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  2. Documents, Volume 6, Part 4 Introduction: 24 April–12 August 1839

Part 4: 24 April–12 August 1839

Part 4 of this volume, spanning from mid-April to mid-August 1839, covers the period of organization and growth that followed the
Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

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’ relocation from
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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to
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
. After nearly six months of imprisonment in Missouri, JS and his fellow prisoners escaped from state custody. They arrived in
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

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, Illinois, on 22 April 1839, where JS was reunited with his
wife

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

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and children, who had moved to Quincy in February.
1

JS, Journal, 22–23 Apr. 1839; see also Historical Introduction to Promissory Note to John Brassfield, 16 Apr. 1839; and Letter from Emma Smith, 7 Mar. 1839.


The town had become a central refuge for Latter-day Saints forced to leave Missouri. Several church leaders who settled there, including
Edward Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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and
William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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, had overseen the relocation of church members and corresponded with church leaders still in
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

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, Missouri, in early 1839. The residents of Quincy offered assistance to the impoverished Saints, generously donating money and goods when church leaders requested help, providing shelter for the Latter-day Saint refugees, and offering to sell them land on favorable terms.
2

See “Proceedings in the Town of Quincy,” Quincy (IL) Argus, 16 Mar. 1839, [1]; Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839; George Miller, St. James, MI, to “Dear Brother,” 22 June 1855, in Northern Islander (St. James, MI), 9 Aug. 1855, [1]; and Tillson, History of the City of Quincy, Illinois, 68.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Quincy Argus. Quincy, IL. 1836–1841.

Northern Islander. St. James, MI. 1850–1856.

Tillson, John. History of the City of Quincy, Illinois. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing, 1900.

Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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and others in
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
had corresponded with JS during his incarceration, keeping him apprised of church matters and seeking his counsel. In a March letter addressed to Partridge, JS advised the church leaders in Quincy to purchase land from
Isaac Galland

15 May 1791–27 Sept. 1858. Merchant, postmaster, land speculator, doctor. Born at Somerset Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Matthew Galland and Hannah Fenno. Married first Nancy Harris, 22 Mar. 1811, in Madison Co., Ohio. Married second Margaret Knight, by 1816....

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, a land speculator with acreage in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
.
3

Historical Introduction to Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839; Letter to Edward Partridge and the Church, ca. 22 Mar. 1839.


Around the same time, JS wrote to Galland with a request to hold the land until JS and the other prisoners were released from
jail

Two-story building containing dungeon on lower floor with access through trap door. Wood building constructed, ca. 1830. Outer stone wall added and building completed, 1833. JS and five others confined there for just over four months, beginning 1 Dec. 1838...

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.
4

Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.


Two days after arriving in Quincy, JS attended a council meeting at which he,
Vinson Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

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, and
Alanson Ripley

8 Jan. 1798–before 1860. Surveyor, lawyer. Born at New York. Son of Asa Ripley and Polly Deforest. Married Sarah Finkle. Resided in Massachusetts, 1827. Member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition...

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were appointed to a committee to visit land in Iowa Territory, apparently to identify locations for Latter-day Saint communities.
5

Minutes, 24 Apr. 1839.


The committee members left Quincy the next day, 25 April, and traveled to the area around
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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, Illinois, and parts of
Lee County

First permanent settlement established, 1820. Organized 1837. Population in 1838 about 2,800; in 1840 about 6,100; in 1844 about 9,800; and in 1846 about 13,000. Following expulsion from Missouri, 1838–1839, many Saints found refuge in eastern Iowa Territory...

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, Iowa Territory.
On 30 April, members of the land committee and other individuals acting for the church made the church’s first land transactions in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
. Since the church was not yet an incorporated and legally recognized institution in the state, church leaders and church
agents

A specific church office and, more generally, someone “entrusted with the business of another.” Agents in the church assisted other ecclesiastical officers, especially the bishop in his oversight of the church’s temporal affairs. A May 1831 revelation instructed...

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arranged to purchase the land in their own names. In the first land transaction on 30 April,
Ripley

8 Jan. 1798–before 1860. Surveyor, lawyer. Born at New York. Son of Asa Ripley and Polly Deforest. Married Sarah Finkle. Resided in Massachusetts, 1827. Member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition...

