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 8> insult to our good sense, better judgment and intelligence, when — — — — numerous affidavits, which were laid before the Committee, prove that we could only go into the State of , contrary to the exterminating order of the , and consequently at the risk of our lives. [HC 4:107] Resolved 5thly. That after repeated appeals to the constituted authorities of the State of for redress, which were in vain, we fondly hoped that in the Congress of the , ample justice would have been rendered us; and upon that consideration alone, we pledged ourselves to abide their decision. Resolved 6thly.That the Exterminating order of is a direct infraction of the Constitution of the , and of the State of ; and the Committee in refusing to investigate the proceedings of the and others of the State of , and turning a deaf ear to the Cries of Widows, orphans and innocent blood, we deem no less, than seconding the proceedings of that murderous clan, whose deeds are recorded in heaven, and justly call down upon their heads the righteous judgments of an offended God.
Resolved 7thly. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to the Citizens of the State of , for their kind liberal and generous conduct towards us: and that we call upon them, as well as every Patriot in this vast Republic, to aid us in all lawful endeavors to obtain redress for the injuries we have sustained.
Resolved 8thly. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to the delegation of , for their bold, manly, noble, and independent course, they have taken in presenting our case before the authorities of the nation, amid misrepresentation contumely and abuse, which <were heaped upon> <were heaped upon> us in our suffering condition.
Resolved 9thly. That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to of — of for their sympathy aid and protection; and to all other honorable Gentlemen who have assisted us in our endeavors to obtain redress. Resolved 10thly. That Joseph Smith Junr. and , the delegates appointed by this Church to visit the City of , to present our sufferings before the authorities of the nation, <be tendered> <be tendered> the thanks of this meeting for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged their duty; and that they be requested in behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout the world, to continue to use their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering people: and if all hopes of obtaining satisfaction for the injuries done us, be entirely blasted, that they then appeal our case to the Court of Heaven, believing that the Great Jehovah, who rules over the destiny of nations, and who notices the falling Sparrows, will undoubtedly redress our wrongs, and ere long avenge us of our adversaries. On motion resolved that the report of the Committee on the Judici[HC 4:108]ary, as well as the foregoing preamble and resolutions, be published in the Papers. On motion resolved that the Committee of three be appointed to investigate the recommendations <of> those persons — — — — — — who wish to obtain an ordination to the Ministry, and ordain such as are thought worthy, and that Elders , Wood, and compose said Committee
Resolved, that this meeting feel satisfied with the proceedings of the Presidency with regard to the sales of Town property &c and that they are requested to continue in their agency. [p. 1045]