Mormon History, Apr 2, 1843

-- Apr 2, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, April 2nd 1843 Missouri-St. Louis Republican, March 24th says at Point Petre, W[est] I[ndies] islands lava ran together in the public square, the earth opened and swallowed them whole mass.
Wind [from the] N[orth] E[ast]. Snow fell several inches but melted more or less. D[imick] Huntington returned from Chicago. After breakfast called on Si[s]ter Sophronia.
10 A.M. to meeting. Elder Hyde Preached 1st epistle [of] John, 1 chap[ter] 1st 3 verses, "When he shall appear we shall be like him &c. He will appear on a white horse as a warrior and maybe we shall have some of the same spirit. Our God is a warrior." John 14:23 "It is our privilege to have the Father and Son dwelling in our hearts." (1)

William Clayton Performs plural marriage of Almera Johnson to Joseph Smith. (2)

-- April 2nd 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room. W. Marks & C.C Rich Presiding.
Councellors present 1) Bent 2) Allred 3) Zebidee Coultrin pro tem 4) Elias Higbee pro tem 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Peter Haws pro tem. 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Sherwood.
Defendant plead not guilty. two were then appointed to speak on a side, to wit: 3) Coultrin 4) Higbee 5) Fulmer and 6) Harris. After the evidences was given there was much said on both sides of the subject after which President Rich spoke showing the necessity of a reconcilation among all parties agreived that the difficulties might all be settled without a decision of the Council
The parties then agreed to drop all former difficulties & hardness and bury them forever
Council adjourned till Friday the 14th inst. at 9 o'clock
Hosea Stout, Clerk (3)

-- Apr 03, 1843
[Polygamy] to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Almera Woodward Johnson, age 30 ,. Elder William Clayton officiating SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Elder Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Page: 697 Marriages in Nauvoo Region 1839-45. Easton, S. Civil Marriages in Nauvoo 1839-45. Cook, Lyndon Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46 Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. (4)

-- Apr 3, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] April 3, 4, 5 I spent the time in the printing office (5)

[Joseph Smith] This is the day William Miller had predicted the world would end. As the supposed last day of the world, Joseph comments that the day "is too pleasant for false prophets." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:326, 272.) (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, April 3d 1843 Miller's Day of Judgement has arrived, but tis too pleasent for false prophets.
Dined at Joel Johnson's on a big Turkey. 2 P.M. Started for Carthage, arrived at 4 P.M. Staid at J[acob] B. Backensto's. [Spent the] evening reading [the] /Book of/ Revelation with Elder Hyde and conversing with Esqu[ire] Backman.
April 4th, Tuesday Spent 5 hours preaching to Esqu[ire] Backman, Chauncey Robinson, and the Backenstos. Backman said, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 2 P.M. [We] left [and] arrived at Nauvoo [at] 5 P.M. (1)

-- Apr 4, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th There appeared a circle in b s a n t r, much larger than any I have yet described being about 144° in diameter and of a uniform whiteness. It was about 18° above the horizen, and parallel to it passing through the tru Sun, s, and the collateral parhelia a, and b and also through two other parhelia, t and r sumthing about 90 or 100° from the sun one towards the north & the other towards the South. The Parhelia t and r were of a whitish colour and not vary distinctly seen. The intersections, m and n, of this circle with the k i m were rendered more distinctly seen. The intersections m and n of this circle with the circle k i m were rendered more distinctly visible than other portions of the two circles. + * * * * * * * * [Repetition and asterisks are Wooruff's.]
O Pratt A.M.
Professer of Mathematics in the University of the City of Nauvoo March 23d 1843 (5)

The day after William Miller's predicted end of the world, Joseph observed triumphantly: "Monday, April 3d 1843 Miller's Day of Judgement has arrived, but tis too pleasant for false prophets" (7)

-- 4/5/1843
Joseph Smith prophesies that those in the rising generation would see, while still in the flesh, the second coming of Christ. Generally accepted cutoff date (Bruce McKonkie): 2000 AD. (8)

-- Apr 5, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith sat with several brethren in the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. (9)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, April 5th 1843 Attended Municipal Courts for People vs. Hoops on Habeas Corpus. After hearing the testimony they were discharged. Johnathan Hoops gave me receipt for $50 in lands in Iowa, dated Sept[ember] 2d 1840. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology
3 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
4 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
5 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
6 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
7 - Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source
8 - Standing for Something More: The Excommunication of Lyndon Lamborn: Appendix D, Modern True History Timeline of the LDS Church, by Lindon Lamborn
9 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

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Mormon History, Apr 2, 1843

-- Apr 2, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2 Sunday We have another snow storm to day. The river is still frozen over so that teams cross.
The following is the description of the Sun.
HALOS AND PHARHELIA
This morning between the hours of six and nine o-clock, the heavens exhibited a splendid and delightful appearance of halos or circles accompanied with parhelia or mock Suns. Clouds of a white & fleecy appearance were at the time floating in the atmosphere but so thin as not to entirely obscure the blue sky. The wind blue vary gently from the west by northwest, The cold being intense esspe-cially for the time of year and small crystals of ice or snow were visible & floating in the air.
The following diagram represents these beautiful phenomena as they appeared about half past seven o-clock A.M. The magnitudes of the circles given in the following decription may not be exact as I was destitute of the proper instruments for their accurate measurement.
+ (1)

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2d The Sun was encircled by another halo, k n i m, much larger than the former, and parellel to it being nearly 90° in diameter and its lower limb being sunk below the horizen about 27°. It exhibited the same colours as the first though not so bright.
/3d/ At the top of these Circles at e and i, were two inverted arches whose Common Centre seemed to lay in the Zenith. The upper arch f i h was exeedingly brilliant and beautifully Coloured and appeared to be about 54° in diameter and that of the lower one d c e about 99°. Annother Parhelion or mock sun appeared in the middle of the lower arch at c whare it Coincided with the circle first described but its Colours and brightness were much inferior to those of the collateral mock suns at a and b. (1)

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 130: Items of instruction given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Ramus, Illinois, April 2, 1843. HC 5: 323-325.
1-3, The Father and the Son may appear personally to men; 4-7, Angels reside in a celestial sphere; 8-9, The celestial earth will be a great Urim and Thummim; 10-11, A white stone is given to all who enter the celestial world; 12-17, The time of the Second Coming is withheld from the Prophet; 18-19, Intelligence gained in this life rises with us in the resurrection; 20-21, All blessings come by obedience to law; 22-23, The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bones. (2)

Joseph Smith believed that William Miller's predicted day of advent was set for April 3, 1843. On the preceding day, therefore, April 2, Joseph recorded his well-known revelation that Christ would not come until December 23, 1890 . . . [see D&C 130:14-15] (3)

Ramus, Illinois. After hearing Orson Hyde preach on the Second Coming, Joseph Smith kindly corrected him in private and at a public meeting. Some of his instructions to Elder Hyde became Doctrine & Covenants 130. (4)

[Joseph Smith] Sunday. Orson Hyde preaches on the coming of the Savior, stating that "he will appear on a white horse as a warrior. . . . Our God is a warrior. It is our privilege to have the Father and Son dwelling in our hearts. . . ." Joseph waits until dinnertime to correct Orson's mistaken comments. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:323.) These instructions are recorded as D&C 130. Later, Joseph explains the beast in the book of Revelation of John, and explains that John's record is very different from Daniel's prophecy: one refers to things in heaven, and the other to a figure of things on earth. (5)

