Mormon History, Mar 30, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30th I spent the day at home & I was in Council in the evening.

[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, Monday, Mar 29, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] At 8 a.m., the presidents of divisions, captains of companies, pioneers, and Presidents B. Young, W. Richards, E. T. Benson, O. Pratt, A. Lyman, G. A. Smith, H. C. Kimball, also Isaac Morley, Alpheus Cutler and counselors present. Met at the council house when the First Division reported 67 pioneers ready. The President wanted as many as were ready this morning to take up some families to the farm, and as many as possible to start for Â"the HornÂ" tomorrow morning. Dr. [Richards] busy preparing his wagon for pioneering. The sun set, having the appearance of dull silver.
William McCarry gave a concert in the council house. Presidents Young, Richards, Kimball, and Benson present. After his variations, dancing commenced and kept up till after midnight. Dr. [Richards] and T. B. [Thomas Bullock] in the office writing postscript to Jacob Peart giving him instructions how to proceed the coming spring, giving directions to William Kay to procure Dr.Â's cattle. Wrote a note to Messrs. Potter, Arnold, Stewart, and Mercer, the herdsmen, to send by Isaac Brown tomorrow morning.
Elizabeth McFate Richards died about 11 p.m. Wife of Franklin D. Richards.
Beautiful spring morning. Wind gentle from the south, turned to west in afternoon.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 29, 1847 (Monday)

About that time David Smith, of the Mormon Battalion, died at San Luis Rey.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, Mar 29, 1847 (Monday)

A number of the Pioneers at Winter Quarters reported themselves ready to start for the mountains.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, Mar 29, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday March the 29th 1847. Weather as yesterday. This morning the pioneers met again to make arraingements to be off. I was around as usual[.] Hard times to keep up the guard for I can not get but two out at once as so many of the police are sick absent or preparing to go with the pioneers & tonight only one at a time could be got out at once.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 29, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] The presidents of the emigrating divisions, captains of companies, and the pioneers met in the council house. Twenty five pioneers reported themselves ready to start on their western journey; thirty two more re- ported themselves ready to start within two days. I requested those who were ready to start, to assist in removing some families up to the farm (20 miles north) and notified those who desired to start on the pioneer journey to do so in the morning. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:46]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 29, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29th I met this morning with the Presidency, captains of Hundreds & Pioneer Company to prepare for starting. It was finally agreed that all that were ready start for the Horn to morrow morning. It is fine good weather. I made a bed this morning for sowing salit. Two mules were hitch to a Blacksmith shop & puled it down the timbers fell upon several at work in the shop. A large stick fell upon the head of Br Little John Utley & was a wonder that it had not broke his head & neck both. It injured him severely. He was Carried into the House. Several of us laid hands upon him & I Prayed with him.

[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, Sunday, Mar 28, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Pleasant morning, slight breeze from the south. At 10 a.m., at the ringing of the bell, the Saints met at the stand. Presidents B. Young, O. Pratt, E. T. Benson, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, A. Lyman, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, John Smith, and others on the stand. H. C. Kimball and E. T. Benson speakers (see T. B.Â's [Thomas Bullock's] minutes). Dismissed at 20 minutes to 1.
Dr. [Richards], President Young, and others adjourned to the Dr.Â's office. In the p.m. [afternoon], the Saints again met at the stand. All the brethren of the Twelve present. The sacrament was administered. W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, O. Pratt, W. Richards, W. W. Phelps, B. Young, and I. Morley speakers (see T. B.Â's [Thomas Bullock's] minutes).
High council met in the council house at 6 p.m. and conversed about the stray herd and herdsmen of cattle. Continued in council until about 9 p.m. The Twelve were at the Dr.Â's office after the high council, and continued in council until 10 oÂ'clock. Dr. [Richards] afterwards sat up writing until quarter to 3 next morning (29th). The brethren commenced fixing.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 28, 1847 (Sunday)

After nearly three years missionary labors in the Society Islands mission, Elder Addison Pratt sailed from Papeete, Tahiti, per ship Providence, on his return to America, leaving Benjamin F. Grouard in charge of the mission.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, Mar 28, 1847 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young said while I am here the people can be controlled whether I have power or not. You will find when I am gone that rebellious and arbitrary spirits will arise who will usurp authority that was never given to them and loose sight of the council that was given to them and will kick up the devil among the people. When these things takes place remember what was told you. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 136]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 28, 1847 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] Afternoon; the sacrament was administered; Elder Willard Richards and I preached. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:45]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 28, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday March the 28th 1847. The weather still beautiful clear & warm like summer.
There was meeting today at the stand[.] In the forenoon the Twelve spoke to the congregation & the afternoon different ones spoke; but nothing of very particular importance was discussed except warning the people against those who may rise up and try to lead off parties
This every one who spoke I believe was one thing which they bore with the greatest wait on their minds.
I was very feeble today[.] In the evening I went to the Council as usual but there was not anything up of importance.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 28, 1847

Charles Coulson Rich: Married Harriet Sargent 28 March 1847 at Winter Quarters. Ten children: Franklin David, Adelbert Coulson, Tunis Harriet, Abel George, Martha Caroline, Harley Thomas, Luna Rosette, Morgan Jesse, Alvin Orlando, and Druscilla Sarah. In all, fifty-one children.

[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, Mar 28, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28th Sunday A fine day. The Camp met at the public stand & was Addressed in the morning by Brs Young, Kimball Pratt & Benson. In the Afternoon we Partook of the Sacraments & was Addressed by Brs Woodruff, Smith Lyman, Richards Phelps & B. Young. The first time the Sacrament had been administered to the Saints in a general assembly in winter Quarters. We had a good time of it.
In the evening I visited the sick And administered to 5 persons among whom was Br McCaslin & Sister Porter both vary sick. I attended the Council in the evening with the High Council & twelve & Bishops. I then returned home & spent the night.

[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, Saturday, Mar 27, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Warm day, wind south. Great quantities of geese flying north. River free from ice. Perfect spring morning. The brethren very busy preparing for pioneers. Dr. [Richards] in office about 9. President Young passed council house about 9. Made up a mail of six letters to United States Post Office and sent by Samuel Frost with a request to bring or send up all the letters and papers in the P. O. [post office]. Daniel Spencer brought 14 packages of newspapers from Austin P. O. [post office].
About 8 p.m., President Young, Kimball, Richards, Smith, Woodruff, Benson, and Pratt, also Luke Johnson, N. K. Whitney, W. W. Phelps, C. C. Rich, Erastus Snow, T. B. [Thomas Bullock], and W. Richards conversed on pioneering, read the news, also a Voree [Vorhee] paper. Examined the map received from General Atchison by W. W. Phelps. Conversed about G. Miller. Continued in council until past 11 p.m.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 27, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday March 27th 1847. Went Early this morning with Allen, about a mile south of town & drew a load of hay home, and was then about town as usual but nothing was up particular.
Today was a beautiful clear warm still day and plasant as summer I was very unwell today and weak and nervous and went to bed at dark.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 27, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young said that be did not tease any man to come into my family. Neither did be want any to do so on account of the farming organization. If I am able to save one man why cannot I save more, and sometimes I wish that I could say unto all the ends of the earth, come and be saved. I have no objection to receiving any man into this organization until he behaves like the very devil as Joseph Woodard did after teasing and whining around me for three days to have his wife sealed to me. I told him that they were both adopted to me and that was enough, but that would not do. Now he wants to take my life. He is a poor miserable curse and he will be cursed, and when any man shall act as he has I win treat them like an enemy. About 80 names were entered. President Young said that there were enough to commence with. Now let old experience men head small companies, say about 4 to 10 men, and let each man have ten acres to commence with. My mind is that 10 acres of land well cultivated will produce more grain than 20 acres half tended. President Young said Brother J. D. Lee is capable of heading a company and will likely raise 5,000 bushel of grain with his own family. Isaac Morley, 1st Co. John Vance, 2nd Co. John D. Lee, 3rd Co. Consisting of 25 men. President Young said that he must withdraw and let Father Morley ascertain who can go on Monday to the farm and organize the remainder according to the pattern. 9 President Young withdrew. 10 names were recorded to remove on Monday morning next up to the farm. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 135-136]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 27, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27th I Attended the funeral of Sister Burnham & took the famly to the grave. After the return Br G A Smith had my team to go to the grave to Bury one of his family. During the evening I took a ride out with my family & friends around the City & down the river Bank. I wet my feet & returned home.

