[Hosea Stout left an important record of events impacting the history of the LDS Church. He participated in some of the pivotal incidents at Nauvoo and this journal gives a record of immediate happenings after Joseph Smith was murdered and the Twelve Apostles assumed leadership of the Church. Stout was married to several women while in Nauvoo and by the time he left his wives included Louisa Taylor, Lucretia Fisher and Marinda Bennett. His first wife, Samantha Peck, had died in 1839 at Surgar Creek, Iowa, less than two years after they were married at Far West, Missouri.]
October 4 [1844]. I was ordained an Elder in the Quorum of Seventies on the night of the fourth day of October, 1844, under the hands of Benjamin L. Clapp, Samuel Brown and Henry Jacobs, presidents in the Quorum of Seventies.
October 5. Attended the Court of Inquiry and assessment of fines, which was held at the Seventies' Hall for the 5th Regiment, 2nd Cohort, Nauvoo Legion, and in the evening met with the police.
October 6, 7 and 8. Attended the General Conference on the 8th; the Eleventh Quorum of Seventies were organized at the conference and I was appointed one of the presidents of said quorum upon the nomination of President Brigham Young and was ordained to that office under the hands of Presidents Brigham Young and Amasa [Mason] Lyman.
October 9. At home until in the evening then went to the meeting of the police and at dark went to a public concert of vocal and instrumental music at the Masonic Hall, was [agreeably] entertained until about nine at night and then stood guard with Brother J. [John] D. Lee until twelve o'clock p.m.
October 10. At home until evening and then went to the meeting of the police and at dark met with the Quorum of High Priests at the request of President Brigham Young who taught on the powers and authority of the High Priests and Seventies, in relation to their jurisdiction over each other and the proper order of sending the gospel to the nations, and etc., and about half past ten came home.
October 11. At home, was unwell, at five o'clock met with the police; at dark went on guard and at twelve at night came home.
October 12. At home. At five o'clock met with the police; at dark met with the 11th Quorum of Seventies at the Seventies' Hall; the 3rd and 6th Quorums was also there. President Brigham Young attended and taught on the duties of the Seventies and High Priests as on the evening of the 10th inst. in the High Priests Quorum.
October 13. Sunday at home all day. My wife was very sick.
October 14 and 15. At home till five o'clock; then met with the police, came home at dark.
October 16. In the morning went to see a lot of 100 muskets, at the request of General [Charles Coulson] Rich, which were at Colonel [Theodore] Turley's which had just been purchased at New Orleans for the Nauvoo Legion, by Brother [Theodore] Turley, then came home and [at] five went to the police and came home at dark.
October 17. Worked for Allen Taylor; at five met police and came home an hour after dark.
October 18. At home. Was unwell with a cold. General [Jonathan] Dunham came to get a list of the names of some men who were needed at the Carthage Court; there was a melting snow falling today very fast, which covered the ground about six or seven inches deep.
October 19. At home till in the evening, went to the meeting of the Seventies. No business done.
October 20. Went to the meeting of the Seventies at their Hall. Done business; at twelve, adjourned till two and met again and proceeded to business again. In the meantime there was a request sent in from General [Charles C.] Rich for some preparations to be made for the brethren who had to go to Carthage to court in the morning, whereupon there was thirty teams raised to go and carry the brethren there and all were to await the order of the court. This was in the case against the brethren who had been bound over to the court for riot for executing the orders of the mayor to destroy the "Nauvoo Expositor" which had been declared a nuisance by the city council. After the meeting I had orders from General Rich to raise 100 minute men who were held in readiness to act as occasion required and who were wanted in the morning to go to court, which order I executed and came home about ten at night.
October 21. Early in the morning I went to the Seventies' Hall as agreed the evening before to assist in sending to Carthage according to the arrangements the day before; came home in the forenoon and settled with Jesse D. Hunter; about noon met with the police as usual and came home about nine at night.
October 22. Went down in town; stopped Allen Stout's who came home with me came by B. Jones, and brought home some corn and at five met the police as usual; came home about nine in the evening.
October 23. In the morning went to see General Rich to learn the news from Carthage. There was none received. Came home and crouted away my cabbage. Met the police as usual. Came home after dark.
October 24. In the morning heard from Carthage and went to see General Rich, who sent me to Brother [Joseph W.] Coolidge's to a council of the officers of the legion and others, in relation to affairs at Carthage. The brethren who had gone there as before related having came home the evening before, heard a letter read from the governor authorizing the Lieutenant General of the legion to call out the legion to protect the court at Carthage and suppress all mobs which might rise in Hancock County, if necessary. At that time the mob was gathering at Carthage very fast with the express purpose of depriving the brethren from having the benefits of a fair trial and also to deprive the grand jury from hearing any testimony against those who had assassinated brothers Joseph and Hyrum Smith; for they had sworn that they would murder anyone who dared to appear against them and had sought to take the life of one man, named [William W.] Daniels, who was present at the time the murder was committed and he narrowly escaped with his life to Nauvoo where he now is. [See Oaks and Hill, Carthage Conspiracy; and Roberts, Comprehensive History 2:332-34.]
It was decided by the council that the legion be put in immediate readiness for actual service and I was ordered to call out my regiment forthwith which I did. And at four o'clock p.m. at the stand reviewed it and examined the arms and equipments and made returns of the situation. It was in to General Rich at dark. From thence I went in company with General Rich to see General [George] Miller, where we held another council in relation to affairs at Carthage. We then went to Brother Coolidge's and Taylor's and some other places and learned how matters was going at Carthage. We then came back to General [George] Miller's when it was concluded to send with the deputy sheriff to court at his request, a posse of 30 men to guard the witnesses above referred to, against the violence of the mob. It was then concluded that I procure five wagons to convey the 30 men to Carthage who were to meet at Brother T. [Theodore] Turley's in the morning at sunrise. I then went in company with Brother Cyrus Daniels and engaged the wagons as was decided upon and came home about eleven o'clock at night.
October 25. I went in the morning to [Theodore] Turley's to assist in sending the 30 men to Carthage, as before decided. When I got there I learned that they had received additional intelligence from Carthage upon which they had concluded to send a posse of only [four] men who were now gone. I then came home and in the evening met with the police and at dark went to hear John A. Forgess preach. He was one of those who had left the church in the dissension which Sidney Rigdon had occasioned. He endeavored to show that Joseph Smith was a fallen prophet and that Sidney was a prophet in his place. In his opening remarks he said that anyone who wished to make any remarks after he was done should have the opportunity, when Brother Earsley followed and showed that according to Sidney's own teaching Joseph was not fallen, and finally confounded him in all his points of doctrine against Brother Joseph and the Twelve, and sustained the present organization of the Church under the administration of the leaders. After meeting I came home about twelve at night.
October 26, Saturday. In the morning went to mill; home at noon. Met the police as usual. At dark went to hear a debate between the said Forgess and Brother Earsley, at which Forgess was again beaten.
October 27, Sunday. At ten a.m. went to a meeting of the Eagles at the Masonic Hall. From thence to the meeting at the Stand and at two in the evening met with the meeting of the Seventies. It was here arranged that each quorum should meet one night in succession at the Seventies' Hall that each quorum might have an opportunity to transact their own business. Came home at dark.
October 28, Monday. At home till evening met police and came home at dark.
October 29, Tuesday. In the forenoon went with my wife to the store and at two in the evening met with the Eagles at the Masonic Hall and came home at dark.
October 30, Wednesday. In the morning went to see President Brigham Young on the subject of G.G.E.D. [Eagles ? See JH, 30 Oct 1844], which he disapproved. Wrote in the after [blank] --met the police as usual and at dark met with the Eagles; made a speech and after some remarks by others it was concluded not to have any more meetings at present; came home about ten at night.
October 31, Thursday. Worked at home till in the evening; met the police as usual. Came home about seven o'clock at night.
NOVEMBER 1844
November 1, Friday. Worked the roads; in the evening, met the police, at dark went on guard with J. D. Lee, came home at twelve at night.
November 2, Saturday. Worked the roads. At home in the afternoon.
November 3, Sunday. At home till in the evening then went to the meeting of the Seventies after which I went on guard at H. [Heber] C. Kimball's with Brother Lee. Came home at twelve.
November 4, Monday. Today was the presidential election and the brethren all concluded to vote for Polk and Dallas for President and Vice-President of the United States. However, it was with peculiar feelings that I went to the polls. I thought of the man whom we had elected as the man of our choice for President of the United States: our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith whose voice seemed yet to sound in the air, teaching this nation the way they might be saved and the means to pursue to avoid a disunion and overthrow of our government. I well remembered the never to be forgotten 27th of June, 1844 when fell a sacrifice to the violence of a mob while the constituted authorities of this state winked at their deeds, after the honors of the governor and faith of the state had been pledged for his protection and his blood, is now to be seen on the floor of the jail at Carthage where it cries to God for vengeance on this nation who rejoice at his fall. It is no wonder then, that it was with little confidence that I took part in the election for I could but vote for those, who, if they had not approved of the murder of our own candidate had remained silent and each party was willing to truckle to us for our votes and say all is well. It was a dreadful alternative; truly the corruption of this nation is great. After the election I met the police and we had a reorganization and came home about dark.
November 5, Tuesday. Went to mill in the morning. At home till in the evening. Met the police as usual. Stood guard at Brother Brigham Young's; came home at two in the morning.
November 6, Wednesday. At home till evening; met the police as usual, came home after dark.
November 7, Thursday. Went round through the city on patrol duty with other policemen and came home about three p.m.--very sick with a headache went to bed and at dark got up and went to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum of Seventies at the Hall. Taught on the necessity of looking up and keeping our genealogy and organizing the Quorum more perfectly and was followed by several other brethren on the same subject. Adjourned about half-past nine and patrolled with other policemen till two and then stood guard at Brother Brigham's till day and came home about sunrise.
November 8, Friday. At home met with the police as usual, came home a little after dark.
November 9, Saturday. In the morning went to the Mansion House to pay taxes. From thence went to the city council at ten to lay the case of the police before them. From thence met the police as usual, came home at dark then went on guard at Brother Brigham's; was relieved at twelve then patrolled till day with other policemen and then came home.
November 10, Sunday. At home in the evening. Met the police as usual, and at dark went to the meeting of the Seventies at the Hall. Brother George A. Smith taught; came home at about ten.
November 11, Monday. At nine met with a General Council [Council of Fifty] at the Masonic Hall composed of the Twelve, the High Council of the Church, Trustee in Trust of the Church, mayor of the city, the police and some of the officers of the Legion, to take into consideration the general welfare of the city and regulate the police, etc. And when it was agreed that the Trustees in Trust for the Church should pay the police all that was due them from the city and redeem or pay up all the treasurer's orders which had been issued to pay the police heretofore. Also, that there be 400 policemen raised in the city and that it be guarded in future by said police force, at twelve adjourned one hour and met again and continued in council till dark. I then went home not being very well.
November 12, Tuesday. At home 'til in the evening met police as usual; came home one hour after dark.
November 13, Wednesday. Went down in town in the morning, came home and met police at Colonel Harmon's at which place the police were to meet in future; came home at dark, and then went on guard at Brother Brigham's and came home about two o'clock a.m.
November 14, Thursday. Worked at home till evening met the police as usual, home a little after dark.
November 15, Friday. Was at home till evening, met the police as usual and at dark stood guard Brother Brigham Young's at which place there was a consultation held with Brother Young and others about building the arsenal and carrying on the public work pertaining thereto and the best method to pursue. Came off guard at one, and patrolled till three with Brother Lee and others; came home very sick with the headache.
November 16, Saturday. In the morning Dr. Barnhisel came to my house, had some talk about the murder of Brother Joseph and Hyrum; let him have several numbers of the old Star and Messenger and Advocate. Was still very unwell in the evening. Met the police, came home at dark and went down in town with Brother A. Lytle. Came home at ten.
November 17, Sunday. At home till in the evening. Met police as usual, came home at eight.
November 18, Monday. At home till evening, met the police as usual. Patrolled on the bank of the river till one; was with C. [Charles C.] Rich and others. Came home about half past one.
November 19, Tuesday. At home in evening. Met police as usual. At dark went to a meeting at the Seventies' Hall which was met for purpose of making up a school to teach the sword exercise by a Mr. [H.] Stanley and signed one scholar. Came home about one hour after dark.
November 20, Wednesday. At home, wife had a quilting. Met police as usual and went on patrol guard with Harmon, Arnold Hamilton and others. Came home about twelve.
November 21, Thursday. At home, met police as usual. At dark met with the Eleventh Quorum of Seventies then stood guard at Brother Brigham's till twelve and then came home.
November 22, Friday. At home, met police, came home a little after, unwell.
November 23, Saturday. At home writing for Colonel J. [Jonathan] H. Hale; met police, came home after dark.
November 24, Sunday. At home, met the police as usual. At dark went to a meeting of the Seventies at the Hall and came home about nine o'clock.
