Mormon History, Mar 10, 1843

-- Mar 10, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 10th 1843 4 P.M. Bro[ther] Norton claimed 2 trying squares, W[illia]m Law 1 padlock, David Grant 1 shirt of property found by the Marshall on warrant just issued. A bit stock and smoothing plane and 3 or 4 other little tools were presented on this case. Mayor [Joseph Smith] present. Clear and cold.
[At] 10 minutes before 7, I, Willard W. Richards, discovered a stream of light in the South West quarter of the heavens. The pencil rays of light /were/ in the form of a broad sword with the hilt downward. The blade [was] raised, pointing from the west southwest raised at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizon, and extending nearly /or within 2 or 3 degrees/ to the Zenith of the degree where the sign appeared. This sign grad ually disappeared from 7 1/2 o'clock and at 9 had entirely disappeared. (1)

[Polygamy] Orson Pratt polygamous marriage to Charlotte Bishop (2)

-- 11Mar43
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Humorous Remarks at Office (3)

-- Mar 11, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th Saturday I spent the day in the Printing office. (4)

Ramus, Illinois. Joseph Smith traveled with Brigham Young from Nauvoo to Ramus, where with one hand Joseph pulled up the strongest man in the town in a stick-pulling contest. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 11th Too cold last night as to freeze water in the warmest rooms in the city. River filled with anchor ice. 8 1/2 o'clock in the office, Joseph said he had tea with his breakfast. His wife asked him if [it] was good. He said if it was a little stronger he should like it better, when Mother Granger remarked, "It is so strong and good I should think it would answer Both for drink and food."
A dream then related. Night before last I [Joseph] dreamed that an /old/ man came to me /and said/ there was a mob force coming upon him, and he was likely to loose his life, that I was Lieut[enant] General and had the command of a large force. I was also a patriot and disposed to protect the innocent and unoffending and wanted I should assist him. I told him I wanted some written documents to show the facts that they are the agressors, and I would raise a force sufficient for his protection, that I would call out the Legion. He turned to go from me, but turned again and said to me. "I have any amount of men at my command and will put them under your command."
The words of Joseph: "While conversing about the sign in the heavens last evening, as sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens, and as sure as he ever spoke by me. So sure there will be a speedy and bloody war, and the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof."
About 9 A.M. Joseph and Brigham started for Ramus.
It is reported in the papers that the workman employed on the General Pratt (which was burned and sunk last fall near Memphis in the Mississippi) with a diving bell on the third of January found the wreck in about 24 f[ee]t water. In that night [there] was an earth quake [and the] next day the wreck had disappeared. No trace could be found and the water was from 100 to 120 feet deep and for about 100 feet no bottom. A bar was discovered where previous was deep water.
Joseph and Brigham had a pleasant and delighful ride and arrived at Bro[ther] McClary's in Ramus 15 minutes before 4 P.M. at Benjamine Johnson's to lodge while they staid in Ramus. In the eve[ning] Joseph pulled up Bro[ther] Moses with one hand pulling sticks. (1)

-- March 11th 1843
[High Council Minutes] (6)

-- 12Mar43
[Joseph Smith Sermon] John 14 (3)

-- Mar 12, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 Spent the day at home writing. (4)

(Sunday Morning). Ramus, Illinois.
Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards
Joseph preached 14 John---in my fathers house are many mansions.
Brigham Young Diary
Br. J. Smith feeles unwellÃÂBr Joseph Preach from the 14 Chapter of St John at 10 oc am he taut menne grait and glorious things. (7)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 12th Joseph preached 14 John, "In my Father's house are many mansions." Found the brethren well and in good spirits. Had a very pleasant visit. P.M. Brigham preached. (1)

-- Mar 12, 1843 (Sunday Morning)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Location: Ramus, Illinois, USA
Source: Brigham Young Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 168)
Br. J. Smith feeles unwell . . . Br Joseph Preach from the 14 Chapter of St John at 10 oc am he taut menne grait and glorious things. (8)

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Location: Ramus, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 168)
Joseph preached 14 Johnâ€"in my fathers house are many mansions. (8)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843
2 - Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27
3 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
7 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook
8 - The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Mormon History, Mar 9, 1843

-- Mar 9, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, March 9th 1843 This morning received another No of the Bee containing minutes of conference in Boston &c. Read decision of court in Dana vs Brink. Mr. Cowan took court papers and Butterfield's opinion to go to Gov[ernor] of Iowa to have him recall the M[iss]o[uri] writ.
12 o'clock called with a letter concerning land of Hotchkiss. Read decision, read papers. Bro[ther] Phelps you shall know law, and understand law and you shall be a lawyer in Israel and the time shall come when I shall not need say thus is the law for you shall know the law.
William O. Clark gave a load of corn, Bro[ther] Sanford Porter a hog. Issued attachment for Peter Haw[els agai[ns]t Artemus Johnson. Clayton in office. Sleet and rain through the day and evening. (1)

[Polygamy] Lorenzo Dow Young polygamous marriage to Harriet Page Wheeler (2)

-- Mar 9, 1843. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] At President Josephs office. Walked out in the P.M. He told me it was lawful for me to send for Sarah and said he would furnish me money.4 (3)

-- March 9th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
William B. Simmons
The decision of the court is that Br. Hoyt cease to call certain characters witches or wizzards; and that he cease to work with the rod he calls a divining rod and that he cease to burn a board or boards to heal the sick by art that of heating a board before the fire, to heal the sick by art.
March 11th 1843 David Evans Bishop
Defendant plead not guilty two were appointed to speak on the case, to wit, 11) L. Soby 12) H.G. Sherwood
President Hyrum Smith took his seat in Council. After investigation President Hyrum Smith Decided that the Council confirm the decision of the Bishops Court, which was voted by the Council unanimously.
Council adjourned till next Saturday at 9 o'clock A.M.
Hosea Stout, Clerk (4)

-- Mar 10, 1843
Oliver Cowdery: Received offer 10 Mar. 1843 from Joseph Smith Jr. to serve mission in Palestine (5)

Fifteen-year-old Thomas Morgan says that Orrin Porter Rockwell told him "Joseph had taught that it was right to steal . . . which was the means of drawing Thomas into the practice of stealing." Smith's next remark about his boyhood friend: "conversed much about Porter, wishing the boy well." Another 14-year-old boy is charged brought up on suspicion of stealing but since there is "no positive testimony appearing against him Mayor [Joseph Smith] ordered his father to take him home and try him. If he found the boy guilty to whip him severely." Joseph Smith also "decided that he had no objection to having a brewery put up by Theodore Turley." Wilford Woodruff sees "a stream of light in the south west quarter of the heavens. The rays of light were in the form of a broadsword with the hilt downward." Joseph Smith comments on this sign: "As sure as there is a God who wits enthroned in the heavens & as sure as he ever spoke to me so sure there will be a speedy & bloody war & the bro
ad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof." (6)

Meliton G. Trejo, later the translator of the Book of Mormon into Spanish, is born in Garganto-la-Olla, Spain. (7)

Melitón González Trejo is born in the Cáceres province in Spain. He will later be the primary translator of the first edition of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. (7)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith opened court at 10:00 a.m. and rendered a decision regarding a malpractice suit. That night he and others observed rays of light in the sky in the shape of a sword. The following day he would prophesy that the sword was a sign of a speedy and bloody war to come. (8)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph and others see wondrous lights in the heavens. (9)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 10th 1843 Clear and cold. Read the decision in office with O[rson] Spencer. At 10 [A.M.] repaired to the Hall over the store and 10 [minutes later] /[we had?]/ commenced the decision in case of Dana vs. Brink that the Plaintiff recover his bill $99 and costs. The whole included 12 pages written matter. After decision court referred to the threat of the Defendant['s] council ordering court, as attempting to intimidate &c. Council explained satisfactorily. Also court referred to what Dr. Brink had said since trial that he had not a fair chance. His witnesses were not allowed, repelled by court.
2 [o'clock] afternoon, Mayor came in office, when Daniel Sherwood 14 years old was brought up on suspicion of stealing a watch from the house of Geo[rge] Nelson. No positive testimony appearing against him [so] Mayor ordered his father to take him home and try him. If he found the boy guilty to whip him severely, for he is too young to imprison or whip.
/Mayor ordered [Lucien] Woodworth to fix a room in the Nauvoo House with a large stone in the center to chain the boys to and chain them till their time is out.
/As Thomas Morgan went out to speak with Mayor, said he had been told by several that Joseph had taught that it was right to steal viz. O. P. Rockwell, David B. Smith, and James Smith which was the means of drawing Thomas into the practice of stealing.
David Smith once attempted to shoot me. The gun did not go and he was so mad that he through down the gun and broke the stock. It was my gun. He was carrying to [ar]rest me. After the attempt we stopped to rest and refresh when unknown to him I removed the priming from the gun and pistols, wet the touch holes, and made him carry them all home with me and saw me across the river from Montrose.
Joseph decided that he had no objection to having a brewery put up by Theodore Turley.
Proverb
As finest steel doth show a brighter polish
The more you rub the same;
E'en so, in love, rebuke will ne'er demolish
A wise man's goodly name.
Ordered a search warrant for W[illia]m Law for tools &c. stolen and believed to be in the house of Deal Sherwood.
When in Kirtland I saw Elder Cahoon's boy steal a cucumber, put it in his pocket. I told Cahoon of it. At the same time his boy came up and denied it saying he had an apple [and] let it fall and picked it up. There said Cahoon I did not believe he stole it. [I said] His boys drove their cows among mine while the women were milking to endanger their safety. I rebuked him and threatened him and made him confess in public next day. This was about the time of the commencement of building Temple in Kirtland.
Signed the warrant, said he should not send decision of Court to press without a petition. Ordered an execution for Dana against Brink and signed. Dana swore he feared Brink would abscond or place his property out of reach. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
2 - Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27
3 - George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995
4 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
7 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
8 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
9 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

