The Papers
Browse the PapersDocumentsJournalsAdministrative RecordsRevelations and TranslationsHistoriesLegal RecordsFinancial RecordsOther Contemporary Papers
Reference
PeoplePlacesEventsGlossaryLegal GlossaryFinancial GlossaryCalendar of DocumentsWorks CitedFeatured TopicsLesson PlansRelated Publications
Media
VideosPhotographsIllustrationsChartsMapsPodcasts
News
Current NewsArchiveNewsletterSubscribeJSP Conferences
About
About the ProjectJoseph Smith and His PapersFAQAwardsEndorsementsReviewsEditorial MethodNote on TranscriptionsNote on Images of People and PlacesReferencing the ProjectCiting This WebsiteProject TeamContact Us
Published Volumes
  1. Home > 
  2. The Papers > 

Minutes, 26 May 1842

Source Note

Minutes,
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, 26 May 1842. Featured version published in “Public Meeting,” Wasp, 28 May 1842, vol. 1, no. 7, [3]. For more complete source information, see the source note for Notice, 28 Apr. 1842.

Historical Introduction

On 26 May 1842, in a meeting 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 delivered a speech in which he announced he would not support “the Whig or Democratic parties.”
1

The Whigs and the Democrats were the major political parties in 1840s America. Whigs aimed to bring about a more commercial and industrialized national economy, while supporting a national bank and federally backed internal improvements and moral reform. Democrats favored an agricultural economy and popular sovereignty, while opposing federal involvement in banking, internal improvements, and moral reform. (See Howe, What Hath God Wrought, 582–584.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Howe, Daniel Walker. What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815–1848. The Oxford History of the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Although this was a public meeting of Nauvoo citizens, it was led by officers 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...

View Glossary
.
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
, as major general of the Nauvoo Legion, called the meeting to order and JS, as lieutenant general of the legion, was appointed chairman of the proceedings. The meeting centered on JS’s speech and focused on political issues.
The political leanings of the Latter-day Saints in
Illinois

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

More Info
were shaped by their expulsion from
Missouri

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

More Info
and their reception in Illinois.
2

See “The August Elections,” New-York Tribune, 17 Aug. 1841, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

New-York Tribune. New York City. 1841–1842.

Before moving to Illinois, the Saints had loosely affiliated with the Democratic Party.
3

See, for example, JS, Journal, 10 May 1838. While in Ohio, the Saints had indicated their preference for the Democrats as well. (Crawley, Descriptive Bibliography, 1:51–52.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Crawley, Peter. A Descriptive Bibliography of the Mormon Church. 3 vols. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997–2012.

However, in Illinois they received aid from and were courted by both parties. In May 1839,
Robert B. Thompson

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

View Full Bio
, a
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
member in
Quincy

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

More Info
, Illinois, informed church leaders in
Commerce

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

More Info
(later
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 church member
Lyman Wight

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

View Full Bio
had published two articles in the Quincy Whig blaming the Missouri persecutions on Democratic officials.
4

Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 1 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy (IL) Whig, 4 May 1839, [2]; Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 7 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy Whig, 11 May 1839, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

In his letter, Thompson expressed concern that the articles would offend the Saints’ Democratic benefactors in Quincy.
5

Letter from Robert B. Thompson, 13 May 1839.


In a response to Wight’s letters published in the Quincy Whig, 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
decried “any intention of making a political question of our difficulties with Missouri.”
6

Letter to the Editors, 17 May 1839. The First Presidency also wrote to Thompson expressing similar sentiments. JS wrote to Wight directly as well. In the letter to Wight, JS recognized his good intentions but encouraged him to “steer clear of making the Church appear as either supporting or opposing you in your politics.” (Letter to Robert B. Thompson, 25 May 1839; Letter to Lyman Wight, 27 May 1839.)


However, when
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
president
Martin Van Buren

5 Dec. 1782–24 July 1862. Lawyer, politician, diplomat, farmer. Born in Kinderhook, Columbia Co., New York. Son of Abraham Van Buren and Maria Hoes Van Alen. Member of Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. Worked as law clerk, 1800, in New York City. Returned...

View Full Bio
, a Democrat, turned down JS’s request for redress in late 1839, church members’ political support shifted toward the Whigs.
7

See Letter from Elias Higbee, 22 Feb. 1840; Letter to Robert D. Foster, 11 Mar. 1840; and Discourse, 7 Apr. 1840.


The Saints sought assistance from the politicians and political parties who courted their support. In late 1840, for instance, some
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
Whigs and Democrats favored passage 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
charter in hopes of winning Latter-day Saints’ votes.
8

See Historical Introduction to Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840. Thomas Ford suggested that the Saints received bipartisan support for the charter because “each party was afraid to object to them for fear of losing the Mormon vote, and each believed that it had secured their favor.” (Ford, History of Illinois, 265.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

The following May, Democrat
Stephen A. Douglas

23 Apr. 1813–3 June 1861. Lawyer, politician. Born at Brandon, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Stephen Arnold Douglass and Sarah Fisk. Moved to Ontario Co., New York, 1830. Moved to Jacksonville, Morgan Co., Illinois, 1833. Served as attorney general of Illinois...

