Phelps replaced Emmons as a councilor pro tempore at the previous city council meeting. (See Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 16 Dec. 1843, 194.)
According to JS’s journal, which Willard Richards kept in addition to these minutes, JS remained “till. 2 P M.” (JS, Journal, 21 Dec. 1843, in JSP, J3:149.)
The city council met again for a special session on 29 December 1843. The next regular city council session took place on 13 January 1844. (Nauvoo City Council Rough Minute Book, 29 Dec. 1843, 30; 13 Jan. 1844, 41; see also Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 29 Dec. 1843, 199; 13 Jan. 1844, 200.)