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Authorization for George J. Adams, 1 June 1843

Source Note

JS, Authorization, [
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
, Hancock Co., IL], for
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
, [ca. 1 June 1843]. Featured version published in “Recommendatory,” Times and Seasons, 1 June 1843, vol. 4, no. 14, 218. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

Around 1 June 1843 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
, Illinois, JS issued an authorization for
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
to accompany
apostle

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
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, ...

View Full Bio
on a mission to
St. Petersburg

Metropolis in Russia situated on Neva River near Gulf of Finland about 350 miles northwest of Moscow. City stands partly on mainland and partly on group of river islands. Founded by Peter the Great, 1703. Seat of Russian empire transferred from Moscow to ...

More Info
, Russia, and to raise money for this mission. The authorization came at a turbulent time for Adams, whom
church

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...

View Glossary
leaders had recalled from
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
to Nauvoo to answer charges of adultery.
1

See Historical Introduction to Letter from Caroline Youngs Adams, ca. 15 Jan. 1843.


At a meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 27 May 1843, JS stated that Adams had made “perfect satisfaction” of his conduct, although JS took Adams’s
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
's
license

A document certifying an individual’s office in the church and authorizing him “to perform the duty of his calling.” The “Articles and Covenants” of the church implied that only elders could issue licenses; individuals ordained by a priest to an office in...

View Glossary
and instructed him to “act as
priest

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. In the Book of Mormon, priests were described as those who baptized, administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” and taught “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” A June 1829 revelation directed...

View Glossary
” in the church. “Bro— Adams, has now started anew,” JS declared, and apparently part of that new beginning was the assignment to accompany Hyde to Russia.
2

Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843.


The desire for missionaries to go to Russia was likely rooted in the need church leaders saw to preach throughout North America, Europe, and ultimately “all nations” so that descendants of the biblical house of Israel could be gathered in preparation for Jesus Christ’s second coming.
3

Revelation, 3 Nov. 1831 [D&C 133:8]; Proclamation, 15 Jan. 1841.


Visiting
St. Petersburg

Metropolis in Russia situated on Neva River near Gulf of Finland about 350 miles northwest of Moscow. City stands partly on mainland and partly on group of river islands. Founded by Peter the Great, 1703. Seat of Russian empire transferred from Moscow to ...

More Info
, Russia’s western port city, was a way “to introduce the fulness of the glorious gospel,” as the authorization stated, “to the people of that vast empire.” The assignment to St. Petersburg was the second time
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, ...

View Full Bio
and
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
were paired together for a proselytizing mission. Adams accompanied Hyde 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...

More Info
in 1841, and their time together on that mission created a bond between the two men. Adams wrote in an April 1842 letter to JS that he would “never forget” Hyde’s “kindness.”
4

Letter from George J. Adams, 21 Apr. 1842; Historical Introduction to Letter from Orson Hyde, 17 Apr. 1841.


It is unknown when the authorization was prepared; no draft has been located, and, as published in the 1 June 1843 issue of the Times and Seasons, the authorization contains no date. The document was likely created after the 27 May meeting of the apostles, who supervised all church missions; it was during this meeting that JS reported that
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
had satisfactorily answered the charges against him. It is also possible that the authorization was created later than 1 June, given that the Times and Seasons was sometimes delayed in its publication, although the 1 June issue was presumably published on time.
5

See, for example, Notice, Times and Seasons, 1 Apr. 1843, 4:159.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

The authorization could be the same document Adams showed during a September 1843 meeting of the
Nauvoo

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

More Info
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
to defend himself against charges levied against him by
Austin

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

View Full Bio
Cowles

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

View Full Bio
. That document, which Adams said was “from 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...

View Glossary
,” was dated 5 June.
6

Nauvoo Stake High Council Minutes, 1 Sept. 1843.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo Stake High Council Minutes, ca. 1839–ca. 1843. Fair copy. In Oliver Cowdery, Diary, Jan.–Mar. 1836. CHL.

However, given that this authorization is signed only by JS and not by the other members of the First Presidency, it is unclear if the authorization and the 5 June document are the same. The safest estimate is that the authorization featured here was created within a few days of 1 June. For unknown reasons—perhaps related to an inability to raise enough funds—
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, ...

View Full Bio
and Adams had not departed on this mission by the end of 1843.
7

A letter Adams wrote in July 1843 stated that although he had been designated to go to Russia, he had been sent to Springfield, Illinois, to converse with the governor about JS’s possible extradition. It appears Adams still planned at that time on going to Russia with Hyde, and he received another authorization from JS and Hyrum Smith for this mission in fall 1843. (George J. Adams, Springfield, IL, to Peter Hess, Philadelphia, PA, 7 July 1843, CHL; JS and Hyrum Smith, “To All the Saints and Honorable Men of the Earth,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1843, 4:347.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Adams, George J. Letter, Springfield, IL, to Peter Hess, Philadelphia, PA, 7 July 1843. CHL. MS 730.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Historical Introduction to Letter from Caroline Youngs Adams, ca. 15 Jan. 1843.

  2. [2]

    Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843.

  3. [3]

    Revelation, 3 Nov. 1831 [D&C 133:8]; Proclamation, 15 Jan. 1841.

  4. [4]

    Letter from George J. Adams, 21 Apr. 1842; Historical Introduction to Letter from Orson Hyde, 17 Apr. 1841.

  5. [5]

    See, for example, Notice, Times and Seasons, 1 Apr. 1843, 4:159.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  6. [6]

    Nauvoo Stake High Council Minutes, 1 Sept. 1843.

    Nauvoo Stake High Council Minutes, ca. 1839–ca. 1843. Fair copy. In Oliver Cowdery, Diary, Jan.–Mar. 1836. CHL.

