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  2. Introduction to Documents, Volume 11: September 1842–February 1843

Joseph Smith Documents from September 1842 through February 1843

Joseph Smith and the members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of 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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in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, Illinois, were on high alert in September 1842. Three months earlier,
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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—a member of the church’s governing
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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and the mayor of Nauvoo—left the church, resigned his civic office, and departed the city, and he was now publishing incendiary accusations against Joseph Smith and the Saints. These accusations fueled rising animosity toward the church throughout the country and prompted legal action, leading authorities 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 ...

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and
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...

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to seek Joseph Smith’s arrest. Their efforts and Smith’s resulting legal appeals hindered his ability to lead the church and the city government of Nauvoo. The 105 documents in this volume of The Joseph Smith Papers chronicle the ways Joseph Smith and others continued the work of growing the church and building the city of Nauvoo amid these and other trying circumstances.
One of the most pervasive themes in these documents is Joseph Smith’s effort to elude officers of the law who attempted to arrest him and extradite him 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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. These extradition attempts stemmed from the failed assassination of former Missouri governor
Lilburn W. Boggs

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

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, who was shot by an unknown assailant on 6 May 1842 while he sat in his home in
Independence

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

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, Missouri. Although initial suspicion pointed elsewhere (including to Boggs’s opponents in an upcoming election for a seat in the Missouri Senate), rumors circulated that the Saints in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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were responsible for the act. These reports gained wider attention when the disgruntled
Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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claimed that Joseph Smith had directed
Orrin Porter Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

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to shoot Boggs, a rumor Smith repeatedly denied.
1

Letter to Sylvester Bartlett, 22 May 1842; John C. Bennett, St. Louis, MO, 13 July 1842, Letter to the Editor, Native American Bulletin (St. Louis), 14 July 1842, [2]; McLaws, “Attempted Assassination,” 50–62.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Native American Bulletin. St. Louis. 1842–1843.

McLaws, Monte B. “The Attempted Assassination of Missouri’s Ex-Governor, Lilburn W. Boggs.” Missouri Historical Review 60, no. 1 (Oct. 1965): 50–62.

Just days after Bennett published his accusations, however, Boggs swore an affidavit against Smith, prompting Missouri governor
Thomas Reynolds

12 Mar. 1796–9 Feb. 1844. Attorney, politician, judge. Born at Mason Co. (later Bracken Co.), Kentucky. Son of Nathaniel Reynolds and Catherine Vernon. Admitted to Kentucky bar, 1817. Moved to Illinois, by 1818. Served as clerk of Illinois House of Representatives...

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to issue a requisition demanding that
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
authorities apprehend Smith and extradite him to Missouri to stand trial for his alleged crime.
2

“Further Mormon Developments!! 2d Letter from Gen. Bennett,” and “Gen. Bennett’s Third Letter,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 15 July 1842, [2]; Lilburn W. Boggs, Affidavit, 20 July 1842; Thomas Reynolds, Requisition, 22 July 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

Smith maintained that the arrest attempts were illegal and conducted by “the most blood-thirsty kind of men” who threatened “death, and destruction, and extermination upon all the Mormons.” He feared, with good cause, that if he returned to Missouri his enemies there would kill him “at all hazards.”
3

Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 Sept. 1842.


In August 1842, after receiving the requisition order from
Reynolds

12 Mar. 1796–9 Feb. 1844. Attorney, politician, judge. Born at Mason Co. (later Bracken Co.), Kentucky. Son of Nathaniel Reynolds and Catherine Vernon. Admitted to Kentucky bar, 1817. Moved to Illinois, by 1818. Served as clerk of Illinois House of Representatives...

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,
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
governor
Thomas Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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dispatched officers 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...

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, Illinois, to
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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to arrest Smith and
Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

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. Shortly after their arrests, however, the Nauvoo Municipal Court issued a writ of
habeas corpus

“Have the body”; a written order from a court of competent jurisdiction commanding anyone having a person in custody to produce such person at a certain time and place and to state the reasons why he or she is being held in custody. The court will determine...

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, a legal order that required the court to hold a hearing to determine whether the basis of the arrest warrant was justified.
4

JS, Journal, 8 Aug. 1842.


Unsure about the legality of these proceedings, the arresting officers returned to Quincy to consult with Carlin. Meanwhile, Smith went into hiding, finding refuge in the homes of friends in Nauvoo, in the surrounding rural parts of
Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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, and 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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in
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. He remained in hiding for most of August.
5

JS, Journal, 8–19 Aug. 1842.


By 1 September 1842, Joseph Smith returned to his home in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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. On 2 September, however, reports arrived that
Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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had once again sent officers to the city to apprehend Smith.
6

JS, Journal, 2 Sept. 1842.


Despite hearing these reports, Smith was caught off guard the next day when the officers—
Adams County

Situated in western Illinois; bounded on west by Mississippi River. Organized from Pike Co., 1825. Quincy established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1830 about 2,200. Population in 1840 about 14,500. Latter-day Saint exiles from Missouri found refuge...

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, Illinois, constable
James Pitman

5 Nov. 1813–24 Feb. 1879. Lumber dealer, real estate broker, housing contractor, railroad director, prison warden. Born at St. Charles Co., Missouri. Son of Richard Berry Pittman and Lucinda Hutchings. Adhered to Quaker faith. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., ...

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,
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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state agent
Edward Ford

1774–after 1850. Law enforcement officer. Born in South Carolina. Married Susanna. Moved to Lewiston (near present-day New Florence), Montgomery Co., Missouri, by 1830. Moved to Lindsey, Benton Co., Missouri, by 1840. Missouri state agent commissioned to ...

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, and Adams County undersheriff
Thomas King

25 July 1806–17 Apr. 1854. Merchant. Born in Virginia. Lived at Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, by Jan. 1832. Served as constable, beginning Aug. 1835. Married Juliett Ann McDade, 9 June 1836, in Adams Co. Served as Adams Co. coroner, by Aug. 1836. Served as...

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—entered his home while he was dining with his family. Smith’s friends distracted the officers, and he quickly fled through the back door of his house, through his garden, and to the nearby home of
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

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. Later that evening, he moved to
Edward Hunter

22 June 1793–16 Oct. 1883. Farmer, currier, surveyor, merchant. Born at Newtown Township, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Edward Hunter and Hannah Maris. Volunteer cavalryman in Delaware Co. militia, 1822–1829. Served as Delaware Co. commissioner. Moved...

