Minutes and Notes of the October 1845 Nauvoo General Conference

Transcription status

This is a source-integrated draft. The Church History Catalog manuscript images have been downloaded locally for transcription and collation, but the record is not yet a completed transcript. ¶

Do not split these notes into individual talk files unless a later witness preserves real discourse boundaries. The inspected sources are minutes and summary notes, so this conference belongs as one conference_record. ¶

Local image inventory: ¶

• Bullock/Bolton minutes: raw/chl-october-1845/bullock-bolton/, 36 images.
• William Clayton minutes: raw/chl-october-1845/clayton/, 17 images.
• Thomas Bullock booklet #6: raw/chl-october-1845/bullock-booklet/, 23 images.

October 6, Morning Session

Base text: Bullock/Bolton minutes. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes. ¶

Conference Minutes. ¶

Minutes of the first General Conference, which was ever held, by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in "the House of the Lord," in the city of Joseph, commencing Oct. 6, 1845 - 10 o'clock forenoon. ¶

Present, Elder Brigham Young President of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, also Elders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Willard Richards, John Taylor, George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman. Patriarchs John Smith, Isaac Morley— Presiding Bishops Newel K. Whitney, George Miller— and the authorities of the church generally. ¶

The conference was opened with singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder P. P. Pratt. ¶

Elder W. Richards then arose and read over some notices concerning lost property, concerts &c. He then stated that the President had waited from half past nine until near eleven o'clock for the people to get together. He exhorted the brethren to be more punctual, as so much time could not be recalled, and we have a great amount of business which must necessarily be attended to during conference. He next stated that General Hardin had requested us (see circular). ¶

President Brigham Young then arose and said the first business that will come before this conference will be to present the authorities of the church to ascertain whether they are in good standing. ¶

Father John Smith the President of the Stake then arose & presented the Twelve as the Presidents of the whole church which was seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was then moved that Brigham Young be sustained as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Heber C. Kimball be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Orson Hyde be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that P. P. Pratt be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Orson Pratt be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that William Smith be sustained as one of the Council of the Twelve, whereupon Elder Parley P. Pratt arose and said I have an objection to brother William continuing in that office. I feel as an individual that I cannot conscientiously uphold and sustain brother William as a member of the council of the Twelve at present, nor until he thinks different from what he does now. I have many reasons for this, but will merely mention one or two, which shall suffice for the present. In the first place, I have most positive proof that he is an aspiring man, and that he aspires to uproot and undermine the legal Presidency of the church, that he may occupy the place himself. This he has avowed openly in the East, which I can prove by good and substantial witnesses at a proper time. ¶

In the second place, while brother William was in the East, to my certain knowledge, his doctrine and his conduct has not had a saving influence, but has produced death and destruction wherever he went; and this also I am well prepared to prove. I have been waiting in all long suffering for an alteration in brother William's course, but up to the present time, I have been disappointed. For these two reasons I would plead for one, that we no longer sustain him in his office, till a proper investigation can be had, and he make satisfaction. I do this individually; I leave others to do as they please. ¶

The motion being seconded, a vote was then taken to sustain him, but was lost unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that John E. Page be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Willard Richards be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Wilford Woodruff be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that John Taylor be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that George A. Smith be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Lyman Wight be sustained as one of the Twelve, whereupon Elder A. W. Babbitt said, as President Pratt had remarked concerning William Smith, that he could not conscientiously vote to sustain him, so I say in regard to Lyman Wight, I cannot conscientiously give my vote in his favor. ¶

My reason is this— if there is a council in this Church that ought to be united and act in unison as one man, it is the council of the Twelve. If the head is sick, the whole body is affected. If I am rightly informed concerning brother Wight's conduct for the past year, he has not acted in unison with the Twelve, nor according to their council. The last year has been one of affliction, persecution, and sorrow, when the adversary has continually sought to destroy and mutilate the church, and it has required all the faith, prayers and perseverance of the leaders to save this people from the grasp of the destroyer. ¶

If the council of brother Wight had been followed, this Temple would not have been built; nor the baptismal font erected. He has sought to draw away a part of the force, which we ought to have had to build this Temple. His teachings have been contrary to the council of the Church, and his conduct calculated to destroy it. Under circumstances of this kind, I cannot conscientiously vote to continue him in his standing until he retract and make satisfaction. ¶

Brother Wight's course has been calculated to divide the church and prevent those things being accomplished which were commanded of God through brother Joseph. ¶

Elder Kimball said it is well known that brother Wight's case was had before the conference last fall, and that he was dropt, and then again retained; that is, that we would let him be and see what he would do, and what course he would take. He has been away since then, and is with a small company somewhere. We cannot tell what he is doing. He may in his own mind be acting in concert with the rest, and he may be acting for the good of this people. It would be my mind to let his case lay over for the present until we can hear something from him. ¶

Whereupon it was moved that we let the case of brother Lyman Wight lay over for the present, until we hear from him. Seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Amasa Lyman be sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

Elder Isaac Morley then said he would present William Smith as the Patriarch of the Church, and moved that he be sustained in his office. It was seconded; vote taken, and lost unanimously. ¶