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arranged to buy approximately 130 acres on the
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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peninsula from
Hugh White

Ca. Jan. 1810–30 Mar. 1891. Steamboat captain. Born in St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri Territory. Son of James White and Lurana Barber. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by 1828. Family among first settlers of what became Commerce, Hancock Co. Married...

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, an early landowner in the Commerce area, for $5,000.
6

Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

This purchase included White’s house, which JS and his family would move to in May. In the second land purchase on 30 April,
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

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, who was acting on behalf of the
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

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, agreed to pay $9,000 to
Isaac Galland

15 May 1791–27 Sept. 1858. Merchant, postmaster, land speculator, doctor. Born at Somerset Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Matthew Galland and Hannah Fenno. Married first Nancy Harris, 22 Mar. 1811, in Madison Co., Ohio. Married second Margaret Knight, by 1816....

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for 47 acres of land on the Commerce peninsula as well as the rights to operate a ferry across the
Mississippi River

Principal U.S. river running southward from Itasca Lake, Minnesota, to Gulf of Mexico. Covered 3,160-mile course, 1839 (now about 2,350 miles). Drains about 1,100,000 square miles. Steamboat travel on Mississippi very important in 1830s and 1840s for shipping...

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between Commerce and
Montrose

Located in southern part of county on western shore of Mississippi River. Area settled by Captain James White, 1832, following Black Hawk War. Federal government purchased land from White to create Fort Des Moines, 1834. Fort abandoned; remaining settlement...

More Info
, Iowa Territory, southwest of Commerce.
7

See Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839; Hancock Co., IL, Deed Records, 1817–1917, vol. 12 G, p. 247, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,195, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

Establishing a ferry allowed the Saints residing in Illinois and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

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to control transportation between their settlements. Although Robinson made arrangements to purchase the land in his own name, an agreement he made the same day with JS,
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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, and
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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identified the three members of the First Presidency as the sureties guaranteeing payment to Galland.
8

See Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.


These transactions may have taken place in the Commerce area, where both White and Galland were living at the time.
9

These transactions may also have occurred around the same time of day on 30 April. Galland and Vinson Knight, the third member of the land committee, acted as witnesses to White’s bond for Ripley; Knight also signed Robinson’s agreement with the First Presidency as a witness. (See Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

In addition to helping secure land for the Saints, JS oversaw other church business. On 4–5 May, he presided at a general
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

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for all church members, and on 6 May he presided at a conference meeting for church leaders. During the general conference, the assembled church members considered various issues facing the church. One of the most pressing concerns was how to address the Saints’ expulsion from
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
. The congregation approved
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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’s proposal to travel to
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

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and appeal to the federal government for intervention on the Saints’ behalf. To document what the Saints in Missouri had suffered,
Almon Babbitt

Oct. 1812–Sept. 1856. Postmaster, editor, attorney. Born at Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ira Babbitt and Nancy Crosier. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ca. 1830. Located in Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, July 1831....

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,
Erastus Snow

9 Nov. 1818–27 May 1888. Farmer, teacher, merchant, publisher, manufacturer. Born at St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by William Snow, 3 Feb. 1833, at Charleston...

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, and
Robert B. Thompson

1 Oct. 1811–27 Aug. 1841. Clerk, editor. Born in Great Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Methodist. Immigrated to Upper Canada, 1834. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt, May 1836, in Upper Canada. Ordained an elder by...

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were appointed as a committee to collect libelous reports about the church. Those at the conference also endorsed the mission of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

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to Europe, as directed in a revelation JS had dictated the previous year, and sustained new church leaders.
10

Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; see also Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118].


John P. Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

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was directed to go to
New York City

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

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; along the way, he was to solicit funds from church members to aid those impoverished by the Missouri expulsion.
Oliver Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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was instructed to oversee the maintenance of and mortgage payments for the
House of the Lord

JS revelation, dated Jan. 1831, directed Latter-day Saints to migrate to Ohio, where they would “be endowed with power from on high.” In Dec. 1832, JS revelation directed Saints to “establish . . . an house of God.” JS revelation, dated 1 June 1833, chastened...