[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, Mar 26, 1847 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] I counseled those living in dug outs to get houses on the top of the ground to live in during the summer, or they would be sick. I advised the brethren to cover their houses with puncheon. I felt that it was wrong to indulge in feelings of hostility and bloodshed toward the Indian, the descendants of Israel, who might kill a cow, an ox or even a horse; to them the deer, the buffalo, the cherry and plum tree or strawberry bed were free. It was their mode of living to kill and eat. If the Omahas would persist in robbing and stealing, after being warned not to do so, whip them. I realized there were men among us who would steal, who knew better, whose traditions and earliest teachings were all against it. Yet such would find fellowship with those who would shoot an Indian for stealing. I suggested that should any persons be caught stealing who belonged here let them be dealt with according to law, should the thief belong to Missouri, let him be delivered to the officers of the law in Missouri. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:44]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] I have it in this conference to lay before the people a subject that has heretofore greatly interested the saints. My reflections, judgment, knowledge and the Spirit of the Lord tells me its right. I reason on natural philosophy it proves to be right. I look at the people in their poverty, richness and health. I propose the old principle and see if it cannot be revived. I never trou- bled myself to teach a great deal but it will do its office and perform its duties without any restriction on the [-] and congenial to all the principles of righteousness. Will the Latter-day Saints at this time once think of the Word of Wisdom and take the money that we pay for tobacco, etc. And make some [-] and clothe your children, it is a general practice to ask God to do that which we won't do ourselves. I think to propose to the pioneers to leave out the 10 lb coffee and take 20 of flour. The word of wisdom says tobacco is good for cattle. Rheumatism is compared to screwing this hand in a vice, and then give an Almighty surge and that is gout. In former days it was the lest of fellowship, neither is it cursed in the word of wisdom itself. It is a principle naturally taught. The word of wisdom is temperance in all things. This eating and drinking in or great we come in the misery of man. I am the man and not my [-], I don't have pains that I may get through which I desire. There is no food, drink, vegetable, mineral or every thing that is not attached to it without there is [-] in it. But tobacco, opium. The end thereof is worse than the beginning. Man tends dominion and dust he is, and to dust he must return. When you go to a stake of Zion you will have to quit it. Those who cannot overcome, you may know who is king, tobacco or the man. We have not asked you to fast or have a sacrament meeting. This meeting looks like it used to be at Nauvoo, to see the thousands gather around the stand. I am for a reformation, you don't go to a stake of Zion and prosper with these habits. When we are gone from here, you will find men rising up in you midst and say the in and out of [-] peace. It don't belong to them to lead the camp, follow me. The Twelve I can prove by the Doctrine and Covenants ought to be preaching. If there is a man can dictate to the saints, who will warn them from their danger, bring him home, and will all vote for him. You will find just such men here when we are gone. If the women don't straiten them out, I am a man, while we are here. The old be curtain remains pretty still. You will hear a many things if you don't see right. When a man has a errand from the Almighty he comes out and declares them like a man. I receive all [-] as they come along and then judge them. When a man carries the spirit of the Lord you will know it, or if the spirit of the devil, or of a spirit of their own. Who has a [-] body you may not expect to see much then, you may expect to see all kings of faces. I warn you and forewarn you, you may do just as you please, if such characters do come along I hope they will take all the chaff out of the wheat. It is necessary we should have false prophets, lions, devils, etc. So that you may choose the good and refuse the evil. It is good for this people to commence sacraments, fasts, prayer meetings and observe the word of wisdom, if a man cant do without a little tobacco, put you king in your mouth and chew him up. If a man cannot reign over himself what king of a thing would he be to others. When a man can preside over himself he can preside over others. There is a great deal of whining about some men having more wives than one, now I tell you there are but few men who are worthy of having a wife. If a man is liable to give way to his passions, who would like to trust themselves in you power. You have to have power with God, them you can control yourself and others. No man can have power unless it is given him by the Almighty. There are more in the world waiting for you that you can take care of. Wait sixteen years more and see what will come, you will be perfectly astonished. There are principles going in the Elders of Israel that have to be stopped. It is not the work of the Lord that a mean cunning fellow should have a wife. If a man who has the Holy Ghost and backslides, the first thing they want is to shed innocent blood. Brother Joseph Smith's life was taken, it was concocted, grew, in the breasts of those who professed to be his best friends. When the Marshall was in town I knelt down to my Father and prayed that I might be delivered. Brother Miller went down. The Marshall said you are my prisoner. It was a perfect burlesque, to take him to Carthage and never ask him his name. I hope I may live many years and do a good work on the earth. Why not begin a good work now, and they will be healthier that they have been since they came into the W. Country. You need not be afraid of sickness, you will be healthy and happy, use salad, and let whiskey, tobacco, etc alone. I don't want you to say you'll do without it, and add a lie. When a man or woman really wants a cup of tea of a little spirits in the time of sickness, have it and them throw it away again. We want you to learn about the [-] now. The law of God is a perfect law of liberty. Have men filled with the Holy Ghost that they may judge all matters on prin- ciples of righteousness. Take the facts as they are, put the right on the right hand and the wrong on the left. We have men if they are not righteous judges now they mead to be. We have said to the herdsmen, let the poor and the widows have the cattle. Scores of men turn around and wont pay a cent. Don't you see a defect in the common course of law? Get half a dozen righteous men, go and enquire into what they have got. Set the righteous men to work and they will judge right and do right. Is it right to oppress the poor, is it right for me to keep two coats and my neighbor none? We want to start the pioneer companies soon. We want each company to send a [-] send few teams up to Pawnee Village to carry feed. I don't want to have any borrowing or lending. Every wagon has got to be searched and see that you have enough provision to last eighteen months. You may meet with accidents and lose your food. Some may make their calculation what they will eat. We shall stay as long as we can on the opposite side of the mountains. Come through before snow fills up the mountains, and according to the report you will act. It wont be five years before the Yankee boys ransack the entire country and see what can be done. If it is necessary for all to go from here. I would risk starving to death, take your cows and put on your leads and fasten you children on. When we do all we can, then the Lord will help up to do the rest'- I don't contemplate giving an explanation of these things to the whiners. I sum it up and tell the whole concern. I don't ask any favors of them, its not your business what I do. I know what that [-] ought to have done and what they have done, and know what their covenants were. If I had had the goods I would have filed them out to them in twenty days. We have been at hundreds of dollars expense for the sisters and we don't even get thankful for it. They may grin but they cant grow the tree down, nor the coon out of the tree. I am as clean as a shed of white paper before the Lord and I ask no favors. We calculate to take all the women to the mountains who we think would apostatize, and those who are faithful let them stop here. You don't not that I tell you this just to keep you good. We want the soldiers women to go who can go comfortably. We don't expect any to go who cannot go comfortably. Many of the poor fellows have died, and the experience of those who don't apostatize they would not take the whole U.S. For it. If they had done as we had told them, all would have been well, but they gambled, drunk, many will perish because they did not obey the council given. If they die in the flesh they will come forth in the day of God Almighty. If they do not deny the truth, and so will a many of this company perish unless they walk straight. It's not to be found in history, or the knowledge
of man that any people ever did more or better than we have done in Winter Quarters. Yet we ought to sanctify our hearts and bear off the kingdom triumphantly, [-] in all faith and righteousness until you get perfect. According to sin [-] we ought to increase in grace until we accomplish the work the Lord has given us to do. We have the savages around us. All the Christian world at war with us. Devils inside and out, wherever we go? Therefore I exhort you to all diligence and faithfulness. I propose we adjourn until next Sunday at ten and to have the sacrament in the afternoon. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002)]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] Br Brigham chastened the people severely for be- ing so covetous and withholding their means in fitting out the pioneers. Instructed the pioneers to keep the word of wisdom. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Norton Jacob Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.. Also The Mormon Vanguard Brigade of 1847, Ronald Barney, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2005. 93]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] March 26. " past 7 PM. [I]n Drs. [Willard Richards s] office. [Present:] Pres[iden]ts. [Brigham] Young, [Heber C.]
Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [Amasa] Lyman, [Orson] Pratt, [Ezra T.] Benson, [Wilford] Woodruff, [George A.] Smith, N[ewell]. K. Whitney, A[lbert] P. Rockwood, G[eorge]. D. Grant, John Eldridge, Edson Whipple-[Thomas] Bullock & anot[her] man, William McCarry (the Indian) & his Wife-
William McCary[:] I address myself to you as my br[other]s. & my leader-I am satisfied by you-& in some places I am hypocritically abused-[T]he bishops have councillled the p[eo]pl[e] not to suffer such a Str[anger] as me in their Wigwams. [S]ome say, there go the old nigger & his White Wife-to day some of the Sis[ters]. /said/ that is the man that bro Brigham tells his family to treat with disrespect-sev[era]l. heard her-if there is any dissatisfact[io]n. & I am not right, I will walk right-& to the chalk line-I came in as a red man & want to go out as a red man what am I to depend-[I]f I am wrong I want to walk right, I want you to tell me & then I will tell you what God sent me /here/ for-we were all white once, why have I the stain now[?]-God has told me to walk up the lady-I come to lay myself at the foot & God & you for the bal-I seek the footstool at your feet-[D]ont these backbiters think that I have feeling if I was a nigger[?]-I got baptism [and] I am thankful for it, but I d as like to be as a nigger as an Indian as many think they are as one-I dont want any one to transgress-I am come here for my Sal[vatio]ns. sake, & providing I get this feeling from you I will walk the ri[g]ht. road-[S]ome sa[y] I am as Adam, some [say I am] as the Indian Prophet-I want the person to come & tell me to my face, providing I behave myself, & you told me to teach all my p[eo]pl[e] to obey the K[ingdom] of God-[M]ust I obey you, or must I obey them that dont obey you[?]-(obey me /B. Y./ ) [I]f I am Adam & we was to say here comes a head jumping along with a head white as wool-they wo[ul]d. say where is your body? Oh Ive left that home (laugh). I wish to cleanse my self, my heart, my manners, & I want to love you if I am [a] black sheep-I am speaking of [a] 4[-]leg[ged] sheep now-[T]o see the head come along & sa[y] I am ancient of days & leave [my] body at home is two things-provided ancient of days comes he must bring his body along-provided I was Adam what wo[ul]d. the p[eo]pl[e] do[?]-[W]hy theyd be as the dog was with the hot dumpling-[I]f old Fat[her]. was to come-I want to know how many Fa[the]rs. & mo[the]rs. to save [the] p[eo]pl[e]-[W]e must have Fat[hers]. & Mo[ther]s. to save [the] p[eo]pl[e] in some wa[y]-[N]ow when Adam comes he will bring the lost rib with him- provided the body comes, the Indian[s] have no oath in their tongue-I ask Jack Redding why he swear[s]-[O]h, says he, the white people tell me-Borecale is the same man-they are both placed in one body-I have got as strait hair as any other person-[L]ook at it, there is no sight in [the] left eye-[and] no hearing in [the] left ear-I want to understand among the 12 whe[the]r. I am protected if I do right[?]-[I]f there is so much fuss about it that I have a lost rib, you give it up there can be no stuffing, one man confesses to be Adam-and the ancient of Days, Emor. man is trying to get up a mob to drive me out of the city-[T]here is no man but they speak evil of-they even speak evil of God-you can see & examine-[I]f you ex[amine] my body, see ab[ou]t. it & ex[amine]. for yourself-so long as a [this] White woman is so much in the way, good God why dont they give me a red woman[?]-[T]here is so much mock modesty, you may have seen a red skin jump into his costume-[A]s my Wife is not ashamed I dont think you will be ashamed-
[H]e put on his Indian costume-Dr. R felt his ribs-
B. Y.[:] What are we to understand by your asking us to ex[amine]. you[?]
McCarry[:] I want to prove whether I have been here bef[ore]. to be ex[amine]d. I have come to let you know what I am accused for I say my body is no more-I[ ]ve come here to lay myself bef[ore] you as your servant-
Dr. R.[:] I dont discover any thing novel.
McCarry[: T]he p[eo]pl[e] are going it all the time[;] some call me Adam, some old nigger-
I want to know what is the diff[erence?]:
B. Y.[: H]ave you one rib more on your right than on your left[?]-
W McC.-[T]hats what I am come here to find out. [H]ere s the odd rib-(Wife)
H. C. K[: T]hen you have more on one side than the other.
McC. Ah, there s it-every one of you have a rib short-not here-but mine is here-
B. Y.[: Y]our body is not what is your mission.
McC.[: A]ll I ask is, will you protect me[?]-I[ ]ve come here & given myself out to be your servant-
B. Y.[: I]ts nothing to do with the blood, for of one blood has God made all flesh, we have to repent & regain what we have lost-[W]e have one of the best Elders an African in Lowell-a barber-
John Eldridge-[B]rother Lyman, you know they pointed me out as [a] dreamer, & 6 weeks ago I dreamed of this very man coming & stripping himself like this.
McC.[:] I hope now they[ l]l let me /live/ in peace now. (McCary dressed himself again.) I have now satisfied them & they have satisfied me & if any one molests me I will come to bro.
Brigham. I tho[ugh]t. it well to come & report myself to the heads of the Ch[urch]-[I]f I am a darky, I want to serve God-(Amen B. Y.)
McC.[:] I am very much obliged at meeting you in love & gratitude-[T]hose that are not my friends I want them to tell me-if you have any thing if your hearts you may as well tell me as I shall know all in 48 hours-
Mrs. McC.[:] I really want to know whe[the]r. you bel[iev]e the bible or not?
B. Y.[:] Sister Lucy, in what respect do you mean-in parlon parts-
Mrs. McC.[:] Some is fulfilled-some is not translated right-[Y]ou certainly bel[ieve] the bible by Jos[ep]ths. translations.
McC.[:] If we dont bel[ieve] the bible, we are in a poor fix for /sl[?]/.
B. Y.[:] We bel[ieve]: the bible, & we bel[ieve]: all truth-they we have [the] B[ible]., [the]
B[ook] of Mormon, & [the] D[octrine]. & C[ovenants] & [illegible writing] the living oracles. [T]his is puts us in poss[essi]on of the living oracles-[I]f a man says he bel[ieves]. [the] Bible, B[ook] of Mormon, & D[octrine]. & C[ovenants]. & is not baptized for the remission of sins-he ll be damned-
McCary[: S]uppose I want to make a visit to the Arkansas & take my Wife to meet my Mo[the]r[? W]hen one Sheep breaks out all the rest are chiefly inclined to follow-among the Choctaws-[W]hy Jesus Christ was born in a Stable-does that follow that he had a horses head[?]-I am afraid of ans[werin]g. questions bec[ause]: p[eo]pl[e] will take this thing wrong.
[P]ersons come to me & tell me that the 12 dont teach the Bible-& again they ask are you going to the mountains this year[?] I tell them I never calculate beyond my nose-[T]hey ask questions, & then answer them themselves & run away & say I tell them-[I]f any man comes forward & says more than that he tells what is not true-[S]ome ask what do you think ab[ou]t. the D[octrine]. & C[ovenants].-I ask what they think-they tell me-then I say thats enough, you have answered the question yourselves-I am satisfied-I want you to intercede for me I am not a Pres[iden]t., or an leader of the p[eo]pl[e] but a common bro[the]r.-because I am a little shade darker.
B. Y.[: W]e dont care about the color.
McC.[: D]o I hear that from all-(Aye) /all
/H. C. K.[: D]ont you feel a good spirit here bro William[?]
McC.[:] Yes-thank God. [T]here are 2 or 3 men at the end of the Camp who want to kill me-I am satisfied in all-with you all. I am coming to lay myself at your feet & If God picks me up-its God & you for it-I mean to travel to the mountain if I only go a mile a day-that is if you dont pick up the road & put it in your pocket-/(laugh)/ I am a Frenchman by trade, but never practice it-(laugh). [O]ne man next door to me says I wo[ul]d. like to be an Indian but I can not speak Choctaw-now I say I dare him to talk American-
John Eldridge spoke some Dutch-McCarry talked in reply in Dutch-[H]e then played on his little thirty six cents flute-he said its no lay put, I ll put a lay to it.
McC.[:] I have no means-nor nothing-you cannot pick up the road & put it in your pocket-
B. Y.[: S]uppose we get out to have the council house on Monday evening next & give it out for 12" each[? W]e want every person to be fitted out & not have to stay to hunt-
McC.[:] I would like them to be come & be satisfied-
B. Y.[: I] dont care what the p[eo]pl[e] say, shew by your actions that you dont care for what they say-[A]ll we do is to serve the Lord with all our hearts-
McCary[:] I help to pick up the cross of Christ-I bel[ieve]. in the Bible so far as I feel is right-I will take my Bible to my folks & tell them & you may preach 25000 years & they wont bel[ieve]. it-([H]e then ridiculed the American peculiarities of speech) [and] shewed [that] um, um, guess so, may be, think so, to be five foolish virgins-& yea, yea, nay, nay, & amen to be the 5 Wise Virgins-[He] told us of the frog. "knee deep," "knee deep", /& "deeper"/ "wants more bacon," more bacon, /"fried bacon"/ & then when they are going to apostatize they sing out "more rum," "more rum," & then asked to part with good feelings & a Lyman to pray-
A. Lyman made [a] prayer.
McCarry[:] I wish you would mention to the Bishops on the South & teach them not to come with one face to me, & not go & tell you the brethren not to let me come into their Wigwams. I ask this in the name of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, Mary the Mother & the Holy Ghost, Amen.
We shall get amongst the Royal family soon-& drank a toast[:] "heres to the trouser loon gang & the petticoat loon gang, may the trouser loon gang never be overcome by the petticoat loon gang."

