History Draft [21 June–8 August 1844]

Source Note

History draft; handwriting of Robert L. Campbell; docket in handwriting of
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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; 18 pages; CHL. This manuscript covers the period from 21 June 1844 to 8 August 1844.
Historical Introduction

See Introduction to History Drafts, 1844–1856.

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some correct information; they went into their closets and prayed to the Lord to open the way, whereby they might know the truth concerning it: immediately went to the post office and got letters up to the 24th of June from his ; informing him that Prests. Joseph & had delivered themselves up into the hands of their enemies to be tried, upon reading which, they were immediately satisfied that the Prophets were massacred.

wrote a letter of exhortation to the which was published in the Prophet.

Elder wrote a long letter on Mormonism which appeared in the Peoples organ of .

13 July 1844 • Saturday

Sat. 13 proposed the organization of a fishing company to help supply the with food.

& returned to Wilmington, and from thence to , where they read letters giving a particular account of the martyrdom of their brethren.

14 July 1844 • Sunday

Sab. 14 Meeting at .

preached.

proposed that the church postpone electing a Trustee, until the returned and called a special conference.

6 p, m, several councillors came to the council chamber to investigate the subject of choosing Trustees, but decided to wait until the Twelve arrived.

We extract the following from Prest. s Journal.

“Frid. 12 We held a meeting in in the evening preparatory to the to morrow.

Sat. 13 Had a good time at Conference all day; the brethren were very glad to see us, and the Lord gave us many good things to say to them. I preached to the Saints and showed the organization and establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth; that the death of one or a dozen could not destroy the , nor hinder the work of the Lord from spreading throughout all nations.

Sab. 14 Held 3 meetings, ordained 28 Elders, we enjoyed ourselves well and had an excellent conference.”

Elders and went to meeting in , they read the account given of the massacre to the , who all felt very sorrowful and agreed to dress in mourning in token of their love and respect for the [p. 11]