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in
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

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, Ohio; preside over church affairs there; and continue in his previous assignment to resolve church debts. In conjunction with the appointments made during the conference, authorizations were prepared for Greene, Granger, Babbitt, Snow, and Thompson. Also during the conference, the members passed a resolution to encourage converts in the eastern United States to move to Kirtland.
11

See Minutes, 6 May 1839.


On 10 May, JS and his family moved from
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
to the southern portion of the
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
peninsula.
12

JS, Journal, 10 May 1839.


In several letters, JS encouraged his friends and fellow Saints to likewise move to the area, and he even selected lots for some to purchase. As the month progressed, JS and other church leaders continued their efforts to secure land for the church. Because church leaders needed additional funds for their previous and ongoing land acquisition,
Stephen Markham

9 Feb. 1800–10 Mar. 1878. Carpenter, farmer, stock raiser. Born at Rush (later Avon), Ontario Co., New York. Son of David Markham and Dinah Merry. Moved to Mentor, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1809. Moved to Unionville, Geauga Co., 1810. Married Hannah Hogaboom, before...

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was appointed to “gather up And receive such means in money or otherwise” to help the church.
13

Authorization for Stephen Markham, 27 May 1839; see also Letter to Father Bigler, 27 May 1839.


Before
Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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returned to
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

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, he spent time discussing business matters with JS and completing various tasks as a church agent.
14

JS, Journal, 13–14 May 1839.


For example, in late May he arranged to purchase over two thousand acres of land in
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
from
Galland

15 May 1791–27 Sept. 1858. Merchant, postmaster, land speculator, doctor. Born at Somerset Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Matthew Galland and Hannah Fenno. Married first Nancy Harris, 22 Mar. 1811, in Madison Co., Ohio. Married second Margaret Knight, by 1816....

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.
15

Lee Co., IA, Land Records, 1836–1961, vol. 1, pp. 507–510, 29 May 1839, microfilm 959,238, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

Although many Saints moved to Commerce and
Montrose

Located in southern part of county on western shore of Mississippi River. Area settled by Captain James White, 1832, following Black Hawk War. Federal government purchased land from White to create Fort Des Moines, 1834. Fort abandoned; remaining settlement...

More Info
, some Saints, including
Bishop Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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, remained in Quincy. As a church leader charged with helping the poor, Partridge corresponded with JS regarding the needs of the Saints living in Quincy.
16

See Letter from Edward Partridge, 27 May 1839; Letter to Edward Partridge, 29 May 1839; and Letter from Edward Partridge, 13–15 June 1839.


As JS and other church leaders worked to establish communities for the Saints in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
, they also confronted the aftermath of their forced expulsion from
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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, such as by approving
Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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’s proposal to request federal intervention in Missouri. Although Rigdon’s plan originally included soliciting support from governors to “impeach the State of Missouri,” it is not clear what he, JS, or other church leaders hoped to achieve through federal intervention.
17

Letter from Sidney Rigdon, 10 Apr. 1839.


They may have hoped to obtain redress through regaining possession of their confiscated lands in Missouri or receiving monetary reparations.
18

By the time JS, Rigdon, and others left for Washington DC in October 1839, their focus was primarily on obtaining monetary compensation for the Latter-day Saints’ collective losses. (JS et al., Petition, Washington DC, to United States Congress, Washington DC, ca. 29 Nov. 1839, JS Collection, CHL.)


As part of their efforts to document such losses, church members were asked to produce affidavits or redress petitions that identified personal damages resulting from the expulsion. In June, JS produced a petition describing his experiences in Missouri, enumerating his personal losses, and requesting redress. In contrast to the majority of the Saints’ redress petitions, which are brief, JS’s petition is an eight-page narrative. This document provides the most detail of any account regarding JS’s experiences while imprisoned in
Clay County

Settled ca. 1800. Organized from Ray Co., 1822. Original size diminished when land was taken to create several surrounding counties. Liberty designated county seat, 1822. Population in 1830 about 5,000; in 1836 about 8,500; and in 1840 about 8,300. Refuge...

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, Missouri.
19

See Bill of Damages, 4 June 1839.