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’s home, where he remained in hiding for several days.
7

JS, Journal, 3 and 10 Sept. 1842.


A month later, the risk had not abated, and on 7 October he traveled to the home of
James Taylor

21 June 1783–27 May 1870. Government excise worker, farmer, joiner, carpenter. Born in Ackenthwaite, Westmoreland, England. Son of Edward Taylor and Elizabeth Saul. Christened Anglican. Moved to Lancaster, Lancashire, England, before 1805. Married Agnes Taylor...

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in Henderson County, Illinois, approximately thirty miles northeast of Nauvoo. He remained there until 28 October.
8

JS, Journal, 7 and 28 Oct. 1842; “Part 1: 1 September–31 October 1842.”


After
Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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issued his warrant, several of Joseph Smith’s associates began communicating with Carlin and other state officials, pleading on Smith’s behalf. Their appeals had no effect, however, as the governor remained committed to the extradition process.
9

See, for example, Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, 16 Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, 24 Aug. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, 27 Aug. 1842; and JS, Journal, 12 Sept. 1842.


In fact, on 20 September 1842, Carlin issued a proclamation in which he offered a reward for Smith’s capture.
10

Thomas Carlin, Proclamation, 20 Sept. 1842.


Nevertheless, Smith’s fortunes began to change in November. After the
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
City Council, led by Smith as mayor, passed an ordinance that dramatically expanded the municipal government’s power to issue writs of habeas corpus, Smith felt secure enough to remain in Nauvoo and return his attention to his ecclesiastical, municipal, and familial responsibilities.
11

Ordinance, 14 Nov. 1842.


His legal outlook also brightened in December when
Thomas Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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was inaugurated as
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
governor. Church members living in Nauvoo voted overwhelmingly for Ford in the gubernatorial election earlier that year and were hopeful that the new governor would be more persuaded by Smith’s legal defense than Carlin had been.
12

“Gov. Ford’s Inaugural Address,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 15 [16] Dec. 1842, [1]; Letter from Wilson Law, 16 Aug. 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

In early December 1842, Joseph Smith dispatched several of his associates to
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

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, the state capital. Accompanied by prominent Springfield church member
James Adams

24 Jan. 1783–11 Aug. 1843. Lawyer, judge, insurance agent, land speculator. Born at Simsbury, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Parmenio Adams and Chloe. In New York militia, served as ensign, 1805; as lieutenant; as captain, 1807; and as major, 1811–1815...

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, the group met with several state officials and
Justin Butterfield

1790–Oct. 1855. Teacher, lawyer. Born in Keene, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York, ca. 1810, where he taught school and studied law. Admitted to bar, 1812, at Watertown. Practiced law in Adams, Jefferson Co., and Sackets...

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, the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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attorney for the District of
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
. They discussed various legal matters, the most pressing being Smith’s extradition case.
13

JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842.


After Smith’s associates retained Butterfield as Smith’s Springfield attorney, Butterfield spoke with prominent state officials, including
Governor Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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, and noted that even if Smith had supported a plan to assassinate
Boggs

14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...

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, that alleged crime would have occurred in Illinois, not
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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. Butterfield convincingly argued that since Joseph Smith had not fled Missouri, he was not a fugitive from the law there and therefore was not subject to the extradition laws of the United States, so Missouri had no claim on him. Those with whom the group consulted generally agreed that Missouri’s requisition was in fact illegal. Afterward, Ford, Butterfield, and Adams each wrote to Smith urging him to travel to Springfield for a hearing. Although Ford believed that
Carlin

18 July 1789–14 Feb. 1852. Ferry owner, farmer, sheriff, politician. Born in Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of Thomas Carlin and Elizabeth Evans. Baptist. Moved to what became Missouri, by 1803. Moved to Illinois Territory, by 1812. Served in War of 1812. Married...

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’s support of extradition had been legally flawed, he was unsure whether he could simply dismiss the previous governor’s order. He decided it would be best to discharge Smith only after the issue was settled in court. Ford assured Smith that the court would treat him fairly, and he guaranteed Smith’s physical safety during the proceedings.
14

JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842; Letter from Thomas Ford, 17 Dec. 1842; Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; Letter from James Adams, 17 Dec. 1842.


Accordingly, on 26 December, Joseph Smith submitted to a prearranged arrest made by
Wilson Law

26 Feb. 1806–15 Oct. 1876. Merchant, millwright, land speculator, farmer. Born in Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co....

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, major general of the
Nauvoo Legion

A contingent of the Illinois state militia provided for in the Nauvoo city charter. The Nauvoo Legion was organized into two cohorts: one infantry and one cavalry. Each cohort could potentially comprise several thousand men and was overseen by a brigadier...

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. Accompanied by Law and other friends, Smith then proceeded to
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

More Info
.
15

JS, Journal, 26–27 Dec. 1842.


After arriving in the capital, they spent several days meeting with
Butterfield

1790–Oct. 1855. Teacher, lawyer. Born in Keene, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York, ca. 1810, where he taught school and studied law. Admitted to bar, 1812, at Watertown. Practiced law in Adams, Jefferson Co., and Sackets...

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and various state officers. Because the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
Circuit Court for the District of
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
needed a warrant in order to hear Smith’s case and the
Adams County

Situated in western Illinois; bounded on west by Mississippi River. Organized from Pike Co., 1825. Quincy established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1830 about 2,200. Population in 1840 about 14,500. Latter-day Saint exiles from Missouri found refuge...

More Info
sheriff still had the original arrest warrant, Smith petitioned
Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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for a new warrant; he likewise petitioned the circuit court for a writ of habeas corpus.
16

Petition to Thomas Ford, 31 Dec. 1842; Petition to the United States Circuit Court for the District of Illinois, 31 Dec. 1842.


He also swore out an affidavit averring that he had not been 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 ...

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at the time of the attempted assassination.
17

Affidavit, 2 Jan. 1843.