(1) (Sunday Afternoon). Ramus, Illinois.
William Clayton Diary
P.M. Joseph preached on Revelations chap. 5. he called on me to open the meeting. He also preached on the same subject in the evening. During the day president Joseph made the following remarks on doctrine. "I was once praying very ernestly to know the time of the coming of the son of man when I heard a voice repeat the following 'Joseph my son, if thou livest untill thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man, therefore let this suffice and trouble me no more on this matter.' I was left thus without being able to decide wether this coming referred to the beginning of the Millenium, or to some previous appearing, or wether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the son of man will not be any sooner than that time." In correcting two points in Er Hydes discourse he observed as follows, "The meaning of that passage where it reads 'when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is' is this, When the savior appears w
eshall see that he is a man like unto ourselves, and that same sociality which exists amongst us here will exist among us there only it will be coupled with eternal glory which we do not enjoy now. Also the appearing of the father and the son in John c 14 v 23 is a personal appearing and the idea that they will dwell in a mans heart is a sectarian doctrine and is false"
In answer to a question which I [William Clayton] proposed to him as follows, 'Is not the reckoning of gods time, angels time, prophets time & mans time according to the planet on which they reside['] he answered yes "But there is no angel ministers to this earth only what either does belong or has belonged to this earth and the angels do not reside on a planet like our earth but they dwell with God and the planet where he dwells is like crystal, and like a sea of glass before the throne. This is the great Urim & Thummim whereon all things are manifest both things past, present & future and are continually before the Lord. The Urim & Thummim is a small representation of this globe. The earth when it is purified will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim & Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom or all kingdoms of a lower order will be manifest to those who dwell on it. and this earth will be with Christ Then the white stone mentioned in Rev. c 2 v
17 isthe Urim & Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an higher order of kingdoms even all kingdoms will be made known and a white stone is given to each of those who come into this celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.
"Whatever principle of intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the ressurection: and if a person gains more knowledge in this life through his diligence & obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation of this world upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
"The Holy Ghost is a personage, and a person cannot have the personage of the H. G. in his heart. A man receive the gifts of the H. G., and the H. G. may descend upon a man but not to tarry with him.["]
He also related the following dream. "I dreamed that silver-headed old man came to see me and said he was invaded by a gang of robbers, who were plundering his neighbors and threatening distruction to all his subjects. He had heard that I always sought to defend the oppressed, and he had come to hear with his own ears what answer I would give him. I answered, if you will make out the papers and shew that you are not the agressor I will call out the Legion and defend you while I have a man to stand by me. The old man then turned to go away. When he got a little distance he turned suddenly round and said I must call out the Legion and go and he would have the papers ready when I arrived, and says he I have any amount of men which you can have under your command.
[Note: the above paragraph is crossed through with a penciled line and at the beginning in handwriting that is not William Clayton's, a comment simply says "repeated his of 10 March." ]
Er Hyde gave this interpretation "The old man represents the government of these United States who will be invaded by a foreign foe, probably England. The U. S. government will call on you to defend probably all this Western Territory, and will offer you any amount of men you may need for that purpose.
Once when prest. Joseph was praying ernestly to know concerning the wars which are to preceed the coming of the son of man, he heard a voice proclaim that the first outbreak of general bloodshed would commence at South Carolina---see Revelation
The sealing of the 144000 was the number of priests who should be anointed to administer in the daily sacrifice &c. During Prest. Joseph's remarks he said their was a nice distinction between the vision which John saw as spoken of in Revelations & the vision which Daniel saw, the former relating only to things as they actually existed in heaven---the latter being a figure representing things on the earth. God never made use of the figure of a beast to represent the kingdom of heaven---when they were made use of it was to represent an apostate church.
Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards
1. P.M. attended meeting. Joseph read 5th Chapter of [DEL: Johns :DEL] revelation. referring particularly to the 6th verse. showing from that the actual existence of beasts in heaven probable those were beasts which had lived on another planet than ours---
God never made use of the figure of a beast to represent the kingdom of heaven.---Beasts 7 eyes Priesthood. ---this is the first time I have ever taken a text in Revelation.---and if the young elders would let such things alone it would be far better.---then corrected Elder Hyde as in private. [We here include the text of the corrections made to Orson Hyde]
after breakfast called on Sister Sophronia 10 A. M. to meeting. Elder Hyde Preached 1 epistle John 1. chap 1st 3 verses---when he shall appear we shall be like him &c. he will appear on a white horse, as a warrior, & maybe we shall have some of the same spirit.---our god is a warrior.---John 14.23---it is our privilege to have the father & son dwelling in our hearts.
ÃÂdined at Sophrona's & soon as we arrived.---Elder Hyde I am going to offer some corrections to you. Elder H. replied---they shall be thankfully received.---When he shall appear we shall see him as he is. we shall see that he is a Man like ourselves.---And that same sociality which exists amongst us here will exist among us there only it will be coupled with eternal glory which glory we do not now enjoy.
14 John 23.---the appearing of the father and of the Son in that verse is a personal appearance.---to say that the father and the Son dwell in a mans heart is an old Sectarian notion. and is not correct.
There are no angels who administer to this earth but who belong or have belonged to this earth. The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth. but they reside in the presence of God---but on a Globe like a sea of glass & fire. "Sea of glass before the throne, &c." where all things are manifest past present & to come.---The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummin. This earth in its sanctified & immortal state will be a Urim & Thummin for all things below it in the scale of creation, but not above it. ---related the Dream written on page 3d Book B Interpretation By O. Hyde--- [The dream referred to is located at the beginning of the second volume of Joseph Smith's Diary under the date 11 March 1843 and is as follows:]
A dream, then related. Night before last I dreamed that an old man come to me and said there was a mob force coming upon him, and he was likely to loose his life, that I was Lieut General and had the command of a large force, and I was also a patriot and disposed to protect the innocent & unoffending. & wanted I should assist him. I told him I wanted some written documents to show the facts that they are the aggressors, & I would raise a force sufficient for his protection, that I would call out the Legion,---He turned to go from me, but turned again and said to me. "I have any amount of men [DEL: at my command :DEL] and will put them under your command." [Then follows the] Interpretation by O. Hyde---
old man.---Government of these United States, who will be invaded by a foreign foe. probably England. U. S. Government will call on Gen Smith to defend probably all this western territory and offer him any amount of men he shall desire & put them under his command.
I prophecy in the Name of the Lord God that the commencement of bloodshed as preparatory to the coming of the son of man. will commence in South Carolina,---(it probably may come through the slave trade.)---this the voice declared to me. while I was praying earnestly on the subject 25 December 1832. ---
I earnestly desired to know concerning the coming of the Son of Man & prayed, when a voice Said to me, Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man. therefore let this suffice & trouble me no more on this matter --- (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - Doctrine and Covenants
3 - Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
6 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook

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Mormon History, March 1843

-- During March 1843
A "Young Gentlemen's and Ladies' Relief Society" was organized at Nauvoo, with Wm. Cutler as president. (1)

Joseph Smith studied the German language. (1)

-- Apr 1, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 1st Let Z be the Zenith directly under which the observer is stationed looking to the east. Let the outer circle represent the horizon's the true sun about 18° above the horizon surrounded by a vary bright prismatic circle not far from 45° in diameter; the lower limb of which extended below the horizon nearly 41-2°. Its breadth and colours were about the same as that of a common rainbow. Nearly all the prismatic colours were discernible the red being on the concave part of the circle next [to] the sun. On each side of the sun at a and b towards the north and south there were two mock suns of different Colours vary splendid & bright in their appearance. (2)

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] April 1st It is a pleasent day & thaws some. It is expected there will be a great rise of water in the Missisippi this spring as there is 5 or 6 feet of snow on a level up the river. (2)

At the direction of the President of the United States the post office at Nauvoo is abolished. (3)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, April 1st 1843 Called at the office with Mr. Clayton about 10 A.M. for the "[Book of the] Laws of the Lord." About noon heard read Truthiana No. 3. Very warm and pleasant.
2 P.M. Started with W[illia]m Clayton, O[rson] Hyde, and J[acob] B. Backenstos for Ramus. [We] arrived about 6 1/2 [P.M.] Very muddy. [We were] very joyfully received by Bro[ther] Benjamin F. Johnson. J[acob] B. Backenstos was with me continually. (4)

-- April 1st 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council m (5)

[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Ladge Room.
W. Marks & C.C. Rich Presiding:
Council all present. Elder Sherwood was released from the Council and Zebidee Coultrin Graham Coultrin took his place during this trial
Prayer by David Fulmer
Isaac Allred against Jordan P. Hendrixson
Charge
"February the 24th 1843
To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois. I prefer the folloiwng charges against Jordan P. Hendrixson
First. that he married a second woman when his first wife was living, from which he was not released by the laws of God or of man consequently committed adultery.
Second, that he told the second woman before he was married to her and also others that he had a bill of divorcement from his wife.
Third, For abusing & neglicting her and not admini[s]tering to the wants of the second woman while she was on her death bead.
Fourth For slandering the character & speaking evil of her since dead.
Isaac Allred."
Defendant plead not guilty; whereupon two were appointed to speak on the case, to wit: 1) Samuel Bent & 2) James Allred. When the evidence was nearly all heard the Council adjourned to the Office of H. Smith.
President W. Marks decided that as the matter case now presents itself, it was his feelings to continue him in the Church, that if he did not observe the advice of this Council he would do something else to cut him off before long. (That he did not feel that Br Hendrixson had done what he had wilfully.)
The decision was not sustained by the Council
There was then remarks made by several remark of the Councellors explain[in]g the reasons that why they did not concur with the Presidents decision.
The vote was put whether there was new light elicited sufficient to warrant a new hearing, which was carried by a majority of one that there was.
The Councellors then all spoke on the case, at some length giving their views on the subject.
When on motion it was voted that he be cut off from the church.
Council adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock A.M.
Hosea Stout, Clerk (5)

-- 2 Apr., 16-May 17, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Teaches doctrine now contained in D&C 130 and D&C 131, at Ramus (now Webster), Illinois. (6)

-- Apr 02, 1843
While visiting the Saints in Ramus, Illinois, Joseph Smith gives instructions on such topics as the nature of the Godhead, intelligence, and obedience, found today in Doctrine and Covenants 130. (7)

[Polygamy] Faithful member Benjamin Johnson wrote "His brother, Hyrum, said to me, "Now, Brother Benjamin, you know that Brother Joseph would not sanction this if it was not from the Lord. The Lord revealed this to Brother Joseph long ago, and he put it off until the Angel of the Lord came to him with a drawn sword and told him that he would be slain if he did not go forth and fulfill the law." He told my sister to have no fears, and he there and then sealed my sister, Almira, to the Prophet." Man believes Smith's angel-with-a-sword testimony, gives him sister as secret wife . "Soon after this he was at my house again, where he occupied my Sister Almira's room and bed, and also asked me for my youngest sister, Esther M." SOURCE: Joseph Smith's personal secretary and church patriarch, Elder Benjamin F. Johnson, Autobiography "My Life's Review" (8)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
5 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
6 - Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994
7 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
8 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm

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Mormon History, Mar 28, 1843

-- Mar 28, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 28th Removed the office from the smoke house to the President's office over the counting room in the Store. (1)

-- Mar 29, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, March 29th Sat on trial with Orson Spencer on case of Dr. Foster. Judgement against Foster. Removed from smoke house to office over the store also. (1)

