On the first of October, Messrs. Hardin, Warren, Douglas and McDougal had a consultation with the twelve and other leading brethren of the church in respect of the saints moving to the west, and on the same day asked that the intention of the brethren to move be stated in writing in order that they might present it to the governor and people of the state. Following is the note addressed to the brethren upon the subject:
"Nauvoo, Oct. 1st, 1845. To the First President and Council of the Church at Nauvoo:- Having had a free and full Conversation with you this day in reference to your proposed removal from this [Hancock] county, together with the members of your church, we have to request you to submit the facts and intentions
stated to us in said conversation to writing, in order that we may lay them before the governor and people of the state. We hope that by so doing it will have a tendency to allay the excitement at present existing in the public mind.
We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, Respectively yours, &c., John J. Hardin, W. B. Warren, S. A. Douglass, J. A. McDougall."
In answer the twelve through President Brigham Young presented to the above gentlemen a copy of their answer to the Quincy Committee on the 24th of September; and then extended their communication as follows:
RESPONSE OF THE TWELVE "In addition to this we would say that we had commenced making arrangements to remove from this county previous to the recent disturbances;
That we now have four companies organized of one hundred families each; and six companies more now organizing of the same number each; preparatory to a removal;
That one thousand families, including the twelve, the high council, the trustees and g
eneral authorities of the church, are fully determined to remove in the spring, independent of the contingency of selling our property; and that this company will comprise from five to six thousand souls;
That the church, as a body, desire to remove with us, and will, if sales can be effected so as to receive the necessary means.
That the organization of the church we represent is such that there never can exist but one head or presidency, at any one time, and all good members wish to be with the organization, and all are determined to remove to some distant point where we shall neither infringe or be infringed upon, so soon as time and means will permit.
That we have some hundreds of farms, and some 2,000 or more houses for sale in this city and county, and we request all good citizens to assist in the disposal of our property.
That we do not expect to find purchasers for our temple and other public buildings, but we are willing to rent them to a respectable community w
ho may inhabit the city:
That we wish it distinctly understood that although we may not find purchasers for our property, we will not sacrifice or give it away, or suffer it illegally to be wrested from us;
That we do not intend to sow any wheat this fall, and should we sell, we shall not put in any more crops of any description;
That as soon as practicable we will appoint committees for this city [Nauvoo], La Harpe, Macedonia, Bear Creek, and all necessary places to give information to purchasers.
That if all these testimonies are not sufficient to satisfy any people that we are in earnest, we will soon give them a sign that cannot be mistaken; we will leave them!
In behalf of the council, Respectively yours, &c., BRIGHAM YOUNG, President. Willard Richards, Clerk." {1845-October 1-CHC 2:511-513}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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