JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. E-1, created 20 Aug. 1855–5 Apr. 1856; handwriting of Robert L. Campbell, , and Jonathan Grimshaw; 392 pages, plus 11 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the fifth volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This fifth volume covers the period from 1 July 1843 to 30 Apr. 1844; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, C-1, D-1, and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1, constitutes the fifth of six volumes documenting the life of Joseph Smith and the early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The series is also known as the Manuscript History of the Church and was originally published serially from 1842 to 1846 and 1851 to 1858 as the “History of Joseph Smith” in the Times and Seasons and Deseret News. This volume contains JS’s history from 1 July 1843 to 30 April 1844, and it was compiled in Utah Territory in the mid-1850s.
The material recorded in volume E-1 was initially compiled under the direction of church historian , who was JS’s cousin. Smith collaborated with in collecting material for the history and creating a set of draft notes that Smith dictated to Bullock and other clerks.
Robert L. Campbell, a recently returned missionary and member of the Historian’s Office staff, transcribed ’s notes into the volume along with the text of designated documents (such as letters and meeting minutes). The Church Historian’s Office journal entry for 2 May 1855 pinpoints the beginning of his work: “R. L. C. on Book D forenoon, afternoon began book E.” Campbell’s work on the volume apparently concluded on 5 April 1856; entries in the Historian’s Office journal indicate that he then moved on to other assignments while another clerk, Jonathan Grimshaw, began work on volume F-1, the last manuscript in the series. (Historian’s Office, Journal, 2 May 1855; 5 and 9 Apr. 1856.)
Volume E-1 contains 391 pages of primary text and 11 pages of addenda. The initial entry on page 1637 is a continuation of the 1 July 1843 entry that closed volume D-1. The final entry in volume E-1 is for 30 April 1844.
The 391 pages of volume E-1 document a crucial period of JS’s life and the history of the church. Important events recorded here include
• An account of JS’s 2 July 1843 meeting with several Pottawatamie chiefs.
• JS’s 4 July 1843 address regarding his recent arrest, the Legion, and Mormon voting practices.
• JS’s 12 July 1843 dictation of a revelation regarding eternal marriage, including the plurality of wives, in the presence of and .
• The 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment of and revocation of his priesthood license.
• Dispatch of the first missionaries to the Pacific Islands on 20 September 1843, led by .
• JS’s 1 October 1843 announcement of ’s appointment to a mission to Russia.
• Minutes of a 6–9 October 1843 general conference inserted under the date of 9 October at which pled his case in regard to his 13 August 1843 disfellowshipment and was permitted to continue as counselor in the First Presidency.
• Text of JS’s appeal to the Green Mountain Boys of , inserted under the date of 29 November 1843.
• A 20 January 1844 entry that includes a poem by commemorating the presentation of two copies of the Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by .
• JS’s nomination on 29 January 1844 as an independent candidate for the presidency of the .
<September 11> boys you ever saw. During the persecution in , when the mob came against , stood near me in one of the companies, and every time they formed, he ram’d down another ball into his <old musket> until he got five balls in. We are a good feeling set of men, because of the Spirit which is in us. What produces it? the impulse of the heart; we should feel the same on the desert of Arabia, or on the Islands of the sea; we feel happy wherever we are. When we ask for victuals and get turned away as we often have been, we feel just as well. The Spirit which is in me, prompts me to look forward to something better. We have a prospect of selling shares of the , and of obtaining subscriptions for the , and we feel better. Here are twelve men, and I defy all creation to bring a charge of dishonesty against them. We had to give security for the faithful performance of our duty as agents for the and : this has been heretofore unheard of in the church, I glory in it: the financial affairs of the church rest on our shoulders, and God is going to whip us into it. When men are in future called to do like , I will be one to bind them: this is a precedent. We are the only legally authorized Agents of the Church to manage affairs, give counsel to emigrants how to dispose of goods &c.
Some men come into this church through designing purposes. Mr. Cowen who lives about 30 miles above , wanted brother Joseph to make a settlement at ; several of the brethren went there and preached, and some families moved up with the intention of settling. Mr. Cowen was all love— a charming fellow, and calculated to magnetize; he is now in the Eastern Country, and going amongst the brethren, he gives one a kiss, and says he: ‘I am not a mormon, but expect to be; brother Joseph and myself are confidential friends; Can’t you lend me Five hundred dollars? I have got land, and I will give you [HC 6:28] a mortgage’. At the same time he knew quite well that his land was in a perfect swamp, and that the place was not fit for a settlement; even the Captains of Steamers could with difficulty be persuaded upon to call there either on account of goods or passengers. His name is John F. and stands five feet six inches high. There are others.
I would ask the Latter day Saints, Do you know your benefactors? do you know the source from whence you derive your knowledge? Take in the publications and periodicals of the Church; they give you intelligence of all matters pertaining to this dispensation, with revelations for the guidance of the church.
I know that men who go through the world with the truth have not much influence; but let them come with silk velvet lips and sophistry, and they will have an influence. It is your privilege to be discerners of spirits; if you don’t know me or the Twelve walk with us fifty years, and perhaps you will know us then; and if such a man as Cowen comes along, will you trust him or me? No power can hide the heart from the discerning eye. If we are ignorant, what knowledge have the rest of the people? I sit down with all my ignorance, and read people’s <hearts as I see their> faces, and they can’t help themselves. No one has [p. 1731]