Letter to John C. Bennett, 8 August 1840

Through the tender mercies of our God we have  escaped the hands of those who sought our overthrow  and have secured locations in this state and in the  Territory of Iowa

Area originally part of Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in ...

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. Our principal location is at this  place, Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, LDS church purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas. Served as church headquarters, 1839...

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(formerly Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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which is beauti fully situated— on the banks of the Mississippi, imme diately above the lower rapids and is probably the best &  most beautiful site for a city on the River—. It has  a gradual ascent from the river nearly a mile, then  a fine level & fertile Prairie, a situation in every respect  adapted to commercial & agricultural purposes; but  like all other places on the river, is Sickly in summer,  The number of inhabitants are nearly three thousand &  a is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain there  is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest  cities on the river if not in the western world, numbers  have moved in from the Sea board and a few from  the Islands of the sea (Grt. Britain). It is our inten tion to commence the erection of some publick buildings  next spring. We have purchased twenty thousand  acres of land in the Iowa Territory

Area originally part of Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in ...

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opposite this place  which is fast filling up with our people. It I is my desire  that all the Saints as well as all lovers of truth & correct  principles to come to this place as fast as possible  as their circumstances will permit and endeavor by en ergy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to  effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore  my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and  take of the poverty of Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, LDS church purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas. Served as church headquarters, 1839...

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freely. I should be  disposed to give you a special invitation to come  as early as possible believing you will be of great service  to us, however you must make arrangements according  to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to  come here this season to suffer affliction with the people  of God no one will be more pleased or give you a  more cordial welcome than myself [p. 177]