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Mormon History, Mar 6, 1843

-- Mar 6, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 6th 1843 Read Elder Adam's letter in the "Bee" Boston. Also another communication showing the progress of truth in Boston.
9 o'clock called at office. Told Dr. Richards to answer or [write what he had] commented to the Bee. Recited in German at the house. Called at office for paper. After Dinner lay down to rest. Toward evening rode out.
This evening presented a grand display of burning prairie on the bank of the river opposite Nauvoo. East wind through the day, cold. Thawed a little during /in middle/ of the day. (1)

-- Mar 7, 1843
William Clayton records, "Brigham Young called me on one side and said he wants to give me some instructions on the priesthood the first opportunity. He said the prophet had told him to do so and give me a favor which I have long desired." The favor is and invitation to enter into plural marriage. Two days later Joseph Smith suggests Clayton send to England for Sarah Crooks whom Clayton had had fond feelings for while on his mission to England but had stifled them since he was already married. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 7th At the office at 9 A.M. Heard [and] read decision of court. Gave an order on Lot for corn to Bro[ther] Allen. Sister Sayres called to exchange notes, her's for Dr. Rust's. At office before dinner conversing on medicine. After signed several deeds. Bro[ther] Clayton present to settle.
Brother Manhard brought and gave 2 loads of corn and 1 hog to President from Iowa. Reconed with Theodore Turly, who enquired what was wisdom concerning a brewery in this place? Reconed with Dymic Huntington. East Wind through the day.
3 [P.M.] o'clock rain commenced. Informed Phe[l]ps and Richards they might bond themselves at dinner. (Clayton began to settle with the brethren about Lots at Mayor's office) (1)

William Clayton Invited by Brigham Young to receive instruction in plural marriage. (3)

-- Mar 7, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] A.M. at the office. Afterwards went to President Josephs and commenced settlement with those who have claims on city Lots. Elder Brigham Young called me on one side and said he wants to give me some instructions on the priesthood the first opportunity. He said the prophet had told him to do so and give me a favor which I have long desired.2 For this again I feel grateful to God and his servant, and the desire of my heart is to do right and be saved. (4)

-- Mar 08, 1843
[Polygamy] to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Eliza M. Partridge, age 22 ,. Elder Heber C. Kimball officiating SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Elder Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Page: 697 Marriages in Nauvoo Region 1839-45. Easton, S. Civil Marriages in Nauvoo 1839-45. Cook, Lyndon Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46 Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. (5)

-- Mar 8, 1843
Heber C. Kimball preaches and "made use of the figure of the Potter and clay, and showed that O[rson] Pratt was stiff and had to be cast off the wheel and A[masa] Lyman put on it." Pratt was upset after learning that Joseph Smith had proposed plural marriage to his wife, Sarah, during Pratt's absence on a mission. Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph Smith marries 22-year-old Eliza Partridge who becomes his 20th wife. He married her 19-year-old sister Emily four days earlier. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Eliza Partridge. (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, March 8th 1843 Suddenly in the night wind changed to N.W. Extremely cold this morn[ing, now] very pleasant and calm. Much floating ice in the river. At the office 8 o'clock signed some writing concerning the [Nauvoo] Legion. After dinner in office /Mr Cowan came in/ wrote a letter to [-]. Conversed with the Pr[o]cession about Military tactics. Reconed with Ford. 5 o'clock cloudy. Rode out with Cowan. (1)

-- Mar 8, 1843 (Wednesday)
The ship Yorkshire sailed from Liverpool, England, with 82 Saints on board, led by Thomas Bullock; the emigrants arrived at Nauvoo, May 31st, via New Orleans. (7)

-- Mar 8, 1843. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] Â…Evening I went to Brother Kimballs Meeting. The house was crowded to suffocation. He made use of the figure of the Potter and clay, and showed that O[rson] Pratt was stiff and had to be cast off the wheel and A[masa] Lyman put on it.3 The discourse was good. (4)

-- Mar 9, 1843
Erastus Snow: Left for Nauvoo 9 March 1843. (8)

William Clayton goes for an afternoon walk with Joseph Smith: "the prophet invited me to walk with him. During our walk he said he had learned that there was a sister back in England to whom I was very much attached. I replied there was, but nothing farther than an attachment such as a brother and sister in the church might rightfully entertain for each other. He then said, 'Why don't you send for her?' I replied, 'In the first place I have no authority to send for her, and if I had, I have not the means to pay expenses.' To this he answered, 'I give you authority to send for her, and I will furnish you the means,' which he did. This was the first time the prophet Joseph talked with me on the subject of plural marriage. He informed me that the doctrine and principle was right in the sight of our Heavenly Father, and that it was a doctrine which pertained to celestial order & glory. After giving me lengthy instructions and information concerning the doctrine of celestial or pl
ural marriage he concluded his remarks by the words, 'It is your privilege to have all the wives you want.'" (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
2 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology
4 - George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995
5 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
6 - Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology'
7 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
8 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985

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Mormon History, Mar 4, 1843 (Saturday)

-- Mar 4, 1843 (Saturday)
O. Porter Rockwell was taken prisoner in St. Louis by the Missourians. (1)

-- March 4th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to to adjournment at Law's Store in Nauvoo.
William Marks Presiding.
Council present 1) Bent 2) Allred 3) Wilson 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Eli Norton pro tem.
Prayer by Prest Marks
Thomas Woolsey against Job Green
Charge
"To the High Council of the Church of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo Fevruary 23rd 1843.
I prefer the following charge against Job Green for unchristian-like conduct.
For this that he made an attemp[t] to go to bed [with] two young females and acted otherwise very imprudently at the time
Thomas Woolsey
Plead not guilty one was appointed to speak on a side to wit: 1) Bent 2) Allred. After the evidence was heard there being but one witness which was went to establish the most important item it was, Decided that the charge was not sustained which was sanctioned by the Council unanimously.
Coulcil adjourned a few minutes and met accordingly.
Adjourned to the Lodge Room
Edman Durfee against James Durfee
Charge
"To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo.
I hereby prefer the following charges against James Durfee to wit:
1st For attemp[t]ting to defraud me out of the land that I now live upon.
2nd For stating that I had used my influence to prejudice the minds of the Church against him.
3 For beinging up old difficulties that had been settled.
4th For treating the authorities of the branch with contempt at Lima. Edman Durfee"
Defendant plead not guilty whereupon two were appointed to speak on a side viz: 3) L.D. Wilson 4) A. Cutler 5) D. Fulmer 6) and G.W. Harris.
President Charles C. Rich took his seat in Council
After the evidence was heard on the part of the prosecution, the Council adjourned untill tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Hosea Stout, Clerk. (2)

-- Mar 05, 1843
[Polygamy] to 05 Mar 1843 In sworn testimony, Emily D. Partridge (Smith Young) testified she "roomed" with Joseph the night following her marriage to him and said that she had "carnal intercourse" with him. Smith spends honeymoon night with secret bride Emily Partridge . SOURCE: Temple Lot case complete transcript, 364, 367, 384; also see Foster, Religion and Sexuality, 15 (3)

-- Mar 5, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th Spent the day at home. (4)

Joseph Smith tells the Nauvoo city council: "I was opposed to hanging, even if a man killed another, I will shoot him, or cut off his head, spill his blood on the ground, and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God; and if I ever have the privilege of making a law of that subject, I will have it so." After Smith's death, Young would define "blood atonement" as "the law of God." (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, March 5th 1843 Taking care of Mother all day. (6)

-- March 5th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room.
Prayer by Newel Knight.
The buisness, before the Council the day before was taken up on the part of the defence.
After which President Rich spoke showing the reasons why James Durfee should make Edman Durfee safe in the title of his lands; and the nature of the difficulty &c.
President Marks then decided that Edman Durfee should make satisfaction, for all things which he had said or done, against James Durfee, which was unchristianlike and that he also make satisfaction, or pay, James Durfee, for his portion of the expence which James Durfee has been at in procuring a title to the land and that James Durfee make or secure a right or title to the land to Edman Durfee, or satisfy him for his improvements on or before the 15th day of April next that or the hand of fellowship must be withdrawn from them also if James Durfee has placed the land beyond his control so that he can not make a title or satisfaction, he must be cut off and that Elder Isaac Morley be appointed to inform the Council whether James Durfee complies with the decision or not within the time specified. The decision was sanctioned by the Council.
Edman Durfee then made satisfaction for all that he had said or done amiss and agreed to abide the decision fo the Council after which Jame sDurfee made satisfactory acknowledgements, and also agreed to abide the decision.
Council adjourned till next Saturday at 9 o'clock A.M.
Hosea Stout, Clerk (2)

-- Mar 6, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6, 7, 8, & 9 Spent the time in the printing Office.
+ 10 I Wilford Woodruff testify that about 7 oclock PM I discoverd a stream of light in the south west quarter of the heavens. The rays of Light were in the form of a Broadsword with the hilt downward the Blade raised pointing from the west south west raised to an angle of 45 degrees from the horizen & extending nearly or within 2 or 3 degrees to the zenith of the degree whare the sign appeared. This sign gradually disappeared from half past 7 & at 9 oclock immediately disappeared.
The following is the declaration of Joseph the Seer conserning the foregoing sign:
As sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens & as sure as he ever spoke by me So sure there will be a spedy & Bloody war & the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
3 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
6 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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Mormon History, Mar 3, 1843 (Friday)