As a result, the circuit court determined to hear Smith’s case.
On 4 January 1843, the habeas corpus hearing for Joseph Smith commenced in a
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

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courtroom, with federal district judge
Nathaniel Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

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presiding over the proceedings.
Josiah Lamborn

31 Jan. 1809–31 Mar. 1847. Lawyer. Born in Chester Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Samuel Lamborn and Mary McGinnis. Moved to Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio, 1811; to Washington Co., Kentucky; to Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois, 1832; and to Jacksonville, Morgan...

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represented the state of
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
;
Butterfield

1790–Oct. 1855. Teacher, lawyer. Born in Keene, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York, ca. 1810, where he taught school and studied law. Admitted to bar, 1812, at Watertown. Practiced law in Adams, Jefferson Co., and Sackets...

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and
Benjamin Edwards

13 June 1818–4 Feb. 1886. Lawyer, judge. Born at Edwardsville, Madison Co., Illinois. Son of Ninian Edwards and Elvira Lane. Moved to Belleville, St. Clair Co., Illinois, 1824. Graduated from Yale, 1838, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Admitted ...

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represented Smith. The hearing lasted for most of the day. Pope accepted Butterfield’s and Edwards’s legal reasoning, and, after the involved parties reconvened in the courtroom the next morning, he ruled that the charges in the requisition and warrant for Smith failed to prove that he should be extradited 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 ...

More Info
for trial.
18

Court Ruling, 5 Jan. 1843; JS, Journal, 4 Jan. 1843.


Abiding by Pope’s decision, Ford discharged Smith from state custody.
19

Thomas Ford, Order Discharging JS, 6 Jan. 1843; see also Historical Introduction to Extradition of JS for Accessory to Assault.


The judge’s ruling was welcome news not just to Joseph Smith but to the Latter-day Saints generally. As Smith and his companions traveled back to
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, some members of the group celebrated the court’s decision by quickly composing songs, which the traveling party repeatedly sang.
20

Jubilee Songs, between 11 and 18 Jan. 1843.


When news of the ruling reached Nauvoo, the city’s residents were similarly jubilant. In poems and songs—and at parties held in Smith’s honor—they praised
Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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and
Pope

5 Jan. 1784–22 Jan. 1850. Lawyer, judge. Born at present-day Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of William Pope and Penelope Edwards. Graduated from Transylvania University, 1806, at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Moved to St. Genevieve, St. Genevieve...

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for preserving their rights and the provisions in Nauvoo’s city charter.
21

Jubilee Songs, between 11 and 18 Jan. 1843; see also Invitation to Wilson and Elizabeth Sikes Law, 11 Jan. 1843. In December 1842, members of the Illinois legislature argued for the repeal of Nauvoo’s charter. (JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842.)


Even though Smith received news that
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
might not relent in its efforts to extradite him, the hearing represented a major legal victory for him and the Saints.
22

Letter to Justin Butterfield, 16 Jan. 1843.


Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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reported to his brother
Levi

14 Apr. 1799–18 June 1876. Teacher, mechanic, inventor, physician. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 31 Dec. 1836, in Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio...

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that “President Smith said the church never had so good a prospect before them as at the present time.”
23

Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Levi Richards, Alton, IL, 11 Jan. 1843, Levi Richards, Papers, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Richards, Levi. Papers, 1837–1867. CHL.

Amid the events associated with his extradition case, Joseph Smith attended to several matters of church business. Among the most urgent was a response to
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
’s lecture tour and published letters criticizing the church. At a special
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...

View Glossary
of the church held in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
on 29 August 1842,
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
called on “every
Elder

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
who can” to go east to counteract Bennett’s “false statements,” preach the gospel, and collect donations for the completion of the Nauvoo
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
and
Nauvoo House

Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...

More Info
. Approximately four hundred men volunteered to serve such missions.
24

JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842; Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842; Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–18 Sept. 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

Several documents featured in this volume are letters some of these missionaries wrote to Joseph Smith and other church leaders in Nauvoo reporting on the impact of Bennett’s publications and lectures as well as their success in countering his claims. In addition, a September 1842 letter from
James Arlington Bennet

21 Dec. 1788–25 Dec. 1863. Attorney, newspaper publisher, educator, author. Born in New York. Married first Sophia Smith, 8 May 1811. Served as third and later second lieutenant in First U.S. Artillery, 1 Aug. 1813–14 Oct. 1814. Published American System ...

View Full Bio
, a friend of the Saints in
New York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

More Info
, informed Smith that John C. Bennett was trying to publish his exposé, The History of the Saints. Bennett eventually found willing publishers in
Boston

Capital city of Massachusetts, located on eastern seaboard at mouth of Charles River. Founded by Puritans, 1630. Received city charter, 1822. Population in 1820 about 43,000; in 1830 about 61,000; and in 1840 about 93,000. JS’s ancestor Robert Smith emigrated...

More Info
,
New York

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...

More Info
, and
Cincinnati

Area settled largely by emigrants from New England and New Jersey, by 1788. Village founded and surveyed adjacent to site of Fort Washington, 1789. First seat of legislature of Northwest Territory, 1790. Incorporated as city, 1819. Developed rapidly as shipping...

More Info
, and his book was released in October 1842.
25

Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 1 Sept. 1842; John C. Bennett, The History of the Saints; or, An Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism (Boston: Leland and Whiting, 1842); “Gen. Bennet’s Mormon Disclosures,” Daily Atlas (Boston), 15 Oct. 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Bennett, John C. The History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism. Boston: Leland and Whiting, 1842.

Boston Daily Atlas. Boston. 1844–1857.

Central to
Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
’s public attacks on Joseph Smith and the church, which Bennett continued making on his lecture tour, was the allegation that Smith practiced polygamy. Although Bennett embellished and seemingly fabricated several of his claims on the matter, Smith was, in fact, secretly practicing plural marriage in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
by this time. He had introduced the practice to a small circle of Latter-day Saints, but most church members were not aware of it.
26

“Nauvoo Journals, December 1841–April 1843”; Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.


It appears that Smith was not
sealed

To confirm or solemnize. In the early 1830s, revelations often adopted biblical usage of the term seal; for example, “sealed up the testimony” referred to proselytizing and testifying of the gospel as a warning of the approaching end time. JS explained in...