November 25, Monday. At home in the evening. Met the police and at dark went to a meeting of the presidents of the Seventies at Brother Chandler Holbrooks, and was agreeably entertained by [President Joseph] Young, after which all the rest of the presidents told their feelings and testified of their faith and confidence in the present organization of the Church under the Twelve; came home about nine.
November 26 and 27. Was at home till evening, and met police as usual on the evening of the 27th; patrolled with [Benjamin] Jones.
November 28, Thursday. Was at home, wife very sick, met police, at home at dark.
November 29, Friday. At home, met police, patrolled with Brother A. [Andrew] Lytle and M. D. Hamilton, at home at ten.
November 30, Saturday. In the morning went to the fencing school but being very unwell came home again.
DECEMBER 1844
December 1, Sunday. At home, in the evening met the police, came home about nine o'clock.
December 2, Monday. At home, in afternoon went down in town, met police. At dark met with the Presidents of the Seventies at Brother C. Holbrooks; came home about nine.
December 3, Tuesday. At home, went down in town. Came home, met police, gave them some instruction relative to their duty, patrolled on the hill with some other policemen.
December 4, Wednesday. Attended fencing school near the [Nauvoo] temple, met police. At dark met the fencing school at Seventies' Hall, came home about nine.
December 5, Thursday. At home there was an election at my house in Allen J. Stout's company. After, I went down in town, met police, at dark met with the Nauvoo Legion. There was an election of officers took place and I was elected secretary of the Lodge, after which I patrolled on the hill with several policemen, home at two.
December 6, Friday. At home, met police; at dark met with the Lodge. Was duly installed and took my place as secretary of the same, came home at nine. There was a wet snow falling this evening which was, in the making, four and one-half inches.
December 7, Saturday. At home, met police, at dark went to Lodge; came home about eleven o'clock.
December 8, Sunday. At home, met police, came home at seven o'clock.
December 9, Monday. Wrote at Lodge, came home, met police, went to Lodge at dark, came home at ten o'clock.
December 10, Tuesday. Wrote at Lodge, home at three, met police. At dark went to trades meeting at Lodge, home at twelve o'clock.
December 11, Wednesday. Wrote at Lodge, came home at three, met police; At dark met with the Lodge, came home about ten o'clock.
December 13, Friday. At home, met police and Lodge.
December 14, Saturday. Went to the City Council--there was an ordinance passed by the council chartering the "Seventies Library and Institute Associations." Came home at three, met police and Lodge; afterwards patrolled on the hill with Hunter, and others.
December 15, Sunday. Went to the meeting of the Seventies, home at three, met police.
December 16, Monday. Wrote at the Lodge, home at three, met police and Lodge as usual.
December 17, 18, 19. At home, met police and Lodge.
December 20, Friday. Wrote at the Lodge, met police and attended the Lodge at dark. Home at ten.
December 21, Saturday. Worked at home, met police and Lodge as usual.
December 22, Sunday. Met with the Quorums of Seventies at their hall. Attend to procuring subscribers for the Seventies Library and Institute Association. Came home about two and met the police as usual then went to Brother Lee's at dark; obtained a share in the Seventies' Hall, home at nine.
December 23, Monday. Wrote at Lodge, met police and the Lodge as usual.
December 24, Tuesday. Went to write at Lodge, was unable to write, was with Brother [John D.] Lee, met police at dark, attended the meeting of the stockholders of the Seventies' Library and Institute Association for the purpose of holding an election of the Board of Seven Trustees of said association. G. [George] A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, John D. Lee, Joseph Young, L. [Levi] W. Hancock, Albert Carrington, and [James] M. Monroe said Board of Trustees; came home at nine.
December 25 [1844], Wednesday. Christmas; wrote at Lodge, met police and Lodge as usual.
December 26, Thursday. At home. In afternoon met with the Seventies at the dedication of their hall. Met the police at dark met the eleventh Quorum of Seventies, home at nine o'clock.
December 27, Friday. At home in the afternoon. Met the Seventies at the dedication as before, met the police. At dark met at the Seventies' Hall with a General Council [Council of Fifty] of the whole authorities of Nauvoo to take into consideration the affairs of our city as it was before the legislature and give our representatives instruction. Came home about eleven o'clock.
December 28, Saturday. Wrote at the Lodge, met police and Lodge as usual.
December 29, Sunday. At home, met police came home about eleven o'clock p.m.
December 30, Monday. Today was the 5th day of the dedication of the Seventies' Hall and the day that the Tenth and Eleventh Quorums met; myself and wife went. We had an agreeable time, was well-entertained under the instruction of the Twelve. It was a time long to be remembered. The dedication took seven days. Two Quorums met each day until all the Quorums were through. There was then fifteen Quorums, or about 1000 members belonging to the Seventies, all who were heralds of salvation to the nations to wind up the law and seal up the testimony. It was well calculated to awaken our minds to a sense of our duty. Came home about five o'clock p.m. and then met the police and Lodge as usual.
December 31, Tuesday. At home, met police and Lodge as usual. JANUARY 1845
January 1, 1845, Wednesday. Today was the beginning of another year and God grant that it may not prove as ominous to the Saints as the year just gone. I went to the Seventies' Hall again and about two o'clock came home and then met the police and Lodge as usual.
January 2, Thursday. Wrote at Lodge came home. At two met police and Lodge as usual.
January 3, Friday. Went on a visit with my wife to see her sister at Isaac Allred's. Came with her home and then met the police and Lodge as usual, came home at eight o'clock.
January 4, Saturday. At home sick. About two o'clock George D. Grant came after me and said that Brother J. [Jesse] D. Hunter was taken up on some charge and wanted me. He was one of the police. I went; he was found not to be guilty. I plead his case before A. Johnson, Esquire, which caused some to have feelings at me but it turned out to be an evil plot laid to injure the credit of the police. At dark Brigham met police at the Seventies' Hall; gave instruction.
[January] 5 [1844], Sunday. Went to meeting at the Stand. President Brigham Young taught on the necessity of having more order and against the progress of iniquity, and exhorted the brethren to rise up en masse and put down the thieving, badhouses, swearing, disorderly conduct of the boys, gambling, retailing spiritous liquors, bogus making, and such like abominations which was practiced in our midst by our enemies who, after they could not live among us any longer would go out to the world and publish all these things upon us. He severely rebuked the civil authorities of the city for their want of energy in the discharge of their duty and said that, "If we did not as a people uproot such things from our midst they would uproot us, and we would have to leave before we had done the things the Lord had commanded us to do." In the [evening met the police as usual.]
January 6, 7, 8. Wrote at the Lodge, met police and Lodge as usual; on the evening of the 8th met at the Seventies' Hall with the Twelve, High Council and city officers to hold a caucus to maintain the officers for the next City Council. The Twelve spoke at length on the subject and unanimously declined serving in any capacity in the City Council because they were anxious to attend to the affairs of the Church and not be brought under the persecuting hands of their enemies until the [Nauvoo] temple was finished and we had our endowment. After which on motion of Orson Spencer, Esquire the Twelve were appointed a nominating committee and were to nominate the candidates for office when, after a short absence they declared the following nominations to wit: Orson Spencer, Esquire, for Mayor; Daniel Spencer, C. [Charles] C. Rich, N. [Newel] K. Whitney and G. W. Harris for Aldermen and Phineas [also spelled Phinehas] Richards, W. [William] W. [Wines] Phelps, James Sloan, Edward Hunter, Jonathan C. [Calkins] Wright, John Pack, George Miller, Samuel Bent, and David Fullmer for counselors. All of whom were unanimously accepted by the caucus. After some remarks, next Tuesday the 14th, inst. was appointed as a day for a general meeting of the people at the Stand to take into consideration the nominations as above. I came home about ten o'clock.
January 9, Thursday. Today the police had jointly made a dinner at which all the police and their wives were to attend. The Twelve and Father John Smith were also invited. We met at two o'clock p.m. at Brothers Dunn and Tufts and a large turnout. Most of the Twelve were present; we had an agreeable time. All were well-pleased and joy good feeling prevailed throughout. We continued our meeting until twelve o'clock a.m. and came home rejoicing.
[January] 10, Friday. At home. Met police and Lodge.
[January] 11, Saturday. Went to the City Council to present a petition from the police which was granted in part; was appointed judge of the coming election for municipal officers by the City Council, which was to be held on the first Monday in February next. Came home at two, and then met police and Lodge.
[January] 12, Sunday. At home. Met police home.
[January] 13, Monday. Wrote at the Lodge, met police and at dark met the Presidents of Seventies.
[January] 14, Tuesday. Wrote at the Lodge. Today commenced going to a writing school at ten o'clock and at one o'clock met at the Stand as appointed on the 8 inst. and the same persons nominated then were also nominated and accepted. I came home and then met police and Lodge.
January 15, 1845. At home till one o'clock, went to writing school, met police and Lodge as usual.
[January] 16, Thursday. Was a cold rainy day. In the morning went to the mayor's office then to the writing school, then to police and at dark met the 11th Quorum at the Seventies' Hall and took up a subscription for President Joseph Young; home at eight o'clock.
[January] 17, Friday. At eleven o'clock went to the mayor's then to the writing school which was held at the Lodge then to police, and at dark to the Lodge then home at ten-thirty.
[January] 18, Saturday. At home with President J. P. Harmon assisting him in making out a short biographical sketch of his life. At one o'clock went to the Seventies' Hall where there was a meeting of some 200 police just raised and met for instructions, then met police and Lodge.
January 19, Sunday. Went to the meeting of the Seventies at the Hall and in the evening met the police and gave them some instructions in relation to the appointment of city officers by the City Council after the next municipal election, and the policy for them to pursue in relation thereto. President Brigham Young met with us and gave us good instructions on our duty. All was well satisfied and seemed determined to continue to discharge the duties of policemen and abide council. I came home at eight o'clock.
January 20, Monday. Went as a witness to a trial between Brothers Coultrin and Matthews. Thence at one o'clock to the writing school then to the police and Lodge; as usual home at twelve o'clock.
January 21, Tuesday. At home in forenoon then went to the writing school at one o'clock, then went to the police and Lodge; home at eleven o'clock p.m.
January 22, Wednesday. Went down on the flat to rent a house, went to the writing school then to the police and Lodge. Home at nine o'clock.
January 23, Thursday. Went down on the flat as before then went to the writing school as before then met the police and at dark met with the 11th Quorum at my house, and taught at some length on the necessity of being united and giving heed to council, being prepared for the endowment, the order of the judgement, and took up a subscription for Brother J. [Joseph] Young had a good meeting.
January 24, Friday. In the morning went down to the river, came home about eleven o'clock a.m. then went to the writing school, then to the police, then to the Lodge and came home at nine-thirty [o'clock].
January 25, Saturday. At home in the forenoon, then went to attend a trial before Esquire [Daniel H.] Wells for Benjamin Jones who was sued and was unable to attend. The trial was adjourned one week. I came home and then went down to the Lodge where the 500 new policemen were to meet. From thence to the police, and then to the Lodge as usual. Home at eight o'clock.
January 26, Sunday. In the forenoon met with the Seventies at their Hall; came home about one, then met with the police and at eight o'clock went to Brother Brigham Young's who wished to see me on some police business; received instructions from him on police duty.
January 27, Monday. At home in the forenoon on business with some of the police, then went to the writing school, then to the police, and at dark went to a meeting of the presidents of the Seventies at the Hall. Had a good meeting, teaching by President Brigham and Joseph Young and others.
January 28, Tuesday. In the morning went to Colonel [Jonathan] Hale's to make some arrangements for the municipal election on Monday next. Came home and wrote for President Harmon till one, then went to the writing school, then to the police then to the Lodge at dark as usual; home at ten o'clock.
January 29, Wednesday. In the morning David Fullmer came to my house to learn something about the High Council records as they were wanted for Willard Richards in writing the Church History, which was arranged by myself and Brother [David] Fullmer at Brother [Willard] Richards. I then went down on the flat and came home about two o'clock then went to the police, and at dark met with the 11th Quorum at Brother Joseph Murdock's. Came home about ten o'clock.
January 30, Thursday. In the forenoon wrote for President Harmon, when Brothers [Lucius N.] Scovil and Worthen came to me desiring that I would join with them and others and form a mechanical and mercantile association the condition of which may be given hereafter. I concluded to join with them and went with Brother Worthen to see some other brethren on the subject, and at two o'clock p.m. met with a General Council of the Authorities of the City and Church, held at the Mason Hall, for the purpose of consulting the best method for us to pursue in relation to the course the legislature has taken in repealing our charter, which they had granted to us for the term of perpetual succession. The repeal of which was not only cruel and tyrannical but unprecedented in all civilized nations. It was thought best to hold onto the charter and if necessary appeal from them to the Supreme Courts of the United States. And to this end there was a committee appointed to confer with the most able and learned legal men on the subject. Brother George Miller informed the council that he had received propositions from a friend of his in offering to have a petition sent to Congress to have a tract of land set up to us and we organized into a territorial government of our own, with the privilege of making our own laws, not however to be repungent to the laws of the United States. The matter will most likely be spoken of hereafter. After the Council broke up I went to the police from there to the Lodge as usual, then came home about nine o'clock.