President Young then stated that about three years ago Elder Willard Richards was appointed by President Joseph Smith as Historian for the Church and General Church Recorder. We have previously acted on his appointment to office as Recorder but not as Historian. He would therefore move that we receive the appointment of brother Joseph, and that we sustain Elder Richards as Historian for the Church, and General Church Recorder. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Father John Smith be continued as President of this Stake of Zion, and that Isaac Morley and Charles C. Rich be continued as his counsellors— seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Samuel Bent be continued in his office as President of the High Council— seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that George W. Harris, Alpheus Cutler, James Allred, Thomas Grover, Henry G. Sherwood, William Huntington [illegible], Lewis D. Wilson, Newel Knight, David Fullmer, Aaron Johnson, and Ezra T. Benson each be continued and sustained as members of the High Council— seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that George Miller be continued as President of the High Priests' Quorum— and that William Snow and Noah Packard be continued as his counsellors; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Joseph Young be continued in his office as the senior President of the first Quorum of the Seventies; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was next moved that Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Daniel S. Miles, Jedediah M. Grant, each be continued as one of the seven Presidents over all the Seventies; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was then moved that Roger Orton be sustained as one of the seven Presidents over all the Seventies. Elder George A. Smith remarked that Roger Orton was one of the old camp, and was selected a year ago to be one of the seven Presidents of the Seventies; but he has never received his ordination, nor done any thing to magnify his calling. It is not to be expected that we shall wait year after year for men to come forward and fill their office. Brother Orton was one of the old camp, and we love him on that account; we always called him the Big Major and a first rate man; but he has not come forward since his appointment to magnify his calling. ¶

Elder Joseph Young said last spring I visited Roger Orton and apprized him of his appointment. He agreed to come as early as convenient and receive his ordination. I gave him to understand if he did not come and act in his office he would be dropt. Brother Orton has always sustained brother Joseph and the Church, but he has very little of the Spirit. He has been in the Church about twelve years but has never been active since his discharge from the Camp that went up to Missouri in 1834. ¶

It was by the council of the Twelve that he was appointed one of the Presidents of Seventies. I have no particular desire to plead for him, but if his case can be laid over, I think he can be saved in that office; but I will be subject to counsel. I have considerable feeling for him. He lost all his property in Missouri and has since addicted himself to drinking whiskey; that seems to have ruined him, but he may be reclaimed. ¶

President Young arose and said he would preach one of David's short sermons: "If you won't when you can, when you will, you sha'n't." I say if men will not act and magnify their calling, let more honorable men be appointed. Brother Orton is keeping a public house at Augusta, and has had sufficient time to come and prove himself a worthy man in his office, but he has not done it; and I say let a more honorable man take the crown. If he won't work now, when will he? ¶

It was then moved that we drop him; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was moved that Samuel Williams be continued as President of the Elders Quorum, and Jesse Baker and Joshua Smith be continued as his counsellors; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

It was moved that Newel K. Whitney be continued as the first Bishop of the Church, and that George Miller be continued as his associate; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

Moved that Stephen M. Farnsworth be continued as President of the Priests Quorum, and that William Carmichael and [blank] Betts be continued as his counsellors; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

Moved that Elisha Averett be continued with his counsellors as President of the Teachers Quorum; seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

President Brigham Young then moved that there be a Quorum of Deacons selected and a President over them, and that the Presiding Bishops see to it as soon as possible, and make the [illegible] to this conference before it closes. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

The conference then adjourned until benediction by Elder George A. Smith, till two o'clock P.M. ¶

Collation note: The opening sustaining-vote sequence on Bullock/Bolton image 002 is heavily canceled and rewritten. Clayton image 001 confirms the sequence through Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, W. Richards, J. Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, A. Lyman, and W. Smith, and clearly preserves Parley P. Pratt's objection to William Smith. Further collation is needed before the complete list of all sustained Twelve members is finalized. ¶

October 6, Afternoon Session

Base text: Bullock/Bolton minutes. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes. ¶

2 P.M. ¶

The house was called to order by Elder Taylor. The choir sung "The Prodigal Son." Elder Taylor read a list of the sick and offered up prayer, after which the choir sung another hymn. ¶

Elder Parley P. Pratt then addressed the meeting on the subject of our present circumstances: ¶

"It appears we contemplate moving from this county; we have made very great exertions and a great labor and expense to build up the city for the last five years, also our farms, houses, temple, &c. At the first thought some may say, like others did when the woman of Samaria was pouring out the ointment upon the feet of Jesus, why this waste? So we may say, why is it that we have been at all this outlay and expense? If God had given us foreknowledge we might have saved all this money. I have exerted myself as much as any man to gather the people and build and improve this place. Do I feel sorry for it? Far from it. This people never could have been brought together on any other principle and sustained, if all this outlay had not taken place. As to sacrificing my property I will do it freely. I will get all I can for it where I have got teams and necessaries to take my own family; they are welcome to all the rest to help those who have not. We will not leave a desolate place to be a reproach to us. Would to God we could leave a better monument of our industry and virtue. This temple, our houses, our farms, will all stand as so many monument to our friends, our neighbors, and enemies of our industry, diligence, and virtue. If the Great Disposer of events sees proper that we should sacrifice, why not sacrifice it freely? ¶

"He made the earth and all the minerals and all things. What is a few millions of dollars to him? There is not a sacrifice required at the hands of his people, but what shall be rewarded to them an hundred fold, for He has blessings and times and eternities enough for his people to enjoy the same. Some may say, why is it that all men should be disposed to push us out or afflict us until we are willing to go out, why all this? Let me ask, could the purposes of God be completed without these things? Do you think man would be moved upon unless he could say I have sacrificed my all? Ask yourselves if you could be brought to a celestial law without something to bring you to it. ¶

"The Lord has been trying to bring us for the last fifteen years to his celestial law so that we may say here is our property, our wives, our children, our lands, our clothing, our all. Do with us as seemeth thee good. If we would have entered into it at first we would not have been scourged and chastened. He has used his chastisements that we may be completely prepared to receive the Celestial Law. If ye are not one, ye are not mine. This is what the Lord said. The Lord has another purpose to fulfill. We know that the great work of God must always increase. They must enlarge and extend their borders. They cannot always live in one small town or city, or county or state, or where the hand of oppression can rest upon them. He will lead them to a wider field, give them room to act where they can enjoy liberty and law, and where there will be no one to say we crowd them. ¶