-- Mar 3, 1843 (Friday)
The Illinois legislature passed a bill for repealing the Nauvoo city charter, which, however, was not approved. (1)

-- About Mar 4, 1843
Orrin Porter Rockwell taken prisoner in St. Louis, MO. (2)

-- Mar 04, 1843
[Polygamy] to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Emily Dow Partridge, age 19 ,. Elder Heber C. Kimball officiating. Emily D. Partridge Smith testified that she "roomed" with Joseph the night following her marriage to him and said that she had "carnal intercourse" with him. See Temple Lot case (complete transcript), 364, 367, 384. SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Elder Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Page: 697 Marriages in Nauvoo Region 1839-45. Easton, S. Civil Marriages in Nauvoo 1839-45. Cook, Lyndon Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46 Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. (3)

-- Mar 4, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Joseph speaks to the city council encouraging them to accept only hard cash, gold, or silver, and not paper money. George A. Smith debates about capital punishment, stating that imprisonment is better than hanging. Joseph replies that he too is opposed to hanging, but advises shooting or decapitation so that the man's blood will be spilled. Joseph notes later that the battle of Gog and Magog will be after the millennium.Orrin Porter Rockwell, having been hiding out in Philadelphia, returns to Nauvoo by way of St. Louis. He gets off the steamboat in St. Louis, and while there is recognized and captured. This begins a Missouri prison stay lasting over nine months. During his imprisonment he tries to escape by stripping off his clothes and squeezing up a narrow stovepipe into an unlocked cell on the upper floor. Although he does reach the upper cell, he is so weak that he is unable to open the unlocked door. He climbs back down into the lower cell to regain his st
rength. When he again attempts this escape method, he passes out in the upper cell and is discovered. He will finally be tried in December of 1843, be sentenced to five minutes in prison (which will last five hours), and then be freed to walk back to Illinois. He reaches Nauvoo, having walked the skin off his feet, on Christmas night, 1843. (4)

[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Emily Partridge. (5)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, March 4th 1843 9 A.M. Brother Benjamin Johnson and the brethren from Ramus who come for to bring provision /corn, pork, oats, flour, wheat, as per Bill/ at the house. Agreed to go with Hiram to Ramus one week [from] to day. Bro[ther] John wanted to know if they might build a meeting house in Ramus out of Church property. Joseph said the property of the Church should be disposed of as the church said. It was for them to decide not him.
There is a wheel. This is the Hub. We will drive the first spoke in Rome [Ramus], 2d Laharpe, 3d Shokokon [and] 4th Lima [Illinois settlements with Mormon populations]; that is 1/2 the wheel. The other half is over the fiver. We will let that alone at present. We will call the Saints from Iowa to these spokes then send Elders over and convert the whole. It is like a bank, they will not discount because they have plenty of specie. We will draw this specie. Then they will discount our paper. (Call for our address).
9 1/2 called at the office and gave instructions concerning making out the decision of court.
10 o'clock, opened City Council. Prayer B[y] Geo[rge] A. Smith. Bill regulating currency read. The Legislature of Illinois have long been trying to repeal the Charter of Nauvoo. Upon which the Mayor [Joseph Smith] made some [comments] as he had done on former occasions to shew the council and others that the Legislature cannot repeal a charter where there is no repealing clause. Upon which he read a letter from James Arlington Bennet to confirm his decision. Letter dated Arlington House February 1st 1843.
Spoke against [Alexander] Makenzie's murdering those boys Spencer &c. [for mutiny] as stated in Arlington's letter. Called it murder. The boys had the malary [malaria] on the coast of Africa and did not know what they did.
In debate on the bill, Geo[rge] A. Smith thought imprisonment better than hanging. Mayor said he was opposed to hanging. If a man kill another shoot him or cut his throat spilling his blood on the ground and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God. If I ever have the privilege of Making a law on this point I will have it so.
In reply to councillors who thought it impolitic to stop circulating uncurrent Bank notes at once. Mayor said he would use a figure and talk like a father to his children. If you want to kill a serpent, don't cut off his head for fear he will bite you, but cut off his tail piece by piece and perhaps you won't get bit. So with this bill. If paper currency is an evil put it down at once. Stop the circulation at once.
When councillors get up here let them talk sense. Great God where is common sense and reason? Is there none in the Earth? Why have the kanker lingering to sap our life? Get a 5 dollar bill can get nothing with it. Dare not touch it any one because it is a [-]. Shovel it out then.
I wish you had my soul long enough to know how good it feels. It is expedient when you strike at an enemy, strike the most deadly blow possible. (Hyde asked what the editer would do)? Mayor said advertise in the next paper to your agents to send you gold and silver as we take no paper here.
Prisoners may be kept in the city as safe as in the Prison of the state by chaining to a block with a guard and labor in blacksmith shops or any where else and never have a prisoner sent out of the city for imprisonment.
Bills passed to stop circulation of paper currency in the city, punish counterfeiting &c. by unanimous vote. Dr. Samuel Bennet[t] chosen Alderman, A[lbert] P. Rockwood fire warden for 1st ward. Elijah Fordham fire warden 2d ward. Charles C. Rich fire warden 3d ward. /Voted/ [to] opened an alley north and south through block 126. 1 1/2 P.M., Adjourned to next regular meeting.
Dined about 3 P.M. Cold, clear. Repaired to office with O[rson] Spencer.
Proverb: For a man to be a great man, he must not dwell upon small things though he may enjoy them. Spoken while entering the office. Explanation a prophet cannot be a scribe &c.
Joseph said to Dr. [Willard] Richards there is one thing you fail in as historian the naming or noticing surrounding objects, weather, &c.
The weather is extremely cold and freezing and has been almost continually since October. There was a breaking up of the ice in the River in February so that Boats passed from St. Louis to Quincy. The Falls were dear so that boats passed from Montrose to Keokuk, but the river has not been cleared yet from the Edwards Brick house and upwards.
The brethren have brought a multitude of wood on the ice from the opposite shore and the islands. Hundreds of cords per day. Ground clear except a little ice. {page 271 }
Brought in by Hyrum Smith, "Christian Soldier January 7th 1843" "41st article of court Martial laws." "No such sentence (that of death) shall be carried into execution until confirmed by the President of the United Sates, or if the trial take place out of the United States, until it be confirmed by the commander of the Fleet or Squadron. Capt[ain] M[akenzie]. does not rank as commander of the two latter."
Joseph "They'll hang Makenzie, or imprison him, or break him of his office"
The battle of Gog and Magog is after the Millenium. The[y] were command[ed] all to come up to Jerusalem to worship in the Millenium.
Continued to write on decision of court till 4 1/2 o'clock, then called at Bro[ther] Durphy's to see sick [two words crossed out, unreadable] /<Woodsworth>/ and Whitneys <and Kimballs> (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
3 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
4 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
5 - Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology'
6 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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Mormon History,

<Note, this post is out of order>

-- Mar 1, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, March 1st 1843 Recited in German. In the office reviewing his valedictory published in Times and Seasons No. 7 vol[ume] 4. Went with Marshall to Bro[ther] Laws to get provision for the prisoners—Morgan and Taylor.
Elder Hyde called to get a horse this afternoon. Joseph ordered Ira to get his best horse and put on the Lieut[enant] General's saddle and let Elder Hyde ride the Governor on the Lieutenant's saddle.
Signed a power of attorney dated 28 February to Amasa Lyman to sell all the lands in Henderson County deeded to me by Elder McQuinn. Walked out. (1)

