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 25> of you being a deathly sickly hole, and that we have <not> been able in consequence, to realize any valuable consideration from it, although we have been keeping up appearances and holding out inducements to encourage <im>migration, that we scarcely think justifiable in consequence of the mortality that almost invariably awaits those who come from far distant parts, (And that with a view to enable us to meet our engagements) And now to be goaded by you, for a breach of good faith, and neglect, and dishonorable conduct. seems to me to be almost beyond endurance. You are aware that we came from destitute of every thing but physical force, and had nothing but our energies and perserverance to rely upon to meet the payment of the extortionate sum, that you exacted for the land we had of you. Have you no feelings of commiseration? or is it your design to crush us with a ponderous load, before we are able to walk? or can you better dispose of the property, than we are doing for your interest, If so, <to> the alternative. I therefore propose in order to avoid the perplexity and annoyance that has hitherto attended the transaction, that you come and take the premises and make the best you can of it; Or stand off and give us an opportunity, that we may manage the concern, and enable ourselves by the management thereof, to meet our engagements as was originally contemplated— We have taken a city plot at (at the head of navigation for vessels of heavy tonnage) on the most advantageous terms. The proprietors waiting on us for the payment of the plot. until we can realize the money from the Sales, leaving to ourselves a large and liberal net profit. We have been making every exertion, and used all the means at our command, to lay a foundation, that will now begin to enable us to meet our pecuniary engagements, and no doubt in our minds, to the entire satisfaction of all those concerned, if they will but exercise a small degree of patience, and stay a resort to coercive measures, which would kill us in the germ even before we can (by reason of the Season) begin to bud and blossom, in order to bring forth a plentiful yield of fruit. I am with considerations of high respect, your obt. servt. Joseph Smith.” [HC 4:407]

The , to which the foregoing letters relate, includes all the Land lying North of the White Purchase to the , and thence on the South including the best Steam Boat landing— <but is the most sickly part of .>

<25> <see addenda book— page 11.> [HC 4:408]

26 August 1841 • Thursday

<26> <[see addenda book—] page 27> [HC 4:409] [HC 4:410]

27 August 1841 • Friday

<27> Friday 27. Elder died at his residence in in the 30th. year of his age, in the full hope of a glorious Resurrection. He was Associate Editor of the Times and Seasons, Colonel in the Nauvoo Legion, and had done much writing for myself and the Church. <See addenda book page 29.> [HC 4:411]

28 August 1841 • Saturday

<28> <At a Conference held in Attica, N.Y. 6 branches, 10 Elders, 7 Priests, 5 Teachers, 2 Deacons, and 146 members, were represented.>

31 August 1841 • Tuesday

<31> Tuesday 31

“At a Council of the Quorum of the Twelve <Apostles> at the house of President . , Augt. 31. 1841 for the purpose of taking into consideration the situation of the Church. It was resolved unanimously, that as we have been called upon by the voice of the Conference — — — — — — — to attend to the business of the Church, assist the Trustee in Trust in his arduous duties, attend to the settling of Emigrants &c We sensibly feel the great responsibility that is resting upon us, and will do all in our power to carry out the wishes of the Church and prove ourselves worthy of the trust reposed in us by the brethren. Resolved unanimously that so far as may be practicable we will attend to the Councilling [p. 1223]

August 25 of you being a deathly sickly hole, and that we have not been able in consequence, to realize any valuable consideration from it, although we have been keeping up appearances and holding out inducements to encourage immigration, that we scarcely think justifiable in consequence of the mortality that almost invariably awaits those who come from far distant parts, (And that with a view to enable us to meet our engagements) And now to be goaded by you, for a breach of good faith, and neglect, and dishonorable conduct. seems to me to be almost beyond endurance. You are aware that we came from destitute of every thing but physical force, and had nothing but our energies and perserverance to rely upon to meet the payment of the extortionate sum, that you exacted for the land we had of you. Have you no feelings of commiseration? or is it your design to crush us with a ponderous load, before we are able to walk? or can you better dispose of the property, than we are doing for your interest, If so, to the alternative. I therefore propose in order to avoid the perplexity and annoyance that has hitherto attended the transaction, that you come and take the premises and make the best you can of it; Or stand off and give us an opportunity, that we may manage the concern, and enable ourselves by the management thereof, to meet our engagements as was originally contemplated— We have taken a city plot at (at the head of navigation for vessels of heavy tonnage) on the most advantageous terms. The proprietors waiting on us for the payment of the plot. until we can realize the money from the Sales, leaving to ourselves a large and liberal net profit. We have been making every exertion, and used all the means at our command, to lay a foundation, that will now begin to enable us to meet our pecuniary engagements, and no doubt in our minds, to the entire satisfaction of all those concerned, if they will but exercise a small degree of patience, and stay a resort to coercive measures, which would kill us in the germ even before we can (by reason of the Season) begin to bud and blossom, in order to bring forth a plentiful yield of fruit. I am with considerations of high respect, your obt. servt. Joseph Smith.” [HC 4:407]

The , to which the foregoing letters relate, includes all the Land lying North of the White Purchase to the , and thence on the South including the best Steam Boat landing— but is the most sickly part of .

25 see addenda book— page 11. [HC 4:408]

26 August 1841 • Thursday

26 [see addenda book—] page 27 [HC 4:409] [HC 4:410]

27 August 1841 • Friday

27 Friday 27. Elder died at his residence in in the 30th. year of his age, in the full hope of a glorious Resurrection. He was Associate Editor of the Times and Seasons, Colonel in the Nauvoo Legion, and had done much writing for myself and the Church. See addenda book page 29. [HC 4:411]

28 August 1841 • Saturday

28 At a Conference held in Attica, N.Y. 6 branches, 10 Elders, 7 Priests, 5 Teachers, 2 Deacons, and 146 members, were represented.

31 August 1841 • Tuesday

31 Tuesday 31

“At a Council of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the house of President . , Augt. 31. 1841 for the purpose of taking into consideration the situation of the Church. It was resolved unanimously, that as we have been called upon by the voice of the Conference — — — — — — — to attend to the business of the Church, assist the Trustee in Trust in his arduous duties, attend to the settling of Emigrants &c We sensibly feel the great responsibility that is resting upon us, and will do all in our power to carry out the wishes of the Church and prove ourselves worthy of the trust reposed in us by the brethren. Resolved unanimously that so far as may be practicable we will attend to the Councilling [p. 1223]

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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. 1100
  See 27 Aug. 1841 entry in History Draft.
2. 1101
  “Death of Col. Robert B. Thompson,” Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1841, 2:519.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
3. 1102
  “Minutes of a Conference held in Attica,” Times and Seasons, 1 Jan. 1842, 3:651.
  
  Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
4. 1103
  See 31 Aug. 1841 entry in History Draft.
5. 1104
  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Minutes, 31 Aug. 1841.
  
  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Minutes, 1840–1844. CHL.

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

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