Additional issues related to
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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arose when
Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

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published two letters in the Quincy Whig in May 1839. The letters, which Wight had written while imprisoned with JS, condemned the Democratic leadership in Missouri for not aiding the Saints during the Missouri conflict and for not helping them afterward.
20

See Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 1 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy (IL) Whig, 4 May 1839, [2]; and Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 7 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy Whig, 11 May 1839, [2]. The letters were originally addressed to the editors of the Louisville (KY) Journal and to Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, respectively.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

Concerned that Wight’s accusations would offend Democrats in
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

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or politicians in
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

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, Latter-day Saint
Robert B. Thompson

1 Oct. 1811–27 Aug. 1841. Clerk, editor. Born in Great Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Methodist. Immigrated to Upper Canada, 1834. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt, May 1836, in Upper Canada. Ordained an elder by...

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wrote to JS about Wight’s letters. The First Presidency responded to Wight’s letters by writing to the editors of the Quincy Whig, explaining that the church intended to remain politically neutral and did not blame a specific party for the Saints’ treatment in Missouri. JS also wrote a letter to Wight in late May, acknowledging Wight’s right to publish his opinion but asking him to be cautious and to clarify that he was not speaking for the church.
21

See Letter from Robert B. Thompson, 13 May 1839; Letter to the Editors, 17 May 1839; and Letter to Lyman Wight, 27 May 1839.


During this time JS also corresponded with individuals still in
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
. In late May, JS dictated a letter to
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

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, who had been excommunicated from the church and remained in
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, informing him that his assistance was no longer needed in settling Missouri business.
22

See Letter to William W. Phelps, 22 May 1839.


In June, JS wrote to Missouri merchant
Jacob Stollings

22 Oct. 1804–14 May 1853. Boardinghouse owner, farmer. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Stollings and Sarah Ann Cooper. Married Jinsey Estes, 28 Mar. 1830, in Clay Co., Missouri. Moved to Daviess Co., Missouri, by 1837. Built first house in Gallatin, Daviess...

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, explaining that JS was unable to locate the merchant’s stolen property, which was taken during the 1838 conflict.
23

Letter to Jacob Stollings, 27–28 June 1839; see also Agreement with Jacob Stollings, 12 Apr. 1839.


JS spent part of June instructing and counseling the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and selected members of the Quorums of the
Seventy

A priesthood office with the responsibility to travel and preach and assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, similar to the seventy in the New Testament. In February and March 1835, the first members of the Seventy were selected and ordained. All of those...

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as they prepared for their mission to Europe.
24

See Recommendation for Brigham Young, 3 June 1839.


In 1837 and 1838, apostles
Heber C. Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

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and
Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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completed a dramatically successful mission to
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

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, and in July 1838 JS dictated a revelation directing the apostles to commence a mission “over the great waters.”
25

See Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118:4].


At the 6 May conference meeting, church leaders appointed thirteen members of the Quorums of the Seventy and five
high priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

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to accompany the apostles on their mission. In preparation for the mission, the First Presidency signed recommendations for the apostles.
26

See Recommendation for Brigham Young, 3 June 1839.


The Quorums of the Seventy resolved to create similar recommendations for the seventies who would be proselytizing with the apostles.
27

Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 12 May 1839, 71–72.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

From 15 to 26 June, JS traveled with his family to visit his brothers who were living in other areas of Illinois. JS, his
wife

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

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, and their children stayed first with
William Smith

13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...

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in
Plymouth

Village located about thirty-five miles southeast of Nauvoo. Settled 1831. Surveyed 1836. Post office established, 1837. Population in 1846 about 60. JS’s brother William Smith moved to farm in area, 1839. JS visited William, June 1839. JS’s sister Katharine...

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, Hancock County, Illinois, and then traveled to
McDonough County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825, organized 1829. Population in 1835 about 2,900. Population in 1840 about 5,300.

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, where
Don Carlos Smith

25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

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and
Samuel Smith

13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811...

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were living with their families. This visit was JS’s first opportunity to see Samuel “since [JS’s] deliverance from prison.” During these travels, JS preached to several large congregations, addressing in particular the “coming forth of the Book of Mormon.”
28

JS, Journal, 15–26 June 1839.


