Mormon History, Jun 10, 1849

June 10, 1849 5 P.M Council in Office. Present[: Brigham] Young, [Heber C.] Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [Parley P.] Pratt, Charles C.] Rich, [John] Taylor, F[ranklin]. D. Richards,'-N[ewell]. K. Whitney., J[edediah]. M. Grant, H[enry]. Herriman, E[rastus]. Snow., G[eorge]. D. Grant. R[obert]. Campbell, Ad[dison]. Pratt. Conversation [was held] on Crickets. Mills on City Creek'-Hebers Mill, [and how] Crickets made [a] strike last year when [the] Wheat was heading.'-[M]aking a road up Big Kanyon Creek,'- cutting Trees in North Kanyon,'-the Fire in Mill Kanyon last Monday [that] burnt up 1000s of dollars worth of logs & lumber,'-Moses Martin & his whoring Spirit,'-Persons in New York assisting the Elders, [how] Joseph co[ul]d, unlock & lock up again & be perfectlycorrect'-[all were discussed]. B. Y.[: B]ro G. Grant, just call up bro Martin bef[ore] the Pres[iden]cy of [the] 70 & make 241 him give an acc[oun]t. of himself,'-& [then] cut him off'-& write to O. Pratt ab[ou]t. it.'- J. M. Grant[: T]he first idea I had of it, was from informat[io]n. in N[ew]. Y[ork]., I bel[ieve]. from bro Rogers.'- A. Pratt.[: B]ro Eagar is in hopes of being appointed [a] printer.'- B. Y.[:] That will be in the hands of experienced old men,'-& you mayemployhim as a type setter.'- A. Pratt[: H]e co[ul]d. learn the language eas[il]y. F. D. Richards[:] I move that Chancey West go to the Islands with Addison Pratt. [Vote was c]arried. B. Y.[:] It will be well for those who have families to leave them on the Coast at some rendevouz.'- A. Pratt[: I]t will be a good idea for those who have families to stay at the Coast till they can learn from the Islands. [It was v]oted that James Brown go to the Islands with A. Pratt. '-[It was voted that] bro Tampling go to the Coast, John Eagar to the Islands, [and] Alva Hanks go to the Islands. 9 [It was v]oted that Benjamin F. Johnson go to the coast with C. C. Rich. [It was voted that] Francis M. Pomeroy d[itt]o'-(4) [Those going to] Islands[:] Addison Pratt, Geo Langley, Geo[rge] Pitkin, Jonathan Crosby, Joseph Buzby, John L. Smith, John Eldridge, Chancey West, James Brown, John Eagar, [and] Alva Hanks. (10 [total]) [Those going to the] Coast[:] C. C. Rich, Geo[rge]. Langley, Benj[ami]n. F. Johnson, Fra[nci]s. M. Pomeroy, [?] Tampling. (5 [total]) B. Y.[:] When the First Pres[idenc]y. orders a thing, they need not ask any questions, but do just as they are told'-that cuts it right off.'-Conversation [held] in regard to [the] power of 70s.'- T[homas] B[ullock] read the minutes of [the] Bishops court yesterdaybefore Bishop Johnson at Mill Creek.'-Rawlins v Owens.'-[A] conversation [was held] on it.'- Conversation [was held] on sending teams to meet Howard Egan'-& to Green River Ferry.'-

[source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Mormon History, Jun 10, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th Sunday I preached to the Saints in Cam-bridgeport & had a good time with them.

[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, Jun 9, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday 9th. Worked on my house some.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 9, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th NY. 26 cases 12 deaths. Gen Gaines of New Orleans has died of the Cholera also Gen Worth.
I recieved the following in the Boston Times: We have advices by Express from Salt Lake [of?] the 15th April. New and extraordinary discoveries of Gold have been made in the Mountains near the Salt Lake. The people in the valley were Anxious for A Territorial Government & were about to send Mr Bern-hisel to congress for that purpose. The saints were prospering at the salt Lake.
I wrote A letter to Elder Orson Pratt & gave him an account of the signs of the times in this country the ravages by mobs fire, water Cholera Indian wars &c &c. Br Sanderson called upon me & spent the night. Allexander Badlam was taken sick like the Cholera. I Administered to him & he got well.

[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, Jun 8, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday 8th. Worked on my house.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 8, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th 60 cases of cholera & 10 death to day in New York. I recieved A letter to day from sister Sayers at Jefferson City Mo saying I am sitting by the side of sister Sabra Granger was taking the last departing of her body as she is dying with the Cholera. I recieved A Paper from the Bluffs Also the Star of 1st May which gave interesting Accounts of the progress of the work of God in that land.

[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, Jun 7, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7th 20 cases of Cholera reported in New York to day. 4 cases in Boston. I spent A part of the day in Boston. I recieved A letter from Br Hollister to day.

[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, Jun 6, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6th Accounts continue to pour in from various parts of the country respecting the Cholera.

[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, Jun 5, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5 I left Bradford in Company with Leonard Hardy & rode to Boston. I returned home & hoed my Garden over in the Afternoon And found my vegitable had grown half their size in 3 days.
I perused several papers to day And found the Missippi River had flooded more then half the City of New Orleans. The river had broak through the levies & was Almost destroying that City. All the burying grounds were under water. The Court Houses floodlied so that men had to float about on Hen coops pig trough Crockery Crates & any thing they Could get onto in order to go from House to House. Alli-gaters & serpants of all kinds take up their residency in the city & enter into the Houses. Their is great destruction At the present time of life & property by flood fire plague pestilence & war in all the Earth. War is begining to be poured out upon the Whore of all the Earth in fulfillment of the word of God. The Cholera is raging in the western world to A great degree And A number of the Saints have fallen with the rest. A letter from Jefferson Mo says that there had been 52 deaths out of 150 on the [Mo river?]. Br Appleby was on that boat. Br Hardy spent the night with [me]. 30 m.

[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, Jun 4, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday June 4th 1849. Worked on my house[.] Tuesday & Wednesday worked for Foote on the lower Bridge on Cañon Creek Thursday 7th worked on my house

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 4, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th In Company with Samuel & Josiah Hardy we went fishing. We caught 8 trout & 8 Pickerell & some other fish. I caught most of the fish. It was A vary hot day And A Heavey rain & thunder storm at night. I spent the night with Josiah Hardy. 6 m.

[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, Jun 3, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday [3rd]. Went to porters mill to meeting & home & then with wife to lot & home[.] Dr Sprague & wife came on a visit in the evening.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 3, 1849

Brigham Young calls several men to the Pacific islands, he tells them that "when the First Presidency ordered a thing, they need not ask any questions but just do as they were told."

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

Mormon History, Jun 3, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 3d Sunday I met with the Saints at Br Samuel Hardys. I preached to them And Had a good time. We had a church Meeting And All spoke. I Administered to 3 that were sick.

[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, Jun 2, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday June 2nd. Company drill in the fore noon & Legion drill in the after noon. We were kept out till dark[.] This is the first time our field and General officers took command.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 2, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 2d I rode in the Cars in company with Elder Leonard Hardy to Bradford And we spent the night with Br Samuel Hardy. 30 m.

[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, Jun 1, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday June 1st. Worked some on my house but was sick & came home.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Jun 1, 1849

Orson Hyde writes Brigham Young, "Brother Hickman . . . is sometimes a little rash and may shoot an innocent Indian, mistaking him for an Omaha horse thief."

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

Mormon History, Jun 1, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 1st I recieved A letter from Br Wm Sweet And I wrote one to Wm. Sweet. I wrote Br Gibson A letter And sent him 125 O. Pratts Pamphlets.

[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, May 31, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 31st { } I recieved Another letter to Day from Elder Jacob Gibson from Philadelphia saying they had recieved further word Concerning the death of Elder Appleby And his Company. He says Br Hammer writes from Jefferson City Mo to his Brother in Phil. saying the following persons had died of the Cholera: W.I. Appleby, Adams & Wife & 2 Children, Malin, Mrs Hammer & Child, & Hand, wife & Child, Hall, & Sister Granger And A number of the Venners & more not named. /June 13 Elder Appleby is alive the rest named are dead.
/Also the Boston Daily times Has the following Concerning the companies going to the gold Digings: "Letters from Independance Mo say that the Cholera is sweeping evry thing before [it]. Among those who have Died there is Lieut Schenck of the Navy. Gloom reigns on evry side. Business is at a complete stand. All the Calafornians have putty much left in a fright. The Cholera rages so extensively among some of the Emigrating parties that they do not even stop to bury their Dead. Corpses Are found wraped in their winding sheets lying along the road in heeps of five & six together. The seene on evry side is painful & Horrible in the extreme.
I held A meeting at My house. An Infidel of the worst Class opposed After I Got through preaching. His conversation was nonsenes folly & Blaguardism against God, Jesus Christ, and All their revelations given for the benefit of man.

