Mormon History, Jun 2, 1844

-- Jun 2, 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith was visited by John C. Calhoun Jr. and his brother Patrick, sons of John C. Calhoun, a senator from South Carolina who Joseph had met in Washington, D.C. in February 1840 and was now a candidate for United States president. (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, June 2nd 1844 At home. Pleasant day. (2)

Dominicus Carter polygamous marriage to Mary Durfee (3)

-- 1844: 3 June
[Patriarchal Blessings] Cynthia Hubbard. (Given by Hyrum Smith.)

"Sister Cynthia, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and bless you, and I seal you up unto Eternal Life and whatever I seal on earth shall be sealed in Heaven, a blessing by the Gift of God and a seal of promise, a blessing there is none greater. This is a reward laid up in rememberance of your pilgrimage and the desires and integrity of your heart, your firm reliance upon the merits of Jesus Christ, with unshaken confidence in the application of the Blood of the Lamb, through which cometh salvation, redemption and deliverance. Therefore you shall be blessed and have comfort and consecration henceforth and forever, and shall be blessed in your house and habitation, fields and possessions, in your incomings and outgoings and in days and in years. You shall have an inheritance in Mount Zion in the City of the New Jerusalem, with the remnants of the seed of Joseph, which blessing is according to the prophetic visions and lineage of your fathers, and y
our name shall be perpetuated in honor in the lineage of your posterity from generation to generation, and you shall have a home and a place in the mansions of your Father, as Sarah and Rachel. These blessings I seal upon your head, even so, Amen." (From typescript; Blessing Book Vol. 41, p. 354, LDS Archives.) [Age, 58; Scribe, ?] (4)

[Patriarchal Blessings] Noah Hubbard. (Given by Hyrum Smith.)

"Brother Noah, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to place and seal a blessing upon you in your declining years, the same is Patriarchal and prophetic to come to pass in the future, according to the will of God in answer to the desires of your heart from time to time, throughout all the days of your probation, for you shall be blessed temporally here on earth and spiritually moreover by and by. I ordain you an High Priest and unto the Holy Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek in this Church of Jesus Christ, to preach repentance and remission of sins and the endurance of faith. This blessing is for you in your old age, that you may be blessed with the Priesthood and the power of its administrations, and also to bear testimony in the eleventh hour of your days, and in the eleventh hour speaking after the manner of the Lord, and receive your blessing at the end of your days.

Therefore look and live and bear testimony wherever you may be of all the things you know and most assuredly believe, and the day cometh when you shall be blessed spiritually, and be remembered in mercy and honor and in your habitation and in your possessions, and in your fields and in your posterity, manifesting to your understanding from generation to generation, and your name shall be perpetuated and be blessed with an inheritance in the lineage of Jacob in Mount Zion, even with Joseph with the blessings of Ephraim to bear your head, and you shall go forth to and fro these many years. These blessings I seal upon your head, even so, Amen." (From typescript; Blessing Book Vol. 41, p. 354, LDS Archives.) [Age, 65; Scribe, ?] (4)

-- Jun 3, 1844
[Brigham Young] --3-- Went to Old Britain and preached in the evening to an attentive congregation. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, June 3rd 1844 At home. Received letter this morning signed Francis that 600 men were coming to sack the city from Burlington and get Dr. Hicko[c]k. Rode out on the Hill about 9 o'clock on the Hill.

Municipal court set. Was not present. Augustin Spencer, C[hauncey] L. Higbee, C[harles] A. Foster, R[obert] D. Foster, and C[hauncey] L. Higbee had cases but failed to appear. Refer[r]ed back to low court.

5 [P.M.] read German with [Alexander] N[e]iba[u]r. (2)

-- Jun 4, 1844
[Brigham Young] --4-- I left on board the packet Erie on the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal for Kirtland, in company with Brothers F. D. Richards and L. Brooks. (5)

Joseph Smith has himself appointed legal guardian for orphan girls Maria and Sarah Lawrence. Joseph has been secretly married to both of them for over a year. On this day he also decides to prosecute "Laws and Fosters for perjury, slander, &c.- in behalf of Maria Lawrence" William Law, former Second Counselor to Joseph, had accused Joseph of living with Maria Lawrence "in an open state of adultery" (6)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
3 - Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27
4 - Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

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Mormon History, May-June 1844

-- During May-June 1844
[Uncannonized Revelation] Revelation instructing Sidney Rigdon to go to Pennsylvania and to be a vice-presidential candidate. Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, May-June 1844. (Speech of Elder Orson Hyde, delivered before the High Priest's Quorum, in Nauvoo, April 27th 1845, upon the course and conduct of Mr. Sidney Rigdon, and upon the merits of his claims to the presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Liverpool: James and Woodburn, 1845]) (1)

-- Jun 1, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 1st Conference Minutes The Kalamazoo Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints met at Elder Ezekiel Lee, in Comstock, Kalamazoo Co. Michigan on the 1st day of June 1844. Their were present 2 of the quorum of the Twelve viz. W. Woodruff & G. A. Smith, 3 of the High Council viz. S Bent C. C. Rich & D Fulmer; 5 of the High Priest quorum viz. H. Green, Z. Coltrin, Moses Smith, E. Thayer & G Coltrin, 8 of the Seventies, viz. F Lee Thomas Dunn E. M. Webb, P. Webb, J. Hatch, J. H. Perry, W Hubbard, J. Vandeusan & D. Cornish, 14 Elders viz E. Lee, J Cramer, S. C. Willard, L. Ensign, C. Dunn, Norton Jacobs, D Savage, P. K. Smith &c. 2 Priest And 1 Deacon. Total 35.

Conference was Called to order by Elder Rich. Elder W. Woodruff was called to the Chair. Elders C. Dunn, & E. M. Webb chosen clerks. Conference opened by singing & Prayer by the President.

Representation of churches called for, when the following representation was given:

The Kalamazoo Branch rep By E. Lee ...

It was moved and carried that Gideon Brownell Jonathan Willard, And Charles Lee, be ordained Elders and Seth Taft to the office of a Priest And John W. Tyrril Teacher.

The above named persons were ordained unto the offices assigned them under the hands of Elders W. Woodruff G. A. Smith, Z. Coltrin, S. Bent & D. Fulmer.

It was moved and Carried that we sustain Elders Charles C. Rich & Harry Green, in their appointment to preside over the State of Michigan assigned them by the quorum of the Twelve.

The day was occupied in giving much important instruction to the Elders. The assembly was first addressed by the President, who was followed by Elders G. A. Smith, Samuel Bent, C. C. Rich, Z. Coultrin, Harvey Green, David Fulmer, Ezekiel Lee, Graham Coltrin, E. M. Webb & Crandell Dunn. The Elders were strictly Charged to keep within the limits of the first principles of the gospel & let mysteries alone. It was assertained that some were unwise had preached fals things. Such things were corrected.

The congregation was dismissed & the Elders Assembled together & was addressed by the President, & Elder G. A. Smith who forcibly urged home to their minds the necessity of their persuing a wise course in relation to their teaching, to let what they Called the mysteries alone. The names of some were called, as an exhample to the rest, who had been unwise in their teaching, among whom was Elders D. Cornish, & Keyzer. We were also informed that Elder Bottom was injuring the cause; As their was such a number of Elders present the greatest care was taken to give evry necessary information in regard to their missions that they might per sue a wise policy in all things assigned them. (2)

[Brigham Young] June 1.-- Brothers Kimball and Wight having proceeded to Washington, I attended conference in Pittsburgh with Elder John E. Page.

--2 (Sunday)-- I preached in the morning; afternoon, partook of the sacrament; evening Lester Brooks preached. (3)

Heber C. Kimball and Lyman Wight go to Washington; Brigham Young in Pittsburgh [per Brigham Young]. (4)

"Drank a glass of beer at Moissers," reads an entry in Joseph Smith's manuscript diary in reference to Frederick G. Moesser's "grog shop," which Joseph had condemned in a sermon on Aug 12, 1843. When the manuscript history is published as HISTORY OF THE CHURCH this sentence is omitted without indication. (5)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Joel Hamilton Walker of Boston, Massachusetts. (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, June 1st 1844 At home. Some gentle showers. 1 P.M. Rode out with Dr. Richards and O[rrin] P[orter] Rockwell called on Davis at the boat. /Paid Manhard $90.00/ Met G[eorge] J. Adams and paid him $50.00 to J[ohn] P. Green paid him and another bro[ther] $200.00 to [blank]. Excha[nge]d $100 Gold and a check. Drank a glass of beer at Moissers. Called at W[illia]m Clayton's while Dr. R[ichards] and Rockwell called at Dr. New House. Home 4 1/2 [P.M.]. [several lines left blank]

8 Eve Peter Maughn, John Sanders, and Jacob Pearl called with Dr. Richards to consult about a coal bed on Rock River. I suggested it would be profitable to employ the "Maid of Iowa" in the business of carrying the coal &c. Approved of this plan. (7)

-- Jun 2, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Sunday morning June 2d A large & respectable Audiance was assembled by 10 oclok A.M. which was composed of many of the most respectable citizens of the County, who were addressed in the forenoon by Elder W. Woodruff followed by Elder Z Coltrin And, in the Afternoon by Elder G. A. Smith, followed by Elders D. Fulmer S. Bent & C. C. Rich, all of which ably set forth the first principles of the gosepl of Christ, & deliverd their testimony (attended with the spirit & power of God) unto the audiante who sat in silence manifesting great interest and attention. At the Close of the meeting that warmth of friendship & /feeling of/ kindness of that marks the noble & generous soul was manifest by many of the assembly among whom was Gen. Comstock & Dr Hood.

