On 20 December 1840, the met with the at JS’s house to preside over and deliver a verdict in a disciplinary trial for . The trial originated in a high council meeting on 28 November 1840 and continued for another two meetings before this 20 December council. On 28 November, the Nauvoo high council considered accusations that council member made against Foster on 20 November. Huntington brought charges against Foster “firstly, for slandering the aut[h]orities of the . Secondly, For lying, profane swearing, and individual abuse and for other unchristian like conduct.” Foster, who was in attendance, pleaded not guilty, and high counselors and were selected to speak for and against Foster, respectively. After the council heard evidence at the initial meeting on 28 November, the trial adjourned, but it recommenced on 12 and 13 December with nearly two full days of testimony. In this meeting on 20 December 1840, Foster was acquitted of the charges. Although JS’s attendance is not explicitly noted, JS was presumably present because he was the head of the First Presidency and because the council meeting was held in his home.

As clerk of the meeting, took the minutes, which he copied into the record book sometime after 14 February 1842 and possibly before the end of that year.