[source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]
[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday March 26th 1847. Clear fine warm day. South wind[.] At Eleven oclock today there was a public meeting called at the stand for the purpose of transacting business before the Twelve and pioneers go away and to lay the Acts and resolves of the different councils from time to time before the people for their approval or disapproval that there might not be any grumbling after the Twelve were gone, at what was done.
The first business was a vote to stockade in this place by houses as before mentioned which was carried unanimously.
The subject of killing the Indians was next taken up. It was thought best if any one did kill any, for their depredations, to give the offender up to them
At half past 12 meeting adjourned for one hour, after which the congregation came together again. The afternoon was mostly spent in teaching by Brigham & Heber. Brigham spoke particular in relation to what would follow when the Twelve were gone, that men would rise up and complain that the Twelve were not right & that they themselves we[re] the ones to lead and govern the people, and that he knew who it was &c and plainly pointed out some who were now trying to raise up a party to themselves. The meeting lasted untill near sun set, after which I arrainged the guard and had to put out a patrol guard on the out side to the South & West of the city to keep off the Indians who were lurking about to steal horses and cattle at night.after the guard arraingements were done I came home at half past nine oclock.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

Jacob Spori, later a distinguished educator and missionary to the Middle East, is born in Oberwyl, Switzerland.

[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

At Winter Quarters Brigham Young teaches, "I felt that it was wrong to indulge in feelings of hostility and bloodshed toward the Indian, the descendants of Israel, who might kill a cow, an ox or even a horse; to them the deer, the buffalo, the cherry and plum tree or strawberry bed were free. . . . I preached to the saints in the afternoon, and told them that it would be necessary for those who followed the pioneers to take eighteen months provisions. . . .At sundown, I met the brethren of the Twelve, and others, also William McCarey, the Indian Negro, and his wife at the office. McCarey made a rambling statement, claiming to be Adam, the ancient of days, and exhibited himself in Indian costume; he also claimed to have an odd rib."

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

[Black History] Brigham Young confronts Black Indian member, William McCary, concerning his erratic behavior and says "its nothing to do with the blood for of one blood has God made all flesh, we have to repent (and) regain what we av [sic] lostwe av [sic] one of the best Elders an African in Lowell [i.e., Walker Lewis]." This positive reference to an African Priesthood holder in the context of "its nothing to do with the blood" appears to indicate that no ban existed as of this date.

[source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

[Black History] B.Young says priesthood not related to blood,

[source: http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166]

Mormon History, Mar 26, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26th The Camp of Israel Held A public meeting to day & I attended with the quorum of the Twelve. Much instruction & teaching was given. In the evening I met with my company & expressed my feelings to them concerning labouring together for the season in raising grain taking care of the families of those who went in the Pioner company. The spirit of union prevailed among them.
After this I met with the quorum of the Twelve And Wm McCary the Coolurd man. Met with them & showed his body to the company to see if he had not a rib gone &c.

[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, Friday, Mar 26, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Pleasant day, scarce a breath of wind. Meeting at the stand. Present: H. C. Kimball, B. Young, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, A. Lyman. See minutes reported by T. B. [Thomas Bullock]. Adjourned at 10 minutes to 1 to Dr.Â's office. Read over the epistle to the Saints at Winter Quarters. Conversed about George Miller, then went to the stand again (see T. B.Â's minutes). At sundown, Presidents Young, Kimball, Richards, Lyman, Pratt, Benson, Woodruff, and Smith, also T. B. [Thomas Bullock], N. K. Whitney, A. P. Rockwood, G. D. Grant, John Eldridge, Edson Whippple, Ames, William McCarry (the Indian) and his wife (see T. B.Â's report of conversation). Adjourned about 11 p.m.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Thursday, Mar 25, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Cold north wind. Frost in night, bright day. President Young called about 10 with David Lewis. Read the epistle to the Saints at Punca. At quarter to 11, Big Elk, Chief of Omahas, White Buffalo, his first counselor, another Indian, and Albert Fontenelle, interpreter, conversed about half an hour regarding OmahaÂ's robbing the boy of his green jacket, stealing George A. SmithÂ's two horses last night, and killing our cattle the last two or three days. Elk said if the horses were in his nation they should be returned, but the Puncas and Pawnees were in the neighborhood and stealing horses and cattle.
Dr. came in office about half past 11. G. A. Smith talked about his horses and cattle, etc. Samuel Frost arrived with a mail of seven letters and three papers from HuntsuckerÂ's Ferry. Thomas Cottam brought four letters. Thursday evening (25th), high council at [?] President B. Young, Kimball, Richards, Woodruff, Smith, Lyman, Benson. Council voted that John Neff might take [a] fifth of the grain for toll at the mill. President Young told the council that if a brother shot an Omaha Indian for stealing, they must deliver the murderer to Old Elk to be dealt with as the Indians shall decide, and that was the only way to save the lives of the women and children.
President Young offered the mill proprietors, Eldridge and Bass, to get them more mill irons and mill stone, or himself and Brother Kimball would be responsible to pay them for the portion which had been used in erecting the mill.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 25, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday March 25th 1847. Last night two of Br G. A. Smiths horses were stolen by the Indians. Cold North wind all day. Was around all day as usual.
At six oclock there was a special session of the High Council called at Joseph Busbys the object of which was to take into consideration the mill. It was decided that President Young be authorized to do as he sees proper with the disposition of it. That they were perfectly satisfied with him so far about the mill[.] President Young stated that he had sold it for 2,600 dollars to Br Neff[.] It would clear the expense of building it. Council broke up about 9. and I came home.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 25, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] special conference, am
I counselled those living in dug outs to get houses on the top of the ground to live in during the summer, or they would be sick. I advised the brethren to cover their houses with puncheon. I felt that it was wrong to indulge in feelings of hostility and bloodshed toward the Indian, the descendants of Israel, who might kill a cow, an ox or even a horse; to them the deer, the buffalo, the cherry and plum tree or strawberry bed were free. It was their mode of living to kill and eat. If the Omahas would persist in robbing and stealing, after being warned not to do so, whip them. I realized there were men among us who would steal, who knew better, whose traditions and earliest teachings were all against it. Yet such would find fellowship with those who would shoot an Indian for stealing. I suggested that should any persons be caught stealing who belonged here let them be dealt with according to law, should the thief belong to Missouri, let him be delivered to the officers of the law in Mo. Winter Quarters MHBY 541 special conference, pm
I preached to the saints in the afternoon, and told them that it would be necessary for those who followed the Pioneers to take eighteen months provisions. A committee would be appointed and each wagon examined. The Pioneers would probably stay on the other side of the Mountains until the snow began to fill up the gaps in the mountains. If mob violence should render it necessary for all to remove, take your cows, put your loads on their backs and fasten your children on the top. Where the saints do all they can the Lord will do the rest. [Winter Quarters - MHBY 541]

[source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

Mormon History, Mar 25, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 I spent the day at work.

[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, Wednesday, Mar 24, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Pleasant day. Wind northwest. Dr. [Richards] in office at 9 a.m. Wrote a letter to Mrs. Thomas Richardson, sent it by Rufus Allen. Sent another mail of four letters to Mr. Pisgah. About 2, Dr. blessed Jennetta, daughter of William and Mary Kay. Presidents Young and Kimball, N. K. Whitney, and A. P. Rockwood rode out in the PresidentÂ's carriage about 11. Returned about 3 p.m.
John Barrow says his son, John, was chopping between this place and Cutler Park when five Omahas came upon him, and while they were rifling his pockets, his dog went at them and they shot the dog and struck at his head several times with their tomahawks, and took from him a Green Jacket lined about with a red striped plaid. It is reported that seven cattle have been killed by the Omahas since yesterday.
Old Elk and Logan FontenellÂ's brother, interpreter, called on President Young about 3 p.m., wanted provisions, said he had heard President Young had some provisions for them. President told him we intended to make a field and raise grain for them at their place, and that was all he could do. Asked them to dine and they might sleep in the council house tonight. At dusk the wind blew very strong from [the] north. Presidents Young, Richards, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, O. Pratt, Woodruff in office. Heard read letter to Punca. Stayed until quarter past 10. Also read letter from J. M. Estill. This day gave President Young $2.50 for the mill.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 24, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday March 24th 1847. Was around as usual. Nothing up more than common. Went on guard in the evening. Council House full of Omahas again[.] Hard to keep up the guard

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 24, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24th I spent the day at home.

[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, Tuesday, Mar 23, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] South wind, pleasant day. Dr. [Richards] in office by 9. President Young called about 12. About 4, Dr. went to bless John Willard, son of John and Margaret Rushton, then went to the Mill. [?] T. Bullock, and laid hands on Henrietta. Returned to the office where [there] was a meeting appointed at early candlelight. W. Richards, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, W. Woodruff, E. T. Benson, C. C. Rich, David Lewis, William Kay, and T. B. [Bullock] in council in the office.
David Lewis stated that the brethren at Punca were trying their best to prepare for the mountains. EmmettÂ's camp was there, all poor. They have lost a many cattle, chilled to death. But few calves live. All the cattle run down. No effort made to notify Cardinal and Grosclaude. C. and G. gave directions to Bishop Miller and Brother Kay, but no one in the camp knows where to find them. Not one in the camp has provisions to last twelve months. Eight or ten have enough for four months. The feelings of the Puncas are good. Our brethren are getting robes. They calculate to be down in two weeks. The tribes have procured about 1,700 robes. Lyon (SarpyÂ's trader) has employed the brethren to bring his peltry.
W. Woodruff: There is 1,000 acres of good land covered with weeds on the other side of the river. It is like ash heap, could easily be fenced. D. Lewis: The spirit of going over the mountains was great when we went to Punca, but our cattle have died and many would now rather stay. They want to get through the narrows. The Sioux have killed some cattle. The Pawnees, or Omahas have killed some. The chiefs and old men of the Puncas have assisted us in giving what information they could about our lost cattle.
H. C. Kimball joined the council, who deliberated on the best means for the Punca brethren, where to locate, etc. O. Pratt suggested that the people concentrate and scatter as little as possible, the Punca brethren to come down here and put in a strong spring crop. Dr. Lewis said the Puncas were unwilling that we should leave. Brother Miller promised them to leave a blacksmith and a few others to repair guns, etc. W. Richards: The more speedy the Punca brethren make a retreat for his place, the better for them.
H. C. Kimball: They ought to come here forthwith and in the most judicious manner possible, then some might recruit, fit out, and go over the mountains. W. Richards: Forty days ago they had 70 days' provisions. It will take 20 days to get here and only have sufficient to save them from starvation. G. A. Smith motioned that the Punca brethren be instructed to come down as quick as possible and put in a spring crop, and remain in their present organization. Seconded and carried. Voted that Brother Lewis trade his Cedar Ware tomorrow in Winter Quarters and return with a letter to the brethren at Punca forthwith. Adjourned at 10 minutes past 10.
President Young held a meeting of his children, or sons, at Brother PierceÂ's to organize for the coming season.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 23, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday March 23rd 1847. At home and around town all day[.] Was unwell & hardly able to go about[.] Went on guard and was out till 11 oc
President Young called his family together this evening to take into consideration the best way proceed in business & emegration

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 23, 1847

Companies A, C, D, and E of the Mormon Battalion arrive at Pueblo de Los Angeles after a four-day journey from the San Luis Rey Mission.