At the adjournment of the conference the Elders were again called together & President C. C Rich Proceded to appoint the Elders their stations in the different Counties in the State. Adjourned sine die. W. Woodruff President

Crandell Dunn

E. M. Webb Clerks

We have had an interesting conference & good time with the Saints. General Rich manifested much wisdom in concocking his plans in carrying out his work both on politics & religion, in the State of Michigan this Season. We took up a collection to assist us on our mission & obtained $4.50 & I sold $8.25 cts worth of Books. We took the parting hand with many of the saints & Elders who began to scatter abroad.

We spent the night with Elder Lee. Elder Lee prooferd to Elder Smith if he would return he would give him 2 Boxes of fine Honey comb to take home with him one for his wife & one for mine. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Appendix B, Uncanonized Revelations Received by Joseph Smith (1831-44), http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
4 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
5 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron
7 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries

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Mormon History, May 30, 1844

-- May 30, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, May 30th 1844 10 A.M. Municipal Court Jeremiah Smith Sen[ior] on Habeus Corpus discharged and Do. Another petition same case on arrest of Luther W. Hicko[c]k Burlington. Adjourned court 1 [P.M.] to 3. 3 to 4 1/2 in court. Jeremiah Smith discharged.

Evening [U.S. marshall] F. B. Johnson as was reported was going to Burlington. Jeremiah Smith swore out execution [paid] $77.75. Johnson come forward and acknowledged fee bill.

Hicko[c]k called for copy of proceedings. Johnson threatened to bring the draggons [dragoons] &c. to get [Jeremiah] Smith. Pleasant. (1)

-- May 31, 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith administered to Sister Richards, who was sick; and he issued a warrant for the arrest of Thomas B. Johnson for threatening the peace of the city. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, May 31st 1844 9 A.M. Ordered a capias to arrest T[homas] B. Johnson for threatening the peace of the city with Draggon [dragoon] &c. H. Hugins made affidavit but Johnson had gone.

10 A.M. Called at my office and wrote. 1 P.M. was called to see Sister Richards who was very sick. Laid on hands. Directed some Raspberry tea and she was better. [met with Council of Fifty]] 2 or 3 Indians stay in hall over night. [several lines left blank] Pleasant. (1)

Council of Fifty convenes their seventeenth and last meeting prior to the death of Joseph Smith. (3)

-- During 1844, May to August
[Wilford Woodruff] Serves another mission in the eastern United States. (4)

-- During May 1844
Charles Coulson Rich: Mission to Michigan May 1844 to campaign for Joseph Smith as President of United States. (5)

Ezra Taft Benson: Mission to East May 1844. (5)

Hyrum Smith: Delegate to Illinois Democratic convention May 1844 and publicly recommended to be Illinois legislative candidate by William Smith q(5)

George Albert Smith: Took mission campaigning for Joseph Smiths candidacy for United States presidency May 1844. (5)

[Heber C. Kimball] Leaves to electioneer for Joseph Smith's candidacy for president of the United States. (7)

Heber Chase Kimball: Mission to East May 1844 to campaign for Joseph Smith as President of United States. (5)

[Nauvoo Temple] Josiah Quincy, Mayor of Boston, visited Nauvoo and overheard Joseph Smith tell a stone carver that the face on the sunstone was "very near" the face he saw in vision. (8)

Frank Henry was born on 23 Jan 1845. Many suspect Joseph Smith was the actual father for two reasons. First, because Marinda had been the polygamous wife of Smith since Apr 1842. Second, because Smith had sent her first husband, Orson Hyde, on a mission to Washington on April 4, 1844 "immediately" after a meeting with Joseph Smith (History of the Church, pg. 286). The gestation period for a human is on average 266, days (not 9 months), which would date the conception to early May 1844. Of course 266 is an average date and the figures vary. To give you an idea of the range, only four percent of pregnancies are actually carried two weeks or more beyond the average time (Guttmacher, 1983). Frank Henry was born on January 23, 1845. Orson Hyde left for Washington April 4, 1844. The difference in these two dates is 294 days! That is almost a month longer than expected and is basically physiologically impossible, especially considering that Orson Hyde had not returned to Nauvoo unti
l August 6, 1844 (Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, August 6, 1844). She later divorced Hyde and voiced her disgust of polygamy. Smith possible father of Frank Henry Hyde (by Nancy Marinda Hyde) . PLACE: Nauvoo, IL (9)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron
3 - Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)
4 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
6 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
7 - Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987, http://bit.ly/heberckimball
8 - Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple
9 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 26, 1844 (Sunday Morning)

-- May 26, 1844 (Sunday Morning)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] (Source: Thomas Bullock Diary 12 -Words of Joseph Smith, 377) At the Stand recording J. Smith's sermon. (1)

-- May 27, 1844
Joseph Smith goes to Carthage (after avoiding arrest) to face indictments for perjury and adultery. Returned same day, as they were not ready for a trial [per Joseph Smith]. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph starts out toward Carthage on horseback with several friends to meet the indictments head on. Soon after the Prophet reaches Hamilton's hotel, Charles A. Foster catches up with him, telling him there is a conspiracy against his life. He decides to leave for home as soon as he gets his bail. Samuel H. Smith of Montebello, hearing that Joseph is being held prisoner in Carthage, rides there immediately with twenty-five men. Joseph arrives home the next day. (3)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith, accompanied by friends, went to Carthage, Illinois, to attend the circuit court in answer to certain indictments against him. (4)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, May 27th 1844 About 8 o'clock I started on horse back with a few friends and passing by the Temple pursued my course to/wards/ Carthage thinking it best to meet my enemies before the Court and have my Indictments investigated. After I had passed my farm on the prairie /most of/ the following brothers joined me and the remainder soon after my arrival at Carthage: Aaron Johnson, Dr. Bernhisel, Joseph Coolidge, John Hetfield, O[rrin] P[orter] Rockwell, Lorenzo Rockwell, W[illia]m Walker, Harrison Sagers, Hyrum Smith, J[ohn] P. Green, John Green, Judge Richards, [Edward] Bonny, [Joseph B.] Nobles, Shadrach Roundy, Theodore Turley, Jedediah Grant, John Lytle, [Lucien] Woodworth, C[ornelius]. P. Lot, J[onathan]. Dunham and 2 or 3 more.

Arrived at "A. Hamilton's Carthage Hotel" about noon. Charles A. Foster come up with us 3 or 4 miles from the city and accompanied us to Carthage. Had considerable conversation and he appeared more mild than he had done [been] and as though he was almost persuaded he had been influenced by false reports to some extent.

Joseph Jackson, F[rancis] M. Higbee, and C[hauncey] L. Higbee were in A. Hamilton['s] Hotel when we arrived. Soon after our arrival Cha[rle]s A. Foster took me in a private room /as a friend/ and told me there was a conspiracy against my life. R[obert] D. Foster told some of the brethren there was evil determined against me (and that with tears in his eyes) and that there were those who were determined I should not go out of the village alive &c. Jackson was seen loading his pistol and swore he would have satisfaction of me and Hiram. I had [a] short interview with Judge Thomas who treated me with the utmost courtesy. He is a great man and a gentleman. After dinner (at the 2d or 3d table) we retired to our room and [as] Jackson who had been to the court house come towards the Hotel, some one told him Hyrum had arrived. When he turned immediately towards the Court House again. My Lawyers Messers Richardson, Babbit, and Skinner used all reasonable exertion to bring /forward/ m
y trial for Perjury but the prosecution party was not ready for trial. (One Withers a material witness was absent as they said) My attorney called frequently to report the state of the court and I was ready to join but the case was defer[r]ed till next term and I was left to give bail to the Sherif[f] at his option and he told me I might go home and he would call and take bail some time.

We immediately called for our horses and while they were harnessing C[hauncey] L. Higbee come to me and wanted I should stay as a witness in a certain case where he was employed and urged me considerably but I told him I did not recollect the occurance particularly enough to testify on the case and got him to excuse me. 4 1/2 [P.M.] We started and when we had got to Bro[ther] Grant's the rain commenced and I went into the house while most of the brethren went into the barn. While the shower abated as we left the tavern and passed the court House there were many people about in groups and Jackson stood on the green with one or 2 men some distance off. After the storm had subsided, we went forward and I and Hyrum and some others arrived at home about 9 o'clock and my carriage and J. B. Nobles a little while after. My carriage was upset on the Temple Hill but no one hurt. I rode on horseback all the way ([on] Joe Dunkin). Found Emma sick on my return.

While at Hamilton's C[hauncey] L. Higbee offered some insulting language concerning me to O[rrin] P[orter] Rockwell who resented it nobly as a friend ought to do. When Hamilton seeing it [he] turned Rockwell out of doors.