[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, May 30, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Mond Mond & Tues April 30 & May 1st 1849. Tues April 30 Mond & Tues April 30 & May 1st 1849. May [first] 1849. Went to the North Cañon for a load of Timber for Foote for a Bridge across City Creek

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 30, 1849

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young observed that he wanted the bishops to see that every man wrought his tenth day on tithing. The bishops should be with them, and if anyone failed, (they would) know who it was. Some attended to slip along without paying their tithing. But there would be a time of reckoning. The President advised the bishops to employ masons and stonecutters to work constantly, and other men to do private work. He requested all to be punctual to work their regular day. -- Salt Lake City [Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002)]

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

Mormon History, May 30, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30th A rainy day. Br Sanderson Called upon me in the Morning. I recieved A letter from Elder James Mellen on tything & papers And wrote one letter to him in return & sent him one pamphlet.

[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, May 29, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29th {W. I Appleby Died of Cholera} I recieved one letter from W W. Wade one from Elder Gibson And the Frontier Guardian. I wrote 5 letters to O. Hyde to J. Gibson Little & Hardy W W Wade & Sarah B Foss.
I recieved the Painful intelligence By Br Gibsons letter that Elder Wm I Appleby Died of the Cholera on board of the steemer while on his way from St Louis to the bluffs with many of the Company with him. The Cholera is laying waste the inhabitants of the Earth in the western states esspecially on the rivers & our brethren are in the midst of it & several of them are falling by it. Elder Appleby has been A faithful labourer in the vineyard & has left A strong testimony to the world. I little thought the last time I saw him that He would leave us so soon.
How many of the Saints are falling or have died by the Cholera I know not But I have felt much depressed in spirit for A week past And have felt the forebodings of trying News. My prayer to God is that He will spare his Saints from the pestilence which is now walking in darkness & wasteth at Noon day. I expect this season will be a trying time to the inhabitants of the Earth And time must determine whose life will be preserved. /June 13 I recieved word saying that Elder Appleby is not dead but is well & gone to the Bluffs./

[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, May 28, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday 28. Went to N. Cañon for logs. Tuesday went for wood. Wednesday went to Pulcifers mill. Thursday 31st raised my house on my lot.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 28, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28th + I walked with Father Carter to the East Cambridge glass works & went through them & home again.
+ I spent the evening with Br Delin from Sweeden. We compared the sweed Bible with the English. He related two interesting incidents which took place in sweeden. 1st as follows: During the days of the sixts reigning king before the present one on the Throne, The King had a dream in the night. He saw Blood upon the floor of his room untill it increased so that he stood in blood above his Ankles. It frightend him And He awoke.
He thought the room he occupied was the Parliament House. As soon As he awoke He Called one of his Generals to him to tell him his dream. And As the General Entered the room He drew his window curtain Aside & looked towards the Parliament House & saw A light in it. He said General I see A light in the Parliament House. The General says I think it must be the Moon. K[ing:] No sir the Moon does not shine there. He then Called Six other Generals & two soldiers And ordered them to accompany him to the Parliament House & they accompanied the king. When they arived at the House they saw it lighted with A large pair of Chandeliers holding lighted Candles And as their had never been any such thing in the house they were Afrighted.
The king ordered one of the Generals to take the key upon the door & go in & each one of the Generals in there turn fell upon there knees & said they would rather die than go into the house.
The King then said I am your king. I will lead the way. You must follow. So the king opened the door & the Generals & soldiers followed him. They Passed through A long Hall which was hung in black in morning. They went into the Main Hall of the Parliament house, which was brilliantly lighted. They there saw three tables. Two was occupied by two young men one sitting at each as recorders with Books. Upon the top of the other sat A vary Ancient Old looking man. Upon one side of the Hall or room stood an Exicutioner with an Ax in his hand And A Block before him And 500 Nobleman were crouded together like sheep in A pen. And when the old man gave the word the executioner took one at A time & cut their heads off upon the block untill he had beheaded evry man And the blood Coverd the floor more than Ancle deep & run into the street.
The king understanding that it was An open vision & not a reality Asked the old man several times when the fulfillment of it would be. The old man Answered not. The king then fell upon his knees And Prayed the Lord to tell him the fulfillment of the Vision. The old man then spoke & Said that it would not be in his day or the days of his Children but it would be in the days of the sixth or seventh living from him. Then the light went out the vision passed & all was darkness.
The king & Generals all went into the street shut the Parliament house door returned to there homes & wrote the testimony to the world in their own language which remains in the libraries of Swee-den to this day. The sixth King is now reigning And it is expected the seene will soon take place As the King is now with the poor And the Nobleman against both king & People.
The second incident was A Certain Hymn was herd sung in three different Meeting Houses in different parts of sweeden, at the same hour of the night, by three seperate parties. And the account was published in their seperate News papers at the same day in different parts of the kingdom. This was in the year AD 1837.
[ ]

[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, May 27, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May 27th 1849. Wife & I went to meeting. W. Snow preached & Prest Young made the application to his sermon which was to fence the field immediately

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 27, 1849

Crickets appear in the Salt Lake Valley and begin eating the Saints' crops. Several days later, flocks of California seagulls appear and begin eating the crickets, thus saving the pioneers from possible famine.

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

Mormon History, May 27, 1849

[Brigham Young Sermon] I want to make an application of his discourse - he has not told what he wishes to although he has preached first rate - With regard to trials and tribulations and glory and eternal lives - we want the brethren should build the fence around the big field this week and next - that is the great and good and excellency and present salvation, be careful we save ourselves this season - its my own application also - he could not contain himself yesterday for zeal - they stretched themselves last season but had no catch - there is more land in that field and in this city to be cultivated than could be done by the people and yet they want to stretch forty miles north and forty miles south and ten miles west - I want you to save yourselves first temporally - we are in the temporalities now - if I am not a saint this morning I never shall, or expect to be - there is not a man that confesses his weakness all the time - I feel small - there is not an elder of Israel that feels his weakness more than I do - Brother Snow has no meanness to confess - Elders of Israel let me say to you if you do not attend to the works of today you may bid farewell to eternity - if a brother has wronged or slandered his brother let him confess and restore - and then he may expect to be forgiven by the Almighty - if I cant preach enough, I'll get Brother Snow and Jeddediah M. Grant to help me - if I tell it right all the time do as I tell you - walk humbly before your God - attend to your duties until it is calm - and when his labor is to save his life the Lord will help him - let every man and woman live that when they are on a sick bed they have no repentance - are ready to go or stay - live or be sick - or rise up - all is well - all mankind have to battle the influence of satan - I could not have dictated better than the Almighty has let us - have not his arms led us all the time - is not the wisdom of God that has been with us - the Lord knows how to dictate the weather - the snow storms etc its all just right - I rejoice when we see the cold weather - I would to God it would scatter all hypocrites out of this valley - but we must have some black sheep - the invisible hand of God has been over us and to prepare the wicked for their just due - Now O Elders of Israel to the canyons for your poles to fence - we have started some for the gold mines and Brother Rich to the Pacific - but the first mission to you Elders of Israel not to your tents or the nations - but to the canyons - I give liberty to every man and woman to travel in the roads through the big field - no man has a right to plow up the roads - again who has seen me send a team to the canyons on the Sabbath - I wish the Sabbath kept - where's the women that cooks her victuals on the Sabbath, we would not make a fire, or life a stick of wood - the law of the Jews was so strict and absolute that they dare not meet on the Sabbath - they actually met on the first day of the week - my Sabbath is every day I live - every man woman horse and ox should rest one seventh time - its a day of rest that the people do not labor themselves to death - when you have labored thus six years then let every foot of your land rest a year don't work your horses or oxen for a whole year - and when you have continued thus six times - then rest seven years - and then rest 1,000 years, that is for man assemble yourselves one day a week, its no difference to the Lord, angels, Moroni, or Joseph - rest one seventh time - every man is a liberty to travel the streets, but they have not the liberty to herd cattle in that big field if I can find the man that sent their herd there so help me Brigham, if it takes every cow that man has he shall pay the damage - if I have to spend my time I will hunt that man out and make him pay the damage - what do you say to it shall we save the grain (yes) and make them pay the damage if its your mind signify it (all hands up) - and proclaimed that if Bishops Hunter and Everett don't repair the bridge he shall enter complaint before Bishop Whitney and again requested the brethren and sisters who have cattle loose to destroy the crops in the wards just report them to me - and will shew what I will do. -- SLC Bowery [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.) 9-13-3, 57-58; 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), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

Mormon History, May 27, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27th Sunday I met in the family capacit[y]. Had A meeting in the morning And I Preached in the Afternoon, confirmed one. Spent the Evening at Br Snows.

