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.
<September 23> brethren generally very willing and anxious to do all in their power to assist the Church in the great and glorious cause that we have engaged in respecting the printing of the several books in contemplation ; but I am sorry to say I found them destitute of the means to relieve our present necessity. However we have succeeded in obtaining several notes of hand from [HC 4:199] different brethren in the State of to the amount of about eighty three dollars which will come due on the first day of October next and we have handed them over to to be delivered to Joseph Smith Junr. for Collection. We expect will arrive with them at the time they become due. We have obtained some money which we have paid over to Brother we have also given our obligations as Agents for the Church to Shepherd and Stearns to the amount of three hundred dollars, two hundred of which becomes due on the twenty sixth day of November next, and the other one hundred on the twenty sixth day of December next, beingthe amount due Shepherd and Stearns for the Stereotype Plates. We have taken up the bond that brother Brown gave for the Waggon or Carriage which he let Joseph Smith Junr. have, and we have succeeded in procuring a horse and harness to put along side of the other horse to make it easier for him. We got said horse and harness by contribution from the brethren at and West Milton, Ohio. Brother (we think) has been very economical, diligent, and persevering and successful in the business whereunto he was sent. He has gained the confidence of the gentlemen with whom he has been transacting business in the City and has done honor to the cause of Christ and his Church of Latter Day Saints. We can further say to you, brethren, We think the course he has taken and our united exertions with him has established the Credit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in this place, (I mean as to business transactions) to that extent that we can obtain any amount of Paper, Type and other materials requisite to carry on the printing business to a large extent, and upon terms that will warrant us success. We therefore shall go on with renewed courage and zeal trusting in the Lord to prepare the way before us, and we feel to ask your prayers that God may peradventure expand the minds of the Saints abroad, that they may be able to comprehend the magnitude of the work, — — — — we so much desire to accomplish, which, in all probability, will induce them to donate with alacrity. Brother is preaching with the manifestations of the Spirit, and power in this place, and with considerable success. We think when leaves the City of the inhabitants thereof will be left without excuse for not receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his garments clear from their blood in the day of Judgment. Accept our love and best wishes. Yours in the bonds of the new and Everlasting Covenant— — .” [HC 4:200] [p. 1100]