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 8> Commercial and agricultural pursuits, but like all other places on the , is sickly in Summer, the number of inhabitants is nearly three thousand and is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain, there is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the , if not in the Western World, numbers have moved in from the Sea board, and a few from the Islands of the Sea (Great Britain). It is our intention to commence the erection of some public buildings next Spring— We have purchased twenty thousand acres of land in the opposite this place which is fast filling up with our people— I desire all the Saints as well as all lovers of the truth and correct principles to come to this place as fast as possible, or their circumstances will permit; and endeavor by energy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and <par>take of the poverty of freely. I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come as early as possible believing you will be of great service to us, however you must make arrangements according to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to come here this Season to suffer affliction with the people of God, no one will be more pleased or give you a more cordial welcome than myself. A Charter has been obtained from the Legislature for a Rail road from , being immediately below the rapids of the , to this place, a distance of about Twenty miles which if carried into operation will be of incalculable advantage to this place, as Steam Boats can only ascend the rapids at a high stage of Water. The soil is good and I should think not inferior to any in the . Crops are abundant in this section of Country, and I think provisions will be reasonable. I should be very happy could I make arrangements to meet you in at the time you mention but cannot promise myself that pleasure; if I should not, probably you can make it convenient to come and pay us a visit here, prior to your removal. is very sick, and has been for nearly twelve months with the fever and ague which disease is very prevalent here at this time: at present he is not able to leave his room. Yours &c Joseph Smith Jr. To M.D. P.S. yours of the 30th. is just received, in which I am glad to learn of your increasing desire to unite yourself with a people “that are [HC 4:178] every where spoken against” and the anxiety you feel for our welfare for which you have my best feelings, and I pray that my Heavenly Father will pour out his choisest blessings in this world and enable you by his grace to overcome the evils which are in the world, that you may secure a blissful immortality in the world that is to come. J. S. Jr.”

Soon after the July Conference at , Elder started for to fetch his family, leaving the Star in charge of assisted by Elder .

-[see Margin.]-

10 August 1840 • Monday

<1840 Augt. 10th.> Elder died in , aged 40 years, 10 months and 23 days. He was one of the first elders of the Church, and was ever ready to spread the truth, and defend the saints. He was lieutenant colonel of the Militia in , was fearless in danger, and Manifested the most pure integrity. He was much respected by his friends, and dreaded by his enemies, and he bore testimony of the truth of the gospel to his last moments.

15 August 1840 • Saturday

<15> Saturday

“Wayne Co. Ill, Augt. 15. 1840. Revd. Joseph Smith Jr. and Respected Friends— I have written you several communications to and supposing they were different places, but a brother to a Lady in your community now in this place informs me that they are one and the same. I have received no [p. 1089]

August 8 Commercial and agricultural pursuits, but like all other places on the , is sickly in Summer, the number of inhabitants is nearly three thousand and is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain, there is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the , if not in the Western World, numbers have moved in from the Sea board, and a few from the Islands of the Sea (Great Britain). It is our intention to commence the erection of some public buildings next Spring— We have purchased twenty thousand acres of land in the opposite this place which is fast filling up with our people— I desire all the Saints as well as all lovers of the truth and correct principles to come to this place as fast as possible, or their circumstances will permit; and endeavor by energy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and partake of the poverty of freely. I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come as early as possible believing you will be of great service to us, however you must make arrangements according to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to come here this Season to suffer affliction with the people of God, no one will be more pleased or give you a more cordial welcome than myself. A Charter has been obtained from the Legislature for a Rail road from , being immediately below the rapids of the , to this place, a distance of about Twenty miles which if carried into operation will be of incalculable advantage to this place, as Steam Boats can only ascend the rapids at a high stage of Water. The soil is good and I should think not inferior to any in the . Crops are abundant in this section of Country, and I think provisions will be reasonable. I should be very happy could I make arrangements to meet you in at the time you mention but cannot promise myself that pleasure; if I should not, probably you can make it convenient to come and pay us a visit here, prior to your removal. is very sick, and has been for nearly twelve months with the fever and ague which disease is very prevalent here at this time: at present he is not able to leave his room. Yours &c Joseph Smith Jr. To M.D. P.S. yours of the 30th. is just received, in which I am glad to learn of your increasing desire to unite yourself with a people “that are [HC 4:178] every where spoken against” and the anxiety you feel for our welfare for which you have my best feelings, and I pray that my Heavenly Father will pour out his choisest blessings in this world and enable you by his grace to overcome the evils which are in the world, that you may secure a blissful immortality in the world that is to come. J. S. Jr.”

Soon after the July Conference at , Elder started for to fetch his family, leaving the Star in charge of assisted by Elder .

-[see Margin.]-

10 August 1840 • Monday

1840 Augt. 10th. Elder died in , aged 40 years, 10 months and 23 days. He was one of the first elders of the Church, and was ever ready to spread the truth, and defend the saints. He was lieutenant colonel of the Militia in , was fearless in danger, and Manifested the most pure integrity. He was much respected by his friends, and dreaded by his enemies, and he bore testimony of the truth of the gospel to his last moments.

15 August 1840 • Saturday

15 Saturday

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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. 760
  Obituary for Seymour Brunson, Times and Seasons, Sept. 1840, 1:175–176.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
2. 761
  TEXT: Written sideways in left margin.
3. 762
  See 15 Aug. 1840 entry in History Draft.
4. 763
  Letter from John C. Bennett, 15 Aug. 1840.

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

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