[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, May 26, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday. 26th. Very sick all day[.] Today was our Company training But I could not go. Being sick

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 26, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26th + Elders G. J. Hardy & Samuel Hardy visited me And in Company with Father Carter we visited Boston. Went into the Common on to the state house, through the Quincy Market, through the Navey Yard, on Board of the Franklin. Visited the ships on the stocks. Went through the rope walk 75 rods long. Saw the Canon Morters Balls shot &c. Went to Bunker Hill. Saw the remains of the ditch flung up. I then went to the rail way. Parted with the brethren. They went home & I the same. 8 m.

[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, May 25, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25th I recieved A long letter from Mother Woodruff.

[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, May 24, 1849

[Plains] Almon W. Babbitt Company begins crossing plains

[source: Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]

Mormon History, May 24, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Thurs & Friday May 24 & 25-1849. Worked for Foote on City Crick Bridge.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 24, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24th I recieved A letter from Br Thomas Cartwright & wrote 4 letters to T. Cartwright T McKenzie, P.M. Wheeler & Mr Grover.

[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, May 23, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday May 23rd 1849. Snowed very hard all the fore noonthen mild & pleasant. Snow deep on the mountains.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 23, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23d The St Louis fire has now ascertained to have burned 418 buildings. Number of lives lost 20. Loss of Property $6,000,000. Two thirds of the whole sale dry goods dealers & one half of the retail commission & other stores of the city are burned out. There has Also been a great fire in Milwakie Mich. Also A great fire in China. Many thousand Houses burned, immens property destroyed & many lives lost. The great Steemer Empire on the North Ri[ver?] was run into & sunk And about 30 persons drowned.
The City of New Orleans is inundated with water And about being washed away by the Missippi River breaking through the levy & runing into the City Lives are lost immens property destroyed & danger of the whole City being washed into the Gulf of Mexico. Truly calamities are bursting upon this Nation & the Judgments of God are resting upon her.
I recieved 2 letters to day from Thomas McKenzie & Phebe Wheeler.

[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, May 22, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday May 22nd 1849. Went to the North Cañon for a load of Logs again. Cold & windy in the after noon rained hard & blew from the North. I got thoroughly wet & when I came was chilled numb[.] Snowed hard in the evening.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 22, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d Took Cars. Rode to Boston & spent the night at home. I recieved 1 letter 2 New York Papers & one M. Star. The Star Contained A letter from me. 75.

[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, May 21, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday May 21st 1849. Worked on the garden in the forenoon & sick in the after noon.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 21, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st Spent A part of the day fishing & Caught but little. Held A meeting at night. Spent the night with Br Low.

[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, May 20, 1849 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] Brigham Young spoke on the reserved power of the Almighty - no man has the power to call a man and confer on him a faithful saint through life - the use of those power are reserved to God and the individuals. -- SLC Bowery [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.) 9-13-3, 55; 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), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

Mormon History, May 20, 1849 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young spoke about building a tabernacle in which the saints could meet without being exposed to the inclemency of the whether. -- SLC Bowery [Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002)]

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

Mormon History, May 20, 1849 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] Brigham Young said it was glory for him to sit and see the rain fall - it is worth 1,000ds of dollars to us - and gave out to build a room 100 by 150 feet and till in by water with adobies and make it comfortable to meet it let us build up cities here and by and by we shall be thought worthy to go and build up the waste places now we have to raise potatoes and grain and vegetables - its for planting and ditching and fencing and by and by build a tabernacle - have wards by themselves and put up stoves and we can be comfortable all day - I don't mean to be cheated next winter as we have been this but I want to meet with you all the time. -- SLC Bowery [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.) 9-13-3, 55; 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), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

Mormon History, May 20, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May 20th 1849. Cold cloudy and rainy somewhat. Prest Young preached some in the after-noon & proposes to build a tabernacle on the present meeting ground large enough to accommodate the entire congregation. Rainy eve.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 20, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20 Sunday I met in council with the saints in the morning Communed in the Afternoon & Preached in the Evening. Laid Hands upon 5 sick.

[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, May 19, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday May 19th 1849. Attended officer drill this forenoon[.] Cool cloudy day & windy. Drilled in the afternoon. Very cold & windy.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 19, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th Note I recieved the New York Weekly Herald, filled with News. Also the Morning Papers say that half of the business part of the city of St Louis Mo is now lying in ruins by fire. Five banking houses evry insurance office & twenty seven steem Boats, together with the Telegraph office are among the vast property destroyed. Also several terrible ship wrecks & loss of life. Watertown New York is also burnt up. The Herald has the full particulars of the dredful riot & Bloodshed in New York. Also the Continued wars of Europe And the sweeping progress of the Cholera in America Esspecially in the western states. It says that 21 deaths occurred by Cholera on a ship loaded with Latter Day Saints, or Mormons. Pestilence is raging among the 25,000 gold seekers gatherd in Mo to go to the gold digings By the way of the Salt Lake. All the Earth seems to be in Confusion & Commotion with war savord, plague pestilence fire earthquakes & storms. The Bible Doctrin & Covenants, & Book Mormon are truly being fulfilled.
Among other interesting News the Herald contains An account of A visit of the Engeneers of the Panama rail road Expedition to the People lately discoverd Called the Mandingo Indians at the Man-dingo Bay which contains 113 Islands which are held in the sole possession of the Mandingo Indians who do not permit the residence therein of any Human being not of their own tribe & linage. They will not as yet communicate to any but their own tribe any knowledge of their records or History.
They live by themselves some occupying the Islands some the main land but all firmly united as a band obeying one chief or Old man (A Patriarch) who is believed to be Endowed by God with all wisdom might And power. The Government is Patriarchal. The Old man (or Patriarch) is the spiritual Adviser as well as Chief Judge of all temporal affairs. He is powerful in mind & body And all his faculties are evergreen. God endows him with peculiar health. He is Acknowledged & regarded as the vicegerent [sic] of God And all his orders Are obeyed. He is also the great Medicine or Cure all in Cases of sickness or infirmity. They apply to him And whether relief is obtained or not the applicants are contented.
Col Hughes propounded the question upon whom does the office of old man (Patriarch) descend At the decease of the present "old man." The reply was to the next oldest man of the tribe. Suppose the successor should not be Endowed with the same qualities of intelligence? Reply that cannot be for when the mantle to descends the Great spirit imbues that mind with all knowledge. x x
The main land is seldom if ever Approached by foreigners & nothing is known of it. The Islands produce the Cocoa nut tree. x x x
Before reaching the entrance of the Mandingo Bay some 20 miles from land we discoverd A fleet of canoes under sail managed with a skill that Equals the best water hall boatman & on bearing down found them to contain Mandingo Indians upon fishing Excursions. x x x
The men are short & stumpy not over 4 feet 6 inch on the Average. Thick & square built And are Capable of Enduring great fatigue. Their heads are remarkable large & round features prominent with all the physiognomy of the Jew.
They have A plurality of wives according to their means. They permit No Communication with foreigners & wom[ea?]n so offending is stoned to death. It is A part of their religious creeb to keep their race pure & unadulterated.
They profess to have A restorative for the organs of production the Effect of which upon one Administration will last for Eight years. Our surgeon obtained some of the remedy which has been pronounced part & parcel of the body of the turtle.
A question Arose As to whether this people be not descendants of one the lost tribes of Israel. Col Hughes Avowed the purpose of his visit viz to make A Journey overland to the [ ]. He was refered to the "old man" who alone Could give a reply. He was sent for. In three days made his appearance.
They are careful in answering questions in regard to their Country And are jealeous of All foreigners. They have never submitted to any foreign Government. Although they are within the bounds of the New Granadian Government they pay no tribute nor Admit of Any Allegiance whatever.
In trying to get some clue of their Early History the question was Asked who lived here 400 or 500 years ago? The reply was "Tires Father." We asked A man [who] looked about 60 years of Age how old He was. He replyed 121 years
The following Conversaton took place between the "Old man" (or Patriarch) & Col Hughes: Old man of America has much land far off on the pacific. Two much days to ketch um by land. Too much days to catch um by water round Cape Horn. Wants to make A road nearer. Catch em quick. Wants old man to send some faithful indians to escort him over the land to the Pacific.
Old Man "Land not good. Cant catch em there. Better catch em by Cape Horn. No make A road in Mandingo Country. God Almighty get vexed." Huoo, Huoo Huoo, Huoo, repeated in groans by the Indians.
Huges Will you allow us to go across?
Old Man No. Huoo, Huoo, Huoo, responded the Indians & the Council broake up.
The foregoing is the account which the visiters give of the interview with those Indians. It is truly interesting. Many new things are about to be brought to light truly.
I took Cars. Rode to Fall River & spent the night with Br Low. 50 m.