-- Mar 30, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, March 30th 1843 9 A.M. Came and gave instructions to have Brink's bond returned to him if it was delayed till after 10 o'clock. Called at 11 [A.M.] Brought in N[ew] York Herald reported March 11[th] that the Island of Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake on the 8th of February and Nevis and Kitts were considerably injured.
Andrew L. Lamoreaux paid $73 for W[illia]m Henry on Temple.
Dr. Brink brought in a new Bond which the Mayor [Joseph] rejected as informal. Told Charles Ivins he might improve his share of the Ferry one year. Told Charles Ivins unless he considered Dr. Brink good for heavy damages, he was foolish to go his bonds.
New York Herald of the 11th of March published the Vision in Poetry &c. and Miss Snow's festival song &c.
Brink's case /took/ appeal from Mayor's Court to the Municipal to be tried 10th April [at] 10 A.M.
1 1/2 P.M. was called to sit as Justice with Alderman Harris on case of Webb and Rigby for forcible entry and detainer. During trial Esqu[ire] Skinner [was fined] 10 dollars for contempt of court for insulting a witness and abused [abuse.] Said Skinner in his [final] plea [repeated the offense] and [was again abusive and the court] threatened to fine him $10 more for contempt of court, but let him off on submission &c. Trial closed about one [o'clock A. M. ] Friday Morning. Jury [consisted] of 12 men.
Elder Hyde returned from Quincy having delivered 10 Lectures and baptized 3 persons. (1)

-- Mar 31, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] On the 31 friday I spent the Afternoon at Mr Lucian Woodworth's in company with Joseph Smith, Hiram Smith, Heber C. Kimball Orson Hyde, A Br Chase with our wives. We had a feast of a fat turkey & had a good time. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 31 st 1843 10 A.M. Opened Mayor's Court for Trial of Amos Lower for assaulting John H. Burghardt. After hearing the testimony, fined Defendant $10. * (1)

-- During Mar 1843
Joseph Smith is sealed to Eliza Marie Partridge (23) and (a few days later) Emily Dow Partridge (19) (daughters of the late Edward Partridge) by Heber C. Kimball [per Eliza Partridge]. (3)

[Polygamy] Emily Dow and Eliza Marie Partridge (Ages 19 and 22): Emily and Eliza were the daughters of Nauvoo Bishop, Edward Partridge. When he died in 1840, Emily, sixteen, and Eliza, twenty, looked to hire out as maids to help support their family. Emily recalls, The first door that opened for us was to go to [President] Smiths, which we accepted. Emily said she was a nurse girl, for they had a young baby...That is what I delighted in, tending babies...Joseph and Emma were very kind to us; they were almost like a father and mother, and I loved Emma and the children.
After a year in the Smith home, Emily remembers: ...in the spring of 1842...Joseph said to me one day, Emily, if you will not betray me, I will tell you something for your benefit. Of course I would keep his secret...he asked me if I would burn it if he would write me a letter. I began to think that was not the proper thing for me to do and I was about as miserable as I ever would wish to be...I went to my room and knelt down and asked my father in heaven to direct me...[At Josephs insistence] I could not speak to any one on earth...I received no comfort till I went back...to say I could not take a private letter from him. He asked me if I wished the matter ended. I said I did. Emily recalls, he said no more to me [for many months].
Soon after Emily refused Josephs letter, Elizabeth Durfee, who had married Joseph the previous year, invited Emily and Eliza to her home. Emily recalls being tested, She introduced the subject of spiritual wives as they called it in that day. She wondered if there was any truth in the report she heard. I thought I could tell her something that would make her open her eyes if I chose, but I did not choose to. I kept my own council and said nothing. Emily later learned that Mrs. Durfee was a friend to plurality and knew all about it. On their walk home from Mrs. Durfees, Emily raised courage enough to mention Josephs offer to her sister: [Eliza] felt very bad indeed for a short time, but it served to prepare her to receive the principles that were revealed soon after.
Joseph approached Emily again on February 28, 1843, her nineteenth birthday. Emily said, He taught me this principle of plural marriage...but we called it celestial marriage, and he told me that this principle had been revealed to him but it was not generally known. A week later, Mrs. Durf[ee] came to me...and said Joseph would like an opportunity to talk with me...I was to meet him in the evening at Mr. [Heber C.] Kimballs. Not wanting to incur any suspicion, Emily didnt change from the dress she had been working in that day. When I got there nobody was at home but [the Kimball children] William and Hellen Kimball...I did not wait long before Br. Kimball and Joseph came in. Emily recalls that Heber and Joseph sent the Kimball children to a neighbors home, and pretended to send Emily away as well: I started for home as fast as I could so as to get beyond being called back, for I still dreaded the interview. Soon I heard Br. Kimball call, Emily, Emily rather low but loud
enough for me to hear. I thought at first I would not go back and took no notice of his calling. But he kept calling and was about to overtake me so I stopped and went back with him.
Back at the Kimball home, Joseph spoke to Emily: I cannot tell all Joseph said, but he said the Lord had commanded [him] to enter into plural marriage and had given me to him and although I had got badly frightened he knew I would yet have him...Well I was married there and then. Joseph went home his way and I going my way alone. A strange way of getting married wasent it? Although they did not spend their wedding night together, Emily said she slept with Joseph on other occasions. Josephs property caretaker in Macedonia, Benjamin Johnson, remembers the couple traveling there, The prophet...Came and...ocupied the Same Room & Bed with...the Daughter of the Late Bishop Partridge.
Four days after his marriage to Emily, Joseph married Emilys sister, Eliza. The details of the proposal and marriage are sparse. Eliza kept a journal but later burned it because it was too full. Years later she wrote, While [living in Josephs house] he taught to us the plan of Celestial marriage and asked us to enter into that order with him. This was truly a great trial for me but I had the most implicit confidence in him as a Prophet of the Lord and [could] not but believe his words and as a matter of course accept the privilege of being sealed to him as a wife for time and all eternity. Of the marriages, Emily said, neither of us knew about the other at the time, everything was so secret.
About this time Joseph introduced select men to the endowment ceremony. He taught that it was necessary for exaltation. Women would also be receiving the endowment and Joseph wanted his wife, Emma, to be the Elect Lady: the first women to receive the endowment. She would then disseminate it to the other women. The endowment requires a wife to be obedient to her husband. Because Emma was resisting plural marriage, Joseph would not let her participate in the endowment, thus risking her own exaltation as well as delaying ceremonial endowments for other women. Carrying this burden, Emma agreed to let Joseph marry additional wives; provided she could select them. Unaware of their marriage to Joseph months earlier, Emma selected her live-in helpers, Emily and Eliza. Emily recalls, I do not know why she gave us to him, unless she thought we were where she could watch us better... Emily continued, To save the family trouble Brother Joseph thought it best to have another cere
mony
performed...[Emma] had her feelings, and so we thought there was no use in saying anything about it so long as she had chosen us herself...Accordingly...we were sealed to JS a second time, in Emmas presence. Within a week, Emma received her endowment.
But Emmas surrender waned. Emily remembers: We remained in the family several months after this...She sent for us one day to come to her room. Joseph was present, looking like a martyr. Emma said some very hard things ...She would rather her blood would run...than be polluted in this manner...Joseph came to us and shook hands with us, and the understanding was that all was ended between us. I for one meant to keep this promise I was forced to make. Emily continued, We looked upon the covenants we had made as sacred. Joseph arranged for Emily and Eliza to move out of the Smith home. Emily wrote, I do not remember [speaking to] Joseph but once...after I left the Mansion house and that was just before he started for Carthage." Joseph was killed in Carthage on June 27, 1844.
Speaking of Emma, Emily said, I think Emma always regretted having any hand in getting us into such trying circumstances. But she need not have blamed herself for that... for it would have been the same with or without her consent...I have never repented the act that made me a plural wife...of Joseph Smith and bound me to him for time and all eternity. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
4 - Remembering the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/

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Mormon History, Mar 26, 1843

-- Mar 26, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] March 26th Sunday I spent the day at home. I looked over the Mail that brought our exchange papers & found them mostly vary destitute of news of interest except the Case of Mackenzie which is still exciting the public mind & will probably be the longest before it is closed of any Case ever tried in the United States in consequence of the hanging [of] Spencer Small & another person on board of the Sommers in consequence of an expeted mutiny. Their is also some wars & rumours of wars earthquakes & fires & stormes, & murder throughout the land. (1)

Joseph Smith kicks Josiah Butterfield (guardian of Maria & Sarah Lawrence) out of the house, across the yard, and into the street for insulting him [Per Joseph Smith]. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 26th At home all day. (3)

-- 1843. March 27
(Sidney Rigdon) August 13: Joseph Smith accused Rigdon of conspiring with John C. Bennett and other anti-Mormons, and a Church conference temporarily disfellowshipped him.
October 7: The Prophet proposed that Rigdon be dropped from the First Presidency because he had not fulfilled his Church responsibilities since their arrival in Nauvoo. But Stake President William Marks moved that Rigdon be sustained in his position, and the Church conference voted to retain him. "I have thrown him off my shoulders," Joseph declared, "and you have put him on me; you may carry him, but I will not." (4)

(Sidney Rigdon) Rigdon wished to keep the problems private: "On my part they were never mentioned to any person, nor a subject of discourse at any time or place." He wrote the Prophet, "I had hoped that all former difficulties had ceased forever."
1843. March 27: Joseph Smith accused Rigdon of "seeking to destroy me and this people" by attempting to turn the Prophet over to Missouri lawmen who sought his extradition. (4)

