Mormon History, Thursday, December 17, [1846].

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Dr. [Richards] arose about 9. Preparing wood for bedsteads. Engaged in domestic affairs. A messenger arrived in camp from the Puncas with a letter from Joseph Holbrook, the clerk of the party who went to explore the Running Water River. Presidents Young and Kimball helped to raise the first part of the frame of the grist mill.
Joshua L. Miller arrived with letters from Punca camp. B. Young, W. Woodruff, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, E. T. Benson, municipal high council, met at W. RichardÂ's round house, 6 p.m. Names of members called. G. W. Harris made prayer. Minutes read accepted. H. G. Sherwood presented a new map of the city. Voted that the committee continue until the plot is completed. Jonathan C. Wright has not got through with his assessment. Voted that he have till next meeting to complete it.
President B. Young understood that only the property that was in the city was to be assessed. P. Pratt said that the committee decided that not only the property in the city, but also the horses, mules, oxen that was up at the herd, that every man should be assessed according to what he had. H. C. Kimball agreed with President Young. We pay the men for herding and if the police will watch the cattle at the rushes, he motioned that they be assessed. President Young had a letter read from Bishop MillerÂ's camp.
Report of Assessment Committee read, and President Young said it was clear that it was only the property in the city. All that understood that cattle in the herd were to be assessed say aye (two did). All that understood that property out of the city was not to be assessed say the same "aye!" (a many said aye). O. Pratt said it was worded purposely to include all the property of the brethren, whether in the city or out. President Young motioned, in order to save trouble, that all property in and out of the city be assessed and the tax collected. This will learn all of you a lesson for the future, to discriminate, to choose the right and throw away the wrong.
Voted that William Clayton make out the bill of the Beef Committee and apply it against the money coming to them, the sisters whose husbands are in the army. Dr. Richards spoke of the bushels of papers now in his possession that are not now filed, and of the need of a place to gather them and arrange them for future history. A man must have his mind free, who writes a history that is to last for time and through all eternity, and not [be] burthened with other cares.
W. Woodruff says this is a subject that will benefit the whole Church and kingdom of God. When I heard Joseph speak, I could not rest until I had written it down in black and white. I am now in one of the most important eras of the world. The people ought to keep a strict eye upon the historian. I feel deeply interested in the books out of which I am to be judged. It is the duty of high council to let the Dr. [Richards] have a box to put the papers in, to find wood, beef, etc. This is to be a book of books. I rejoice that we have a ready writer. Let the Dr. go to work and save the Church history.
O. Pratt said four or five weeks ago a motion was made to dispose of the Church property to support the historian, and now moved "that a sufficient percentage be levied upon the property to support the historian for his services, in addition to wood that can come by tithing." Seconded by W. Woodruff. Counselor Sherwood suggested that the brethren round about be notified of their privilege to contribute their share, and it was his opinion they would gladly do it.
Counselor Lott said a good deal might be raised on the other side of the river by contributions. Counselor Cahoon said that as a tax would be a levee on the city, a tax might be laid on the entire body of Saints. O. Pratt: When the council sees the sum total of the assessment of the city, then get a calculation of the expense of the police and also of the wants of the historian, then assess a proper percentage on all the property to cover the expenses. Carried. Adjourned till Sunday evening, 6 oÂ'clock, at this place. During council, snow fell an inch deep. Thursday, December 17, [1846].

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

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