Mormon History, Jul 4, 1845. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...The following is a copy of theanswer to Wm. Smiths letter. Nauvoo June 30th 1845. D[ea]r 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 had 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 had considerable talk with Mother Smith and find her possessing the best of feelings towards the church. As to your requests in your letter wewould say that 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 wecould not sanction, because the President of the church stands atthe head of all the officers in the church, and each one of our quorum are amenable to the quorum, of which you are a member. But as to your right to officiate in the office of Patriarch, wesay you have the right to officiate in all the world, wherever yourlot 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 Mother Smith, Catherine, Lucy and Arthur [Millikin] a
nd they express their satisfaction with it as well as those of the council who are present. B.Y.

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]