"The Lord designs to make this a mighty people. Our enemies are afraid that we shall fill one county and then another. They have faith we will grow still, and if you do not believe it, go to your enemies and borrow a little, for they have faith to spare. Do you think we can have houses and temples again after this sacrifice? Suppose you count up how much money you have laid out in lands, in law suits, in watching in continual excitement, and paid to lawyers; and then reckon what you have had to spend for billious attacks and sicknesses, and then see how big a temple we could build out of all this in five years. If there is a portion of the earth not occupied by any man, it must belong to the original owner. I do not want what anybody else uses, but I want to breathe the air without having to pay for it. Let us go where the people can rule; why not use the rivers that nobody else uses? A man has a right to it by birthright, if the air, the water, earth, and timber, and the great first law of nature had been carried out how happy man would be; but if you count up the millions you have paid you will soon see your loss. So long as a man will not cut my throat, steal my goods, burn my house, or destroy my property, he is my friend and my neighbor. We will build more temples and better than this, for we know how. The happiest moment that I ever had was when I was once lost in the wilderness, for I thought if I could not find myself, nobody else could find me." ¶

Elder George A. Smith followed Elder Pratt on the same subject. "It seems to be a fact that the Latter-day Saints cannot be sustained in their legal rights against the prejudices of the people in Missouri. We became strong and numerous, made the plains into fruitful fields; some of the brethren purchased forty, and some one hundred acres, some could purchase twenty or thirty eighties of the best land and made the rest of the brethren pay them for it. When I went there I had the reflection, can I be compelled to labor to purchase of these brethren and we be equal? When the revelation was given in Caldwell to consecrate this surplus property to build a house for the Lord and feed the poor, few could understand it. But Gen. Clark, when he surrounded Far West, could make them consecrate. When we landed in Illinois we were about all alike. We came to Hancock pretty equal. The citizens told us we might go to Commerce where nobody else could live, and if we could live there we should never be molested. There we went to work and built up our city, having laid low some of the noblest sons of God, some of the loveliest of women, and some of the best of people. Some brethren would come in from the east and let their property go to help the rest, and the brethren from Europe came with their bags of gold and built their handsome farms and large mansions, and caused the poor to work for them. We now find many wealthy and many poor. How can we all be made equal? For God says, 'my ways are equal.' I have gone to some wealthy men to get them to take ¶

"a share in the Nauvoo House. They would say they had raised their grain and they intended to have the money for it; but a poor man who had lost his all in Missouri would dig and labor out his share. We have thought for a long time of going to a place where we could enjoy liberty, but when we ask a rich man he will make excuse. He has just made him a splendid farm, built him a good house, and it would be too great a sacrifice to leave it. They say our fathers fought for our liberty and I want to enjoy it, but let those poor men go. The poor who have drunk of the cup of affliction are willing to go." (He read a passage in scripture) 'My people shall be willing in the day of my power.' "This people have been sustained here to fulfill the commands of God by the prayer of faith by day and night; but circumstances have lately taken place that have made the people willing, and induced many a wealthy man to say, 'All that I have got shall go to remove the poor to some other country.' If we move to another land it will put us all again on a level, and we will all have a chance to build ourselves up. Some will say, 'I have paid my tithing to build this house, and I hate to leave it.' We have only built this house to learn how to build a far larger and more beautiful temple. We have built houses and made farms, and we are the boys who can build more. I have long wanted to leave this land of liberty and go to a place where God owns the land, where we can ¶

"enjoy the fruits of our labors. There is a principle upon which I want this whole people to unite. When the Saints left Missouri they entered into a covenant that they would not cease their exertions until the last family was removed, and it was accomplished to the very letter. We are better off now than we were then, and I want to see the same principle now. I want every man to dispose of his property and sacrifice it, that every man who wishes to go shall remove beyond the Rocky Mountains. ¶

I want to put the question square to the mark." "It is moved and seconded that this people remove to the west en masse." (all hands up and clapping of hands) ¶

[paragraph is hard to read, with numerous edits being made by John Bolton] Motioned by President Young that "we take all the Saints with us to the extent of our ability— i.e. our influence and property." Seconded by Elder Kimball and carried unanimously. Elder Young then said if they will be faithful to their covenant I will now prophesy that the great God will shower down means upon this people to accomplish it to the very letter. "I thank God that the time has come so much sooner than I expected that that scripture is being fulfilled, 'my people shall be willing in the day of my power.' I almost feel to thank our friends abroad for hastening it on." ¶

Elder P. P. Pratt made some remarks relative to the brethren being all on a level when they left Missouri. He referred to the Whitney family monopolizing timber. ¶

Elder Heber C. Kimball moved that every man who owned a wood lot should, on application, let the poor, the sick, and the needy who wanted wood have it; and those who have teams should assist in hauling it to their lots. Seconded and carried unanimously. ¶

Bishop G. Miller arose and said, "We will consider that every man shall be under obligation to supply the poor first." ¶

It was requested by President Young that no man go into another's woods without the consent of the owner, and then take it clean and be careful of the timber. ¶

Benediction by W. W. Phelps, and adjourned until tomorrow at 10 A.M. ¶

October 7, Morning Session

Base text: Bullock/Bolton/Curtis E. Bolton minutes. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes. ¶