View Glossary
to any additional plural wives during the six months covered by this volume and that his communication and interaction with his plural wives were limited.
27

Documents in this volume relate to a few interactions between Joseph Smith and his plural wives. For instance, while Smith was in hiding, some of his plural wives, such as Sylvia Sessions Lyon and Eliza R. Snow, sent messages offering comfort or seeking advice. Moreover, as trustee-in-trust for the church, Smith participated in separate land transactions with plural wives Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde and Sarah Ann Whitney. (Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Poem from Eliza R. Snow, 12 Oct. 1842; Deed from Orson and Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde, 10 Feb. 1843; Deed to Sarah Ann Whitney, 6 Sept. 1842.)


In addition, Joseph Smith’s earlier plural marriages and proposals of plural marriage—along with the rumors
Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
spread—shaped some of the conflicts and events that occurred between September 1842 and February 1843. For instance, the plural marriage controversy partly influenced a dispute over the operation of the post office in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, an issue that occupied much of Joseph Smith’s attention in late 1842 and early 1843.
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...

View Full Bio
was appointed Nauvoo’s postmaster when the post office opened in 1840. Although he was replaced in that position by his father-in-law and member of the First Presidency,
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...

View Full Bio
, in 1841, Robinson continued assisting Rigdon in managing the post office.
28

U.S. Post Office Department, Record of Appointment of Postmasters, reel 28, vol. 12B, p. 514; Robert Johnston to Richard M. Young, 21 Apr. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, p. 135.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. Post Office Department. Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832–September 30, 1971. National Archives Microfilm Publications, microcopy M841. 145 microfilm reels. Washington DC: National Archives, 1977.

As early as August 1842, Joseph Smith expressed displeasure with the manner in which Rigdon and Robinson were managing the mail and accused them of corruption. Among other claims, Smith asserted that Rigdon and Robinson opened some of his letters, took others, and even stole money from mail that was intended for him or the church.
29

JS, Journal, 8 Aug. 1842; Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 Sept. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842; Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, to Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842, Emma Smith, Correspondence, CHL; Letter to George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, Emma. Correspondence, 1842 and 1844. CHL.

These accusations were likely influenced to some degree by Smith’s relationships with Rigdon and Robinson, which had recently been deteriorating, especially after John C. Bennett alleged that Joseph Smith proposed marriage to
Nancy Rigdon

8 Dec. 1822–1 Nov. 1887. Born in Pittsburgh. Daughter of Sidney Rigdon and Phebe Brooks. Moved to Bainbridge, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1826. Moved to Mentor, Geauga Co., 1827. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, likely ca. Nov. 1830, in Ohio...

View Full Bio
in spring 1842 and Nancy declined.
30

Letter to Nancy Rigdon, ca. Mid-Apr. 1842.


Robinson distanced himself from the church and subsequently assisted Bennett in his public attacks on Smith and the Saints. Although Rigdon and Robinson denied the charges of misconduct in their management of the post office, Joseph Smith and other Nauvoo residents sought to have Smith replace Rigdon as postmaster.
31

Letter to George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from Sidney Rigdon, ca. 13 Feb. 1843.


Rumors of plural marriage also provided the context for one of the most important cases of church discipline that occurred during this six-month period. The case centered on
Orson Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

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and his position in 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 ...

View Glossary
. In summer 1842, the relationship between Joseph Smith and Pratt grew strained due to rumors circulating in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
. One story was that while Pratt was serving his mission in
England

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

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, his wife,
Sarah Marinda Bates Pratt

5 Feb. 1817–25 Dec. 1888. Seamstress. Born in Henderson, Jefferson Co., New York. Daughter of Cyrus Bates and Lydia Harrington. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Orson Pratt, 18 June 1835, near Sackets Harbor, Jefferson Co. Married...

View Full Bio
, engaged in an extramarital affair with
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
, who resided in the Pratts’ home for a time. According to another rumor, Smith had proposed marriage to Sarah Pratt, an allegation Smith denied.
32

Minutes, 22 July 1842.


In July 1842,
Orson Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
opposed a public resolution in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
that proclaimed Joseph Smith “a good, moral, virtuous, peaceable and patriotic man.”
33

Minutes, 22 July 1842.


As a result, Pratt was excommunicated the following month and
Amasa Lyman

30 Mar. 1813–4 Feb. 1877. Boatman, gunsmith, farmer. Born at Lyman, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Roswell Lyman and Martha Mason. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Lyman E. Johnson, 27 Apr. 1832. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co....

View Full Bio
was appointed to take his place in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
34

Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–19 Sept. 1842; Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 63–64.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

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

In January 1843, however, Pratt reconciled with Smith, renewed his support for the church, and was reinstated both in the church and the
quorum

An organized group of individuals holding the same office in the Melchizedek priesthood or the Aaronic priesthood. According to the 1835 “Instruction on Priesthood,” the presidency of the church constituted a quorum. The Twelve Apostles also formed a quorum...

View Glossary
.
35

Woodruff, Journal, 19 [20] Jan. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

Smith and the apostles in Nauvoo met to decide on Pratt’s status within the quorum, and they ultimately determined that his earlier removal was void due to a procedural technicality. Pratt afterward reassumed his place among the Twelve Apostles, effectively nullifying Lyman’s membership in the quorum.
36

Minutes, 20 Jan. 1843.


Joseph Smith also dealt with matters of church discipline that members in
branches

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
of the church outside of
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
brought to him. In some cases, branch leaders wrote to him asking for his prophetic counsel on how to proceed with disciplinary actions covering a range of matters that included theft and adultery.
37

See, for example, Letter from Myron Higley and Others, ca. 16 Sept. 1842; and Letter from Thomas Ward, 26 Sept. 1842.


Several cases of church discipline in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
also demanded Smith’s attention, including
George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
’s confessions of adultery and a dispute between two church members over the ownership of
islands

Two tree-covered islands located in Mississippi River between Nauvoo, Illinois, and Montrose, Iowa Territory. Important source of wood for Saints. JS hid on islands, Aug. 1842, while Missouri authorities sought to extradite him. Emma Smith, accompanied by...

More Info
in 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...

More Info
.
38

Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Minutes and Discourse, 19 Feb. 1843; Minutes, 10 Feb. 1843.


Another church matter that required Joseph Smith’s consideration was the accusation that the
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
temple committee

A committee assigned to raise funds and direct the building of the Nauvoo temple; also called the building committee or temple building committee. On 3 October 1840, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, and Elias Higbee were appointed as a committee responsible...