[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, May 18, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th In company with Father Carter & Mr Woodruff I visited Brs Cannon, Snow & Page. I then went to the water & Br Bird Baptized one man.

[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, May 17, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17th We recieved European News this morning. Nearly all Europe is still in war. The Cholera is making great ravages through the United States. It has just entered New York. 8 deaths yesterday. Br McKenzie left me to day for the west. I think He is faithful. I preached in the evening to A full House. A number were believing.

[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, May 16, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday [16th]. came home with a load[.] Cold windy Day[.] Had the sick head ache[.] Thursday drew down another & Friday another load.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 16, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16th I went into Boston with Father Carter Mrs Woodruff And Phebe & Susan Woodruff & got all our Dageurrotype likeness taken in one group, By Br. M. Cannon. I then went to Oak Hall & bought A suit of clothes Dress Coat, vests, & Pants & Hat All amounting to $28.
I returned to Cambridgeport & obtained 4 letters from Thomas Cartwright, Josiah G Hardy James H Wilson & Phebe W Woodruff. I wrote 3 letters to Thomas Cartwright, Wm. H. Wilson, and Orson Hyde And sent one New subscriber for the paper Wm H Wilson. I recieved $4 in Br Cartwright Letter for Papers which He recieves from Br. Hyde. I forward the money By Brother McKenzie also $2 from Br Wilson, Total $6 to day, $18 yesterday. In all $24. I forward this last letter & Money by Br McKenzie. I walked up with Father Carter to see A fire in Cam-bridgeport.
T Mckenzie recieved of T Cartwright $4 in Boston $1 Total $29.
I met with Father Ezra Carter & Mrs Phebe W. Woodruff And Conversed with Father Carter upon the subject of the Priesthood. I laid my hands upon his head & ordained him to the office of High Priest And to the office of A Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is the ownly individual out of A numerous family who has recieved the gospel. It was Manifest in various ways that He was of the Blood Of Ephraim from the loins of Joseph. It was fully manifest unto me while my hands was upon his head that this was the case. The power of God rested upon us while attending to these ordinances And we were filled with the spirit of God, Prophecy & rejoiceing.

[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, May 15, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th + I wrote 3 letters one to James L Curtis, Wm Low, And one to Orson Hyde, Containing 12 New subscribers for the Guardian viz J. Brower, J. W Roberts, L Doolittle, M. Cannon, B. Watts, S Wells, D Deavenport 2 Cap J. Duckworth &c. & H C. Aldrich, Amounting to $18 which I this day put into the Hands of Br McKenzie to take to Elder Hyde. I wrote A few lines to the Post Masters who would open my letters to steal the money on the way. I sent Br Hyde A Paper containing an account of the riot.

[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, May 14, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday [14th]. Worked on City Creek Bridge again. Tuesday went to the North Cañon to draw down a house I bought of Treples. Rained this evening.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 14, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14th We Baptized 1, & I confirmed her. Then took cars with Br Sweat [and] Sister Pratt & rode to Worcester then to Boston.
I spent A little time in Boston. I Called upon Br Cannon. Saw Elder Thomas McKenzie Pack up a large Box of Books near 400 lbs which He has Collected in Boston for schools in the valley. He has been faithful in his mission in collecting Books during the past season to assist the Saints in es-stablishing schools in the valley of the Mountains. I went home & spent the night.
There has been A great Mob of late in New York. The papers have been full of it for several days. The Boston Daily times contained A long Article Headed Dreadful Riot and Bloodshead At the Astor Place Theatre. The Military Called out, fire-ing on the people. Awful sacrifice of Life, 21 Persons Killed, 33 wounded, & 53 of the rioters Arested. On Thursday night May 10th 1849 A mob of 20,000 Collected at the Above Theatre in consequence of the Appearance of Mr Macready An Englishman upon the Stage. The Military [was] called out & fired upon the people And killed 21 And wounded 33. The spirit of Mobing has been Manifest evry since in New York. And the spirit of Mobing war confusion And Anarchy is appearing all over the Earth. A mob of late arose in Canida of 7,000, surrounded the Parliament House broke in the windows. Stoned & Egged the Govornour Lord Elgin & all members of Parliament. Burnt the Parliament House to the ground & all the Canadian Records for 500 years. War is poured out upon all Europe at the present time.
On my return home I recieved two letters one from Wm Lowe And James L Curtis.

[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, May 13, 1849 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] On Sunday, the 13th, in public meeting. I inquired how many horses Elijah (Barney) Ward brought into the valley. I expressed my conviction that Bridger and the other mountaineers were the real cause of the Indians being incensed against us, if they were so. I also warned the people to be prepared to herd their horses, to rig their cannon, and etc. -- SLC Bowery [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:202]

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

Mormon History, May 13, 1849 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] B. Young enquired how many horses Elijah Ward brought into the valley - does any body know how many horses Mr. Ward had when he came in - and explained where the murder was - I don't know how it would be Decker? could know nothing of it when he was with them all the time - the heels of the old long eared jackass have reached Bridger - first time I saw Bridger he told me he had killed many an Indian and eat him - what a darling thing it would be for Bridger to write to old Tom Benton that we are ruling the Indians - but so help me God I would kill the mountaineers for the first Indian - Mr. Rubedow told me that 400 lodges of Indians had driven Captain Brown from his home yet we hear nothing of it - warned the people to be prepared - herd their horses - rig up the cannon etc (rained and I had to close writing). -- SLC Bowery [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.) 9-13-3, 54; 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), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

Mormon History, May 13, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May 13th 1849. Went to meeting[.] Heard a letter read from Fort Bridger about an indian killed. Brigham thinks they want to get us into difficulty with the Indians.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 13, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th Sunday I preached to the people & held a Church meeting. Communed with the Saints. Reproved some. Spent the night at Mr Bennetts. Laid hands upon 1 sick.

[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, May 12, 1849

[U.S. Religious History] Brigham Young announced to the Council of Fifty that the local Indians could not be converted and that it didn't matter "whether they kill one another off or Some body else" did it.

[source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

Mormon History, May 12, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday May the 12th 1849. Worked for Foote on City Creek Bridge.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 12, 1849

David Eccles, later one of Utah's richest industrialists, is born in Paisley, Scotland.

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

Mormon History, May 12, 1849

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young said that he did not apprehend any danger from the Indians. Neither did he feel, as some of the brethren do, he does not want to live among them and take them in his arms until the curse is removed from off them. The spirit of God moved upon the Elders and made them feel good and brought things that were afar off nigh to them. This present race of Indians will never be converted. It mattereth not whether they kill one another off or somebody else do it and as for our sending missionaries among them to convert them, it is of no use. But we will take their children and school them and teach them to be cleanly and to love morality and then raise up seed among them and in this way they will be brought back into the presence and knowledge of God and as for appointing men to trade among the Indians who will deal honestly among them and represent us in our true character, this cannot be done. If we wish to change the course of a stream we must first cut channels for it to run in and gradually lead it where we want it to go. But the moment we undertake to dam up the stream, we have a pond of water which will rise as fast as we can dam against it and will ultimately brake over the dam before we can control the stream. Just so we must do with this people. Let Tom, Dick and the Devil go and trade with the Indians and by degrees we will control them. He also instructed the Bishop to regulate the water in their respective wards for irrigating the growing crops, that the people be united in digging the sects. -- Salt Lake City [DJLJ 1:108-109]

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

Mormon History, May 12, 1849

[Brigham Young Sermon] I believe I know that Old Bridger is death on us, and if he knew that 400,000 Indians were coming against us, and any man were to let us know, he would cut his throat. But Vasquez is a different sort of a man. I believe Bridger is watching every movement of the Mormons, and reporting to Thomas Benton at Washington. That letter is all bubble and froth. It is good for us. Every particle of the wrath of man is handled by the Almighty, and will operate to our advantage in the end. We should be prepared for all emergencies with the Indians or whites. As for the old Indians now alive entering into the new and everlasting covenant, they will not do it, but they will die and be damned. How long does it take to train a white man? We have been training eighteen years. And how much longer an Indian? They will not be converted in many years. Men who want to get knowledge, you can't drive away from us. You can't whip them away. Stay at home and mind your own business, and the Indians will do the same. And if they come and are not friendly with us, put them where they won't harm us. If we stay at home, they will send their children to our schools. I am opposed to James Emmet's method of converting Indians '" he and his company never washed their hands or faces for months. I recommend the herding of horses. We are scattered all over the valley, men, women and children. The Indians would rather have our horses than us. If those Indians believed that Barney Ward had stolen two of their horses, and they could get them back, and two or three more, they would dance for joy. -- Salt Lake City [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:201-202; Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002)]

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

Mormon History, May 12, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12th I took Cars rode to worcester then to Northbride at Holebrooks Station and stoped at Sister Parley Pratts. Then went up & spent the Night at Mr Aldrich. 65 m.

