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Letter to John C. Bennett, 8 August 1840
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of this generation or securing you the riches of the world yet, by so doing you may rely on the approval of Jehovah “That blessing which maketh rich and addeth not sorrow”
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. Our principal location is at this place, Nauvoo (formerly Commerce 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 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 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]
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 ...
More InfoPrincipal 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...
More InfoLocated 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...
More InfoArea 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 ...
More InfoPrincipal 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...
More InfoJS, letter, Nauvoo, IL, to John C. Bennett, Fairfield, IL, 8 Aug. 1840; handwriting of Howard Coray; in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 176–178; JS Collection, CHL.
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...
More Info3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...
View Full Bio6 May 1817–16 Jan. 1908. Bookkeeper, clerk, teacher, farmer. Born in Dansville, Steuben Co., New York. Son of Silas Coray and Mary Stephens. Moved to Providence, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, ca. 1827; to Williams, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania, by 1830; and...
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