-- Mar 2, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, March 2d 1843 Adjourned case of Charles Dana vs. Dr. Brink in assumpsit come up at 10 A.M. Before the Mayor at Mason's Hall. Orson Spencer side [of] justice, Skinner Esqu[ire] for Plaintive. Claimed $99 failing to perform correctly as physician in treatment of Dana's wife, complaint read. Witnesses Dr. Foster, Dr. Wild, Dr. Bennett. [blank [and]] Mrs Sessions Rigdon and Marsh Esqu[ire] for defendant.
Rigdon objected to certain witnesses viz. the [dispute among] physicians [which is] enough to alarm Nauvoo. [They argue] Enough to swear them selves into business and the other who is opposed out of business not the 20th time that attempt[s] have been made of this kind, Legislatures have taken it up. Come here professing [to be] Botonic[al] Physicia[ns]. The other Boerhevein Physicians, come here from /Germany/ [and] England to America to [align themselves for or against] Dr. Brink, antipod[e]s [whose] feet come together instead of /their/ heads. They have ever been crying out against Botonic and Botonic against the others for Payson. If they are permitted to witness this court is to decide between the parties. The Legislature and no court has attempted to decide.
Let them bring physicians of the same school for witnesses. Mr. Dana knew what practice the Do[c]tor was of. Why not call physic[ian]s of the same school. Your Honor has once been tried on account of your religion. The physici[an]s must testify according to their practice believing the other to be wrong. If this order of things should prevail you would loose your head and I mine.
Skinner replied, When a party claims interest he must establish his claim. Objection should be made before Placing vis a vis, to settle this grand question [of] interest no witness can be objected to on ground of interest unless the party must be a gainer or looser in the case. Bailor cannot be witness. No other /kind [of]/ interest can destroy testimony. If every witness was desirous to have the suit go on their testimony [it] would [still] be valid. Evidence Harrisus Digest /Page 1047/ immended intent in the suit only.
Philips on evidence 71. Rule of Int[erest] {page 226) and Teron Gilbert where there is a certain benefit at stake. Watsons reports 199 5 Wendall Report 55, 13 Mass 99 and 99. Swonns Tracts 59. We defy the gentlemen to present any defect [in this] rule of law.
Marsh[: Ojection] not on the ground of definite interest. We made the objection. We obje[c]t to witnesses on ground of incompetincy, of judging of a different practice. This state has not decided which practice. What makes them witnesses. From knowledge of facts or experts. Were they present? if so I have no objection. [It is wrong if] A should contract for building a [steam] boat [when B builds steam boats but]. C is called to examine (who is a [builder of] sail boat[s]) or brick house judged by a carpenter. Those who are of the same school are competent. Those are experts who are of the practice with the defendant.
Judge Emmons[, for the plaintiff,] asked leave to reply. Objected [to] by Marsh. Opinion of the court [is that they] cannot tell whether they are competent or not till they give their testimony. What is the rule of competency? Mrs. Miles some deli[c]acy to be heard alone. Rigdon requested that witness be examined alone. Skinner, we shall look to the court. Marsh produced the law[, it was] found [to be relevant, and the] court ordered the house cleared. Skinner—We design to shew certain facts by witnesses present and then to physicians to know whether they consider the treatment correct.
Rigdon /it is/ [an] effort to secure to themselves the advantage we have conten[d]ed against. /Physician[s]/ to give testimony on testimony they have not heard—because the witness[es] are examined apart. Let us have this trial on the principle of common sense. Lady presented to witness certain things and physicians called to testify on that testimony as they are called one by one and we object to any other course. Ladies build a mud house and Doctors chink it.
Emmons—singular case, to request witness Doctors to withdraw, read section of Law in Medical Men, and on science May witness—Philips on evidence 836.899.
Objected to witness for which this court was adjourned on the same principle. Corrected by Rigdon.
Marsh insisted on what the law of the state grants us.—
Court is of opinion it can do no harm to have witnesses present.
Mr. Miles present at Mrs. Dana's on her sickness. [She] Had been sick several weeks. Did not know what it was, was injured by a fright[, Miles] present when Dr. Brink came about noon. Don't think she was in labor pains. [Brink] Did [not] discover any symptoms of labor pains, [Miles] did not stay but a minute or two, did not return till about 11 P.M. [Brink] said he had given her sweet rye. She said she was in pain. We expected they were labor pains. Brink said her water had discharged and she would be delivered in a short time. Child appeared to be pitched one side. Mrs. Dana did not know the waters had discharged. Brink staid till morning, [Miles was] There when he introduced his hand hurt her and [she] begged to let her alone and let [it] have its own operation, on the bed [he] used more violence than I thought was necessary but not enough to crowd her out of her position. I did not examine the woman don't know any thing about it.
By court you have been at such cases and know what is usual? Yes—Mrs. Dana was not expecting it for 10 days. Don't recollect that Dr. Brink said it was necessary to deliver her of the child on account of Diarehea or fever. But was sent for Dr. to cure fever &c. Won't expelciting to be confined [for weeks afterwards]. She was better when I went away in the morning. Got easier and did not know when it would be. Had not meddled with her since before day light.
Monday P.M. her water discharged she told me from Saturday. Went for sister [Patty] Sessions[, a midwife, when Mrs. Dana] was in labor pains, delivered some time Monday night. Had 4 living children. Since she was confined she told me she had not been free from pain. Had had the piles 3 or 4 weeks ago.
Objection by Marsh to the [introduction of a] saying of the parties [to the plaintiff reported days] since the operation. Rigdon objected to the [hearsay] testimony of parties concerned.
Court is of opinion any injury the woman may have received may be made to appear by patient or any other testimony [corroborating that she] had not been free from pain since her delivery 3 or 4 months ago. 11 o'clock I expected she was g[o]ing to be delivered soon. Mrs. Sessions said Mrs. Dana['s] water had not escaped. Don't know who told me. She did not expect to be confined for 10 days.
Court adjourned for one hour. 3 o'clock, opened court. (Mary Duel [a midwife]) was present at Mrs. Dana's sickness 24th October. Was not there prior to Dr. Brink being there. Was present with them. She [Mrs. Dana] was lying on the bed appe[a]ring in considerable pain, not labor pains. I was called 11 at night, Dr. was there previous. Was at my house after the syringe to give her injection. Mr. Dana he thought the child had been dead 2 or 3 days. I told my sister she was not expecting to be sick in [bed] 2 or 3 weeks. I did not examine the patient. She [Mrs. Dana] said her period had not come yet.
Mr. Dana expected to have Mother Session when she was confined. Called Brink to give fever powders. Dr. Brink thought it time for delivery. Needed to be hurried. She begged of him to let her alone, you'll kill me. Dr. s[a]id he hurt her as little as he could. The child was turned and must be turned back. He gave her sweet rye, pepper, and composition and so[a]ked her feet. He thought she would be delivered in 3 pains more. There was no such pain as I ever saw before. Dr. said he never was where he was so sick before. [I] Thought he was not fit to be there.
2 o'clock, 3 more mo[ve]ments before morning. His operation was unusual under the circumstances. I insisted she would not get through without some one of more experience.
She was fixed on a seat for she could not lie so. But soon moved aright and the Dr. sat down and commenced operating by his hand. She begged him to let go and he said he could not something would go back. Next day she was perfectly cosy and went to sleep. Dr. was there [and] said nothing. Sister Session was present.
Since the birth she says it is the cause of all her difficulty and piles. Has [had] 5 or 6 children before had no such symptom. Dr. said it was necessary to keep up the irritation to create pain.
(Marr [a physician]) cross examination. 1st visit 11 Sat[urday] night. I expressed disapprobation, in an 1 1/2 hour [visit], to Sister Mills. I think the pains were from the medicine. It might have been a [result of] cutting her [that she had] pains, independant of Med[icine]. I did not examine a day or two before, she told me she did not expect to be confined for 3 or 4 [weeks]. Women may be dec[e]ived 2, 3, or even 4 weeks. Could not say he entered the os[tium]. Had no pains after Dr. Brink left. He was called away in the night between 2 o'clock and daylight. I prepar[e]d to have some one called. He opposed. He proposed to call Vienna. She appears to be weak, bearing down.
(By court) Was it unusal for physician to treat patient as Brink did?
I[t] is unusual. I have Dr. Bennett of this town operater and Botonic physicians in other places. Have had no great experience say 50 or 60 cases. Never saw similar treatment from Botonic practice. If the child is born in 3 pains more it will be something I never experienced.
(Mrs. Session) Sunday morning I was called by Mr. Dana, sayling] Dr. Brink is at my [Mr. Dana's] house. I [Mr. Dana] called him yesterday to cool the bowels and still the fever. He says she is going to be confined, and the women are dissatisfied. Went, Dr. Brink shook hands and held on. We have a difficult case. The membrane is broken; the waters have escaped; the child is turned. I sent for you to turn the child because my hand is swoll[en].
I prepared and sat down to her. I said D[octo]r. What have you give[n]? Novine raspbery Cayinene. I said Did I understand you the water had escaped? Yes, understand you the child was [w]rong and must be turned? [I said,] Yes, it was a fair presentation. [Then I said] Did I understand you the child was dead? Yes. I had my finger on the child's head and felt pulsation. The waters have not gathered tis a fair presentation your child is a live. As I run my finger round apex as large as a tea cup near the child's head /[I] reached the ear/. [and felt] A rupture.
When was you hurt? [I asked Mrs. Dana] With my last child, if ever. Had no labor pains, had no pains but such as appeared [with] wind. I got up, sat down to talk with the Dr. about a patient he had doctored and said it [the baby] had been dead 3 weeks when I took it the skin was fair and I think it had just died. Dr. went to Marsh. I asked Mrs. Dana what the Dr. gave her. She said Ergot. He came to me for it last week. When I moved her onto her bed I found mark of the ruptures on the under clothes. Fresh blood. Dr. returned and asked me what is the cause of her pain last night? That Ergot you gave her. Curse the Doctors. If a D[octo]r should do so by me I would kill him if I could. I gave him a figure.
Never undertake to get a nut out of the burr till it is ripe and it will fall out. The Dr. went away. Now said I, we have delivered the Dr. I will go home and when you get ready send for me. I went home and when I got there I made a minute of my visit, that I found Dr. Brink had [not] operated according to nature right or reason.
Sunday P.M. I took [delivered] a living child and as I had told her the waters had broke when I got there. Mr Dana stated to Dr. Brink, I never had my feelings wrought up so in all my children as last night. Dr. you know I did not call you here to officiate in such a capacity. Dr. Brink said he only gave her 11 grains Ergot.
(Duel) Not the same bed but bedding was the same. Blood was of different appearance than what is usual as though it came from the ruptures. 3 places she would twinge never said ouch [little] relaxation /as there/ was. Mouth of womb about as large as common size teacup. Bro[ther] Dana requested me to call. I did and she said she had not been well. I thought Brink hurt her, could not hold her water. /Brink/ gave her two injections himself which she thought was the cause of it. They were very hot [and she] could hardly get up stairs, weak in her back.
I have attend[ed] 30 years in the profession, never witnessed such an operation before. Child was born after midnight. We called it Tuesday morning. I asked her if her true time had come? She said she thought 3 or 4 weeks but was certain 10 or 12 days.
On one garment where the blood was it appeared as though some one had wiped a hand or the fingers. It appeared of a fresh bloody texture as pubis was turned up towards the back said Dr. Brink.
(Mrs Dana) sworn.
(Mars[h]) Objected to the testimony of a wife in civilsuit.
(Rigdon) Would not object if the defendant can be admitted. Poor rule if the will not work both ways. Philips on evidence. Evidence admitted.
(Mrs Dana) In the morning as Dr. Brink was first called to give me something to allay my fever, steeped something and gave me [something] which increased my pain. [He] staid in the P.M. and got the syringe and administered which appeared to me all pepper. What [Why] he sta[i]d all night. What for I don't know. It was a mere imposition administered as other witnesses stated which created pain every time I took them. I refer to the injections of pepper in the first instance which gave me pain. Afterward the drinks.
I told him my time was not in 3 or 4 weeks that every thing was wrong. [He said] That an inflamation had taken place in my bowels which killed the child and I must have help immediately or I could not live. There was nothing unnatural before he commenced and I so insisted to him. The fresh blood was from no[ne] other than his treatment. Easier after he desisted. No labor pains till Monday. 7 children, never suffered so. Wakup trembling, bearing down, never had those symptoms before. Not be[e]n able to do any thing since. Have not been free from pain since. No other cause to attribute the pain but Brinks treatment.
/Court Did Brinks take an unusual course?
/Brink took an unusual course. Brink placed his head on my bowels and exerted his strength in other ways which gave me great pain.
(Mr Shoemaker) Mr Dana asked me to go down to Mr Brink. I went as a neighbor 3 times before we found him at home. Mr Dana made his proposition to leave it to men or 3 men. Mr Brink told him he would not make any settlement. What he had done he had done right. I [he] gave her Ergot and cayenne pepper and other medicines mentioned. Said he had done nothing but what any physician would do. Acknowledged what they told him about her time.
(Dr. Bennett) to explain as Matter of science [in response to questions presented] on testimony already given. Philips on evidence 259. Court is willing to give its opinion [about which treatments Dr. Brink] is not bound to know [of]. Dr. Brink is a Botonical Dr. or to be [unlearned in] mineral [potions]. Court will hear more of good character.
When Dr. is called to a pregnant woman to administer for dysentry and she says her time is not for 3 or 4 would [he] be justified in giving any thing to produce delivery? No difference in Labor pains and others? Under certain combinations Ergot is not good. From 15 to 30 grains [causes] a specific effect on the Uterus to expel the contents of the uterus to produce delivery.
Under the circumstances would a person be justified in inserting the hand? If every thing is natural /it/ would be considered fine. [But for] Such delivery from the impression I have [there were] no circumstances existing to warrant the preceding.
The introduction of the hand altogether unnecessarily. Introduction of the hand is unnecessary to ascertain the situation of the featus, would be productive of great pain if done roughly or unskillfully. Prefered after labor pains have existed some time. Mouth of the womb will enlarge. In this case [it could only be done] by violence I would think. It would not be justifiable to force open the womb. Might be lascerated or ruptured such condition might be discovered, such treatment would be likely to produce the effects [noted]. No reason why physician should conclude the child was dead and use means to produce delivery. Could not be justified in [this] case.
Adjourned to 10 tomorrow morning.
Evening in company with Phelps and Richards in the middle room looking out of Blackstone on evidence of wife for husband &c. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] The Illinois House of Representatives considers and passes a bill to repeal part of the Nauvoo city charter, despite William Smith's opposition. The measure fails in the Senate on 4 March. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Mormon History, Mar 3, 1843