View Glossary
was mismanaging funds and other materials donated for the building of the
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
. The committee managed the temple’s construction, including the collection and distribution of money and other materials in support of the project. The accusations against the committee included claims that it was dispensing food and other resources unfairly to those working on the temple, favoring relatives of temple committee members.
39

Letter to “Hands in the Stone Shop,” 21 Dec. 1842.


In a statement published in October 1842, Joseph Smith indicated that as a result of the allegations of impropriety he had reviewed the account books that the committee maintained and found them to be in order.
40

Notice, 11 Oct. 1842.


Then, in November, Smith presided over a hearing in which he determined that the temple committee should continue as previously constituted.
41

JS, Journal, 28 Nov. 1842.


Despite Smith’s public claims of confidence in the temple committee, the review of the account books and the later hearing resulted in significant procedural changes, particularly regarding how the committee maintained its records.
42

Notice, 11 Oct. 1842; see also Letter to “Hands in the Stone Shop,” 21 Dec. 1842.


Joseph Smith also focused on the
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
’s construction by pleading frequently with the Saints to remain committed to that project as well as to the construction of the
Nauvoo House

Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...

More Info
. He made these appeals in editorials in the church newspaper Times and Seasons as well as in a public discourse.
43

“To the Saints Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:923; “The Temple,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1842, 3:937–939; Discourse, 21 Feb. 1843.


In October 1842, Smith and other church leaders determined that a temporary floor should be installed in the unfinished temple.
44

Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 31–32; JS, Journal, 23 Oct. 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

They may have hoped that the installation of a temporary floor and the resultant meetings in the unfinished building would reinvigorate the Saints’ commitment to the construction of the temple, a commitment that had apparently started to wane.
45

“The Temple,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1842, 3:937–939. Even though the building still lacked a roof, the rising walls provided some protection from intemperate weather. The floor was completed on 28 October, and the first meeting in the temple occurred two days later. (Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 32–33; JS, Journal, 28–30 Oct. 1842.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

While directing church affairs, Joseph Smith also communicated important doctrinal teachings to church members. During his time in hiding during September 1842, Smith wrote two significant letters to the church regarding
baptism

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
for the dead.
46

Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 Sept. 1842 [D&C 127]; Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128].


These two letters provided instruction about the practice in past Christian eras and direction on systematizing the procedure for recording the
ordinances

A religious rite. JS taught that ordinances were covenants between man and God, in which believers could affirm faith, gain spiritual knowledge, and seek blessings. Some ordinances were considered requisite for salvation. The manner in which ordinances were...

View Glossary
, including what information the general church recorder was to include in the general church book. Smith emphasized that it was the will of God to keep precise records of the baptisms for the dead that church members performed and that such a record, faithfully kept by a recorder, would constitute an offering to God and a record in heaven. Connecting record keeping for baptisms for the dead to the doctrine of sealing, Smith taught church members that the ordinance was vital to creating “a welding link” between all generations of humankind.
47

Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128:18].


Following the extradition hearing in January 1843, Smith resumed his practice of regularly speaking to church members on religious matters. He preached several sermons in his home and in the unfinished
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
on its temporary floor. He spoke on a range of topics, including the establishment of the kingdom of God and the importance of John the Baptist. Speaking contrary to the belief of some Christian denominations at that time, Smith stated that the kingdom of God predated the day of Pentecost described in the New Testament and that the baptisms performed by John the Baptist therefore constituted a necessary Christian rite for the remission of sins.
48

Discourse, 17 Jan. 1843; Discourse, 22 Jan. 1843; Discourse, 29 Jan. 1843.


In a different discourse, Smith chastised those who focused on their own business ventures rather than giving priority to the construction of the
Nauvoo House

Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...

More Info
.
49

Discourse, 21 Feb. 1843.


Finally, Smith used private settings as opportunities to explain and expound upon previous teachings about the nature of angels, distinguishing between “resurrected personages” and “the spirits of just men made perfect” who were still awaiting resurrection.
50

Instruction, 9 Feb. 1843 [D&C 129:1, 3].


At the start of the period covered by this volume, Joseph Smith was the owner and operator of the church’s
printing office

Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...

More Info
and the editor of the Times and Seasons, the church periodical in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
.
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
and
Wilford Woodruff

1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,...

View Full Bio
assisted Smith with his editorial responsibilities, but when he was occupied with other business, Taylor and Woodruff commonly performed most—if not all—of the editing required for the publication of each issue, including the writing of editorial content.
51

Woodruff, Journal, 19 Feb. 1842.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

While it is unclear how involved Joseph Smith was in preparing the issues published in September and October 1842, he nevertheless assumed editorial responsibility for all issues produced during his time as editor.
52

Historical Introduction to Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.


Selections of the editorial content in the four issues published during September and October are featured in this volume. In the 15 November 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons, Smith notified readers that he had resigned as the newspaper’s editor and turned that responsibility over to Taylor.
53

Notice, 15 Nov. 1842.


In December, Smith leased the paper and the printing office to Taylor and Woodruff.
54

Lease to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, between 8 and 10 Dec. 1842.


In May 1842, Joseph Smith took on one of his most significant civic duties when the
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
City Council appointed him mayor of the city following
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
’s defection from the church and resignation as mayor. Smith continued to serve the remainder of Bennett’s mayoral term in the final months of 1842 and the early months of 1843.
55

JS, Journal, 19 May 1842; Oath, 11 Feb. 1843.


In November and early December 1842, Smith—whose mayoral duties included serving as a justice of the peace for Nauvoo—presided over, testified in, and initiated trials against several individuals accused of violating the city’s religious and legal moral codes. A representative sample of documents from such cases is featured in this volume.
56

See Complaint against Thomas Hunter, 28 Nov. 1842; Complaint against Thomas Hunter, 29 Nov. 1842; Complaint against Amos Davis, 29 Nov. 1842; and City of Nauvoo v. Davis, 6 Dec. 1842. The Joseph Smith Papers website will include all known extant legal cases involving Smith.


At the same time that Smith was settling into his role as mayor, the city government passed many ordinances regulating unruly behavior. One of these regulations was an omnibus bill passed on 30 January 1843 that included ordinances to prevent fires, to thwart the spread of animal-borne illnesses, to keep the streets and alleys clean, to regulate the disposal of garbage, and to broaden the definition of disturbances of the peace.
57

Ordinances, 30 Jan. 1843.