R[obert] D. Foster, Cha[rle]s A. Foster, Rolloson and Higbee were on the hill when I passed[, in the morning, and] as it was afterwards reported by Flack [they] gathered their pistols and horses and were in Carthage before me except Charles Foster.

Samuel Smith of Montebello heard at five in the morning that I had been taken prisoner to Carthage by mob [and] immediately gathered a co[mpany] of 25 men and arrived at Carthage about the time I did for the purpose of assisting me. (5)

-- May 28, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, May 28th 1844 At home. Rain in the P.M. (5)

-- May 29, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, May 29th 1844 At home. Dr. Luther W. Hi[ck]ock of Burlington, come in and arrested Jeremiah Smith on a warrant from Nathaniel Pope, Judge U.S. Circuit Court. During our conversation in the afternoon we learned to our Mutual joy that we were of one origin in our grandfathers, father Anthony Smith of Glasgow, Scotland. Rain A.M. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
3 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
4 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
5 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries

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About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 25, 1844

-- May 25, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, May 25th 1844 At home. Keeping out of the way of expected arrests from Carthage. Towards night the grand jury [members] Hunter [and] Marks returned from Carthage also Marshal Green and A[lmon] M. Babbit. [They] informed me [there] were 2 indictments found against me. One for false swearing by R[obert] D. Foster and Joseph Jackson and one for polygamy or something else by the Laws, the particulars of which I shall learn more hereafter. Much hard swearing before Grand Jury. Francis M. Higby swore so hard that I [understand he] had to [be] removed[, he says that I steal] states property &c. His testimony was rejected.

2 P.[M.] Joseph Jackson come in town/as I heard/. I instructed the officers to have him arrested for threatening life &c. Had a long talk with Hunter Marks, Babbit, Hyrum, Bonney, Dr. Richards, Roundy &c. and concluded not to keep out of their way any longer.

2 P.M. Council [of Fifty met] in my north Room. Letter from Hyde. Ordered an answer. Also made arrangements to have me [succeed Rigdon as postmaster to] have [control of] post office. Adjourned /to Friday next/week 2 o'clock. W[illard] Richards writes to Hyde for Council [of Fifty]. (1)

-- May 25, 1844, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] Saturday 25. A.M. at Prest J's Also P.M in council with the quorum. (2)

-- May 26, 1844
[Brigham Young] --26-- We reached Cincinnati; Brother Kimball and I went on shore and visited the brethren, and held a meeting with the elders on the 27th, at eight a.m. At ten a.m. proceeded on our way to Pittsburgh; Brother Lyman Wight preached on board; arrived at six p.m. on the 30th. (3)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 26th 1844 10 A.M. Preached at the stand about /Joseph/ Jackson and the mobocrats. Rode out in the P.M. Esq[ui]r[e] Richardson called on me with Babbit my Lawyers. A man came to me and said Eagle with others were intending to take Jeremiah Smith away in the night. I stationed the police to protect him. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] In a public discourse, "Joseph Smith denied specific rumors [about polygamy] but did not deny that he had had a revelation on plural marriage and had begun that practice. Afterward the Expositor published details of the revelation, but again the Prophet said nothing publicly to refute it" (R. L. Anderson, "Joseph Smith's Final," 331n12). (4)

-- May 26, 1844 (Sunday Morning)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] (Source: History of the Church, 6:408-12 -Words of Joseph Smith, 373-77) President Joseph Smith read the 11th Chapter II Corinthians. My object is to let you know that I am right here on the spot where I intend to stay. I, like Paul have been in perils, and oftener than anyone in this generation. As Paul boasted, I have suffered more than Paul did. I should be like a fish out of water, if I were out of persecutions. Perhaps my brethren think it requires all this to keep me humble. The lord has constituted me so curiously that I glory in persecution. I am not nearly so humble as if I were not persecuted. If oppression will make a wise man mad, much more a fool. If they want a beardless boy to whip all the world, I will get on the top of a mountain and crow like a rooster: I shall always beat them. When facts are proved, truth and innocence will prevail at last. My enemies are no philosophers: they think that when they have my spoke under, they will keep m
e down; but for the fools, I will hold on and fly over them.

God is in the still small voice. In all these affidavits, indictments, it is all of the devil-all corruption. Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on the top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet. You know my daily walk and converstion. I am in the bosom of a virtuous and good people. How I do love to hear the wolves howl! When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go. For the last three years I have a record of all my acts and proceedings, for I have kept several good, faithful, and efficient clerks in constant employ: they have

accompanied me everywhere, and carefully kept my history, and they have written down what I have done, where I have been, and what I have said; therefore my enemies cannot charge me with any day, time, or place, but what I have written testimony to prove my actions; and my enemies cannot prove anything against me. They have got wonderful things in the land of Ham. I think the grand jury have strained at a gnat and swallowed the camel.

A man named Simpson says I made an affidavit against him, &c. Mr. Simpson says I arrested him. I never arrested Mr. Simpson in my life. He says I made an affidavit against him in my life. I will prove it in court. I will tell you how it was: Last winter I got ready with my children to go to the farm to kill hogs. Orrin P. Rockwell was going to drive. An Englishman came in and wanted a private conversation with me. I told him I did not want any private conversations. "I demand one of you!" Such a one I am bound to obey anyhow. Said heâ€""I want a warrant against the man who stabbed Brother Badham. He said it was a man who boarded at Davis'. He said it was Mr. Simpsonâ€"it answered his description. I said I had no jurisdiction out of the city. He saidâ€""The man must be arrested, or else he will go away." I told himâ€""You must go to Squire Wells, Johnson, or Foster." Mr Lytle stepped up and saidâ€""I am a policeman." I jumped into my carriage, and away I went.

When I came back I met Mr. Jackson. He saidâ€""You did wrong in arresting Mr. Simpson." I told him I did not do it. I went over and sat down, and related the circumstances. He turned round and saidâ€""Mr. Smith, I have nothing against you; I am satisfied." He went and supped with me. He declared in the presence of witnesses, that he had nothing against me. I then saidâ€""I will go over to Esquire Johnson, and testify what the Englishman told me." I told him not to make out that I believe he is the man, but that I told him not to make out that I believe he is the man, but that I believe he is innocent. I don't want to swear that he is the man. Messrs. Coolidge, Rockwell, Hatfield, and Hawes were present.

Mr. Johnson made one out in due form: and as I sat down in a bustle the same as I do when one of the clerks brings a deed for me to sign. Johnson read it. I saidâ€""I can't swear to that affidavit; I don't believe it: tear up that paper." Mr. Simpson agreed to come before Badham and make it up. I did not swear to it.

After a while, Dr. Foster and others came in. They called me up to testify. I told it all the same as I do here. Mr. Simpson rose up, and askedâ€""Do you believe now that I am the man who stabbed Mr. Badham?" I repliedâ€""No sir, I do not now, nor ever did: the magistrate says I did not swear to it." He considered, and made a public declaration that he was satisfied with me.

Aaron Johnson went before the grand jury and swore I did not swear to it, when Dr. Foster goes and swears that I swore to it, and that he was in the room when he was not in. Chauncey wanted me to stay and have a conversation. Dr. Foster asked Aaron Johnson for the writ and affidavit. He handed them to Dr. Foster, who read them, and hten threw them into the fire. I saidâ€""Doctor, you ought not to have burned it; it was my paper." Dr. Foster goes to the grand jury and swears he did not burn only one; but I say he burnt both. This is a fair sample of the swearing that is going on against me.

The last discharge was the 40th; now the 41st, 42nd, 43rd; all through falsehood. Matters of fact are as profitable as the Gospel, and which I can prove. You will then know who are liars, and who speak the truth I want to retain your friendship on holy grounds.

Another indictment has been got up against me. It appears a holy prophet has arisen up, and he has testified against me: the reason is, he is so holy. The Lord knows I do not care how many churches are in the world. As many as believe me, may. If the doctrine that I preach is true, the tree must be good. I have prophesied things that have come to pass, and can still.

Inasmuch as there is a new church, this must be old, and of course we ought to be set down as orthodox. From henceforth let all the churches now no longer persecute orthodoxy. I never build upon any other man's ground. I never told the old Catholic that he was a fallen true prophet God knows, then, that the charges against me are false.

I had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven wives. I mean to live and proclaim the truth as long as I can.

This new holy prophet has gone to Carthage and swore that I had told him that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual wifeism! Why, a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being accused of this.

William Law testified before forty policemen, and the assembly room full of witnesses, that he testified under oath that he never had heard or seen or knew anything immoral or criminal against me. He testified under oath that he was my friend, and not the "Brutus." There was a cogitation who was the "Brutus." I had not prophesied against William Law. He swore under oath that he was satisfied that he was ready to lay down his life for me, and he swears that I have committed adultery.

I wish the grand jury would tell me who they areâ€"whether it will be a curse or blessing to me. I am quite tired of the fools asking me.

A man asked me whether the commandment was given that a man may have seven wives; and now the new prophet has charged me with adultery. I never had any fuss with these men until that Female Relief Society brought out the paper against adulterers and adulteresses.

Dr. Goforth was invited into the Laws' clique, and Dr. Foster and the clique were dissatisfied with that document, and they rush away and leave the Church, and conspire to take away my life; and because I will not countenance such wickedness, they proclaim that I have been a true prophet, but that I am now a fallen prophet.

