the Church. To their great surprise the blood of the
martyrs was the seed of the Church. The object they hoped to gain was
not attained; therefore their anger was rekindled against the Church.
Other leaders had arisen and the progress of the work was steady and
onward. Those who had caused the death of the Prophet and the Patriarch
now turned their attention to the destruction of the entire "Mormon"
people. Through their papers, the Warsaw _Signal_, Alton _Telegraph_,
Quincy _Whig_ and others, they circulated all manner of false reports.
They accused the Saints of theft and every other abominable crime in
order to stir up the populace against them. Schemes were launched
to provoke the "Mormons" to commit some overt act, that it might be
seized upon as a pretext to gain the aid of the officials of the state
under color of law; yet by the anti-"Mormons" the laws were constantly
broken without restraint. Their malicious and murderous threats passed
unnoticed so far as any check upon such actions was concerned.
Attitude of Governor Ford
During all the trouble Governor Thomas Ford went out of his way to
inform the Saints that they were bitterly hated, and that the great
majority of the citizens of the state rejoiced in the death of
Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Notwithstanding his bitterness, he made an
investigation of the charges circulated against the Saints and reported
that--
"On my late visit to Hancock County I was informed by some of their
(the 'Mormons') violent enemies, that their larcenies had become
unusually numerous and insufferable. They indeed admitted that but
little had been done in this way in their immediate vicinity. But
they insisted that sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons in
one night, near Lima, in the County of Adams. At the close of the
expedition, I called at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry,
was told that no horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but
that sixteen horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock County.
This last informant being told of the Hancock County story, again
changed the venue to another distant settlement in the northern
edge of Adams County."
In his message to the legislature he said in reference to this subject:
"Justice, however, requires me to say, that I have investigated
the charge of promiscuous stealing, and find it to be greatly
exaggerated. I could not ascertain that there were a greater
proportion of thieves in that community, than in any other of the
same number of inhabitants; and perhaps if the city of Nauvoo were
compared with St. Louis, or any other western city, the proportion
would not be so great."
The leaven of opposition, however, was at work, and the citizens
were aroused. Nothing but the departure of the "Mormon" people from
the state would satisfy their unjust and iniquitous demands. They
appealed to the governor to aid them in expelling the people who had
done nothing to provoke opposition, but who were unpopular because
of their faith. While the governor informed them he could take no
legal action warranting such expulsion, yet he privately advised the
Saints to depart peaceably towards the West, as the Prophet Joseph
Smith had contemplated doing, and there, said he, they could set up
an independent government of their own. So lacking was he in the
disposition to enforce the law and protect the innocent, that the
enemies of the Church were encouraged in their unlawful course.
Repeal of the Nauvoo Charter
The city charter of Nauvoo had proved a protection to the Saints, and
guaranteed safety against the plottings of the wicked. It was the aim
of the Nauvoo conspirators to cause its repeal. The first attempt to
do this, as we have learned, failed. Now, however, the opposition had
become so strong that the enemies of the Latter-day Saints accomplished
their purpose. The charter was repealed by the legislature in January,
1845. Some of the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith sat in that body
and violently denounced the "Mormons," although it was well known that
their hands were stained with innocent blood. After the repeal of the
charter, and without hope of protection from the officers of the state,
the Saints were at the mercy of their enemies. The prediction of the
Prophet Joseph that after they had shed his blood they would seek the
lives of every soul in whom was found the testimony of the Gospel, was
literally fulfilled. The plots of the wicked were now turned against
President Brigham Young and the leading brethren, who were forced to go
into hiding from time to time.
Attacks Upon the Saints
In September, 1845, the scattered families of Saints were sorely
persecuted. Many were driven from their homes, which were burned.
Sheriff J. B. Backenstos endeavored to perform his duty, and took a
determined stand against mob law. For his pains he was arrested on the
charge of murder, as a mobber had been killed, but violence against the
"Mormons" was permitted to go unchecked. Governor Ford had promised
and pledged his word, that the murderers of the Prophet and Patriarch
should be brought to justice. When he appealed to the citizens of
Warsaw to sustain him in this pledge, they positively informed him that
they would do nothing of the kind. Similar answers were given by other
citizens, who not only took a stand in opposition to the trial of the
murderers, but brazenly appealed to the governor to give his aid in
expelling the "Mormons" from the state. That weak and pusillanimous
individual, by his subsequent actions, acknowledged his defeat and the
abdication of government in Illinois.
