[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Place of inquiry, Samuel S. RussellÂ's tent, H. C. KimballÂ's encampment, 8:30 a.m. Pleasant morning. B. Young, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, of the Twelve, and several of the council of 50 and others met to consult on a location. Luman H. Calkins said he had followed the Indian trail up the river about 12 miles. Some patches of scrubby timber, none for building, no water good. Plenty of good water 10 miles. Very miry, cattails, frogs. 12 miles a sink 20 or 30 rods long, 18 inches wide, 1 foot deep. Found Holman and Averett from Elk Horn (at the end of their journey) where they were building a bridge. President Young asked if we should stop here or look farther, and shall we settle together or every man for himself. C. P. Lott spoke in favor of following the counsel of the Twelve, followed by Brother Cahoon and others.
President Young proposed that the brethren on this side of the river settle together and organize in city form. Would draw his logs for homes five miles, if necessary. Could build his bedroom in a haystack. First build a two-story house for counsel and praying, another for schoolhouse. If the brethren want preaching and counsel, they must stay where I am. We must be organized as one family, in order, and be in a compact body. Build in a systematic order, and keep clean. Build pounds for our cattle, and if a few are alone they will be likely to be robbed by war parties. Will have our cattle away from our farms, our families. If you are a mind to stop here, we will choose a committee to settle families and manage town affairs. Am willing to stop here. President Kimball concurred in President YoungÂ's observation, said he would go and get his house logs five miles if anyone had any feelings.
Moved by H. C. Kimball, seconded by W. Richards, that we appoint 12 men out of the camp to dictate the settling of the camp and all matters relating to the town corporation. Voted that the brethren all settle together. Voted that 12 men be appointed for council. Voted Alpheus Cutler President, Reynolds Cahoon, C. P. Lott, A. P. Rockwood, Ezra Chase, Daniel Russell, Alanson Eldridge, Thomas Grover, Jedediah Grant, Samuel S. Russell, Winslow Farr, and Benjamin L. Clapp be the council for the location. Motioned that the council locate the camp on the top of some bluff near a spring. Cut our hay and let not a stick be cut for timber till hay is gathered. Let no man infringe on others' grass cutting.
The Omahas like to be consulted about settling on their lands, and we will see them, the chiefs, when they come home. Do not disturb any IndianÂ's graves. President Young moved that the twelve councilors enter on their duties and tell us where to locate together, and council adjourned at 10:28 to J. D. GrantÂ's tent, ie., the twelve, Bishop Whitney, J. D. Lee, and Colonel Kane, who wished to know our intentions. President Young said we intend settling in the Great Basin and those who go by water settle on San Francisco. We would be glad to raise the American flag, like the Constitution, but are opposed to mobocracy. We will not live under such governors and judges as we have. We are willing to have the banner of the U.S. Constitution float over us. If the government of the United States is disposed to do us good, we can do them as much good as they can us. Colonel Kane said Governor Boggs had been working against you in Washington. I suppose you would like a territorial government. "Yes, sir," was the PresidentÂ's reply.
English emigrants will probably settle at Vancouver Island. Lord Aberdeen said to Mr. McLane we design to colonize Oregon as speedily as possible, would carry the mail across and build block houses wherever the U. S. may want. Monzotland is in the possession of the U. S. and all California. Colonel Kane proposed that we send President Polk a resolution of thanks for what he has done, and let him know that we have a pledge from President Polk that he will defend the Mormons in a territorial government by the strong arm of the law, 20,000 and 10,000s of cannon. Colonel Kane asked whether we believed in conversing with the Lord bodily. President Young replied no, but in vision by the Spirit. We live for a glorious resurrection. Joseph was engaged in the work 10 years before he confessed he was a prophet. Adjourned [at] 12 ½ [12:30] p.m.
Thomas L. Kane, Judge Kane, Cor. Locust and Schuyll, 7th Streets, Philadelphia.
George F. Lehman, Esquire, Postmaster, Philada.
[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
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