Jackson has committed murder, robbery, and perjury; and I can prove it by half-a-dozen witnesses. Jackson got up and saidâ€""By God, he is innocent," and now swears that I am guilty. He threatened my life.

There is another Law, not the prophet, who was cashiered for dishonesty and robbing the government. Wilson Law also swears that I told him I was guilty of adultery. Brother Jonathan Dunham can swear to the contrary. I have been chained. I have rattled chains before in a dungeon for the truth's sake. I am innocent of all these charges, and you can bear witness of my innocence, for you know me yourselves.

When I love the poor, I ask no favors of the rich. I can go to the crossâ€"I can lay down my life; but don't forsake me. I want the friendship of my brethren.â€"Let us teach the things of Jesus Christ. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a downfall.

Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil. If you bring on yourselves your own destruction, I will complain. It is not right for a man to bear down his neck to the oppressor always. Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then triumph more gloriously. What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one.

I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and them I sent my brother Hyrum, whom they virtually kicked out of doors.

I then sent Mr. Backenstos, when they declared that they were my enemies. I told Mr. Backenstos that he might tell the Laws, if they had any cause against me I would go before the Church, and confess it to the world. He [William Law] was summoned time and again, but refused to come. Dr. Bernhisel and Elder Rigdon know that I speak the truth. I cite you to Captain Dunham, Esquires Johnson and Wells, Brother Hatfield and others, for the truth of what I have said. I have said this to let my friends know that I am right.

As I grow older, my heart grows tenderer for you. I am at all times willing to give up everything that is wrong, for I wish this people to have a virtuous leader, I have set your minds at liberty by letting you know the things of Christ Jesus. When I shrink not from your defense will you throw me away for a new man who slanders you? I love you for your reception of me. Have I asked you for your money? No; you know better. I appeal to the poor. I say, Cursed be that man or woman who says that I have taken of your money unjustly. Brother Babbitt will address you. I have nothing in my heart but good feelings. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
4 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book
5 - The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Mormon History, May 24, 1844

-- May 24, 1844
[Brigham Young] --24-- William Smith preached: the passengers treated us respectfully: good captain and mate. (1)

Telegraph introduced by Samuel Morse with first telegraphed message on ―lightening line from Baltimore, Maryland, to Congress in Washington, D. C. saying ―What hath God wrought? The introduction of the telegraph, was the first time in human history messages could travel faster than the fastest form of transportation. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph H. Jackson also swears out a writ against Joseph. Rockwell and Johnson reach Carthage to find that a jury has already been called for Joseph's case, and it is too late to change the warrant. (3)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, May 24th 1844 With my family. Aaron Johnson, and O[rrin] P[orter] Rockwell went to Carthage to get R[obert] D. Foster indicted but they returned as the grand jury had risen [to consider charges of adultery and perjury]. Joseph Jackson was there and swore vs. me.

Tarried with my family till 6 [P.M.]. Eve went into Dr. Bernhisels room. Had council with Bro[thers] Phelps and Richards. Ordered City council called tomorrow and protective ordinance passed on habeus Corpus.

Returned to my family. In about 1 hour central committee [of Council of Fifty] wrote to Hugh Clark Alderman, corner of 4th and Martin Streets, Phil[adelphia], P[ennslyvani]a on election.

Rain this eve. It has been very pleasant for some days. (4)

-- May 25, 1844
Anointed Quorum "council" meeting at Joseph Smith's house in the afternoon . (5)

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25th We rode to Bertrand township, Berrian Co State of Michigan & spent the night with Br Gideon Brownell. Distance 20 miles.

Notes of the Country

From Ottaway to Newark is a fine prarie country with a mixture of timber, good improvements set-telled mostly with eastern people. 9 miles west of Ottaway is a Norwegian Settlement (about 50 Saints among them). From Newark to Juliett is a fine country well improved. Mount Joylett stands about 3 miles from Juliett a splendid work of art. Canal passes through Juliett. It is a fine town. From Juliett east the land is not so good on to Indiana line. More wet & swampy.

As we Come near the Indiana line we struk a sand ridge with a large swamp or swail on the North, a miserable country not worth paying taxes for except the timber. Many dwellings we passed all empty.

We passed this kind of country to woods mills which is in Lake Co most of which is poor even on to Valperazo in Porter Co Ia. About 12 miles west of Laport the land begins to improve for several miles. Their is a great forest of shugar maple beach oak & a great variety of timber which is Joined on the east by a most splendid prairie under a high state of improvement to Laport which is the beauty of the State of Indian.

The land was poor about 5 miles to Niles. Niles is a flourishing town. We soon come to a forest of heavy timber of beach maple, Ash, Oak, & untill we reached little prairie round which is a fine prairie. Their is much good timber between little prairie round & Kallamazoo yet the land is mostly poor, many oak barrens, sandy, & stoney land. We pronounced Kalamazoo the best town we had seen since we left Nauvoo. The town of Comstock north of Calamazoo River is heavy timberd. The Country is ordinary ever [Â…] of land. (6)

Joseph Smith Jr.: Indicted for perjury and polygamy 25 May 1844, released on bail and case postponed (7)

While Joseph Smith keeps "out of the way of expected arrests from Carthage" for perjury and polygamy, the Council of Fifty "made arrangements to have" Joseph installed as postmaster for Nauvoo "and have control of the post office." (8)

Joseph learns that two indictments have been sworn out against him. William Law has charged Joseph with polygamy; Robert D. Foster and Joseph H. Jackson have charged him with false swearing. The high council in Nauvoo begins its counterattack against those attacking the character of Joseph Smith. They publish the sworn testimony of four Nauvoo women who claim that "Chauncey L. Higbee had brought about their ruin by deceit" by seducing them with the supposed approval and authorization of Joseph Smith. "The character of Chauncey L. Higbee is so infamous, and his exertions such as to destroy every principle of righteousness, that forbearance is no longer a virtue." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 6:407.)Sidney Rigdon resigns the office of postmaster of Nauvoo and recommends Joseph Smith as his successor. (Apparently Joseph had been pressuring Sidney to resign ever since their disagreement the previous year in which Joseph charged him with
corresponding and conspiring with John C. Bennett against Joseph. He had also suspected Sidney, as postmaster, of readingâ€"and not deliveringâ€"some of Joseph's personal mail.) (3)

Footnotes:
1 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
2 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
3 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
4 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power
6 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
7 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
8 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

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Mormon History, May 23, 1844

-- May 23, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, May 23d 1844 With my family reading Hebrew with [Alexander] Neibaur and counselling with various friends. Emma some better. /10 A.M. Municipal Court. N[ewel] K. Whitney adjourned 1 week.

/1 P.M. Held council with the Indians Sac and Fox &c. in my back kitchen. They told me (Joseph) "You are a big chief. We are sons of /2 as/ big men /and Priests/ as ever inhabited this land. You preach a great deal so say great Spirit, you be as great and good as our fathers that will do. Our worship is different, but we are good as any other men. Before our nation were acquainted with white men, they were as great men as ever lived on the river, now live on Desmoines. 20 y[ea]rs ago [there was] 6,000 of us, now [we are a] small nation. 3 towns 2 [-] not over yesterday. They talk with big spirit. We have had possession of this land. Neohope is one of our principle men. We wish friendship with all men. Our chiefs done wrong in selling our country.

"Black Hawk's bro[ther] Maquisto Fox Nation worshipped on this piece of ground. When our Fathers first came here this was inhabited by Spanish. When driven off French came and then the English and Americans talk a great deal with the G[r]eat spirit. We different colour, no difference. We all good men. Another said we have seen a great deal of pleasure on this piece of land. Our fathers worshipped on this piece of land. English were very friendly. Had good. We drove off a nation who was on their river. This is the best country our fathers had seen. Fathers of the 2 old men were preachers. Wanted Joseph to be as good as they were. 2 Nations are brothers. Wanted Joseph to talk right to be our big chief white men wear hats. Indians naked [-]. English, French, Indian all brethren. Don't expect to live long. Don't care for any thing only for something to eat &c. Friendly visit. 2 days. Sac chief sold their land again and would go to M[iss]o[uri] in 2 years. We are very poor. White
s cheat us. But no difference not long to live. We wanted to let you know we were a Christian people."

I replied "We know you have been wronged, but we bought this land and paid our money for it. Advise you not to sell any more land. Cultivate peace with all men with the different tribes. Great spirit wants you to be united and live in peace. Found a book (presenting the Book of Mormon) which told me about your fathers and Great spirit told me. You must send to all the tribes you can and tell them to live in peace and when any of our people come to see you treat them as we treat you."

3 P.M. Indians commenced a war dance in front of my old house. Our people commencing with music and firing cannon. After the dance which lasted about 2 hours firing of cannon closed the exercise. With our music marched back to office. Before they commenced dancing the Saints collected $9.45 cents for to get them food. Soon after the dance commenced, [someone] come to my clerk Dr. Richards and told him an officer was on the way with an attachment for him. He had come from Carthage 12.30 mi[les] to bring the news. Dr. R[ichards] come to my house and staid all night. Aaron Johnson come from Carthage and said Foster had been swearing that I swore to the affidavit on which Simpson was arrested &c. I instructed Johnson and Rockwell to go to Carthage in the morning and have him indicted for perjury as I never did swear to the complaint. His officer was after John D. Parker also and /Report says B[righam] Young and W[illia]m C. Kimball/. Past nine eve I walked a little way with Dr.
Richards for exercise.