[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, May 11, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th I recieved A letter from Samuel Wells containing $2 for papers. I walked into the City with the Br Mckenzie & Father Carter. I sent O Pratts Pamphlets to the following Persons: G J Flagg Anthony Ivins Jeremiah Brower Samuel Wells John Doolittle John Johnson Elder Curtis.

[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, May 10, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th I recieved A Letter from Jacob Gibson & wrote him one in return & sent him A pamphlet on the 9th. I planted my Garden to day all over & had A good meeting in the evening at my house. I laid hands upon sister Page for sickness.

[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, May 9, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th I recieved A letter from Jacob Gibson & wrote one to him & sent him O Pratts Pamphlet, & one to Shelden Wooster, an Epistle to John Druce.
- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Receipt for Etching & Engraving on Steel
Take A small quantity of lampblack mixed with some of the strongest Varnish mixed to A paste with A knife on A plate then thined with turpentine so as to write or draw with it. Then write on steel any thing that is Needed And let it dry. Then take A Tea spoonfull of Aquafortis A drop of quicksilver in it. When the quicksilver is desolved Add A tea spoonful of water. Then it is ready for use.
How to use the Material for etching
Cover the edge & back with the same material that we write with And all parts whare it is not wished for the Aquafortis to take Effect And when the Article is dry (the steel should be kept free from greese) then Apply the preperation of quick silver & Aquafortis with A small rag rolled into A little brush diped into the preperation & rubed even across the length of the blade & let it remain 2 1/2 minutes after the polish is taken off. Then dip the blade in water then wipe it dry. Then take clear turpentine & rub over the blade untill the varnish is clean off & while the blade is wet with the Terpentine dip it into dry slack lime. Then polish the blade in Chalk & water with A peace of soft leather And it will Appear of A silver cast.
To Engrave on Steel
Follow the same direction As for Etching ownly Cover the steel all over with the varnish. Then write on it as soon as it is dry with A Needle or Any sharp instrument that will cut through the varnish so as to give room for the Aquafortis to eat And instead of 2 1/2 minutes let it Eat 10 minutes or as long as is found necessary by Experiment. Go through the same process of cleaning & polishing as before.
For Curing Any kind of Hydes with wool or Hair on
Take Common salt & Allum of Equal quantity & make strong brine of it. Let the skin be washed Clean with water, then lay them flat on the ground with the wool or Hair down. Then take the salt & Allum water & cover the skins with it on the flesh side. Let it remain on a small skin 24 hours on A large skin 48. Then wash it in clean water. Then stretch it. Let it dry. Then Curry it with Courrier tools untill it is pliable.
- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

[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, May 8, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th I wrote 3 letters to James Mellen, Wm Maxfield and Samuel Dam. I demanded Br Samuel Dam license for intoxication lying & disgracing the Cause. I sent O Pratts Pamphlet to the following persons: /Wm Low, Wm Sweat Wm H Wilson G J Hardy John W Roberts Jairus Sandford & John Druce/ Wm. Maxfield Joseph Russell Ozem Woodruff Azmon Woodruff G A. Smith Esther Fanham. Elder MCKenzie has now two days to write & to day we dug our garden all over with shovels. Br Leonard Hardy spent the night with me last night, & came again this evening. Br Abram Boynton Also called upon me to day. I re-tiered the Guardian up to the 5 No & Stars to April 1st. All bear good News.

[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, May 7, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs & Frid May the 7th 8th 9th 10th & 11th 1849. Worked at gardening on my lot

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 7, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7th I recieved this morning from Mrs W 8 letters which had been recieved in my Absence from the following persons: Wesley Siddle Wm Maxfield, James Mellen Henry Mullen, Wm H Wilson, Wm. Low, Samuel Dam, & Allexander Badlam Containing 4 full sheets of paper written from Panama which was Highly interesting. He gave An interesting account of the Isthmus & his journey And Prosperity. He was About to set sail for the gold digings.
I Also wrote 5 letters to the following persons: Wm Low Wm Sweat, Tho. Cartwright Wm H. Wilson G J. Hardy. I Also sent Orson Pratts Pamphlet of Answer was Joseph Smith Called of God to J Mellen & Ep.

[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, May 6, 1849 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] We have heard some good remarks from bro. Sherwood. It is best to speak one after another than to have 2 or 3 do all the preaching. We can learn from children and from all the Elders we can become more from a great many than from few. We can learn from the youngest men if they had courage to speak more than we could gleam from one man. Bro. Sherwood was never called on by Joseph or myself but he was ready to speak. He is appointed to survey this city, he is poor and needy, go and pay him. There is not one of you that has a lot until it is paid for, and when the next company comes in we shall give him for those who come in. No man should go from this place to preach unless be can sever light from darkness. He should be as when a man wakes out of a sleep and find angels from heaven and angel from hell, he ought to know his friends. As long as a man or woman continue to be honest before God they will know the operations of the spirit, but if he is dishonest the devil takes advantage of a bewildered mind. Some will be crazy. There are degrees from perfect sanity to perfect insanity, and as to the [-]. I dare send a devil. If every Elder would do his duty I should not have occasion to do it. I am required to baptize a man for the remission of sins, and then it is his duty to live the life of a Christian. When a half hearted Mormon Elder is [-] and wants to go preach, if they will go I must send them, but they who are filthy, remain filthy still, they go and defile every saint and every thing they have influence over. They will go and preach about the'- -- SLC Bowery [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), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

Mormon History, May 6, 1849

[Quorum of Twelve] May 6th, 6 o'clock p.m. Presidents Young & Richards, Elders J. Taylor, C. C. Rich, L. Snow, E. Snow & F. D. Richards, Thos Bullock met at br[other] L. Youngs little room & spent the evening in conversation upon many little incidents connected with finding the Plates, preserving them from the hand of the wicked, & returning them again to Cumorah, who did it &c, also about the gift of seeing & how Joseph obtained his first seer stone. Treasures known to exist in the earth of money & records, Josephs death pace of burial President said he felt it would not be long till we would have him with us again.

[source: Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Minutes of Meetings and Other Documents--Excerpts, 1835-1896, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 6, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May 6th 1849. Went to meeting. H. G. Sherwood spoke followed by Prest Young in the forenoon[.] The Prest prophesied that we would have an abundant crop this year. Also that this was the only place on earth for the saints to geather & if we were driven from here there would be no place for us.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 6, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6th Sunday I met with the saints At my house & preached in the Afternoon. Elder Thomas McKenzie was present. We had a good time.

[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, May 5, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday May 5th 1849. Had a company drill. This is the first time ever I took the command of Cavelry. Our Capt was sick.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 5, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th I parted with Father Jairus Sandford. After ordaining Br Sherman Barnes to the Office of an Elder, I took the cars rode to Boston, And Arived Home with my family in the edge of the Evening, & found them well After being Absent more than A month. I found Father Carter had Arived An hour or two before me. I was glad to meet with him. I spent the night at home once more with my family. 150 m.

[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, May 4, 1849

[Utah War] John Bernhisel was sent to Washington to lobby for Utah territorial status.

[source: Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]

Mormon History, May 4, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday May 4th 1849. Went to North Cañon for a load of timber for Foote. Came home about mid-night. Cool nightfrost.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 4, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th I took cars rode to New Haven, & spent the night with J. S. 13 m.

[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, May 3, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday May 3rd 1849. Plowed in the garden. Cool day.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 3, 1849

On 3 May 1849 John M. Bernhisel left Great Salt Lake City with petitions asking Congress to create the Territory of Deseret, encompassing the Great Basin, the Colorado River drainage area, and a link to the Pacific Ocean around San Diego. Earlier, a slate of officers, all Mormon, had been endorsed in a mass meeting and the executive branch of Deseret had begun to function under "Governor" Brigham Young.