Tuesday, October the 7th, 1845. ¶

Conference met pursuant to adjournment at 10 A.M. Meeting called to order by the president of the Stake. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Phelps. Choir sung another hymn. ¶

Elder Heber C. Kimball then addressed the conference. "This is a hard place for any one to speak in, and there are many things still necessary to lay before this conference. For my part I have done preaching to this nation, at least for the present. I have been forth through the United States and Europe. In fact I have spent my whole time at it since I came into the Church. It is now all counsel for me. We have a great many things to say to day, and I suppose we shall always have plenty to do. I suppose many have got out of business, but we will now have work enough to get ready to go to some other country, to get there, and to plough our fields when we get there. I have seen people crying and weeping and mourning because they had nothing to do; but when we leave this place you will never have cause to weep for not having anything to do from this time forth and forever more, if you are faithful to your calling. I am glad the time is come to go. I have looked for it for years. It is necessary for us to be faithful and humble, and if we listen to counsel we shall prosper. Although we leave all our fine houses and farms here, how long do you think it will be before we shall be better off than we are now? I have no farm to leave; I never had that privilege. Many of the brethren have farms; there are many who have spent their whole time preaching for fourteen or fifteen years who have never had a farm. But when we get to a new country, some of these old veterans will be looked after [first?]. ¶

[Transcription continues through following Bullock/Bolton leaves.] ¶

"and I rejoice in it. We are now about coming to the apostolic religion, i.e. you will sell all and come and lay it down at the apostles' feet. But it has taken a good scourging for fifteen years to bring us to this. There may be individuals who will look at their pretty houses and gardens and say it is hard to leave them, but I tell you when we start you will put on your knapsacks and follow after us. Before I was baptized I believed we should come into an apostolic religion. As for a common-stock business religion such as many preach, I don't believe in it. Every man will be a steward over his house and property, and if he is an unfaithful steward his stewardship will be given to another. I will prophesy in the name of Heber C. Kimball that in five years we will be as well again off as we are now. ¶

"Those brethren who have gone off and labored among the Gentiles are not as well off as we are. Some have eighty dollars, some have one hundred dollars, and some have fifty dollars due them, and their 'friends' have driven them away and they have had to flee to Nauvoo again for safety. Those who remained here are better off. Since we have had an invitation by our 'friends' to leave the county, many have asked, shall we go and labor for them? They may go if they have a mind to, but I won't do it. I'll see them go the other way first. I positively know men that have gone to labor for those who, with uplifted hands, swore they would take President Young's life and my own. ¶

"If it is your feeling to tarry here and labor for each other to get away, manifest it!" (Clear vote) ¶

"Last conference there was a vote that the Gentiles were cut off, and now why do you want to ¶

"labor for them? Inasmuch as the Gentiles reject us, so we turn to the Jews. There is a constant running to the Twelve and saying, 'Can't we go in your company?' We calculate you are all going in the first company, both old and young, rich and poor. There will be but one company probably. We will sometimes be the first and then again the last, sometimes in one place and sometimes in another. Some say, 'Ah, you are going ahead and taking the band;' but we will be with all of you. We first made a selection of a hundred, and when we had done we found that we could not be satisfied without taking the whole, and so we finally concluded we would take you all with us and have but one company. There is no use in making selections, for you are all good; but there is still a chance for you all to be a great deal better. We have no partiality. We feel a common interest for the welfare of this whole people, and we feel to advocate your cause like a father would advocate the cause of his children. ¶

"When men came in here to divide you, and when the mob came, did we flee? No! The hireling fleeth, but we felt like a father, and if you had to die we would die with you. We want to feed the sheep, to nourish them, because they have a tremendous journey to take; and when we see one that is weak and feeble, we will take it up, put it into a wagon, and take you all with us. We have had sorrow, and could not sleep on your accounts. If we had no anxiety we should have fled into the wilderness and left you. We want to take you to a land where a white man's foot never trod, nor a lion's whelps! Nor the Devil's! And there we can enjoy it and no one to molest and make us afraid. And we ¶

"will bid all the nations welcome, whether pagans or Catholicks or Protestants. We are not accounted as white people, and I don't want to live with them. I would rather live with the Buffalo in the wilderness. I mean to go if the Lord will let me and spare my life. Let us become passive as clay in the hands of the potter: if we don't, we will be cut from the wheel and thrown back in the mill again, like the Hosters, the Higbies and others. They want to come into Nauvoo again, but we will not let them until we have all the good clay out and become vessels of honor to our Heavenly Father, and then they may come and be ground." ¶

Elder Amasa Lyman next arose and remarked: "President Young says we did not calculate to be in a hurry. It would be a matter of gratification if I could express my feelings, but I have so many of them that I can't do it. There has been in the progress of this Church an ample manifestation of the various windings and dispositions of man. A person can't fail to perceive it when he will observe and reflect; and doubtless those who have reflected may be satisfied that the course of this people is unalterably fixed. I am glad it is not controlled by any human being. We have contended with opposition when it looked impossible for us to overcome and yet we have triumphed and this people are becoming great and numerous. Perhaps in the congregation before me there is every variety of feeling which can be found on the face of the earth, yet we find their feelings on these matters are undergoing a change, and that the people are approximating to a Oneness. When the people are becoming one and their interests one [possibly incomplete thought; blank space here] When they first heard the Gospel they hailed and cherished it with joy, and they have come up here to receive additional instruction; yet perhaps they have made but a limited calculation of how far they would ¶