-- Mar 27, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27, 28, 29, 30, & 31 I spent this week in the printing office as usual. It still holds cold weather & no prospect yet of river opening. (1)

Sidney Rigdon: Privately disfellowshipped 27 Mar. 1843 (5)

Joseph Smith dictates a letter to Sidney Rigdon "showing that [Joseph] believed said Rigdon was concerned [connected] with J[ohn] C. Bennet[t], Geo[rge] W. Robinson, and Jared Carter." Joseph states in the letter:."I now notify you. That unless something should take place to restore my mind to its former confidence in you, by some acknowledgments on your part or some explanations, that shall do away my Jealousies, I must as a conscientious man, publish my withdrawal of my fellowship from you, to the church through the medium of the times & Seasons, and demand of the conference a hearing concerning your case;" Willard Richards delivered the letter the same day Rigdon penned a conciliatory reply in which he denied all charges. At the next Oct conference Joseph Smith proposed that Rigdon should be dismissed but the proposition was defeated. (6)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith dictated a letter to Sidney Rigdon expressing suspicions of Elder Rigdon's involvement with those working against the Church. (7)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph writes a letter to Sidney Rigdon stating that he believes that Rigdon had conspired with John C. Bennett against Joseph. Sidney immediately sends a return letter, denying the charge. (8)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 27th 1843 Dictated a letter to Esqui[re] Rigdon showing that he [Joseph] believed said Rigdon was concerned [connected] with J[ohn] C. Bennet[t], Geo[rge] W. Robinson, and Jared Carter and unless satisfaction was made should withdraw fellowship and bring him before conference. Letter was presented by W[illard] Richards.
11 [A.M.] Court assembled over the store to try A. Field for drunkenness and abusing his wife. [He was] fined $10 costs and bail $50 for 6 months to keep the peace. (3)

-- Mar 28, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith moved his office from the smokehouse to the small upper room of his Red Brick Store. (7)

The "Young Gentlemens and Ladies Relief Society" is organized in Nauvoo. This is the first effort to establish an auxiliary for Mormon youth, but it apparently does not last a year. A churchwide youth program would not develop for twenty-six years. Also on this day, "Josiah Butterfield [of the First Council of Seventy] came to my house and insulted me so outrageously that I kicked him out of the house, across the yard, and into the street." Butterfield was step-father of young Maria and Sarah Lawrence for whom Joseph Smith was legal guardian. Joseph Smith would formally marry the Lawrence sisters in the fall. (9)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
3 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
4 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
7 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
8 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
9 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"

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Mormon History, Mar 21, 1843

-- Mar 21, 1843
[Joseph Smith] "Young Gentlemen and Ladies Relief Society of Nauvoo" is officially organized and a charter of 12 rules is drawn up. "If the youth throughout our land would follow this good example and form themselves into such societies, there would be much less sin, iniquity, misery, and degradation among the young people than there is at the present day." (Times and Seasons, Apr. 1, 1843.) (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 21st 1843 Called at the office about 9 [A.M.] and wrote an order and took leave for Shokokon. Cold west wind as it has been for a week. Cold, freezing water in the houses. (2)

[U.S. Religious History] Preacher William Miller of Massachusetts predicted the world would end on this date. Obviously, the world did not end, but Miller's ideas led to the creation of the Adventist churches in America. (3)

-- Mar 21, 1843 (Tuesday)
The ship Clayborne sailed from Liverpool with 106 Saints. (4)

-- Mar 23, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, March 23d 7 1/2 A.M. Mercury 1 Deg[ree] below zero at sunrise. * Semicircle near the Zenith. [Richards includes a third drawing of circles at this point.]
* [Richard includes at this point a fourth drawing of circles, with the following written sideways on the page, along side the drawing:] Parhelion. Appearance of the Sun. March 23d 1843 at 7 1/2 o'clock A.M. Parhelion. The colors of the circles were of the hue of the rainbow only brighter. (2)

-- Mar 24, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. To Joseph Smith's pleasant surprise, the Boston Bee published a favorable article about him. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 24th 1843 [several lines left blank] Having been out west, arrived at home about one or two o'clock. [several lines left blank] I loaded team and came in from Augusta with provision[s] and two [arrived] from Lima this evening. (2)

-- Mar 25, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. In the office, Joseph Smith received a letter from former United States senator Richard M. Young of Quincy, Illinois, containing a bond for a quarter section of land. (5)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph, as mayor, issues a proclamation against the secret gangs of thieves who are hiding out along the Mississippi River. He promises protection to anyone who will volunteer the names of the criminals. (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 25th 1843 In the office at 8 o'clock, heard a report from Hyrum concerning thieves as given by J[ohn?]. <Wilson> and directed a proclamation to be published offering security to all who will devulge their secrets.
Received a letter from A. Jonas requesting the use of a cannon to celebrate /the creation of/ the New County of Marquetts and answered it that he might have it. Also rec[eive]d letter from Senator Young containing a bond for 1/4 section of land from Welch.
9 [A.M.] Baptized Esqu[ire] Mif[f]lin of Philadelphia.
10 [A.M.] Ordered a writ against A. Fields for disorderly conduct. Gave E[benezer] Robinson an order on T[aylor] and Woodruff for papers $16.
A. Fields was brought in about noon drunk or pretending to be so and was ordered to be put in irons till sober. He abused all present by his drunken appearance. Has been out in the city.
Dined at 2 o'clock.
"Awful gale" says St. Louis Gazette, within the last 6 weeks 154 vessels were wrecked on the coast of England and 190 lives lost; on the east of Ireland 5 vessels and 134 lives; on the coast of Scotland 17 vessels [and] 39 lives; on the coast of France 4 vessels and 100 lives. Value of vessel and cargoes roughly estimated 825,000. (2)

-- March 25th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at Prest H. Smith's office.
Prest W. Marks Presiding
Council present viz: 1) Edmand Fisher pro tem. 2) Allred 3) David Evans pro. tem. 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Sherwo[o]d
Lewis D. Wilson against Osmon M. Duel.
Charge
"February the 11th 1843.
To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
I hereby prefer the following charges against Osmon M. Duel, to wit:
1st For forfeiting his contract with Thomas Grover in Missouri concerning a piece of land.
2nd For forfeiting his contract in Nauvoo in refusing to pay borrowed money, and for refusing to pay for beef and hogs that he bought of T. Grover.
3 For swearing to a lie in a lawsuit between Nathaniel Whiting & T. Grover in not telling the whole truth.
L.D. Wilson"
After some remarks on the nature of the case Br Grover was released from the Council during this trial, at his own request, as being concerned in the trial & Elder Alexander Williams took his seat for the time being.
As there was much matter of difficulty between Br. Duel and Br Grover the Council decided that the whole difficulty be brought up before the Council on both sides that all matter of grieveances might be settled between Br Duel and Br Grover and that Br Wilson remain as plaintiff.
Br Duel said as the whole difficulty was to be brought up on both sides that he was not ready for trial.
The trial was then adjourned untill one week from tomorrow (2nd April) at 10 o'clock A.M.
Bro. Wilson & Br. Grover then took their seats in the Council
Br. Bent also took his seat in the Council.
William B. Simmons against Benjamin Hoyt.
Appealed from Bishop Evans' Court of the 11th Ward by Benjamin Hoyt as follows:
"Charge prefered by William B. Simmons, in behalf of the Church against Br. Hoyt.
For accusing certain persons of being witches or wizzaards and endeavoring to cure such as he said was bewitched, by art, and meddleing with those things unlawfully. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
3 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
4 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois

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Mormon History, Mar 18, 1843

-- Mar 18, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 18th 1843 Most of the fore noon in the office in cheerful conversation. Closed letter to [James] Arlington Bennet. Laid down on the writing table with /back of the/ head on Law Books saying write and tell the world I acknowlidge myself a very great lawyer. I am going study law and this is the way I study and [then I] fell asleep and went to snoring. This was about noon.
In the afternoon rode out and about 4 [o'clock] took a game of ball east of Main street. (1)

-- March 18th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room. Prayer by James Allred.
William Marks & C.C. Rich Presiding.
All the Council present. The buisness before the Council was adjourned till tomorrow at 1 oclock P.M. at this place. Council adjourned till tomorrow (19th inst) at this place at 9 o'clock.
Hosea Stout, Clerk. (2)

-- Mar 19, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th Sunday I spent the day at home writing. (3)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 19th Rode with Emma to the farm. Returned about 11 A.M. At home the remainder of the day.
D[imick] Huntington started for Chicago with letter to [Justin] Butterfield concerning O[rrin] P. Rockwell. (1)

-- March 19th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room.
W. Marks & C.C. Rich Presiding.
All the Council present. Prayer by L.D. Wilson.
A complaint was mad[e] against Ezra Hayes by Daniel Avery for preaching false doctrine and other improper conduct in Ohio, where he thought he was doing much injury.
Council adjourned till 1 oclock and met accordingly.
Daniel Shearer against Peletiah Brown
A number of charges was prefered aga[i]nst Br. Brown for teaching false doctrine and for speaking against the character of Br Shearer while he was on a mission.
The charges were mostly acknowledge by Br. Brown except for speaking against Br Shearer to his injury
Two were appointed to speak on a side, Viz: 7) T. Grover) 8) A. Johnson 9) N. Knight 10) & W. Huntington.
The charges was not sustained. President Marks Decided that they should strike hands in friendship, and begin anew, and bury all their former difficulties and and hardness, which decision the parties readily complied with before having to call a vote of the council.
Council adjourned till Saturday at 9 o'clock A.M.
H. Stout, Clerk (2)