JS and his immediate family returned to
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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on 26 June, and on 27 June he presided at the third day of council meetings that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was holding in
Montrose

Located in southern part of county on western shore of Mississippi River. Area settled by Captain James White, 1832, following Black Hawk War. Federal government purchased land from White to create Fort Des Moines, 1834. Fort abandoned; remaining settlement...

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and Commerce. At this and subsequent meetings in late June and early July, JS instructed the departing missionaries on topics such as discernment of spirits, the doctrine of election, the importance of unity and humility, and the
priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
.
29

See Discourse, 27 June 1839; Discourse, 2 July 1839; Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 2 July 1839; and Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839–A.


Intending to depart in early July, several of the apostles gave farewell addresses on 7 July.
30

See Discourse, 7 July 1839.


However, their departures were delayed by malaria, which struck several of the apostles, their families, and many other Saints in Commerce and Montrose. In the midst of this crisis, JS and
Emma

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

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helped care for the sick, bringing some into the Smith home and traveling to others throughout Commerce. JS also fell ill in mid-July
31

Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 25–26.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Brigham Young History Drafts, 1856–1858. CHL. CR 100 475, box 1, fd. 5.

but recovered on 22 July, and he and other elders gave blessings of healing to ailing Saints, many of whom quickly recovered.
32

See Historical Introduction to Discourse, 28 July 1839.


During the summer, JS was also occupied with land acquisition. On 2 July, JS and others visited sections of the approximately sixteen thousand acres around
Montrose

Located in southern part of county on western shore of Mississippi River. Area settled by Captain James White, 1832, following Black Hawk War. Federal government purchased land from White to create Fort Des Moines, 1834. Fort abandoned; remaining settlement...

More Info
that church agent
Vinson Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

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had recently purchased from
Galland

15 May 1791–27 Sept. 1858. Merchant, postmaster, land speculator, doctor. Born at Somerset Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Matthew Galland and Hannah Fenno. Married first Nancy Harris, 22 Mar. 1811, in Madison Co., Ohio. Married second Margaret Knight, by 1816....

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.
33

See JS, Journal, 2 July 1839; and Historical Introduction to Discourse, 2 July 1839.


In August, JS and his counselors in the First Presidency arranged to buy additional land for the Saints. In one of the two transactions that month, JS,
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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, and
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

View Full Bio
signed a bond to purchase around four hundred acres in the
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
peninsula from land speculator
Horace Hotchkiss

15 Apr. 1799–21 Apr. 1849. Merchant, land speculator. Born in East Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Heman Hotchkiss and Elizabeth Rowe. Moved to New Haven, New Haven Co., by 1815. Married Charlotte Austin Street, 22 Feb. 1824, in East Haven. Purchased...

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and his partners,
John Gillet

2 Aug. 1796–17 July 1848. Likely born in Connecticut. Son of Benoni Gillett and Phoebe Dean. Moved to Commerce (later Nauvoo), Hancock Co., Illinois, by May 1837. In Aug. 1839, with land-speculating partners Horace Hotchkiss and Smith Tuttle, sold land in...

View Full Bio
and
Smith Tuttle

12 Mar. 1795–7 Mar. 1865. Shipping merchant, land speculator. Born in East Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Christopher Tuttle and Abigail Luddington. Moved to Wallingford, New Haven Co., by 1810. Married first Rachel Gillett. Married second Amarilla...

View Full Bio
.
34

See Bond from Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839–A; and Promissory Note to John Gillet and Smith Tuttle, 12 Aug. 1839.


The same day, the First Presidency arranged to purchase ninety acres that Hotchkiss had agreed to purchase from
William White

25 Apr. 1813–22 Sept. 1872. River pilot. Born in St. Charles, St. Charles Co., Missouri Territory. Son of James White and Lurana Barber. Married first Achsa Golden, 25 Sept. 1838, in Hancock Co., Illinois. Sold property in and around what became Commerce ...

View Full Bio
.
35

See Bond from Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839–B; and Promissory Note to Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839.


These transactions provided the church leaders with a substantial amount of land in and around Commerce, which the church could then sell to Saints moving to the area.
  1. 1

    JS, Journal, 22–23 Apr. 1839; see also Historical Introduction to Promissory Note to John Brassfield, 16 Apr. 1839; and Letter from Emma Smith, 7 Mar. 1839.

