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.
<October 19> can now spread without your being obliged to stay— another thing, there have been — — — whisperings of the Spirit that [HC 4:227] there will be some agitations, — — — — excitements and — — — — trouble in the land in which you are now laboring. I would therefore say in the mean time, be diligent, organize the churches and let every one stand in his proper place, so that those who cannot come with you in the spring, may not be left as sheep without a shepherd. I would likewise observe that inasmuch as this place has been appointed for the gathering of the Saints, it is necessary that it should be attended to in the order that the Lord intends it should— to this end I would say, that as there are great numbers of the Saints in England who are extremely poor and not accustomed to the farming business, who must have certain preparations made for them before they can support themselves in this , therefore, to prevent confusion and disappointment when they arrive here, let those men who are accustomed to make machinery, and those who can command a capital, though it be small, come here as soon as convenient, and put up machinery, and make such other preparations as may be necessary so that when the poor come on they may have employment to come to. This place has advantages for manufacturing and commercial purposes, which but very few can boast of; and <the> establishing <of> cotton factories, foundaries, Potteries &c would be the means of bringing in wealth and raising it to a very important elevation. I need not occupy more space on this subject, as its reasonableness must be obvious to every mind. In my former Epistle I told you my mind respecting — — — — the printing of the Book of Mormon, Hymn Book &c. I have been favored by receiving a Hymn Book from you, and as far <as> I have examined it, I highly approve of it, and think it to be a very valuable collection. I am informed that the Book of Mormon is likewise printed, which I am glad to hear, and should be pleased to hear that it was printed in all the different languages of the Earth. you can use your own pleasure respecting printing the Doctrine and Covenants: if there is a great demand for them I have no objections, but would rather encourage it. I can say, that as far as I have been made acquainted with your movements, I am perfectly satisfied that they have been in wisdom; and I have no doubt, but that the Spirit of the Lord has directed you, and this proves to my mind that you have been humble, and your desires have been for the salvation of your fellow man, and not your own aggrandizement and selfish interests; as long as the Saints manifest such a disposition, their counsels will be approved of, and their exertions crowned with success. There are many things of much importance on which you ask counsel, but which I think you will be perfectly able to decide upon, as you are more conversant with the peculiar circumstances than I am; and I [HC 4:228] feel great confidence in your united wisdom, therefore, you will excuse me for not entering into detail: If I should see any thing that is wrong, I should take the privilege of making known my mind to you, and pointing out the evil. If Elder should wish to remain in England some time longer than the rest of the twelve, he will feel himself at liberty to do so, as his family are with him, consequently his circumstances are somewhat different from the rest, and likewise it is necessary that some one should remain, who is conversant with the rules and regulations of the Church, and continue the paper which is published; [p. 1116]