January 31, Friday. At home in the forenoon. At one o'clock met at the Seventies' Hall with some others for the purpose of forming a mercantile and mechanical association as mentioned yesterday when it was concluded to form an association as aforesaid. The meeting proceeded to elect twelve trustees, who were to govern the association; whose names were Daniel Carn, Samuel Bent, Shadrach Roundy, C. [Charles] C. Rich, John D. Lee, L. [Lucius] N. Scovil, Joseph Worthen, Joseph Horn, Hosea Stout, Edward Hunter, Gustavius Williams, and Charles A. Davis. The said Trustees appointed next Tuesday at nine o'clock at the Masonic Hall, to meet to proceed to business. There was a good spirit manifested by all present. From thence I went to the police, and at dark to the Lodge as usual, and came home at about nine o'clock.
FEBRUARY 1845
February 1, Saturday. At home till four o'clock then went to a fencing school composed of the police; then went to police meeting and Lodge as usual. Home at nine o'clock.
February 2, Sunday. Went to the meeting of the Seventies at the Hall; met police, then came home and met with Presidents Jesse P. Harmon, Alvin Horr, and Alfred Brown at my home. We had a good time; our minds were occupied on the best manner to pursue to unite our quorum and prepare them for the endowment, and agreed to meet here every Sabbath evening and thus cultivate a spirit of perfect union among ourselves, and thus be prepared to teach our quorum with one heart and mind in meekness. We broke up about nine o'clock.
February 3, Monday. Today I attended the municipal elections as one of the judges of the same, as mentioned on the 11th of January last. There was about 850 votes polled and the persons nominated by the Twelve on the 8th of January was unanimously elected without a dissenting voice. The greatest union and peace prevailed that I ever knew before in the place at an election. Came home about dark.
February 4, Tuesday. In the morning met with the Board of Trustees as appointed on the 31st inst., and learning that the order of the Association differed from the arrangements then made by the Twelve in some points the matter was laid over until a proper to let the matter rest where it is. From thence met police, and at dark met with the "Trades" meeting, and came home about nine o'clock.
February 5, Wednesday. At home in the forenoon then went to see S. Rich on some old business which was discussed and again laid over. Then went to Fencing School. Then met police, and at dark there was a meeting at my home of the 11th Quorum. We attended to the business of the Quorum as usual.
February 6, Thursday. At home in the forenoon then went to see T. Rich again on same business, which was not settled as it should be. Then went to fencing school; then met police, then met with the Lodge; came home at ten o'clock.
February 7, Friday. Friday in the morning went to see Brother S. [Samuel] Bent and C. [Charles] C. Rich to regulate some matters in relation to the "Mercantile Mechanical Association" as mentioned the 31st. inst. We concluded to lay the matter before the committee appointed by the Twelve to regulate such matters, which was set for today at ten o'clock, at Elder John Taylor's. We accordingly went there and laid it before them, which they gave some instructions about and the matter rests there. From thence I went to the fencing school, thence to police, and thence to the Lodge and came home at ten o'clock.
February 8, Saturday. In the morning I went to the City Council to have some business transacted for the police, as it was the time that the old Council went out and the Council elected last Monday took their seat, and consequently all the officers who received their appointments by said Council were to be reappointed or others put in their place. I succeeded as follows in having two appointments conferred on the old police; Lorenzo Clark was appointed Supervisor of Streets of the First Ward; J. P. Harmon of the Second Ward; Benjamin Jones of the Third Ward, the old supervisor to have the supervision of the whole and also the Fourth Ward; and Benjamin Boyer, Constable of the First Ward; E. J. Sabin the Second Ward; Howard Egan the Third Ward, and D. M. [Roper], the Fourth Ward. The Constables were likewise appointed Fire Wardens of their respective wards. Daniel Carn, Flour Inspector for the city, with privilege of having agents. Jesse P. Harmon was also appointed Pound Master; John D. Lee, Water Master.
I was much pleased with the good feeling manifested towards the old police by the council, who seemed willing to extend the hand of patronage to us after we had spent the winter thus far without any remuneration, and kept up the guard to the satisfaction of the Twelve and other authorities and now they in return were willing to put some business into our hands to afford us a small compensation for our support. It also was an encouragement to us to persevere in the discharge of our duty as policemen.
In the evening I met with the police and reported to them what had been done at the council, and the course I had pursued toward them; they were all well satisfied and unanimously gave me a vote of thanks for the interest I had taken in their behalf and all warmly assured me that they would be governed by me as heretofore in all matters. To stand at the head of so worthy and honorable a company of brethren who possess the intelligence and hold so honorable a standing in society as they, who are willing to be dictated by me in all cases without a dissenting voice in a matter of so vital importance as the safety of the [Nauvoo] temple and the lives of the Twelve at this critical and trying time places me in a position and responsibility which is more easy to be imagined than described, and to know that I am approved of by them is a satisfaction added to a consciousness that I am in the discharge of my duty which I hope I may always be in possession of. I went from the police to the Lodge and came home about ten o'clock.
February 9, Sunday. In the morning went to the meeting of the Seventies at the Hall; my brother Allen J. Stout was ordained a President of the Nineteenth Quorum of Seventies. I came home about two o'clock p.m. and in the evening met with the police and then met with Presidents J. P. Harmon and Alford Brown at my house for social and brotherly conversation as on last Sunday.
February 10, Monday. In the morning I went to the Lodge to get some papers relative to the war last June and in the evening met police then went to the Lodge then home at nine o'clock.
February 11, Tuesday. At home wrote a sketch of my life for the 11th Quorum of Seventies as mentioned on the 7th November last. At four o'clock went to fencing school and then met the police then went to the Lodge home at nine o'clock.
February 12. Went to a trial. A man named John C. Elliot who had been engaged in the murder of Joseph and Hyrum [Smith], came in town and put up with William Marks, who done all he could to secret him, but he was found out and arrested and brought before A. Johnson, D. [Daniel] H. Wells and Isaac Higbee, and examined found guilty, and sent by the Sheriff, who was present, to Carthage, to lay in the lonesome jail which he had stained with the best blood in the world. As soon as he was arrested [William] Marks used all his influence to notify the mob and raise an excitement against us, and several lawyers and other men from Warsaw came to his trial, and used every stratagem in their power to get him discharged. One of the lawyers gave the court to understand that if they committed him to jail, that it might cause some of our best men to be slain, thus threatening us with a mob if we attempted to put the law in force against willful murderers. But the court took a bold and decided stand in favor of the Laws. From thence I met with the police and at dark met the 11th Quorum at my house; we had a good meeting. I taught at some length on the duties of Seventies, and other matters.
February 13, Thursday. At home writing for the 11th Quorum in the forenoon, when Brother John Kay came after me to go to Brother [Theodore] Turley's to consult on the safety of some of the Twelve whose lives were sought. From thence went to the Police, and Lodge, and home at nine o'clock.
February 14, Friday. At home in the forenoon writing my history. And at four o'clock went to the fencing school; thence to the Police and Lodge. Home at nine o'clock. Today Lucretia Fisher came to live with me.
February 15, Saturday. At home till four, and then went to the fencing school; then to the police and Lodge; home at nine o'clock.
February 16, Sunday. At home, wrote Alvin Horr's life for the Seventies. Met with the police as usual; home at dark.
February 17, Monday. Went with wife to Dibbles, and then to A. [Allen] J. Stout's; and at one o'clock went to a meeting at the Stand, which was held to take some action in relation to building a dam in the Mississippi River, and other purposes for giving employment to the poor. Thence went with Brother Lee to the fencing school; had some talk on the way with him on "Eternal Exaltation." Met Police and Lodge; home at nine o'clock.
February 18, Tuesday. At nine o'clock met with the Board of Twelve Trustees of the Mercantile And Mechanical Association, as organized on the 31st of January last, as they had received instructions to proceed to business. All the Board were present. Elder [John] Taylor and some others met with us and gave us the necessary instructions. Requested, that inasmuch as Brothers Bent, Rich and Hunter of our board was appointed in the Board of Twelve who were called the "Living Constitution" [a group within the Council of Fifty] that we would release them from our Board which was done, and Levi W. Hancock, Erastus Snow, and James Mendenhall were appointed in their place. The Board then proceeded to business, and Daniel Carns was chosen President of the Board, and a committee of three to witness; H. [Hosea] Stout, E. [Erastus] Snow, and D. [Joseph] Horn were then appointed to draft some rules of government, for the association and then the Board adjourned until Wednesday. At nine o'clock and the committee appointed tomorrow at nine o'clock to meet to transact the business committed to them. From thence I went to the fencing school thence to the police, thence to the Lodge; home at nine o'clock.
February 19, Wednesday. At nine o'clock met the committee as appointed the day before. Was engaged with them until four o'clock. Thence met the fencing school, thence to the police; thence to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum at my house. Had a good meeting though there were but few met; all seemed to be of one mind and willing to abide council and discharge the duty which may be required of them.
February 20, Thursday. Met the Board as mentioned on the 18th inst. all were present. The committee made report of a form of government which was accepted without a dissenting voice. The Board then proceeded to draft some by-laws which were accepted. I was appointed General Secretary of the Association and of the Board by the unanimous vote of the same. From thence went to the fencing school, thence to the police, thence to the Lodge, thence home about ten o'clock.
February 21, Friday. At home till three, then went to fencing school, then to the police and Lodge. Home at nine o'clock.
February 22, Saturday. In the morning went to Brother J. P. Harmon's there met Bishop [George] Miller, when we three went to the [Nauvoo] temple while consulting on matters pertaining to our safety and also the manner to pursue to rid ourselves of traitors who are in our midst seeking our lives. From thence Brother Harmon and myself went to Brother C. [Charles] C. Rich's and talked the same matter over again while we were all going down at the flat. Brother Rich went to the High Council and we went to the Lodge room and locked ourselves up and talked over some particular matters relative to our eternal exaltation in the kingdom of God and the absolute necessity of the brethren's being united and maintaining our integrity to each other. We both were highly pleased with our interview and went on our way rejoicing. I then met with President L. [Levi] W. Hancock, who went with me to my house talking on the things of the kingdom as with Brother Harmon. After we had eaten our dinner there we went down on the flat continuing the conversation as before, and parted and I went to the police and at dark went to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum at the Hall as that was the time for the regular meeting of that Quorum at the Hall; we had a good meeting. I delivered two short discourses and was followed by President Harmon Child's and others. Came home at nine o'clock.
February 23 [1845], Sunday. In the forenoon went with my wife to a meeting at Bishop [Jonathan] Hales; Elder Dunham preached. Sister [Lucy] Smith, the mother of Joseph the Prophet and Seer was there. She spoke to the congregation and told her feelings and the trials and troubles she had passed through in establishing the Church of Christ and the persecutions and afflictions which her sons and husband had passed through, and the cruel and unheard of martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] which had took place so lately. And exhorted the brethren and sisters to be faithful and bring up their children in the way they should go and not have them running about in the streets as was too much allowed now. All were deeply affected with the remarks of this "Mother," of the "Mothers in Israel" for she spoke with the most feeling and heart-broken manner of the troubles she had passed through. From meeting we came home and in the evening we went to Isaac Allred's where I left her and met with police from thence I went to Seventies Conference at the Hall at dark but the Hall being so crowded with the vast number who had assembled I could not get in so I went back to Brother Allred's and when I got there I found that my wife had went with her sister Julia Ann Allred to a meeting at Brother Gully's. I went there where I arrived just as meeting commenced.
Elder L. Gee preached and was followed by Elder I. Allred. After meeting we returned to Brother Allred's home where we came about nine o'clock. When we came home Sister Williams was there who wished to make it a home at my house.
February 24, Monday. In the forenoon went down to the Masonic Hall and met with the Trustees of the Association. After the Board had assembled, the stockbooks were opened for subscriptions and several subscribed stock, and other business was entered into, after which I was appointed Treasurer of the Association. From thence I went to Brother Hancock's, from thence I went to police. Held a council with them relative to enlarging the number; did not come to any conclusion but we appointed tomorrow evening at an hour before sun down to meet again to determine on the matter. I then went to the Lodge and came home about nine o'clock.
February 25, Tuesday. At nine o'clock went to take a list of Brother Worthen's property for the association from thence went to A. [Allen] J. Stout's; had some talk with him about the seal of the covenant. From thence we both went to the police and when we came there I was informed by some of them that there was suspicious characters seen in town this evening, who, it was supposed by Brother [Theodore] Turley, were making arrangements to form a company of mobocrats and waylay President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and some other brethren, who had gone to Macedonia, about 25 miles off, the day before and were expected to return home tonight. There was nothing positive however. But knowing the evil intentions of some false brethren in our midst who were connected with the mob and had been heard to swear they would take the lives of these men, we immediately determined to take efficient measures for the protection of the brethren. Accordingly, I gave orders for all the police, who could procure horses and the necessary equipments to go and prepare accordingly and be back to the police quarters soon as possible; armed in the best manner for defense and also to raise such others as were willing to go with us; whereupon they nearly all dispersed. For that purpose, this was about one hour by sun.