[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Deseret, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]

Mormon History, May 3, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 3d Br Wooster carried me in his waggon to Br Doolittles. I preached at night at Br Thorp's & spent the night there. 20 m.

[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, May 2, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday May 2nd 1849. Worked on the garden in the fore noon[.] In the after noon had a gentle rain which well wattered the crops.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 2, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2d I went to the Creek caught A few trout & walked in the Afternoon to Br Sheldon Woosters Nau-gabug. Held a meeting and Organized A branch And Appointed Samuel Wells Presiding Elder. I spent the night with Br Wooster. 8 miles.

[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, May 1, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] May 1st I took Cars rode to Chester took stage rode to waterbury & waterville & spent the night with Br Wells. 30 m.

[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, spring of 1849

[Colonizing Utah] The first in a southward extending chain of settlements was Utah Valley, immediately south of Salt Lake Valley, which was settled by thirty families in the . Within a year the population had grown to 2,026 people, and the foundation had been laid for a settlement on each of the eight streams in the valley. spring of 1849

[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Colonizing Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]

Mormon History, Spring 1849

6,000 Mormons living in the Great Basin.

[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

Mormon History, April 1849

First Epistle from Salt Lake City-- For the date tentatively assigned to this First General Epistle of the First Presidency . . . to the Saints scattered throughout the earth . . . see the notes for the previous two documents. The numbering of this Epistle as the First General Epistle began a practice of the First Presidency of Brigham Young which continued for a number of years. The Second General Epistle was dated October 12, 1849; the Third General Epistle, April 12, 1850; the Fourth General Epistle, September 29, 1850, and so on at irregular intervals until by December 10, 1856, fourteen such General Epistles of the First Presidency had been issued.
The First General Epistle is a review of L.D.S. Church history from the General Epistle of the Twelve Apostles of December 23 1847, to the date of the present Epistle.
FIRST GENERAL EPISTLE of The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from the Great Salt Lake Valley, to the Saints scattered throughout the Earth-Greeting:-
Beloved Brethren-Since the General Epistle of the Twelve Apostles, from Winter Quarters, December 23, 1847, many events have transpired, interesting in their nature as pertaining to the advancement of the church preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man; and we cheerfully improve this, the earliest opportunity, to communicate to you a brief history of these events, together with such counsel as the Holy Spirit shall indite.
The winter and spring of 1848 were diligently improved by many of the apostles and elders, in visiting the churches and brethren in different parts of the States counselling and setting in order the things of the kingdom, and in endeavouring to procure means for the removal of the church at Winter Quarters to the Great Salt Lake City; but, although some of the Saints were liberal according to their ability, yet there was not sufficient collected to defray the expenses which the presidency had previously incurred in searching out a new location and other similar operations for the benefit of the church, without rendering them any assistance for their contemplated journey, which was finally facilitated by the loan of team, &c., by the brethren on Pottowatamie lands, and friends in and about camp.
The general conference, on the 6th of April, 1848, held at the Log Tabernacle, in Iowa, unanimously acknowledged brother Brigham Young to be the president and Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards his counsellors; the three constituting a quorum of the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brothers Young and Kimball left Winter Quarters in May, and brother Richards in July, with large emigrating companies for this place, where they arrived in September and October, and found the Saints enjoying almost universal health. Elder Amasa Lyman also accompanied this camp, and about the same time Elder Orson Pratt left Winter Quarters for England, Elder Woodruff took his departure for Canada, and Elders Hyde, George A. Smith, and Ezra T. Benson, located with the Saints on Pottowatamie lands. Brother Richards left Winter Quarters entirely vacated; many of our cattle having been destroyed by the Indians, and many horses stolen on both sides of the river. A portion of brother Kimball's camp was fired upon at the Elk Horn river by a band of the Ottoes and Omahas, and three of the brethren were wounded, two of whom are maimed for life.
On the 30th of November we received a Mail from Kanesville, Iowa, by the hand of Capt. Allen Compton and three other brethren, giving us the cheering intelligence that many of the Saints who were unable to proceed further on their journey, had settled in various parts of Pottowatamie country, and had been exceedingly blest in raising grain, esculent roots, vegetables, flocks and herds, and in preparation generally for future emigration, and that union and brotherly love prevailed.
By the same Mail we also learned that the unparalleled prosperity of the work had increased the church in England, and the British dominions adjacent, more than 7,000 souls during the previous year; while the power of God, with the power of the devil opposing, had been made manifest, as in days of old, to the great joy of the Saints.
Lyman Wight's manifesto was received at the same time, which clearly demonstrated to the Saints that he was not one with us, consequently the Church dis-fellowshipped him, and all who shall continue to follow him.
On our arrival in this valley, we found the brethren had erected four forts, composed mostly of houses, including an area of about forty-seven acres, and numbering about 5,000 souls, including our camp. The brethren had succeeded in sowing and planting an extensive variety of seeds, at all seasons, from January to July, on a farm about twelve miles in length, and from one to six in width, including the city plot. Most of their early crops were destroyed, in the month of May, by crickets and frost, which continued occasionally until June; while the latter harvest was injured by drought and frost, which commenced its injuries about the 10th of October, and by the out-breaking of herds of cattle. The brethren were not sufficiently numerous to fight the crickets, irrigate the crops, and fence the farm of their extensive planting, consequently they suffered heavy losses; though the experiment of last year is sufficient to prove that valuable crops may be raised in this valley by an attentive and judicious management.
The winter of 1847-8 was very mild, grass abundant, flocks and herds thriving thereon, and the earth tillable most of the time during each month; but the winter of 1848-9 has been very different, more like a severe New England winter. Excessive cold commenced on the 1st of December, and continued till the latter part of February. Snow storms were frequent, and though there were several thaws, the earth was not without snow during that period, varying from one to three feet in depth, both in time and places. The coldest day of the past winter was the 5th of February, the mercury falling 33 degrees below freezing point, and the warmest day was Sunday, the 25th of February, mercury rising to 21 degrees above freezing point, Fahrenheit. Violent and contrary winds have been frequent. The snow on the surrounding mountains has been much deeper, which has made the wood very difficult of access; while the cattle have become so poor, through fasting and scanty fare, that it has been difficult to draw the necessary fuel, and many have had to suffer more or less from the want thereof. The winter commenced at an unusual and unexpected moment, and found many of the brethren without houses or fuel, and although there has been considerable suffering, there has been no death by the frost. Three attempts have been made by the brethren with pack animals or snow shoes to visit Fort Bridger, since the snow fell, but have failed; yet it is expected that Compton will be able to take the Mail east soon after April Conference.
In the former part of February, the Bishops took an inventory of the breadstuff in the valley, when it was reported that there was little more than three-fourths of a pound per day for each soul, until the fifth of July; and considerable was known to exist which was not reported. As a natural consequence, some were nearly destitute while others had abundance. The common price of corn since harvest has been two dollars; some have sold for three; at present there is none in the market at any price. Wheat has ranged from four to five dollars, and potatoes from six to twenty dollars per bushel; and though not to be bought at present, it is expected that there will be a good supply for seed by another year.
Our public works are prosperous, consisting of a council house, 45 feet square, two stories, building by tithing; also a bridge across the Western Jordan, at an expense of 700 dollars, and six or seven bridges across minor streams, to be paid by a one per cent property tax; also, a bath-house at the warm spring.
A field of about 8000 acres has been surveyed south of and bordering on the city, and plotted in five and ten acre lots, and a church f
arm of about 800 acres. The five and ten-acre lots were distributed to the brethren, by casting lots, and every man is to help to build a pole, ditch, or a stone fence as shall be most convenient around the whole field, in proportion to the land he draws; also, a canal on the east side, for the purpose of irrigation. There are three grist mills, and five or six saw mills in operation, and several more in contemplation. Mill stone, equal, to French burr, is found here.
The location of a tanner and foundry are contemplated as soon as the snows leave the mountains.
The forts are rapidly breaking up, by the removal of the houses on to the city lots; and the city is already assuming the appearance of years, for any ordinary country; such is the industry and perseverance of the Saints.
A winter's hunt, by rival parties of one hundred men each, has destroyed about 700 wolves and foxes, 2 wolverines, 20 minx and pole cats, 500 hawks, owls, and magpies, and 1000 ravens, in this valley and vicinity.
On the return of a portion of the "Mormon Battalion" through the northern part of Western California, they discovered an extensive gold mine, which enabled them by a few days delay to bring a sufficient of the dust to make money plentiful in this place for all ordinary purposes of public convenience; in the exchange the brethren deposited the gold dust with the presidency, who issued bills or a paper currency; and the "Kirtland Safety Fund re-signed, is on par with gold.
Elder Addison Pratt arrived in company with a part of the battalion on the 28th of September, 1848, and found his family in health, from whom he had been absent about five years, on a mission to the Society Islands where have been baptized about 1200 souls; Elder Grouard, who still remains at the islands, having baptized about 620 at Aua. The confidence of these native Saints is very great in the work of the Lord, and they seek for counsel in all their ways, insomuch that Elder Grouard's labors became insupportable, and caused him to risk a voyage of 300 miles in an open boat, to bring brother Pratt to his assistance; and although he was shipwrecked on this voyage, yet he was prospered, was taken up by a passing vessel, accomplished his mission and returned to Aua with brother Pratt; thus by the labors of Elder Rogers, who returned and died some two years since, and Elders Pratt and Gronard, the gospel has been planted on some twelve or fifteen of the Western Islands.
On the 1st of January, John Smith, uncle to the prophet, Joseph Smith, was ordained patriarch to the church, holding the keys and powers thereof, the same as Father Joseph Smith and Hyrum.
On the 12th of February, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards were ordained members of the quorum of the twelve apostles to fill the vacancies occasioned by the removal of three to the first Presidency, and Lyman Wight, disfellowshipped. The names of the members of the Twelve Apostles, now are, in their order, as follows:-
Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards.
Of the Presidency of the Seventies, Zera Pulsifer, Levi W. Hanccok, Jedediah M. Grant, and Henry Herriman are in this valley. Joseph Young and Benjamin L. Clapp are in Pottawatomie country and Albert C. Rockwood is on a mission to the Eastern States. Joseph Young is the presiding officer of the Seventies.
Immediately after filling the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the first presidency assisted by the twelve present in the valley, proceeded to organize a stake of Zion at the Great Salt Lake City; Daniel Spencer, president, and David Fulmer and Willard Snow, counsellors.