The Quincy Mass Meeting
September 22, 1845, a mass meeting was held in Quincy to take action
against the Saints. Their removal from Illinois was advocated. Those
who assembled fully understood that the Prophet Joseph Smith had
contemplated a removal to the West, and that plans were on foot early
in 1844 to send an exploring expedition out to locate a site for a new
home in the Rocky Mountains. A committee was appointed by this mass
meeting to wait upon the authorities of the Church and ascertain their
intentions regarding a removal from the state of Illinois, and to
impress upon the brethren that such a move was determined upon by the
citizens. Following the meeting the Quincy _Whig_ made this statement
in this boasted land of liberty:
"It is a settled thing that the public sentiment of the State is
against the 'Mormons,' and it will be in vain for them to contend
against it; and to prevent bloodshed, and the sacrifice of many
lives on both sides, it is their duty to obey the public will and
leave the State as speedily as possible. That they will do this
we have a confident hope and that too, before the next extreme is
resorted to--that of force."
The Reply of the Saints
The committee appointed waited upon President Brigham Young and the
apostles, and acquainted them with the action of the mass meeting
and desired a reply. On the 24th, the reply was given in a written
communication. The persecutions of the Saints were mentioned and the
statement made that the "Mormons" had endeavored to live in peace
and desired to do so with all men. In relation to their removal they
answered as follows:
"We would say to the committee above mentioned and to the
Governor, and all the authorities, and people of Illinois, and the
surrounding states and territories, that we propose to leave this
country next spring, for some point so remote that there will not
need to be any difficulty with the people and ourselves, provided
certain propositions necessary for the accomplishment of our
removal shall be observed, as follows, to wit:
"That the citizens of this and surrounding counties, and all men,
will use their influence and exertion to help us to sell or rent
our properties, so as to get means enough that we can help the
widow, the fatherless and the destitute to remove with us.
"That all men will let us alone with their vexatious lawsuits so
that we may have time, for we have broken no law; and help us to
cash, dry goods, groceries, good oxen, beef-cattle, sheep, wagons,
mules, horses, harness, etc. in exchange for our property, at a
fair price, and deeds given at payment, that we may have means to
accomplish a removal without the suffering of the destitute to an
extent beyond the endurance of human nature.
"That all exchanges of property shall be conducted by a committee,
or by committees of both parties; so that all the business may be
transacted honorably and speedily.
"That we will use all lawful means, in connection with others,
to preserve the public peace while we tarry; and shall expect,
decidedly, that we be no more molested with house-burning, or any
other depredations, to waste our property and time, and hinder our
business.
"That it is a mistaken idea, that we have proposed to remove in six
months, for that would be so early in the spring that grass might
not grow nor water run; both of which would be necessary for our
removal. But we propose to use our influence to have no more seed
time and harvest among our people in this country after gathering
our present crops; and that all communications to us be made in
writing.
"By order of the Council,"
"Brigham Young,""President."
"W. Richards.""Clerk."
Decision of the Quincy Citizens
The Quincy citizens accepted the proposition of the Church authorities
to move, but very graciously declined to make any promise to buy or to
assist in the purchase of the abandoned property of the Saints. Why
should they put themselves out to do such a thing, when the property
would naturally fall into their hands when it was abandoned?[2]
The Carthage Convention
On the 1st and 2nd of October another convention of citizens from
nine counties adjacent to Hancock, was held at Carthage. Resolutions
were adopted in which the "Mormons" were accused of depredations upon
the persons and property of the other citizens of Hancock County,
and adjudged guilty, in spite of the personal investigation of the
governor, himself unfriendly to the Latter-day Saints. Much bitterness
of spirit was manifested at this meeting, which decided that it was too
late to settle any difficulties between the "Mormons" and the other
inhabitants, and only one thing would suffice and that was the removal
of the "Mormons" from the state. They declared that the "Mormons" were
not being persecuted, but were suffering for their dishonest acts;
at the same time they declared that from "long acquaintance with the
old citizens of Hancock County," they could vouch for their "honor,
integrity, and strict observance of the laws of their country,"
notwithstanding it was universally known that these same citizens had
taken part in the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith by mob force
and contrary to law; moreover, that these same law-abiding citizens
within the past few weeks had driven "Mormons" from their homes and
burned their houses to the ground; had forced them from their fields
where they had gone to gather crops; had whipped their men and stolen
their cattle without any protest. It appeared that the old citizens,
like the king, could do no wrong, if their depredations were committed
against the Latter-day Saints. A most regrettable feature in connection
with these troubles is the fact that O. H. Browning, Stephen A. Douglas
and others, who had defended the Prophet Joseph Smith, now gave their
influence to the mob and assisted in bringing to pass the expulsion of
the "Mormon" people from Illinois. Bitter feelings against the Saints
increased. Judges were intimidated, and even the officials of the state
dared not raise a voice in protest above a whisper, or invoke the
majesty of the law.