-- Mar 20, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, & 25 The week was spent in the printing office. The weather has been uncommonly Cold mostly through the week. The thermometer has stood at Zero a number of days.
The signs in the heavens are making theire appearance. Theire has been singular signs appeared in & about the sun for sever[al] days this week. O Pratt has taken a sketch of the same which will appear in the Time & Seasons. Their has also been other signs. The light that has been represented as a sword has made its appearance for several nights past in the same place & also on the opposite of the horizen has been seem A black streak about the size of the light one. While one is as black as darkness the other has considerable of the appearance of the blaze of a Comet & some have contended that it was a Comet. But it cannot be a comet for it appears about 7 o-clock & disappears about 9 oclock remaining about two hours. Thus it appears that the signs that Joel & Jesus spoke of are making their appearance. (3)

James Brewster publishes his claim that as part of an 1836 Ohio treasure seeking expedition, Joseph Smith's father (the Presiding Patriarch of the Church) "anointed the mineral rods and seeing stones with consecrated oil, and prayed over them in the hours of the Lord in Kirtland." (4)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 20th 1843 Rode to Hiram Kimball's with Mrs. Butterfield about a deed.
Reconed with R[obert] D. Foster, and give Foster a note to balance all demands. Foster took the acknowledgement of about 20 deeds of the Trustee to sundry individuals and left the office about 3 o'clock.
This evening from 7 to 9 was seen /by Bro[ther] Hawes and others/ in the heavens a dark stripe of considerable width passing over our Zenith, dark as the darkest clouds. (1)

-- March 20th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Graham Coultrin
1st Defendant (ie) Br Matthews admitted the first Specification and denied the rest
Decided that Br. Matthews be tried seperate from his wife and that one speak on a side, to wit: 7) Grover and 8) Johnson
After the evidence was heard the Council adjd one hour and met accordingly. Charge was sustained in substance
Decided by President Marks that Br. Matthews use his utmost endeavors to make Br Coultrin a title to the land according to the Bond, that if he (Mathews) can not make a title he must make satisfaction to Br Coultrin for the damage which he will sustain in the fa[i]lure also that Matthews make an endorsement on the Bond which Coultrin holds against him of satisfaction for the payment thereof and give up the notes he holds against Coultrin (which has been paid) and that when Coultrin gets a deed he shall pay Matthews ten (10) dollars and that if Br Matthews does not comply with the above decision that he be disfellowshiped.
Br Mathews gave up the notes & endorsed the Bond Bond & as aforesaid and agreed to abide the decision.
Adjourned till 2 weeks (28 inst) from to day at 9 oclock A.M.
Hosea Stout Clerk (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
4 - McQue, Bob; Religious Faith: Enlightening or Blinding?: Timeline of Key Events in Mormon History

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Mormon History, Mar 14, 1843

-- Mar 14, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 14th 1843 * [Richards includes at this point a drawing of five interconnecting circles and the following description of the three most prominent circles:]
A. A large circle seen round the moon on the evening of this day dark shades within the circle surround the moon which is the fur[t]hest spot in the centre.
B. An additional circle seen about 9 o'c[loc]k by Joseph /and/ the whole diagram as then seen and discribed by the Prophet. This circle is a mistake.1
C. This circle was visible this evening about 8 o'clock and continuous through the evening. The Parhelion on this circle [at points] B. [and] B. were brightest as also the circle C. about 1/4 before 9 o'clock. The circle and Parhelion were very brilliant and grew paler by nine o'clock. Description of W[illiam] W. Phelps.
Dr. R[obert] D. Foster states that at 11 o'clock there were an innumerable number of circles interwoven as above around the moon. The whole design to represent as one of the signs of the times. "A Union of Powers and Combination of the Nations," says Joseph.
2 Not correct. See page 17 [of the Original manuscript].
3 Thursday, March 16th 1843 9 A.M. in the office, read a piece on Mormonism in "Uncle Sam" February 18th written by reporter of the paper and conversed with Hiram, Dr. Foster, and many others. [several lines left blank] (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 14th Joseph and Brigham returned about 4 P.M. had a severe cold ride. This evening appeared a large circle around the moon. Similar to what is frequently seen but larger. (See page 11) (1)

-- Mar 15, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15, 16 17, & 18 Spent the time in the printing office. We still have exeeding cold weather. The thermometer stands freequently at zero. The river has been frozen over so that people have continually crossed the river for more than four months from Nauvoo to Montrose A circumstanc that never was known befor by the oldest inhabitants of this region. (2)

One week after Joseph Smith is sealed to his 20th plural wife TIMES AND SEASONS states: "We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect has a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony or the rights of private property; and we do what others do not, we practice what we preach." (3)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph prophesies "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that Orrin Porter Rockwell would get away honorably from the Missourians." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:305.) The name of the Wasp is changed to the Nauvoo Neighbor, and a prospectus is published. (4)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, March 15th Dictated a letter to G[eorge] J. Adams [and] read letter from Butterfield and [James] Arlington Bennet. Signed deeds for Sister Granger and Smith and Alread.
Spent the day mostly in the office. Gave the following [new] name to the ''Wasp" enlarged as is contemplated "The Nauvoo Neighbor", [with the following in the masthead:] "Our Motto, the Saints Singularity" "Is unity, liberty, charity".
Joseph prophecied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that [Orrin] Porter Rockwell will get away from the Missourians.
Told [Peter] Hawes he must curtail his boys or they will get into State Prison.
Dream, last night dreamed of swimming in a river of pure water, clear as crystal, over a school of fish of the largest /size/ I ever saw. They were directly under my belly. I was astonished and felt afraid they might drown me or do me injury. They were the largest I ever saw.
Conversed much about Porter, wishing the boy well. (1)

-- Mar 17, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 17th 1843 A part of the fore noon in the office and the remainder at home. P.M. Settled with Father Perry gave him a deed of 80 acres of land and city lot and prophecied that it would not be 6 mo[nths] before he could sell it for cash.
4 o'clock P.M. N[ewel] K. Whitney brought in a letter from R. S. Blennarhassett, Esqu[ire], St. Louis concerning [Orrin] Porter Rockwell, dated March 7th saying Porter was arrested the day previous and wishing instruction. Read and dictated answer. Heard read letters No. 1 Boston Bee by Viator and his own to [James] Arlington Bennet.
2 P.M. Walked out with 4 or 5 ladies towards the store. Went into Holmes. A report is circulated that the new indictments have been found in M[iss]o[uri] against Joseph, Hyrum, and some 100 others on the old subject and John C. Bennet[t] is going to do so and so. (1)

-- Mar 18, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith spent most of the morning in the office and fell asleep with his head on a pile of law books. Later that day he played ball with some boys. (5)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph writes, "About noon, I lay down on the writing table, with my head on a pile of law books, saying, . . . 'I am going to study law, and this is the way I study it'; and then fell asleep." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:307.) (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

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Mormon History, Mar 13, 1843

-- Mar 13, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th Spent the day in the office. In the evening I had a view of the sword in the heavens. (1)

Joseph Smith's Journal: "Throwed the bully of Ramus wrestling." (2)

Ramus, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrestled with and threw the most expert wrestler in Ramus and later blessed 19 children with great fervency. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph wrestles with William Wall, the best wrestler in Ramus, and throws him. That evening he blesses 19 children and records, "Virtue went out of me, and my strength left me, when I gave up the meeting to the brethren." The next day he explains the reason for this virtue going out of him. He states that he saw the influence of Lucifer and strove with all his might to protect the children against it. For this reason he becomes weak and has still not recovered by the next day. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:303.) (4)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 13th Throwed the bully of Ramus wrestling. 2 P.M. held Church meeting. Appointed Almon Babbitt Presiding Elder of Ramus by unanimous voice of the Church. In the evening held a meeting for blessing children, 27 blessed.
Mercury 3 degrees below zero at sunrise in Nauvoo. It is said by many the sword was seen in the heavens last eve again. It is said in the papers that iron filings and sulphur have fallen in form of snow storm in Missouri in five counties. This day heard that the Quincy Institute was burned last week. 3 or 4 tracks were followed in the light snow from the institute to the middle of the river which was frozen over.
Mr. Ivins arrived at Nauvoo and stated that [Orrin] Porter Rockwell came with him from New Jersey to St. Louis when Porter was taken by advertisement Saturday, March 5th and put in St. Louis Jail.
New Meeting house lately dedicated for Quincy and the dedication sermon was all against the Mormons. Elder O[rson] Hyde has gone down there to preach and the Mormons say they want their meeting house /would be glad to have their own meeting house/ &c. for Elder Hyde to preach in. (5)