Several police out during the night. Hyrum was in this evening and cautioned me about speaking so freely about my enemies and in such a manner they could make it actionable. I told him 6 months would not roll over his head before they would swear 12 as palpable lies about him as they had about me. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] William Law accuses Joseph of adultery/polygamy. Joseph H. Jackson and Robert Foster swear a writ against Joseph on 24 May for false swearing. For the next few weeks, Joseph and Hyrum Smith engage in a flurry of accusations and counteraccusations with William and Wilson Law, charging each other with counterfeiting, sexual immorality, and other illegal acts, including alleged attempts by both Joseph and William to hire Joseph H. Jackson to kill the other. (2)

William Law files a formal complaint with the Hancock County circuit court charging Smith was living "in an open state of adultery" with Maria Lawrence, Smith's foster daughter and polygamous wife. Maria Lawrence was a teenaged orphan who was living in the Smith household. In fact, Smith had secretly married both Maria, age 19 ,and her sister Sarah, age 17 on 11 May 1843 and was serving as executor of their $8,000 estate. William Law apparently hoped that disclosing Smith's relationship with the young girls might lead him to abandon polygamy, but Smith immediately excommunicated Law, had himself appointed the girls' legal guardian, and rejected the charge in front of a church congregation on 26 May 1844, denying that he had more than one wife. Suit filed against Smith for adultery with foster daughter . PLACE: Hancock County Circuit Court, IL SOURCE: Joseph Smith, History of the Church, Vol. 6, p.403, Mormon Polygamy: A History, p.66 (3)

-- May 24, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24th We rode to Laport, Laport Co Ia & spent the night with Elder Wm. Rudd. Distance 28 miles. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book
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, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 21, 1844

-- May 21, 1844
Lyman Wight: On 21 May 1844 left Nauvoo on mission to advocate Joseph Smith for President of United States. Preached and campaigned in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Baltimore. (1)

-- May 21, 1844 (Tuesday)
Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Lyman Wight, and about a hundred other Elders, left Nauvoo, Ill., on political missions to the East. Apostles Wilford Woodruff and Geo. A. Smith and others had left on the 9th. (2)

-- May 21, 1844, Wednesday
[William Clayton Writings] On 21 May 1844, ... Clayton reported that when Joseph had ridden outside of Nauvoo to keep away from an officer with a subpoena, he sent Clayton to find out how Emma felt about Joseph returning home. ``I found her crying with rage and fury because he had gone away,'' he said. ``She wanted him to go home. I came and told him & he returned home at 9 o clock.'' What Clayton did not report was that Emma was very ill at the time and Joseph was evidently worried about her. See Smith, History of the Church, 6:398-99. (3)

-- May 22, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d We took away the licence from two Elders viz. Theophiles Walter Nixon and his licence was signed by George Coulson Laharp and Arariah L Maul, licence signed by T. W. Nixon. We all rode together. 8 of us in company & /G A Smith/ spent the night at Br Chapmans & I at Br Duals with Br Wilsons 24 miles east of Juliet Will Co Ill in 7 miles of Ia line. 24 mils. (4)

[Brigham Young] --22-- We arrived in St. Louis; I preached in the evening; the branch numbered about 700 members. (5)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith spent the day at home, watching for the officers from Carthage who were determined to arrest him. (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, May 22nd 1844 At home. The officer after me from Carthage watching. At 10 [A.M.] about 40 Indians come up in front of the Mansion. 4 or 5 mounted among whom was Blackhooks['s] brother, Kiskishkee &c. I was obliged to send them word I could not see them at present and they encamped in the Council Chamber. P.M. to night with the police on duty some individuals lurking around. Loveland and others. Very pleasant day. (7)

-- May 23, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23d Crossed the line into Indiana & rode to Br Maine's & spent the night 8 miles of Val Parazo Porter Co Ia. 28 miles. (4)

[Brigham Young] --23-- We left St. Louis on board the Louis Phillippe. Captain J. J. Worman, with about two hundred passengers; many of them were from the Osprey. I was called upon to deliver a lecture on the principles of the Church, which allayed some prejudice which had been manifested against the elders on board. (5)

William Law: Filed affidavit 23 May 1844 charging Joseph Smith Jr. with adultery, resulting in arrest warrant q(1)

William Law files a formal complaint with the Hancock County circuit court charging Joseph Smith was living "in an open state of adultery" with Maria Lawrence, Smith's foster daughter and polygamous wife. Smith is indicted and arrested for adultery but is acquitted by Nauvoo municipal court. Polygamy is illegal in Illinois at this time. Smith had previously and publicly accused Law of adultery. However there had been no mention of adultery at Law's excommunication trial. (9)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith spoke with the Sac and Fox Indians who had arrived the previous day. (10)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph's clerk tells him that an officer is coming to arrest him; William Law has accused him of adultery. When Joseph hears of another false charge that is being brought against him, he sends Aaron Johnson and Orrin Porter Rockwell to Carthage to swear out a complaint of perjury against Dr. Foster, who had made the false charge. (11)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith prophesied to his brother Hyrum Smith that their enemies would lie about him the same as they had about Joseph. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
3 - Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
6 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
7 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
8 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
9 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
10 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron
11 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

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Mormon History, May 19, 1844

-- May 19, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 19th 1844 Cloudy morning. At home. Lyman Wight preached at the stand. Rain commenced about twelve. Bonney returned from the east. [several lines left blank]

Prayer Meeting at P.M. Was dispensed with. So muddy and rainy. About 12 men [and] 2 women attending.

Eve I talked a long time in the bar Room. Judge Phelps read my rejoinder to Clay. Esq[ui]r[e] Reid my old Lawyer present.

Fog[g]y and wet. "Maid of Iowa" has not arrived 10 o'clock. (1)

-- May 20, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th I wrote a letter to Mrs Woodruff & sent her $5 dollars. We sent a copy of the minutes of the conference for publication. G. A. Smith sent a few lines to his wife in the same. We mailed the letter in Newark.

In the evening we all met at the school house to deliver a political lecture. I called the meeting to order & made some introductory remarks & introduced to the assembly Mr Henry Jacobs, who arose & read General Joseph Smiths views of the powers and policy of the government of the United States, to the assembly after which I introduced to the meeting Mr David Fulmer who addressed the assembly in an interesting manner. Showed that Gen Smith took a line between the two parties on the banking system & ever thing els almost.

I arose and followed him and urged our claims & rights to cast our votes for a president. Spoke of our persecutions, & the danger the whole people of the United States were in of being destroyed by misrule & mob law if they permitted that principle to triumph.

I was followed by Elder Mr Smith who deliverd a spirited address upon politicks. Spoke of his fathers fighting in defence of our country. Spoke of the treatment we had received from the hands of Vanburen & Clay, & Calhoon &c. All who had spoken had the assistance of the Lord.

When we closed a certain Dr Smith arose and hurrand the people in a vile manner & raised a row. Their was some prospect of fighting, but with soft words we turned away wrath & returned home in peace, & spent the night with Br Wilseys. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, May 20th 1844 Emma continues sick. Am with her most of the time. 10 A.M. there was a public meeting on the Stand to obtain means for Lyman Wight to go to Washington.

Circuit Court. Bro[ther] Phelps and many brethren went. Phelps returned same day /or a summons was suffered to be issued for/ Joseph was summoned to appear on complaint of F[rancis] M. Higbee on same case. I was set free on habeus corpus on the 8 in[s]t[ant]. The Lawyers agreed to move an abatement. Judge Adams presiding. A good influence in favor of the Saints prevailed [and a change of venue to McDonough County was ordered]. (1)

-- May 21, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 st We rode to Juliett & spent the night with Mr Dana. We held a meeting in a large school room & deliverd a lecture upon politicks. Mr G. A. Smith called the house to order & introduced me to the assembly & I arose & felt inspired by the spirit of God, & declaired in their midst our rights. Spoke of our persecutions, General Smith's views, our treatment by the government ie. the Judiciary, Leg-eslative and Execative department of Missouri & the United States.

I was followed by Mr D. Fulmer & G. A. Smith. We had the best attention of the people & a good impression was made. Distance of the day 30 miles. (2)

[Brigham Young] --21-- I started on my mission to the East in company with Elders H. [Heber] C. Kimball and L. [Lyman] Wight on board the steamer Osprey; Captain Anderson. On our way to St. Louis Brother Wight preached. (3)

Lyman Wight: Given "white [seer?] stone" by Joseph Smith Jr. and ordained to be like Moses (between 14-21 May 1844) (4)

Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Lyman Wight of the Twelve leave Nauvoo on a mission to preach and to promote Joseph Smith's candidacy for president of the United States. (5)

The apostles and most other LDS leaders leave Nauvoo to campaign for Joseph Smith. (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, May 21st 1844 At home. Very pleasant morning. Rode out with O[rrin] P[orter] Rockwell on horseback.

7 A.M. B[righam] Young, H[eber] C. Kimball, Lyman Wight, and about 100 Elders went on the Osprey for St. Louis. Maid of Iowa arrived.