In the meantime General Rich came nearby and I called him to me and informed him what was going on, and likewise what my intentions were in case the brethren should be attacked either before or after we should join them, which he approved. We immediately agreed that he should go and see Brother [Theodore] Turley and find out the particulars and also get such other information and advice as he could while I was still making every preparation to fit out the company.
In a short time he returned accompanied by Elder John Taylor one of the Twelve, who informed me the Brethren did not intend to come home tonight and consequently they would not be in danger of being attacked tonight. He advised me to take six or eight men and go and see if all was right with the brethren at Macedonia. Brothers [John] Taylor and [Charles] Rich then went home and in a few minutes Lorenzo Clark, one of the police returned, and informed me that it had been reported to him that the brethren were arrested at Macedonia. This created considerable excitement. I immediately dispatched him with news to Elder [John] Taylor and another to General Rich, during which time the brethren began to gather in, and in a short time there was a pretty large company, all well-armed and equipped, impatient for the word to march.
When Elder [John] Taylor heard the report of Brigham Clark, he called a council to which I was notified to appear. All the information relative to the report was there elicited which proved the report to be groundless. At the suggestion of Elder Willard Richards, one of the Twelve, the council instructed me to take the number proposed by Elder [John] Taylor and go and inform the brethren at Macedonia that they would be pleased to have them take breakfast in Nauvoo tomorrow morning. From the council I returned to the company, all who were waiting with great anxiety, the result of the council. I then delivered the command of the police up to Daniel Carn with instructions to keep a close guard until I returned, after which I selected seven men to go with me to Macedonia as mentioned above; namely Jesse P. Harmon, Andrew Lytle, Simeon A. Dunn, Howard Egan of the police and William H. Kimball, Joseph F. Collman, and Robert T. Burton.
We then started and I stopped at my house to put on some more clothes and get some arms. Until then my wife had heard nothing of the matter and knew not that I was going. I stopped but a few moments and left at nine o'clock. We had a very pleasant journey. The night was warm and clear, the moon rose about ten o'clock and shone with a most beautiful lustre on the wide extended prairies which we had to cross. The roads were very muddy most of the way which made it fatiguing for the horses. About two-thirds of the way there we passed a house where lived a man by the name of Jones, a most confirmed and busy mobocrat. It was one o'clock; they were still up and had a light in the house and there were two horses fastened to the fence saddled. It was thought by the company that it was some who were seen in Nauvoo before we left which confirmed our suspicions. We had no further difficulty.
When we had come to the suburbs of Macedonia Brother Harman and myself went to Brother Andrew Perkins and sent the company in town to seek for the brethren. We expected that some of them would be at Brother Perkins' but when we came there we found that they were all in town so we went there and found our company and the brethren all at Brother [Benjamin] Johnson's; they were very glad to see us. Brother Brigham had set up until one o'clock looking for us for it was revealed to him that something was wrong but he did not know what. He told the brethren that we would come out before day. It was half-past two when we got there. We delivered the message not to start until morning. So after putting up and feeding our horses we all laid down and took a short sleep.
February 26. In the morning, after we had eaten breakfast, we all prepared and started home, accompanied by about 20 brethren, from Macedonia, who came with us about five miles, to assist us if we should be attacked by any mobocrats lying in wait. We had no difficulty on the road. In the morning when we started the day was warm and clear, but it soon began to cloud up and when we had come within about ten miles of Nauvoo it began to rain, which soon turned to snow, which fell very fast in large flakes, accompanied by a driving west wind blowing in our faces made it very disagreeable. We came to Nauvoo about three o'clock p.m. and after escorting them all to their several homes, we went our way. So the designs of our enemies were frustrated. I came home about four o'clock and that night there was a meeting of the Eleventh Quorum at my house.
February 27, Thursday. In the forenoon went to the printing office, from thence to the Lodge to receive subscriptions for stock for the association, from thence came by Worthen's home to fencing school, thence to police and Lodge, at home at nine o'clock p.m.
February 28, Friday. In the morning went to Worthen's and went with him [to] G. [Gustavius] Williams, [Edwin D. ?] Wooley's and some other places to receive subscriptions for stock in the association. Came home and went to the fencing school, police, and Lodge. Sat in council with the officers of the Lodge about the manner to adopt in relation to the fees, and etc., came home at nine o'clock p.m.
MARCH 1845
March 1, Saturday. At or about home until three o'clock. Went to fencing school, police and Lodge; home at nine, raining.
March 2, Sunday. At home till in the evening then met with the police; came home at seven o'clock p.m.
March 3. Went to the printing office and paid 25 dollars on account then went to Lodge to receive subscriptions for stock for the association then came by Worthen's home at one o'clock, then went to the fencing school, police and Lodge; as usual came home at nine o'clock p.m.
March 4, Tuesday. Went to meeting of the association at the Hall; received some subscriptions for stock; from thence went to fencing school, and police, then came home at dark.
March 5, Wednesday. In the morning down to the Upper landing on the river to see about establishing a grocery for the steamboats and passengers did not affect anything positive, came home about noon then went to the fencing school. And from there went with G. [George] A. Smith to see President Brigham Young who was very sick. From there I went with the police to Schussler's Brewery where we all got what beer we could drink then detailed the guard and came in company with President L. [Levi] W. Hancock to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum at my house where we had a good meeting and broke up at nine o'clock p.m.
March 6, Thursday. In the morning went to Avery's, came home by Brigham Jones'--in a short time [George D.] Grant came to my house, had a settlement with him bought some cloth and etc. In the afternoon took a coat pattern to the tailor's, and then started to the upper stone quarry to buy some lime, met William Backenstos who told me that there was a warrant out for me, and not knowing what evil there might be intended against me I went to W. [Willard] Richards' who knew nothing about it; had some talk with him about affairs with the mob, police, and the troubles in Missouri and etc. and then went down on Parley and Main Streets, but could hear nothing more of the warrant, so I got in a wagon and went to the stone quarry and engaged what lime I wanted of Brother Boyce. Then went down to the printing office and other places, then to the fencing school, and Police; from thence went to the Lodge it was a regular communication, home at nine o'clock.
March 7, Friday. In the morning went to [Theodore] Turley's to get a pistol repaired from thence went with Brother Scovil to the Mansion then to see Brother [William W.] Major who was painting the scenery of the murder of Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] at Carthage, thence I went to Brother Harmon's and got a Stand and came home about two o'clock, after which I met with the police and Lodge. Home at nine o'clock.
March 8, Saturday. Worked at home until evening, then met police and Lodge; home at ten o'clock.
March 9, Sunday. At home was very unwell with a sick headache confined to bed.
March 10, Monday. In the morning went to Brother [Joseph] Horne's and there met Brother Mendenhall and we went to see Brother Gulley about joining the association with his store which he agreed to do if it was counsel from the Twelve. We then went to see Brother John Taylor on the subject and he not being at home, we went to the stone quarry for the Water Power Company at the place where the dam is to be built in the river about one mile below town. Things were going on well. From thence we came back, and he went home and I to see Brother Taylor and on my way I met Brother [Daniel] Carn and he went with me, and in a few moments we met Brother [John] Taylor and laid the matter of Gulley's store before him which he approved. We agreed then to call the Board of Control together tomorrow at four o'clock; we went up the river and he went home and I went to Brother Mendenhall's soap works. And from there I went by the Lodge, home and in the evening went to the police and Lodge after which I came with Brother Worthen to see and notify several of the Board of the meeting, and came home about ten-thirty p.m.
March 11, Tuesday. In the morning I went to Brother Mendenhall's to take a list of his goods which he was to put into association and I got through about two o'clock and then went to see Brother Gulley; from thence I went to the Hall to meet the Board of Control. The Board decided to put goods up at Gully's store. From there I went to the police and Lodge and came home about ten o'clock.
March 12, Wednesday. In the morning went to Brother Mendenhall's to assist in removing his goods to Gully's store then went to the Mansion House and then went and had a settlement with Newell Knight after which I went and helped Gully put up the goods and then went to Brother Mendenhall's again and traded for some nails and etc., then went to the Stand; saw President [Brigham] Young and agreed to meet him at his house at seven o'clock tomorrow morning. I then came home and went to the police. Brothers Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young met with us and gave us some good instructions for about on hour after dark. I then went to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum at my house; when I came I found the meeting about half out, they not knowing what kept me, but I told the reason and we had a good meeting afterwards.
March 13, Thursday. In the morning I went to see President [Brigham] Young; he informed me that Mr. Brackenberry [Benjamin Brackenbury], whom the mob was trying to arrest for false swearing, but in reality were trying to get some advantage of him in order to destroy his testimony as he was a witness against the murderers of Brothers Joseph and Hyrum [Smith], was going to go before the justice of the peace at Augusta to whom the warrant was returnable and have his trial and he wanted six men to go with him to protect him against the mob. So I set about raising the men, in doing which I went to several parts of town. About the time I had accomplished it I fell in company with Brother C. [Charles] C. Rich who told me that he was going to a meeting about five miles below town and desired me to go with him. And I then came home and prepared myself and met Brother Rich as we had before agreed and we then went to meeting at Evans Ward, four miles down the river. It was a meeting got up for the purpose of organizing the sisters into an association according to their several occupations for the purpose of promoting the cause of home industry and manufacturing the necessary articles for their own use without being dependent on the stores for all that we need. When we came there we found the house crowded full waiting for us; it was now two o'clock p.m.
Meeting was opened by Brother Rich when he proceeded to explain the benefits arising from such an order of things, and the order which was instituted in Nauvoo. After he was done speaking I followed by making a few remarks on the subject, and was followed by Brother Bell. The organization was then went into and they all with one accord joined in the Association and were classed according to their several occupations and each class appointed three of their number to superintend and manage the business for the class. There was not a dissenting voice; all seemed truly as a "band of sisters." We then came to town and he went home and I went to meet with the police from thence to the Lodge and came home about ten o'clock p.m.
March 14, Friday. Wrote at home till ten o'clock went down in town; met with Major Bills, had some (conversation) about military matters. At one o'clock went to a meeting of the New police under Colonel Markham, at the Masonic Hall. They were organizing into companies of ten with a captain at the head of each company, but after some discussion it was concluded to organize the whole community of Saints in this county into quorums of twelve deacons and have a bishop at their head and they could thus administer in the lesser offices of the Church and preserve order without a Charter, as the legislature had taken away our Charter and deprived us of our Republican rights. We also agreed not to do any more military duty and licensed ministers of the gospel were not compelled to by the laws of the state. After meeting I sent the names of Lorenzo Clark, E. J. Sabin, Benjamin Jones and Jesse P. Harmon to the County Commissioners Court at Carthage to have them appointed supervisors of the first, second, third and fourth wards as road districts since the charter is repealed. I then went to the police and we there made some new arrangements about the guard. I then went to the Lodge and came home at ten o'clock.
March 15, Saturday. Wrote at home till noon, then went down in town, then to the fencing school, then to the police. The men who went with Brackenberry [Benjamin Brackenbury] had now returned. He had not come to trial, the other party not being ready, but he offered to admit the charge and give bonds for his appearance at next court which is all that the justice of the peace could require if they had went to trial, but he would not do it so determined were they to have a chance to collect and be ready to offer violence to him. The trial was adjourned and this evening we had to raise another company to go with him again so we did accordingly and was to meet in the morning at eight o'clock at this place to prepare to go. From thence I went to the Lodge and came home at nine o'clock p.m.
March 16, Sunday. At eight o'clock I went to police quarters to fit out the company as mentioned yesterday and was engaged at it till about three o'clock when they started after which I met with the police and came home at dark.
March 17, Monday. In the forenoon went to L. R. Foster's and had him to take a dagueratype likeness of myself; this was given me by the Old Police as a token of regard for me as their Captain. From there I went to several places on the flat then to Brother J. Knight, Sr., then to the police and then went with Major Lee to Brother Free's; they were very sick. From there I went to the Lodge and came home at ten o'clock. It was a very cold windy night.
March 18, Tuesday. At home writing. Met police and Lodge, home at ten o'clock.
March 19, Wednesday. At home till in the evening, met the police and at dark stood guard at Brother Brigham Young's. Had some talk with him about settling the interior of the country between the head waters of the Arkansas and the head waters of the Colorado of the West. Home at eight o'clock.
March 20, Tuesday. At home writing till in the evening and then met the police and then went to the Lodge home at ten o'clock.
March 21, Friday. In the morning went with my wife to Isaac Allred's on a visit to see her sister and I met with Brother C. [Charles] C. Rich, and was with him until noon talking about the exaltation to be obtained by being faithful, and etc. In the meantime we went up to the upper end of town I then went to Brother John Higbee's and then came down to the printing office and then went and helped my wife carry her child home. Then met police and Lodge and home at ten o'clock.