-- Saturday March 13th 1843
[High Council Minutes] Minutes of the High Council Saturday March 13th 1843.
Present, Samuel Bent, Charles C. Rich, Albert P. Rockwood, David Fulmer, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, Phineas Richards, Wm Huntington, Aaron Johnson George W. Harris, Alpheus Cutler, James Allred and Wm Snow.
Also, President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, George A. Smith, & John E. Page of the Quorum of the Twelve.
N.K. Whitney and George Miller Presiding Bishops, and Wm Clayton and Daniel Carn.
Prest Bent called upon Wm Clayton to act as clerk pro Tem, inasmuch as the regular clerk was sick.
Council opened by prayer from Eldr O. Pratt.
Prest. B. Young then said we want to take into consideration the case of Brother George J. Adams who is now present. I have objections to brother Adams' conduct and to the course he has taken and shall tell them here.
First when brother Adams came home last last fall, I asked him if he had any money for the Temple; he said no, he handed every thing to Wm Smith. Since then Wm Smith has wrote and said he sent some money and some cloth by brother Adams for the Temple, we have not got it. I have also been told that brother Adams has frequently read some kind of a note before the people, which represents him as having some great authority over every body else, and also that he was appointed Joseph's Spokesman.
I have been told that brother Adams says the Church owes him something from six hundred to one thousand dollars in money. Now I want to know if brother Adams can explain these things, and whether he is satisfied to have the matter investigated before this council.
Brother Adams then went on to explain to the Council relative to the above charges. He denied having said that he was appointed Joseph's Spokesman. He explained about the Temple money and said he was willing to meet any committe this council might appoint, and settle the whole account with them. He also explained how the church owed him money.
Prest Young then prefered some other charges relative to his conduct in the East, to which, after many remarks on both sides, Adams plead guilty and begged for mercy.
Many remarks were then made by sundry individuals, substantiating the charges, prefered by Prest. Young each one expressing a strong desire for brother Adam's salvation.
After spending much time in investigation, the Prest. S. Bent, arose to give his mind on the case, but a motion being made that Prest Young give the decision, Prest. Bent gave way.
Prest. Young then arose and said he wanted Brother Adams to sit down and write that he has done wrong, that he asks forgiveness, and is willing henceforth to listen to council, and do right without criminating any one else, also that the proper authorities of this church are here, and that he is with the Twelve and will be with them to bear off this Kingdom.
I want brother Adams to write this freely and confess his iniquities: a mans confession will never do him hurt unless he turns round and does wrong again.
Meeting adjourned to meet in the Seventie's Hall on Saturday next at one o'clock P.M.
Closing Prayer by President Rich.
C.C. Pendleton Clerk (6)

-- Mar 14, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. After Joseph Smith returned from Ramus, Illinois, he taught Jedediah M. Grant why he (Joseph) had turned pale and lost strength the previous day while blessing 19 children. (3)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
5 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
6 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois

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Mormon History, Mar 10, 1843

-- Mar 10, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 10th 1843 4 P.M. Bro[ther] Norton claimed 2 trying squares, W[illia]m Law 1 padlock, David Grant 1 shirt of property found by the Marshall on warrant just issued. A bit stock and smoothing plane and 3 or 4 other little tools were presented on this case. Mayor [Joseph Smith] present. Clear and cold.
[At] 10 minutes before 7, I, Willard W. Richards, discovered a stream of light in the South West quarter of the heavens. The pencil rays of light /were/ in the form of a broad sword with the hilt downward. The blade [was] raised, pointing from the west southwest raised at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizon, and extending nearly /or within 2 or 3 degrees/ to the Zenith of the degree where the sign appeared. This sign grad ually disappeared from 7 1/2 o'clock and at 9 had entirely disappeared. (1)

[Polygamy] Orson Pratt polygamous marriage to Charlotte Bishop (2)

-- 11Mar43
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Humorous Remarks at Office (3)

-- Mar 11, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th Saturday I spent the day in the Printing office. (4)

Ramus, Illinois. Joseph Smith traveled with Brigham Young from Nauvoo to Ramus, where with one hand Joseph pulled up the strongest man in the town in a stick-pulling contest. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 11th Too cold last night as to freeze water in the warmest rooms in the city. River filled with anchor ice. 8 1/2 o'clock in the office, Joseph said he had tea with his breakfast. His wife asked him if [it] was good. He said if it was a little stronger he should like it better, when Mother Granger remarked, "It is so strong and good I should think it would answer Both for drink and food."
A dream then related. Night before last I [Joseph] dreamed that an /old/ man came to me /and said/ there was a mob force coming upon him, and he was likely to loose his life, that I was Lieut[enant] General and had the command of a large force. I was also a patriot and disposed to protect the innocent and unoffending and wanted I should assist him. I told him I wanted some written documents to show the facts that they are the agressors, and I would raise a force sufficient for his protection, that I would call out the Legion. He turned to go from me, but turned again and said to me. "I have any amount of men at my command and will put them under your command."
The words of Joseph: "While conversing about the sign in the heavens last evening, as sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens, and as sure as he ever spoke by me. So sure there will be a speedy and bloody war, and the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof."
About 9 A.M. Joseph and Brigham started for Ramus.
It is reported in the papers that the workman employed on the General Pratt (which was burned and sunk last fall near Memphis in the Mississippi) with a diving bell on the third of January found the wreck in about 24 f[ee]t water. In that night [there] was an earth quake [and the] next day the wreck had disappeared. No trace could be found and the water was from 100 to 120 feet deep and for about 100 feet no bottom. A bar was discovered where previous was deep water.
Joseph and Brigham had a pleasant and delighful ride and arrived at Bro[ther] McClary's in Ramus 15 minutes before 4 P.M. at Benjamine Johnson's to lodge while they staid in Ramus. In the eve[ning] Joseph pulled up Bro[ther] Moses with one hand pulling sticks. (1)

-- March 11th 1843
[High Council Minutes] (6)

-- 12Mar43
[Joseph Smith Sermon] John 14 (3)

-- Mar 12, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 Spent the day at home writing. (4)

(Sunday Morning). Ramus, Illinois.
Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards
Joseph preached 14 John---in my fathers house are many mansions.
Brigham Young Diary
Br. J. Smith feeles unwellÃÂBr Joseph Preach from the 14 Chapter of St John at 10 oc am he taut menne grait and glorious things. (7)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 12th Joseph preached 14 John, "In my Father's house are many mansions." Found the brethren well and in good spirits. Had a very pleasant visit. P.M. Brigham preached. (1)

-- Mar 12, 1843 (Sunday Morning)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Location: Ramus, Illinois, USA
Source: Brigham Young Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 168)
Br. J. Smith feeles unwell . . . Br Joseph Preach from the 14 Chapter of St John at 10 oc am he taut menne grait and glorious things. (8)

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Location: Ramus, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 168)
Joseph preached 14 Johnâ€"in my fathers house are many mansions. (8)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27
3 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
7 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook
8 - The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Mormon History, Mar 9, 1843

-- Mar 9, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, March 9th 1843 This morning received another No of the Bee containing minutes of conference in Boston &c. Read decision of court in Dana vs Brink. Mr. Cowan took court papers and Butterfield's opinion to go to Gov[ernor] of Iowa to have him recall the M[iss]o[uri] writ.
12 o'clock called with a letter concerning land of Hotchkiss. Read decision, read papers. Bro[ther] Phelps you shall know law, and understand law and you shall be a lawyer in Israel and the time shall come when I shall not need say thus is the law for you shall know the law.
William O. Clark gave a load of corn, Bro[ther] Sanford Porter a hog. Issued attachment for Peter Haw[els agai[ns]t Artemus Johnson. Clayton in office. Sleet and rain through the day and evening. (1)

[Polygamy] Lorenzo Dow Young polygamous marriage to Harriet Page Wheeler (2)

-- Mar 9, 1843. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] At President Josephs office. Walked out in the P.M. He told me it was lawful for me to send for Sarah and said he would furnish me money.4 (3)

-- March 9th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
William B. Simmons
The decision of the court is that Br. Hoyt cease to call certain characters witches or wizzards; and that he cease to work with the rod he calls a divining rod and that he cease to burn a board or boards to heal the sick by art that of heating a board before the fire, to heal the sick by art.
March 11th 1843 David Evans Bishop
Defendant plead not guilty two were appointed to speak on the case, to wit, 11) L. Soby 12) H.G. Sherwood
President Hyrum Smith took his seat in Council. After investigation President Hyrum Smith Decided that the Council confirm the decision of the Bishops Court, which was voted by the Council unanimously.
Council adjourned till next Saturday at 9 o'clock A.M.
Hosea Stout, Clerk (4)

-- Mar 10, 1843
Oliver Cowdery: Received offer 10 Mar. 1843 from Joseph Smith Jr. to serve mission in Palestine (5)

Fifteen-year-old Thomas Morgan says that Orrin Porter Rockwell told him "Joseph had taught that it was right to steal . . . which was the means of drawing Thomas into the practice of stealing." Smith's next remark about his boyhood friend: "conversed much about Porter, wishing the boy well." Another 14-year-old boy is charged brought up on suspicion of stealing but since there is "no positive testimony appearing against him Mayor [Joseph Smith] ordered his father to take him home and try him. If he found the boy guilty to whip him severely." Joseph Smith also "decided that he had no objection to having a brewery put up by Theodore Turley." Wilford Woodruff sees "a stream of light in the south west quarter of the heavens. The rays of light were in the form of a broadsword with the hilt downward." Joseph Smith comments on this sign: "As sure as there is a God who wits enthroned in the heavens & as sure as he ever spoke to me so sure there will be a speedy & bloody war & the bro
ad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof." (6)

Meliton G. Trejo, later the translator of the Book of Mormon into Spanish, is born in Garganto-la-Olla, Spain. (7)