Indeed, the rapid growth of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, celebrated by Joseph Smith and other city leaders, generated a need for greater and more detailed regulations. A selection of the city ordinances is included in this volume.
58

All the resolutions and ordinances adopted by the city council in Nauvoo were recorded in the city council’s minute book. (Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, CHL.)


Much of the rapid growth
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
experienced during late 1842 and early 1843 came from a steady stream of new converts pouring into the city. Many of these migrants joined the church and moved to the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
as a result of the mission of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to Great Britain in 1840. The British mission presidency and its appointed agents managed the emigration process in
England

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

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while Joseph Smith and other church leaders assisted with the new converts’ settlement in the Nauvoo area.
59

Letter from Parley P. Pratt, between 23 and 27 Sept. 1842; Letter from Thomas Ward, 26 Sept. 1842; Recommendation from Thomas Ward and Hiram Clark for Lorenzo Snow, ca. 5 Jan. 1843.


As trustee-in-trust for the church, Smith owned much of the land in and around Nauvoo, and he and his clerks played a major role in helping converts and others settle in the region.
In February 1843, the city of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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held its second biennial election, in which city residents cast ballots for mayor, aldermen, and city council members. For the first time in a general election, Joseph Smith was elected mayor, running unopposed.
60

JS, Journal, 6 Feb. 1843; Historical Introduction to Oath, 11 Feb. 1843; see also Minutes, 19 May 1842; and JS, Journal, 19 May 1842.


Smith’s new mayoral term commenced on 11 February with a swearing-in ceremony, after which Smith reorganized the city council’s standing committees and delivered a discourse.
61

Oath, 11 Feb. 1843; Committee Appointments, 11 Feb. 1843; Discourse, 11 Feb. 1843.


Once installed, Nauvoo’s new city government commenced a busy session. Much of the flurry of municipal business focused on the development of Nauvoo’s economy. Like the rest of
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...

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, Nauvoo was extremely cash poor in the early 1840s. In part to remedy this problem and to facilitate growth and construction in the city, Nauvoo, like many other cities in the state, had printed city scrip. Nauvoo’s city scrip, however, had no value in other cities and towns, and its rapid depreciation within Nauvoo itself placed the city government in difficult circumstances. On 25 February 1843, at a meeting concerning the city’s financial troubles, Joseph Smith and the city council debated what to do to alleviate the city’s financial burden. The council ultimately passed an ordinance stipulating that Nauvoo’s citizens were to pay taxes, debts, and fines only in gold and silver coin and prohibiting further city scrip from being issued and circulated.
62

Discourse, 25 Feb. 1843; Nauvoo City Council Rough Minute Book, 25 Feb. 1843, 9; Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Mar. 1843, 167.


Joseph Smith was also personally involved in several land transactions during the six months covered in the volume. In 1842 and 1843, land speculators who had invested in the settlement and development of western
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...

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offered to sell land to Smith and the church. Smith declined the offer of one such speculator, who tried to sell Smith the ferrying rights he claimed to own on 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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several miles north of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
.
63

Letter from Fields Jarvis, 6 Feb. 1843.


In another instance, Smith purchased the land offered: a large portion of the town of
Shokokon

Located on east bank of Mississippi River, about twenty-five miles upriver from Nauvoo. Laid out by Robert McQueen and Charles A. Smith, 1836. Location for landing rafts of lumber cut in Wisconsin Territory forests. Population never exceeded 300. JS visited...

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, Illinois, which had been platted but not developed. Because the town was on a particularly shallow and swampy bend in the Mississippi River, the purchase ultimately proved to be a poor investment and a health hazard.
64

Deed from Robert and Mary Crane McQueen, 20 Feb. 1843; Historical Introduction to Power of Attorney to Amasa Lyman, 28 Feb. 1843.


Smith also purchased two tracts of land bordering his farm, a few miles east of Nauvoo.
65

Land Transaction with Chauncey Robison, 22 Oct. 1842; Letter to Richard M. Young, 9 Feb. 1843.


Although this volume illustrates many of Joseph Smith’s business concerns, one major issue from this period—his bankruptcy proceedings—is largely absent from the documents presented in this volume. While very little information on these proceedings appears in the featured documents, other surviving records from the time give insight into the proceedings. Pursuing relief from his debts through the Bankruptcy Act of 1841, Smith filed for bankruptcy in April 1842, but by the end 1842, the process had stalled.
66

“Joseph Smith Documents from May through August 1842”; JS, Journal, 14–16 Apr. 1842; Application for Bankruptcy, ca. 14–16 Apr. 1842.


Several complicating factors contributed to the delay, including Smith’s conflation of his personal debts with those he had assumed as the trustee-in-trust for the church,
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

View Full Bio
’s accusations of fraudulent land transactions, and a significant debt Smith owed to the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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government for a steamboat purchased in 1840.
67

Application for Bankruptcy, ca. 14–16 Apr. 1842. In July 1842, Bennett publicly accused Joseph Smith of issuing fraudulent deeds. (Historical Introduction to Deed to Emma Smith, 13 June 1842.)


In December 1842, the church members whom Smith had sent to
Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...

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to discuss the ongoing extradition efforts with state officials also consulted with
Justin Butterfield

1790–Oct. 1855. Teacher, lawyer. Born in Keene, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York, ca. 1810, where he taught school and studied law. Admitted to bar, 1812, at Watertown. Practiced law in Adams, Jefferson Co., and Sackets...

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concerning Smith’s bankruptcy. Butterfield acted as Joseph Smith’s attorney during the extradition hearing even though as the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
attorney assigned to Smith’s bankruptcy case he had expressed concerns about the legality of Smith’s bankruptcy petition. Shortly after agreeing to represent Smith in his extradition proceedings, however, Butterfield wrote to his supervisors that the bankruptcy petition might be viable after all. The bankruptcy proceedings were still pending at the close of February 1843.
68

Historical Introduction to Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; Oaks and Bentley, “Joseph Smith and Legal Process,” 762–765.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Oaks, Dallin H., and Joseph I. Bentley. “Joseph Smith and Legal Process: In the Wake of the Steamboat Nauvoo.” Brigham Young University Law Review, no. 3 (1976): 735–782.

