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 .
<March 4> “I have recently mailed to you, Gen. Smith’s views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the , which were drawn forth in consequence of his friends selecting him as a candidate for the next Presidency, which he very reluctantly acquiesced in,— and it seems, would not, only to support a favorite maxim, ‘thepeoplemustgovern,’ but having once been prevailed upon to suffer his name to go abroad, as a Candidate, it is desirable to him of course, as to every patriot, that those who have brought him forward should use all honorable means to sustain him in the canvass, and if I had not felt disposed to uphold him before the people I never would have been the first to urge his nomination; and during the short space, since his name has been published, his friends have been astonished at the flood of influence; that is rolling through the Western States in his favor, and in many instances where we might have least expected it.
“I need not assert what the wisest of the wise admit without argument that Gen. Smith is the greatest statesman of the 19th. Century; then why should not the nation secure to them selves his superior talents, that they may rise higher and higher in the estimation of the crowns of the nations, and exalt themselves through his wisdom?
“Your friends here, consider your letter about the Governorship of just like ‘every man in your quarter, mere sport,’ child’s, sport for who would stoop to the play of a singlestate when the whole nation was on the board! a cheaper game? Gen. Smith says if he must be president, must be vice President,— To this his friends are agreed, agreed in everything, and in this consists our power consequently your name will [HC 6:231] appear in our next paper as our candidate for Vice President of the . You will receive our undivided support, and we expect the same in return for Gen. Smith for the Presidency, and we will go it with the rush of a whirlwind so peaceful, so gentle, that it will not be felt by the nation till the battle’s won * <*Dear , if glory, honor, force and power in righteous principles are desired by you, now is your time, you are safe in following the council of that man who holds communion with heaven.— and I assure you if you act well your part, Victory’s the prize.> look well to ‘Gen. Smiths views,’ and his letter to and comprehend him fully. say to the Herald, now is the time for your exaltation, raise your standard high sound your trumpet long and loud support Gen. Smith and myself at the next election— and when we are exalted you shall not be forgotten. Hold forth no false shadows to honest men, yet though there is but one best piece to the fatted calf, yet there are many good slices, therefore you will not forget the “Advertizer” “Niles Register” “Globe” &c. &c. Get up an Electoral ticket , , , and any state within your reach.— Open your mouth wide, and God shall fill it. Cut your quill and the ink shall flow freely,— commence at your own and stay not, only for electioneering purposes till by some— popular route you reach — and if you preach Mormonism it will help you, at every stage, tavern, Boat and Company, expose the wickedness of Martinism, in saying if ‘he is elected President he will annihilate the Mormons,’ and proclaim the sycophancy of the candidates generally,— and uphold Joseph against every aspersion and you shall triumph gloriously [p. 1903]