-- Mar 3, 1843
[Joseph Smith] The Illinois legislature passes a bill to repeal part of the Nauvoo Charter. (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, March 3d 1843 Court opened at 10 according to adjournment.
/Dr. Bennett/ Should there be an obliquity of the womb a gentle action may be justifiable. The exertion in this case I think the exertion [was] unjustifiable. Could not be a falling back of the womb at that stage of pregnancy and if there was a midwife [she] would easily detect it. A delivery at such time would be calculated to injure the womb. Common cases require no help. What was done [was] unnecessary. Mouth of the womb will be open by Regular pain, not be opened as in this case without force. /Force/ would injure the parts. /Injuries/ reasonably refered to [as the result of] the force. If things were wrong as stated by the Dr. [the] woman would be likely to know it first. (Law read by Court, Swarm Treatus 63)
(Court) What do you know Dr. Bennett about this case? [Bennett:] Mouth [of the] womb open before labor pains and lacerated. [I] Suppose it had been hurt, [that] fresh blood and rupture by force [was] to combat the fever &c. /Woman/ would be the first to know if she was in labor. Medical men will never attempt examination without cause. Then not necessary to insert the hand to ascertain presentation.
(Cross[-examination]) Have known mouth [of the] womb to be elastic. So as easily to be prest [pressed] open. Ergot acts upon the womb to contract it [and expel the contents] so the child would [have] press[ed] open the mouth [of the womb]. At intervals of the pain there is a relaxation when the finger might be inserted. This [constant] dilation was from the intrusion of the hand.
No uncommon thing to have blood pass in first stages of labor. When ostince [ostium] is dilated not [less than] 1/2 cases where blood passes. Much blood might or might not flow from the rupture. /Could not have accured before the fright/ A woman of Mrs Session['s] experience would know as well as a physician.
11 grains of Ergot would not produce any great effect in absence of labor pains where the womb was ruptured and the head of the child pressing [against the] mouth opened by force. Womb would not contract again. Parturition scarcely happens when acute disease is going on. Fresh wound, red blood is 1st stages parturition[, later] darker.
(Dr. Wild) No necessity for physician to interfere at all. Highly criminal. Ruptu[r]es might have been made. Ruptures caused by violence, sometime duties of physician to let her alone. Force deleterious. What was done might produce lascerations of the os uteri and inflamation and various things such as wer[e] mentioned by witness. No precise time for womb to open, said nothing to justify the course persued. Much to condemn. Have conversed with Mrs Dana within a week.
(Philips on evidence 202) (Harrison's Digest 1037) /1st [blank] 160 to 171/ (Philips on evidence 152) 361 Blackstone (Harrison digest 2d Vol[ume] 1031) (190 Phi[li]ps digest)
[Defense attorney:] I felt there was a little overbearance particularly because the [attorney for the plaintiff] was young. Young[er] perhaps in court matters than in knowledge. As Lawyers know a great deal and are very wise, I will put them to the trouble of finding the quotation, "any thing the wife may have said will be received in evidence."
(Wild) Would attribute the injuries to the violence used. Compliained of the bearing down of the womb. Never knew mouth of the womb to dilate without Labor pains. Ergot['s] specific effect is on the uterus to contract. 15 to 20 grains common doses. Don't know as 11 grains would produce abortion. Never gave but in one case. Were I called in such a case I would wait and see what the consequences would be. Have [not] seen this appearance of blood without ho[a]rse treatment. Been in practice 7 years.
(Dr. Foster) Sayings of patient index to treatment. If things were wrong that would be first known to the mother. Duty of physician to let her alone. Ostince [ostium] dillated by ergot [in]capable for to introduce even finger. Punching the woman by [with] the head might weaken some of the internal organs. Causes that have been stated here before. If the hand had been pressed [against] the bone of the pelvis /the foetus [fetus]/ it would have been expelled before 24 or 48 hours if he had [not withdrawn his] hand[; the fetus] not [longer] forced. Do not consider the injury could have been sustained in the womb.
Ergot same as Dr. Wild. 11 grains would be inert. A free use of Ergot might destroy the tone of the womb. Do not consider it possible that the ostinse [ostium] should have been opened thus by inserting the hand and rupturing the womb, without producing birth sooner than it was.
10 o'clock adjourned for 1 1/2 hour. /Philips on Evidence 151
/3 o'clock court opened.
(Dr. Higby) effects unavoidably follow introducing the hand or any instrument in the mouth of the womb, so as to displace the membrane, would be birth in from 24 to 36 hours or more sometime.
(council for plaintive closed)
1 st General character of the Defendant /defense/ as practitioner. 2d rebutting testimony.
(Dr./Geo[rge] R/Bostwich) practiced 24 years had 2300 cases of obstretics rather difficult to tell the amount of injury and when and by whom. Have known premature labor produced by Diahrrea when I had no other cause to attribute it to. Have seen Peter Wilson's wife complete dilation of the os uteri. Have seen frequent dilations without pain then close and go their time and close again. If there is sufficient contractile /dilating/ powers in the neck of the womb ergot may be given as free as flour. Its effect is on the top of the womb. [It] also stops Hermerge [hemorrhage] of the womb. If dilated by force I should expect immediate delivery in a few hours, 5 or 6 hours. It might [take] 30 hours if a weak system.
If 3 ruptures so large I should think it would produce more blood. I look for a fontonells when the head is presented, never knew a finger [to be] inserted to the ear, in such cases presented to court uterus in plate. Might wait 6 or 7 hours if there was nothing peculiar before giving Ergot. Bearing down from passage child hurt and fright produces abortion. I concur with Dr. Foster about inserting the finger would give some mild purgative in such cases.
In case of fever I have found the child dead when the mother did not know it. Have seen water discharge 3 times in one case 1 1/2 hours [later] I burst one myself. I would rather manage a dozen such Ladies to manage than to give my opinion in this case. Inserting finger as Mrs Sessions did is uncalled for and cruel.
Court ruled that testimony to prove defendants general character was illegel and would not be heard.
Dr. Bennett said he had no interest in this suit. Had practiced medicine in this place but never charged a cent, received a cent nor have any book account.
(Dr. Tate) Objected by Court. Adjourned from 5 to 7 o'clock. 7 [P.M.] court open. In the interim called at Br[other] Durphy's, his wife sick. Also Bishop Whitney's with Dr. Rich. /5 loaded teams arrived with provision from Ramus/ Plea of Mr Skinner for Plaintiff
1. Brink not called to her confinement
2. No business to undertake delivery
3. was told labor pains [had] not come on
4. said child was dead
5. pretended any thing was wrong
6. pronounced waters gathered and broke
7. injections so hot as to put her in g[rea]t pain
8. denied giving Ergot
9. used violence
10. introduced [t]he hand
11. made 3 ruptures
12. extreme violence when implored to let her alone
(Swans Treatise 429) Fraud) 4 minutes before 8 [P.M.], Mars[h] commenced his plea. (Statute of Illinois 405) amount of damage in $ and cents.
22 minutes past 8 [P.M.], Esqu[ire] Rigdon commenced his plea (United States dispensatory). 28 minutes past 9 [P.M.], Esqu[ire] Emmons commenced his plea. (Swans Treaties 240 contract) 10 1/4 o'clock closed. Adjourned to next Friday 10 o'clock to give its decision from this stand.
Had 1 hours interview at home with W[illiam] W. Phelps after court concerning trial. /Mother Smith better. F./ (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