[Transcription continues on the following Bullock/Bolton image.] ¶

"have to go in obedience and sacrifices, and to how how much persecution and suffering they would be subject, that they might come up out of the fire as gold seven times tried. It has been said that after a time the Lord will accomplish a certain something, that after men had endeavored to build up kingdoms and seen them crumble to the dust and disappear. He had said he would build up a kingdom which should stand forever and become a universal kingdom, and the prophet has said it should break in pieces every other kingdom. If any man had preached it, he would have been considered guilty of treason; but those whom the Christian would consider as better men than we are have said it. Men whom the world say were better and had power and virtue more than they will now admit is lawful for us in this enlightened age to enjoy. It has been said that we shall leave this country next spring if the Lord is willing and the people have no objections (and we don't care much whether they have or not we calculate to go about next spring). And we calculate to go the same people as we are now, preserving the same principles which have caused us to grow and expand as we have done. This people have grown until there is not room for them to grow, and they cannot grow until they are transplanted where they have more room. And however much the people may seem disposed to not go, the sails are set and the wind fair, and we have got to make the point whether we will or no. For we are not at the helm, and whine and complain as much as you please, you have got to make the point. Brother Kimball says the whiners will have to go behind. So if you want to go in the company of the Twelve you must not whine. Some persons suppose then when they once had lost their all, they had suffered enough. To hear them talk ¶

"you would suppose that John the Revelator, when they tried to boil him in oil, or the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, never suffered half as much nor felt half so uncomfortable as they. They have to get rich and be made poor about twenty times over before they will come straight. I expect the rich will have to be made poor until the poor are made rich; then there will be nobody poor. When the rich are rich and the poor are rich then there will be nobody rich and nobody poor, for all will be on a level. God did not say that this man or that man should build up the Kingdom, that was to break in pieces all other kingdoms, but He said He would do it himself, and whenever this people were unwilling to do as the Lord would have them, he has taken his rod and scourged them until they were forced to do it. The Lord once said he would make Kirtland a stronghold for a time, and he has done it. He said in Missouri he would sustain the Saints for a time, and he did it; and he said when we came here we should stay till we got ready to go away. Will they drive us away? No!! We will go away." ¶

The names of Company No. 5 were then called over with orders to meet after meeting at the old stand. ¶

Elders of conferences that we will expect sometime during conference to have a representation of all the branches of the Church throughout the world, and we wish them to have their report ready in writing to be presented at the stand as early as convenient, that we may know the situation of the branches in all the world. ¶

Elder Taylor made some ¶

remarks in behalf of the suffering poor in the north part of the town, and called upon all to come forward to aid the bishops in supplying these poor families. ¶

Elder G. A. Smith said there were many coming to get leaders of companies appointed. "You need not be in a hurry, for the Twelve will take care to have proper captains appointed in due time, and all will move like clockwork; but we must not hurry business." ¶

The Patriarch John Smith appointed four bishops to stand at the doors to take a collection for the benefit of the poor. ¶

The choir sung, and the meeting was dismissed until 2 o'clock P.M.; benediction by G. A. Smith. ¶

[Following note written in lighter ink] I want all the single men who want to come into the 1st Company or Company of the Twelve to give in their names. ¶

October 7, Afternoon Session

Base text: Bullock/Bolton/Curtis E. Bolton minutes. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes. ¶

Tuesday afternoon meeting, October 7th. ¶

At 2 o'clock President Young came to the stand and dismissed the meeting until tomorrow at 10. This was done on account of a body of armed men having suddenly entered the city. It was not known but that this was a move by the mob. The President requested all the brethren to go home and prepare themselves for any emergency. ¶

He however soon ascertained that N. B. Warren, Esq., was at the head of the troops and that they had come in on business to search for stolen property. The President then informed the people of this fact and requested them to go to their homes in peace, concluding his remarks with these words: "Be ye also ready." ¶

October 8, Morning Session

Base text: Bullock/Bolton minutes for Mother Lucy Smith's remarks and President Young's response. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes, especially for the opening and Brigham Young remarks before Mother Smith. ¶

Wednesday, Oct. 8, '45. ¶

Conference assembled in the House of the Lord at the ringing of the bells at 10 1/2. The choir sung "Hosah the Cymbal." President Young then made some remarks calling upon the Saints to unite their faith in behalf of the many sick in our midst. He then opened the meeting with prayer. The choir sung. ¶

J. Young then made some reamrks calling upon the Saints to unite their faith in behalf of the many sick in our midst. He then opened the meeting with prayer. The choir sung. ¶

Prest. Young said he wanted to make a few statements before meeting adjourns, pertaining to our situation and the course we ought to pursue to obtain the object we are in pursuit of. There are some things he has reason to believe does exist which are mortifying to him & every one who desire to be a true servant of God. I shall be as bold in my declaration this morning as I feel in my private capacity in this Church and among this people. To commence the subject I will relate what has been told me[?] this A.M. Tho it may appear very wicked and disgraceful of all [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] it has been told me this A.M but he will not be accountable for the truth of. But it has been told this A.M. that men who profess to be saints say that it is countenanced by the authorities that [be?/to?] steal from those who have burned and destroyed our property is right. He will make some remarks on this subject to show the wickedness[?] of the human[?] heart and no person who can understand the policy of man and nations[?] [but?] will see the [above?] & wish of such things. For instance I will propose some things which do not exist. Here is a [congregation?] of some 2000 inhabitants[?] and here is the 12 to lead off the M[ormons] to the w[est] of the [illegible] is it not policy for us to [ascertain/sustain?] our character. There is not a particular of common sense [best?] would teach us that we should act [different?]. The government of [the/this?] state has sent his force[?] to hold the Mormons still while our enemies put the red hot iron into us. Then policy would teach us to hold still in such a case. After saying as he has in public and in private[?] he will say that he hopes to God that all who will steal may be taken from our midst and sent to Alton (Amen). I was told that Thomas King who is crazy who driving off some cattle and the men who who burnt his house [have taken him back?]. They took a man by the name of Smith and another by the name of [illegible] and I wish they had taken [illegible] for I believe he is a thief. Men will [come?] here and say they are Mormons and then go and steal. What has such men done for me? They have whet the knife to cut my throat and the throat of my brethren, and I will treat them accordingly. I don't care about such a man no more than a man['s] dog. [He?] is sacrificing[?] the lives [of] this people and you are liable to be driven from your homes and left to perish in the wilderness. They threaten to cut the throats of those who expose them. Let them cut here. I can cut throats as fast as they can. Such men profess to love you but they love to steal from you better than they love you. I am going to forestall such characters. I forewarn[?] the honest: [don't?] you let a man [put?] cattle [or?] property on your premises until you know whether it is their own. Don't suffer any thing to come unless you know it not to be stolen property. When Backenstos comes in and [illegible] to report every man we can find and have them searched out. He then relates the circumstances [illegible] bringing goods here. ¶

