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 .
<April 6> Moved by elder Ward, and seconded by elder Charles Miller, that elder John Banks be ordained to the office of high priest, to preside over the Conference, Carried.
Elder said the Conference was at present in a good state, the officers united, and the Saints generally rejoicing in the truth.
Elder James Galley spoke on the condition of the Macclesfield Conference, stating, that while some of the Saints were not in a good condition, yet they had many that were— that there was so much false religion in the neighborhood, that the principles of truth were hard to be received, while the people generally were in much slavery to the landowners, and dare not open their doors for preaching; yet, notwithstanding all things, he still considered they had a good prospect of success, as the officers and saints generally, were determined to be united in rolling onward the work of the Lord.
Elder Crook stated, that in the Birmingham Conference they had much union and love— that by the experience and discipline, and a little whipping now and then, he had learned what weapon to use in the service of the Lord, in order to be successful, and that was the first principles; for those he found to be irresistible.
Moved by elder T. Smith, seconded by elder Crook, that Catthorpe, Leamington, and Stratford-upon-Avon, now included in the Birmingham Conference, be transferred to the Worcestershire Conference. Carried.
Moved by elder Ward, and voted, that the branches of Wooden Box, Dunstall, <Branstone>, Barton, and Colebille be organized into a Conference, to be called the Derbyshire Conference; and that elder William Cooper Royle preside over the same.
<also voted, that Elder Crook be ordained to the office of high priest, to preside over the Birmingham Conference.>
also moved by elder Ward, and voted, that the branches of Beaufort, Rummy, Tredagar, Merthyr Tydvil, and Aberdare be organized into a Conference, to be called the Merthyr TydvilConference: and that elder William Henshaw preside over the same.
<7.> Sunday <morning> 7. The meeting being opened by singing, and prayer by elder Ward, the business of considering the state of the various Conferences was resumed.
Elder George P. Waugh remarked upon the condition of the Edinburgh Conference, that it was much better than it had been, but that a change of laborers would be of especial benefit.
Elder Ward remarked, that were the officers of the church of one heart and of one mind, their ministry would be effectual whether they were assisted by foreign aid or not— that success could never be expected while individuals were seeking the gratification of their own private feelings.
spoke on the evil of ordaining officers to sit in Council merely, and exhorted the presiding elders to select only such as had the opportunity of laboring and becoming [p. 2004]