As in previous periods of his life, Joseph Smith relied heavily on clerks and scribes in the production of documents. Several of the documents featured in this volume were copied into Smith’s journal. From September to mid-December 1842, this journal was kept by
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
,
Eliza R. Snow

21 Jan. 1804–5 Dec. 1887. Poet, teacher, seamstress, milliner. Born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Moved to Mantua, Trumbull Co., Ohio, ca. 1806. Member of Baptist church. Baptized into Church...

View Full Bio
, and
Erastus Derby

14 Sept. 1810–3 Dec. 1890. Tailor, carpenter, farmer, joiner. Born in Hawley, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Edward Darby and Ruth Phoebe Hitchcock. Moved to Ohio, by 1834. Married Ruhamah Burnham Knowlton, 10 Aug. 1834, in Carthage, Hamilton Co., Ohio...

View Full Bio
.
69

“Nauvoo Journals, December 1841–April 1843.”


Of these three scribes, Clayton was the most active. While in hiding, Joseph Smith appointed Clayton to serve as his
agent

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...

View Glossary
. In addition to managing much of Smith’s personal business, Clayton officially served as the
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
temple recorder and worked for Smith as clerk for the church’s trustee-in-trust and as clerk for the Nauvoo registrar of deeds.
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
, another prominent scribe, was absent from Nauvoo during much of fall 1842. Shortly after he returned to the city, however, Richards was appointed by Smith to “act as his private se[c]retary & historian.”
70

JS, Journal, 21 Dec. 1842.


Thereafter, he took over Smith’s daily journal and frequently served as a clerk for Smith’s church business. Many of Smith’s documents related to city business were written by
James Sloan

28 Oct. 1792–24 Oct. 1886. City recorder, notary public, attorney, judge, farmer. Born in Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Alexander Sloan and Anne. Married Mary Magill. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ordained an elder, ...

View Full Bio
, who served as the Nauvoo city recorder and clerk of the municipal court.
The six months between September 1842 and February 1843 were a turbulent period of Joseph Smith’s life. Together, these documents illuminate that period, demonstrating how it commenced with his earnest attempts to elude law officers and concluded with legal decisions and election results that seemed to signal a brighter future for Smith, the church, and
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
.
  1. 1

    Letter to Sylvester Bartlett, 22 May 1842; John C. Bennett, St. Louis, MO, 13 July 1842, Letter to the Editor, Native American Bulletin (St. Louis), 14 July 1842, [2]; McLaws, “Attempted Assassination,” 50–62.

    Native American Bulletin. St. Louis. 1842–1843.

    McLaws, Monte B. “The Attempted Assassination of Missouri’s Ex-Governor, Lilburn W. Boggs.” Missouri Historical Review 60, no. 1 (Oct. 1965): 50–62.

  2. 2

    “Further Mormon Developments!! 2d Letter from Gen. Bennett,” and “Gen. Bennett’s Third Letter,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 15 July 1842, [2]; Lilburn W. Boggs, Affidavit, 20 July 1842; Thomas Reynolds, Requisition, 22 July 1842.

    Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

  3. 3

    Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 Sept. 1842.

  4. 4

    JS, Journal, 8 Aug. 1842.

  5. 5

    JS, Journal, 8–19 Aug. 1842.

  6. 6

    JS, Journal, 2 Sept. 1842.

  7. 7

    JS, Journal, 3 and 10 Sept. 1842.

  8. 8

    JS, Journal, 7 and 28 Oct. 1842; “Part 1: 1 September–31 October 1842.”

  9. 9

    See, for example, Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, 16 Aug. 1842; Thomas Carlin, Quincy, IL, to Emma Smith, 24 Aug. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Thomas Carlin, 27 Aug. 1842; and JS, Journal, 12 Sept. 1842.

  10. 10

    Thomas Carlin, Proclamation, 20 Sept. 1842.

  11. 11

    Ordinance, 14 Nov. 1842.

  12. 12

    “Gov. Ford’s Inaugural Address,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 15 [16] Dec. 1842, [1]; Letter from Wilson Law, 16 Aug. 1842.

    Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

  13. 13

    JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842.

  14. 14

    JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842; Letter from Thomas Ford, 17 Dec. 1842; Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; Letter from James Adams, 17 Dec. 1842.

  15. 15

    JS, Journal, 26–27 Dec. 1842.

  16. 16

    Petition to Thomas Ford, 31 Dec. 1842; Petition to the United States Circuit Court for the District of Illinois, 31 Dec. 1842.

  17. 17

    Affidavit, 2 Jan. 1843.

  18. 18

    Court Ruling, 5 Jan. 1843; JS, Journal, 4 Jan. 1843.

  19. 19

    Thomas Ford, Order Discharging JS, 6 Jan. 1843; see also Historical Introduction to Extradition of JS for Accessory to Assault.

  20. 20

    Jubilee Songs, between 11 and 18 Jan. 1843.

  21. 21

    Jubilee Songs, between 11 and 18 Jan. 1843; see also Invitation to Wilson and Elizabeth Sikes Law, 11 Jan. 1843. In December 1842, members of the Illinois legislature argued for the repeal of Nauvoo’s charter. (JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842.)

  22. 22

    Letter to Justin Butterfield, 16 Jan. 1843.

  23. 23

    Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Levi Richards, Alton, IL, 11 Jan. 1843, Levi Richards, Papers, CHL.

    Richards, Levi. Papers, 1837–1867. CHL.

  24. 24

    JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842; Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842; Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–18 Sept. 1842.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  25. 25

    Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 1 Sept. 1842; John C. Bennett, The History of the Saints; or, An Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism (Boston: Leland and Whiting, 1842); “Gen. Bennet’s Mormon Disclosures,” Daily Atlas (Boston), 15 Oct. 1842, [2].

    Bennett, John C. The History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism. Boston: Leland and Whiting, 1842.

    Boston Daily Atlas. Boston. 1844–1857.

  26. 26

    “Nauvoo Journals, December 1841–April 1843”; Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.