Men that threaten to cut my throat if I expose them try it and see if you can do it. Now you women and children don't you feel to love such men. They will run and steal a feather bed and a bee hive don't you love them. Don't you know that your enemies will [illegible] up property and leave it [illegible] and [then some?] and search and find it on your premises? I forewarn your farmers when you go to sell your farms you will buy stolen property in exchange for your property and then they will take out a search warrant and swear you have stole it. We thought we would not say any wicked words this conference but I will say that Levi Williams & Thomas C. Sharp are perfect gentlemen compared with those scoundrels in our midst. They profess to be our enemies to destroy us, but these profess to be our friends but take a course that will effectively destroy us. [He?] believes that Mr. Smith and Mr. Gardner were the cause of our interruption yesterday and if they had minded their own business we would not have been. Only think yesterday 5000 persons lost half a day which would be $2500 and I wish they were in here and they are there for they are gone to [borrow?]. When we go from this place I don't wish such men to go with us. I would rather the enemy would take them to Alton. It is for us to humble ourselves and get so much of the spirit that we can descern[sic] between them that serve God and those that serve him not. (He [illegible] of seeing brother Joseph and trying to read the old bible.) My exhortation to you is pray in your families. Pray over your flocks and farms, labor in the day and go to rest at night and I warrant you all will go right. No, but say a few individuals they have burned my property and my brothers property and I will be revenged them. Well be revenged and be damned, for you will be if you do it. But let it alone and leave it in the hands of God. I exhort you all to repent. And I motion that we all go to work and pray that God will deliver us from the ravages of those men in our midst. I have not one half of the fear from our enemies without as I have from those in our midst. They are in the 70s and in the H.P. [High Priesthood] and I warn you not to receive any property into your houses unless you know they have come honestly by it. I can tell whether a man is out prowling in the night. I want every one both male and female not to cease praying until fwe are delivered from these U.S., deliver us from these U.S.and from such men. ¶

It is proposed that these men be cut off from the church but [he?/we?] would prefer to [in the margins] bring them before the [H. Council?] ¶

Mother Lucy Smith: "Well, brothers and sisters, I have been looking around upon this congregation. I have long been waiting for the time when the Lord would give me strength to look upon you and my children. I feel solemn. I want every one to look into their hearts to see what they have come to this place for, whether they have come to follow Christ through evil and good report or for any other cause. I want to give you my advice. I want to have time to talk about my husband Hyrum and Joseph. I want to give you all my advice. Brigham Young has done the errand; he has fixed it completely. ¶

"For a long time I have been wanting to ask whether you would be willing to receive stolen goods or not. I want to know if you believe in such things. There is one thing I want to speak of: there is maybe 2,000 people here that never were acquainted with Mr. Smith or my family. I raised up 11 children, 7 boys. I raised them in the fear of God. When they were two or three years old I told them I wanted them to love God with all their hearts. I told them to do good. I want all you to do the same. God gives us our children and we are accountable. In the fear of God I warn you. I want you to take your little children and teach them in the fear of God. I want you to teach them about Joseph in Egypt and such things, and when they are four years old they will love to read their Bible. I presume there never was a family more obedient than mine. I did not have to speak to them only once. ¶

Set your children to work and try to bring them up to your comfort; don't let them play out of doors. If I can't talk to a few thousands, how can I meet millions and talk in the celestial glory? I want the young men to remember that I love children, young folks, and every body. I want them to be obedient to their parents, be good and kind, and do in secret as you would do in the presence of millions. I call you brothers and sisters and children, if you consider me a mother in Israel I want you to say so. ¶

President Young arose and said, "All who consider Mother Smith as a mother in Israel signify it by saying yes." (Loud shouts of yes) ¶

Mother Smith: My feelings have been hurt by hearing them say old Mother Smith goes; old Mother Smith. I have had my feelings hurt a great deal. I want to speak about the dead. It was eighteen years ago last 22nd of September that Joseph took the plates out of the earth, and it was eighteen years last Monday since Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Lord, commenced to bring forth this work. ¶

It was in the morning my son came to me and told me he had taken those plates out of the ground, and said all three of them, the Harrises, had taken the plates out of the ground. I want Martin Harris to assist me. I want to take off some of the character and send them to New York. I am now in my 70th year. It is eighteen years since I begun to receive this gospel of glad tidings to all people. I have got it all in a history, and I want this people to be so good and so kind as to get it printed before you go west. Martin Harris was the first person that helped Joseph about this work to get the Book of Mormon printed. ¶

