Letter from Lyman Wight and Others, 15 February 1844–B
Source Note
, , , , and , Letter, Black River Falls, Wisconsin Territory, to the First Presidency (including JS) and Quorum of the Twelve, , Hancock Co., IL, 15 Feb. 1844; handwriting of Otis Hobart; docket in handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw; four pages; JS Collection, CHL.
Having produced lumber enough to build the & — also having an influence over the Indians so as to induce them to sell their land to the , and go to a climate south west more congenial (all according to the policy of the U. S. Government) and having also become convinced that the Church at or in the Eastern States will not build the according to the commandment, neither the in a reasonable time— and that we have so far as we have made trials got means in the South, we have it in our minds to go to the table lands of to a point we may find to be the most eligible, there locate, and let it be a place of geathering for all the South (They being incumbered with that unfortunate race of beings the Negroes) and for us to employ our time and tallents in geathering together means to build according to the Commandments of our God, and spread the Gospel to the nations of according to the will of our heavenlyfather, We therefore our beloved brethren send our worthy , with a few of our thoughts, on paper, that you may take the subject matter under consideration, and return us Such instructions as may be according to the mind and will of the LordourGod.
We have thought it best to sell the mills here if you may think it expedient— We feel greatly encouraged to spend and be spent in the cause of Christ according to the will of our heavenly Father
You will therefore, after due deliberation send us by the hands of such instructions as may be the result of your deliberations. Holding ourselves ready under all circumstances in life to try to do all things whatsoever or commanded or instructed to do by those ordained to direct the officers of the Church of Jesus Christ
Subscribing ourselves yours truly while life shall endure [p. [3]]