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 .
The mission of elder , voted in the council of the twelve in , to go to Scotland, was then laid before the conference for their acceptance, and confirmed by a unanimous vote.
Elder George Simpson remarked, the Staffordshire Conference was varied in its condition, but much better than some time ago. The influence of evil reports had been much felt by them, but he rejoiced to say that the presidents of the various branches were much united.
Elder Blakey stated, that the Garway Conference had been much disorganized, but that it was now progressing— the Conference was very extensive, and that he frequently had to walk over eighty miles to obtain the Millennial Stars!
It was moved by elder Ward, and was seconded by , that Abergavenny, now attached to this Conference, be united to the Merthyr Tydvil Conference, under the presidency of elder Henshaw.
Elder Houston stated that the Glasgow Conference was in a good condition, and the officers were united.
It was then proposed by , and seconded by elder Thomas Ward that elder James Ure be appointed to preside over the Sheffield Conference, and that he be ordained to the office of high priest. Carried unanimously.
Elder William Speakman said, in the Bradford Conference, the Saints were much united, and that the prospects generally were very cheering, although some time ago they had been under the necessity of cutting many off.
Elder remarked on the practice of cutting off the members of the church; that in many cases it was done in much too summary a manner; that the elders should bear in mind that they were to be the saviors of men and not the destroyers. He would also admonish them against the establishment of by-laws, which in many cases had been the cause of much evil, and individuals had been separated from the body of Christ for the violation of laws which the kingdom of God never recognized. He exhorted the officers to diligence in their labors, to the practice of righteousness and holiness, that they might secure the esteem of the Saints, and that their counsel might be sought after and be adhered to.
Elder Thomas Ward remarked on the position of the people of God, who, from the darkness that beclouds the religious world, had been brought into the marvellous light of the fulness of the Gospel, wherein we rejoiced, and for which the gratitude of our hearts must ever be offered; and urged the elders to measure by this reflection as a standard, the dire consequences of being separated from the church of Christ.