[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Mormon History, Mar 23, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] Meeting was called to order and prayer by President Brigham Young who in addressing himself to the members said the object of our coming together this evening is to take into consideration the best plan to adopt for the promotion of the good of my family and the cause in which we are engaged. My plan is (seeing the brethren have been so backward in fitting up the pioneers and carrying out our council) us is to leave my family here for the present and take my adopted boys or brethren, fit up my own wagons and go over the mountains, find the place, plant the standard, put in crops, build houses, then come back and receive my family to myself, then remove them to the place of our destination and the preparation that we make. I design my family to enjoy first and then if I choose I will help others. I also intend to leave a part of my boys here to plant and raise a crop and fit themselves out to come on next season. I want Brother William Weeks and F. Kesler to come on this season. Their families are small and they can take fifteen months provisions and come on. Just as soon as I find the spot I want Brother W. Wm. to dig deep and lay the foundation of the Temple for I intend by the help of my brethren to build a Temple unto the Lord just as soon as the Saints by a united exertion can complete it. Brother Robert Pierce and some others who have small families and can fit out with fifteen months provisions may come this season to strengthen our hands and every family that comes over this season releases our cares that much. Come, brethren, who will be set apart to stay and farm? Here is Brother J. D. Lee, G. D. Grant and David Davis that I will select to farm (Brother J. Busbie also). Who will be your foreman or president? J. D. Lee said let our leader appoint the man to preside over us this summer and select the location for the farm and leave his blessing upon it and we will do as be shall advise. President Young said let Brother Isaac Morley preside. He appears to be good natured and will keep his men good natured around him. As for a location for a farm I know of no place to equal a piece of land lying a short distance above the old fort and about sixteen miles from this point. There is about 600 acres that has been cultivated which is just as mellow as an ash heap. We can enclose with a very little labor some 2,000 acres including the broke land, where you can by industry raise almost any amount of grains. But this is my council that you build your houses and lots for your cattle so as to be perfectly safe from Omaha depredations and that you boil all the water before using it and make beer as a drink. There are roots and barks in abundance in this country that is wholesome and if you will do as I have advised, you will have good health. I want to know the number of Pioneers here. Whereupon fifteen hands were held up, rather men raised up and were numbered, then were added to the farming department. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 133-134]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 23, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23d The Presidency & Bishops met to decide whare the lines of the City should be. I spent the day at work & writing. I recieved a letter from Br Ilus Carter.

[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, Monday, Mar 22, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Snow covered the ground. Wind in the north. During the day, the snow melting. W. Richards, B. Young in office. About 1 p.m., the captains and presidents of companies of both divisions met in the council house. Present: Presidents Young, Kimball, Richards, Smith, Lyman, and Benson. G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, H. C. Kimball, and Young spoke. Voted to remove the houses into line. Voted next Monday be the day to commence. Voted each division send 25 men. Voted presidents and counselors be the committee to fix boundary lines. Dismissed at 20 minutes past 4 (see T. B. [Thomas Bullock] minutes). W. Richards and B. Young adjourned to the office. Bishops met in the council house (see minutes).

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 22, 1847 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young assembled at the Council House to take in consideration the next best policy relative to our move in the spring. As usual the Lord having proposed the better plan first for the promotion of the good of his people which they refused to comply with by withholding their substance, and of necessity the second was introduced which was to send the Pioneers on to the spot with sufficient provision to last them two years and locate. Leave all the families back until the Pioneers should raise substance for them to come with the exception of small families that could fit with two years provisions. Such may go on this season, also bring on fresh supplies for the pioneers. President Young said that he was not going to ask any man whether he might leave his family or not for he intended to leave his women and some of the men and was going to take care of himself and family and let others do as they pleased with their selfishness, keep their old wagons and spavin horses and mules and worship them if they choose, and if the twelve did not rise up and exert themselves so as to bear their part he would cut them off and put in men that would and not be snubbed round by women to withhold their horses to draw their carriages. I have turned out every horse and mule that I have that is fit to go and would do it again if my wife had to ride on a bob sled. I have tried to get Brother Pratt's horses to go in the Pioneers, but in vain. If we leave our wives here probably his horses can go. This Kingdom I am determined to bear off in spite of devils or wicked men. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 130]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 22, 1847 (Evening)

[Brigham Young Sermon] With regard to blessing children by the church from a history on the earth at first no record kept. Joseph had a revelation to keep a record on the matter and it is right for the bishop to record it. the father has a right to bless as a patriarch in his own family - but when an elder lays his hands on a child to bless is not a patriarchal blessing, the blessing has hold on them till the years of accountability, every mans name ought to be handed in at the conference. If my child is blessed if I can have it recorded I can. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-3, 21]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 22, 1847

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] Monday, March 22. 1847 1"P.M. Meeting of the Officers of both Divisions-Present[:] Pres[iden]ts [Heber C.] Kimball, [George A.] Smith, [Amasa] Lyman-[Willard] Richards, [Ezra T.] Benson, [Brigham] Young, I[ssac]. Morley, A[lpheus]. Cutler-Councellors & officers-
G. A. Smith called to order & opened the meeting by stating the objects before it-[A] many are willing to build up the K[ingdom] of God if they can build it their own way-[T]he establishment of this p[eo]pl[e] is retarded just one year by the fear & doubts of the bre[thre]n-
[W]e ought not attempt to do much for fear we do nothing at all-[L]ast year we called on the Saints to do just what we are going to do this year-I feel anxious that the Pioneer Co[mpany]. shall go & do a good bus[iness]: & the next Co[mpany]. rush strait thro -& I do not want these Co[mpanie]s. to be fettered by persons who are not able to keep themselves-I would rather leave my family here 12 months & go to the Mountains & grow a cabbage or a turnip, than to take my family there to starve to death-
A. Lyman is perfectly well satisfied that the feelings of the people are at War with their interest-& if they carry there feelings out-in 5 or 6 years they will find it out as clear as I now see it-[H]ave we as a people reflected, are we come here to serve ourselves or obey the commandments of God? [O]ur Glory & Honor will be, to do what God wants us to do! [I]f a man holds on to his old rusty harness or sickly mule, his intentions are to raise his own grain, work for his own personal aggrandizement,-& stretches himself out on his narrow contracted stinking picayune? [H]e is so cursed, stingy & mean as to want the creature to go tail foremost-[N]o man will ever get a blessing until he is worthy of it; the man who dies here is a 100 miles nearer Paradise & 1000 years nearer the blessing-[I]f the people were contented & willing to remain here, & loose the shackles from off the Pioneers, then they could begin to go up in peace.
H. C. Kimball[:] I feel as tho my family are now in better Quarters for Winter & Summer than any where between here & the Mountains-[T]hey will be just as healthy, safe & strong here as in the Great Basin-[I]f we go fettered as we have been we shall see more sorrow than we have yet seen-[I]f we go as Wise Men, to /we/ put the seed in the ground & prepare for our families, I have been chained up once, & the Twelve are chained up again-
Winslow Farr made a few remarks, we are all as well off here as 400 miles further-
C[ornelius]. P. Lott would like to see the Twelve go off, & the rest [are] satisfied to stay here, we should see the good in the end of it-
G. A. Smith said his Father gave it as his opinion that to stay here another winter, would expedite the entire removal of the Saints-about 2 years in 5 years-& advised going thro the Mountains this Season.
H[enry]. G. Sherwood thinks [it] best for families to stay here two years, unless councilled to go in one year-I want to go unfettered by my family & prepare for them-
A. Cutler[: A]s I profess to have a head-I feel to stay or go just as I am councilled to, & [I am] willing to leave all my Children here. I had rather stay here & risk it-
The Indian came here as a red man to join the Pale face Man-/& I go as a Red man, to the mountains/ & I am going to stick as close to this man s /Brigham/ heels as a good servant can stick to his Master.
J[ohn]. D. Lee is willing to turn all his means, to assist the Twelve, without being commanded to do it-
Tarleton Lewis-[M]y property & means is at the disposal of the Council, & I am ready to go, or stay.
H[enry]. Herriman had a great deal [and would] rather stay than go. [L]et the Pioneers go & prepare a place. [W]e can live here & prepare ourselves.
I. Morley[: A]ll are willing to comply with what is wanted-all have shot at a mark-& all shot well-
B. Young has ill health-I have been learning whether the mark is set up or no[t]-
[A]ccording to the manifestation of the Spirit I am going to leave my famiy here, prepare a place & then come back for them myself. [T]his p[eo]pl[e] is trying to place the fetters on me again-I am going to take my Pioneer Wagons & prepare for myself & my own family-just like the rest of the brethren here-We shall prepare for ourselves & our families here. I suggest sending only two men to a Wagon-I want O[rson]. Pratts two horses to be got into Camp-[I]t is a perfect disgrace to think a Wife [as] greater than God Almighty-I want to raise more horses-[I]f the Twelve cannot fit themselves out, they are not fit to be Twelve. I am going to raise my provisions over the Mountains-& have my Families raise their sauce here-[I]f I take my family-all the 12 [may] want theirs to go-& if they go, other men [may] want to take their families also. [M]y council to you is [to] take care of yourselves, if you dont send seeds a head, you may just lug your feed along, until you can raise it. [S]ome men think if they put in a peck of Beans, they can have a year & [a] halfs living over the Mountains-[I]f any of the Twelve take their families, they may, but I shall not take my family-I shall take about 5 of my Wagons with Seeds & go over the mountains-[to] raise grain & build houses for my own family. I want 20 to 30 teams to carry Flour for my family-if I take them-but it is too big to take them along-[I]f any of the Twelve think of my going to take their Families I wont do it-I want to pick up one hundred families to go in the Spring, certain[ly],-
I am going to find the Spot, this Season-[I]f the large families stay here, what hinders them assisting the Pioneers[? T]hose who will work let them work together-& those who will not work, let them be together. I dont want those who work to distribute their substance to the 4 winds-
[W]hen we get to our home every man will have to work for himself. [T]here are some men who are a curse to us, who will not work. [W]e can go to work & select the small families,-I am going to have a positive notion to have these houses picketed in it. I would rather live in a Wagon than on the surface of the ground-[I]f you live on the ground you will have the black leg & Canker. [Y]ou will never be without law or officers, you can catch all the thieves [?] [W]hen a man has to be chastised, let them pay the expence of the police-put a Municipal power on the Bishops & its done-I mean to be over in time to plant this little yellow corn, & sauce-[I]f there s no stopping place for us, there will be none for any one else-[T]ake on such of the Soldiers Wives as can be comfortably done. We calculate to come back next fall-[R]aise a host of grain there for us & yourselves. I want you to fence in this place-
B. Young proposed to have the garden close to the Creek-& the garden s allotted off-& have the inside of Winter Quarters a perfect Green-& clean-
We have got to select men-(6 to 10) [-] to go & plant & raise corn for the Indians-& that will save ours-Motioned that next Monday be the day to commence moving the houses into a line-Sec[onde]d. & Car[rie]d.
Motioned that the Captains of 100s select men to remove them, [the] 25 men from [the] first division-All said I [aye]-
Motioned that also 25 more from the 2nd Division-Carried.
[Ditt]o the Prest[ident]s. & Councillors be the Committee to fix the line-Carried.
Dismissed at 20 min[utes] past 4-

