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 17> at Alston Cumberland, consisting of 40 members, 2 elders, 2 priests, 2 teachers, Elder represented the Church at Brampton, consisting of 30 members, 1 elder 1 priest. Elder represented the Church at Bedford consisting of 40 members 1 elder 1 priest. Elder [HC 4:117] represented the Church at Scotland, consisting of 21 members 3 elders. The meeting was then adjourned for one hour. The Conference again assembled at half past 1 o’clock, meeting opened by prayer and business commenced. Elder John Moon represented the Church at Layland Moss, consisting of 6 members 1 priest. Elder having been previously ordained into the quorum of the Twelve according to previous revelation; it was moved by and seconded by , that Elder be appointed as a Counsellor to in the place of — carried unanimous<ly>, Moved by , seconded by , that a hymn book should be published, carried. Moved and seconded that the publishing of the hymn book, shall be done by the direction of the Twelve, carried. Moved and seconded that a monthly periodical shall be published under the direction and superintendance of the Twelve; for the benefit and information of the Church, as soon as a sufficient number of subscribers shall be obtained. Carried. Moved and seconded that brother of Samsbury, be ordained to the office of a Priest— carried— Moved and seconded that brother James Corbridge of Thornley, be ordained to the office of a priest— carried. then laid before the Conference the importance and propriety of ordaining a Patriarch, to bestow Patriarchal blessings on the Fatherless &c referred to the Twelve, whose business it is to select one and ordain him according to the directions of the Spirit— After various remarks and addresses — — — — given by the Elders, and his Counsellors proceeded to ordain brothers and Corbridge to their offices as stated above. then called upon the to read over the minutes of the Conference, which being done they were received by the unanimous voice of the Conference. Moved by and seconded by elder , that this Conference be adjourned until the 6th. of July next, to be held in at 10 o’clock A.M. carried: meeting then adjourned. Prest. Clerk.
The Council met pursuant to adjournment April 16th. 1840. The number of the Quorum the same as on the 14th.— [HC 4:118] Moved by , seconded by , that Elder be chosen as the Editor of the monthly periodical for the Church. Moved by , seconded by , that a Committee of three be appointed to make a selection of Hymns— Moved by Elder , and seconded by Elder , that Elders , , and form the Committee for that purpose— Moved by Elder , seconded by Elder , that the name of the paper, or periodical be the “Latter Day Saints Millenial Star”. Moved by Elder , seconded by Elder , that the size of the paper, its plan, and price be left at [p. 1051]