LDS History Timeline
(coming to facebook and twitter on June 27th, 1843)

About this site: http://bit.ly/mohist

Mormon History, Feb 1843

-- During Feb 1843
[Polygamy] to 09 Nov 1843 Smith possible father of Orson W. Hyde (by Nancy Miranda Hyde) . (1)

[Polygamy] Ruth Vose Sayers (Age 33, already married to Edward Sayers): Ruth Vose was born in 1808 near Boston, Massachusetts. She was very close to her aunt, Polly, and they worked together in Pollys Boston upholstering business.
Although acquainted with the church as early as 1832, Ruth finally joined on August 14, 1836. On that date, Boston missionary, Brigham Young wrote in his journal: I Preached in fore noon...in afternoon I then returned to Boston I Baptized...Ruth Vose. Members who joined the church around this time, typically congregated in Kirtland, Ohio, but Ruth chose to stay in Boston, lending her support in other ways. Biographer Emmeline Wells wrote, During the building of the Kirtland Temple, although then residing in Boston, she donated every dollar that she earned, except what she needed for her bare support, towards its erection. And also, The Elders of the Church in traveling in the Eastern States were the recipients of [Ruths] unbounded liberality.
In early 1841 the following notice was printed in the church newspaper, The Times and Seasons: MARRIED...In St. Louis, Mo. Jan. 23rd... Mr. E. Sayers to Miss Ruth D. Vose, formerly of Boston, Mass. Ruth and her new husband, Edward Sayers, made their way to Nauvoo, arriving sometime in 1841. They moved to a home and farm just north of Nauvoo. In August of 1842, Joseph Smith was arrested, but soon escaped and went into hiding. Smiths clerk, William Clayton, recorded that Smith floated a short distance up the Mississippi River and then, proceeded through the timber to Brother Sayers house where [he was] very kindly received and made welcome. A few days later a group of friends, including Josephs wife Emma, visited Joseph at the Sayers home: We soon arrived at brother Sayers and was pleased to find President Joseph in good spirits, although somewhat sick. Joseph stayed with Ruth and Edward for a week, and then moved his hideout to another nearby home.
Six months later, in February 1843, Ruth married Joseph Smith. Typical of Josephs other wives who already had husbands, Ruth continued to live with Edward. When Joseph Smith was killed in June of 1844, Ruth was in Boston visiting her Aunt Polly and heard about Josephs death through a letter from her husband, Edward. Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and Brigham Young were near Boston on missions, and visited Ruth. Together they returned to Nauvoo. Upon Josephs death, many of his wives married Brigham Young or Heber C. Kimball and migrated to Utah. Ruth and Edward chose to return to Boston where they stayed until 1849. After 5 years in Boston, Ruth and Edward moved to Utah, reuniting with old acquaintances.
Ruths 1884 obituary gives a glimpse of her demeanor: Tall and erect in figure; a countenance always beaming with human kindness...She was a woman of brilliant conversational powers...She was never tired of dwelling upon Gospel themes and the days of Joseph and Hyrum. (2)

[Polygamy] to 09 Nov 1843 Smith possible father of Orson W. Hyde (by Nancy Miranda Hyde) . (3)

-- During Feb. 1843
[Polygamy] Ruth D. Vose (Sayers) age 33, already married. wiki(2)

[Polygamy] Ruth D. Vose (Sayers) age 33, already married. (5)

-- During February 1843
George Albert Smith: Elected alderman for City of Nauvoo February 1843. (6)

-- During February, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Ruth (Vose) Sayers. Also, cares for mother during her illness. (7)

-- Mar 1, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] March 1st 1843 This is my Birthday. I am thirty six years of age this day. Time flies & waiteth for no man.
It is exeeding Cold weather. The river closed by ice from Nauvoo to Montrose on the 15 of last November & it is not open yet but teams have crossed continually from shore to shore. (8)

Joseph loans Orson Hyde his horse, "Joe Duncan," for a ride. Brigham Young, speaking for the Twelve, writes a letter to the Saints at Ramus, Ill., asking the Saints to donate food and other supplies to Joseph Smith so he can dedicate more time to "the bringing forth of revelations, translations, and history . . . one or two good new milch [sic] cows are much needed also." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:292-93.) (9)

-- Mar 2, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2, 3, & 4 I spent my time in the printing Office. (8)

Joseph Smith is the judge in a medical malpractice case in Nauvoo. (10)

[Lucy Mack Smith] The Illinois House of Representatives considers and passes a bill to repeal part of the Nauvoo city charter, despite William Smith's opposition. The measure fails in the Senate on 4 March. (11)

Footnotes:
1 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
2 - Remembering the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/
3 - Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm
4 - Wikipedia, List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, Jr., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.
5 - Wikipedia, List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, Jr., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.
6 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
7 - Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology'
8 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
9 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
10 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
11 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

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Mormon History, ca. Feb 25, 1843

-- ca. Feb 25, 1843
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy becomes ill "with inflammation of the lungs" and Joseph nurses her himself for the next three days. (1)
-- Feb 26, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 I spent the time at home writing. (2)
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith stayed at home all day nursing his mother, who was sick with inflammation of the lungs. (3)
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, February 26th [Joseph was] At home with his Mother who was [sick] with an affection [infection] of the Lungs. Nursing [his mother] with his own hands. [Oliver] Olney carried to Carthage. (4)
-- Feb 27, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27, 28 Was spent in the Printing Office. (2)
[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, February 27th 1843 In house. Mostly with his mother who was sick. Come in the office and signed a writ or search warrant for Bro[ther] Dixon to search Fidlers and John Eagles house for a box of shoes. (4)
-- Feb 28, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, February 28th Mostly with his mother and family. Mr. John Brassfield who helped Joseph to escape from the Missourians came and spent the day and night. P.M. Mother [Smith] rather easier. To Elder Hydes to dinner at 4 o'clock P.M. [blank]
Notice in Chicago Express that Wm /Hiram/ Redding had seen sign of the son of man. Wrote Editor of Times and Seasons for no. 8 vol. 4 that Reding had not seen the sign of the son of man and he would not come in [18]43 &c. See Times and Seasons.



Footnotes:
1 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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Mormon History, Feb 22, 1843

-- Feb 22, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22, 23, 24, & 25 Was spent in the printing Office. (1)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, February 22nd 1843 9 A.M. The President and Mr. Cowan come in the office and soon after, Abel Owen presented a claim against Carter, Cahoon, and Company and notes of Oliver Granger of about 700 dollars for payment. Joseph told him to burn the papers and he would help him. He gave the papers to Joseph and Joseph gave him an order on Mr. Cowan for $15 for provisions. Rode out about the city with Mr. Cowan. Recited in German. (2)

-- Feb 23, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, February 23rd 1843 Recited in German. Rode out a few miles but did not get off my horse. P.M. Mr. Bagby called to collect taxes. Mr. [William] Clayton /was/ sent for and come to examine the books. Bro[ther] Dixon called to see the Mayor about some lost or stolen property.
3 1/2 P.M. the Mayor burned $23 of city scrip on the stove hearth and while burning said so may all uncurrent and unsound money go down as this burns. Said he would pay no taxes on Hotchkiss purchase. Amasa Lyman went to Shokokon to commence preaching this morning. (2)

-- Feb 24, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, February 24th 1843 Rode out with Elder Young. Dined at Mr. [blank]. Rode to Dr. Foster's [and] had some conversation about the Post Office and other Similar matters. Foster had some feelings on the occasion. Returned to the office. Walked a way with Elder Young at about 3 P.M. (2)

-- about Feb 24, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith dictated a 78-stanza poem written for William W. Phelps that was based on the revelation in Doctrine & Covenants 76. (3)