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]

Mormon History, Mar 22, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday March the 22nd 1847. Cold North wind and a handsome driving snow which is falling fast this morning I was at home untill one oclock and then went to a meting of the officers of the two Emegrating companies.
Here President Young gave notice that it was his intention & also of the 12 to proceede on the great Basin without stoping if they can, with only two pioneers to a waggon and that he intended to locate a Stake of Zion and this fall come back after his family also for only small families to go in the summer &c.also decided to move the houses West of Second Main Street and there form a line of Stockade with houses & bring up the south line to my house which is one block North and to commence the same this day one week. I went from there and regulated the guard and came home and staid.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 22, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d It was cold this morning. There was a meeting of the Presidency & Captains of companys & resolved to stockade the city of winter quarters & for the Twelve to go foreward to pick out a resting place for the Saints.
In the evening I attended A Council of the Bishops & Twelve. Remarks were made upon a variety of subjects. Brother B. Young spoke upon the subject of Patriarchal Blessings & the Blessing of Children. Said that any father who held the Priesthood was A Patriarch to his own family & when He blessed his children it was a patriarchal Blessing. If a man wrote the Blessing of his Children & Could get the Historian to write it it was well enough but the Historian could not write all the Children Blessings in the Church.

[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, Sunday, Mar 21, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Dr. [Richards] remained up all the night in the office. T. Bullock and R. Campbell relieved guard at 7 a.m.. At the ringing of the bell the brethren met at the stand at 11. Presidents Young, Kimball, Woodruff, Benson, Lyman present. T. B. [Thomas Bullock] took minutes (filed). In afternoon, a council in the office. Ice running in the river. Wind south and pleasant. Municipal high council met at 6 p.m. (see William MajorÂ's minutes taken for T. B.). T. B. [Thomas Bullock] attended at H. C. KimballÂ's family meeting, reported his address, also 36 patriarchal blessings. Dismissed on Monday morning (22nd) about 1. Commenced snowing.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 21, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday March 21st 1847. Warm south wind. There was a public meeting at the stand today. Brigham spoke on the necessity of keeping the spirit of the Lord and related his vision.
Went to the Council at six. Horace S. Eldrige, the Marshall, was put in assessor and collector of the residue of the police tax in the place of Br J. C. Wright and the subject of the police spoken of but not to the purpose. After council I staid with the guard till about 12 and then came home.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 21, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young said that the saints would expect to hear from him consequently he would say what the Lord would give him. That be would like to spend a whole day with the Saints before he left them and would likely have a meeting on the morrow. Experience is the dear schoolmaster and many have served their time out though many have fallen and have been laid aside as we do the green herbs, implements of husbandry having done all that they could do. Still if the people were universally righteous they might overcome and not fall by sickness, yet the Lord takes some away before they arrive to years of maturity to accomplish His will. He giveth and He taketh away, and the time will come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His hand in all things and that He is the Christ and our Lord. I wish to exhort my brethren to humility and neatness that they may come unto the Lord and ask and it shall be done unto them. There is a principle that dwell in the heart of the Saints and always did that teaches them to know whether they did actually live so as to keep their hearts open to the whisperings of the spirit and do the work that entitles them to claim privileges of the Kingdom by the light that lighteth every man that comes into the world. The Lord bestows upon his children a certain portion of the dowry that he has for them according to the light which they have lived up too (which has been given to them) and says to them go and occupy upon what I have given and that is what the Apostle Paul had allusion to when he said the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Keep your hearts open and never bar against the spirit of the Lord. He then related a dream which he had a short time since while in the hour of affliction. The dream I have recorded as he related it before, and impressed upon the minds of the Saints to keep the spirit of the Lord that they may not be destroyed. This Joseph said to him while in the vision, repeatedly, and insisted to have him impress it upon the minds of the Saints. Be pure and holy for the Comforter will not dwell in an unholy temple. Said that he did not want to go into heaven (if he could) with a back load of sin but the feelings of the brethren are they have been driven from their homes and their feelings are good God could they have power over them if we didn't use them up then I would tell it. What business have you with them? Vengeance belongs to the Lord. It is not for you to set in judgment. They have contracted the debt and they will have to pay it. This principle is in the hearts of some which is damnable and when the Twelve goes away you will see sights. Those characters will steal old spaven horses, wagon wheels, quilts, etc. Let such men go down to hell and if you do not understand what this means, cut their infernal throats. Never steal till the Lord tells you. and never steal that that should not be stolen. And when you hear of Brigham Young stealing you may know that it should be stolen There is another principle that is as damnable as stealing; that is this murmurings and saying that the rich does [not] feel after the interest of the poor. You should never covet the goods of any person and never find fault with your brethren. Be contented with your lot and station and stop your whining and babbling about the twelve, saying that Brigham oppresses the poor and lives off their earning and that you can't see why you can't have some of his good living, and so on. Did Brigham Young ever get anything from you, did you ever help him to any of his fine living, you poor curses, or was it through Brigham's influence that thousands of the poor have been fed? You poor stinking curses, for you are cursed and the hand of the Lord shall be upon you and you shall go down to hell for murmuring and bickering. This people means to tie my hands continually as they did last year so that we go to the place of our destination. They are already coming to me saying can't you take me along? Don't leave me here, if you do I am afraid I shall die, this is such a sickly place. Well I say to them, die, who cares. If you have not faith to live here you will die over the mountains. This people will be subject to sickness and disease and death until they learn to be passive and let council dictate their course, without this their efforts are vain. I shall be glad when the time comes that this people will unanimously hearken to and be governed by council. We want to build up another Temple and then send out 1000 of elders to preach and gather out the honest in heart, by the power of their calling in the Priesthood and that the spirit that are in the Elders should beget the same spirit in the people and thereby draw them from among the wicked by the power of faith; but such men steal, murmur and whine at everything and that nothing goes right will never feel the power of their calling in the ministry. They blackguard a little but can never preach. Closed by saying that he wanted to spend one whole day with the Saints before he left for the mountains and that he wanted the sisters that comes meeting to be brought in wagons. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 127-130]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 21, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] B. Young arose and said he thought it would not hurt the people to meet a short time this morning. It is wisdom to take all the care of ourselves we can. I hoped to stand a day when the men would all be here. If we should have a comfortable day yet we will meet. Experience is the best schoolmaster the children of men ever had. As fast as the saints are worn out we lay them aside, and consign them to the [-] house. In proportion tot he [-], we are not equaled the [-] of [-] houses in Nauvoo. We are as well off here as in Nauvoo. It is the principle of the saints mingled with faith to overcome in a degree - When we understand how to order our course before God we will have power to say disease. It is true the Lord giveth and it is his right to take away when he things right - whether in youth or middle age - if the people were obedient to the will of the Lord and were zealous, it is his will we live to a good old age - all the acts and scenes that have before us are overruled by the Almighty, and when our eyes are open to see our ears to hear, we will [-] the goodness of God and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ, he is the king, the Lord, supreme and lawgiver, we shall [-] behold and realize it, that Jesus in the Christ - and he rules in the heavens - I exhort my brothers and sisters to prayerfulness, kindness, [-] fulness, long suffering, that the Lord may favor us [-] when we [-] in his name he will help us. I want them to humble themselves before the Lord and double their diligence - you know yourselves whether you are faithful you will stop, reflect, meditate and wait with patience, the spirit will tell you where you can claim the blessings