History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. C-1, created 24 Feb. 1845–3 July 1845; handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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,
Franklin D. Richards
2 Apr. 1821–9 Dec. 1899. Carpenter, businessman, newspaper editor. Born at Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Phinehas Richards and Wealthy Dewey. Raised Congregationalist. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Phinehas ...
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, Jonathan Grimshaw, and
Leo Hawkins
19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...
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; 512 pages, plus 24 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the third volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This third volume covers the period from 2 Nov. 1838 to 31 July 1842; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, D-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

This document, “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842],” is the third of six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church” (in The Joseph Smith Papers the “Manuscript History” bears the editorial title “History, 1838–1856”). The completed six-volume collection covers the period from 23 December 1805 to 8 August 1844. The narrative in this volume commences on 2 November 1838 with JS and other church leaders being held prisoner by the “
Governor
14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...
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’s forces” at
Far West
Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...
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, Missouri, and concludes with the death of Bishop
Vinson Knight
14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...
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at
Nauvoo
Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....
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, Illinois, on 31 July 1842. For a more complete discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to this history.

Volume C-1 was created beginning on or just after 24 February 1845 and its narrative was completed by 3 May 1845, although some additional work continued on the volume through 3 July of that year (Richards, Journal, 24 and 28 Feb. 1845; Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 May 1845; 3 and 4 July 1845). It is in the handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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and contains 512 pages of primary text, plus 24 pages of addenda. Additional addenda for this volume were created at a later date as a supplementary document and appear in this collection as “History, 1838-1856, volume C-1 Addenda.” Compilers
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and Thomas Bullock drew heavily from JS’s letters, discourses, and diary entries; meeting minutes; church and other periodicals and journals; and reminiscences, recollections, and letters of church members and other contacts. At JS’s behest, Richards maintained the first-person, chronological-narrative format established in previous volumes, as if JS were the author.
Brigham Young
1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...
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,
Heber C. Kimball
14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...
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,
George A. Smith
26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...
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, and others reviewed and modified the manuscript prior to its eventual publication in the Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News.

The historical narrative recorded in volume C-1 continued the account of JS’s life as prophet and president of the church. Critical events occurring within the forty-five-month period covered by this text include the
Missouri
Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...
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Mormon War; subsequent legal trials of church leaders; expulsion of the Saints from Missouri; missionary efforts in
England
Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...
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by the
Twelve
Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...
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and others; attempts by JS to obtain federal redress for the Missouri depredations; publication of the LDS Millennial Star in England; the migration of English converts to
America
North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...
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; missionary efforts in other nations; the death of church patriarch
Joseph Smith Sr.
12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...
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; the establishment of the
Nauvoo
Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....
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city charter; the commencement of construction of the Nauvoo
temple
Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...
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; the
Wisconsin “pinery”
Also known as the “pinery.” Collective term for regions in Wisconsin where lumbering operations were located, especially along Black, Chippewa, St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Wolf rivers. Latter-day Saints established lumber camps and mills on Black River to provide...
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expedition that facilitated temple construction; the introduction of the doctrine of proxy baptism for deceased persons; the dedicatory prayer by
Orson Hyde
8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...
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on the Mount of Olives in Palestine; publication of the “Book of Abraham” in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons; publication of the JS history often referred to as the “Wentworth letter;” the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo; and the inception of Nauvoo-era temple endowment ceremonies.

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<August 4> to Europe, without either purse or scrip &c the Sacrament was administered a spirit of humility and harmony prevailed, and the Church passed a resolution that the Twelve proceed as soon as possible, and that they would provide for their families during their absence—

5 August 1839 • Monday

<5> Monday 5

“, Hancock County Illinois 5th. August 1839 Dear Sir I have been requested to write you on behalf of the “Twelve” who are just on the eve of their departure for England, and [HC 4:5] inform you, that “this thing” which you have thought proper to write as a revelation to “The Church in Alston, and the branches round about,” to which you yourself ministered has “already come to the knowledge of the Churches” both here and elsewhere, and lest you should have any doubt concerning the fact, we send you a copy of your revelation to that Church. I am Sir— with all due respect— Yours truly Revelation <P.S.> Isaiah L c. 10 & 11 verses In my own behalf I wish to state, that I sincerely wish, that it may soon come to pass, that you Sir, and all our friends at , may perceive that you are walking in the light of a fire and sparks that you have yourselves kindled; and that you may turn round; and fear the Lord, obey the voice of his servant, and thereby escape the sentence “ye shall lie down in sorrow”— “” “To Mr. Isaac Russell. Mo.”

9 August 1839 • Friday

<9 Conference Minutes > Friday 9. A Conference was held at Brother Caleb Bennett— Monmouth County, New Jersey— Elder presiding— The and Brooklyn branches were represented by the president in good fellowship. There were represented at this Conference the following branches by Elder Ball, Shrewsbury, New Jersey, numbering 20 Members; Montage 3. Minissink, New Hampshire 2. 8. Holliston Massachusetts 16; Elder Dunham represented Hamilton, Madison County 46. Samuel James, Leechburgh, Pennsylvania 40.

