Letter to Quorum of the Twelve, 15 December 1840, Extract, as Published in Times and Seasons
Source Note
JS, Letter, [, Hancock Co., IL], to the Quorum of the Twelve, , 15 Dec. 1840. Extract published in Times and Seasons, 1 Jan. 1841, 2:258–261. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.
much as this place has been appointed for the of the Saints, it is necessary that, it should be attended to in the order that the Lord intends it should—to this end I would say, that as there are great numbers of the Saints in who are extremely poor and not accustomed to the farming business, who must have certain preparations made for them before they can support themselves in this , therefore, to prevent confusion and disappointment when they arrive here, let those men who are accustomed to making machinery, and those who can command a capital, though it be small, come here as soon as convenient, and put up machinery and make such other preparations as may be necessary, so that when the poor come on they may have employment to come to. This place has advantages for manufacturing and commercial purposes, which, but very few can boast of; and by establishing cotton factories, founderies, potteries, &c. &c., would be the means of bringing in wealth and raising it to a very important elevation. I need not occupy more space on this subject, as its reasonableness must be obvious to every mind. In my former epistle, I told you my mind respecting the printing of the Book of Mormon, Hymn Book &c. I have been favored by receiving a Hymn Book from you, and as far as I have examined it, I highly approve of it, and think it to be a very valuable collection. I am informed that the Book of Mormon is likewise printed, which I am glad to hear, and should be pleased to hear that it was printed in all the different languages of the earth.
You can use your own pleasure respecting the printing the Doctrine and Covenants: if there is a great demand for them I have no objections, but would rather encourage it. I can say, that as far as I have been made acquainted with your movements, I am perfectly satisfied that they have been in wisdom; and I have no doubt, but that the spirit of the Lord has directed you, and this proves to my mind that you have been humble, and your desires have been for the salvation of your fellow man, and not your own aggrandizement and selfish interests: as long as the Saints manifest such a disposition, their councils will be approved of, and their exertions crowned with success. There are many things of much importance on which you ask council, but which I think you will be perfectly able to decide upon, as you are more conversant with the peculiar circumstances than I am; and I feel great confidence in your united wisdom, therefore, you will excuse me for not entering into detail: if I should see any thing that was wrong, I should take the privilege of making known my mind to you, and pointing out the evil.
If Elder should wish to remain in some time longer than the rest of the , he will feel himself at liberty to do so, as his family are with him, consequently his circumstances are somewhat different from the rest; and likewise it is necessary that some one should remain, who is conversant with the rules and regulations of the , and continue the paper which is published; consequently, taking all these things into consideration, I would not press it upon to return in the spring.
I am happy to inform you that we are prospering in this place, and that the Saints are more healthy than formerly: and from the decrease of sickness this season, when compared with the last, I am led to the conclusion that this must eventually become a healthy place.
There are, at present, about 3,000 inhabitants in , and numbers are flocking in daily. Several have been set off in different parts of the , which are in prospering circumstances. Provisions are much [l]ower than when you left—Flour is worth about $4 per barrel. Corn and potatoes about 25 cents per bushel, and other things in proportion. There has been a very plentiful harvest throughout the .
You will observe by the Times and Seasons that we are about building a , for the worship of our God, in this place: preparations are now making; every tenth day is devoted by the brethren for quarrying rock, &c. We have secured one of the most lovely situations for it, that there is in this region of country; it is expected to be considerably larger than the in [p. 259]