Duplicity of Governor Ford
The anti-"Mormons" of Illinois became impatient for the removal of
their enemies before spring arrived. Their agreements were violated,
and the Saints were not permitted to dwell in peace. Vexatious
lawsuits, based on falsehoods, were planted against the apostles to
embarrass them and hinder the progress of their work. Even Governor
Ford, fearing that the Saints would not leave the state within the
stipulated time, resorted to duplicity to force them from the borders
of Illinois. December 29, 1845, he wrote to Sheriff Backenstos stating
that indictments in the United States Court had been found against
the leading "Mormons" which would bring them for the first time in
collision with the United States. "If the 'Mormons' remain in the
state," he wrote, "a strong force will be ordered to Nauvoo by the
Secretary of War," and he thought the government at Washington would
interfere and prevent the "Mormons" from going west of the Rocky
Mountains, as many intelligent persons believed that they would there
join the British, and "be more trouble than ever." He thought that this
consideration was likely to influence the government. He later sent
word by Sheriff Backenstos that he had turned against the Saints and
Major Warren was making calculations to prevent their going away. In
his _History of Illinois_, Governor Ford admitted that he had resorted
to deceit to make the "Mormons" believe that they would be prevented
from going west, in order to hasten their departure.
President Young's Reply
Commenting on the governor's letter to the sheriff, President Young
remarked:
"Should Governor Ford's speculations and suppositions in relation
to U. S. troops prove correct, and the government send a regular
force to arrest us, we will run no risks of being murdered by them
as our leaders have been; and as to fearing a trial before the
courts, it is all gammon, for our danger consists only in being
held still by the authorities while mobs massacre us, as Governor
Ford held Joseph and Hyrum Smith, while they were butchered."
Loyalty to the Government
Answering the charge that when they got away from the borders of the
United States, the Latter-day Saints would join the forces of some
other nation which might be at war with the American Government--a
thought which rightfully might have been entertained after the
treatment the "Mormon" people had received within the borders of that
land--the high council and authorities of the Church replied:
"We also further declare for the satisfaction of some who have
concluded that our grievances have alienated us from our country,
that our patriotism has not been overcome by fire, by sword, by
daylight nor by midnight assassinations which we have endured;
neither have they alienated us from the institutions of our country.
"Should hostilities arise between the Government of the United
States and any other power, in relation to the right of possessing
the territory of Oregon, we are on hand to sustain the claim of
the United States Government to that country. It is geographically
ours, and of right; no foreign power should hold dominion there;
and if our services are required to prevent it, these services
will be cheerfully rendered according to our ability. We feel the
injuries that we have sustained, and are not insensible of the
wrongs we have suffered; still we are American."
Preparations to Leave Nauvoo
During the fall and winter months preparations went steadily on for
the removal of the entire body of the Latter-day Saints in the spring.
Work on the temple continued with increased diligence, as if there was
no thought of a removal, until that structure was completed. January
1, 1846, the work of finishing the assembly room for dedication was
nearing completion. The general conference of the Church was held in
the building in October, 1845, according to the commandment of the Lord
through Joseph Smith in October, 1841. In December, the ordinance work
in the temple was commenced, and thereafter the building was occupied
both day and night to afford the Saints the opportunity to receive
their endowments. This continued until most all of the Saints had
departed on their westward journey. May 1, 1846, after the majority
of the people had departed from the city, the temple was publicly
dedicated in the presence of about three hundred persons.
In the meantime every available building in Nauvoo had been converted
into a shop where wagons, harness and other necessary articles could
be manufactured for the journey. The timber for the wagons was cut
and brought to Nauvoo, where it was prepared and boiled in salt and
water or kiln dried. Teams were sent to various parts of the country
to procure iron; and blacksmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters and other
workmen were kept busy night and day. There was very little sale of
property because of the opposition of the citizens of the country, who
used their influence to discourage sales by making threats against the
new settlers as well as harassing the Saints.
Notes
1. James J. Strang, a man of some ability and commanding presence,
joined the Church shortly before the martyrdom. After the death of the
Prophet and Patriarch he claimed to have been chosen and appointed by
Joseph Smith as his successor. He exhibited a letter which purported to
have been written by the Prophet, in which such appointment was claimed
to be set forth. He gathered quite a following of the discontented
element at Nauvoo and established himself on Beaver Island, in Lake
Michigan, where later he was crowned "king." He was shot and killed by
one of his followers, and his organization soon afterwards crumbled
to pieces. Out of its fragments some years later there arose another
organization known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints," unto which there were gathered the majority of
those who had become disaffected and had been excommunicated from the
Church.
2. Dr. Conyers, in his _Hancock County Mob_, makes the following
comment on the action of the Quincy citizens:
"The first one [resolution] in our opinion, is unique. They
accepted and recommended to the people of the surrounding counties
to accept an unconditional proposition to remove. But understand,
Mr. Mormon, though we accept it and recommend the surrounding
counties to do so likewise, [reprobate you, unconditionally] we do
not intend to bring ourselves under any obligation to purchase your
property, or to furnish purchasers; but we will be very kind and
obliging, and will in no way hinder or obstruct you in your efforts
to sell, provided, nevertheless this shall not be so construed as
to prevent us from running off the purchaser. But we expect this
small favor of you, viz., that you must dispose of your property
and leave at the appointed time."
Part Five
The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains