[source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
Mormon History, Oct 1845
[Black History] Apostle John Taylor, editor of Times & Seasons, characterized Africa as a "meadow of black flowers [used] to beautify white gardens" and lamented the buying and selling of people (in Nauvoo Neighbor, 29 ). Oct 1845
Mormon History, Oct 31, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday October 31st 1845. Met at the Hall as usual with the hands at noon went home and then went to see D. McArthur in the woods all was well.I then came back home again and took dinner then met the police as usual and appointed L. N. Scovil, G. W. Langley and Lorenzo Clark to stand at Brigham Youngs as a regular guard and Allen J. Stout & Wilber J. Earl as a regular guard at H. C. Kimballs.This was done to Save time in the company as it disqualified those who had been on guard from work the next day.and these men had business to attend to in the Lodge which kept them from working regular in the company, so it was thought best to detail those who could not do regular word to stand guard and release the rest for the time being as we was now doing our best to prepare to be off earley in the Spring with the first who Should go west I then came home & went to Jas McLellands & back at 8 oclock
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 31, 1845
Brigham Young records in his journal: "I received a letter from Charles A. Lovell, Mass., Oct 20th recommending us as a community to remove to California. Another from Thomas J. Farnhaus, New York, Oct 20th, on the same subject. Also one from Edward Warren, Boston, Oct 22nd portraying the Bay of San Francisco and country round as one well adapted for our location in the west." That evening the Twelve and others meet at John Taylor's: "The subject of the United States endeavoring to prevent our removal West by taking out U.S. writs for the Council of Fifty was talked over and plans devised to defeat them in case they undertake to do it."
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 31, 1845
Letter to Rev. Purcell-- On October 16, 1845, the Quorum of the Twelve again addressed a letter to Wilford Woodruff but no available copy has been located.
On October 31 the Quorum of the Twelve were beginning negotiations for the sale of Church property in Nauvoo to "outside" interests. Judge Ralston of Quincy, Illinois, had suggested that the Quorum invite officials of the Roman Catholic Church to visit Nauvoo with a view of prospective purchase of the Mormon properties. The letter to Reverend Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati and "all other Authorities of the Catholic Church" is a formal invitation to make such a visit. The Roman Catholic Church did subsequently purchase some of the L.D.S. properties which aided the Mormons in their move West as mentioned in the first paragraph of the letter. For additional background see: DHC 7508-509, 537-541.
LETTER to Rev. Bishop Purcell, et al, Cincinnati City of Nauvoo, October 31, 1845. To Reverend Bishop Purcell, and all Other Authori
ties of the Catholic Church-Greeting: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hereby take opportunity to inform you by letter and by our confidential messenger, Almon W. Babbit, Esq., that it is our fixed purpose to remove hence early next spring.
The hand of oppression and the lacerations of the tongue of calumny have compelled us to the determination to dispose of numerous lots, tenements, etc., in this city together with our public buildings, for instance our Temple, the Nauvoo House, the Academy, Seventies' Hall, Concert Hall, and other buildings, also our farms and other possessions in Hancock county even all our effects and temporal interests. The individual members of our community have also determined en masse to do the same with their effects and have empowered agents to sell. The bearer, Mr. Babbitt, is empowered to represent as our authorized agent all our said property and interest in this city and county. Through the suggestion of Judge Ralston of Quinc
y and other friends to your faith we are disposed to invite the authorities of your church, either personally or by authorized agents, to visit our city that we may negotiate with them, at as early a period as possible, the sale of our property. We shall forbear any extensive sales to other communities until we learn your answer to this our epistle. The bearer may be relied upon as our confidential and highly esteemed brother who will furnish you any information preparatory to the proposed negotiation and sale.
With sentiments of high consideration, I have the honor to subscribe myself in behalf of the Council of the Church, your friend and obedient servant, [Signed] W. RICHARDS, Clerk. {1845-October 31-DHC 7:508-509}
On October 31 the Quorum of the Twelve were beginning negotiations for the sale of Church property in Nauvoo to "outside" interests. Judge Ralston of Quincy, Illinois, had suggested that the Quorum invite officials of the Roman Catholic Church to visit Nauvoo with a view of prospective purchase of the Mormon properties. The letter to Reverend Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati and "all other Authorities of the Catholic Church" is a formal invitation to make such a visit. The Roman Catholic Church did subsequently purchase some of the L.D.S. properties which aided the Mormons in their move West as mentioned in the first paragraph of the letter. For additional background see: DHC 7508-509, 537-541.
LETTER to Rev. Bishop Purcell, et al, Cincinnati City of Nauvoo, October 31, 1845. To Reverend Bishop Purcell, and all Other Authori
ties of the Catholic Church-Greeting: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hereby take opportunity to inform you by letter and by our confidential messenger, Almon W. Babbit, Esq., that it is our fixed purpose to remove hence early next spring.
The hand of oppression and the lacerations of the tongue of calumny have compelled us to the determination to dispose of numerous lots, tenements, etc., in this city together with our public buildings, for instance our Temple, the Nauvoo House, the Academy, Seventies' Hall, Concert Hall, and other buildings, also our farms and other possessions in Hancock county even all our effects and temporal interests. The individual members of our community have also determined en masse to do the same with their effects and have empowered agents to sell. The bearer, Mr. Babbitt, is empowered to represent as our authorized agent all our said property and interest in this city and county. Through the suggestion of Judge Ralston of Quinc
y and other friends to your faith we are disposed to invite the authorities of your church, either personally or by authorized agents, to visit our city that we may negotiate with them, at as early a period as possible, the sale of our property. We shall forbear any extensive sales to other communities until we learn your answer to this our epistle. The bearer may be relied upon as our confidential and highly esteemed brother who will furnish you any information preparatory to the proposed negotiation and sale.
With sentiments of high consideration, I have the honor to subscribe myself in behalf of the Council of the Church, your friend and obedient servant, [Signed] W. RICHARDS, Clerk. {1845-October 31-DHC 7:508-509}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Mormon History, Oct 30, 1845, Thursday
[William Clayton Writings] ... Evening at Er Taylors with the Twelve and others. ... We had prayers as usual.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 30, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday Octr 30th 1845. Met with the company hands at the Hall as usual and then went to see Br. B. Young on the business of last night. and agreed to meet him at A. P. Rockwoods and then went to do some business for the Company and then took Langley, Hunter & S. Herring with me to Rockwoods as before mentioned to council & after remaining there about till noon & making the necessary arangements for the Herrings and all to the Satisfaction of all concerned I went with George Herring & Hunter to make arraingements for George to go home and then came home about 3 oclock and took dinner and met the police and then went to see H. G. Sherewood who had returned home from his mission with Jas Emmett.he reported all well but Emmett was yet as untempered morter.I came home about 9 oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...At 10 went to Elder Taylors. Soon after we arrived, President Young sent for Bishop Whitney and myself to go and see him as the Twelve are still out of sight. We went to where he was at A. P. Rockwoods and found him in company with H[enry] G. Sherwood and [Stephen] Markham, also George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman. Brother Sherwood and Fullmer returned from the West a few days ago. Brother S[herwood] reported their mission which was very satisfactory. He also gave us some very interesting information concerning our best route to the West which will be of service to us when we move.
There is a rumor that Wm. Smith and others are trying to get up an influence with the president of the United States to prevent our going West and has already wrote to him on the subject, revealing the acts of the Council of Fifty &c. and representing the council guilty of treason &c .... Evening at Elder Taylors with the Twelve and others...We had prayers as usual.
There is a rumor that Wm. Smith and others are trying to get up an influence with the president of the United States to prevent our going West and has already wrote to him on the subject, revealing the acts of the Council of Fifty &c. and representing the council guilty of treason &c .... Evening at Elder Taylors with the Twelve and others...We had prayers as usual.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Letter: Letter to Brigham Young from Illinois Politicians -- John J. Hardin and Others -- States that the State of Illinois will assign marshals to ensure that the Saints are actually planning to leave in the Spring like they have announced.
- Letter: Part of a Dispatch from the Governor -- Gov. Thomas Ford -- States that there is no legal provision which would force the expulsion of the Saints, and he will not resort to such measures, but admits that the public opinion desires the Church to leave.
- Letter: "To the Anti-Mormon Citizens of Hancock and the Surrounding--" -- John J. Hardin and Others -- Publishes their belief that the Saints will not leave unless completely forced to do so.
- Reprinted Story: "Public Opinion" - Mobbing of the Saints -- Editorial -- Prints views from different newspapers about what is being done to the Saints. Includes articles from the N.Y. Herald and the N.Y. Mirror.
- Reprinted Story: "Evils of Fanaticism" - Why the Ch
urch is being Mobbed -- The People's Organ -- Describes the problems associated with strong feelings, both those of the mob and those of church members.
- Reprinted Story: "The Governor and the Mormons" -- The Ottowa Constitutionalist -- Provides a defence for allowing the Church to remain in Illinois.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon War" -- The Missouri Reporter -- States the view that punishment can be given to the Church for the crimes it is alleged to have committed, but that bloodshed and mobbing is not the answer.
- Reprinted Story: "Mormon Difficulties" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that the Church has a right to settle where they would like, and mobbing and terror are not proper punishments for law breaking.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Removal" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that the Church is willing to sacrifice everything for peace.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Question" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that even if all the accusations again
st the Church are true, they have still suffered more than the penalties would have been.
- Story: "To Our Patrons" - Discontinuance of the Paper -- Editorial -- Announces the discontinuance of the newspaper, in order to make preparations to leave. States that the Times and Seasons will continue to be published.
- Story: "The Prospect &c. in Hancock" - Peace Restored -- Editorial -- States that several of those who burned Mormon homes are found in the police ranks "searching" for those who need to be prosecuted.
- Story: "General Conference" - Review -- Editorial -- States that a full accounting is given in the Times and Seasons.
- Story: "Bill of Particulars for the Emmigrants Leaving this Government--" -- Editorial -- Provides a list of needed supplies for the Saints who are leaving Illinois.
- Story: "Captains of Companies" & "List of Committees -- Editorial -- Provides a list of the captains of the companies, and list of committees for the migration.
- Story: "Adde
ndum! In Hancock Circuit Court" -- Editorial -- Describes the legal battles currently taking place in Hancock County, in response to the mobbings.
- Announcement: Deaths -- Editorial -- Elder William Barkwater (63), Orpha Maria (6 months), Patty Gates (69), David L. Rising (30, Inflammation of the Bowels).
- Letter: Part of a Dispatch from the Governor -- Gov. Thomas Ford -- States that there is no legal provision which would force the expulsion of the Saints, and he will not resort to such measures, but admits that the public opinion desires the Church to leave.
- Letter: "To the Anti-Mormon Citizens of Hancock and the Surrounding--" -- John J. Hardin and Others -- Publishes their belief that the Saints will not leave unless completely forced to do so.
- Reprinted Story: "Public Opinion" - Mobbing of the Saints -- Editorial -- Prints views from different newspapers about what is being done to the Saints. Includes articles from the N.Y. Herald and the N.Y. Mirror.
- Reprinted Story: "Evils of Fanaticism" - Why the Ch
urch is being Mobbed -- The People's Organ -- Describes the problems associated with strong feelings, both those of the mob and those of church members.
- Reprinted Story: "The Governor and the Mormons" -- The Ottowa Constitutionalist -- Provides a defence for allowing the Church to remain in Illinois.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon War" -- The Missouri Reporter -- States the view that punishment can be given to the Church for the crimes it is alleged to have committed, but that bloodshed and mobbing is not the answer.
- Reprinted Story: "Mormon Difficulties" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that the Church has a right to settle where they would like, and mobbing and terror are not proper punishments for law breaking.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Removal" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that the Church is willing to sacrifice everything for peace.
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Question" -- The St. Louis Reveille -- States that even if all the accusations again
st the Church are true, they have still suffered more than the penalties would have been.
- Story: "To Our Patrons" - Discontinuance of the Paper -- Editorial -- Announces the discontinuance of the newspaper, in order to make preparations to leave. States that the Times and Seasons will continue to be published.
- Story: "The Prospect &c. in Hancock" - Peace Restored -- Editorial -- States that several of those who burned Mormon homes are found in the police ranks "searching" for those who need to be prosecuted.
- Story: "General Conference" - Review -- Editorial -- States that a full accounting is given in the Times and Seasons.
- Story: "Bill of Particulars for the Emmigrants Leaving this Government--" -- Editorial -- Provides a list of needed supplies for the Saints who are leaving Illinois.
- Story: "Captains of Companies" & "List of Committees -- Editorial -- Provides a list of the captains of the companies, and list of committees for the migration.
- Story: "Adde
ndum! In Hancock Circuit Court" -- Editorial -- Describes the legal battles currently taking place in Hancock County, in response to the mobbings.
- Announcement: Deaths -- Editorial -- Elder William Barkwater (63), Orpha Maria (6 months), Patty Gates (69), David L. Rising (30, Inflammation of the Bowels).
[source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845
[Lucy Mack Smith] William Smith publishes a lengthy "Proclamation" in the Warsaw Gazette accusing Brigham Young of usurpation and painting a pitiable picture of Lucy's age and poverty.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday Octr 29th 1845. We went to the Hall at 7 oclock as before and then after taking a horse of James McGraw to winter for his use I came home for a Saddle & bridle.Still with Hunter.It was about one oclock and staid till about 3 oclock and then went to the flat and then met the police & then went to Hunters and met in council with Joseph & George Herring & Hunter in relation to their missions.They then explained to Hunter & myself the nature of their mission to us and their standing at home. which was not understood by us heretofore.It was quite an important and interesting council. & I expect will yet make a great alteration in their affairs and ours after the council was over I & Hunter went to A. P. Rockwoods and told the result of the council and he was of our opinion.
I then came home & found that Amanda Taylor, my wifes youngest sister who had been Eleven days sick was dead & all the family in mourningI came home about nine oclock.
I then came home & found that Amanda Taylor, my wifes youngest sister who had been Eleven days sick was dead & all the family in mourningI came home about nine oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845
The Nauvoo Neighbor ceases publication. Began publication in 1843.
[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
Mormon History, Oct 29, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] "The Brethren of the Holy Order met at John Taylors Morning and evening for prayer" .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 28, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...At 10 o'clock went to Elder Taylors and met to pray with John Smith, N. K. Whitney, W. W. Phelps, J. Young, O. Spencer, J. C. Kingsbury, and L. Woodworth. Afterwards at the office till 5 1/2 and then met again at Elder Taylors. After we got through with our prayers President Young came in and Elders Hyde and Babbitt...[Major] Warren stated that when he came in with his troops on Saturday he had writs against the Twelve for "treason" but he considered it unjust to serve them, he considered that if the Twelve were to be harassed with writs, this people could not get away in the spring, that from Elder Taylor's remarks, he understood that we meant that no writs of any kind should be served in Nauvoo but intended to resist. This was explained by President Young who told Warren that he was going to Springfield tomorrow and one part of his errand was to get his friends and relatives to come here and purchase some of our farms, for he was delighted with
them. It appears that the Lord has softened his heart in answer to our prayers for which we felt thankful.
them. It appears that the Lord has softened his heart in answer to our prayers for which we felt thankful.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 28, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday Octr 28th 1845. At 7 oclock went to the Hall to set the company to work and was engaged at arrainging matters untill about noon and then went home accompanied with Hunter and took dinner and then went and done some more business & met the police and then went to Hunters and took supper and then we came home again & there staid all night
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 28, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] At 10 a.m. and again at 5:30 p.m., "several of the Quorum of the holy order in our absence met a[t] John Taylor's mo[rnin]g and evening"; they were John Smith, Newel K. Whitney, Joseph Young, William W. Phelps, Orson Spencer, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Lucien Woodworth, and William Clayton .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 27, 1845. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...About 4 P.M. Elder [Almon W. ] Babbit returned and the council were immediately summoned together...The watchful care of our heavenly father in directing the matter last Saturday evening was plainly visible...We felt last night to return thanks to God for his kindness and ask him to overrule this matter also for the safety of his people and his servants.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 27, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday Octr 27th 1845. Came home before Sunrise, and after breakfast went to the Masonic Hall to Start the hands to work in the Company.We started one company of hands to work up the river under Chandler Rogers & also attended to regulating the concern and then went with Hunter & got some goods from Lathrop for Herring & his friends amounting to twenty dollars.and then came to my house and took dinner and then went to see about raising a new guard and met the police and then went to Hunters & Staid all night
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 27, 1845
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27th I spent the day at the office looking over the Temple Books. I Commenced receiving Temple [donations] on the 20 day of Aug And balanced my Books this day And up to this date being two month & 7 Days And I recieved for the Temple during that time £157.16.8 1/4. The Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles is out of press And we are now sending it to the clergy And circulating it whare we can. What the effect will be time must determin. 4.
I should judge from my feelings And intimations of the spirit of God that the endowment had comericed & that the Lord had commenced pouring out some special blessings upon the Saints in Nauvoo but time will determin whether this is the case. My soul has been much refeshed and edefyed of late in reading the Book of Mormon. The time has come for its sayings to be fulfilled.
I should judge from my feelings And intimations of the spirit of God that the endowment had comericed & that the Lord had commenced pouring out some special blessings upon the Saints in Nauvoo but time will determin whether this is the case. My soul has been much refeshed and edefyed of late in reading the Book of Mormon. The time has come for its sayings to be fulfilled.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Oct 26, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] Sunday 26th ... Evening met again at Er Taylors, and had prayers as usual.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 26, 1845
[Nauvoo Temple] Bishop George Miller gave Judges Purple and Ralston of Quincy a tour of the temple. The men later met with Brigham Young. Judge Ralston suggested selling the Church's property to the Catholic Church and that he would use his influence.
[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Mormon History, Oct 26, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday Octr 26th 1845. Went to the parade ground at 7 oclock to stop the troops from geathering and then went to meeting at the Temple.and then came home at noon & found my wife sick.Hunter was with me.After dinner we went to the Temple again and met the police and then went with the police to the Masonic Hall and met the Emegrating company and had a good meeting and arrainged tomorrow for work & then went to Allen Weeks and staid all night.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 26, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle meeting at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 25, 1845. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Evening met the brethren at Elder Taylors. Brother [Almon] Babbit related the circumstance of Father [Nathan] Bigelow shooting Lieutenant [] Edwards...We talked the matter over...and then offered up the signs and asked the Lord to overrule the matter and take it out of [Major] Warrens heart that he may not declare Martial law or otherwise let his hand be heavy upon him with judgment that he may not be able to bring trouble upon this people. President Young seems quite unwell.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 25, 1845 (Saturday)
Major Warren came into Nauvoo with a body of troops and threatened to put the place under martial law. After he had left, the authorities of the Church sent E. A. Bedell and Bishop Geo. Miller with a communication to Gov. Thomas Ford. They informed him of Major Warren's threats and implored him to dismiss the troops under his command, as the Saints had more to fear from them than from the mob at large. The governor did not grant their request.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Oct 25, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday Octr 25th 1845. Met at the parade ground at 7 oclock and to command of the Same company and all hands went forth on the prairie as on yesterday.We were out as before and had a joyful time of it.All was peace yet at court.In the after noon I got word from Carthage that the court had adjourned till Monday & that it was the intention of the officers of the court to leave Backenstos in Carthage and all them to come into NauvooSo about 3 oclock Major Warren who had command of the governors troops at Carthage came along as I before had been informed.He was accompanied by the judge and other officers of the court.They drove up and he demanded in an angry manner of us to know what we were there for.We told him nothing but to convey news to & from Nauvoo to Carthage.He accused us of being there for treasonable purposes and contrary to his orders and such like impertinence all of which we denied for we were not armed (as he could See)He then complained that
we were armed with Side
arms.We then demanded of him to know if it was wrong for us to carry private arms to which he answered that it was not but said it was not Politic for us to carry them when he was here to keep the peace for it would raise the prejudice & excitement of our enemies.To which I told him that I had carried private arms ever since 2 of our men had been murdered in jail by them under the protection of the govorner.All we said only made him more angry.He then stood up in his buggy and counted all the men he could see which was fifteen and called them 15 parties of men and asked the judge if he did not think that it was a war like appearance he said it was and after some insinuations was cast that he would do something he drove not however till he had taken my name.In about one hour Col Backenstos and all the brethren who was in Carthage came up to us on their way to NauvooBackenstos was in the hands of H. W. Miller the Coriner.We then went to Nauvoo where w
e arrived at about 6
oclock.After dismissing the men I went to the Masonic Hall and met the police & also the Emegrating company which met at Sun down.I then made a few remarks to the company and appointed tomorrow evening for them to meet again I went with Hunter & A. J. Stout to John Brinleys and took supper which had been prepared for us by his wife.We then went to the Mansion House and there met with some of the 12 and the officers of the Court & Major Warren & heard their ideas.The Major thought we did not pay that respect to him which was due to one who had been Sent here to restore peace.There was much said on both sides.Elder Taylor gave his opinion of them very Severely & told them that they were but a legalized mob.Warren took great umbrage at this and went into another room & I went in company with some others to guard President Young to John Taylors and then went home it was then very late at night. â€"
we were armed with Side
arms.We then demanded of him to know if it was wrong for us to carry private arms to which he answered that it was not but said it was not Politic for us to carry them when he was here to keep the peace for it would raise the prejudice & excitement of our enemies.To which I told him that I had carried private arms ever since 2 of our men had been murdered in jail by them under the protection of the govorner.All we said only made him more angry.He then stood up in his buggy and counted all the men he could see which was fifteen and called them 15 parties of men and asked the judge if he did not think that it was a war like appearance he said it was and after some insinuations was cast that he would do something he drove not however till he had taken my name.In about one hour Col Backenstos and all the brethren who was in Carthage came up to us on their way to NauvooBackenstos was in the hands of H. W. Miller the Coriner.We then went to Nauvoo where w
e arrived at about 6
oclock.After dismissing the men I went to the Masonic Hall and met the police & also the Emegrating company which met at Sun down.I then made a few remarks to the company and appointed tomorrow evening for them to meet again I went with Hunter & A. J. Stout to John Brinleys and took supper which had been prepared for us by his wife.We then went to the Mansion House and there met with some of the 12 and the officers of the Court & Major Warren & heard their ideas.The Major thought we did not pay that respect to him which was due to one who had been Sent here to restore peace.There was much said on both sides.Elder Taylor gave his opinion of them very Severely & told them that they were but a legalized mob.Warren took great umbrage at this and went into another room & I went in company with some others to guard President Young to John Taylors and then went home it was then very late at night. â€"
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 25, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] The "council" (including Almon W. Babbitt and William Clayton) met for prayer circle at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 24, 1845. Friday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Evening at Elder Taylors. We then had prayers as usual, and all felt that the Lord will deliver B[igelow] out of their hands. After prayer, it was decided that Mary Smith and Emma have all the wood they want off the church land. Also that we establish an agency over the river to receive and take care of tithing grain until spring so that when we move we can take it as we go. It was recommended that J[ohn] E. Page be appointed for that agency if he will do it. It was decided not to hire Pecks Mill, inasmuch as he wants $300 down for 6 months rent.
President Young seemed dissatisfied that Elder Taylor did not take more interest in our councils. We had to sit without a fire.
President Young seemed dissatisfied that Elder Taylor did not take more interest in our councils. We had to sit without a fire.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 24, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday Octr 24th 1845. Went Earley and took breakfast at Hunters and then went to the parade ground and met the troops as before mentioned and about 8 oclock got them under wayI took command of a company & went towards Carthage and Stopped on the large mound about half way there and flanked the company to the right and left for about six miles.Col J. D. Parker took a company and went in the direction of Camp-Creek and flanked so as to meet my men & Col Turley went down the river & flanked so as to protect that partthen the whole country was guardedWe had an entertaining time of ii about one oclock I called in the men and flanked them again after about an hours time which they were there.About half past 3 I called them in again and returned to Nauvoo where I arrived about 5 oclock and after dismissing the men went and met the police and then went in company with Hunter to Joseph Knights and took Supper and then we went to Elder Taylors to a council and afte
r arraingements were made
for the guard tomorrow I went with B. Young & H. C. Kimball & some of the police to the Hall and there attended to some business & after that went home where I arrived about one oclock
r arraingements were made
for the guard tomorrow I went with B. Young & H. C. Kimball & some of the police to the Hall and there attended to some business & after that went home where I arrived about one oclock
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 24, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Male prayer circle at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 23, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday Octr the 23rd 1845. Hunter came and we went to Lathrops there to see about raising a new guard by making a levy of 3 men out of each company which is organized for emigration and returned home again at noon took dinner and then went down on the flat and met the police and then came home and then went Down to Langleys and he not being home so I waited for him a short time when S. Perry came on the want of me to go to a council at Elder John Taylors so I went and there learned that we were going to call out the troops to guard the country round and protect it from the depredations of the men whom the governr had sent here to maintain the "Supremacy of the Law"So I went and made arraingements to call out the troops and then went to Langleys and Staid all night.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 23, 1845
Bieglow (in self defense) shoots and wounds one of the Governor's troops.
[source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
Mormon History, Oct 22, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Evening had a talk with Bishop Whitney and learned that he had not said the words as were told to me but the language he had used was altogether different and unexceptionable. He stated that he had had it in his heart for some time to raise my wages half a dollar a day. We had a long talk and I was satisfied his language had been misrepresented to me. Afterwards, went to Elder Taylors to counsel with the Twelve and others. Read a letter from R[euben] McBride in Kirtland stating that the Rigdonites, S. B. Stoddard, Jacob Bump, R[obert] D. Foster, Hiram Kellog, Leonard Rich [and] Jewel Raney are the leaders of the rioters. They have broke into the House of the Lord and taken possessions of it and are trying to take possession of the Church Farm &c.
We also read a number of good articles from the New York Messenger relating to our troubles. After much conversation, we had prayers.
We also read a number of good articles from the New York Messenger relating to our troubles. After much conversation, we had prayers.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 22, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday Octr 22nd 1845. Met at the Masonic Hall at about 8 oclock with Hunter & others to See about the hands of the company going over the river after waggon timber which we done and have got the waggon Shop StartedI then went with Hunter to See other ones of the company to have them commence work at which I was engaged till time to meet the police, and met them as usual & then went to Allen Weeks and Staid all night and came home about Sun rise
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 22, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle meeting of "Twelve and others" at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 21, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Brother Whitney told me (unasked) that I could go to Davis's and get the flannel I wanted. He seems to feel agreeable and I presume he don't know that his is the cause of my grief...
Evening met the brethren at Elder Taylors and had prayers. The council wrote a letter to Judge [James] Ralston inviting him to come here. He says he thinks he can bring a hundred Catholic families to buy out some of our propertys.
Evening met the brethren at Elder Taylors and had prayers. The council wrote a letter to Judge [James] Ralston inviting him to come here. He says he thinks he can bring a hundred Catholic families to buy out some of our propertys.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 21, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday Octr 21st 1845. Hunter met at my house this morning to make arraingements set the company hands at work.I then went to Br W. Richards who wanted to See meHe wanted me to Send a policeman there to day to be on hands in case any thing should happenThere was a council to be there and Jas Arlington Bennett was to be present and it was also Court week and people was very liable to disturb them so I went to the Masonic Hall and sent D. McArthur who was at work there.I then went to see Langley & then went in a Buggy with Col Scott about Seven miles below here to see Br Pettitt.We came back about 2 oclock and learning that some of the troops was in from Carthage, we went to Be J. Knight & Scott left me there & then went home and I Staid there till time to meet the police and went and met them as usual.We had a general meeting again on the Subject of being more punctual to attend to our duty &cI then went to Lathrops Store and Warthan told me that there was
a writ out for me &
others.I then came home about an hour after Dark
a writ out for me &
others.I then came home about an hour after Dark
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 21, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle meeting of "the brethren" at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 20, 1845. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...General James Arlington Bennett from Arlington House Flat Bush Long Island arrived today and met the Twelve and others at Elder Taylors in the evening. I was present part of the time. It appears he was opposed to our selling out to gratify the mob, and would rather we would fight them and maintain our ground, but when he was informed of our ultimate plans and matters to be accomplished, he seemed to feel very different. I should judge him to be a very ambitious and a[s]piring man. After the interview, we retired upstairs and had prayers as usual.
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 20, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday Octr the 20th 1845. This morning a lot of teams at my house to go with some hands to cut draw some timber for cribs &c for grain.I then went to the flat and the Lodge and then came home at one oclock and wrote in my journal till near three oclock and then went to the Temple in company with Hunter & some others who came here and met the police and came home at about 8 oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 20, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle meeting of"the Twelve and others" at John Taylor's house .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] [Long paraphrase of journal entry by Allen, interspersed with quotes from the diary. The only additional material is indicated in the entry from Nauvoo 4.]
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] Sunday 19th. At the office all day recording tithings. Brother Whitehead and McEwan told me that Bishop Whitney seemed very much dissatisfied because I had balanced up J.C. Kingsburys account without first asking them about it. I know of no reason why they should be dissatisfied unless it be because they dont like his account to shew on the book. He has been to work 10 months and has two dollars a day but is still $138. dollars in debt. Besides this he pays no rent, but this is paid by the Temple, neither does he pay any thing for horse feed although his horse is kept on Temple feed and kept well. Besides this he has money when he asks for it and has the first pick at every thing that comes in on tithing. When we have sugar or honey he generally has more than twice as much as any other man and is treated as much better than any other man about the works as can be imagined. He has paid no tithing out of this years work and although he has work enough
to keep him busy he can ride round when he has a mind to and all is right. He has no family, except Sarah Ann Whitney but he keeps an hired girl to wait on Sarah and a boy to wait on himself Julia Durfee lives with him which makes the number of his family and they take more to support them out of the Temple property than I have for my family although we are ten in number and I pay my own house rent and horse feed and pray for every thing I get. and when I asked for some flannel last week to make some flannel garments to wear this winter the Bishop hesitatingly said he supposed I could have it but finally said ``wear cotton garments as I do''. I have worked faithfully seven days in the week all this last season and frequently nights too, I have the same wages Joseph has although I have been here near four years and when I recorded my tithing in full for my sundays services which is one seventh instead of one tenth day, the Bishop seemed some dissatisfied about this. Now on t
he reflection of all these circumstances, being virtually denied the flannel and found fault with because I balanced Josephs account I could not help being grieved and angry and I make this record that if ever the question should arise in my absence as to the cause of my present feelings here it is. Besides all this the Bishop has found great fault about the Temple committee wasting property, but justice would bear me out in saying that so far as I ever saw the Temple committee were more prudent in this respect than has been practice for the last year past. The Bishop's boys Whitneys & Miller have free access to every thing in the store and when there is sugar in the store they eat it and waste it fluently.
to keep him busy he can ride round when he has a mind to and all is right. He has no family, except Sarah Ann Whitney but he keeps an hired girl to wait on Sarah and a boy to wait on himself Julia Durfee lives with him which makes the number of his family and they take more to support them out of the Temple property than I have for my family although we are ten in number and I pay my own house rent and horse feed and pray for every thing I get. and when I asked for some flannel last week to make some flannel garments to wear this winter the Bishop hesitatingly said he supposed I could have it but finally said ``wear cotton garments as I do''. I have worked faithfully seven days in the week all this last season and frequently nights too, I have the same wages Joseph has although I have been here near four years and when I recorded my tithing in full for my sundays services which is one seventh instead of one tenth day, the Bishop seemed some dissatisfied about this. Now on t
he reflection of all these circumstances, being virtually denied the flannel and found fault with because I balanced Josephs account I could not help being grieved and angry and I make this record that if ever the question should arise in my absence as to the cause of my present feelings here it is. Besides all this the Bishop has found great fault about the Temple committee wasting property, but justice would bear me out in saying that so far as I ever saw the Temple committee were more prudent in this respect than has been practice for the last year past. The Bishop's boys Whitneys & Miller have free access to every thing in the store and when there is sugar in the store they eat it and waste it fluently.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] ...they would ``eat and waste it fluently.'' They took penknifes and pencils from the desk and were ``unrestrained, and meanly impudent.'' ``These are the things that have caused me sorrow,'' he lamented, for even though the bishops generally treated him as well as anyone else, at this point he felt that they treated him ``more like a servant than a brother.''
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] ... As a general thing the bishops have treated me as well as any other man but I confess they treat [me] more like a servant than a brother. I have endeavored under all circumstances to take as little notice as possible of all these things but they sometimes force themselves on me and gall my feelings, especially to think that Joseph who has only been here ten months can fare so much better than the rest of us, and has a family of only himself and Sarah except their hired hands to wait on them. I respect Bishop Whitney as I do my own father but this does not make me insensible of feeling to see so much of what I consider to be unjust partiality and especially when I reflect that there has been so much complaints of others for doing precisely the same things. This morning Er Hyde preached in the Temple afterwards Wm. Smith was cut off from the Church by unanimous vote. He has published a pamphlet against the Twelve.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday. 19th. This morning about 3 oclock Hunter came and waked me up and we went down the river to look at some timber for boards & came back & went to my house about day. and took breakfast and then went to See a timber lot to make arraingements to build some graineries to put corn in for our company and then came home & went to meeting at the Temple.To day some letters were read from William Smith abusing the 12 and the church.The matter was refered to the Saints and he was disfellowshiped from the church and turned over to the hands of God after meeting I went home with Allen Weeks and took dinner met the police and came home accompanied by George Herring who Staid all night.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845
William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, Apostle and Presiding Patriarch, is excommunicated for his pamphlet denouncing apostolic succession. The Oct conference had already dropped him as an Apostle and Presiding Patriarch.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 19, 1845
William Smith: Publicly excommunicated 19 Oct. 1845, offered reinstatement in Quorum 28 Oct. by Orson Hyde , declined offer 12 Nov. and called Brigham Young despot
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 18th 1845
[High Council Minutes]
The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints met according to appointment and adjourned to the dwelling of President John Smith.
Opening Prayer, by Father Morley.
Counsellors Present.
Saml Bent James Allred
David Fulmer Alpheus Cutler
Newel Knight George W. Harris
Ezra T. Benson Aaron Johnson
Father John Smith, Isaac Morley & Charles C. Rich Presiding.
Voted unanimoulsy that Jordon Hendrickson be received into fellowship in this Church by rebaptism.
Voted unanimously that the case of David Elliot be dropped, as no prosecutor appeared against him.
Unanimously Voted that the cases of Alanson Ripley, James M. Flack, and Francis Pullin be dropped for want of prosecutors.
Voted to adjourn Sine Die.
Closoing prayer by Counsellor Allred
Approved Calvin C. Pendleton Clerk
The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints met according to appointment and adjourned to the dwelling of President John Smith.
Opening Prayer, by Father Morley.
Counsellors Present.
Saml Bent James Allred
David Fulmer Alpheus Cutler
Newel Knight George W. Harris
Ezra T. Benson Aaron Johnson
Father John Smith, Isaac Morley & Charles C. Rich Presiding.
Voted unanimoulsy that Jordon Hendrickson be received into fellowship in this Church by rebaptism.
Voted unanimously that the case of David Elliot be dropped, as no prosecutor appeared against him.
Unanimously Voted that the cases of Alanson Ripley, James M. Flack, and Francis Pullin be dropped for want of prosecutors.
Voted to adjourn Sine Die.
Closoing prayer by Counsellor Allred
Approved Calvin C. Pendleton Clerk
[source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
Mormon History, Oct 18, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday Octr 18th 1845. Came home before day.All was well.Went to see Br Campbell and met the Company at one oclock at the Masonic Hall.Made preperations for fitting out &c then sent See Hunter and came with him to my house all was well.We then went to the Temple and he home & I to Langleys & Staid all night.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 18, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] morning prayer meeting .
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 17, 1845, Friday
[William Clayton Writings] Friday 17th ... Evening met at Er Taylors with the Twelve and others for prayer.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 17, 1845
[Nauvoo Temple] Orson Hyde arrived in Nauvoo with 4,000 feet of topsail Russian duck canvas for the tabernacle. The tabernacle was never erected. The canvas was probably used instead for the temporary partitions in the temple attic, erected in December 1845 , and ultimately for wagon covers as the Mormons left Nauvoo, beginning in February 1846.
[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Mormon History, Oct 17, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday Octr 17th 1845. Met the Lodge at 10 oclock then came home at 3 oclock and went to Allen Weeks and there Staid till morning.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 16, 1845
John Murdock: Wife, Electa, died 16 October 1845. Two children: George Weire (adopted) and Brigham Young.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 16, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] T. 16th. Saw Col Scott about fitting out our company met the Lodge & came home met the police and came home at dark
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 15, 1845
Parley Parker Pratt: Sealed to Sarah Huston 15 October 1845. Four children: Julia, Mormon, Teancum, and Sarah.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 15, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday Octr 15th 1845. Went to Weeks Saw him then to the Lodge at 10 oclock then to the Printing office and then home at 2 oclockand then wrote in my journal till 4 oclock and then met the police and came home at dark.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 14, 1845, Tuesday
[William Clayton Writings] Tuesday 14. ... At 8 went to Er Taylors to write off the conference minutes with brother Bullock. [In the afternoon] ... We offered up prayers that they might not be permitted to do any injury to any of tie saints nor to interrupt our peace. They did not stay long, but returned accomplishing nothing, leaving us in peace.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 14, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday Octr 14th 1845. Before day this morning Brs Hunter & Warthan came to my house on their way to their hiding place.Hunter wanted me to go in the morning to the Hall to see how the picket guard was doing in his absence and also make such arrangements an I thought necessary to keep up the guard till he could be with them accordingly at 7 oclock I went and found the guard very much confused and disorganized and did not attend to their business very punctuallyI then regulated matters to the best advantage I could and at 10 met the Lodge during its Session Be Langley was taken very Sick with the ague & I had to take him home, & then hearing that some of the governors "Moblitia" had come in Town again I went to See Genl Rich but he was in the countryI then went to Hutchings. and stayed awhile and then met with the Company in the cellar of the Temple to organize and make Some preperations for our Contemplated journey next Spring and came home and went with
Br A. Brown to See John
Robinson who was going with us we then came home & I went to bed at 8 oclock.
Br A. Brown to See John
Robinson who was going with us we then came home & I went to bed at 8 oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 14, 1845
"Mary Gout was sealed to Lewis Dana a Lamanite by B. Young-being the first Lamanite having a Wife sealed to him under the New & Everlasting Covenant for Time & all eternity-she being a White Woman, he being the first [native American] elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-having been an Elder about four years."
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 14, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] prayer meetings and "Council" in morning and evening concerning arrival of state militia in Nauvoo: "We prayed that they might not be permitted to do any injury to any of the saints; nor to interrupt our peace; they stayed but a short time" .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 13, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday Oct 13th 1845. Wrote in Journal then went to the flat raising & making preparation for the CompanySaw several of the Police & at 2 came home, wrote in journal till 4 & then met the police and came home at dark and wrote in my journal till ten oclock P. M.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 13, 1845
A non-Mormon in Auga, Illinois writes his brother: "there are hundreds of good farms, that the Mormons would sell cheap, go in the SPRING THEY MUST. They talk of going over the rocky mountains, but I don't believe it. But wherever the wretches can go, I don't know. They have no right to go or stay any where, on earth. They are not fit to be among men!"
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 13, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] male-only prayer meeting at John Taylor's .
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings] Sunday 12th ... At 7 met at Er Taylors with the brethren. ... We had prayers again as usual.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845 (Sunday)
Wm. Smith was excommunicated from the Church at Nauvoo.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845
William B Smith: Excommunicated for apostasy 12 October 1845.
[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]
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday Octr 12th 1845. Earley this morning I got up and went to see Genl Rich who informed me that he had sent home the troops with orders for them to keep them selves in readiness in case of an alarm and that there had been no writs in yet that there was no appearance of danger at this timeWe went then to Br Hutchings and he shaved us and then to his house and took breakfastWe then went by the Temple to the Masonic Hall all was right there.We then Sent some spys towards Bear Creek & other parts where we thought the mob were gathered and then went to his house again and I there met my clerk who was in search of me to See if I wanted him so I went with him to Weeks and got my journal & papers and then came home & he went to do Some Special business for meWhen I came home I learned that Br Daniel S. Miles one of the First Presidents of the Seventies was deadHe died at Josiah Butterfields.he came to conference and was taken Sick last Sunday at meeting.He was
a fine clever jolly
man.In the troubles in Missouri he was a Captain of ten and I belonged to his company part of the time â€" My wife not being very well I Staid & wrote in my journal at home till 2 oclock and then went to the after noon meeting at the Temple.
The business of this after noon was taken up in organizing companies for Calaforna or the West.I was now apprised for the first time that I was appointed to lead a company myself.President B. Young Stated that as the "Old Police was attached to me that it was my right to have themThis was glad tidings to all the Police who immediately came to me this was about 5 oclock so the police all left the Temple and met near by and I had the guard detailed and after making Some arraingements relative to joining a company I came home Stopping at Weeks & Sabins on my way.I then went to see Br F Harwood who was very Sick and then came home & wrote in my journal till nine oclock.
Pleasant Green Taylor, my wifes brother came to l
ive with me this evening with the expectation of staying untill we move and on the road
a fine clever jolly
man.In the troubles in Missouri he was a Captain of ten and I belonged to his company part of the time â€" My wife not being very well I Staid & wrote in my journal at home till 2 oclock and then went to the after noon meeting at the Temple.
The business of this after noon was taken up in organizing companies for Calaforna or the West.I was now apprised for the first time that I was appointed to lead a company myself.President B. Young Stated that as the "Old Police was attached to me that it was my right to have themThis was glad tidings to all the Police who immediately came to me this was about 5 oclock so the police all left the Temple and met near by and I had the guard detailed and after making Some arraingements relative to joining a company I came home Stopping at Weeks & Sabins on my way.I then went to see Br F Harwood who was very Sick and then came home & wrote in my journal till nine oclock.
Pleasant Green Taylor, my wifes brother came to l
ive with me this evening with the expectation of staying untill we move and on the road
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845
Sidney Rigdon's supporters in Pittsburgh publicly sustain him as "first president of the church" which is formally organized as a new "Church of Christ" on Apr 6, 1845.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845
Daniel S Miles Death: 12 Oct. 1845, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois , Estate: No record
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 12, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle meeting of "the brethren" at John Taylor's house .
[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]
Mormon History, Oct 11, 1845, Saturday
[William Clayton Writings] Saturday 11th At Er Taylors in council with Prest. Young, H.C. Kimball, P.P. Pratt, J. Taylor, G.A. Smith, A. Lyman & others. We had prayers in the forenoon and asked God to overrule the movements of the enemy and cause the Governor to withdraw his troops from this county - and preserve us in peace untill we can depart in the spring. After prayer we went to prepare a circular for the agents to take abroad with them. P.M. Prest Young did not attend, being completely worn down with fatigue. At 4 we Adjourned till 7 - I went up to the office and attended to some little items of business. At 7 met again at Er Taylors with the brethren. We offered up our prayers for the same subjects, believing that the Lord will defeat our enemies & preserve his people. After prayer we finished an extract from the conference minutes for the circular. Also appointed additional captains of hundreds, making Captains for twenty five companies.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 11, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday Octr 11th 1845. I was awake this morning about one hour by sun by my clerk who had agreed to meet me at that time and assist me in writing my journal while I had to secrete myself.About half past ten A. M. we came to the place where I released him from on the morning of the 29th of September & from that time to this I had kept notes myself so I released him and sent him away that he might learn and send me word what was going on and I amused my self to the best advantage and also wrote in my journal untill 12 when Weeks came home and informed me that all was well as yet but that General Rich Said for me to lay low & keep dark.In my seclusion from the public gaze & the Society of my fellow soldiers whom it was my lot to lead on to fight the battles of the Lord in case of an attack my mind was wrapped up in the contemplation of the future destany of the House of Israel, and I asked my Self why this seclusion of myself from the knowledge of even my f
riends who knew not where
I was, in an hour when it seemed I was actually needed to head the armies of Israel.When an army of Saints were met together to Supplicate the Lord our God for deliverance would they not ask one another where is our general who was always with us & why is he not here to strengthen us as in former times.I reflected upon it and beheld that the Safety and welfare of this people demanded it for should our enemies come in as we expected & find me and some others whom they also hated they would we expected arrest us & take us to Carthage as is usual and to Suffer us to be taken away the Saints were determined not to suffer hence it would lead to a resistance of what they would term law.and this would bring down the indignation of a government upon us who delights in Shedding the blood of prophets and cause many of the Saints to be Slain and the residue driven out into the wilderness.I thought of the tender ties of nature at home of my little ones who pra
ttle round me in childish
loveliness when I come in but now they know not where I am or what will be my destiny before we see each other again.I thought how I have So often seen the Prophet Joseph hide from his enemies when our Safety demanded it.I thought how they also took him through treachery and slew him and Said is this my fate, am I to be also torn from every thing that is Sacred as he was and treacherously Slain and Said to my self that I would not give my self up Save it was to redeem my people and Should they attempt to arrest me I felt determined to Sell my life life as dear as I could and try and convince our enemies that the blook [blood] of the Saints was not as easily Shed as was our Prophets & Patriarch
I felt that I had served my maker as well as I knew and was willing to hide and wait the full time of the Lord But in the event of a battle I was resolved to come forth as a lion from his thicket and roar upon our enemies as did the People of God always and
trust to him for the resultSo I am composed and as yet fear no evil
This passed away the day in the evening Br. Langley & my Brother came in and saw me and said all was well as yetjust after dark we took Supper & Langley went with me to Genl Richs to see if he had any intelligence for me; but he was not at home.So we came to my house my folks were all well & in good Spirits.After Staying awhile with them we returned to Genl Richs again who had not come home yetLangley then went home & I to my hiding place again at about nine or ten oclockNothing of importance happened till morning.
riends who knew not where
I was, in an hour when it seemed I was actually needed to head the armies of Israel.When an army of Saints were met together to Supplicate the Lord our God for deliverance would they not ask one another where is our general who was always with us & why is he not here to strengthen us as in former times.I reflected upon it and beheld that the Safety and welfare of this people demanded it for should our enemies come in as we expected & find me and some others whom they also hated they would we expected arrest us & take us to Carthage as is usual and to Suffer us to be taken away the Saints were determined not to suffer hence it would lead to a resistance of what they would term law.and this would bring down the indignation of a government upon us who delights in Shedding the blood of prophets and cause many of the Saints to be Slain and the residue driven out into the wilderness.I thought of the tender ties of nature at home of my little ones who pra
ttle round me in childish
loveliness when I come in but now they know not where I am or what will be my destiny before we see each other again.I thought how I have So often seen the Prophet Joseph hide from his enemies when our Safety demanded it.I thought how they also took him through treachery and slew him and Said is this my fate, am I to be also torn from every thing that is Sacred as he was and treacherously Slain and Said to my self that I would not give my self up Save it was to redeem my people and Should they attempt to arrest me I felt determined to Sell my life life as dear as I could and try and convince our enemies that the blook [blood] of the Saints was not as easily Shed as was our Prophets & Patriarch
I felt that I had served my maker as well as I knew and was willing to hide and wait the full time of the Lord But in the event of a battle I was resolved to come forth as a lion from his thicket and roar upon our enemies as did the People of God always and
trust to him for the resultSo I am composed and as yet fear no evil
This passed away the day in the evening Br. Langley & my Brother came in and saw me and said all was well as yetjust after dark we took Supper & Langley went with me to Genl Richs to see if he had any intelligence for me; but he was not at home.So we came to my house my folks were all well & in good Spirits.After Staying awhile with them we returned to Genl Richs again who had not come home yetLangley then went home & I to my hiding place again at about nine or ten oclockNothing of importance happened till morning.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 11, 1845
Circular Regarding When Saints Were Leaving-- In this original printed Circular of Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve extracts from the October, 1845, General Conference minutes are used along with the Message "To the brethren of the Church. . ." In the DHC the Conference minutes and the Message appear separately. The printed Circular bears no date other than that of the extracted Conference minutes of October 6, 7, 8, 1845. In the DHC a date of October 8 is given as a heading for the Message. However an entry for October 11th says: ". . . we finished an extract from the conference minutes for the circular." The printed Circular contains a list of Captains for Companies removing in the Spring. This same list appears in DHC under the date of October 11, 1845. It seems evident that the Original Printed Circular here reproduced did not appear before October 11, 1845. The Message and the extracts from the Conference minutes constitute a call and instructions to the Church
to move West. A postscript indicated that there are many good locations for settlements on the Pacific, especially at Vancouver's Island. For additional background see: DHC 7:456-482; CHC 2:538-541.
CIRCULAR to the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FIRST MEETING IN THE TEMPLE. On Sunday the 5th day of October, through the indefatigable exertions, unceasing industry, and heaven blessed labors, in the midst of trials, tribulations, poverty, and worldly obstacles, solemnized in some instances by death, about five thousand saints had the inexpressible joy and great satisfaction to meet for the first time in the House of the Lord in the city of Joseph. From mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together and praise the Lord.
It certainly afforded a holy satisfaction to think that since the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid, amidst the most straitened circumsta
nces, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had witnessed their bread cast upon waters, or more properly, their obedience to the commandments of the Lord, appear in the tangible form of a Temple, entirely enclosed, windows in, with temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate so many persons preparatory to a General Conference: no General Conference having been held for three years past, according to the declaration of our martyred prophet:
"There shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the font of the Lord's House; and the church shall not hold another general conference until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord."
President Young opened the services of the day in a dedicatory prayer, presenting the Temple, thus far completed, as a monument of the saints' liberality, fidelity, and faith,-concluding, 'Lord we dedicate this house and ourselves unto thee.' The day was occupied most agreeably in hearin
g instructions and teachings, and offering up the gratitude of honest hearts, for so great a privilege, as worshiping God, within instead of without an edifice, whose beauty and workmanship will compare with any house of worship in America, and whose motto is: "Holiness to the Lord."
EXTRACT from the Minutes of a General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the House of the Lord in the City of Joseph, Oct. 6th, 7, & 8, 1845.
Conference assembled on Monday the 6th inst., and opened at half past 10 A. M. with singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder P. P. Pratt.
Elder W. Richards then stated that Gen. Hardin had requested us to make out a list of all the buildings and property belonging to our brethren which had been burned by the enemies, and also had requested that all those who have had their buildings or other property destroyed should make affidavit of the same before a Justice of the Peace, and have their affidavits ready to be forwa
rded to him at as early a season as possible.
President Brigham Young then said, the first business that will come before this conference, will be the authorities of the church, to ascertain whether they are in good standing.
Father John Smith, the president of the stake, then arose to present the Twelve as the presidents of the whole church.
On motion, it was unanimously voted that president Brigham Young be sustained as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles.
The Quorum of the Twelve apostles, the High Council, Presidents of the High Priests, Seventies, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacon's Quorums, with the two presiding Bishops were then presented and sustained in their several standings, with two or three exceptions, by unanimous vote.
In the afternoon Elder P. P. Pratt addressed the conference on the subject of our present situation and prospects. He referred to the great amount of expense and labor we have been at to purchase lands, build houses, the
Temple &c.; we might ask, why is it that we have been at all this outlay and expense, and then are called to leave it? He would answer that the people of God always were required to make sacrifices, and if we have a sacrifice to make, he is in favor of its being something worthy of the people of God. We do not want to leave a desolate place, to be a reproach to us but something that will be a monument of our industry and virtue. Our houses, our farms, this Temple and all we leave will be a monument to those who may visit the place of our industry, diligence and virtue. There is no sacrifice required at the hands of the people of God but shall be rewarded to them an hundred fold, in time or eternity.
The Lord has another purpose to bring about and to fulfill. We know that the great work of God must all the while be on the increase and grow greater. The people must enlarge in numbers and extend their borders; they cannot always live in one city, nor in one county; they canno
t always wear the yoke; Israel must be the head and not the tail. The Lord designs to lead us to a wider field of action, where there will be more room for the saints to grow and increase, and where there will be no one to say we crowd them, and where we can enjoy the pure principles of liberty and equal rights.
When we settle a country where the air, the water, soil and timber is equally free to every settler without money or without price, the climate healthy, and the people free from unjust and vexatious lawsuits, mobocracy and oppression of every kind, we can become vastly more wealthy, have better possessions and improvements, and build a larger and better Temple in five years from this time than we now possess.
It has cost us more for sickness, defence against mobs, vexatious prosecutions, and to purchase lands in this place, than as much improvement will cost in another.
One small nursery may produce many thousands of fruit trees, while they are small. But as they
expand towards maturity, they must needs be transplanted, in order to have room to grow and produce the natural fruits. It is so with us. We want a country where we have room to expand, and to put in requisition all our energies and the enterprise and talents of a numerous, intelligent and increasing people.
In short, this people are fast approaching that point which ancient prophets have long since pointed out as the destiny of the saints of the last days.
After many other spirited remarks touching similar points, he was succeeded by Elder George A. Smith, on the same subject. Elder Smith observed that a revelation was given in Missouri in regard to the saints consecrating their property which was not understood at the time; but they were soon brought to their understanding, for the Lord in his providence caused it all to be consecrated, for they were compelled to leave it.
He is glad of the prospect of leaving this county and seeking a place where we can enjoy the fruit
s of our labors and God himself be the sole proprietor of the elements.
Here is one principle in which he wants this whole people to unite. When we were to leave Missouri the saints entered into a covenant not to cease their exertions until every saint who wished to go was rem
oved, which was done.
We are better off now than we were then, and he wants to see the same principle carried out now, that every man will give all to help to take the poor; and every honest industrious member who wants to go. He wants to see this influence extend from the West to the East sea.
On motion, it was unanimously resolved that this people move, en masse, to the West.
On motion, it was unanimously resolved that we take all of the saints with us to the extent of our ability, that is, our influence and property.
The Conference then adjourned to Tuesday at 10 o'clock A. M.
To the, brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, scattered abroad throughout the United States of America.
The following circular is hereby sent, greeting: BELOVED BRETHREN: You will perceive from the foregoing interesting extracts from the minutes of the General Conference, just held in the Temple in this place, not only the unparalleled union of the great body of the Saint
s convened, but also that a crisis of extraordinary and thrilling interest has arrived. The exodus of the Nation of the only true Israel from these U. S. to a far distant region of the West, where bigotry, intolerance and insatiable oppression will have lost its power over them, forms a new epoch, not only in the history of the church, but of this nation. And we hereby timely advertise you to consider well, as the spirit may give you understanding, the various and momentous bearings of this great movement, and hear what the spirit saith unto you by this our epistle.-Jesus Christ was delivered up into the hands of the Jewish nation to save or condemn them-to be well or mal-treated by them; according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. And regard not that event in the light of a catastrophe wholly unlooked for. The spirit of prophecy has long since portrayed in the Book of Mormon, what might be the conduct of this nation towards the Israel of the last days. Th
e same spirit of prophecy that dwelt richly in the bosom of Joseph has time and again notified the Counsellors of this church, of emergencies that might arise of which this removal is one: and one too, in which all the Latter Day Saints throughout the length and breadth of all the U. S., should have a thrilling and deliberate interest. The same evil that was premeditated against Mordecat awaited equally all the families of his nation. If the authorities of this church cannot abide in peace within the pale of this nation, neither can those who implicitly hearken to their wholesome counsel. A word to the wise is sufficient. You all know and have doubtless felt for years the necessity of a removal provided the Government should not be sufficiently protective to allow us to worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences, and of the omnipotent voice of eternal truth. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed. Jacob must be expatriated while Esau held dominion.
It was wisdom for the child of promise to go far away from him that thirsted for blood. Even the heir of universal kingdoms fled precipitably into a distant country until they that sought to murder were dead. The ranklings of violence and intolerance and religious and political strife that have been waking up in the bosom of this nation, together with the occasional scintillations of settled vengeance, and blood-guiltiness cannot long be suppressed. And deplorable is the condition of any people that is constrained to be the butt of such discordant and revolutionary materials. The direful eruption must take place. It requires not the spirit of prophecy to foresee it. Every sensible man in the nation has felt and perhaps expressed his melancholy fears of the dreadful vortex into which partizan ambition, contempt of the poor, and trampling down the just as things of nought, were fast leading the nation. We therefore write unto you, beloved brethren, as wise men that will fore s
ee the evil and hide yourselves until the indignation be overpast.-Concerning those who have more immediately instigated our removal by shedding the blood of our prophet and patriarch, and burning the habitations of scores of families in the midst of the most desolating sickness ever known in the western valley; and who oblige us to watch for our lives night and day-we have nothing to say. We have told such tales to our father the President, and to all the high-minded Governors, until we are weary of it. We look far beyond those by whom offenses come, and discover a merciful design in our heavenly Father towards all such as patiently endure these afflictions until he advises them that the day of their deliverance has come. It is our design to remove all the Saints as early next spring as the first appearance of thrifty vegetation. In the mean time the utmost diligence of all the brethren at this place and abroad will be requisite for our removal, and to complete the unfinish
ed part of the Lord's house, preparatory to dedication by the next general conference. The font and other parts of the Temple will be in readiness in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his holy Temple. We therefore invite the saints abroad generally so to arrange their affairs as to come with their families in sufficient time to receive their endowments, and aid in giving the last finish to the house of the Lord, previous to the great immigration of the Church in the spring. A little additional help in the heat of the day from those abroad, to those here, who have been often driven and robbed will sweeten the interchanges of fellowship, and so far fulfil the law of Christ as to bear one another's burdens.-The sacrifice of property that will probably accrue from a virtually coerced sale in a gi
ven short time together with the exhaustion of available means, that has arisen from an extensive improvement of farms, and the erection of costly public and private edifices together with persecutions and abundant labors of elders in preaching the gospel to the nations and also in self-defence from traitors and foes, hypocrites and knaves, are things that will suggest themselves to all the thoughtful humane and philanthropic. And we are confident in our Lord Jesus Christ that the balm and cordial adequate to the present crisis of affairs will come from the saints abroad to the utmost of their ability. And you cannot furnish it better, than to come up unitedly to the counsel of our epistles promptly, diligently and to the letter. Therefore dispose of your properties and inheritances, and interests for available means: such as money, wagons, oxen, cows, mules, and a few good horses adapted to journeying and scanty feed. Also for durable fabrics suitable for apparel and tent
s; and some other necessary articles of merchandise. Wake up, wake up dear brethren, we exhort you, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Florida, to the present glorious emergency in which the God of heaven has placed you, to prove your faith by your works, preparatory to a rich endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and the obtaining of promises and deliverances, and glories for yourselves and your children and your dead. And we are well persuaded you will do these things though we thus stir up your pure minds to remembrance. In doing so the blessings of many, ready to perish like silent dew upon the grass, and the approbation of generations to come, and the hallowed joys of eternal life will rest upon you. And we cannot but assure you in conclusion of our most joyful confidence, touching your union and implicit obedience to the counsel of the Great God, through the Presidency of the Saints. With these assurances and hopes concerning you, we bless you and
supplicate the wisdom and furtherance of the Great Head of the church upon your designs and efforts.
P. S. Let all wagons that are hereafter built be constructed to the track of five feet width from centre to centre. Families may properly travel to this place during winter in
their wagons.
There are said to be many good locations for settlements on the Pacific, especially at Vancouver's Island, near the mouth of Columbia. BRIGHAM YOUNG, Pres't. Willard Richards, Clerk.
LIST OF COMMITTEES, Appointed at the general conference, for the sale of lands in Hancock county.
Nauvoo.-Winslow Farr, Edward Hunter, Rufes Beach, A. W. Babbit, Joseph L. Heywood and Daniel Russell.
Laharpe.-Lyman Cory, John Clark and John L. Bartolph.
Macedonia.-Wm. G. Perkins, Isaac Clark and Andrew H. Perkins.
Camp Creek.-L. A. Bingham.
Bear Creek.-Nelson Higgins, Samuel Shepherd and Daniel Allen.
Knowlton's Settlement.-Sidney A. Knowlton, Eleazer Brown and James Rawlins.
Highland Branch.-James Duncan, Wm. A. Duncan and John Loveless.
Montebello.-Eleazar Miller and Jesse Spurgin.
Yelrome.-Solomon Hancock and Horace Rawson.
In Iowa, every man is appointed to act as a committee of the whole for the sale of lands.
CAPTAINS OF COMPANIES FOR REMOVAL IN THE SPRING. 1, the
Twelve; 2, Samuel Bent; 3, Alpheus Cutler; 4, Isaac Morley; 5, Shadrack Roundy; 6, Reynolds Cahoon; 7, Daniel Spencer; 8, Peter Haws; 9, Joseph Fielding; 10, John D. Parker; 11, David Fullmer; 12, Charles Shumway; 13, Charles C. Rich; 14, Jedediah M. Grant; 15, Erastus Snow; 16, Benjamin F. Johnson; 17, Andrew H. Perkins; 18, George Coulson; 19, David Evans; 20, Daniel C. Davis; 21, Jonathan H. Hale; 22, George P. Dykes, (Ottoway;) 23, Mephibosheth Sirrine, (Michigan) 24, Hosea Stout; 25, Wm. Huntington. {1845-October 11-Original Circular}
to move West. A postscript indicated that there are many good locations for settlements on the Pacific, especially at Vancouver's Island. For additional background see: DHC 7:456-482; CHC 2:538-541.
CIRCULAR to the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FIRST MEETING IN THE TEMPLE. On Sunday the 5th day of October, through the indefatigable exertions, unceasing industry, and heaven blessed labors, in the midst of trials, tribulations, poverty, and worldly obstacles, solemnized in some instances by death, about five thousand saints had the inexpressible joy and great satisfaction to meet for the first time in the House of the Lord in the city of Joseph. From mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together and praise the Lord.
It certainly afforded a holy satisfaction to think that since the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid, amidst the most straitened circumsta
nces, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had witnessed their bread cast upon waters, or more properly, their obedience to the commandments of the Lord, appear in the tangible form of a Temple, entirely enclosed, windows in, with temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate so many persons preparatory to a General Conference: no General Conference having been held for three years past, according to the declaration of our martyred prophet:
"There shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the font of the Lord's House; and the church shall not hold another general conference until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord."
President Young opened the services of the day in a dedicatory prayer, presenting the Temple, thus far completed, as a monument of the saints' liberality, fidelity, and faith,-concluding, 'Lord we dedicate this house and ourselves unto thee.' The day was occupied most agreeably in hearin
g instructions and teachings, and offering up the gratitude of honest hearts, for so great a privilege, as worshiping God, within instead of without an edifice, whose beauty and workmanship will compare with any house of worship in America, and whose motto is: "Holiness to the Lord."
EXTRACT from the Minutes of a General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the House of the Lord in the City of Joseph, Oct. 6th, 7, & 8, 1845.
Conference assembled on Monday the 6th inst., and opened at half past 10 A. M. with singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder P. P. Pratt.
Elder W. Richards then stated that Gen. Hardin had requested us to make out a list of all the buildings and property belonging to our brethren which had been burned by the enemies, and also had requested that all those who have had their buildings or other property destroyed should make affidavit of the same before a Justice of the Peace, and have their affidavits ready to be forwa
rded to him at as early a season as possible.
President Brigham Young then said, the first business that will come before this conference, will be the authorities of the church, to ascertain whether they are in good standing.
Father John Smith, the president of the stake, then arose to present the Twelve as the presidents of the whole church.
On motion, it was unanimously voted that president Brigham Young be sustained as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles.
The Quorum of the Twelve apostles, the High Council, Presidents of the High Priests, Seventies, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacon's Quorums, with the two presiding Bishops were then presented and sustained in their several standings, with two or three exceptions, by unanimous vote.
In the afternoon Elder P. P. Pratt addressed the conference on the subject of our present situation and prospects. He referred to the great amount of expense and labor we have been at to purchase lands, build houses, the
Temple &c.; we might ask, why is it that we have been at all this outlay and expense, and then are called to leave it? He would answer that the people of God always were required to make sacrifices, and if we have a sacrifice to make, he is in favor of its being something worthy of the people of God. We do not want to leave a desolate place, to be a reproach to us but something that will be a monument of our industry and virtue. Our houses, our farms, this Temple and all we leave will be a monument to those who may visit the place of our industry, diligence and virtue. There is no sacrifice required at the hands of the people of God but shall be rewarded to them an hundred fold, in time or eternity.
The Lord has another purpose to bring about and to fulfill. We know that the great work of God must all the while be on the increase and grow greater. The people must enlarge in numbers and extend their borders; they cannot always live in one city, nor in one county; they canno
t always wear the yoke; Israel must be the head and not the tail. The Lord designs to lead us to a wider field of action, where there will be more room for the saints to grow and increase, and where there will be no one to say we crowd them, and where we can enjoy the pure principles of liberty and equal rights.
When we settle a country where the air, the water, soil and timber is equally free to every settler without money or without price, the climate healthy, and the people free from unjust and vexatious lawsuits, mobocracy and oppression of every kind, we can become vastly more wealthy, have better possessions and improvements, and build a larger and better Temple in five years from this time than we now possess.
It has cost us more for sickness, defence against mobs, vexatious prosecutions, and to purchase lands in this place, than as much improvement will cost in another.
One small nursery may produce many thousands of fruit trees, while they are small. But as they
expand towards maturity, they must needs be transplanted, in order to have room to grow and produce the natural fruits. It is so with us. We want a country where we have room to expand, and to put in requisition all our energies and the enterprise and talents of a numerous, intelligent and increasing people.
In short, this people are fast approaching that point which ancient prophets have long since pointed out as the destiny of the saints of the last days.
After many other spirited remarks touching similar points, he was succeeded by Elder George A. Smith, on the same subject. Elder Smith observed that a revelation was given in Missouri in regard to the saints consecrating their property which was not understood at the time; but they were soon brought to their understanding, for the Lord in his providence caused it all to be consecrated, for they were compelled to leave it.
He is glad of the prospect of leaving this county and seeking a place where we can enjoy the fruit
s of our labors and God himself be the sole proprietor of the elements.
Here is one principle in which he wants this whole people to unite. When we were to leave Missouri the saints entered into a covenant not to cease their exertions until every saint who wished to go was rem
oved, which was done.
We are better off now than we were then, and he wants to see the same principle carried out now, that every man will give all to help to take the poor; and every honest industrious member who wants to go. He wants to see this influence extend from the West to the East sea.
On motion, it was unanimously resolved that this people move, en masse, to the West.
On motion, it was unanimously resolved that we take all of the saints with us to the extent of our ability, that is, our influence and property.
The Conference then adjourned to Tuesday at 10 o'clock A. M.
To the, brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, scattered abroad throughout the United States of America.
The following circular is hereby sent, greeting: BELOVED BRETHREN: You will perceive from the foregoing interesting extracts from the minutes of the General Conference, just held in the Temple in this place, not only the unparalleled union of the great body of the Saint
s convened, but also that a crisis of extraordinary and thrilling interest has arrived. The exodus of the Nation of the only true Israel from these U. S. to a far distant region of the West, where bigotry, intolerance and insatiable oppression will have lost its power over them, forms a new epoch, not only in the history of the church, but of this nation. And we hereby timely advertise you to consider well, as the spirit may give you understanding, the various and momentous bearings of this great movement, and hear what the spirit saith unto you by this our epistle.-Jesus Christ was delivered up into the hands of the Jewish nation to save or condemn them-to be well or mal-treated by them; according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. And regard not that event in the light of a catastrophe wholly unlooked for. The spirit of prophecy has long since portrayed in the Book of Mormon, what might be the conduct of this nation towards the Israel of the last days. Th
e same spirit of prophecy that dwelt richly in the bosom of Joseph has time and again notified the Counsellors of this church, of emergencies that might arise of which this removal is one: and one too, in which all the Latter Day Saints throughout the length and breadth of all the U. S., should have a thrilling and deliberate interest. The same evil that was premeditated against Mordecat awaited equally all the families of his nation. If the authorities of this church cannot abide in peace within the pale of this nation, neither can those who implicitly hearken to their wholesome counsel. A word to the wise is sufficient. You all know and have doubtless felt for years the necessity of a removal provided the Government should not be sufficiently protective to allow us to worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences, and of the omnipotent voice of eternal truth. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed. Jacob must be expatriated while Esau held dominion.
It was wisdom for the child of promise to go far away from him that thirsted for blood. Even the heir of universal kingdoms fled precipitably into a distant country until they that sought to murder were dead. The ranklings of violence and intolerance and religious and political strife that have been waking up in the bosom of this nation, together with the occasional scintillations of settled vengeance, and blood-guiltiness cannot long be suppressed. And deplorable is the condition of any people that is constrained to be the butt of such discordant and revolutionary materials. The direful eruption must take place. It requires not the spirit of prophecy to foresee it. Every sensible man in the nation has felt and perhaps expressed his melancholy fears of the dreadful vortex into which partizan ambition, contempt of the poor, and trampling down the just as things of nought, were fast leading the nation. We therefore write unto you, beloved brethren, as wise men that will fore s
ee the evil and hide yourselves until the indignation be overpast.-Concerning those who have more immediately instigated our removal by shedding the blood of our prophet and patriarch, and burning the habitations of scores of families in the midst of the most desolating sickness ever known in the western valley; and who oblige us to watch for our lives night and day-we have nothing to say. We have told such tales to our father the President, and to all the high-minded Governors, until we are weary of it. We look far beyond those by whom offenses come, and discover a merciful design in our heavenly Father towards all such as patiently endure these afflictions until he advises them that the day of their deliverance has come. It is our design to remove all the Saints as early next spring as the first appearance of thrifty vegetation. In the mean time the utmost diligence of all the brethren at this place and abroad will be requisite for our removal, and to complete the unfinish
ed part of the Lord's house, preparatory to dedication by the next general conference. The font and other parts of the Temple will be in readiness in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his holy Temple. We therefore invite the saints abroad generally so to arrange their affairs as to come with their families in sufficient time to receive their endowments, and aid in giving the last finish to the house of the Lord, previous to the great immigration of the Church in the spring. A little additional help in the heat of the day from those abroad, to those here, who have been often driven and robbed will sweeten the interchanges of fellowship, and so far fulfil the law of Christ as to bear one another's burdens.-The sacrifice of property that will probably accrue from a virtually coerced sale in a gi
ven short time together with the exhaustion of available means, that has arisen from an extensive improvement of farms, and the erection of costly public and private edifices together with persecutions and abundant labors of elders in preaching the gospel to the nations and also in self-defence from traitors and foes, hypocrites and knaves, are things that will suggest themselves to all the thoughtful humane and philanthropic. And we are confident in our Lord Jesus Christ that the balm and cordial adequate to the present crisis of affairs will come from the saints abroad to the utmost of their ability. And you cannot furnish it better, than to come up unitedly to the counsel of our epistles promptly, diligently and to the letter. Therefore dispose of your properties and inheritances, and interests for available means: such as money, wagons, oxen, cows, mules, and a few good horses adapted to journeying and scanty feed. Also for durable fabrics suitable for apparel and tent
s; and some other necessary articles of merchandise. Wake up, wake up dear brethren, we exhort you, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Florida, to the present glorious emergency in which the God of heaven has placed you, to prove your faith by your works, preparatory to a rich endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and the obtaining of promises and deliverances, and glories for yourselves and your children and your dead. And we are well persuaded you will do these things though we thus stir up your pure minds to remembrance. In doing so the blessings of many, ready to perish like silent dew upon the grass, and the approbation of generations to come, and the hallowed joys of eternal life will rest upon you. And we cannot but assure you in conclusion of our most joyful confidence, touching your union and implicit obedience to the counsel of the Great God, through the Presidency of the Saints. With these assurances and hopes concerning you, we bless you and
supplicate the wisdom and furtherance of the Great Head of the church upon your designs and efforts.
P. S. Let all wagons that are hereafter built be constructed to the track of five feet width from centre to centre. Families may properly travel to this place during winter in
their wagons.
There are said to be many good locations for settlements on the Pacific, especially at Vancouver's Island, near the mouth of Columbia. BRIGHAM YOUNG, Pres't. Willard Richards, Clerk.
LIST OF COMMITTEES, Appointed at the general conference, for the sale of lands in Hancock county.
Nauvoo.-Winslow Farr, Edward Hunter, Rufes Beach, A. W. Babbit, Joseph L. Heywood and Daniel Russell.
Laharpe.-Lyman Cory, John Clark and John L. Bartolph.
Macedonia.-Wm. G. Perkins, Isaac Clark and Andrew H. Perkins.
Camp Creek.-L. A. Bingham.
Bear Creek.-Nelson Higgins, Samuel Shepherd and Daniel Allen.
Knowlton's Settlement.-Sidney A. Knowlton, Eleazer Brown and James Rawlins.
Highland Branch.-James Duncan, Wm. A. Duncan and John Loveless.
Montebello.-Eleazar Miller and Jesse Spurgin.
Yelrome.-Solomon Hancock and Horace Rawson.
In Iowa, every man is appointed to act as a committee of the whole for the sale of lands.
CAPTAINS OF COMPANIES FOR REMOVAL IN THE SPRING. 1, the
Twelve; 2, Samuel Bent; 3, Alpheus Cutler; 4, Isaac Morley; 5, Shadrack Roundy; 6, Reynolds Cahoon; 7, Daniel Spencer; 8, Peter Haws; 9, Joseph Fielding; 10, John D. Parker; 11, David Fullmer; 12, Charles Shumway; 13, Charles C. Rich; 14, Jedediah M. Grant; 15, Erastus Snow; 16, Benjamin F. Johnson; 17, Andrew H. Perkins; 18, George Coulson; 19, David Evans; 20, Daniel C. Davis; 21, Jonathan H. Hale; 22, George P. Dykes, (Ottoway;) 23, Mephibosheth Sirrine, (Michigan) 24, Hosea Stout; 25, Wm. Huntington. {1845-October 11-Original Circular}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Mormon History, Oct 10, 1845, Friday
[William Clayton Writings] Friday 10th-. ... P.M. met at Er Taylors, with Prest B. Young H.C. Kimball, J- Taylor, P.P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, and Joseph Young. We councilled together on the best plan to be resorted to in the present emergency. It appears Hardin has pledged himself to the mob that he will come to Nauvoo with his troops and either have O.P. Rockwell, and some others of the brethren or ``he will unroof every house in Nauvoo.'' three hundred of our enemies have volunteered to come with him from Quincey and they expect to be joined by others on the way. There seems to be no disposition abroad but to massacre the whole body of this people, and nothing but the power of God can save us from the cruel ravages of the blood thirsty mob. We concluded to plead with our heavenly father to preserve his people and the lives of his servants that the saints may finish the Temple and receive their endowment, and that the Lord will soften the hearts of the Governor Hardin, Warren &
others like he did the heart of Pharoah that we may have Peace this winter & depart in peace.
others like he did the heart of Pharoah that we may have Peace this winter & depart in peace.
[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]
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 10, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday Octr 10th 1845. This morning heard that troops were coming here from Quincy and that the people there were trying to shoot Backenstos & Swear that he shall not get away alive.Went to Harmons and took him and went to see Daniels who was no better, then to Campbells & so round to the Hall and there selected a Temple guard out of Hunter company & regulated the Commissary department.While there recieved orders from the Lieutenant General by A. P. Rockwood to have the Second Cohort ready to be called out at a moments warning â€" for them not to be far from home and to rally as usual at the hoisting of the flag at the Temple, for them not to give up their gains to our enemies but first to Shoot.I then went home very sick with the head ache & went to bed and lay till Br James Pace came after me in a Buggy to take me to the police which he did though I was hardly able to sit upfrom there I came home about dark Still very Sick.Br D. Candland my clerk came he
re to write out my journal
for me which he did untill about 11 oclock P.M.I was some better after taking Some nourishments.Br Joseph Holbrook & Col Hale now came in and left me orders from Genl Rich for me to have the men of the Second Cohort congregated in convenient parts of town by Regiments or otherwise, and there beseech the Lord for his delivering hand to be extended towards us as from all appearance our enemies were determined to fall upon us, also to have our arms so as to be got in a moment.For we were determined not to let them come in and arrest and take away our men to be murdered in cold blood as had been done.If they should try it we were determined to cut them off from the face of the earth though we all should be exterminated by a government who were always so ready to Sanction the doings and acts of the mobI first went to the Temple than to the Masonic Hall and then to Col Harmons and learned that Rich had given the necessary orders to all the Colonels so I
returned to the Hall again and
Staid till one oclockHuntr and others retired to evade the search of our enemies, then went to RichsSaw him and he thought I had best be concealed so I made arraingements with him to send for me in the event I should be needed in case of an attact.I then sent my Clerk home who had been with me and went to Allen Weeks & there went to bed in his cellar room & Rich was to send me the news &c as it might be necessary from time to time
re to write out my journal
for me which he did untill about 11 oclock P.M.I was some better after taking Some nourishments.Br Joseph Holbrook & Col Hale now came in and left me orders from Genl Rich for me to have the men of the Second Cohort congregated in convenient parts of town by Regiments or otherwise, and there beseech the Lord for his delivering hand to be extended towards us as from all appearance our enemies were determined to fall upon us, also to have our arms so as to be got in a moment.For we were determined not to let them come in and arrest and take away our men to be murdered in cold blood as had been done.If they should try it we were determined to cut them off from the face of the earth though we all should be exterminated by a government who were always so ready to Sanction the doings and acts of the mobI first went to the Temple than to the Masonic Hall and then to Col Harmons and learned that Rich had given the necessary orders to all the Colonels so I
returned to the Hall again and
Staid till one oclockHuntr and others retired to evade the search of our enemies, then went to RichsSaw him and he thought I had best be concealed so I made arraingements with him to send for me in the event I should be needed in case of an attact.I then sent my Clerk home who had been with me and went to Allen Weeks & there went to bed in his cellar room & Rich was to send me the news &c as it might be necessary from time to time
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 9, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday Oct. 9th 1845. I arose Earley and went to the Hall again and assisted in preparing for Hunters Company as aforesaid.I then went with Genl Rich to Br J. Knights and took breakfast â€" from thence to the Printing Office from thence to the Temple. and then Saw A Weeks about his relations over the river &c also James McLelland & others going with us to Calafornia Br Egan & I then came to my house and after a little he went home & I took dinner at 12.(Wife said Lucretia was gone)I then went to the Hall again to see Hunter all was right there, then went to Br Jos Hutchings and he Shaved me then met the police from thence went to Weeks & took [blank] to the Concert Held at the Hall and was well entertained till 8 or 9 oclock and then returned to Weeks and staid till morning and came home about Sun rise.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
[Nauvoo Temple] In a letter the Twelve reported that the font and others parts of the temple were nearly ready to commence ordinance work.
[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Announcement: "Circular: To the Whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" -- Brigham Young -- Describes the first meeting of the Saints in the Temple, provides extracts from the minutes of the General Conference, and then lists the Committees, and the Captains of Companies for the Migration.
[source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy speaks at her own request on the third day of the conference, telling stories from her book and expressing a desire to see it printed.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday Octr 8th 1845. Earley this morning I got up and went to Genl Richs and took breakfast and learned the newsHe told me that there was some who were now taking cattle &c from our enemies and was raising thereby considerable excitement and wanted me to find out about it & have it Stoped.I then went to the Stand and met Hunter & McRaes companies and laid the matter before them they all promised to assist me in putting a Stop to such opperations.I then Spoke to them about their using Spiriteous liquor and for bade the use of it among them and ordered the captains to drop any man from the company who would or had used it since it was put down before.He then retired.Capt Hunter then dropped one man who had been drunk the night beforeI then went to the meeting of the Seventies in the Temple and then attended the conference and at noon Col Scott came home with me and took dinner and went to conference again, and at 5 met the policeI Spoke on the policy of
preparing for Calaforna.I
then came home at duskL. D. Wilson with me and he went home & I took the book of my Quorum and Started to a meeting of the same at Br Dustin Amys.On my way hither I learned that the mob party had found the man By the name of Debanair whom Hardin Said was missing, was found buried in the bottom of a ditch made for a Sod fence and they now swore that the mormons in that Settlement should atone for it.I went to the meeting and left the books and went to Genl Richs to report to him about the matter but he was not at home,So I went to the meeting again, and then went to W. Richards and found the 12 in council after that waiting a while went in and reported in a few minutes Genl Rich came and the thing was talked over and I went back to Br Amys and Saw the brethren a Short time and then Started for home and met D. Carn who informed me that I was wanted at M. Hall by Genl Rich.I went and was engaged in making arraingements to have Hunters company at the H
all untill about 12 or one oclock
and then came home.
preparing for Calaforna.I
then came home at duskL. D. Wilson with me and he went home & I took the book of my Quorum and Started to a meeting of the same at Br Dustin Amys.On my way hither I learned that the mob party had found the man By the name of Debanair whom Hardin Said was missing, was found buried in the bottom of a ditch made for a Sod fence and they now swore that the mormons in that Settlement should atone for it.I went to the meeting and left the books and went to Genl Richs to report to him about the matter but he was not at home,So I went to the meeting again, and then went to W. Richards and found the 12 in council after that waiting a while went in and reported in a few minutes Genl Rich came and the thing was talked over and I went back to Br Amys and Saw the brethren a Short time and then Started for home and met D. Carn who informed me that I was wanted at M. Hall by Genl Rich.I went and was engaged in making arraingements to have Hunters company at the H
all untill about 12 or one oclock
and then came home.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
Lucy Mack Smith is the first woman to speak at general conference. Church authorities do not invite another woman to address conference for 143 years.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
Lucy Mack Smith Speaks to the Nauvoo Saints
Well[,] bro[thers] & Sis[ters] I have been looking round upon this con[greâ gation]. I have long been waiting for the time when the Lo[rd] would give me strength to look upon you & my children. [I] feel solemn. [I] Want evâ ery one to look into their hearts to see what they have come to this place for Whether [they have come] to follow Ch[ri]st through evil & good report or for any other cause.
I want to have time to talk about my husband[, ] [and my sons] Hyrum [and] Joseph and want to give you all my advice. B[righam] Y[oung] has done the errand. He has fixed it completely. For a long time I have [been] wanting to ask whether you were willing to receive stolen goods or not. <I want to know if you believe in such things>
There is one thing I want to speak off â "There is may be 2000, here that never was acquainted with Mr Smith or my family. I raised 11 children, 7 boys, we raised them in the fear of God. When they w
ere 2 or 3 year[s] old {I told them I wanted} that they may [would] love God with all their hearts <I told them to do good> Wants all you to do the same. God gives us our children & we are accountable. In the fear of God I warn you I want you to take your little children & teach them in the fear of God. [I] Want you to teach them about Joseph in Egypt and such things and when they are 4 yr. old they willlove to read their bible.
I presume there never were a family that were so obedient as mine. <I did not have to speak to them only once" Set your children to work & try to bring them up to your comfort> donât let them play out of doors. If I cant talk to a few 1000s how can I meet millions and talk in celestial glory [?]. [I] Want the young men to remember that I love children, young folks and every body. [I] Want them to be obedient to their parents and do every thing just right. [I want them to] <be good & kind and do in secret as you would do in the presence of
Millions> Brothers & sisters I can call you bro[ther]s sisters children If you consider me a mother in Israel I want you to say so <Presid[ent]. B[righam] Young arose & said "all who consider Mother Smith as a Mother in Israel signify it by saying yea (loud shouts of Yes)> my feelings has been hurt by hearing them say[,] ["]Told mother Smith. there goes old Mother Smith.["] had her feelings hurt a great deal.
[I] Want to speak about the dead. 18 years ago last 2[2] September that J[oseph] took the plates out of the earth. 18 years last Monday since the J[oseph]. S[mith] the prophet of the Lord got the plates from the earth. {It was in a morning my son} J[oseph]. came to me and told me he had taken those plates out of the ground. <and he said ["]go> Tell all three f them {The} (Harris[s]) that I have got them I want Martin to assist me and {I want} [to] take some of the characters off to send them to N[ew]. Y[ork].["] I am in my 70[th] year,{it is} 18 years since
J[oseph] began to receive this gospel {of Glad tidings to all people} and preach it. I have got [it] all in a history & I want this people to be so good {and so kind} as to get it printed before they go to C[alifornia]. Martin Harris was the first person that helped Joseph about this work to get the book of Mormon printed[,] for the gospel Could not be preached until this was done. <here was only my family and Martin Harris to do anything about it> Just as soon as they commenced the devil began to war {roar} <and attempt to destroy them>. But a little while before we were turned out of house & home. Joseph went to P[ennslyvani]a. Joseph, Hyrum and Samuel had to go and work in the woods <all day & then at night haul[ing] the wood> & they had to go to get means to help Joseph publish the book. 2 of them guarded the house.
This was the way it commenced and now see what a congregation is here. You talk about going to Cal[ifornia]. how easy this can be done. My famil
y could go to work and get means to print the B[ook] of M[ormon]. You need not be to work and get means to print the B[ook] of M[ormon]. You need not be discouraged you cant get wagons & every thing else. {As Brigham says you must be honest} But if you are not honest you wont get there and if you feel cross you will have trouble. My family made out to get the Book pr[inted]. the Angels <of the Lord> told them what to do. They began 18 years last Monday. {Thousands have come into the church since then} [I] Dont suppose that ? of this people every saw or knew any thing of Joseph H[yrum] S[amuel], {William} or [the rest of] my family. Now they are all gone and none left but poor Wm. and he is gone I donât know where. I have 3 daughters at home they have never had any thing [from tithing] but worked for the church. After the Book was printed Samuel took some of them to sell. He went into bro. Greens. <a Methodist preacher.> [Samuel] had been turned out of doors 3
times. Samuel asked him[,] ["]wont you buy a book[?""] He asked[,] ["]what it is[?""]. Samuel said[,] ["]it is a B[ook] of M[ormon]. that my brother has translated <from plates out of the ground>.["] She asked her husband but he would not buy. Sam[ue]l left one till he returned. He had to sell them to buy us victuals. I want to speak of this that you may not complain of hard times. {He went into a [another] house [in the neighborhood] and asked to have a breakfast & he would give a book for it} [Later] He again went to Mr Greens he was not at home. She [Mrs. Green] said he must take the book again. Samuel took the book & looked & looked" said {She afterward told me} she never saw a man look so" she [k]new he had the sp[ir]it of God. He said he could not take the book. <the Spirit forbids me taking this book> She fell on the floor & asked him to pray with her. She read & became a Mormon & thus the work began <& then it spread like a mustard seed>" After the chur
ch began to grow we were driven again we had to go from place to place to Kirtland <then> to Mo. W[illia]m was taken sick", Sam[ue]l[s] wife and others [too] and we had 20 or 30 sick to take care off during the mobbing. <I felt strong in health> [I] Could take care of 20 sick then better than sit on my chair now. Whilst W[illia]m. was sick he had a Vision & saw the mob come in. He said he saw them come thousands & thousands and says he <Mother> {You will be driven and says} ["]if I die I
want you to take care of my wife <I want you to carry my corp[se] wherever you go["]" The first day William was able to Walk as far as the door> {the mob came} When the mob came in 10 of them inâ to my house {room} after they had taken Joseph & Hyrum {into their camp} there was thousands of them hollowing & screaching in my hearing how do you think I feel [felt][?] Have you any feelings for me[?]. Whilst they were in the camp I could not go to see them {and now my children are in the
grave} 10 men came in & said they wanted {we have come in} to kill the heads of the family. Says I[,] ["]do you want to kill me.["] They said ["]yes.["] Then says I[,] ["]do it quick like men for I would then be hapâ py.["] They then said ["]Gd damn it these Mormons would as soon die as live.["] They then tried Joseph & Hyrum & sentenced them to be shot in 15 minutes. A man came in and said[,] ["]<Mother Smith> if you ever want to see Mr Smith again you must go now for he is going to be shot in Jackson Co.["] I went to the wagonthey men lift up their swords and swore I should not see them. {He took me by the hand & it was as much as we could do to get thru the crowd to the waggon} I finally got to the wagon & put up my hand & he [Joseph] took hold of it & kissed it. Says I ["]now Joseph speak once more.["] Says he now ["]God bless you my poor mother.["] They were taken away They were in bands and irons. All this time my <my son> W[ilâ lia]m & wife were sick. Samuels
wife was sick and some others & I had them all to take care off. After that we had to move. Joseph went to City of Washington It rained 3 days as hard as it could rain but we had to travel & nothing to shelter us
We walked 6 miles <in the [river] bottom> my cloth[e]s was we
t {so high up I could scarcely walk} and when we got to the quincy river it snow[d] {it rained} & hailed and was cold. We laid down on the <cold> snow <& a blanâ ket over us> and took off our wet stockins & did the best we could. In the morning <the cover [over us] was frozen stiff> we could not make a fire for the snow, Joseph then went to the City of W[ashington]. He had a rev[elaâ tion]. to importune at the Governors feet & the prest. feet for the Lord said if they would not heed them he would vex the nation. After he reâ turned he went to preaching down between Mr. Durfees [and] the Mansion house He told the brethren & sis[ters] that he had done all he could for them, says he ["]they are determined we shall not have justice <while we stay in Nauvoo>["] But says he ["]keep good courage You never shall suffer for bread as you have done before.["] says he ["]all these cases is a record on earth & what is recorded here is a record in heaveny.["]
Now says he ["]I am
a going to lay this case of their taking away our propâ erty or I am a going to take it up to the highest court in heaven.["] he said so 3 times"Never did I think he was going to leave us so soon to take this case to heaven. He never could get justice till he took it there. {The Lord has got even the Marshall there} I feel now just exactly that the Lord has got even the Smiths there"They know all our sufferings and dont you think our case is being tried[?] I think they will do more for us there than they could if they were here. I feel if there was no evil here [] no talking [] all would go right <I feel that if every soul would stay at home they would be blessed> I feel that the Lo[rd] is vexing the Nation a little here & there. And I feel that the Lo[rd] will let brother Brigham take the people away.
I dont know that I shall go [West] but if W[illia]m and the rest of the family go I shall go. I feel to bless you all <I pray that the Lord may bless the heads of the
Church> Brother Brigham and all. <when I go to anâ other world I want to meet you all> Here lays my dead my husband and chilâ dren. I want to lay my bones so that in the res[surection].
I can rise with my husband & children. If so be that my children go <And I would to God all my children would go> with you but they will not go withâ out me and if I go I want to have my bones fetch[ed] back to be laid with my husband & children.
Well[,] bro[thers] & Sis[ters] I have been looking round upon this con[greâ gation]. I have long been waiting for the time when the Lo[rd] would give me strength to look upon you & my children. [I] feel solemn. [I] Want evâ ery one to look into their hearts to see what they have come to this place for Whether [they have come] to follow Ch[ri]st through evil & good report or for any other cause.
I want to have time to talk about my husband[, ] [and my sons] Hyrum [and] Joseph and want to give you all my advice. B[righam] Y[oung] has done the errand. He has fixed it completely. For a long time I have [been] wanting to ask whether you were willing to receive stolen goods or not. <I want to know if you believe in such things>
There is one thing I want to speak off â "There is may be 2000, here that never was acquainted with Mr Smith or my family. I raised 11 children, 7 boys, we raised them in the fear of God. When they w
ere 2 or 3 year[s] old {I told them I wanted} that they may [would] love God with all their hearts <I told them to do good> Wants all you to do the same. God gives us our children & we are accountable. In the fear of God I warn you I want you to take your little children & teach them in the fear of God. [I] Want you to teach them about Joseph in Egypt and such things and when they are 4 yr. old they willlove to read their bible.
I presume there never were a family that were so obedient as mine. <I did not have to speak to them only once" Set your children to work & try to bring them up to your comfort> donât let them play out of doors. If I cant talk to a few 1000s how can I meet millions and talk in celestial glory [?]. [I] Want the young men to remember that I love children, young folks and every body. [I] Want them to be obedient to their parents and do every thing just right. [I want them to] <be good & kind and do in secret as you would do in the presence of
Millions> Brothers & sisters I can call you bro[ther]s sisters children If you consider me a mother in Israel I want you to say so <Presid[ent]. B[righam] Young arose & said "all who consider Mother Smith as a Mother in Israel signify it by saying yea (loud shouts of Yes)> my feelings has been hurt by hearing them say[,] ["]Told mother Smith. there goes old Mother Smith.["] had her feelings hurt a great deal.
[I] Want to speak about the dead. 18 years ago last 2[2] September that J[oseph] took the plates out of the earth. 18 years last Monday since the J[oseph]. S[mith] the prophet of the Lord got the plates from the earth. {It was in a morning my son} J[oseph]. came to me and told me he had taken those plates out of the ground. <and he said ["]go> Tell all three f them {The} (Harris[s]) that I have got them I want Martin to assist me and {I want} [to] take some of the characters off to send them to N[ew]. Y[ork].["] I am in my 70[th] year,{it is} 18 years since
J[oseph] began to receive this gospel {of Glad tidings to all people} and preach it. I have got [it] all in a history & I want this people to be so good {and so kind} as to get it printed before they go to C[alifornia]. Martin Harris was the first person that helped Joseph about this work to get the book of Mormon printed[,] for the gospel Could not be preached until this was done. <here was only my family and Martin Harris to do anything about it> Just as soon as they commenced the devil began to war {roar} <and attempt to destroy them>. But a little while before we were turned out of house & home. Joseph went to P[ennslyvani]a. Joseph, Hyrum and Samuel had to go and work in the woods <all day & then at night haul[ing] the wood> & they had to go to get means to help Joseph publish the book. 2 of them guarded the house.
This was the way it commenced and now see what a congregation is here. You talk about going to Cal[ifornia]. how easy this can be done. My famil
y could go to work and get means to print the B[ook] of M[ormon]. You need not be to work and get means to print the B[ook] of M[ormon]. You need not be discouraged you cant get wagons & every thing else. {As Brigham says you must be honest} But if you are not honest you wont get there and if you feel cross you will have trouble. My family made out to get the Book pr[inted]. the Angels <of the Lord> told them what to do. They began 18 years last Monday. {Thousands have come into the church since then} [I] Dont suppose that ? of this people every saw or knew any thing of Joseph H[yrum] S[amuel], {William} or [the rest of] my family. Now they are all gone and none left but poor Wm. and he is gone I donât know where. I have 3 daughters at home they have never had any thing [from tithing] but worked for the church. After the Book was printed Samuel took some of them to sell. He went into bro. Greens. <a Methodist preacher.> [Samuel] had been turned out of doors 3
times. Samuel asked him[,] ["]wont you buy a book[?""] He asked[,] ["]what it is[?""]. Samuel said[,] ["]it is a B[ook] of M[ormon]. that my brother has translated <from plates out of the ground>.["] She asked her husband but he would not buy. Sam[ue]l left one till he returned. He had to sell them to buy us victuals. I want to speak of this that you may not complain of hard times. {He went into a [another] house [in the neighborhood] and asked to have a breakfast & he would give a book for it} [Later] He again went to Mr Greens he was not at home. She [Mrs. Green] said he must take the book again. Samuel took the book & looked & looked" said {She afterward told me} she never saw a man look so" she [k]new he had the sp[ir]it of God. He said he could not take the book. <the Spirit forbids me taking this book> She fell on the floor & asked him to pray with her. She read & became a Mormon & thus the work began <& then it spread like a mustard seed>" After the chur
ch began to grow we were driven again we had to go from place to place to Kirtland <then> to Mo. W[illia]m was taken sick", Sam[ue]l[s] wife and others [too] and we had 20 or 30 sick to take care off during the mobbing. <I felt strong in health> [I] Could take care of 20 sick then better than sit on my chair now. Whilst W[illia]m. was sick he had a Vision & saw the mob come in. He said he saw them come thousands & thousands and says he <Mother> {You will be driven and says} ["]if I die I
want you to take care of my wife <I want you to carry my corp[se] wherever you go["]" The first day William was able to Walk as far as the door> {the mob came} When the mob came in 10 of them inâ to my house {room} after they had taken Joseph & Hyrum {into their camp} there was thousands of them hollowing & screaching in my hearing how do you think I feel [felt][?] Have you any feelings for me[?]. Whilst they were in the camp I could not go to see them {and now my children are in the
grave} 10 men came in & said they wanted {we have come in} to kill the heads of the family. Says I[,] ["]do you want to kill me.["] They said ["]yes.["] Then says I[,] ["]do it quick like men for I would then be hapâ py.["] They then said ["]Gd damn it these Mormons would as soon die as live.["] They then tried Joseph & Hyrum & sentenced them to be shot in 15 minutes. A man came in and said[,] ["]<Mother Smith> if you ever want to see Mr Smith again you must go now for he is going to be shot in Jackson Co.["] I went to the wagonthey men lift up their swords and swore I should not see them. {He took me by the hand & it was as much as we could do to get thru the crowd to the waggon} I finally got to the wagon & put up my hand & he [Joseph] took hold of it & kissed it. Says I ["]now Joseph speak once more.["] Says he now ["]God bless you my poor mother.["] They were taken away They were in bands and irons. All this time my <my son> W[ilâ lia]m & wife were sick. Samuels
wife was sick and some others & I had them all to take care off. After that we had to move. Joseph went to City of Washington It rained 3 days as hard as it could rain but we had to travel & nothing to shelter us
We walked 6 miles <in the [river] bottom> my cloth[e]s was we
t {so high up I could scarcely walk} and when we got to the quincy river it snow[d] {it rained} & hailed and was cold. We laid down on the <cold> snow <& a blanâ ket over us> and took off our wet stockins & did the best we could. In the morning <the cover [over us] was frozen stiff> we could not make a fire for the snow, Joseph then went to the City of W[ashington]. He had a rev[elaâ tion]. to importune at the Governors feet & the prest. feet for the Lord said if they would not heed them he would vex the nation. After he reâ turned he went to preaching down between Mr. Durfees [and] the Mansion house He told the brethren & sis[ters] that he had done all he could for them, says he ["]they are determined we shall not have justice <while we stay in Nauvoo>["] But says he ["]keep good courage You never shall suffer for bread as you have done before.["] says he ["]all these cases is a record on earth & what is recorded here is a record in heaveny.["]
Now says he ["]I am
a going to lay this case of their taking away our propâ erty or I am a going to take it up to the highest court in heaven.["] he said so 3 times"Never did I think he was going to leave us so soon to take this case to heaven. He never could get justice till he took it there. {The Lord has got even the Marshall there} I feel now just exactly that the Lord has got even the Smiths there"They know all our sufferings and dont you think our case is being tried[?] I think they will do more for us there than they could if they were here. I feel if there was no evil here [] no talking [] all would go right <I feel that if every soul would stay at home they would be blessed> I feel that the Lo[rd] is vexing the Nation a little here & there. And I feel that the Lo[rd] will let brother Brigham take the people away.
I dont know that I shall go [West] but if W[illia]m and the rest of the family go I shall go. I feel to bless you all <I pray that the Lord may bless the heads of the
Church> Brother Brigham and all. <when I go to anâ other world I want to meet you all> Here lays my dead my husband and chilâ dren. I want to lay my bones so that in the res[surection].
I can rise with my husband & children. If so be that my children go <And I would to God all my children would go> with you but they will not go withâ out me and if I go I want to have my bones fetch[ed] back to be laid with my husband & children.
[source: Ronald Walker, "Lucy Mack Smith Speaks to the Nauvoo Saints" BYU Studies]
Mormon History, Oct 8, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] male-only prayer circle at John Taylor's .
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 7, 1845, Tuesday
[William Clayton Writings] Tuesday 7th ... Evening met at Dr Richards with Prest B Young, H.C. Kimball, Jno Taylor, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, & N.K. Whitney We offered up prayers as usual especially that the Lord in his providence would cause the Governors troops to leave this County, and preserve the saints from the ravages of the mob.
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 7, 1845
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday Oct 7th 1845. Was very unwell this morning & not able to go to the meeting of the Seventies at 7 oclock A. M.However at 10 oclock and in the after noon I went to Allen Weeks and while there I found the some of Hardins troops had come into town and went into different parts.some had went to where Col Scott had some artillery covered in some corn fodder and put a guard round the lot evidently with the intention of taking it away but Scott put a guard in side with orders to let no man tough itHis guard increased so fast that they soon thought proper to go away and let it alone, Another part of them went and took Daniel Smith & another man as they said for Stealing but I do not know how it is about the matter they were took off by them.When Genl Rich found that they were coming in with out leave and most likely had writs against the 12 & others he gave orders for every man at the Temple to go and get his arms and be prepared for the worst, This creat
ed a great stir and
conference was dispenced with till tomorrow.When I came to the Square the people had assembled in considerable numbers but in a Short time we had word to disperse and be ready at a moments warning as the troops had passed out of town.At 5 met the police and then come homeBr Arnold was with me.Then went to Allen Weeks and Staid all night as I did not like to be at home at that time not knowing but they were Seeking me also as well as some others.
ed a great stir and
conference was dispenced with till tomorrow.When I came to the Square the people had assembled in considerable numbers but in a Short time we had word to disperse and be ready at a moments warning as the troops had passed out of town.At 5 met the police and then come homeBr Arnold was with me.Then went to Allen Weeks and Staid all night as I did not like to be at home at that time not knowing but they were Seeking me also as well as some others.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Oct 7, 1845
Oliver Cowdery: Wrote Brigham Young 7 Oct. 1845 offering to go to Washington, D.C. on behalf of Mormons
[source: 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]
Mormon History, Oct 7, 1845
Oliver Cowdery writes letter offering to help Mormons with President Polk in their arrangements for their trip West.
[Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
Mormon History, Oct 7, 1845
[Anointed Quorum] "The 12, the bishops, & one or two others met for prayer at John Taylor's Upper Room" in the evening . "Evening met at Dr Richards...We offered up prayers as usual especially that the Lord in his providence would cause the Governors troops to leave this County, and preserve the saints from the ravages of the mob" .
[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]
[source: 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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