of heaven or not. To the saints who have received the remissions of their sins, if they only receive the Holy Ghost and lost that their case? Is more dangerous than an honest man that never heard the gospel preached. Every man does receive the spirit of the Lord, this they do receive from time to time Jesus reflects knowledge just as [-] a they beneath, receive that and all the inhabitants of the earth are enlightened up from time to time, for instance I am a father and have my children, they are not [-] to receive all I have for them. I help and assist them from time to time - and when they come to a knowledge I bestow upon them then dowry and a so go there confirm it - they are endowed with the Holy Ghost from on high, when the prophets are their dowry it is for them to do with it as they please, when God gives the Holy Ghost by the imposition of hands that is their subject to them all their days but if they fool it more how great is their darkness, they are in danger of hundred fold more than those who never heard the gospel. Every man who professes to be a Latter-day Saint ought to keep the spirit so that they fall not into darkness but reject the temptations - resist the devil and he will flee from you. It is the will of the Lord that every good man or woman live to a good old age, a good knows the enemy is always striving to get away and destroy from the earth. (Related his dream about Joseph when he was sick) No man can tell anything about the spirit until they have them in their hearts. The least retractory feeling will come the spirit of truth not to get into the heart. It must be ready open [-] free and then the Holy Ghost will enter in and tell things that are past, present and to come. It will renovate and renew the entire [-] of the man. The Lord being my helper I will tell it to the people - for it is like fire in my bones and if you will not get the spirit of the Lord you will be destroyed and I know it. It is always my feelings to do the best I can. No man or woman can go into the eternal world of burnings without being pure and holy, cleave unto the Lord and forsake all evil - than you can go forth like the Gideonites, sound the trumpet and conquer. I never feel that I could creep into heaven with a back load of sins - it is needful that our sins go to judgment before us - if the people had pure hearts and were perfectly united, sickness and death would have no business here - the brethren are very patient of man the power of God is ready to be poured out upon the Elders of Israel. What business have you with Tom Sharp and Levi Williams? None at all - it is your business to preach the gospel to the world, build up the kingdom of God - it is a marvel to my eyes that the Elders of Israel are not swept out of existence for the wickedness they want to practice. I don't want to have? Or dwell with my enemies, let them alone. They have contracted the debt and they will have enough to do to pay their debt. You have no business with them, unless I tell you to. We are now going away from this place send any man to hell who will bring stolen goods. I never steal anything unless it ought to be stolen - I distrust the [-] and never or the gentiles - they [-] are all [-] together - I would well it all over times? I have swore precious [-] than all the gentiles log? - I wonder whether God uses Boggs? Up in heaven, I don't thing he does. The gentiles will be damned any how. Go to and get your flour and go with the saints - we shall want to send out the elders of Israel to preach to the people the gospel - when you tell the truth it will run into every honest heart and they cannot get it up again. Will the spirit of the Lord dwell in the heart of any who is grumbling and growling? A saying that the twelve oppress this people - and ask why Brother Brigham cant make a gent or lady of me - you poor curses you, you are cursed and you will have the wrath of God resting upon you - you [-] my name to back up all public business. I shall until all the [-] doings of every one of you. The scale has turned - every man has become a poor man and they are complaining - never covet that which is why neighbors, be patient, be submissive, if I will afflicted with [-] I should be just right, I am going to a stake of Zion with fasting and prayer and the word of wisdom has got to be kept and quit tobacco, snuffing, drinking and swearing - if this people will be humble and prayerful the spirit of the Lord will be increased a hundred fold - but if you neglect this you will be afflicted more than ever. I wish every man to say, '"Just you say what I must do and I will do it'" - let the dead bury their dead. I want to do in faith and prayer and lay a stake of Zion. If the providence of the Lord has cast my lot and family to die, cant I die without grumbling if you have not faith to live here you have not faith to live there. Sixteen years ago 1,100 soldiers went up to the fort and about 125 died in a fortnight - here have been 4,000 all winter and not that no dead yet - if I can get half a pint of boiled corn and a little milk it is better for me than eating meat. We will have another day together before leaving this place. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002)]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 21, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 Sunday The Camp of Israel met in A general meeting on the public square. President Young addressed the meeting & spoke upon a variety of subjects. He said while speaking upon the spirits that we should prepare our hearts to recieve the spirit of the Lord & we ought to recieve any spirit that comes to us into our hearts enough to prove whether it be good or bad. Then we should recieve the good & refuse the evil. He reproved the people sharply for their stealing & other wickedness for complaining & many things of interest was spoken unto us.
I met in Council with the Twelve at 4 oclok & spent a little season in speaking upon the celestial law of the Kingdom of God & our souls were made glad & we rejoiced before the Lord. We also called into Br Bensons & spent a social hour. We then met with the High Council But not much business was done. We had a severe snow storm during the night.

[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, Saturday, Mar 20, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Cold wind from the north, clear, blue sky. About noon, Presidents Young and Richards in council in the office about an hour regulating papers for the journey, copying MoroniÂ's blessing, making out Dr.Â's family list. E. T. Benson, with W. R. [Richards], dined in Octagon, then went to WhitneyÂ's store. The brethren busy preparing to emigrate. About 3 this afternoon, the mill commenced grinding corn and ground about 11 bushels in an hour. The President stated that it runs as complete as he could expect, no jarring, the only noise is from the water in the wheel.
The ferry boat crossed the river two or three times today. J. D. Lee crossed two loads of potatoes. Made up a mail of 24 letters to Mt. Pisgah sent by Lyman O. Littlefield. Gave it out at dusk. John Van Cott brought up a mail from HuntsuckerÂ's of 10 letters, 4 newspapers. At early candle light, Presidents Young, Kimball, Benson, Richards met in the office.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 20, 1847

[Nauvoo Temple] Having returned from the East, near this date Babbitt wrote Brigham Young that he had been unsuccessful in his efforts and that the Trustees hoped to sell the temple when the Spring came. He inquired what they should do with any surplus.

[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

Mormon History, Mar 20, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday March 20th 1847. The weather this morning was cold and windy having turned to the North yester evening and was howling all night as in the middle of winter. We had a clear sky to day notwithstanding. I was around as usual. Today the mill started and promises well. It runs beautifully grand and does a good business. I arrainged the guard as usual.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 20, 1847

In Winter Quarters, while preparing to cross the plains to Utah, forty-five-year-old Brigham Young marries two sisters: sixteen-year-old Lucy Bigelow and nineteen-year-old Mary Jane Bigelow. They are his 42nd and 43rd wives. He and Mary Jane Bigelow are divorced on Sep 3, 1851.

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, Mar 20, 1847

Brigham Young (aged 45) marriage to Lucy Bigelow (1830-1905) (aged 16) first marriage 3 children

[source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

Mormon History, Mar 20, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th I am some better to day. Are still preparing to go on the Pioneer Journey. I attended the funeral of Sister Phebe Traine who died yesterday. There is now much sickness & death in the camp.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, Mar 19, 1847 (Friday)

Most of the Mormon Battalion, except company B, (which was stationed as a garrison at San Diego), left San Luis Rey for Pueblo de los Angeles, where it arrived on the 23rd.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, Mar 19, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday March 19th 1847. Dark, cloudy, foggy, warm, morning which may be followed by a general thaw & break up in the river. I & Allen went a hunting 4 or 5 miles down the river and home about 3 oc.and then went to arrainge the guard and after dark awhile I went to a meeting at the council house. Prest Young, Kimball and Benson spoke and was followed by W. W. Major & Case. I came home at eleven.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 19, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] Meeting at the council house. President Young, Kimball, and Benson spoke. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:242]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 19, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th I spent the day choreing. In the evening I attended a Council of the Twelve & High Council. Br Brigham reproved & rebuked in the power of God.