March 22, Saturday. At home until noon then went down to the river for wood was at Joseph Knight's then met with the police. This evening Elder J. [John] Taylor sent a company under the commands of A. C. Brewer, to meet with us, wishing them to abide my instructions. They were composed of the hands in the printing office principally and he desired to have one of the old police to be at his house every night where one or more of Captain Brewers men would be to guard Elder [John] Taylor and the policemen who would be there could direct them what to do if any attack should be made on him. From there I went to the Lodge; home at ten o'clock.
March 23, Sunday. In the forenoon I went with my wife to Brother Benjamin Jones' and at two o'clock I went to Charles C. Rich's, leaving my wife at Jones'. I had been notified by Brother Rich that a committee had been appointed to write a history of the Nauvoo Legion for Elder Willard Richards, who was writing the Church History. The committee was composed of Charles C. Rich, A. [Albert] P. [Perry] Rockwood, Theodore Turley, and myself. We met and proceeded to business until about eight o'clock, and then sent the report by [Theodore] Turley to [Willard] Richards for approval or disapproval. I then, after having some conversation with Brother Rich on some particular matters of the kingdom, came home.
March 24, Monday. At home writing until two o'clock, then went down in town and had a talk with Brother J. D. Lee on his temporal affairs. Then went to the Police, and then to the Lodge; at ten o'clock home.
March 25, Tuesday. In the forenoon went to John Higbee's and made some arrangements with him and his wife about helping me procure.
From thence I went down the river bank to try and buy some wood and stopped at the Printing Office, then went to the Police. Brother Brigham Young met with us and informed us that it is in contemplation to incorporate one square mile of the city so as to include the [Nauvoo] temple, Nauvoo House and other public property, which could be done according to the Statute Laws of Illinois, and thus keep up a legal Police for the protection of our lives and property. In the meantime General Rich came in and informed me that the History of the Legion, as we had wrote it, was accepted, and we were requested to meet again tonight at his house to write more and continue it from time to time until the same should be completed. I then came to his house and we proceeded with the History; and I came home at nine o'clock.
March 26, Wednesday. Wrote at home until noon then went to the Lodge and wrote the minutes of the last two meetings; from there I went to Petty's gun smith shop to get a brace of pistols made, and then went to the Police, and then went with Brother Daniel Carns to Brother Jones' and took supper, and we then went to Brother Rich's to continue the history of the Legion. About nine o'clock we adjourned, after the committee had appointed me to finish the history; and when I came home I found F. M. Edwards at my home who had returned to Nauvoo for council. He was one who had been led away by James Emmett to the wilderness.
March 27, Thursday. In the morning I went down in town by the request of the Shoe Maker's Association to do some business for them, after which I saw and had a talk with Brother Lee, who gave me some light on some spiritual matters. I then went to Brother Willard Richards' to see about the history of the Legion; from thence I went to see General Rich, and went with him to my house, and after dinner I went to the Police; and we all went to Leonard Schussler's Brewery and got what beer we could drink, and as we were coming back I stopped at Brother Joseph Knight's and had some conversation with my mother-in-law. I then came home a little after dark.
March 28, Friday. At home writing the history of the Legion until two o'clock; then by C. [Charles] C. Rich's to the Police, and from thence to the Lodge, and home about ten o'clock.
March 29, Saturday. In the forenoon I went to John Higbee's; from thence to A. [Allen] J. Stout's, and at two o'clock went to the Masonic Hall to meet with the Lodge to attend to the funeral obsequies of John P. Smith, a brother Mason, and there the Lodge formed the procession at three o'clock and marched to the stand where we were addressed by Brother Orson Hyde. At four o'clock we then marched to the burying ground where we arrived about sunset; we then returned to the Lodge and commenced work on the third degree, and at ten I came home.
March 30, Sunday. In the forenoon I went with my wife to meeting at the Stand. Elder A. [Almon] W. Babbitt spoke and was followed by President Young. From meeting we came home and at four o'clock p.m. I went to the police with G. [George] D. Grant and John Kay who came to my house, from thence I came by Brigham Jones' with Warren Smith part of the way, and at Jones' I met with S. H. Earl, and he came home with me about dark, and I went with him to see Dr. Isaac Morley and about nine o'clock came home and he went to Brother Jones' again.
March 31, Monday. Was at home, having my house plastered, until four o'clock then met with the police and Lodge and came, by Brother [Willard] Richards home about ten o'clock.
APRIL 1845
April 1, Tuesday. At home having my house plastered until in the afternoon; went down in town and then went to Brother John D. Lee's; while there Brother M. Meecham presented me with a letter; it was from Elder W. [Willard] Richards in answer to one I had sent him on the 19th of February last. Elder [Willard] Richards some time previous had proposed to me to pay the police some forty dollars as he felt for their welfare, and I told him it would not be their feelings to receive it from him but he persisted in his desire to relieve them somewhat and requested me to lay the matter before them and inform him what he should do. And I accordingly did so, and they all as with common consent declared that it was improper to receive assistance from him or any one of the Twelve and that they felt it their duty to guard them and the [Nauvoo] temple without remuneration from them as it was a Church matter. But lest Brother [Willard] Richards might feel himself treated with contempt in their refusal they all agreed to present him with a fancy bedstead as a token of their respect for him and that I should write him a line expressing their good feelings for him and the Twelve, which was to be presented with the bedstead which letter read as follows (it should have been inserted on the 19th of February last.):
"February 19 [1845].
Elder Willard Richards, Beloved Brother: This is to inform you that I have laid the matter before the "Old Police" relative to the relief which you kindly offered them, which they unanimously declined to receive, considering as they do that it is their bounden duty not only to sustain you and all the Twelve, temporally as well as spiritually; but guard you also against the violence of midnight assassins, who stalk abroad, as wolves in sheep's clothing, without having you put to any expense or trouble for us. We deem it a sufficient remuneration for us from the Twelve, to be thought worthy, to be entrusted with your lives; and consequently the salvation of the Church, when wicked men are continually arrayed against you; who seek thereby to thwart the purposes of God. Hence it would not be proper for us to receive temporal assistance from you. Be assured that the `Old Police' have the most unfeigned love and respect for you, and duly appreciate your kind offer and as a small token of their respect, have sent the bedstead, which accompanies these lines; which I hope you will receive as such, while I have the honor to be your most sincere friend and brother in the New Covenant, Elder W. [Willard] Richards,
(Signed) Hosea Stout, Done in behalf of the `Old Police.'"
When the letter and bedstead was presented it came entirely unexpected to him but he said we would hear from him hereafter but we heard nothing more until today upon the receipt of this letter which was as follows:
"March 31, 1845.
Colonel Hosea Stout--Beloved Brother;
Permit me at this late hour, to apologize to you, and through you to those dear brethren, the "Old Police" of Nauvoo, for a seeming carelessness on my part, in not responding to your philanthropic communication of the 19th ultimo, at an earlier date.
Nothing but a press of business could have prevented a timely acknowledgement of your kind favor, which has scarce been absent from my mind for a moment, but I have many little cares for the public weal, I mean the Brethren, the Kingdom of Saints, and will attend to all as fast as time permits. Accept this apology, dear, with my thanks, and my blessings, and my prayers, which shall ever ascend to Heaven in your behalf. I received your "token of respect, the bedstead" with all the thought, warmth of feeling and friendship with which it was presented, and although you may be a little covetous, inasmuch as the giver is more blessed than the receiver, yet the blessing shall be multiplied on your heads an hundred fold. The "Old Police" are God's Noblemen. Watchmen in Zion; go on in your labors of love, and you shall stand in the Towers on the walls of the Holy City, "shall see eye to eye", shall encompass the peaceful habitation of the saints at a glance, when your enemies shall be no more, and your joy shall be full; and although you may be disturbed of your rest for a little season, yet bye and bye you shall rest in peace, your sleep shall be sweet unto you, and you shall say it is enough we have seen the salvation of the Most High and we want for no good thing. God bless the "Old Police" forever, Amen. I remain your brother in the kingdom of watching and praying. Colonel Hosea Stout. Willard Richards."
From Brother Lee's I went to police and read the letter to them. They were all well-pleased with the spirit which manifested towards us. From thence I came home about dark.
April 2, Wednesday. I was at home until noon having my upper room plastered. Then went to assist Worthen, borrowed some money which we got of the Trustee in Trust, was with General Rich, until time to meet the police, where I went and then came home at dark.
April 3, Tuesday. In the morning I went to the temple and was roughly accosted by Brothers [Reynolds] Cahoon and [Alpheus] Cutler about a circumstance which took place last night at the [Nauvoo] temple. They said that the Old Police had beat a man almost to death in the temple. To which I replied I was glad of it and that I had given orders to that effect in case anyone should be found in the temple after night and they had only done as they were told, or ordered, that they had been imposed upon long enough while on duty and I was determined to bear it no longer. This created considerable warmth of feelings in them and the by-standers, however after they understood the matter they seemed satisfied and said the guard only done their duty. From thence I went to the Higbees, from thence to Gully's store, and there met with Brother [Daniel] Carn and told him the circumstance at the temple and we concluded to lay the matter before President Brigham Young and get his advice. As we went, we met Brother H. [Heber] C. Kimball and while relating the matter to him Brother Brigham came to us and we related the matter to him and he approved of the proceedings of the police and said he wanted us to still guard the temple after which he and Brother [Heber C.] Kimball went to the temple to regulate the matters there which was done to our satisfaction and justification.
I went from thence to Brother [Theodore] Turleys, and from thence to see Brother Harmon and from thence to the Lodge to a regular communication at four o'clock, from thence home at eight o'clock p.m.
April 4, Friday. Was in and about home until evening, and then went to police and Lodge; home about ten o'clock p.m.
April 5, Saturday. In the forenoon I went to John Higbee's and at one o'clock met the police to inspect their arms and then took them out and trained them awhile and then marched to the Mansion House; from thence to the printing office and there A. [Ariah] C. Brewer joined with us and we then went to L. Schussler's Brewery and got what beer we wanted to drink, after which we marched back to our quarters and after making some arrangements to defend the conference which was to commence tomorrow, against the violence of our enemies who had threatened to break it up, I went to the Lodge do some business, home at eight o'clock.
April 6, Sunday. General Conference. This was General Conference and I was instructed to keep the "Old Police" in readiness to suppress any riot or breach of the peace which might happen there had been threats from our enemies that conference should be broke up. The day went off quietly no disturbance, except Dr. [John F.] Charles from Warsaw who came and was taking notes for the "Warsaw Signal"--he pretended to be our friend but in reality he was a secret enemy lurking in our midst. In the afternoon he was invited to leave which made him so mad that he did not take any more notes that day. In the evening met the police and then went to John Higbees and came home a little after dark and about nine or ten o'clock Brother Arnold and Thomas [S.] Williams came to my house and informed me that three of the mobocrats from Pontusuc was in the city at a Mr. Smith's, and wished to know what to do about it. I went with them to temple guard and while some went after Colonel Markham and others, I went to consult General Rich and get his mind.
He was in bed and after he got up we had a talking; he was taken with some kind of a spasm and fainted and fell against me and down on the floor groaning as a dying man. This caused great alarm, for his family was afraid someone in disguise had come in my name and taken his life but he was well again in a few moments after putting him to bed and after we had come to a conclusion on the subject, I returned to the temple and reported to let them alone till morning; came home at two o'clock a.m.
April 7, Monday. At nine o'clock a.m. I went to the conference and the cold wind blowing the dust in clouds on the congregation, the conference was removed to another part in among the hills. In the forenoon Dr. [John F.] Charles made complaint that he had been insulted by some boys and abruptly demanded to know if this people tolerated such things of which President [Brigham] Young satisfied him that they did not. In a short time he came back again making more bitter complaints than ever. President [Brigham] Young then called for me and requested me to protect him from further insults and ferret out the names of the boys who insulted him. I conducted him to the Mansion House and informed Brother [John] Pack what had happened to him and he promised to see him duly protected and I came back; and conference being adjourned for noon I came home and in the afternoon accompanied my wife to meeting, after which I went with her to a grand concert of vocal and instrumental music at the Concert Hall at six o'clock p.m. We were well entertained until about eleven o'clock and came home.
April 8, Tuesday. Attended conference as before and in the evening went to the concert and home at eleven o'clock.
April 9, Wednesday. Attended Seventies' Conference at the Stand and in the evening accompanied my wife to the concert. Met the 11th Quorum of Seventies in the afternoon near the Stand. Home at eleven o'clock p.m.
April 10, Tuesday. At home until about one o'clock p.m. then accompanied my wife to President Harmon's, and I went to the Lodge and printing office, thence to Brother [Theodore] Turley's and A. [Allen] J. Stout, and back to Harmon's and went then with my wife to the Masonic Hall and after attending to the police the "Old Police" who had been invited to by the proprietors, went to see an exhibition of the scenery of the murder of Brothers Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] at Carthage, also of Jesus raising Lazarus and other like paintings; it was an entertaining display of art. We came home about nine o'clock.
