Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846; Volume 1, 10 March 1844–1 March 1845

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
Page [74]
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4 April 1844 • Thursday

Editorial Note
On 4 April 1844 the council met from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the “reading Room,” probably the main room (or assembly room) in the second story of JS’s . In the morning the council was visited by eleven Potawatomi Indians who were seeking help to avoid losing their land. During the spring and summer of 1843, three delegations of Potawatomi had traveled to and asked JS and the Latter-day Saints for assistance and advice in their struggles with white Americans. As he had to these earlier groups, JS expressed his support to the eleven Potawatomis during the council meeting and encouraged them to be at peace with other American Indian nations. During the afternoon meeting JS called to serve as chairman pro tem. JS and others discussed the constitution being drafted for the council and spoke on principles of law and government.

Thursday April 4th. 1844 9 o clock A.M. Council met pursuant to adjournment Prest. Joseph Smith in the chair
The chairman introduced & to the council.
The minutes of the last meeting was read and accepted after which Prest. J. Smith arose to explain the object of the council to those who had not been previous. He also stated the principles on which the council was organized
They cheerfully conceded to the order whereupon on motion of E[lde]r they were admitted members by the unanimous vote of the council and took their seats in proper order [p. [74]]
4 April 1844 • Thursday

Editorial Note
On 4 April 1844 the council met from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the “reading Room,” probably the main room (or assembly room) in the second story of JS’s . In the morning the council was visited by eleven Potawatomi Indians who were seeking help to avoid losing their land. During the spring and summer of 1843, three delegations of Potawatomi had traveled to and asked JS and the Latter-day Saints for assistance and advice in their struggles with white Americans. As he had to these earlier groups, JS expressed his support to the eleven Potawatomis during the council meeting and encouraged them to be at peace with other American Indian nations. During the afternoon meeting JS called to serve as chairman pro tem. JS and others discussed the constitution being drafted for the council and spoke on principles of law and government.

Thursday April 4th. 1844 9 o clock A.M. Council met pursuant to adjournment Prest. Joseph Smith in the chair
The chairman introduced & to the council.
The minutes of the last meeting was read and accepted after which Prest. J. Smith arose to explain the object of the council to those who had not been previous. He also stated the principles on which the council was organized
They cheerfully conceded to the order whereupon on motion of Elder they were admitted members by the unanimous vote of the council and took their seats in proper order [p. [74]]
Page [74]