  2. 2

    See “Proceedings in the Town of Quincy,” Quincy (IL) Argus, 16 Mar. 1839, [1]; Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839; George Miller, St. James, MI, to “Dear Brother,” 22 June 1855, in Northern Islander (St. James, MI), 9 Aug. 1855, [1]; and Tillson, History of the City of Quincy, Illinois, 68.

    Quincy Argus. Quincy, IL. 1836–1841.

    Northern Islander. St. James, MI. 1850–1856.

    Tillson, John. History of the City of Quincy, Illinois. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing, 1900.

  3. 3

    Historical Introduction to Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839; Letter to Edward Partridge and the Church, ca. 22 Mar. 1839.

  4. 4

    Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

  5. 5

    Minutes, 24 Apr. 1839.

  6. 6

    Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  7. 7

    See Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839; Hancock Co., IL, Deed Records, 1817–1917, vol. 12 G, p. 247, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,195, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  8. 8

    See Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.

  9. 9

    These transactions may also have occurred around the same time of day on 30 April. Galland and Vinson Knight, the third member of the land committee, acted as witnesses to White’s bond for Ripley; Knight also signed Robinson’s agreement with the First Presidency as a witness. (See Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.)

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  10. 10

    Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; see also Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118].

  11. 11

    See Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  12. 12

    JS, Journal, 10 May 1839.

  13. 13

    Authorization for Stephen Markham, 27 May 1839; see also Letter to Father Bigler, 27 May 1839.

  14. 14

    JS, Journal, 13–14 May 1839.

  15. 15

    Lee Co., IA, Land Records, 1836–1961, vol. 1, pp. 507–510, 29 May 1839, microfilm 959,238, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  16. 16

    See Letter from Edward Partridge, 27 May 1839; Letter to Edward Partridge, 29 May 1839; and Letter from Edward Partridge, 13–15 June 1839.

  17. 17

    Letter from Sidney Rigdon, 10 Apr. 1839.

  18. 18

    By the time JS, Rigdon, and others left for Washington DC in October 1839, their focus was primarily on obtaining monetary compensation for the Latter-day Saints’ collective losses. (JS et al., Petition, Washington DC, to United States Congress, Washington DC, ca. 29 Nov. 1839, JS Collection, CHL.)

  19. 19

    See Bill of Damages, 4 June 1839.

  20. 20

    See Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 1 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy (IL) Whig, 4 May 1839, [2]; and Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 7 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy Whig, 11 May 1839, [2]. The letters were originally addressed to the editors of the Louisville (KY) Journal and to Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, respectively.

    Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

  21. 21

    See Letter from Robert B. Thompson, 13 May 1839; Letter to the Editors, 17 May 1839; and Letter to Lyman Wight, 27 May 1839.

  22. 22

    See Letter to William W. Phelps, 22 May 1839.

  23. 23

    Letter to Jacob Stollings, 27–28 June 1839; see also Agreement with Jacob Stollings, 12 Apr. 1839.

  24. 24

    See Recommendation for Brigham Young, 3 June 1839.

  25. 25

    See Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118:4].

  26. 26

    See Recommendation for Brigham Young, 3 June 1839.

  27. 27

    Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 12 May 1839, 71–72.

    Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

  28. 28

    JS, Journal, 15–26 June 1839.

  29. 29

    See Discourse, 27 June 1839; Discourse, 2 July 1839; Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 2 July 1839; and Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839–A.

  30. 30

    See Discourse, 7 July 1839.

  31. 31

    Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 25–26.

    Historian’s Office. Brigham Young History Drafts, 1856–1858. CHL. CR 100 475, box 1, fd. 5.

  32. 32

    See Historical Introduction to Discourse, 28 July 1839.

  33. 33

    See JS, Journal, 2 July 1839; and Historical Introduction to Discourse, 2 July 1839.

  34. 34

    See Bond from Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839–A; and Promissory Note to John Gillet and Smith Tuttle, 12 Aug. 1839.

  35. 35

    See Bond from Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839–B; and Promissory Note to Horace Hotchkiss, 12 Aug. 1839.

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