April 11, Friday. In the morning before breakfast went to the upper landing for wood, came by John Higbee's and rode with Brothers Brigham Young and [Orrin Porter] Rockwell to Hendrix's, thence home and wrote until about five o'clock p.m. Then met police had a good and lively meeting then went to Allen Stout's and home at eight o'clock.
April 12, Saturday. At home until about two o'clock and then went with my wife to the Masonic Hall to a feast of beer and cakes prepared by the Old Police. The Old Police and wives and some of the Twelve were present; we had a joyful time, as much cakes and beer as we could eat and drink; we broke up about nine o'clock p.m. and I then came home.
April 13, Sunday. In the forenoon went to meeting at the Stand there was some officers there with writs for Brother [Brigham] Young and others. The U. S. Marshal was one. Elder [John] Taylor spoke on the Stand; give them to understand that if they made an attempt to serve the writs it would cost them their lives and also told them how they had murdered two of our best men while under a civil process and the authorities of the state pledged for their safety and that we would submit to no more such outrages on our lives and liberties. In the afternoon I went to the Seventies' Hall from thence to the police and came home about eight o'clock.
April 14, Monday. Worked at home until three o'clock. Then went to the temple and Petty's shop for pistols then to the police and done business at the Masonic Hall until about eight; came home by the temple, stayed with the guard, came home at nine o'clock.
April 15, Tuesday. I was at home until about eleven o'clock, went to Brother Jones and was there taken very sick; went to bed and about four o'clock got up and went to the police. From thence to Brother [Theodore] Turley's to make some arrangements about the old police in relation to the incorporation of the city as mentioned on the 25th of last March. Home at eight o'clock.
April 16, Wednesday. In the morning I went to see General Rich about the "Old Police" as with Brother [Theodore] Turley last evening; from thence I went to see Brother J. D. Lee to have him assist me with the Old Police Regulations as above but he being sick could not attend with me. I then came home at four o'clock p.m., met with the President and Trustees of the Town Incorporation, whose names are: Alpheus Cutler, Orson Spencer, C. [Charles] C. Rich, T. [Theodore] Turley and D. [David] Fullmer. They appointed the "Old police" to be the regular police of the town and I was appointed captain of the same and I succeeded in having Brother Lee appointed one of the Assessors and Collectors of the Town. I then came home about dark.
April 17, Thursday. In the morning I went to Harmon's shop to get a table made, thence to the printing office, thence up to Blazzard's saw pit for lumber for the table, thence to A. [Allen] J. Stout's and stayed there until three o'clock, thence to Brother Lee's who was still sick; thence to the Lodge to a regular communication. Thence met with the police and came by Brother Lee's again, home at dark.
April 18, Friday. Worked in my garden until twelve o'clock and then went to Lodge at one, then went to Seventies' Hall to see Brother Lee, then came to Brother Harmons' and got him to detail the guard as I was very sick. I then came home a little while before dark.
April 19, Saturday. In the morning I was sent for by Brother Lee who wanted to see me. I went there and done some business with him and then went to General Rich's to meet the committee to write the Nauvoo Legion but they not coming I came home about eleven, and in the evening met with Police; came home after dark and just after I had gone to bed Thomas L. Edwards, Sr. came who had been with Emmett in the wilderness. He was in a sad condition, said he wanted counsel to know what to do.
April 20, Sunday. In the morning myself and wife Lucretia Fisher went to Brother John D. Lee's to a social meeting we came there about nine o'clock; we had a good and friendly meeting President Amasa Lyman, Brother Lee and wife and others were present. We came from there by the temple to Brother Jones' and in the afternoon my wife and I went to meeting, and then we all came home and I met the police and came home a little after dark.
April 21, Monday. In the morning I went to the [Nauvoo] temple and met with [Louis] Dana [also spelled Denna] went to Brother Harmon's with him to a council, from there to Brigham's and went with Brother Shumway to the upper landing for wood, then came to A. [Allen] J. Stout's then came home went with my wife to Roberts, for crocks, then came to Brother Jones; took dinner, wife came home and I went to temple to do business for the "Old Police" came home and met police and after detailing some on particular patrol duty came home at dark.
April 22, Tuesday. At home until after noon; went down in town and met police home at nine o'clock.
April 23, Wednesday. In the morning went with my wife to Isaac Allred's and A. [Allen] J. Stout's on a visit and I went to J. Higbee's, then to see Mrs. Clyde; gave her some counsel relative to her situation, then went to Father Knight's, had some talk with Sarah, came thence to [Charles] Allen's then went to police and then came with Brother Shumway to Lyon's store for wine; he was going away. I then went and took my wife home a little after dark.
April 24, Thursday. In the morning went to Printing Office then went with G. [George] D. Grant up the river for some wood and came home at noon and in the evening met the police and came home at dark. Very wet, boisterous day.
April 25, Friday. In the morning I went to see Warren Smith on police duty and came home and went down on the flat to see Brothers Daniels and Kay; had a talk with them on police operations and afterwards met the police and came home at dark. Met General Rich on my way and went with him home and then to Warren Smith's and went on patrol duty with him, Daniel's, Kay and others, and came home about ten o'clock.
April 26, Saturday. In the morning went with my wife to the meat market, and meeting with G. W. Langley on the way we came home and went down on the flat and saw several police on business; met with Kay and Daniels made some police arrangements, and met Joel Terry at the Mansion went home with him took dinner and agreed to take him under my instruction in things pertaining to the kingdom of God. We went to the [Nauvoo] temple and I meeting with Brother L. [Lucius] N. Scovil. We went to J. P. Harmon's, and I stopped there until evening, met police, and gave them some instructions relative to the proper order of things then came home a little after dark.
April 27, Sunday. I went with my wife to meeting at the Stand; Elders [Almon W.] Babbitt and [John] Taylor preached. Old Father Cowles, one of Law's apostates was there, a company of boys assembled to whistle him out of town but I prevented them. I came home in the evening, went to police, on my way was informed that the old man had been whistled out immediately after meeting. I met police and came home before dark.
April 28, Monday. At home until noon then met with the Lodge and at four o'clock met the police and had a meeting and all told their feelings, we had a good time and love and union prevailed. I came home at nine o'clock.
April 29, Tuesday. In the morning I went with my wife to the graveyard and came home and went down on the flat; about one o'clock went to the printing office, and then met with the police home at nine o'clock.
April 30, Wednesday. We went down to the Lodge at one o'clock, and at four o'clock met with the Eleventh Quorum at the Masonic Hall and at six o'clock met the police as usual; home at nine o'clock.
MAY 1845
May 1, Thursday. In the morning wrote Alfred Brown's history and was in and about home until noon, went to see Brother [Theodore] Turley on some business for the police and went to the Lodge at four o'clock, it was no communication, then met the police and came home about nine o'clock.
May 2, Friday. In the forenoon I went to Worthen's and the temple, then down on the flat and at one o'clock met with the Lodge and then went round about town with G. W. Langley and met the police and came home before dark a little.
May 3, Saturday. In the morning went to Brother Jones' stayed till eleven o'clock; then went down to the Lodge and at one o'clock then went to Petty's shop and got a brace of pistols then came to the police and then came home about dark.
May 4, Sunday. In the forenoon went to meeting with my wife and heard Brigham Young preach; came home and after dinner went to meeting again and then met the police and at dark went on guard at Brigham Young's until twelve o'clock p.m. then patrolled round by the [Nauvoo] temple home with Joel Terry. Came home about eight o'clock a.m.
May 5, Monday. In the forenoon went to see General Rich about establishing a picket guard on all the roads leading from Nauvoo to keep our enemies from passing to and from Nauvoo. We made the arrangement and I came home about noon and went to the Lodge and afterwards went with Colonel John Scott to see after some of our enemies who were lurking about town, then met police and came home before dark.
May 6, Tuesday. I was home until noon and met with the Lodge at one o'clock then met with the police, the Twelve was present, home a little after dark.
May 7, Wednesday. At home until noon. Brother Kay came to my house we went down on the flat together, I gave him a double-barrelled pistol. I went to the Lodge at one, and at five o'clock met with a general convention of the officers of the Nauvoo Legion to regulate matters in case we should be attacked by our enemies. I was appointed to act as Brigadier General, 2nd Cohort then met police and came home before dark.
May 8, Thursday. In the morning I went with J. [Joseph] B. [Bates] Nobles [Noble] to see John Bills to regulate matters pertaining to the 2nd Cohort. We came home and I went down on the flat and then went to General Rich's to meet the committee to write the history of the legion; from thence I met with the police and then came home before dark.
May 9, Friday. In the morning went with my wife to A. [Allen] J. Stout's and other places on the flat and came home at twelve o'clock, and I went to the Lodge at one o'clock and then met with the police. Elder [John] Taylor came and desired us to take a boat around Night's Mill Dam for Ivins; we went and did so, and then went to the [Nauvoo] temple to be sworn into office; but was too late. I then came home about dark, very sick with a headache.
May 10, Saturday. At home until noon, then went on the flat, and brought home some cheese and butter and then met the police and came home about eleven o'clock.
May 11, Sunday. Went to meeting at the Stand and came home at noon and after dinner went back to meeting, and then met the police came home about dark.
May 12, Monday. In the morning I went to the meat market for some provisions and came home, and Joseph Worthen came to my house and we rode down on the flat to see Kay and Daniels, when I came with Kay to see some men on the hill and then went back and I went with Daniels to see a man about some money. We then went down Mulholland Street onto the flat again and I went to see Father Knight and also had an audience with Bishop [Daniel] Carn and went back to Father Knight's, and then went to the Lodge at one o'clock and then met with the police at the [Nauvoo] temple where we were all sworn into office as policemen of the town of Nauvoo as before mentioned; from thence I went to the Masonic Hall to meet with the officers of the Fifth Regiment and gave them some instructions pertaining to their duty in case we should have any difficulty with the mob at court. I then started home and stopped at Brother Lee's awhile and again started home and in a few minutes met Brothers Brigham and Lorenzo Young, and after some conversation I went home with Brother Brigham, and while there Brother C. Daniels and some other policemen came there who was on the hunt of some men by the name of Hodges [Possibly Abraham C. Hodge and/or Amos C. Hodge] who were suspected of being guilty of murdering a man in the town. After some conversation with them I went with them.
We found some men from Iowa who had come over after them and did not know what to do so we all went on the hunt. We first went to see Colonel Markham ho had been in pursuit of them, and he came with us. We then went and raised some more men and went where it was said they were and found them. They refused to be taken until daylight, so we guarded the house until day, when they gave themselves up and was conducted away by Colonel Markham. I, after serving a search warrant on them and another house for stolen goods, went to Father Knight's and took breakfast, being almost worn down with fatigue.
May 13, Tuesday. I then went to Dr. [Theodore] Turley's and got a horse and buggy and in company with Kay went and done some business with some brethren from Mississippi. I then went home and after dinner we went on the flat and at one o'clock I met the Lodge, after which I was round in town until time to meet the police, which I did, and at dark met the officers of the Fourth Regiment and taught as I did the officers last evening. Came home at ten o'clock.
May 14, Wednesday. At home until eleven o'clock, then went to Brother [Theodore] Turley's and then went to other places and at one o'clock met with the Lodge and at two o'clock met the committee to write the History of the Legion at General Rich's, and at six o'clock met the police, and came home at dark.
May 15 [1845], Thursday. Today was kept by the church in fasting and prayer. At nine o'clock I went on the flat, as the trial of the [William and Stephen Hodge] Hodges came off today before Esquires Johnson and Higbee. Just as the parties were ready to examine the witnesses the sheriff from Lee County, Iowa, presented an endictment against them from the Lee County Circuit Court, which after considerable debate by the lawyers, the court decided to be valid and the prisoners were committed, and after taking council with their lawyers they consented to go immediately to Iowa and went accordingly.
There was a great excitement about this murder in Iowa and our enemies taking the advantage of us endeavoured to lay this thing to the Mormons and when they found that those men were in Nauvoo, raised a hue and cry that we were harboring the murderers and that it was no use to come after them. This was when there was an excitement up against us, as court time was near and our enemies sought every opportunity [to] raise evil reports against us; hence, the people of Iowa was jealous and expected we would not let the men go, but when the court decided against them and they being conveyed by the police to Madison the same evening, they saw we were willing to do justice by all and they all as with one accord declared that we were abused and misrepresented so the matter turned in our favor and they instead of being our enemies as the mob intended became our friends. I then met the police and came home at dark.
[May] 16, Friday. In the forenoon went down on the flat and was with other policemen until one o'clock then met with the Lodge and police.
[May] 17, Saturday. In the morning I went down on the flat and at one o'clock met with the Lodge and police as usual and at dark met in council at the Seventies' Hall with the authorities to take into consideration the best method for the brethren to pursue who had to attend court at Carthage next week. After council I came home about eleven o'clock.