The High Council consists of Isaac Morley, Phineas Richards, Shadrach Roundy, Henry G. Sherwood, Titus Sittings, Eleazer Miller, John Vance, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldridge, Elisha H. Groves, William W. Major, and Edwin D. Woolley.
John Young is president of the high priests' quorum, with Counsellors Reynolds and George B. Wallace.
John Nebeker is president of the elders' quorum, with counsellors James H. Smith and Aaron Savey.
The valley is settled for twenty miles south and forty miles north of the city. The city is divided into nineteen wards; the country south into three wards, and north three wards, and over each is ordained a bishop, with his counsellors, with Newell K. Whitney, president of the bishops' quorum, presiding who has been instructed to set in order all the lesser officers.
About thirty of the brethren have recently gone to the Utah Valley, about sixty miles south, to establish a small colony for agricultural purposes, and fishing, hoping thereby to lessen the call for beef, which at the present time is rather scarce, at an average of seven and eight cents per pound, but will improve with the vegetation.
The wards of the city, generally, consist of nine blocks, each three squares, and each ward will be fenced by itself this season, on the plan of a big field, for the purpose of saving time for cultivation.
In consequence of Indian depradations on our horses, cattle, and other property, and the wicked conduct of a few base fellows who came among the Saints, the inhabitants of this valley, as is common in new countries generally, have organized a temporary government, to exist during its necessity, or until we can obtain a charter for a territorial government, a petition for which is already in progress.
There have been a large number of schools the past winter, in which the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, German, Tahitian, and English languages have been taught successfully.
Last fall the brethren had liberty to cut all the timber within thirty miles of the city, provided they would haul it into the city in the course of the winter. They have been diligent and done the best they could, but have made but a small beginning towards securing what there is within fifteen miles.
The month of March and April, to the 4th, was very mild and pleasant, and many small crickets have made their appearance, but large flocks of plover have already come among them, and are making heavy inroads in their ranks.
For the future it is not wisdom for the Saints to leave the States or California for this place, unless they have team and means sufficient to come through without any assistance from the valley; and that they should bring breadstuffs sufficient to last them a few months after their arrival; for the harvest will not be gathered, or the grain ready for gathering. The inhabitants of the valley will be altogether dependent on the crop of this season for their support, and will have no time to leave their tillage with their teams to bring in emigrating camps as they have hitherto done. Beside, quite a number of men, professors and unprofessors, whose God shines best in gold, have left, and are about leaving, for the gold mines, to spend the season: the natural consequence of which will be a decrease of labor here in raising grain, while, many of their families remaining, the number of consumers will not decrease in proportion to the laborers. There are an abundance of nutritious roots in this valley, so that we have no fears of starvation; yet all the time that is expended in digging for roots will diminish the agricultural labour, and be a loss to the next harvest.
The scarcity of grain since the settling of this valley has caused the slaughter of a multitude of cattle, which leaves room for a fresh supply as fast as opportunity shall present; and the emigrating brethren will do well to remember that they are liable to lose many on their journey; also their cattle are good property after their arrival, and there is no fear to their bringing too many cows, young cattle, sheep, oxen, or the choicest breed of stock of any kind, to this place; for any of these articles are better here than gold, for they will purchase what is to be purchased here when gold will not do it; as will also geese, ducks, turkeys, pea-fowls, guinea-hens, domestics, dry goods, groceries, window-glass, nails, (mostly 6, 8, 10, shingle, and a fe
w four-penny,) cotton yarn, a variety of dye stuffs, particularly dye setts, paints, gum myrrh, copal and shellac, spirits of turpentine, paper, books, saws, files, screws and sheet tin of the best quality, hardware, cutlery, iron suitable for mills and all kinds of farming utensils, sligo sheet iron, steel of various kinds, copper and brass sheeting, crockery, glasses, looking-glasses, shoe leather, harnesses, harness trimming, mill saws, mechanics' tools, wire of various sizes, door locks and trimmings, cupboard and padlocks, all of which are better than cash in this city. Crockery and glass of any description had better be packed in cotton for safe conveyance, and the cotton will be very useful here. A variety of shoe lather is particularly wanted this season, and a large amount.
There are an extensive variety of grain and seeds already in the valley, but that should not prevent the Saints from bringing choice seeds from any part of the earth, for every thing good that can grow here is wanted; and a large amount of the Osage orange, Cherokee rose tree, and English hawthorn seeds are needed this year for hedges, and the potato, or hill onion, for eating; also lobelia, mulberry, and black locust seed. Any amount of unadulterated silesia, or French beet seed, would be useful here this season.
The brethren in Pottowatamie, who cannot fit themselves out this season as we have suggested, will do well to continue where they are, striving for the same object the next year; and the Saints in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa, will continue to gather on the Pottowatamie lands, and prepare for their future journey agreeable to our previous instruction. Notwithstanding, if there are young or single men, or men of families, (who can leave them comfortably provided for to come on next season,) who can be spared from Pottowatamie, to come on here this season, and raise grain, build houses, &c., it would be well for them to come; for one such man here can do more, in providing for the future arrival and wants of the Saints, than three can in tarrying in Iowa; but if they have a golden god in their hearts, they had better stay where they are. Let all these things be decided in wisdom by the council which is among you.
The Twelve at Pottowatamie will see that copies of this epistle are forwarded to the Saints in all the Eastern nations.
Elder Amasa Lyman is delegated to carry this epistle to the Saints in Western California, and cause it to be circulated among the brethren in the western hemisphere as far as possible; not forgetting the Society Islands, whither Elder Addison Pratt, with his family, and other elders, are expecting to repair the present season.
We would remind the Saints in Western California, who are not coming hither this season, that they have it in their power to do much good, by forwarding to this place their tithing and donations, to the extent of their ability; and the more liberal they are in this thing, this season, the more they will have to bring with them when they come; for their offerings are now needed by the poor Saints, and the Lord has put it in your power to help them, and your stewardship will be required at your hands; and as you give, so it will be given unto you.
Several elders have already received their appointment on foreign missions, to the Western Islands, England, and various nations, but wisdom dictates that their labors be retained here, at least until after the approaching harvest.
Brother Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor, as well as Amasa Lyman and those of the Twelve recently ordained, are in this place, and are labouring night and day to do good to the church and locate their families comfortably, so that they can again have the privilege of going forth to the nations and preaching the gospel. If the Saints abroad want to see the elders from this place, let them send us their means according to their ability, that the hands of the faithful may be let loose; that the cords with which they are bound may be severed, and that the elders of Israel may feel themselves free as air, and with joyful hearts leave their families and kindred and all that is dear to them here, and soar away as on eagles' wings to the nations, proclaim the gospel of salvation, the day of deliverance to the oppressed; gather the outcasts of Judah and the remnants of Ephraim from the four winds to the place of their inheritance; that Zion may be built up, Jerusalem reestablished, and the glory of the latter day fill the earth.
We have often told the Saints that those who come to this place should be fully determined to keep the commandments of God and work righteousness, otherwise they could not expect the blessing of heaven to rest upon them; for there is nothing here which need to hinder any man from doing right; and knowing as we do the temptations and designs of the enemy of all good in endeavouring to lead men astray from the path of duty, we are constrained to say to the Saints, that those whose hearts are not fully set in them to work righteousness and follow the counsel of those whom God has appointed to lead His people in these last days, but those who love a little shining dust, or filthy lucre, and care more to gratify their own covetous propensities, by running hither and thither after they have arrived at this place, like the wind upon the mountains, they had better keep away; such Saints are not wanted here: God has no use for them, neither have his servants; for the kingdom of heaven can easier be built up without them than with them.
The Saints need not suppose that, because they cannot all gather to this stake of Zion at the present time, there is nothing for them to do. Let the elders preach the gospel everywhere, as they have the opportunity, and let all Saints everywhere watch and pray without ceasing, lest they be found sleeping, as at midnight, and the bridegroom should make his appearance and close the door against them; for there never has been a time, since the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, when there has been a wider field opened for the exercise of faith and good works, with a prospect of success therein, than at the present.
The public buildings and other public works necessary for establishing a stake of Zion at this place, will require a great amount of means, besides labor and many materials, such as window-glass, nails, door trimmings and fixtures, fastenings, and trimmings of various descriptions will be wanted before they can be manufactured here; all of which will require means to purchase and transport. We have therefore appointed Elder Orson Hyde our agent in the United States generally, to receive and gather tithing and donations. We have also appointed Elder Wilford Woodruff our agent to receive and gather tithing and donations in Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and adjacent islands, as he shall have opportunity. We have also appointed Elder Orson Pratt, of Liverpool, our agent to receive and gather tithing and donations in England and the British Islands, and from all the Saints adjacent; and we invite all the Saints in the east to be faithful and diligent in making their remittances to these our agents, that we may speedily have means to procure such materials as are necessary to prosecute the work the Lord has given us to do; and our agents will keep an accurate and detailed account of all such tithing and donations, and appropriate the same only to our order.
On the 4th of April there was a heavy snow-storm in the valley, but the earth was clear again by mid-day of the 5th. Some rain on the 6th caused an adjournment of the annual conference of the church till the 7th, and the day was spent in preaching and teaching, and conference closed on Sabbath, P. M., having been attended by a large assembly of the Saints, who unanimously acknowledged the several officers mentioned in this epistle.
To Elder Parley P. Pratt has been assigned a mission to the Western Islands, whither he is expecting to go before another winter. It is also expected during the same period that Elder Charles C. Rich will enter on the mission assigned him, by locating himself and fa
mily somewhere in Western California.
That the Saints may be faithful in every good word and work, and be diligent in all things, and yet not by haste and waste, which bringeth destruction; and, inasmuch as they cannot be prepared to come to this place this season, let them be persevering in making preparation, and wait their time in patience, and it shall be well with them; for the Holy Spirit will dwell with them, which will cause gladness of heart and cheerfulness of countenance, so that every burden will be light and every yoke easy, which is the prayer of your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant, and your servants continually for Christ's sake. Amen. BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL WILLARD RICHARDS. {1849-April-MS 11:227-232 (August 1, 1849)(From the New York Herald, June 22, 1849.)}