-- Feb 25, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, February 25th 1843 Received a Gold watch. A.M. in city council. 3 o'clock P.M. met after adjournment. I have read the Constitution and find my doubts removed. The Constitution is not a law, but empowers the people to make laws. Constitution govern the lands of Iowa but is not a law for the people. Constitution tells what shall not be [awful tender. Constitution Section 10. This is not saying gold and silver shall be lawful tender. It only provides the states may make a law to make gold and silver lawful Tender.
The Legislature have ceded up to us the privilege of enacting laws. We stand in the same relation as the State. This clause is for the Legislature, is not a law for the people [and is] diametrically contrary to the Constitution. This state have passed a stay law, making it lawful /to/ tender property and if we [do] not [say we want] no [such] law, we must be governed by them.
Shall we be such fools as to abide their laws which are unconstitutional? No! We will make a law for gold and silver. Then their law ceases and we can collect our debts. "Powers not delegated to the states or reserved from the states" is constitutional. Congress or Constitution acknowledged that the people have all power not reserved to itself.
/I am a Lawyer/. I am big lawyer and comprehend heaven, earth, and hell to bring forth knowledge which shall cover up all Lawyers and doctors. This is the doctrine of the Constitution so help me God. The Constitution is not law to us, but provision to make laws. Where it provides that no one shall not be hindered from worshipping God according to his own conscience is [it] a law. No legislature can enact a law to prohibit. Constitution provides to regulate bodies of men not individuals.
[Daniel H.] Wells objected to its taking effect immediately. O[rson] Pratt amended to 1st June. O[rson] Spencer said he could have wished Daniel Webster the Lion of the East had heard the Lion of the west in the choir. Unnecessary to wait, so said [Brigham] Young. Ordinance Regulating the currency before the council. [W. W.] Phelps and [Willard] Richards were invited to give an opinion (by the Mayor [Joseph]) and did in affirmative and left afterward the Mayor gave another speech.
[Oliver] Olney come to the Marshalls and was inm[ated]. (2)

-- February 25th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Council met according to adjournment at Law's Store in Nauvoo.
William Marks and Charles C. Rich Presiding
Council Present viz 1) Eli Norton pro tem. 2) Allred 3) Wilson 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) David Evans pro tem. 12) Tarlton Lewis pro tem. Prayer by President Rich.
The following case was then taken into consideration which had been appealled from the Court of Bishop Isaac Higbee by W. Edwards to wit:
"The copy of a charge prefered before me, and was acted upon the 12th of February 1843.
We, the Teachers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, prefer a charge against Sister Parker, the wife of Joseph Parker, and William Edwards, and wife, for refusing to settle a difficulty, that now exists between them
Signed J.W. Huntsman
Dated Feb the 19th 1843 Samuel Eggleston
Then the parties appeared for trial J. W. Huntsman in [torn, probably "indicated"] the particulars of the difficulty said that sister Parker said she saw a pig killed and took into Br Edward's house which circumstance Br and Sister Edwards denied. After hearing the testimony it was my decision that Bo and Sister Edwards be no longer members of the Church
Isaac Higbee"
Decided that one speak on a side to wit: 9) Knight & 10) Huntington. after hearing the evidence it was the Decision of President Marks that the charge was not sustained and that Br. Edwards and wife be acquited; which was sanctioned by the Council unanimously.
Council adjourned half an hour and convened accordingly
The following case was then taken up which had been appealed from from the Court of Bishop Johnathan H. Hale, by Chandler Holbrook to wit
"Nauvoo City February 10th 1843
To the Bishop of the Ninth Hard, Johnathan H Hale and his Councellors.
Sirs I prefer a charge against Charles Shumway, for not paying the first consideration of a note, or what is now due of a note given January or February 1842; for borrowed money, which was to be paid the Spring following. Given by Charles Shumway, and the note was given up to Charles Shumway and Joseph Holbrook's note was given for the principal & and interest of said note that is given up, under consideration that Charles Shumway should pay the note that J. Holbrook gave, if he recieved the money first which he agreed to do at that time. And he has received money since but has refused to pay said note.
Chandler Holbrook
This is to certify that the within charge was tried before the Bishop's Court of the 9th ward of the City of Nauvoo and not sustained
February 11th 1843
Voted that one speak on a side to wit 11) David Evans pro tem 12) Tarlton Lewis pro tem.
The Council in committee of the whole decided the charge was not sustained, unanimously.
Council adjourned till next Saturday at or near this place at 10 oclock A.M. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois

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Mormon History, Feb 20, 1843

-- Feb 20, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20 Spent the time in the printing office. (1)

After stopping a fight between two boys in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith declares, "No body is allowed to fight in this city but me." "About 70 of the brethren come together according to previous notice and drawed, sawed, chopped, split, moved, and piled a large lot of wood for the Prophet." (2)

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith stopped two boys from fighting in the street and instructed them about their inappropriate behavior, after which he lectured bystanders for not interfering. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Seventy brethren help Joseph chop, split, and pile logs in his yard. He studies German. He sees two boys fighting with clubs and stops the fight. He lectures the onlookers for not stopping the fight immediately and tells them that "nobody was allowed to fight in Nauvoo but myself." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 5:282-83.) (4)

-- 21Feb43
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Nauvoo House
Joseph's Response to Woodworth
A Curse
Joseph Wishes to Help Others
Nauvoo House Needed to Impress World
Nauvoo House Second only to Temple
Wife Abuse Incident
Nauvoo House will Bring Wealth
Don't Steal From Church Projects
Polygamy Troubles
Joseph and Politics
Charles Foster Responds (5)

-- Feb 21, 1843
Joseph Smith preaches concerning a wife-beater in Palmyra, New York: "I whipped him till he cried enough." (6)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, February 21st 1843 Mayor's court at the smoke house 10 A.M. City of Nauvoo vs. Robert Taylor and Thomas J. Morgan. [They both] pled guilty. Taylor for stealing and Morgan for receiving. [They were] sentenced [to] 6 months imprisonment in [the] Carthage Jail.
11 [o'clock] went to Temple [and] found Bro[ther] Hawes preaching about [the] Nauvoo House. Mr. [Lucien] Woo[d]worth[, architect and foreman,] spoke say[ing] something in vindicating my [his] own character, [that the project] commenced under peculiar circumstances [i.e., as a joint stock venture, by revelation, not to receive church funds, and to be built on the flat land instead of on the hill where land was more valuable], [yet he, not a Mormon] have made all contracts for Nauvoo House, was employed to build from the commencement. Some brick on hand, most ready to start brick work. One says "can you give me something to eat?" "I'll try." Another says "I will have my pay." "Go to hell and get it." /said I [Woodworth]/. "I have set me down to a dry Johncake and cold water and the men who have worked with me. No man shall go into my poverty stricken foundation to build himself up for I began it and will finish it. Not that public spirit here [should be] as [any different th
an] in other cities [but I] don't deny revelation. If the Temple and Nauvoo House are not finished you must run away.
"When I have had a pound of meat or quart of meal I have divided with the workmen." (Pretty good Doctrin[e] for paganism said Joseph.) "Have had about 300 men on the job, the best men in the world. Those that have not complained I want them to continue with me and them who hate Mormonism and every thing else that's good I want them to get their pay and run away."
Joseph say, Well the pagan prophet [Woodworth] has preached us a pretty good sermon this morning to break off the yoke of oppression. /I don't know as I can better it much/ and say what he is [of] a mind to. That the pagans and the pagan prophets [should come] to feel more [intensely about] our prosperity is curious. I am almost converted to his doctrine. "He has prophecied if these buildings go down it will curse this place." I know verily it is true. Let us build the Temple. There may be some speculations about the Nauvoo House. Some say because we live on the hill we must build up this fort on the hill.
Does that coat fit you Dr. Foster? Pretty well! Put it on then. This is the way people swell like the ox or toad. They come down under the hill among little folks. Brother Joseph how I love you and get up opposition [to our building plan] and sings names to strangers and scoundrels &c. I want all men to feel for me. When I have shook the bush & bare the burden, and if they do not, I speak in authority in the name of the Lord /God/. He shall be damned. People on the flats are aggrandizing themselves by the Nauvoo House [just as people on the hill are buying land because of the temple].
Who laid the foundation of the Temple? Bro[ther] Joseph in the name of the Lord, not for his aggrandizement but for the good of the whole. Our speculators say our poor folk on the flat are down and keep them down. How the Nauvoo House cheats this man and that man, say the speculators. They are fools [and] ought to hide their heads in a hollow pumkin and never take it out. The first principle brought into consideration is aggrandizement, some think it unlawful—but it is lawful while he has a disposition to aggrandize all around him. False principle, to aggrandize at the expence of another. Every thing God does is to aggrandize his kingdom.
How does he lay the foundation? Build a temple to my great name and call the attention of the great. But where shall we lay our heads? An old log cabin? I will whip Hiram Kimball and Esq[uire] Wells and every body else over Dr. Foster's Head. Instead of building the Nauvoo House build a great many little skeletons [of houses]. See Dr. Foster's mammoth skeletons[, monuments] of Dr. Foster rising all over town but there is no flesh on them.
Personal aggrandizement, [but I] don't care how many bones [there are,] somebody may come along and clothe them, [these] elephants, crocodiles, &c. [man]eaters such as grog shop[s], card shops, &c. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. The building of N[auvoo] House is just as sacred in my view as the Temple [and should not be left a skeleton].
I want the Nauvoo House built. It must be built. Our salvation depends on it. When men have done what they can or will for the Temple, let them do what they can for the Nauvoo House. We never can accomplish our work at the expense of another.
There is a great deal of murmurring in the Church about me, but I don't care any thing about it. I like to hear it thunder, to hear the Saints grumbling. The growling dog get[s] the sorest head. If any man is poor and afflicted let him come and tell of it and not complain or grumble.
Finishing [the] Nauvoo House [is] like a man finishing a fight. If he give up he is killed. If he holds out a little longer he may live. A story, a man who will whip his wife is a coward. I fought with a man who had whipped [his] wife. [I was going to give in, but I] Still remembered he was whipped [whipping] his wife. I whipped him till he said enough.
Hang on to the Nauvoo House thus and you will build it and you will be on [Mount] Pishagah. The great men who come will pile their gold and silver till you are weary of receiving them. If you are not careful [you] will be lifted up and fall and they will cover up and cloak all your former sins and hide a multitude of sins and shine forth fair as the sun &c.
Those who have labored and cannot get your pay be patient. If you take the means which are set apart [for the construction,] let him[, t]he[y] will destroy themselves. If any man is hungry let him come to me and I will feed him at my table. If any are hungry or naked don't take away the brick &c. but come and tell. I will divide and then if he is not satisfied I will kick his back side.
There cannot be some fire without some smoke. Well if the stories about Jose[ph] Smith are true, then the stories of J. C. Bennet[t] are true about the Ladies of Nauvoo. Ladies that the Relief Society was organized of those who are to be wifes of Jos[eph] Smith. Ladies you know whether it is true, no use of living among hogs without a snout. This biting an[d] devouring each other for God's sake stop it.
One thing more. Political economy. Our duty [is] to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good and unpopular that which is unsound. Tis right /politically/ for a man who has influence to use it as well as for a man who has no influence to use his. From henceforth I will maintain all the influence I can get.
In relation to politics I will speak as a man in religion in authority. If a man lift[s] a dagger to kill me, I will lift my tongue. When I last preached, [I] heard such a groaning I thought of the paddy[']s ell [eel] when he tried to kill him could not contrive any way so he put it [in] the water to drown him. As he began to come to—see said he what pain he is in how he wigles his tail.
The banks are failing and it is the [a] privilege to say what a currency we want[:] gold and silver to build the Temple and Nauvoo House. We want your old nose rings and finger rings and brass kettles no longer. If you have old raggs, watches, guns go and peddle them and bring the hard metal. If we will do this by popular opinion you will have a sound currency. Send home bank notes and take no paper money. Let every man write his neighbor before he starts to get gold and silver. I have contemplated these things a long time, but the time has not come till now to speak till now.
I would not do as the Nauvoo House committee has done sell stock for an old stone house where all the people who live die and put that stock into a man's hand to go east and purchase to come here and build up Mammoth bones with.
As a political man in the name of old Joe Smith I command the Nauvoo [House] committee not to sell a share in the N[auvoo] House without the gold or silver. Excuse Bro[ther] Snider he was in England when they sold stock for [a] stone house. I leave it. The meeting was got up by N[auvoo House] Committee.
The pagans, Roman Catholics, Methodists, and Baptist[s] shall have peace in Nauvoo only they must be ground in Joe Smith's mill. I have been in their mill. I was ground in Ohio and [New] York States—a Presbyterian smut machine—and [the] last machine was in Missouri and last of all I have been through [the] Illinois smut machine. Those who come here must go through my smut machine and this is my tongue.
Dr. Foster remarked much good may grow out of a very little and much good may come out of this. If any man accuse me of exchanging N[auvoo House] Stock for Rags &c. I gave $1,000 to this house and $50 to [the] Relief Society and some to Fulmer to get stone to build Joseph['s] house. I mean to build Joseph a house and you may build this and I will help you. I mean to profit this. I will divide the mammoth bones with you. I am guilty of all I have been charged. I have signed my name to a petition to have W[illia]m H. Rolinson to have the Post Office. I did not know [of] a petition for Joseph Smith.
Joseph[:] "I thought I would make a coat. It don't fit the D[octo]r /only in the P[ost] office. If it does fit any one let them put in on. The bones are skeleton and as old Ezekiel said I command the flesh and the sinnews to come upon them that they may be clothed." Blessing by Bro[ther] P[arley] P. Pratt. (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
5 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
6 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
7 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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Mormon History, February 18th 1843