[May] 18, Sunday. Before meeting time General Rich came to my house to make some arrangements with me, relative to our operations in case we should be attacked by our enemies, while the brethren were at court and as he was one of the jury he had to be absent and it was necessary for me to act in his place and the mob intended to do something in order to have us commit ourselves as a people that they might have a pretext to call out the militia against us. So after we had made the necessary arrangements we went to meeting at the Stand and in time of meeting collected eight brethren who were lately from the south. And after giving them the necessary instructions, sent them out in different parts of the county to spy out the plans and designs of the mob. After meeting, I went to Brother Brigham Jones'and took dinner and returned to meeting in the afternoon after which I met the police and came home at dark.
May 19, Monday. In the forenoon I went to A. [Allen] J. Stout's and thence to Brother Joseph Knight's and at one met the Lodge. After which I was with Brother H. [Howard] Egan and met the police, and came home at dark and then went to the [Nauvoo] temple as I had heard that there were suspicions that some evil was intended but nothing serious occurred. I then went by Brother C. [Charles] C. Rich's and came home about eleven o'clock.
[May] 20, Tuesday. In the morning I went with my wife to the store and came home and then went to see Bishop Miller, who had sent for me who was at the [Nauvoo] temple. He wanted to see me about the guard at the [Nauvoo] temple. I then went to Allen J. Stout's and at one o'clock met the Lodge, after which I met the police as usual and came home at dark.
[May] 21 Wednesday. I went down by the [Nauvoo] temple to A. [Allen] J. Stout and met the Lodge and police; as usual home at dark.
[May] 22, Thursday. In the forenoon I went with my wife to Brigham Jones, on a visit and came home and then met the police and came home at dark.
[May] 23, Friday. In the forenoon I went down to the [Nauvoo] temple and saw John Kay working in the temple and had a long talk with him and matters concerning police duty and other business. Came home and after dinner met the Lodge and police as usual and came home about one hour after dark.
May 24 [1845], Saturday. This morning at six o'clock the capstone of the [Nauvoo] temple was to be laid by the Twelve. Myself and wife went. It was a very cold and disagreeable morning, the wind was in the N.E. We were present and beheld it laid. The band of music was present and played some appropriate airs when the ceremony of laying the stone was performed by the Twelve, when all the congregation shouted Hosanna to the Most High God for his preserving care over us in delivering us out of the hands of our enemies thus far. It was a beautiful sight to behold the surrounding country from the top of this splendid edifice erected to the name of the Most High God. How different the scene this morning from the day the foundation stone was laid under the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith at the head of the Nauvoo Legion, and Sidney Rigdon at his right hand as his spokesman. I remembered the flow of eloquence which gladdened the hearts of the Saints on that day as he addressed the vast assemblage. But now our Prophet has fell a martyr to the cause, sealed his testimony with his blood, and Sidney has turned a traitor to the cause of God and is now blaspheming against that same Prophet to which he was appointed a spokesman. And has this day been proved a false prophet, in the eyes of all the Saints, for he has prophesied that the walls of the temple would never be completed, which was done to our great joy which seemed this morning to be full.
After the stone was laid President Brigham Young observed to the Saints present that this was the Seventh day, the day in which the Lord finished the work of creation and rested so we this day had finished the work of wall of the [Nauvoo] temple and he would say to them to rest also, that it was the Jewish Sabbath and he would release all those who were working on the [Nauvoo] temple from labor this day. And said also that all the Saints who felt to keep to day sacred to the name of the Lord could do so too, but said they could do as they saw proper. We then came home about [seven] o'clock and at one o'clock met the Lodge and police as usual and came home at dark. [May] 25, Sunday. Went with my wife to meeting; at noon went to Benjamin Jones' and took dinner. We then went back to meeting again, after which we came home and I went on the flat and met with the police and at dark patrolled with [Howard] Egan, Daniels Kay and other policemen, on the flat and upper landing and was out all night.
May 26, Monday. Early in the morning I went in company with George D. Grant to see Brothers Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young. They taught us some principals of the kingdom about the law of consecration. I then went to Allen J. Stout's and heard that the warehouse at the upper landing was broken open last night and Bryant's and [Howard] Egan's goods stolen and I with other policemen were on the lookout for the goods. At one o'clock met the Lodge and the police, and at dark met in council with Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball, A. [Amasa] Lyman, G. [George] A. Smith, D. [Daniel] Carn, H. [Howard] Egan, G. [George] D. Grant, C. Daniels, John Kay, at the Masonic Hall, and came home at eleven o'clock at night. [May] 27, Tuesday. In the morning early met at the Hall again with the same as last night. We remained there all day; I met the police in the evening and came home at eleven o'clock at night.
[May] 28, Wednesday. Early in the morning I went to the Hall again on business and at one o'clock met with the Lodge and came home and in the evening; met the police, and came home at dark.
[May] 29, Thursday. In the morning Thomas L. Edwards came to my house wanted to know how I felt towards him I told him. I then went to the meat market, came home, and met the Lodge and police as usual and came home at dark.
[May] 30, Friday. Early this morning I went to Brother [E. J.] Sabin, took breakfast and had some talk with him on the spiritual kingdom and came by Benjamin Jones, and then came home and then went to the [Nauvoo] temple and saw Brother Daniels and Kay. Then I went in company with Brother H. [Heber] C. Kimball who wanted me to see [and] Brother Scovil which I did in the evening. I went from the temple to see Brother [Howard] Egan and then came home and in the evening met the police and came home a little after dark.
[May] 3l, Saturday. Wrote at home in the morning then went down to Joseph Knight's, then met the Lodge and police as usual home at dark.
JUNE 1845
June 1, Sunday. In the forenoon I went to meeting with my wife and came home and after dinner I went to meeting again, and then came home and met the police and came home at dark.
[June] 2, Monday. In the morning Brothers Matthews and Thomas came to see me about raising a company of Southern Brethren for my regiment. I gave them some instructions on the subject. I then went to see Brother Brigham from thence to Brother Knight and then met the Lodge and police as usual and came home at dark.
[June] 3, Tuesday. In the morning went to see L. D. Driggs and at nine o'clock. Met the Lodge and at one went to see the scenery of the Carthage murder exhibited at the Masonic Hall, and then met the police home at dark.
[June] 4, Wednesday. At home till evening and [E.] J. Sabin and [blank] here on a visit; met the police home at dark.
[June] 5, Thursday. In the morning went to see General Rich, then to the [Nauvoo] temple, then to the Lodge at nine o'clock and then to the Masonic Hall and then home and met police as usual came home at dark.
June 6, Friday. Worked at home until noon and then went to the Lodge and police as usual, came home at dark.
[June] 7, Saturday. In the morning went down on the flat and got some fish and came home accompanied by Bishop D. [Daniel] Carn and after dinner we went down again and I met the Lodge at one, after which I went to Davis' Landing on the river and bought some pine lumber with James H. Glines who bought some beer and brought it to the Hall for the police with me, and after having a good drink I came home at dark.
[June] 8, Sunday. In the forenoon I went to meeting with my wife at the Stand and came home at noon and in the evening met with the Seventies Conference at their hall or nearby there met the police and came home about dark.
[June] 9, Monday. Brother Lewis D. Wilson came to see me before I was up. After breakfast I went to [Samuel] Gully's Store and at one met the Lodge and then came home and afterwards met the police and came home at dark.
[June] 10, Tuesday. In the morning I set out some cabbage plants and then went to see Brother Willis and came home and after dinner met the Lodge and then went with Brother [Daniel] Carn to the [Nauvoo] temple and saw Brother Brigham about the ferry then met the police and came home at dark.
[June] 11, Wednesday. In the morning I went with my wife to look at the [Nauvoo] temple and came home and met the Lodge at one, and at four o'clock met the Eleventh Quorum of Seventies at the Masonic Hall and then met the police and came home at dark.
[June] 12, Tuesday. This was fast day. I was at home until about two o'clock then went on the flat by way of the [Nauvoo] temple; met the Lodge at four then met the police and then saw Brigham who gave me advice about police duty; home at ten o'clock.
June 13, Friday. In the forenoon I went to the [Nauvoo] temple and in company with Elders [Heber C.] Kimball, A. [Amasa] Lyman, Parker and [Shadrach] Roundy; went on the top of the attic story and had a delightful view of the surrounding country, after which I had an interview with Brother Harmon and then went to see Brother [Theodore] Turley and then saw W. [William] Hickman. Then went to Father Knight's then met the Lodge at two o'clock, then met the police and came home a little after dark.
[June] 14, Saturday. Early this morning I went to L. D. Driggs; came home and then went down on the flat by the [Nauvoo] temple and at two o'clock met the Lodge and then met the police and came home at dark.
[June] 15, Sunday. In the forenoon went to meeting at the Stand came home and after dinner went back to meeting, heard William Smith preach his claim to the Church and was followed by O. [Orson] Hyde. Then met police and after some conversation with some of the police on the subject came home at nine o'clock.
June 16, Monday. In the morning went to the meat market. Also saw S. Earl on some business; came home had some business with C. Canfield then went and saw Brother Lee at the brickyard then went down in town on the flat saw D. [Daniel] Carn on Main Street on police duty and took dinner with Brother Dunn and met the Lodge at two o'clock. Then saw Brother Lee again for Brother Langley and met the police and then went to see Brother [Brigham] Young at his house. Then went to Brother Harmon's and we went with Brother McArthur to the [Nauvoo] temple to instruct the guard and then I came home about ten o'clock.
[June] 17, Tuesday. In the forenoon saw James Pace on business then went down to the river with J. D. Lee and others to load timber for Brother Joseph Young's house. Met the Lodge and police as usual, had some talk with John Parker on police matters then saw O. [Orson] Hyde and others on the same business and then came home about half past ten o'clock.
[June] 18, Wednesday. In the morning met Brother Lee at the brickyard and went with him to the [Nauvoo] temple. From thence home with him and I went to A. [Allen] J. Stout, and at two o'clock met the police, after which after notifying some ones of them to tarry we held a council at which I expressed my feeling more fully than usual, as did the rest also. Home at eleven o'clock.
[June] 19, Tuesday. At nine o'clock met [Daniel] Carn, [Howard] Egan and [Shadrach] Roundy to do some business in temporal matters and then went to Father Knight's to see him on some matters which Brother Binley had to communicate to me about the police. Then met the Lodge and police then went to Brother Brigham's who gave me instructions about the police and after having some talk with [Howard] Egan and Harmon, I came home about eleven o'clock.
[June] 20, Friday. In the morning went to John T. Barnett's to give a list of my property to the assessor, came home and met in council with the same police as on the 18th, except L. [Levi] W. Hancock at the Masonic Hall. Then went to Father Knight on the same business as before and then met the Lodge and police as usual. Then went and saw Brother [Brigham] Young and patrolled with [Howard] Egan, Parker, [Daniel] Carns, Harmon and D. McArthur until twelve o'clock and came home, it being a very warm, still, rainy night I was wet.
[June] 21, Saturday. At home until noon and met the Lodge at two o'clock then went up to the upper landing with [Howard] Egan; saw John S. Higbee and Charles Allen on business then met the police then went to see Brother Brigham, and then came home at nine o'clock.
[June] 22, Sunday. In the forenoon went to meeting at the Stand and there saw Allen Weeks about his friend whom he introduced to me it was a rainy day and the meeting broke up. I came home and then went back but it being still wet I went on the flat to the Seventies meeting at the Hall then met the police, after which I patrolled until daylight in company with [Howard] Egan, Harmon, [Daniel] Carn, Parker and etc. and came home about the dawning of the day.
June 23, Monday. In the morning I went with my wife and others to see the [Nauvoo] temple and arsenal then went to Isaac Allred and I went to [Charles] Allen 's and at two o'clock met the Lodge and police then came home at dark.
[June] 24, Tuesday. This morning before day I got up and went to the [Nauvoo] temple to see to the guard and when I got there I was informed that one of the Hodges was murdered. I went to the place and found it to be so; he had been knocked down and then stabbed four times in his left side with his own knife and left, and he got up and ran away directing his course to Brigham Young's to have him lay hands on him. He fell dead within a rod or so of his door. [Charles] Allen and John Scott first saw him. He said he knew who had killed him but could not tell. When I came he was laying in a horrible situation and covered in blood and a jury holding an inquest over his dead body but no trace could be had of those who had killed him at daylight. I went with others to the place where be had been killed and found his knife a short distance therefrom as if it had been thrown away as the man had fled. From thence I went to [Charles] Allen 's and then came home about breakfast time and took a short nap and about nine o'clock. Went home with Allen Weeks where I stayed until twelve then went to the [Nauvoo] temple. Saw Harmon and then went to [Charles] Allen's and took another sleep as I was very much worn out. Then met the police and came home with Shumway and then I came home a little after dark.