[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, Friday, Mar 19, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Foggy morning. About 10, cleared away with a warm, south wind. E. T. Benson called in office and wrote a letter. Dr. [Richards] arose about 11, and was busy preparing for pioneer company. H. G. Sherwood gave an account of his interview with Major Harvey and Major Mitchell on Sunday, 1st November, last. About 5 p.m., a gush of wind from the north continued until it blew a perfect hurricane from the northwest all night. Early candle light, meeting in the council house of the presidents and officers of both divisions; kept up until about 11.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Thursday, Mar 18, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] South wind, warm, snow disappearing fast. The brethren very busy preparing for pioneering. [At] 7 p.m., the concert of the band was attended at the council house [by] Presidents Young, Kimball, Pratt, Richards, Woodruff, Lyman, and Benson. Heard music, danced, etc., etc.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 18, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday March 18th 1847. General turn out on the dam. Very warm clear day. South wind. I and Allen & G. W. Langley went up the river hunting & trying our guns and back at one oclock.and I went around town again to visit the mill dam &c. Went on guard a short time at night. About eleven oclock Carns & Langley came to my house with a large jug of whiskey which the B had hid out to glut their brutish appetites with, acting at the same time with as much contempt as they could towards the guard who were close by and they so they concluded to retaliate by taking it to themselves.
The [blank] had a party at the council house

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 18, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th I was quite unwell. I spent the day at home but went to the Council House in the evening to a musical Consort but was so unwell I had to return home & go to bed.

[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, Wednesday, Mar 17, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Warm day, south wind. President Young, Brothers Pettit, Everett, and others came in the office. Heard StrangÂ's Covenant, etc., read. Left 25 minutes to 12. At 1, President Young, Captain Busby, and A. P. Rockwood called. T. B. [Thomas Bullock] made out his list of ten. Immediately afterwards saw ten flocks of wild geese flying to the north, all in view at one time. Dr. [Richards] came in office about noon, then out.
[At] 7 p.m., B. Young, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, W. Richards, presidents and captains of hundreds and fifties met at the council house. Conversation on many things relating to emigration. Then Willard Richards Bullock, son of Thomas and Henrietta Bullock, died at half past 4 p.m. John Neff received an elderÂ's license this day. John Neff received an high priest license this day. President Young spoke at some length showing how he had always sustained his family by his own exertions, and the blessings of Providence, and had done more for the Church than the Church had for him, although individuals had done much and thanked them for it. He stated that he intended to go over the mountains and find a place of gathering this season and wanted his family to go, and all the Twelve and their families, and Father John SmithÂ's when the emigration company went. That while Joseph lived the Twelve dwelt under his shadow, and now the Church wanted to be under the shadow of the Twelve.
At 2 p.m., Mary PierceÂ's funeral was attended [by] B. Y. [Brigham Young], H. C. K. [Kimball], E. T. B. [Benson], W. R. [Richards]. President B. Young preached 45 minutes, followed by Joseph Young and E. T. Benson. From thence Dr. went to Thomas BullockÂ's, laid hands on little Willard with T. B. [Thomas Bullock], and gave him over into the hands of the Lord, and he went to sleep at half past 4.
About 5, President Young and Dr. [Richards] visited the mill dam, found the water very high, filling the flumes and water running in the race for the first time, the flood gates up and water running over the north side of the dam about 15 feet, and within about 3 inches of the top of the puddling. Might have been grinding, but the lower side of the wheel was about two feet under water and frozen at the bottom so that it could not start. The Twelve retired to the office till 11. Dr. wrote John Fidoe. Closed at 1:30 a.m.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 17, 1847 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young said that he had but little business here this evening only to see the brethren and converse with them. Asked the Captains what success they met with in fitting up the pioneers and getting the wagons ready. Reported favorably. Said that unless the pioneers get off this week that he would not stop to make a farm as he was determined to see the Loup Fork of Platt river by the 1st of April. The pioneers have done well today, they have got the dam so that the water is now running in the race and could we get about 100 men more on the morrow I think the dam might be secured and that the mill will start by morning. Called for volunteers; 26 offered their services. While speaking a messenger reported that the mill had started. On hearing the news a general shout was raised. Brother Phineas Young said that he wanted a horse to ride to the mountains to hunt buffaloes for the pioneers. President Young said, Brethren, you have heard what Brother Phineas has said and you that are in favor of his going by saying Aye. (Unanimous)'- President Young said that some probably thought he consumed several thousands of dollars within a year. If I do I never have borrowed money upon the influence of no man hut my own but I have borrowed thousands of dollars to lend to others. Just as I am with my brethren now going to the mountains, not to benefit myself independent of my brethren. I feel as the apostle said, that they without the ancients could not be made perfect, neither can you be made perfect without me nor I without you. I never have wronged any man out of his money. Still I do not expect to pay all my debts before I go, but the borrowed money I will pay and I will do it by faith. I will liquidate (or see it done) the debt that is hanging over Bishop Whitney at St. Louis of $14,000. I have done more for this people this winter than would pay for bringing me 50 lbs. of flour to the mountains then return for their family. I may be indebted to individuals that has helped me. Now I am going to the mountains and I want the presidents and counselors, the Captains of 100's see that the families of the Twelve are taken along and that old Father John Smith and family be taken. Don't leave him. He has been with us from the beginning. He is of Joseph's family and we want him along. I have things written and I want them not to be neglected. It would be better for some young persons to remain than Father Smith to be left. Brother George A. Smith and family, Brother Pratt, Richards and perhaps others of the twelve will need help. See that they are fitted out and brought on. Let the Captains meet again on Friday evening, if they choose, and we will clear out the room that the people may be seated and we will have meetings. Brother Willard Snow reported that Brother C. Bird had purchased from 30 to 50 bushels of potatoes which must be brought from there on the morrow or next day after. President Young said that those of the brethren who wanted potatoes let them pay Brother Lee the money in advance that he may procure them, whereupon about $7 was paid. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 123-12]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 17, 1847 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] At 2 pm Mary Pierce funeral. President Brigham Young preached 45 minutes. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Willard Richards Journal, LJA]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, Mar 17, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday March 17th 1847. Today there was a general turn out to work on the mill dam. I was around as usual. Made out the guard to knight. Went to a council at the Council house. It consisted of the officers of the emigrating companies. I came home about ten after being on guard awhile.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 17, 1847

Brigham Young writes, "I buried my wife, Mary H. Pierce, aged twenty-five years. . . . She died of consumption." Young, however, still has 24 wives remaining at this time including Margaret Pierce, the sister of Mary H. Pierce. Three days later he again marries two sisters, Lucy and Mary Jane Bigelow.

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, Mar 17, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17th I spent the day putting on my carriage
top.

[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, Tuesday, Mar 16, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Wind in the south, mild. About 10, Presidents Young and Kimball called at the office, then visited the wagon makers in the council house. About 11, Dr. [Richards] arose, came in the office. Shortly afterwards President Young returned. Had read a letter from Dexter Stillman in the Battalion. W. W. Phelps, P. Richards, E. Hunter, etc. Brother John Kay sang the journeying song. President Young burned a note of hand for $100, payable to [?] Tucker, or bearer. Endorsement receipt for $57.50.
Between 3 and 4, H. C. Kimball and Dr. [Richards] were writing a letter to KimballÂ's family. At quarter [?], B. Young, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, G. A. Smith, I. Morley, Joseph Young, Edward Hunter, N. K. Whitney, Daniel Spencer, Ira Eldridge, J. W. Cummings, A. O. Smoot, J. D. Lee met in council in the office to consult whether ox teams should go with the pioneers. Susanna Liptrot delivered Margaret, wife of John Rushton, of a son named John Willard at 4 a.m. W. Woodruff came in, also, A. Cutler, W. Farr, R. Cahoon, Herriman, S. Roundy. Voted that those persons who wish to take ox teams in the pioneer company have the privilege, but take the spryest they have got and at their own risk. Let all the pioneers have blankets for horses, mules, cows, and oxen.
Presidents Young, Benson, and Richards went to John NeffÂ's and confirmed Franklin Neff, Susanna Musser, Susanna Neff, and Mary Ann Neff, whom Brother Benson had baptized this p.m. Dr. [Richards] returned home about 10.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

Mormon History, Mar 16, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday March 16th 1847. At home untill about noon & was then around as usual. To night the guard could not be made out without enlisting another man. I went on guard a short time in the evening.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Mar 16, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16th Tuesday I spent the day at home preparing to start on my Journey.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, Monday, Mar 15, 1847.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] West wind, cool. At 9, the pioneers met at the council house. Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, E. T. Benson, O. Pratt, A. Lyman, presidents of companies and counselors, clerks, and others met. About 53 were present of the First Division, and 28 of Second Division. The captains of hundred were instructed to report the state of the pioneers to the council, also their several duties, and adjourned about 11 oÂ'clock. The office was crowded all the day by the brethren making inquiries for emigration to the West. At dusk, Presidents Young, Kimball, Richards, Benson, Lyman, and Woodruff, the presidents of companies and captains met in the council house. All the former votes were confirmed and another made, viz: Â"voted that the Winter Quarters be formed into a stockade and no Indians be admitted inside.Â" The council continued in session until about 11 oÂ'clock. First Division reported 15 pioneers, five wagons, 8 horses, 2 mules, fully fitted out to start tomorrow morning.
Patty Sessions delivered Barbara, wife of Dexter Stillman, of a son named Dexter at 1 a.m.

[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]