-- February 18th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
Met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room. H. Smith W. Marks & C.C. Rich Presiding
Councellors present 1) John Snider pro tem 2) Allred 3) Wilson 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Isaac Higbee pro tem.
Prayer by President H. Smith
Charge against Josiah Ells. Appealed by Ells from the decision of the Elders Quorum at Laharpe branch, Viz.
"LaHarpe January 24th 1843.
Br Josiah Ells.
Sir, the following charges are prefered against you before the Elders Quorum in the Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in this place to wit
Charge 1st For killing two hogs in the woods about the 15th of November last not which were not his
Charge 2nd On or about the first January present month that the said Josiah Ells did kill or cause to be killed one of Dr Coulston's hogs without said Coulston's knolwedge, and converting it to his own use.
Charge 3rd For lying about a settlement with James Dunn for some oats and calling him an old lying hy[p]ocrite.
Charge 4th For taking Br. Griffith's potatoes contrary to the stipulated agreement, to the injury of the said Griffith.
Charge 5th For fraudantly obtainin one hundred and twenty dollars from Br Huddleston. (1)

-- Feb 19, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19 Sunday I spent the time at home. (2)

[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, February 19th 1843 From 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. with /High Council/ listening to the proof of a great Big nothing in a case between Wilson Law and [blank [Uriel C.]] Nickerson who had been fighting some time previous. I explained the laws of the U[nited] S[tates and] the laws of Iowa and Illinois. Shewed them that Nickerson had the oldest claim and best right and left it for the law to say how much Nickerson should have. The parties shook hands in token of settlement of all difficulties.
Monday morning, February 20th About 70 of the brethren come together according to previous notice and drawed, sawed, chopped, split, moved, and piled a large lot of wood /for the Prophet/. The day was spent by them in much pleasentry, good humor, and feeling. A white oak log 5 f[ee]t, 4 inches [in] diameter was cut through with a cross saw in 4 1/2 minutes by Hiram Daton and Bro[ther] Tidwell. /This tree was cut and drawed by Joseph
/From 9 to 11 [A.M.] reciting in German. From 11 to 12 [A.M.] in court in brick store on assumpsit Charles R. Dana vs. W[illia]m B. Brink. Adjourned for ten days. /Snow melted away so as to destroy sl[e]ighing
/Last night Arthur Milikin had a quantity of books stolen and found them at 3 this P.M. in Hyrum Smith's Hayloft. Thomas Morgan and Robert Taylor (Morgan 15, Robert Taylor 13 years old next April) /both members of the Church/ were arrested on suspicion in the forenoon. On finding the books [they] immediately went to trial before the Mayor having had a brief examination about noon. Court adjourned till 10 [A.M.] tomorrow.
While the court was in session 2 boys were seen fighting in the street by Mill's tavern. The Mayor [Joseph Smith] saw it and ran over immediately, caught one of the boys (who had began the fight with clubs) and stopped him and then the other. [Joseph] gave the bystanders a lecture for not interfering in such cases and returned to court. "No body is allowed to fight in this city but me," said the Mayor.
/This day John Q. Adams presented a petition to the House of Representatives signed by 51,863 citizens of Mass[achuset]ts praying Congress "to pass such acts and prepare such amendments to the Constitution as will seperate the petitioners from all connection with the institution of slavery."
/Evening called at <Kimballs>. (3)

-- February 19th 1843
[High Council Minutes]
The Council met according to adjournment at the Lodge Room. President Joseph & Hyrum Smith William Marks & Charles C. Rich Presiding.
Councillors present 1) John Snider pro tem 2) Allred 3) Wilson 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Isaac Higbee pro tem.
Prayer by Alpheus Cutler.
The case of Wilson Law and M C. Nickerson was brought up wherein a charge was prefered against Wilson Law by M.C. Nickerson and also a charge against Nickerson by Law.
There being charges prefered by both parites against each other the Council decided that they should go into an investigation of all their difficulties on both sides of the question, both parties to bring up all matters of grievances against each other which was also according to the wish of the parties. M.C. Nickerson to be plaintiff. One were appointed to speak on a side Viz. 7) Grover and 8) Johnson.
There were a great many witnesses on both sides and a very long trial ensued which lasted from 9 o'clock A.M. till midnight. The essential grounds of difficulty was concerning the title to some of the islands in the Mississippi River both parties supposing they had a good right to the same island or a part of an island. The matter was as follows. There had been a decree, in the Court of Chancery in Iowa Teritory, to sell the said islands as a part of the "half breed" track of land and Nickerson put in money with Arthur Morrison, to buy his claim, who was to bid it off for him & make a deed to Nickerson, which he did not do but sold the island to Brs Laws & did not reserve the claim for Nickerson which he had purchased with Nickerson money neither did he let Brs Laws know the situation of Nickerson's Claim. Neither party knew the situation of the others claim and each party supposed the other to be trespassing on his claim. Moreover there was a Law in the Teritory of Iowa whi
ch guarenteed to each actual settler his claim on certain conditions by which law Nickerson had a good title to his claim.
President Joseph Smith spoke at length on the subject clearly showing the situation of the affair, and what was the true nature of the titles to the islands. That they did not belong to the "Half Breed tract" and also that the Court of Chancery had no right to sell them. That they were refused lands which the government did not see fit to do any thing with consequently were free plunder or belonged to the actual settler &c although, as they were to be sold, it was best that the brethren buy them to avoid any difficulty with those out of the Church, who might buy them &c
As the matter appointed appeared to be, whether Law should give Nickerson a title to his claim according to the money he put in or not (ie) a title from the Court of Chancery such as he had. That taking the situation of the islands into consideration and the nature of their titles he have it as the following decision.
Let Br Laws deed what they feel that they can conscientiously do to Nickerson & let Nickerson say that he will accept it and strike hands in friendship which decision was sanctioned by the Council
Adjd till the 25th inst.
H Stout Clerk (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43

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