June 25, Wednesday. At home Brother Shumway came to see me and about ten o'clock went to lay hands on Phineas Young who was sick. I came home and after dinner went with my wife to see Sister Sabin who was very low. I then went to the Lodge at two and at four, met the police as usual. The Twelve also met with us to council on some matters then agitating the town. Brother William Smith addressed us and was followed by Brother Brigham; we were dismissed about dark. I then saw and had an interview with Brother Lee and came home about half past ten.
[June] 26, Tuesday. In the forenoon I went to Brother Allen Week's. Stayed there until eleven o'clock then went down to Brother Knight's, and took dinner and met the Lodge at two then went to the printing office and down Main Street and met the police and came home at dark and learning that Sister Sabin was very sick, I went with my wife to visit her. We came home about midnight.
[June] 27, Friday. Wrote at home until noon and then met the Lodge and police as usual then came home and went on patrol guard until twelve and went to bed at Brigham's and stayed till morning.
[June] 28, Saturday. Took breakfast at [Charles] Allen 's and then came home and worked till noon and then met the Lodge and police then went to A. [Allen] Weeks then to [E. J.] Sabins and then came home about ten o'clock.
[June] 29, Sunday. In the forenoon went to meeting to the Stand which was now moved to the old place west of the [Nauvoo] temple. Brother E. [Ezra] T. [Taft] Benson spoke and was followed by President Brigham Young. I came home and met the police and then went to see Brother [Brigham] Young and then came home at ten o'clock.
June 30, Monday. In the morning went to Allen Weeks' and I then went to A. Stout's and then after seeing Amasa Lyman I went to the Lodge and I being very sick with a headache came home. And at six o'clock met the police at the [Nauvoo] temple and then went to the Music Hall. From there I went in company with Brother A. [Amasa] Lyman and Charles Shumway to Brother Shumway's house and in a short time Brother Scovil came, and also Brother Allen Weeks and wife and two of her sisters. We had a short address from Brother [Amasa] Lyman and, after drinking what wine we wanted, we dismissed all six, being very much edified with the remarks of Elder [Amasa] Lyman. The company then dispersed and I stayed in company with Brother Shumway that night on watch and came home early in the morning.
JULY 1845
July 1, Tuesday. This day there was a grand concert for the police at the Masonic Hall; it commenced at ten o'clock. Myself and wife and L. [Lucretia] Fisher went. We had also the twelve and other authorities with us, and was also provided with as much beer, wine, the cakes and etc. as we could eat and drink. We had a very entertaining time; all was peace, good feelings, and brotherly love, no discord or contention among us. It lasted until about six o'clock p.m. When we dismissed I came home. [July] 2, Wednesday. This morning G. W. Langley came to my house and we went to the Hall and round on the flat till two and then met the Lodge and police. I then went to to see Sister Sabin who was sick nigh unto death. From thence to Allen Weeks' and there entered into the [blank] and came home about daylight in the morning.
July 3, Thursday. This morning I went down on the flat and at nine o'clock met the Lodge and then went on the Hill to the Shoe Shop and at two o'clock met in their council at the Hall with President Brigham Young and G. [George] A. Smith and the officers of the Lodge and the officers of Helm Lodge relative to our two Lodges joining together; it was not decided then. At four o'clock the Lodge met again, being a Regular Communication and there the matter of the Lodges were discussed and referred to Scovil [Shadrach] Roundy and myself to settle. Afterwards I met the police and spoke at considerable length to them on the subject and necessity of their keeping their selves out of all bad company and maintaining an upright and dignified course before the people after which I went to B. [Brigham] Young's and saw him to get council on some matters and Brother Lee coming, I stayed with him awhile and afterward we got in conversation with Brother [Brigham] Young on the doctrine of Christ's mission in the world and at eleven o'clock I came home.
[July] 4, Friday. This morning at eight o'clock I went to the Hall to meet with some of the police and was there until twelve o'clock and went round on the flat then met hte Lodge and police and at dark went to the Music Hall to a concert given for the benefit of the "Old Police" and came home at eleven o'clock.
[July] 5, Saturday. Went to the Masonic Hall at ten o'clock and took dinner at Father Knight's and at two o'clock met the Lodge then the police, came home at dark very lame from a hurt on my foot.
[July] 6, Sunday. Went to meeting at the Stand, heard William Smith and H. [Heber] C. Kimball preach. Came home and after dinner went to meeting again from there to the police then came home at dark and went to see Allen Weeks and was on guard all night came home early in the morning.
July 7, Monday. This morning I went down by the temple to the flat and then went to see Brother [Robert L.] Campbell and engraver and Brother Mandsley, Portrait Painter, to have the likeness of myself and wife taken and engraved on stone, or in other words have a stone of our likeness taken to be lithographed. From thence I went to the Lodge, then to the burying ground to seek for the grave of little Lydia my daughter. I then came home and then met the police and came home at about ten o'clock.
July 8, Tuesday. This morning Brother Shumway and Langley came to see me and we went to the Masonic Hall and I went to Father Knight, and took dinner then met the Lodge and after went to Mandsley's then met the Police and came home at nine thirty.
[July] 9 Wednesday. This morning I went to Brother Mandsley's again. From thence to Brother [Robert L.] Campbells and took dinner then went to teh Lodge then met the Eleventh at the same plce then met hte police and came home at dark.
[July] 10, Tuesday. This was a fast day and I went to see Sister Sabin who was yet very sick. From thence to Brother [Allen] Weeks, and from thence, in company with Brother L. [Levi] W. Hancock, to the Stand to meeting and heard Brigham speak on the policy of preserving our health and condemned the present system of doctors, etc. I went from meeting to Father Knight and took dinner then met hte Lodge nad police and came home at dark and then went on (patrol guard) with Brother [Allen] Weeks and came home at daybreak.
[July] 11, Friday. This morning went to the Shoe Shop and got a pair of boots and came home and then went to Mandsley's again and got my likeness, then went to Father Knight. At two met the Lodge then went to the temple for some lithograph paper and then went to the police and came home about nine o'clock.
[July] 12, Saturday. This morning I met some of the police at the Stand to regulate some seats for ourselves and then went to Father Knight and took dinner and then met the Lodge and police and came home at dark.
[July] 13, Sunday. This was a very wet, disagreeable day until noon when the rain ceased and I went to the [Nauvoo] temple and from thence to the Masonic Hall and met the police and came home about dark.
[July] 14, Monday. Went down on the flats this morning and fell in company with General Rich on the way and had some talk with him; he desired to see me again and I went to the Hall, saw D. D. Yearsly, on my way conversed on merchantile business; the Lodge met at nine o'clock. From thence I went to Brother [Robert L.] Campbell's, thence to Maudsleys and took dinner at Allen J. Stout's and met the Lodge again at two o'clock. Then went on the hill to the Shoe Shop, got a pair of shoes and then took them to Brother Maudsley and started to the police. Met with Brother John E. Page. He came with me to the Hill and spoke to the police on the subject of having a house built for himself for which the police subscribed very liberally. I then came home and went to Brother [E. J.] Sabins; and Sister Sabin, who had long been sick, was dead. From thence I went to Brother [Allen] Weeks' and was on guard all night which turned out to be a very wet, rainy night. I came home in the morning a little after sunrise.
July 15, Tuesday. This morning I went to the upper stone house to buy some groceries of Oliver; fell in company with D. McArthur who was with me. We came by his house, stayed awhile and came home and after dinner went to Brother Tufts who was very sick and after laying hands on him I went to the Lodge; after which I went to Yearsley's Store then met the police and came home with Brother Shumway and then came home at about dark.
[July] 16, Wednesday. This morning about ten o'clock I went to Petty's Shop to get a pair of bullet molds made and then went in company with Amasa Lyman to Brother Hewett's to see dead bodies of the two Hodges who had been hung at Burlington but they had been taken to the graveyard before we got there. I then came with Brother [Theodore] Turley down to [Charles] Allen 's and I went to Brother Maudsleys and from there to the Lodge and then went with Brother Langley to John S. Higbee and then met the police and came home at dark.
[July] 17, Tuesday. This morning I went to the arsenal to help put on the timbers for the roof, took dinner at Jones' went back to the arsenal and at four o'clock met the Lodge at a regular communication. Then met the police came home at dark and patrolled with James Pace about two hours on Parly Street then came home.
[July] 18, Friday. This was a rainy morning, after dinner I went to the Lodge then met the police and came home at dark accompanied by Brothers [Howard] Egan and Shumway and brought home some wine and after supper I returned with Brother [Howard] Egan to the flat and came home about half past eleven o'clock.
Saturday, July 19. Early this morning I went to Warthan's to get a horse and buggy and went with my wife and child to the Steam Mill about a mile below Nauvoo to get some lumber and came home about noon. After dinner took the horse and buggy home and went to the Lodge. Then went to John Higbee's then met the police and came home and went to see Allen Week's and stood patrol guard all night; came home in the morning about sunrise.
[July] 20, Sunday. Went to meeting in the forenoon. Elder Orson Pratt spoke and was followed by Brigham Young's and others after which [John] Taylor spoke and mentioned about the dissatisfaction which was caused by the two Hodges who were hung at Burlington being buried here that he had been requested to mention it there was remarks made for and against them remaining; the vote being put to the congregation it was almost unanimously decided that they should not remain in our burying ground. I came home and and in the evening met the police and after the duty was over spoke about one hour on certain principles where called forth by a circumstance taking place last night at the [Nauvoo] temple by some persons forcing themselves in the temple abruptly without authority from the police guard. After which I came home about nine o'clock.
Monday [July] 21. This day there was an exhibition of animals in town and the police were invited to go free; it commenced at one o'clock. In the forenoon I was down on the flat, making preparations for the police to go to the show. First about the time the show was to commence there came a hard north wind which blew down the canvas and completely frustrated the calculations of the showmen. It was followed by rain. There was a large concourse of people assembled to see the show; the Seventies' Hall was crowded to over flowing during the storm and the street was still full of people who still remained, so anxious were they to see. After the winds had somewhat subsided the showmen began to regulate the wagons to still make an exhibition as well as they could. There were crowds of people who, without respect to order or decency, who crowded on to the canvas and etc. of the showmen and rendered it impossible to do anything for them, when the police took it up and tried to enforce order, which they did after having first to knock down some three or four, which raised a great excitement about it, some for and some against the police. At length the show commenced and we had a tolerable time though it was raining most of the time. The police were invited free after the show; I met at the police quarters as usual and came home about half past six o'clock very sick.
Tuesday, July 22. This morning Brother Langley came to my house and we went to the [Nauvoo] temple and went on the top and viewed the landscape over and about noon I went to [Charles] Allen 's. Then saw Brother Harris who expressed his good feelings to me and the police for our good and efficient course we had taken yesterday and in former times wishing me God Speed. I then went by the printing office to the temple and came home and after supper met the police. Brother [Brigham] Young met with us and gave us some good advice relative to our duty. I then came home and went on guard as on last Saturday night and came home about sun-up Wednesday.
Wednesday [July] 23. Went down on the flat and temple with Brothers Langley and Shumway, met police. Saw President Brigham Young in the afternoon on matters relating to groceries and such like abominable things; home at dark.
Tuesday [July] 24. This morning I went to Brother Brigham Young's with the police, agreed on last night to pile his lumber to dry. From thence we went to the Stand to fix our seats. I then went to A. [Allen] J. Stout's and took dinner and from thence went to the graveyard with W. [William] D. Huntington the Sexton to hunt the grave of my child. We dug up two graves but they were not the one. We did not find it. I came home and met the police and came home accompanied by Brother Shumway and P. [Phineas] Young, and after taking some wine I went home with Shumway and then went on patrol guard as on Tuesday night and came home before day.
Friday [July] 25. In the forenoon I went down to Gulley's to get some apples and flour, came home and after dinner met the Lodge and police and came home at dark.
Friday [July] 26. This morning I went to Brother McArthur's and with him to the Lower Steam Mill for lumber for my house and came home and after dinner met the Lodge and police, came home at dark.
Saturday, July 27. Went to meeting at the Stand. Brother Brigham preached after some business had been done about the Nauvoo House. At noon Brother A.[Amasa] Lyman came home with me and took dinner and we then went back to meeting and at two o'clock I went to the Seventies' conference at the Hall, and after some general business was done, the different Quorums met separately. I met with the 11th from thence met the police and then came home and went to A. [Allen] Weeks, then to Horn's Store for candles. Came home at about ten o'clock.
Monday [July] 28. Brother Langley came to my house for me to go home with him to see Sister Vear whose husband was sick; I went and returned home about nine o'clock and after dinner went to the Lodge and then met the police and came home at dark.
Tuesday [July] 29. In the morning Andrew Lytle came here and I went with him to the flat and went to see [Howard] Egan and Kay then came home and after dinner went to the Lodge and then met the police and came home at dark, about which time Brother [Howard] Egan came with a buggy after me to go to a small party at his house to celebrate his wife's birthday. I went; we had a most agreeable entertainment and had a very delicious supper,