Mormon History, Monday, June 30th, 1845

[Apostle John Taylor diary] Engaged in business about my building and the office, in the morning. In the afternoon went to Mother Smith's with a number of the Twelve and the Bishops, according to previous appointment, at the request of Mother Smith to settle some misunderstanding and difficulty that existed in her mind in relation to a vision that she had. When we were there, i.e., Elders Young, Kimball, O. Pratt, John E. Page, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, and myself of the Twelve together with Bishops Whitney and Miller, and Elder Cahoon one of the Temple committee, and some of her own family were present. We conversed freely with her, she stated however that she thought that we had not a correct copy of her vision; however we know that it is; but supported that the old lady was feeble and excited, and perhaps might not fully recollect what she had said.
Elder Young told his find freely about William, and stated that he was aiming at power, and authority, and priest
hood that did not belong to him.
That the statement that was published in the paper concerning Patriarchs was correct; that he would sustain William in his office and calling; but would not allow him to tread upon his neck or any other man's. That if the Church wanted to have William Smith they would mention it to them, and they should have their choice, this however the Church neither would the Twelve consent to it; for if it had been put to them, I do not suppose twenty would have voted for him out of the many thousands there are in the Church. Mother Smith said he did not want it, she did not profess to be a revelator only for herself and family, that she wanted peace, union, and harmony. The twelve all exprssed the same feeling and manifested the greatest kindness to Mother Smith together with the Bishops. William did not meet with us; but we received from him the following letter: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Elder Young, It has been my purpose from the first to do all
I could for peace. I said in a short note to you the other day, that I would stand by you till death; but it might be asked upon what principle? I will answer on the principle that I am dealt justly by in the Church. The next morning after our meeting I notice an article that appears under the head of Patriarchs. It is not so much the doctrine that I care about, it is the spirit of the article, a disposition that appears in the brethren to butt and shove me down to the last cent, hour, and minute in the day. I do not like it and again why was not the article shown to me, as it was an article touching my standing and office in the Church, nothing was said to me on the subject. This with other like circumstances since my return from the East, and for my hard labor there, have received no favor nothing but hints of abuse, whilst other men can be applauded to the skies, and that too for the fruits of other men's labors.
I am sick and tired of such partiality, only give me my j
ust dues, that in truth, justice and honor demands and all is well. I have often said, and sufficient to satisfy all the saints, that I was willing it was my wish that you should stand as President of the Church; but I claim to be Patriarch over the whole Church, this gives me my place and proper standing and what I inherit; and as to works I am ready to measure arms with any man, give me what is due. Then you know the understanding and the conversation we had on this subject when we met at Brother Taylor's that I was Patriarch over the whole Church; this is what I claim and must have: and now to conclude as I understand you are to meet at Mother Smith's to day, the Twelve, &c, &c.
My proposition is my share of the kingdom, and if you will publish in the Neighbor and Times and Seasons the true state of the case in regard to my office as Patriarch over the whole Church, this will give me a right to visit all branches of the Church and intrude on no man's rights and further
to attend to all of the ordinances of God, no man being my head I will reconcile all difficulties and Elder Young can stand as the President of the Church and by my most hearty with and consent; this will settle all difficulties and restore peace and good order and farther than this I cannot say, only that I want all men to understand that my Father's family are of the royal blood and promised seed and no man or set of men can take their crown or place in time or in eternity. Brother Young the above is my proposition and will settle all difficulties at once and these are my avowed sentiments and no equivocation.
William Smith.[p. 87] Which we answered as follows: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Dear Brother William, A majority of the Quorum of the Twelve, Bishops Whitney and Miller, and Brother Cahoon one of the Temple Committee have met to hold a little conversation with Mother Smith at her house. We expected to have your company but were disappointed. We however have received
a note from you which we feel to answer before we separate so that it may be sanctioned or rejected by Mother Smith. We have considerable talk with Mother Smith, and find her possessing the best of feelings towards the whole Church. As to your requests in your letter we would say we are perfectly willing, and wish to have all things right, but there are some ordinances in the Church that cannot be administered by any person out of this place at present, but must be done here. As to your having the right to administer all ordinances in the world and no one standing at your head, we could not sanction, because the President of the Church, and each one of our Quorums are amenable to the Quorum of which you are a member. But as to your right to officiate in the office of Patriarch, we say you have the right to officiate in all the world wherever your lot may be cast, and no one to dictate or control you excepting the Twelve, which body of men must preside over the whole Church
in all the world.
We hope and trust there will be no feelings. Say nothing about matters and things. If you want peace so do we, and let us walk together in peace, and help to build up the kingdom. If this does not meet with your feelings Brother William write me again, or come and see me, and we will make all things right for we surely want peace and the salvation of the people.
We remain as ever Your brethren and well wishers, 'Brigham Young' P.S. We have read this to Mormon Smith, Catherine, Lucy, and Arthur and they express their satisfaction with it, as well as those of the council who are present.
'B. Y.' We prayed with Mother Smith before we left her; and she and the family manifested good feelings. I am sorry the old lady should be troubled, she is aged woman and has past through much trouble for the cause of truth, and has the respect and confidence of the whole Church.

[source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]