[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

Mormon History, April 1849

Ramage press shipped from Kanesville Iowa, to Great Salt Lake City.

[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

Mormon History, April 1849

First General Epistle written from the Salt Lake Valley, printed in Kanesville, Iowa and reproduced in Orson Hyde‘s Frontier Guardian (before the Ramage printing press arrived in Salt Lake).

[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

Mormon History, April 1849

The settlers in Utah Valley built a fort near the present site of Provo City.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, Apr 30, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Mond Mond & Tues April 30 & May 1st 1849. Tues April 30 Mond & Tues April 30 & May 1st 1849. May [first] 1849. Went to the North Cañon for a load of Timber for Foote for a Bridge across City Creek

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Apr 30, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30th I took cars rode to New Haven called upon Lewis Allen Corner of Grove & High Street New Haven Ct And talked over old times. I then went to Smith Turtles & Jairus Sandfords & held a meeting at his house & organized the saints into A branch. Appointed Br Sherman Barnes as presiding Elder. Voted that he be ordained an Elder. I spent the night at Smith Tuttles. Distance of the day 75 m.

[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, Apr 29, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday April 29th 1849. Went to meeting. Lorenzo Young spoke in the fore noon followed by H. C. Kimballthe after noon was taken up by exhortations by different ones.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, Apr 29, 1849

The 6 members of the Twelve & Presidents Young, Kimball & Richards met and agreed & spent the eve[nin]g. in interesting chat. The President gave it as his opinion that the Earth did not now dwell in the sphere in which it did when it was created but that it was banished from its more glorious state or orbit of revolution for mans sake. also that he did not think the tides were by the influence of the Moon, but as the beating of a mans heart the Earth being a living body. Elder P. P. P. inquired what was strictly right as to the associations & connection of a man with his wives? The President replied that if we had not been brought up Gentile superstition it would be right for us to 240 associate equally with all our wives or as we chose about it, but now it is wisdom to not forsake the wife of our youths who dwelt in our bosoms while we & they knew not the things of Gods more perfect Law for the others who never enjoyed that constant society can better endure the distant association than if they had enjoyed the greater familiarity & better than the first wives can so many of which it would be worse than death for their husbands to withdraw from them. As to connection with them, he thought to be strictly right would be to not unite with a woman in view of impregnation till 7 days after the cessation of the menstrual discharge in order for the most healthy procreation of our species. also that After childbirth if delivered of a son she should continue 40 days in her purification. If of a Daughter she should be 70 days separated as unclean for a man. As to sexual connection during pregnancy just as they please about that suit themselves. Pres[iden]t also said there were things which he must teach the females to prepare them for the presence of God, when he could get a place to do it in. Also mentioned his intention to send Brother Joseph Toronto to his native country (Italy) & with him some one to start the work of gathering from that nation. Some of the perplexities which Joseph experienced in introducing the Covenant of Abraham were dwelt upon, & dismissed till one week at this place.

[source: Record of the Twelve Apostles, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

Mormon History, Apr 29, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29th + * * Sunday I met with the saints in New York And preached to them in the morning. Newell, Rogers, & others who had been cut off from the Church were present. I preached in the Afternoon to all who were present. I then dismissed the meeting, retained the Church, And held A Church meeting & from testimony we cut off four persons for Adultery, whose names were as follows: David Day Wm Evens Emma Day Ann Hart. The testimony was of such A nature that there was not A dessenting vote.

[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, Apr 28, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday April 28th 1849. This morning I understand that the Party of Indians who passed here on the 20th inst. Under the Little Chief attacted Wanships party somewhere on Ogdons Fork and killed some (& amongst the rest the lad which we took prisoner in the Utah Valley on the 5th of March. [crossed out]) They also killed some 40 horses and took the rest[.] The Little Chief and one of his men were also killed.
To day the Legion was organized according to the appointment last Sunday. There was two Regiment formed one of horse & one foot constituting the First & Second Cohorts.
Daniel H. Wells Major General. Willard Snow Major 1 B. 1 R. 1 C.
J. M. Grant Brigr Gen First Cohort Ira Eldrege do 2 B. 1 R. 1 C.
H. S. Eldredge do do Second Do. A. Lytle â€" do 1 B 2 R. 2 C.
John S. Fulmer Col 1st R. 1st C. H. Herriman â€" do 2 B. 2 R. 2 C.
John Scott Col 1st R. 2 C.
There was Companies organized. I fell into 2 C. 2 B. 1 R. 1 C. Benjm F. Johnson Capt Having the honor of being first Lieut my-self. This is rising some in the world. Because when the Legion was organized in 1840 I held the office of Second Leut whereas I am now promoted a little. One circumstance took place today which I never saw before[.] John Pack & John D. Lee were each put in nomination for Majors by regular authority & both most contemptestously hissed down. When any person is thus duly nominated I never before knew the people to reject it[.] But on this occasion it appears that they are both a perfect stink in every bodys nose[.] The reasons of which is not needful to relate. To day about two oclock P. M. Alvin Horr, one of the Presidents of the Eleventh Quorum to which I belong, died of Dropsey. He had been afflicted a long time & came here from the bluffs for his health leaving his family

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]