[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Winter Quarters. James Case received an elderÂ's License. A severe night, north wind with sleet. Dr. [Richards] arose about 11. President Young was present. Sat about half an hour, wishing to draw a draft for emigration company, but the clerk was absent and he retired. The Dr. finished the cupola of his octagon, and also putting on the dirt on the passage and his office. Patty Sessions delivered Clarissa, wife of Joseph Hart, of a daughter named Harriet Amelia this evening at 9 oÂ'clock.
At 6 oÂ'clock, the municipal high council met in Dr. Richard's round house. Present: B. Young, W. Richards, E. T. Benson, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, W. Woodruff, H. C. Kimball. Called to order by President. G. W. Harris made report of the repairs of Van WaggenenÂ's bridge not being completed. Two of the bishops (16th and 17th Wards) made reports of length, etc., of houses in their wards, and accepted. Moved by Winslow Farr, "that the ward on the other side of the river be under the jurisdiction of this council." Motion withdrawn. Then President Young approved of the ward on the opposite side of the river being under the jurisdiction of this council, when it was motioned that the return from Joseph Knight, Jr., bishop on the east side of the river, be received, and carried.
The marshall and Brother Farr were voted to be a committee to fit out a team for the Brothers Herring to go south and fetch his family here. H. G. Sherwood motioned that the young men be invited to come on and finish the council house, then that they have it on the 8th January to dance in; seconded. There were conversations respecting W. Jones, the poor, the council house. Seventeen of the Twelve, councillors, and bishops volunteered to work on the house until it was completed. Adjourned till next Sabbath at 6 o'clock, to meet at the Octagon. The names of Octagon, Wind House, Tabernacle, Windmill, Potato Heap, Apple Heap, etc., were occasionally applied to Dr. RichardÂ's house.
This was written at 11 oÂ'clock p.m., near the close of the year 1846. The weather this winter thus far has been very mild, so that there has been very little crossing of the Missouri at this point. The health of the brethren [in] Winter Quarters is better than at any previous time. A greater spirit of love, peace, and union prevails, and prosperity attends the labors of the Saints. The seventies have established a manufactory of willow baskets, and several other factories are in successful operation, and many individuals in camp are engaged in making baskets and several loads are all ready for market. Nearly every part of the flouring mill is ready to be put together.
It is currently rumored that the war between the United States and Mexico is likely to be prolonged, which produces great dissatisfaction among the people in the States. The Missourians are asking from 40 to 50 cents per bushel for wheat, whereas they would have been glad to have taken 18 3/4 or 20 cents had it not have been for this encampment of the Saints, and 25 cents per bushel for corn which they would gladly have sold for ten or twelve had it not been for Israel. Pork has been sold at Winter Quarters from three to four cents until of late, a few small lots have been sold at two and a half. Corn has been fifty cents. The current price is now about forty. Meal and flour are very scarce. Meal ranges from forty to fifty [cents] per bushel and flour is about three dollars per hundred. Beef [is] from three to four cents per pound by the quarter. Many schools for children have been started in camp the last ten days. Dr. [Richards] retired a little before 1, next day.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
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