Melitón González Trejo is born in the Cáceres province in Spain. He will later be the primary translator of the first edition of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. (7)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith opened court at 10:00 a.m. and rendered a decision regarding a malpractice suit. That night he and others observed rays of light in the sky in the shape of a sword. The following day he would prophesy that the sword was a sign of a speedy and bloody war to come. (8)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph and others see wondrous lights in the heavens. (9)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 10th 1843 Clear and cold. Read the decision in office with O[rson] Spencer. At 10 [A.M.] repaired to the Hall over the store and 10 [minutes later] /[we had?]/ commenced the decision in case of Dana vs. Brink that the Plaintiff recover his bill $99 and costs. The whole included 12 pages written matter. After decision court referred to the threat of the Defendant['s] council ordering court, as attempting to intimidate &c. Council explained satisfactorily. Also court referred to what Dr. Brink had said since trial that he had not a fair chance. His witnesses were not allowed, repelled by court.
2 [o'clock] afternoon, Mayor came in office, when Daniel Sherwood 14 years old was brought up on suspicion of stealing a watch from the house of Geo[rge] Nelson. No positive testimony appearing against him [so] Mayor ordered his father to take him home and try him. If he found the boy guilty to whip him severely, for he is too young to imprison or whip.
/Mayor ordered [Lucien] Woodworth to fix a room in the Nauvoo House with a large stone in the center to chain the boys to and chain them till their time is out.
/As Thomas Morgan went out to speak with Mayor, said he had been told by several that Joseph had taught that it was right to steal viz. O. P. Rockwell, David B. Smith, and James Smith which was the means of drawing Thomas into the practice of stealing.
David Smith once attempted to shoot me. The gun did not go and he was so mad that he through down the gun and broke the stock. It was my gun. He was carrying to [ar]rest me. After the attempt we stopped to rest and refresh when unknown to him I removed the priming from the gun and pistols, wet the touch holes, and made him carry them all home with me and saw me across the river from Montrose.
Joseph decided that he had no objection to having a brewery put up by Theodore Turley.
Proverb
As finest steel doth show a brighter polish
The more you rub the same;
E'en so, in love, rebuke will ne'er demolish
A wise man's goodly name.
Ordered a search warrant for W[illia]m Law for tools &c. stolen and believed to be in the house of Deal Sherwood.
When in Kirtland I saw Elder Cahoon's boy steal a cucumber, put it in his pocket. I told Cahoon of it. At the same time his boy came up and denied it saying he had an apple [and] let it fall and picked it up. There said Cahoon I did not believe he stole it. [I said] His boys drove their cows among mine while the women were milking to endanger their safety. I rebuked him and threatened him and made him confess in public next day. This was about the time of the commencement of building Temple in Kirtland.
Signed the warrant, said he should not send decision of Court to press without a petition. Ordered an execution for Dana against Brink and signed. Dana swore he feared Brink would abscond or place his property out of reach. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
2 - Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27
3 - George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995
4 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
7 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
8 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
9 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

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Mormon History, Mar 6, 1843

-- Mar 6, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 6th 1843 Read Elder Adam's letter in the "Bee" Boston. Also another communication showing the progress of truth in Boston.
9 o'clock called at office. Told Dr. Richards to answer or [write what he had] commented to the Bee. Recited in German at the house. Called at office for paper. After Dinner lay down to rest. Toward evening rode out.
This evening presented a grand display of burning prairie on the bank of the river opposite Nauvoo. East wind through the day, cold. Thawed a little during /in middle/ of the day. (1)

-- Mar 7, 1843
William Clayton records, "Brigham Young called me on one side and said he wants to give me some instructions on the priesthood the first opportunity. He said the prophet had told him to do so and give me a favor which I have long desired." The favor is and invitation to enter into plural marriage. Two days later Joseph Smith suggests Clayton send to England for Sarah Crooks whom Clayton had had fond feelings for while on his mission to England but had stifled them since he was already married. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 7th At the office at 9 A.M. Heard [and] read decision of court. Gave an order on Lot for corn to Bro[ther] Allen. Sister Sayres called to exchange notes, her's for Dr. Rust's. At office before dinner conversing on medicine. After signed several deeds. Bro[ther] Clayton present to settle.
Brother Manhard brought and gave 2 loads of corn and 1 hog to President from Iowa. Reconed with Theodore Turly, who enquired what was wisdom concerning a brewery in this place? Reconed with Dymic Huntington. East Wind through the day.
3 [P.M.] o'clock rain commenced. Informed Phe[l]ps and Richards they might bond themselves at dinner. (Clayton began to settle with the brethren about Lots at Mayor's office) (1)

William Clayton Invited by Brigham Young to receive instruction in plural marriage. (3)

-- Mar 7, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] A.M. at the office. Afterwards went to President Josephs and commenced settlement with those who have claims on city Lots. Elder Brigham Young called me on one side and said he wants to give me some instructions on the priesthood the first opportunity. He said the prophet had told him to do so and give me a favor which I have long desired.2 For this again I feel grateful to God and his servant, and the desire of my heart is to do right and be saved. (4)

-- Mar 08, 1843
[Polygamy] to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Eliza M. Partridge, age 22 ,. Elder Heber C. Kimball officiating SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Elder Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Page: 697 Marriages in Nauvoo Region 1839-45. Easton, S. Civil Marriages in Nauvoo 1839-45. Cook, Lyndon Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46 Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. (5)

-- Mar 8, 1843
Heber C. Kimball preaches and "made use of the figure of the Potter and clay, and showed that O[rson] Pratt was stiff and had to be cast off the wheel and A[masa] Lyman put on it." Pratt was upset after learning that Joseph Smith had proposed plural marriage to his wife, Sarah, during Pratt's absence on a mission. Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph Smith marries 22-year-old Eliza Partridge who becomes his 20th wife. He married her 19-year-old sister Emily four days earlier. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Eliza Partridge. (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, March 8th 1843 Suddenly in the night wind changed to N.W. Extremely cold this morn[ing, now] very pleasant and calm. Much floating ice in the river. At the office 8 o'clock signed some writing concerning the [Nauvoo] Legion. After dinner in office /Mr Cowan came in/ wrote a letter to [-]. Conversed with the Pr[o]cession about Military tactics. Reconed with Ford. 5 o'clock cloudy. Rode out with Cowan. (1)

-- Mar 8, 1843 (Wednesday)
The ship Yorkshire sailed from Liverpool, England, with 82 Saints on board, led by Thomas Bullock; the emigrants arrived at Nauvoo, May 31st, via New Orleans. (7)

-- Mar 8, 1843. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] Â…Evening I went to Brother Kimballs Meeting. The house was crowded to suffocation. He made use of the figure of the Potter and clay, and showed that O[rson] Pratt was stiff and had to be cast off the wheel and A[masa] Lyman put on it.3 The discourse was good. (4)

-- Mar 9, 1843
Erastus Snow: Left for Nauvoo 9 March 1843. (8)

William Clayton goes for an afternoon walk with Joseph Smith: "the prophet invited me to walk with him. During our walk he said he had learned that there was a sister back in England to whom I was very much attached. I replied there was, but nothing farther than an attachment such as a brother and sister in the church might rightfully entertain for each other. He then said, 'Why don't you send for her?' I replied, 'In the first place I have no authority to send for her, and if I had, I have not the means to pay expenses.' To this he answered, 'I give you authority to send for her, and I will furnish you the means,' which he did. This was the first time the prophet Joseph talked with me on the subject of plural marriage. He informed me that the doctrine and principle was right in the sight of our Heavenly Father, and that it was a doctrine which pertained to celestial order & glory. After giving me lengthy instructions and information concerning the doctrine of celestial or pl
ural marriage he concluded his remarks by the words, 'It is your privilege to have all the wives you want.'" (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
2 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology
4 - George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995
5 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
6 - Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology'
7 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
8 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985

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Mormon History, Mar 4, 1843 (Saturday)

-- Mar 4, 1843 (Saturday)
O. Porter Rockwell was taken prisoner in St. Louis by the Missourians. (1)

-- March 4th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to to adjournment at Law's Store in Nauvoo.
William Marks Presiding.
Council present 1) Bent 2) Allred 3) Wilson 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Eli Norton pro tem.
Prayer by Prest Marks
Thomas Woolsey against Job Green
Charge
"To the High Council of the Church of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo Fevruary 23rd 1843.
I prefer the following charge against Job Green for unchristian-like conduct.
For this that he made an attemp[t] to go to bed [with] two young females and acted otherwise very imprudently at the time
Thomas Woolsey
Plead not guilty one was appointed to speak on a side to wit: 1) Bent 2) Allred. After the evidence was heard there being but one witness which was went to establish the most important item it was, Decided that the charge was not sustained which was sanctioned by the Council unanimously.
Coulcil adjourned a few minutes and met accordingly.
Adjourned to the Lodge Room
Edman Durfee against James Durfee
Charge
"To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo.
I hereby prefer the following charges against James Durfee to wit:
1st For attemp[t]ting to defraud me out of the land that I now live upon.
2nd For stating that I had used my influence to prejudice the minds of the Church against him.
3 For beinging up old difficulties that had been settled.
4th For treating the authorities of the branch with contempt at Lima. Edman Durfee"
Defendant plead not guilty whereupon two were appointed to speak on a side viz: 3) L.D. Wilson 4) A. Cutler 5) D. Fulmer 6) and G.W. Harris.
President Charles C. Rich took his seat in Council
After the evidence was heard on the part of the prosecution, the Council adjourned untill tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Hosea Stout, Clerk. (2)