When the book was printed, Samuel took some of them to sell and was turned out of doors three times. He went into Brother Green's, a Methodist preacher. Samuel said, 'Don't you want to buy a book?' He asked, "What is it?" Samuel said, "It is a Book of Mormon that my brother Joseph has translated from plates out of the ground." She asked her husband, but he would not buy. Samuel left one till he returned. He had to sell them to buy us victuals. ¶

Mother Smith spoke of hard times: Joseph went to Pennsylvania; Hyrum and Samuel had to go and work in the woods all day and then at night had to go haul the wood and get means to help Joseph to publish the book. Two of them guarded the house. Samuel's wife and others were sick, and she had twenty or thirty sick to take care of during the mobbing. She said she could take care of thirty sick then better than sit on her chair now. ¶

While William lay sick, he had a vision and saw the mob coming. She said the men came into her room after they had taken Joseph and Hyrum into their camp; there were thousands hallooing and screeching in her ears. They said they had come to kill the heads of the family. She asked if they wanted to kill her. They said yes. She said she wanted them to do their work quick, for she wanted them to be happy. They then said God damn it, these Mormons had as lief die as live. They then tied Joseph and Hyrum and sentenced them to be shot in fifteen minutes. A man came in and said, "Mother Smith, if you ever want to see Joseph again you must go now, for he is going to be shot in Jackson County." He took her by the hand and, as much as they could do, got through the crowd to the wagon. The men lifted up their swords, and she finally got to the wagon and put up her hand. He took hold of her hand and kissed it. She said, "Joseph, let me hear your voice once more." Said he, "God bless you, my poor mother." ¶

They were taken away. They were in bands and irons. All this time my son William and his wife were sick. Samuel's wife was sick, and some others, and I had them all to take care of. After that we had to move. Joseph then went to the City of Washington. It rained three days as hard as it could rain, but we had to travel and nothing to shelter us. I walked six miles in the bottom; my clothes were wet so high up I could scarcely walk. When we got to the Quincy River it snowed, it rained, it hailed. We lay on the cold snow and a blanket over us and took off our wet stockings and did the best we could. In the morning the cover was frozen stiff. We could not make a fire for the snow. ¶

Joseph then went to the City of Washington, as he had a revelation to importune at the Governor's feet, and the President's feet, and the Lord said if they would not heed him, he would vex the nation. When he got home he preached down between our dwellings and the Mansion House. He told the brethren and sisters that he had done all he could for them, saying, "They are determined we shall not have justice while we stay in Nauvoo." But, said he, keep good courage, you shall never suffer for bread as you have done before. These cases are recorded on earth, and what is recorded here is recorded in heaven. Now, says he, I am going to lay this case of their taking away our property, &c., I am going to take it up before the highest court in heaven. He repeated it three times. Little did I think he was going to leave us so soon to take this case to heaven. We never could get justice till he took it there. ¶

The Lord has got even the Marshall there. They know all our sufferings. Don't you think our case is being tried? I think they will do more for us there than they could if they were here. I feel that if every soul would stay at home they would be blessed. I feel as though God is vexing the nation a little here and there, and I feel that the Lord will let Brother Brigham take the people away. I don't know as I shall go, but if the rest of my family go I will go, and I pray that the Lord may bless the heads of the Church, Brother Brigham and all of you, and when I go to another world I want to meet you all. Here lays my dead, my husband and children. I want to lay my bones here so that in the resurrection I can raise with my husband and children, if so be that my children go. And I want to God that all my children would go. They will not go without me, and if I go I want to have my bones fetched back to be laid with my husband and children. ¶

President Young then said he wanted to relate to the congregation some of the last closing remarks of Mother Smith, inasmuch as but few heard her. Mother Smith proposes a thing that rejoices my heart: she will go with us. I can answer for the authorities of the Church. We want her and her children to go with us, and I pledge myself in behalf of the authorities of the Church that while we have anything they shall share with us. We have extended the helping hand to Mother Smith. She has the best carriage in the city while she lives, and she shall ride in it when she pleases. When William came here we furnished him a span of horses and carriage and a house, and Brother Kimball became responsible for the rent of it. He has run away in a time of trouble, but I suppose he will come back when it is peace and we mean to have him with us yet. (Mother Smith here interrupted Presidt. Young but inaudible to the reporter) ¶

Presidt. Young said Mother Smith has been relating over the circumstances of her pecuniary life of late. She is perfectly satisfied and all is right. He could have wished that the Bishops would have gone and seen her oftener than they have. "I will say in the name of the latter day Saints we will supply her wants and I want the People to take anything they have for her to her and let her do with it what she pleases." ¶

I have never asked her to go because she told me she would not. But now she has offered to go. Mother Smith proposes that she will go with us if we will promise to bring back her bones in case of her death and deposit them with her husband's. ¶

I propose that we as a people shall pledge ourselves that if she do go with us and die we will bring her bones back and lay them by the side of her husband according to her wishes (unanimous vote) ¶

October 8, Afternoon Session

Base text: Thomas Bullock booklet #6. Parallel witness: William Clayton minutes. ¶

Conference, Wednesday afternoon, 2 P.M., Oct. 8, 1845. ¶

Present: Father John Smith, G. A. Smith, B. Young, H. C. Kimball, N. K. Whitney, John Taylor, A. Lyman. ¶

Meeting called to order by President Joseph Young, and the choir sung "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." Elder John Taylor offered up prayer. Choir sung an hymn. ¶