At home towards night with Emma who is some better. Shovelled dirt on the ditch while Wasson stood on the corner of the fence to watch. A man came to find me having a summons and attachment to take me to Carthage. Could not find me. "Maid of Iowa" went up about 3 P.M. Rode out in the evening with W[illia]m Clayton to see Yearsly['s] little child who is sick. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
4 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
5 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
6 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 17, 1844

-- May 17, 1844
A state convention held in Nauvoo nominates Joseph Smith as a candidate for president of the United States. After James Arlington Bennett is found to be ineligible (being of foreign birth) and Colonel Solomon Copeland declines the offer, Sidney Rigdon is chosen as his running mate. (1)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith was nominated as a United States presidential candidate for the National Reform Party at the Illinois state convention. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, May 17th 1844 In convention of the state in my office called to promote my Election Gen[eral] Brown Chairman, Merryweather secretary. Minits [minutes] to be published in next paper. Rode out towards night About 6 [P.M.].

Evening a caucus in my office. Dr. Goforth Chairman. Emma was sick and I could not attend. The people burned a barrel of Tar [in front of the Mansion], gave many toasts. Carried me on their shoulders twice round the fire and escorted me to my Mansion by a band of music.

Franklin D. Richards and Joseph A. Stratton were ordained High Priests and set apart on a mission to England by B[righam] Young, H[eber] C. Kimball, and W[illard] Richards of the Twelve [Apostles]. (3)

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Nauvoo Neighbor 2 (22 May 1844)

When Gen. Smith was called upon, he spoke with much talent, and ability and displayed a great knowledge of the political history of this nation, of the cause of the evils under which our nation groans, and also the remedy. [Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards] (4)

[Lucy Mack Smith] At a "state convention" in Nauvoo, Joseph's candidacy is again affirmed by men representing the various states. (5)

-- May 17, 1844 (Friday)
A State convention was held at Nauvoo, Ill., in which Joseph Smith was nominated as a candidate for the Presidency, and Sidney Rigdon for the Vice Presidency, of the United States. (6)

-- May 18, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] May 18th Conference met in Georgetown Newark Kendle co. at one oclok P.M. There were present W. Woodruff & G. A. Smith of the quorum of the Twelve 1 High Priest, 2 Seventies, 9 Elders, 1 Priest, 1 Teacher. Conference Called to order by Elder Woodruff. Elder G. A. Smith Called to the Chair. Conference opened by singing and Prayer by the President. Representation of the several branches Called for. Archibal M. Wilson reprepresented the Newark branch: ...

It was moved sooon & carried that:

Canute Peterson Levi Lightfoot

Severt Olson Simpson D. Huffaker

Zimri H. Baxter Mades Madison

Vance Jacobs And Oder Jacobson

be ordained Elders. Also Henry Saba be ordained A Priest. Also Ole Johnson & Peter Maclin be ordained Teachers All of which persons were then ordained unto the offices assigned them under the Hands of Elders W. Woodruff G. A. Smith & Ezra Thayer.

Appropriate remarks were then made by Elders Woodruff & Smith by way of council & instruction to those who had been ordained, & was followed by Elder David Savage. Adjourned to Sunday 10 oclok. (7)

The Prophet first published in New York City; William Smith, editor. Published until May 24, 1845, when it was succeeded by the New York Messenger, which continued its voluming. Successive editors include Sam Brannan and Parley P. Pratt. (8)

[Joseph Smith Diary] May 18th 1844, Saturday 9 A.M. With H[eber] C. Kimball to B[righam] Young's and af[ter]wards rode out to the regimental Taining and in the afternoon also on Jo Duncan about land &c.

5 P.M. 2 cannons were fired in front of my old home and regiment dismissed. (3)

[Lucy Mack Smith] James Blakesley, Francis M. Higbee, and Austin Cowles are excommunicated. (5)

-- May 18, 1844 (Saturday)
The first number of The Prophet, a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the Church, was issued in New York City, by a society of Saints. (6)

-- May 19, 1844
[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle meeting "was dispensed with on account of mud and rain"; "About 19 men [and] 2 women attending" . (9)

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th Met persuant to adjournment. Opened by singing, & prayer by Elder A.M. Wilsey. A discourse was then deliverd by Elder W. Woodruff in which he instructed the Elders to be careful to preach the first principle of the gospel & doctrin of Christ & not spend their time in warring with the opinions of other men. Showed the importance of revelation, & the necessity of A prophet of God as the head of the Church on earth, being as necessary in order to exhist & advance in knowledge as for a natural body to possess a head in order to live. He considerd we were enjoying the society of as good a prophet in this day as any people ever enjoyed any age of the world, & believed all good men would think so when they became fully aquainted with him & his principles.

He was followed by Elder G. A. Smith who bore testimony to the truth of the fullness of the gospel. Councilled the Elders to be humble, and not get head & sholdiers above their brethren lest they fall like the tallest trees of the forest that are first swept down by the raging storm & made many appropriate remarks which was well received by the congregation. Adjourned untill 2 oclok.

Met according to adjournment at the House of Br Manchester when the sacrament was administered to the Church & many testimonies given from the Elders & members present concerning the truth of the work they had recieved, & conference was dismissed amid the best of feelings, not ownly which was manifested by all the Saints, but by the whole congregation of citizens that attended. Good order prevailed through the whole conference. Attention kindness and civility was manifest by all who were present.

Geo A Smith, President Asa Manchester, Clerk

At the Close of the conference Elders Charles C Rich David Fulmer & Henry Jacobs Arived direct from Nauvoo & spent the night with us. (7)

Footnotes:
1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
3 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
4 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook
5 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book
6 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
7 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
8 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
9 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 13, 1844

-- May 13, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, May 13th 1844 /Rain this morning/ At home. At 9 A.M. called a meeting of the [Council of Fifty of the] Kingdom [of God]. 10 A.M. went to my office conversed with several of the brethren.

Sold Ellis M. Sanders 100 acres of land. Rec[eive]d 300 dollars cash and his note for $1,000 and $20 for Temple. Paid Sisson Chase $298.00 and took up note of Kimball, Taylor, and Young given for money they had borrowed for me and $10.00 to H[eber] C. Kimball.

2 P.M. Meeting of Lyceum [Council of Fifty]. Letter of O[rson] Hyde April 25th and one [of the] 26[th] read [from the] city [of] Washington. Clerk [was] instructed to answer and Lyman Wight and H[eber] C. Kimball to go and carry it. See minutes of the meeting. Adjourned at 5 [P.M.] and letter of W[illard] Richards Sec[retary of the Council] to O[rson] Hyde and O[rson] Pratt, May 13[th] 1844.

6 P.M. Steamer of "Maid of Iowa" returned from Rock River with 400 bu[shels] corn [and] 200 wheat for Temple and some for St. Louis.

8 eve Joseph went on the Maid of Iowa with Dr. Richards and returned in a few minutes. Pleasant weather. (1)

Council of Fifty meet. (2)

-- May 13, 1844, Tuesday
[William Clayton Writings] The rest of the trip was uneventful, and at 5:30 in the afternoon of May 13 Clayton arrived in Nauvoo and reported his success to the president of the church. (3)

-- May 14, 1844
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle meeting at 4 p.m., "few present"; anointing and endowment for Lyman Wight: "Initiating Lyman Wight--in Quorum" . (4)

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14th Spent the fore part of the day at Br Lane's. Met at the Toulon Court House at 2 oclok according to appointment. When we arived the methodist had Collected saying they had an appointment at the same hour. We adjourned ours to Br Perrys. Before we arived at his house the M Preacher Came & wished us to hold our meeting in the Court House according to appointment. We did so. I preached & was followed by a few remarks by Elder Smith. We dissmissed our meeting & we stoped & herd the methodist preach his discourse. We spent the night at Br Lanes.

We wrote a letter to the Editor of the Times. (5)

Lyman Wight: Anointed Quorum 14 May 1844 but not second anointing (6)

The last initiation into Joseph Smith's Quorum of the Anointed is performed. This is probably the date Joseph ordains Lyman Wight for his Texas mission and gives him "a white stone." William Law, former counselor to Joseph Smith, writes in his diary: "[Joseph] ha[s] lately endeavored to seduce my wife, and ha[s] found her a virtuous woman." (7)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, May 14th 1844 At home. Rode out early in the morning say /about/ 7 o'clock. "Maid of Iowa" started for St. Louis Capt[ain] Repshor, Bullock Clerk, about 9 nine A.M.

About noon it was reported that the Foster party were at Marr's store sealing letters to the Governors of all the states.

This P.M. my Old Lawyer [John Reid] gave a lecture on the stand stating the difficulties I had formerly encountered. I spoke after he had closed and continued my history to the present time.

