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 .
<January 5> and the police sworn and questioned. The following is a synopsis of the Minutes:—
“Friday January 5th. 1844. 11. a. m, Special Session. Names of members called. Prayer by . Minutes of the last two councils read and approved. Object of the council stated by the Mayor, similar to the last Council as and had considered themselves in danger:— when he heard the report he was unwilling to believe any thing about it, from the course the thing took in the last council. But for the sake of others, he had called this Council.
As was going home night before last he was hailed by a supposed policeman with a gun, who <which> frightened him. says that a policeman had told him that and must not cross his tracks:— that Warren Smith said at another time that and were enemies to Joseph.
I have never thought [illegible] even to dream of doing anything against the peace of the Inhabitants of this . Did not know I had any enemies in this — have staid at home and heard but little— did not know there was so much evil surmising among the people My long forbearance to my enemies ought to be [HC 6:166] sufficient testimony of my peaceful disposition toward all men. It occurred to my mind that it was not fear, but got up for effect; but I do not know it. I want the Council to investigate this matter.
sworn:— testified that on Monday evening, came up and said, ‘are you aware of the danger you are in’? replied No! :— Your life is threatened— a policeman stopped me in the dark last night as I was going home I was alarmed. I supposed the threats were from that policeman, but I was mistaken. Another policeman, Warren Smith, said last Sunday that Joseph had enemies— that and were Joseph’s enemies, and if they came in his way they might be popped over. A fire was kindled in the street near my house, and I thought I was watched. told me, and a man in the east part of the town told me; and a man came from the other side of the , and told the story to that man as he said. Yesterday morning , , and met in the Street, and I told the story as before related.
Mayor:— Did ever anybody tell you I directed you to be watched?
:— No!
went for and George W. Crouse
sworn:— On Sunday 31st. Decer. last, I met Warren Smith in Crouse’s store— asked him if he knew who the Brutus was. Warren Smith said he believed was one, and another; they had better not come in his way. Did not say he would <shoot> them or endanger their life any way— Did not know whether there was any private instructions or what, believed was in danger— did not think in danger from Joseph— thought Warren Smith was under a wrong impression with regard to . Warren Smith said ‘he () had better not cross my path when I am on duty.’ I gathered the idea there was something wrong with Brother Warren Smith. Do not recollect any person present. [p. 1854]