-- Mar 05, 1843
[Polygamy] to 05 Mar 1843 In sworn testimony, Emily D. Partridge (Smith Young) testified she "roomed" with Joseph the night following her marriage to him and said that she had "carnal intercourse" with him. Smith spends honeymoon night with secret bride Emily Partridge . SOURCE: Temple Lot case complete transcript, 364, 367, 384; also see Foster, Religion and Sexuality, 15 (3)

-- Mar 5, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th Spent the day at home. (4)

Joseph Smith tells the Nauvoo city council: "I was opposed to hanging, even if a man killed another, I will shoot him, or cut off his head, spill his blood on the ground, and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God; and if I ever have the privilege of making a law of that subject, I will have it so." After Smith's death, Young would define "blood atonement" as "the law of God." (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 5th 1843 Taking care of Mother all day. (6)

-- March 5th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room.
Prayer by Newel Knight.
The buisness, before the Council the day before was taken up on the part of the defence.
After which President Rich spoke showing the reasons why James Durfee should make Edman Durfee safe in the title of his lands; and the nature of the difficulty &c.
President Marks then decided that Edman Durfee should make satisfaction, for all things which he had said or done, against James Durfee, which was unchristianlike and that he also make satisfaction, or pay, James Durfee, for his portion of the expence which James Durfee has been at in procuring a title to the land and that James Durfee make or secure a right or title to the land to Edman Durfee, or satisfy him for his improvements on or before the 15th day of April next that or the hand of fellowship must be withdrawn from them also if James Durfee has placed the land beyond his control so that he can not make a title or satisfaction, he must be cut off and that Elder Isaac Morley be appointed to inform the Council whether James Durfee complies with the decision or not within the time specified. The decision was sanctioned by the Council.
Edman Durfee then made satisfaction for all that he had said or done amiss and agreed to abide the decision fo the Council after which Jame sDurfee made satisfactory acknowledgements, and also agreed to abide the decision.
Council adjourned till next Saturday at 9 o'clock A.M.
Hosea Stout, Clerk (2)

-- Mar 6, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6, 7, 8, & 9 Spent the time in the printing Office.
+ 10 I Wilford Woodruff testify that about 7 oclock PM I discoverd a stream of light in the south west quarter of the heavens. The rays of Light were in the form of a Broadsword with the hilt downward the Blade raised pointing from the west south west raised to an angle of 45 degrees from the horizen & extending nearly or within 2 or 3 degrees to the zenith of the degree whare the sign appeared. This sign gradually disappeared from half past 7 & at 9 oclock immediately disappeared.
The following is the declaration of Joseph the Seer conserning the foregoing sign:
As sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens & as sure as he ever spoke by me So sure there will be a spedy & Bloody war & the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
3 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
6 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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Mormon History, Mar 3, 1843 (Friday)

-- Mar 3, 1843 (Friday)
The Illinois legislature passed a bill for repealing the Nauvoo city charter, which, however, was not approved. (1)

-- About Mar 4, 1843
Orrin Porter Rockwell taken prisoner in St. Louis, MO. (2)

-- Mar 04, 1843
[Polygamy] to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Emily Dow Partridge, age 19 ,. Elder Heber C. Kimball officiating. Emily D. Partridge Smith testified that she "roomed" with Joseph the night following her marriage to him and said that she had "carnal intercourse" with him. See Temple Lot case (complete transcript), 364, 367, 384. SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Elder Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Page: 697 Marriages in Nauvoo Region 1839-45. Easton, S. Civil Marriages in Nauvoo 1839-45. Cook, Lyndon Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46 Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. (3)

-- Mar 4, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Joseph speaks to the city council encouraging them to accept only hard cash, gold, or silver, and not paper money. George A. Smith debates about capital punishment, stating that imprisonment is better than hanging. Joseph replies that he too is opposed to hanging, but advises shooting or decapitation so that the man's blood will be spilled. Joseph notes later that the battle of Gog and Magog will be after the millennium.Orrin Porter Rockwell, having been hiding out in Philadelphia, returns to Nauvoo by way of St. Louis. He gets off the steamboat in St. Louis, and while there is recognized and captured. This begins a Missouri prison stay lasting over nine months. During his imprisonment he tries to escape by stripping off his clothes and squeezing up a narrow stovepipe into an unlocked cell on the upper floor. Although he does reach the upper cell, he is so weak that he is unable to open the unlocked door. He climbs back down into the lower cell to regain his st
rength. When he again attempts this escape method, he passes out in the upper cell and is discovered. He will finally be tried in December of 1843, be sentenced to five minutes in prison (which will last five hours), and then be freed to walk back to Illinois. He reaches Nauvoo, having walked the skin off his feet, on Christmas night, 1843. (4)

[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Emily Partridge. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 4th 1843 9 A.M. Brother Benjamin Johnson and the brethren from Ramus who come for to bring provision /corn, pork, oats, flour, wheat, as per Bill/ at the house. Agreed to go with Hiram to Ramus one week [from] to day. Bro[ther] John wanted to know if they might build a meeting house in Ramus out of Church property. Joseph said the property of the Church should be disposed of as the church said. It was for them to decide not him.
There is a wheel. This is the Hub. We will drive the first spoke in Rome [Ramus], 2d Laharpe, 3d Shokokon [and] 4th Lima [Illinois settlements with Mormon populations]; that is 1/2 the wheel. The other half is over the fiver. We will let that alone at present. We will call the Saints from Iowa to these spokes then send Elders over and convert the whole. It is like a bank, they will not discount because they have plenty of specie. We will draw this specie. Then they will discount our paper. (Call for our address).
9 1/2 called at the office and gave instructions concerning making out the decision of court.
10 o'clock, opened City Council. Prayer B[y] Geo[rge] A. Smith. Bill regulating currency read. The Legislature of Illinois have long been trying to repeal the Charter of Nauvoo. Upon which the Mayor [Joseph Smith] made some [comments] as he had done on former occasions to shew the council and others that the Legislature cannot repeal a charter where there is no repealing clause. Upon which he read a letter from James Arlington Bennet to confirm his decision. Letter dated Arlington House February 1st 1843.
Spoke against [Alexander] Makenzie's murdering those boys Spencer &c. [for mutiny] as stated in Arlington's letter. Called it murder. The boys had the malary [malaria] on the coast of Africa and did not know what they did.
In debate on the bill, Geo[rge] A. Smith thought imprisonment better than hanging. Mayor said he was opposed to hanging. If a man kill another shoot him or cut his throat spilling his blood on the ground and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God. If I ever have the privilege of Making a law on this point I will have it so.
In reply to councillors who thought it impolitic to stop circulating uncurrent Bank notes at once. Mayor said he would use a figure and talk like a father to his children. If you want to kill a serpent, don't cut off his head for fear he will bite you, but cut off his tail piece by piece and perhaps you won't get bit. So with this bill. If paper currency is an evil put it down at once. Stop the circulation at once.
When councillors get up here let them talk sense. Great God where is common sense and reason? Is there none in the Earth? Why have the kanker lingering to sap our life? Get a 5 dollar bill can get nothing with it. Dare not touch it any one because it is a [-]. Shovel it out then.
I wish you had my soul long enough to know how good it feels. It is expedient when you strike at an enemy, strike the most deadly blow possible. (Hyde asked what the editer would do)? Mayor said advertise in the next paper to your agents to send you gold and silver as we take no paper here.
Prisoners may be kept in the city as safe as in the Prison of the state by chaining to a block with a guard and labor in blacksmith shops or any where else and never have a prisoner sent out of the city for imprisonment.
Bills passed to stop circulation of paper currency in the city, punish counterfeiting &c. by unanimous vote. Dr. Samuel Bennet[t] chosen Alderman, A[lbert] P. Rockwood fire warden for 1st ward. Elijah Fordham fire warden 2d ward. Charles C. Rich fire warden 3d ward. /Voted/ [to] opened an alley north and south through block 126. 1 1/2 P.M., Adjourned to next regular meeting.
Dined about 3 P.M. Cold, clear. Repaired to office with O[rson] Spencer.
Proverb: For a man to be a great man, he must not dwell upon small things though he may enjoy them. Spoken while entering the office. Explanation a prophet cannot be a scribe &c.
Joseph said to Dr. [Willard] Richards there is one thing you fail in as historian the naming or noticing surrounding objects, weather, &c.
The weather is extremely cold and freezing and has been almost continually since October. There was a breaking up of the ice in the River in February so that Boats passed from St. Louis to Quincy. The Falls were dear so that boats passed from Montrose to Keokuk, but the river has not been cleared yet from the Edwards Brick house and upwards.
The brethren have brought a multitude of wood on the ice from the opposite shore and the islands. Hundreds of cords per day. Ground clear except a little ice. {page 271 }
Brought in by Hyrum Smith, "Christian Soldier January 7th 1843" "41st article of court Martial laws." "No such sentence (that of death) shall be carried into execution until confirmed by the President of the United Sates, or if the trial take place out of the United States, until it be confirmed by the commander of the Fleet or Squadron. Capt[ain] M[akenzie]. does not rank as commander of the two latter."
Joseph "They'll hang Makenzie, or imprison him, or break him of his office"
The battle of Gog and Magog is after the Millenium. The[y] were command[ed] all to come up to Jerusalem to worship in the Millenium.
Continued to write on decision of court till 4 1/2 o'clock, then called at Bro[ther] Durphy's to see sick [two words crossed out, unreadable] /<Woodsworth>/ and Whitneys <and Kimballs> (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
3 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
4 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
5 - Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology'
6 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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