4 P.M. Prayer Meeting, few present. Prayed for Bro[ther] Woodworth's daughter who was sick. Lyman Wight was present [and anointed]. (1)

Lyman Wight: Received endowment 14 May 1844. (8)

The endowed quorum meets and Lyman Wight receives temple ordinances. (2)

-- May 14, 1844 (Tuesday)
Elders Noah Rogers and Benjamin F. Grouard landed at Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands, as the first Latter-day Saint missionaries to that group. (9)

-- May 15, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th A rainy day & we drove all day in the rain and stoped all night in Indian Town. Br Thayer & Son stoped at the Tavern & Elder G. A. Smith & myself spent the night at Mr Dunns. Distance 33 m. (5)

Josiah Quincy interviews Joseph Smith in Nauvoo. As a "Boston Brahmin" and soon-to-be mayor of Boston, Quincy is the first prominent American leader to request a meeting with and LDS president. In his 1883 FIGURES OF THE PAST Quincy writes: "What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? and it is by no means improbable that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written: 'Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet.'" Joseph Smith shows Quincy the Egyptian Papyrus and says, "That is the handwriting of Abraham, the father of the Faithful. This is the autograph of Moses, and these lines were written by his brother Aaron. Here we have the earliest account of the creation from which Moses composed the First Book of Genesis" When questioned about an illustration on the papyrus of a snake having legs Joseph replies, "Before the Fall snakes always went about on legs, just like chickens. They were deprived
of them, in punishment for their agency in the ruin of man." After showing the mummies and papyri Joseph tells Quincy and his traveling companion, "Gentlemen, those who see these curiosities generally pay my mother a quarter of a dollar" (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
2 - Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)
3 - Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries
4 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power
5 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
6 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
7 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
9 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, May 12, 1844

-- May 12, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12th Sunday We parted with Br Ames family. He accompanied us on our way 12 miles to the big mound & we parted with him & he returned & we continued on to walnut grove & stoped at Br John Gaylord & fed the Horses. I accompanied Br Grant to his fathers house. He found them well except his mother was some out of health. His father Joshua Grant was a school mate of my fathers in Connecticut. Told an anacdote concerning a coon & a cheese.

After spending 2 hours plesantly & dining with them we took our departure & rode to Fraker's Groove & spent the night with Br Austin Grant & Gideon Gillet. Distance of the day 31 miles. (1)

William Smith: Anointed Quorum 12 May 1844 but not second anointing (2)

Joseph Smith publicly exclaims, "I calculate to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom of Daniel by the word of the Lord, and I intend lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world." A few hours later "about three hundred" people attend a meeting of William Law's Reformed Church in Nauvoo and listen to sermons against "the Spiritual wife doctrine" and "Smith's plan of uniting Church and State." (3)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 12th 1844 At home. 10 A.M. Preached at the stand touching many things. Hyrum spoke also Lyman Wight.

/Joseph/ 3 P.M. Prayer Meeting at council room. W[illia]m Smith and Almon /W./ Babbit were present [and initiated into quorum of the annointed]. A full room prayed for deliverance from our enemies and exaltation to such officers as will enable the Servants of God to execute Righteousness in the Earth. (4)

The endowed quorum meets and two new members receive temple ordinances: William Smith and Almon W. Babbitt.. (5)

William B Smith: Received endowment 12 May 1844. (6)

-- May 13, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th I wrote a letter to Mrs Woodruff & sent By Elder Grant. Informed her to write to kirt-land. We had a rainy morning. We parted with Elder Grant and rode to Toulon and spent the night with Br Adam Perry. Held a meeting with the Saints & appointed a meeting at the Court House at 2 oclock on the morrow. Distance of the day 9 m. (1)

William Law: Told by Sidney Rigdon 13 May 1844 that he could be rebaptized and restored as counselor, but William Law refused unless Joseph Smith Jr. publicly acknowledged his polygamy and abandoned it (2)

William Law, former counselor to Joseph Smith, writes in his diary: "[Joseph] ha[s] lately endeavored to seduce my wife, and ha[s] found her a virtuous woman." Law also notes in his journal his response to Sidney Rigdon concerning the terms he would need to forgo publishing the NAUVOO EXPOSITOR: "if they wanted peace they could have it on the following conditions. That Joseph Smith would acknowledge publicly that he had taught and practised the doctrine of plurality of wives, that he brought a revelation supporting the doctrine, and that he should own the whole system (revelation and all) to be from Hell." (3)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives a letter from Orson Hyde in Washington and discusses it in general council. Orson Hyde writes that Joseph's proposal that he be empowered to raise 100,000 volunteers will probably not be passed. However, Orson Hyde does have several discussions with prominent legislators who give him good advice about the possibility of moving to Oregon or Texas, or even California. Unfortunately, however, since many Missourians are moving to Oregon, Hyde says that the move, if it is to be made, must be made at once. Hyde also describes his meeting with President Tyler, whom he describes as a "very plain, home spun, familiar, farmer-like man." Stephen A. Douglas recommends Oregon and says "he would resign his seat in Congress if he could command the force that Mr. Smith could, and would be on the march to the country in a month." Elder Hyde also hints of the probable coming war with Mexico, if Texas is admitted into the Union, and says that Orson Pratt and Elde
r Hyde himselfsubmitted a bill asking for $2 million in relief for the sufferings in Missouri. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 6:369-76.)On this date Joseph answers Henry Clay's reply of Nov. 15, 1843. Joseph once again meets a noncommittal answer with a strong rebuke: "Honest men of every clime, and the innocent, poor and oppressed, as well as heathens, pagans and Indians, everywhere, who could but hope that the tree of liberty would yield some precious fruit . . . have long since given up all hopes of equal rights, of justice and judgment, and of truth and virtue, when such polluted, vain, heaven-daring, bogus patriots, are forced or flung into the front rank of government." (Jerry Burnett and Charles Pope, Nauvoo Classics, "The Voice of Truth," 51-59.) (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power
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, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
5 - Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)
6 - 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
7 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://bit.ly/mhist

Mormon History, 12May44

-- 12May44
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Priesthood --for Direction The Savior has the words of Eternal life--nothing else can profit us-- there is no salvation in believing an evil report againstour neighbor-- I advise all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of Godliness--a man can do nothing for himself unless God direct him in the right way, and the Priesthood is reserved for that purpose-- Wants to Speak More on Resurrection the last time I spoke on this stand, it was on the resurrection of the dead; when I promised to continue my remarks upon that subject. I still feel a desire to say something on this subject--let us this very day begin anew, and now say with all our hearts, we will forsake our sins and be righteous-- Matthew 24 I shall read the 24th. ch of Matthew and give it a litteral rendering and reading, and when it is rightly understood it will be edifying (he then read & translated it from the German) I thought the very oddity of its ren
dering would be edifying any how--"And it will preached be; the Gospel of the Kingdom in the whole world, to a witness overall people, and then will the end come." I will now read it in German--(which he did, and many Germans who were present said he translated it correct) Matthew 24 Prophecy About Joseph Smith the Savior said, when those tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man, who should be a witness over the whole world, the keys of knowledge, power, and revelations, should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world; Concerning Gods Witness 24th chapter ofMatthew, Matthew 6 & 7 14 verses, & the orriginal translation Reads thus and I will Send you a nother witness & he shall preach this gospel to all nations to the ends of the world The Prophet Joseph said May 12th 1844 After reading the 24th Chapter of Math from from an Ancient German Bible Text: "The Kingdom must preached be to a witness over all Nation Peo
ple." "preached to a man who should be a witness to all people, is the meaning of the text." On Sunday the 13th [12th] of May Joseph spoke on the Gospel of the Kingdom Joseph --has Keys it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers-- just at the time when some men think that I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood just at that time, I have the greatest right--the Germans are an exalted people.

German Bible --Supports Joseph's Revelations the old German translators are the most correct; most honest of any of the translators, and therefore I get testimony to bear me out in the revelations that I have preached for the last 14 years--the old German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew translations all say it is true, they cannot be impeached, and therefore I am in good company-- Foreshadows Death? all the testimony is, that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the Priesthood to a witness over all people--has the Gospel of the Kingdom commenced in the last days? and will God take it from the man, until he takes him, himself? New Interpretation of Rev. 14:6? I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ--John the Revelator saw an angel flying thro' the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c. the Scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, gr
eat distress, judgments, &c are ready to be poured out on the Inhabitants of the Earth--John saw the angel having the holy Priesthood who should preach the everlasting gospel to all nations,--God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained, & prepared for that purpose in the last days-- quoted Rev. 14-6 having the Gospel saying the hour of his Judgment is come.

Warning of Apostasy Woe! Woe! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his Witness in these last days.--for they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones--my enemies say that I have been a true prophet--& I had rather be a fallen true prophet, than a false prophet; when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet; False Prophets false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones-- But woe to that man or woman who Shall lift up their or his hands against god's witness for the[y] are rasing their hands or arms against the power of god and the[y] will be cursed.

But in these times in the last days there will many fals prophets arise and false teachers and deceive many the[y] Shall have many followers by their deceit. the[y] Strive to have power and by their pernitious ways lead of[f] many-- Eternal Judgment One of First Principles the doctrine of eternal judgments belong to the 1st.principles of the Gospel in the last days-- Men Who Minister to the World Called in the Grand Council in relation to the Kingdom of God--the devil always sets up his Kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God,--every man who has a calling to minister to the Inhabitants of the world, was ordained to that very purpose in the grand Council of Heaven before this world was--I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that grand Council-- for Brother Joseph Smith was chosen for the last dispensation or Seventh Dispensation The time the grand council Set in heaven to organise this world Joseph was chosen for the last & greatest Prop
het to lay the foundation of gods work of the Seventh Dispensation therefore the Jews asked John the Baptist if he was Elias or Jesus or that great prophet that was to come.