  7. [7]

    A letter Adams wrote in July 1843 stated that although he had been designated to go to Russia, he had been sent to Springfield, Illinois, to converse with the governor about JS’s possible extradition. It appears Adams still planned at that time on going to Russia with Hyde, and he received another authorization from JS and Hyrum Smith for this mission in fall 1843. (George J. Adams, Springfield, IL, to Peter Hess, Philadelphia, PA, 7 July 1843, CHL; JS and Hyrum Smith, “To All the Saints and Honorable Men of the Earth,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1843, 4:347.)

    Adams, George J. Letter, Springfield, IL, to Peter Hess, Philadelphia, PA, 7 July 1843. CHL. MS 730.

Page 218

RECOMMENDATORY.
To all whom it may concern!—
Be it known that Brother
G[eorge] 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
, the bearer of these presents, has been designated by the Holy Spirit, appointed and set apart by the voice 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...

View Glossary
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...

View Glossary
, 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
, to accompany
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
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, ...

View Full Bio
, who has just returned from
Jerusalem

Capital city of ancient Judea. Holy city of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Population in 1835 about 11,000; in 1840 about 13,000; and in 1850 about 15,000. Described in 1836 as “greatly reduced from its ancient size and importance.” Control of city changed...

More Info
,
1

Hyde returned to Nauvoo in December 1842. (JS, Journal, 7 Dec. 1842.)


on a mission to
Saint Petersburgh

Metropolis in Russia situated on Neva River near Gulf of Finland about 350 miles northwest of Moscow. City stands partly on mainland and partly on group of river islands. Founded by Peter the Great, 1703. Seat of Russian empire transferred from Moscow to ...

More Info
, in Russia; to be one of the messengers to introduce the fulness of the glorious gospel of the Son of God, to the people of that vast empire.
Brother 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
, after several years of successful labors in the Eastern States, and also 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...

More Info
,
2

Adams began preaching in New York and New Jersey by October 1840. After he returned from his mission in England, he served in Massachusetts in 1842 and early 1843. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 18 Oct. 1840, 5; “Latter Day Saints, or Mormons,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1842, 3:835–836; Resolutions of the Boston Conference, 12 Mar. 1843.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 1840–1854. Microfilm. CHL. Original at CCLA.

has now returned to this place and rendered an account of his ministry and course of life,
3

After Adams’s wife, Caroline Youngs Adams, wrote a letter to JS stating her suspicions that her husband had engaged in an affair, Brigham Young and Willard Richards, at the request of JS, instructed Adams to report to Nauvoo with his family. He received a letter with these directions on 10 March 1843 and returned to Nauvoo by 27 May, when he reported to church leaders at a meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Nauvoo. (Letter from Caroline Youngs Adams, ca. 15 Jan. 1843; George J. Adams, New York City, NY, to Brigham Young and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, 10 Mar. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

and is found worthy of the confidence of the saints and of being associated with
Elder 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, ...

View Full Bio
in the performance of this highly important mission to a foreign land. He is therefore authorized and required to raise all the funds he possibly can to defray the expenses of said mission, by donations from the saints and from all other persons who may be friendly disposed towards a good cause. Let not the people suffer the petitions of this man to reach their ears in vain, but let them remember that all they have belongeth to the Lord, and that it is the Lord’s good pleasure to add to the stewardship of such as freely and liberally open their hearts, and their purses, at the call of his servants, to send forth the word of life to the nations of the earth. Will you suffer these men to go forth among strangers empty? Shall they blow the trumpet all the day long, encounter the obstacles and persecutions at home, the tribulations and hardships of foreign countries, with none to administer the oil of gladness,
4

See Psalm 45:7; and Hebrews 1:9.


or aid with the unrighteous mammon?
5

See Luke 16:11.


In conclusion, I would say, if you regard the word of the Lord, through your friend and Brother, Joseph Smith, withhold not your substance from Brothers
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, ...

View Full Bio
and
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
, but as you bestow upon them, so some hand shall bestow upon you.
I remain, as ever, your brother and servant, in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Amen.
JOSEPH SMITH,
Presiding Elder

A leader over a local ecclesiastical unit of the church; also a title indicating the leading officers of the church. When the church was organized, JS and Oliver Cowdery were ordained as first and second elders, respectively, distinguishing them as the church...

View Glossary
, 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...

View Glossary
, &c. [p. 218]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 218

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Authorization for George J. Adams, 1 June 1843
ID #
1085
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:372–374
Handwriting on This Page
  • Printed text

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Hyde returned to Nauvoo in December 1842. (JS, Journal, 7 Dec. 1842.)

  2. [2]

    Adams began preaching in New York and New Jersey by October 1840. After he returned from his mission in England, he served in Massachusetts in 1842 and early 1843. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 18 Oct. 1840, 5; “Latter Day Saints, or Mormons,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1842, 3:835–836; Resolutions of the Boston Conference, 12 Mar. 1843.)

    Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 1840–1854. Microfilm. CHL. Original at CCLA.

  3. [3]

    After Adams’s wife, Caroline Youngs Adams, wrote a letter to JS stating her suspicions that her husband had engaged in an affair, Brigham Young and Willard Richards, at the request of JS, instructed Adams to report to Nauvoo with his family. He received a letter with these directions on 10 March 1843 and returned to Nauvoo by 27 May, when he reported to church leaders at a meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in Nauvoo. (Letter from Caroline Youngs Adams, ca. 15 Jan. 1843; George J. Adams, New York City, NY, to Brigham Young and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, 10 Mar. 1843, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842.)

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

  4. [4]

    See Psalm 45:7; and Hebrews 1:9.

  5. [5]

    See Luke 16:11.

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