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 .
<October 3> Resolved 2d.. General Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a Prophet at the head of the church; a General at the head of the Legion, a Mayor at the head of the city Council; or as a Landlord at the head of his table, <if> he has few equals and <he has> no superior.
Resolved 3d. the great Emporium of the West, the centre of all centres, a city of three years growth— a population of 15.000 souls, congregated from the four quarters of the globe, embracing all the intelligence of all nations, with industry, frugality, economy, virtue, and brotherly love; unsurpassed in any age of the world— a suitable home for the Saints.
Resolved 4th. Legion, a well disciplined and faithful band of invincibles; ready at all times to defend their country with this motto, “Vive la Republique”
Resolved 5th. Charter, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, an unalterable decree by a patriotic band of wise legislators for the protection of the Saints <Innocent>
Resolved 6th. Governor of : fearless and [HC 6:42] faithful in the discharge of all official duties, long may he live and blessings attend his administration.
Col. was then called to the stand, who addressed the audience in a very spirited and appropriate manner for the day. Professor was then called, who arose, and in his usual easy eloquent manner highly entertained the Company, for near half an hour.—
Next called was Elder who alone was capable of putting on the top stone of the entertainment; his address was highly interesting, combining, like a Lacon, a volume in every gesture.
Gen. Smith then arose and in a very touching and suitable manner, tendered his thanks to the company, for the encomiums and honors conferred on him. He recited the many woes through which he had passed, the persecutions he had suffered, and the love he had for the brethren and citizens of . He tendered his gratitude for the pleasing prospects that surrounded him, to the great giver of all good. He said he thought; that his case was similar to that of old Jobs; that after he had suffered and drank the very dregs of affliction the Lord had remembered him in mercy and was about to bless him abundantly.
After he had done, Mrs. presented her thanks, through the chair, to the company present; after which a motion was made and carried to adjourn, whereupon the company was <were> called to their feet; benediction by , and the party retired with the most perfect satisfaction, and good humour. as <was> ever witnessed on such occasions.
, Chairman.”
In the evening Mr and were married at the . I solemnized the marriage in presence of a select party.
<4> I extract the following from the Neighbor of this date:—
“Anti-Mormonism. With respect to the meeting, I take upon myself to deny the charges in toto, and challenge them to the proof. If we harbor horse-thieves among us, as is basely asserted, let the man that has lost his horse publish his name and the name of the villian, or how he knows him to be a Mormon, and [p. 1744]