; the Devil lusifer also organised his kingdom in opposition to overthrow gods kingdom & he became the Son of perdition At the general & grand Council of heaven, all those to whom a dispensation was to be committed, were set apart & ordained at that time, to that calling.

The Twelve also as witnesses were ordained.

Seeks for Evidence of Latter Day Work it is the testimony that I want, that I am God's servant, and this people his people--the Ancient Prophets declared in the last days the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor, left to other People; & the very time that was calculated on; this people was struggling to bring it out-- Don't Take up Arms Unless Defending Truth he that arms himself with Gun, sword, or Pistol except in the defense of truth, will some time be sorry for it--I never carry any weapon with me bigger than my Pen Knife--when I was dragged before the Cannon and muskets in Missouri, I was unarmed.

Joseph Protected Until Mission Finished God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled. I calculate to be one of the Instruments of setting up the Kingdom of Daniel, by the word of the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world-- Kingdom Will Roll on --Power of the Word I once offered my life to the Missouri Mob as a sacrifice for my people--and here I am--it will not be by Sword or Gun that this Kingdom will roll on--the power of truth is such that--all nations will be under the necessity of obeying the Gospel Wars to Come the prediction is that army will be against army--it may be that the Saints will have to beat their Ploughse into Swords. It will not do for men to sit down and see their women & children destroyed patiently,-- John ansions - Kingdoms my text is on the resurrection of the dead, which you will find in the 14 ch. of John In my Father's house are many mansions &c it should be In my Father's Kingd
om are many Kingdoms-- in order that ye may be heirs of--God and joint heirs with me-- also concerning the kingdoms in my fathers house or kingdom are many kingdoms or worlds I will goe to prepare a place for you.

Subject changed to Resurrection of the Dead. John 14:2d "in my Fathers Kingdom are many Kingdoms. I go to prepare a Kingdom for you, that the exaltation that I receive you may receive also." Graded Rewards I do not believe the methodist doctrine of sending honest men, and noble minded men to hell, along with the murderer and adulterer-- they may hurl all their hell and fiery billows upon me, for they will roll off me as fast as they come on---but I have an order of things to save the poor fellows at any rate, and get them saved for I will send men to preach to them in prison and save them if I can. There are many mansions for those who obey a celestial law [see and D&C 131: & there are other mansions for those who come short of that law--every man in his own order there is baptism &c for those to exercise who are alive, and according to your works you shall be rewarded. These who will not obey the gospel will goe to the world of spirits there to stay till th
e[y] have paid the utmost farthing or till some person pays their depts they owe. Now all those die in the faith goe to the prison of Spirits to preach to the ded in body, but they are alive in the Spirit & those Spirits preach to the Spirits that they may live according to god in the Spirit and men do minister for them in the flesh and angels bare the glad tidings to the Spirits & they are made happy by these means.

The sectarians have no Charity for me but I have for them.

I intend to send men to prison to preach to them, and this is all on the Principle of entering in by Water and Spirit.

Dead Must Have Same Ordinances as Living and baptism for the dead, who died without the knowledge of the gospel I am going on in my progress for eternal life--it is not only necessary that you should be baptized for your dead, but you will have to go thro' all the ordinances for them, same as you have gone through, to save yourselves; there will be 144,000 Saviors on Mount Zion, and with them an innumerable host, that no man can number-- therefore those who are baptised for their dead are the Saviour's on mount Zion & the[y] must receive their washings and their anointings for their dead the same as for themselves till the[y] are connected to the ones in the dispensation before us and trace their leniage to connect the priesthood again and if any other man preach any other gospel then this and the Baptism for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the reception of the holy ghost let him be anathematized or accursed The curs of god shall be upon
him or them.

Then you must not only be baptized for them but they must receive the Holy Ghost by Proxy and be sealed by it unto the day of their redemption as all the other ordinances by proxy.

All persons who have been Baptized and who have received the Holy Ghost may be baptized for their ancestors or near relatives. God has administrators in the eternal world to release those spirits from Prison the ordinances being administered by proxy upon them the law is fulfilled.

Make Your Calling and Election Sure Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure---and if any man preach any other gospel with that which I have preached, he shall be cursed, and some of you who now hear me, shall see it & know that I testify the truth concerning them; Nations Come to the Temple Then Return in regard to the law of the Priesthood--there should be a place where all nations shall come up from time to time to receive their endowments, and the Lord has said, this shall be the place for the baptism for the dead--every man that has been baptized and belongs to the Kingdom, has a right to be baptized for those who are gone before, and, as soon as the Law of the Gospel is obeyed here by their friends, who act as proxy for them, the Lord has administrators there to set them free--a man may act as proxy for his own relatives-- Ordinances put in Place Before the World Made the ordinances of the Gospel which was laid
out before the foundation of the world has been thus fulfilled, by them, and we may be baptized for those who we have much friendship for, Baptized for Relatives and Friends (With Permission) but it must be first revealed to the man of God, lest we should run too far--- Resurrection - No Blood in Body as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive, all shall be raised from the dead--the Lamb of God hath brought to pass the resurrection so that all shall rise from the dead-- God Almighty himself dwells in Eternal fire, flesh and blood cannot go there for all corruption is devoured by the fire-- our God is a consuming fire--when our flesh is quickened by the Spirit, there will be no blood in the tabernacles,-- Different Glories - Lower Glories Feel Remorse Always? some dwell in higher glory than others---those who have done wrong, always have that wrong knawing them---Immortality dwells in everlasting burnings--I will from time to time reveal to you th
e subjects that are revealed by the Holy Ghost to me-- Concerning Resurrection Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the kingdom of god or the kingdom that god inherits or inhabits. But the flesh without the blood and the Spirit of god flowing in the vains in Sted of the blood for blood is the part of the body that causes corruption. therefore we must be changed in the twinkle of an Eye or have to lay down these tabernacles and leave the blood vanish away Therefore Jesus Christ left his blood to atone for the Sins of the world that he might assend into the presents of the father for God dwells in flaming flames and he is a consuming fire he will consume all that is unclean and unholly and we could not abide his presents unless pure Spirits in us. for the Blood is the corruptible part of the tabernacles.

for the resurrection is devised to take away corruption and make Man perfect or in the glory which he was created for The body is Sowen in corruption & raised in Incorruption Then we will be able to goe in the presents of God.

Corrected Translation John Bro. Joseph Smith was sent to remind the world of Sin or riteousness & of the Judgments to come But this is that of what John Says in his 14th Chapter, but he Says of sin or riteousness and of a Judgment to come to reprove the world This is rong Translation for to remind is correct.

All resurrected bodies dwell in flaming fire for our God is a consuming fire.

Lies About Joseph--From Devil all the lies that are now hatched up against me are of the devil & all the influence of the devil & his servants will be used against the kingdom of God-- By Their Fruits the Servants of God teach nothing but the principles of eternal life--by their works ye shall know them---a good man will speak good things, & holy principles and an evil man, evil things;--I feel in the name of the Lord, to rebuke all such bad principles, liars &c and I warn all of you to look out who you are going after--I exhort you to give heed to all the virtue and the teachings which I have given you; all men who are immortal, dwell in everlasting burnings; and showed that when God set up his Kingdom on the Earth Satan always sets up his in Opposition alluding to Apostasy at this time working in this Place, Can't Hide From God you cannot go any where, but where God can find you out; all men are born to die & all must rise, all must enter eternity-- Child
ren Must be Sealed to You in order for you to receive your children to yourself, you must have a promise, some ordinance, some blessing in order to ascend above principalities or else it may be an angel-- Dead Children Raised up as Children they must rise just as they died --we can't here hail our lovely infants with the same glory, the same loveliness in the celestial glory where they all enjoy alike---they differ in stature, in size---the same glorious spirit gives them the likeness of glory and bloom--the old man with his silvery hairs will glory in bloom & beauty--no man can describe it to you--no man can write it-- With what body do they rise? You must obtain promises for them as Abraham. They rise with the same sized and shaped bodies, but to have the same glories as full grown bodies.

Never Taught Anything Wrong when did I ever teach any thing wrong from this stand? when was I ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no more seen--I never told you I was perfect--but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught--must I then be thrown away as a thing of nought?-- Add to Your Faith-Only Joseph Authorized to Reveal More I enjoin for your consideration, add to your faith, virtue, love &c I say in the name of the Lord, if these things are in you, you shall be fruitful. I testify that no man has power to reveal it, but myself, things in heaven, in earth and hell--and all shut your mouths for the future--I commend you all to God, that you may inherit all things---& may God add his blessings. Amen.

I never felt more delighted with his discourse than at this time, It put me in Mind of Herod when they said at his Oration It is the voice of a God and not of a Man, [though] The Circumstances were widely different, he also spoke some on the Resurrection. (1)

-- May 12, 1844
[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle meeting at 3 p.m. in upper room of Joseph Smith's store; anointing and endowment for William Smith and Almon W. Babbitt; "The room was full and we all prayed for deliverance from our enemies and exaltation to such offices as will enable the servants of God to execute righteousness in the earth" . (2)

Footnotes:
1 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power

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