Elder John Taylor: There is one piece of business for me to bring before this conference, and that is the printing press. As we have done preaching, so we have done printing to the people, and let them do their own business. It has been thought best to publish the conference minutes and let that finish the subject; but I have thought it best to continue the Times and Seasons, and so to give the news. Many have paid for their papers and many are anxious about doctrinal matters. Some have got the T. & S. and are anxious to have the same completed. The world don't want to know anything about us, or we know anything about them. I am tired of reading news. It is [all] that we see is villainy, corruption, and deceit, and I shall be glad to get to a place where we can be in peace. ¶

I am at all times subject to counsel in all matters in regard to the Neighbor. I am willing to give obligations for 3 or 4 for every $1 that is against me. No man can say I have asked him for a favor. There is $100 due owing to me for it. I am willing to publish the T. & S. till the end of the year. ¶

H. C. Kimball moved that we discontinue the Neighbor after one number, and the T. & S. continue until the volume is filled up from time to time. ¶

The next business is to appoint committees to sell lots, houses, &c., that they can be represented for sale to all quorums: H. P., 70's, Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, members. ¶

Committee for Nauvoo: Winslow Farr, Edward Hunter, Rufus Beach, Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heywood, John [Benbow], Daniel Russell. For La Harpe: Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, John Clark, John L. Bartholoff. For Macedonia: Andrew H. Perkins, William G. Perkins, Isaac Clark. For Camp Creek: Lucius N. Scovill. For Bear Creek: Nelson Higgins, Samuel Shepherd, Daniel A. Miller. For Hamilton Settlement: Sidney A. Knowlton, Ebenezer Brown, James Rawlins. For Highland Branch: James Duncan, William A. Duncan, John Loveless. For Monticello: Eleazer Miller, John [Sorge?] Sturgis. For Lee County: Solomon Hancock, Horace Rawson. For Iowa: all to be a committee. ¶

H. C. Kimball: Another piece of business is to have some school books printed for our children to be instructed in, in [regular/equitable] order. ¶

W. W. Phelps: As a people we shall be approaching a legion, and we shall not be reproached as being backward in instruction. In 1830 I was sent to [embrace?] books for the instruction of our children. The first commandment with promise: "Honor thy father," to instruct the children, for they are as the Israel of old, and if our children don't take this thing clean off to all the world, we want that instruction gathered and compiled into a book. ¶

Moved and seconded that W. W. Phelps write some school books for the use of children. Carried. ¶

H. C. Kimball: We would ask the single men that have not got business to go with, we want them to leave their names in this conference. ¶

H. C. Kimball: The next item is whether or not there shall be a general settlement with the Trustees. If we are the Lord's, to obey him, we want to know if it is wisdom to take such a course or not. ¶

B. Young: There are some of the L.D.S. believe that the Twelve are supported out of the funds. I don't want to leave this place with the idea that I have had $100 off of the fund. I am willing to have a settlement. I get my living by the providence of the Almighty and good men. Have men who have done the most have the nearest square. I want the Twelve to settle with the [Temple] Committee. ¶

H. C. Kimball motioned that the Twelve, Temple Committee, and all others settle with the Trustees, and the Trustees all settle with themselves. Carried. ¶

All persons that have wherewith to do will settle, or they will not have any endowment in this house. Joseph said, "He would stand in this Temple with a book; you will not see him, but you will see some of his successors stand in this house with the book." ¶

G. A. Smith: The next item is of very great importance. There has been more powder and ball wanted within the last two weeks, than would supply all the people with meat for three months. I suppose there will be no more firing. If an enemy is in sight of you, you have time enough to load and fire. I want the powder and lead saved; then you get your gun and ammunitions and converse with God. I motion that this conference cut off every man that fires off his gun, save your powder easy and cool. ¶

Seconded, carried. ¶

H. C. Kimball: President Young has offered all his means in your hearing. There are many instances in which cattle have been shot. John Benbow has had 15 cattle wounded. If people's cattle [plague] me, I turn them; no man can swear that I shot other persons' cattle. It is moved and seconded that all persons that have been guilty, or may be hereafter, of shooting cattle shall be cut off. Carried. ¶

It was moved and seconded that all who will not take care of their cattle shall be cut off. Carried. ¶

B. Young: I have a little corn and it may all go before I will have revenge. I am for heaping goodly [coals] upon [their] heads. I changed the order not to let the cattle get into the gardens of the widows. I will stand between them and some one on the Fridays. I have given 5 half eagles to bring her back again, and she was so gentle that my children could sit under her and between her horns. I can tell you one infernal unruly cow, that Bishop Whitney's, takes care of your cattle and [keeps] them with your own places. ¶

In the city they have decided that we shall not have any more lawsuits. Judge [Purrlee?] has agreed to hold no more courts, and those going to collect to give assistance to the poor and the widows out of resource. If they have a mind to bestow any thing, let them give it to the Trustees and do not cast by them. They will take all horses and cattle and offer them [to] us, and I will tell you what it will be: a stink offering. ¶

William Clayton read a letter from Major Warren respecting the arrest of Smith for felony yesterday. ¶

Moved and seconded that this conference adjourn until 6 April next. Carried. ¶

Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Elder John Taylor. ¶

Collation notes

• Bullock/Bolton is the base witness for October 6-7 because its catalog leaves are session-specific and the first image gives a clear chronological opening for the conference.
• William Clayton is retained as a control witness because the catalog description says it covers morning and afternoon sessions for October 6 and October 7, and user context indicates Clayton covers all sessions but has damage.
• Thomas Bullock booklet #6 begins with October 8 General Conference material and then continues to later non-conference meetings. Only the October 8 General Conference portion belongs in this file.
• Canceled text, interlineations, and unclear supplied readings should remain visible using bracketed notes. Do not silently harmonize witnesses.