11 August 1839 • Sunday

<11> Sunday 11. I attended meeting in the forenoon and heard a Sermon by — in the afternoon there was one baptized, and four confirmed, namely, [HC 4:6] Brother Hibbard, his Wife, little Son and daughter and administered the Sacrament— This week I chiefly spent, in visiting the Sick, sickness much decreased.

18 August 1839 • Sunday

<18> Sunday 18. Rode out in the forenoon. preached on the order and plan of creation, and three were baptized. P.M. Three confirmed and one ordained an Elder. This week I spent chiefly among the sick — — The Church made a purchase of Eighty acres from for four thousand dollars, lying directly north of the Hugh White purchase.

25 August 1839 • Sunday

<25> Sunday 25. I attended meeting— Sickness decreasing.

29 August 1839 • Thursday

<29 left for England—> Thursday 29. Elders , and family; , and started on their mission to England, in their own two horse carriage, their route lying through , Indiana, and to the Capital of about five hundred and eighty miles distant— situated at the head of Lake Erie—

31 August 1839 • Saturday

<31> Saturday 31. The work is spreading in England went to the Staffordshire Potteries this day, and Presidents and , were visiting [p. 965]

August 4 to Europe, without either purse or scrip &c the Sacrament was administered a spirit of humility and harmony prevailed, and the Church passed a resolution that the Twelve proceed as soon as possible, and that they would provide for their families during their absence—

5 August 1839 • Monday

5 Monday 5

“, Hancock County Illinois 5th. August 1839 Dear Sir I have been requested to write you on behalf of the “Twelve” who are just on the eve of their departure for England, and [HC 4:5] inform you, that “this thing” which you have thought proper to write as a revelation to “The Church in Alston, and the branches round about,” to which you yourself ministered has “already come to the knowledge of the Churches” both here and elsewhere, and lest you should have any doubt concerning the fact, we send you a copy of your revelation to that Church. I am Sir— with all due respect— Yours truly Revelation P.S. Isaiah L c. 10 & 11 verses In my own behalf I wish to state, that I sincerely wish, that it may soon come to pass, that you Sir, and all our friends at , may perceive that you are walking in the light of a fire and sparks that you have yourselves kindled; and that you may turn round; and fear the Lord, obey the voice of his servant, and thereby escape the sentence “ye shall lie down in sorrow”— “” “To Mr. Isaac Russell. Mo.”

9 August 1839 • Friday

9 Conference Minutes Friday 9. A Conference was held at Brother Caleb Bennett— Monmouth County, New Jersey— Elder presiding— The and Brooklyn branches were represented by the president in good fellowship. There were represented at this Conference the following branches by Elder Ball, Shrewsbury, New Jersey, numbering 20 Members; Montage 3. Minissink, New Hampshire 2. 8. Holliston Massachusetts 16; Elder Dunham represented Hamilton, Madison County 46. Samuel James, Leechburgh, Pennsylvania 40.

11 August 1839 • Sunday

11 Sunday 11. I attended meeting in the forenoon and heard a Sermon by — in the afternoon there was one baptized, and four confirmed, namely, [HC 4:6] Brother Hibbard, his Wife, little Son and daughter and administered the Sacrament— This week I chiefly spent, in visiting the Sick, sickness much decreased.

18 August 1839 • Sunday

18 Sunday 18. Rode out in the forenoon. preached on the order and plan of creation, and three were baptized. P.M. Three confirmed and one ordained an Elder. This week I spent chiefly among the sick — — The Church made a purchase of Eighty acres from for four thousand dollars, lying directly north of the Hugh White purchase.

25 August 1839 • Sunday

25 Sunday 25. I attended meeting— Sickness decreasing.

29 August 1839 • Thursday

29 left for England— Thursday 29. Elders , and family; , and started on their mission to England, in their own two horse carriage, their route lying through , Indiana, and to the Capital of about five hundred and eighty miles distant— situated at the head of Lake Erie—

31 August 1839 • Saturday

31 Saturday 31. The work is spreading in England went to the Staffordshire Potteries this day, and Presidents and , were visiting [p. 965]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]
ID #
7513
Total Pages
562
Handwriting on This Page
- Thomas Bullock
Footnotes
1. 344
  See 5 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
2. 345
  James Mullholland to Isaac Russell, 5 Aug. 1839, in JS Letterbook 2, p. 69.
  
  JS Letterbook 2 / Smith, Joseph. “Copies of Letters, &c. &c.,” 1839–1843. Joseph Smith Collection, 1827–1846. CHL. MS 155, box 2, fd. 2.
3. 346
  See 9 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
4. 347
  “Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, Jan. 1840, 1:44.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
5. 348
  See 11 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
6. 349
  JS, Journal, 11–17 Aug. 1839.
7. 350
  See 18 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
8. 351
  JS, Journal, 18–24 Aug. 1839.
9. 352
  See 25 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
10. 353
  JS, Journal, 25–31 Aug. 1839.
11. 354
  See 29 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.
12. 355
  See 31 Aug. 1839 entry in History Draft.