JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. C-1, created 24 Feb. 1845–3 July 1845; handwriting of , , Jonathan Grimshaw, and ; 512 pages, plus 24 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the third volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This third volume covers the period from 2 Nov. 1838 to 31 July 1842; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, D-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction
This document, “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842],” is the third of six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church” (in The Joseph Smith Papers the “Manuscript History” bears the editorial title “History, 1838–1856”). The completed six-volume collection covers the period from 23 December 1805 to 8 August 1844. The narrative in this volume commences on 2 November 1838 with JS and other church leaders being held prisoner by the “’s forces” at , Missouri, and concludes with the death of Bishop at , Illinois, on 31 July 1842. For a more complete discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to this history.
Volume C-1 was created beginning on or just after 24 February 1845 and its narrative was completed by 3 May 1845, although some additional work continued on the volume through 3 July of that year (Richards, Journal, 24 and 28 Feb. 1845; Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 May 1845; 3 and 4 July 1845). It is in the handwriting of and contains 512 pages of primary text, plus 24 pages of addenda. Additional addenda for this volume were created at a later date as a supplementary document and appear in this collection as “History, 1838-1856, volume C-1 Addenda.” Compilers and Thomas Bullock drew heavily from JS’s letters, discourses, and diary entries; meeting minutes; church and other periodicals and journals; and reminiscences, recollections, and letters of church members and other contacts. At JS’s behest, Richards maintained the first-person, chronological-narrative format established in previous volumes, as if JS were the author. , , , and others reviewed and modified the manuscript prior to its eventual publication in the Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News.
The historical narrative recorded in volume C-1 continued the account of JS’s life as prophet and president of the church. Critical events occurring within the forty-five-month period covered by this text include the Mormon War; subsequent legal trials of church leaders; expulsion of the Saints from Missouri; missionary efforts in by the and others; attempts by JS to obtain federal redress for the Missouri depredations; publication of the LDS Millennial Star in England; the migration of English converts to ; missionary efforts in other nations; the death of church patriarch ; the establishment of the city charter; the commencement of construction of the Nauvoo ; the expedition that facilitated temple construction; the introduction of the doctrine of proxy baptism for deceased persons; the dedicatory prayer by on the Mount of Olives in Palestine; publication of the “Book of Abraham” in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons; publication of the JS history often referred to as the “Wentworth letter;” the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo; and the inception of Nauvoo-era temple endowment ceremonies.
<April 7> “Tuesday morning Conference met pursuant to adjournment— A hymn was sung by the Choir and the throne of grace was addressed by Elder . Brother case was then called up, when after — — — — — many observations, and explanations it was on motion resolved that Brother be forgiven and the hand of fellowship be continued towards him— Conference adjourned for one hour— and met pursuant to adjournment— A Hymn was sung by the Choir and prayer was made by Elder — The President called upon the to read the report of the First Presidency and High Council with regard to their proceedings in purchasing Lands and securing a place of gathering for the Saints— The report having been read, the president made some observations respecting the pecuniary affairs of the Church, and requested the brethren to step forward and assist in liquidating the debts on the Town Plot, so that the poor might have an inheritance. [HC 4:106] The President then gave an account of their mission to , the treatment they received, and the action of the Senate on the Memorial which was presented before them. The meeting then called for the reading the Memorial, and the report of the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom the same was referred, which were read.
On motion resolved that a Committee of five be appointed to draft. resolutions expressive of the sentiments of this Conference in reference to the report— On motion resolved that , , , Joseph Wood and compose said Committee and report to this Conference— Resolved that this meeting adjourn until tomorrow morning.
<The brethren found Elder , who in company with had recently built up a branch of 28 members in .>
<8> “Wednesday morning conference met pursuant to adjournment. A number were confirmed who had been baptized the previous evening. Prayer by — The Committee appointed to draft resolutions on the report of the Committee of the Judiciary were then called upon to make their report— of the Committee then read the resolutions as follows Whereas we learn with deep sorrow, regret and disappointment, that the Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the Memorial of the Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly called Mormons) complaining of the grievances suffered by them in the State of , have reported unfavorably to our cause, to justice and humanity— Therefore resolved 1st. That we consider the report of the Committee on Judiciary, unconstitutional and subversive of the rights of a free people; and justly calls for the disapprobation of all the supporters and lovers of good government and republican principles. Resolved 2ndly. That the Committee state in their report, that our Memorial aggravates the case of our oppressors, and at the same time say; that they have not examined into the truth or falsehoods of the facts mentioned in said memorial. Resolved 3rdly. That the Memorial does not aggravate the conduct of our oppressors, as every statement set forth in said Memorial, was substantiated by indubitable testimony; therefore we consider the statements of the Committee in regard to that part, as false and ungenerous. Resolved 4thly. That, that part of the Report referring us to the justice and magnanimity of the State of for redress, we deem it a great [p. 1044]