By “robes” and “garments,” Young was referring to the ceremonial clothing—sometimes called at this time “priestly garments”—that Latter-day Saints used during temple rituals. Prayer meetings of endowed men and women began in 1843 and had increased since the administration of ordinances began in the Nauvoo temple in December 1845. The instruction to at least temporarily stop prayer meetings and the making of ceremonial clothing reflects the urgency to prepare for the trek west. It may also reflect a decision made in council the previous day to suspend “for a time” the giving of endowments. However, according to the journal of John D. Lee, despite the exigency Young still intended “that every worthy man will recieve his endowment if not here he will have it in the wilderness.” (“The Quorum,” in the glossary; Kimball, Journal, 28 Dec. 1845 and 6 Jan. 1846; Knight, “Journal of Thomas Bullock,” 61–62; Clayton, Diary, 30 May 1847; Lee, Journal, 13 Jan. 1846, 79.)

Kimball, Heber C. Journals, 1837–1848. Heber C. Kimball, Papers, 1837–1866. CHL.

Knight, Gregory R., ed. “Journal of Thomas Bullock (1816–1885), 31 August 1845 to 5 July 1846.” BYU Studies 31, no. 1 (1991): 15–76.

Clayton, William. Diary, Jan.–Dec. 1847. CHL.

Lee, John D. Journals, 1844–1853. CHL.

The Council of Fifty record book does not contain minutes for the 18 January meeting, nor are original loose minutes extant. However, John D. Lee copied portions of the official minutes or minutes of his own making into Brigham Young’s journal for that date. (See Council of Fifty, Minutes, 18 Jan. 1846.)

William Clayton kept loose minutes for the 19 January meeting but did not enter them into the Council of Fifty record book. (See Council of Fifty, Minutes, 19 Jan. 1846.)