  27. 27

    Documents in this volume relate to a few interactions between Joseph Smith and his plural wives. For instance, while Smith was in hiding, some of his plural wives, such as Sylvia Sessions Lyon and Eliza R. Snow, sent messages offering comfort or seeking advice. Moreover, as trustee-in-trust for the church, Smith participated in separate land transactions with plural wives Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde and Sarah Ann Whitney. (Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Poem from Eliza R. Snow, 12 Oct. 1842; Deed from Orson and Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde, 10 Feb. 1843; Deed to Sarah Ann Whitney, 6 Sept. 1842.)

  28. 28

    U.S. Post Office Department, Record of Appointment of Postmasters, reel 28, vol. 12B, p. 514; Robert Johnston to Richard M. Young, 21 Apr. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, p. 135.

    U.S. Post Office Department. Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832–September 30, 1971. National Archives Microfilm Publications, microcopy M841. 145 microfilm reels. Washington DC: National Archives, 1977.

  29. 29

    JS, Journal, 8 Aug. 1842; Letter to James Arlington Bennet, 8 Sept. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842; Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, to Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842, Emma Smith, Correspondence, CHL; Letter to George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842.

    Smith, Emma. Correspondence, 1842 and 1844. CHL.

  30. 30

    Letter to Nancy Rigdon, ca. Mid-Apr. 1842.

  31. 31

    Letter to George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from George W. Robinson, 6 Nov. 1842; Letter from Sidney Rigdon, ca. 13 Feb. 1843.

  32. 32

    Minutes, 22 July 1842.

  33. 33

    Minutes, 22 July 1842.

  34. 34

    Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–19 Sept. 1842; Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 63–64.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

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

  35. 35

    Woodruff, Journal, 19 [20] Jan. 1843.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  36. 36

    Minutes, 20 Jan. 1843.

  37. 37

    See, for example, Letter from Myron Higley and Others, ca. 16 Sept. 1842; and Letter from Thomas Ward, 26 Sept. 1842.

  38. 38

    Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Minutes and Discourse, 19 Feb. 1843; Minutes, 10 Feb. 1843.

  39. 39

    Letter to “Hands in the Stone Shop,” 21 Dec. 1842.

  40. 40

    Notice, 11 Oct. 1842.

  41. 41

    JS, Journal, 28 Nov. 1842.

  42. 42

    Notice, 11 Oct. 1842; see also Letter to “Hands in the Stone Shop,” 21 Dec. 1842.

  43. 43

    “To the Saints Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:923; “The Temple,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1842, 3:937–939; Discourse, 21 Feb. 1843.

  44. 44

    Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 31–32; JS, Journal, 23 Oct. 1842.

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  45. 45

    “The Temple,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1842, 3:937–939. Even though the building still lacked a roof, the rising walls provided some protection from intemperate weather. The floor was completed on 28 October, and the first meeting in the temple occurred two days later. (Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 32–33; JS, Journal, 28–30 Oct. 1842.)

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  46. 46

    Letter to “All the Saints in Nauvoo,” 1 Sept. 1842 [D&C 127]; Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128].

  47. 47

    Letter to the Church, 7 Sept. 1842 [D&C 128:18].

  48. 48

    Discourse, 17 Jan. 1843; Discourse, 22 Jan. 1843; Discourse, 29 Jan. 1843.

  49. 49

    Discourse, 21 Feb. 1843.

  50. 50

    Instruction, 9 Feb. 1843 [D&C 129:1, 3].

  51. 51

    Woodruff, Journal, 19 Feb. 1842.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  52. 52

    Historical Introduction to Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1842.

  53. 53

    Notice, 15 Nov. 1842.

  54. 54

    Lease to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, between 8 and 10 Dec. 1842.

  55. 55

    JS, Journal, 19 May 1842; Oath, 11 Feb. 1843.

  56. 56

    See Complaint against Thomas Hunter, 28 Nov. 1842; Complaint against Thomas Hunter, 29 Nov. 1842; Complaint against Amos Davis, 29 Nov. 1842; and City of Nauvoo v. Davis, 6 Dec. 1842. The Joseph Smith Papers website will include all known extant legal cases involving Smith.

  57. 57

    Ordinances, 30 Jan. 1843.

  58. 58

    All the resolutions and ordinances adopted by the city council in Nauvoo were recorded in the city council’s minute book. (Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, CHL.)

  59. 59

    Letter from Parley P. Pratt, between 23 and 27 Sept. 1842; Letter from Thomas Ward, 26 Sept. 1842; Recommendation from Thomas Ward and Hiram Clark for Lorenzo Snow, ca. 5 Jan. 1843.

  60. 60

    JS, Journal, 6 Feb. 1843; Historical Introduction to Oath, 11 Feb. 1843; see also Minutes, 19 May 1842; and JS, Journal, 19 May 1842.

  61. 61

    Oath, 11 Feb. 1843; Committee Appointments, 11 Feb. 1843; Discourse, 11 Feb. 1843.

  62. 62

    Discourse, 25 Feb. 1843; Nauvoo City Council Rough Minute Book, 25 Feb. 1843, 9; Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Mar. 1843, 167.

  63. 63

    Letter from Fields Jarvis, 6 Feb. 1843.

  64. 64

    Deed from Robert and Mary Crane McQueen, 20 Feb. 1843; Historical Introduction to Power of Attorney to Amasa Lyman, 28 Feb. 1843.

  65. 65

    Land Transaction with Chauncey Robison, 22 Oct. 1842; Letter to Richard M. Young, 9 Feb. 1843.

  66. 66

    “Joseph Smith Documents from May through August 1842”; JS, Journal, 14–16 Apr. 1842; Application for Bankruptcy, ca. 14–16 Apr. 1842.

  67. 67

    Application for Bankruptcy, ca. 14–16 Apr. 1842. In July 1842, Bennett publicly accused Joseph Smith of issuing fraudulent deeds. (Historical Introduction to Deed to Emma Smith, 13 June 1842.)

  68. 68

    Historical Introduction to Letter from Justin Butterfield, 17 Dec. 1842; Oaks and Bentley, “Joseph Smith and Legal Process,” 762–765.

    Oaks, Dallin H., and Joseph I. Bentley. “Joseph Smith and Legal Process: In the Wake of the Steamboat Nauvoo.” Brigham Young University Law Review, no. 3 (1976): 735–782.

  69. 69

    “Nauvoo Journals, December 1841–April 1843.”

  70. 70

    JS, Journal, 21 Dec. 1842.

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