View Full Bio
, who had helped secure the charter’s passage while serving as Illinois secretary of state, visited the Saints in Nauvoo.
9

Letter to Editors, 6 May 1841; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 276.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

A month later, Douglas, then acting as an associate justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, released JS from arrest, ending an attempt to extradite JS 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
.
10

“The Late Proceedings,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1841, 2:447–449.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

That December JS published a letter in the Times and Seasons in which he backed Douglas’s friends
Adam W. Snyder

6 Oct. 1799–14 May 1842. Lawyer, politician. Born in Connellsville, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Adam Snyder and Margaret Hartzel Schaeffer. Moved to Knox Co., Ohio, ca. 1816. Moved to Cahokia, St. Clair Co., Illinois, June 1817, where he helped build...

View Full Bio
and
John Moore

8 Sept. 1793–23 Sept. 1866. Schoolteacher, wagonmaker, farmer, justice of the peace, postmaster, politician, state treasurer. Born in Lincolnshire, England. Immigrated to U.S., 1817. Married Gabrilla, by ca. 1830. Moved to Harrison, Hamilton Co., Ohio. Moved...

View Full Bio
for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. According 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
, they had helped him win support for Nauvoo’s charter. In his December letter, JS denied any kind of partisanship, noting, “we care not a fig for Whig or Democrat,” but for “our friends.”
11

Letter to Friends in Illinois, 20 Dec. 1841, italics in original.


Nevertheless, Whigs viewed JS’s statements in the letter as partisan.
12

See, for example, “Citizens of Illinois—Read and Consider,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 28 Jan. 1842, [3]; “The Mormons—Religion and Politics,” Peoria (IL) Register and North-Western Gazetteer, 21 Jan. 1842, [2]; and “Joseph Smith,” Quincy (IL) Whig, 22 Jan. 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer. Peoria, IL. 1837–1843.

Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

Later developments threatened to test the Saints’ apparent political alliance with the Democrats. In mid-May 1842,
Adam Snyder

6 Oct. 1799–14 May 1842. Lawyer, politician. Born in Connellsville, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Adam Snyder and Margaret Hartzel Schaeffer. Moved to Knox Co., Ohio, ca. 1816. Moved to Cahokia, St. Clair Co., Illinois, June 1817, where he helped build...

View Full Bio
died and
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...

View Full Bio
replaced him as the Democratic nominee for governor, raising the question among both Latter-day Saints and outside observers of whether the Saints would back Ford.
13

“Death of Col. Snyder,” Wasp, 28 May 1842, [3].


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

Furthermore, a few days before the 26 May meeting, JS met with Dr. John F. Charles, a Whig politician and
Carthage

Located eighteen miles southeast of Nauvoo. Settled 1831. Designated Hancock Co. seat, Mar. 1833. Incorporated as town, 27 Feb. 1837. Population in 1839 about 300. Population in 1844 about 400. Site of acute opposition to Latter-day Saints, early 1840s. Site...

More Info
, Illinois, resident who had served as a representative 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 ...

More Info
in the
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
legislature.
14

JS, Journal, 23 May 1842; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 449.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

Despite such interactions with politicians, JS sought to maintain a position of neutrality. In the 26 May public meeting, held 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
grounds, JS stated he would not vote with either party “as such,” presumably meaning he would not support the entire Democratic or Whig parties, but rather would consider each candidate on his own merits. After JS’s speech, the Saints denounced the Quincy Whig’s report that JS had prophesied the violent death of
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
’s former 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...

View Full Bio
.
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
then spoke on politics, the assembled citizens nominated candidates for county and state offices, and
George Miller

25 Nov. 1794–after July 1856. Carpenter, mill operator, lumber dealer, steamboat owner. Born near Stanardsville, Orange Co., Virginia. Son of John Miller and Margaret Pfeiffer. Moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, 1798; to Madison Co., Kentucky, 1806; to Boone...

View Full Bio
recommended putting forth a “full Ticket” of their own candidates.
15

With a “full ticket,” a party would nominate a candidate for every position in a pending election. Thomas C. Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal and critic of the Latter-day Saints, argued that the Latter-day Saints’ move to nominate a separate ticket precipitated the Anti-Mormon convention held on 29 May 1842. ([Thomas C. Sharp], “The Last Move,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 9 July 1842, [2].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

According to the account featured here, the meeting adjourned for two weeks, but within a week, Nauvoo citizens held another public meeting to fill out the ticket. The nominations included
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
,
Hiram Kimball

31 May 1806–27 Apr. 1863. Merchant, iron foundry operator, mail carrier. Born in West Fairlee, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Phineas Kimball and Abigail. Moved to Commerce (later Nauvoo), Hancock Co., Illinois, 1833, and established several stores. Married ...

View Full Bio
, and
William Backenstos

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

View Full Bio
for positions noted in the account featured here, along with other nominations, including John F. Charles for state senate.
16

“Public Meeting,” Wasp, 4 June 1842, [3]; JS, Journal, 1 June 1842. Despite these nominations, Nauvoo citizens overwhelmingly backed Democratic candidates in August. (“Official Returns,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 13 Aug. 1842, [3]; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 449; Pease, Illinois Election Returns, 126–131, 351, 363.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

Pease, Theodore Calvin, ed. Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923.

Pratt eventually dropped out of the campaign, and, with the exceptions of Charles, who ran as an independent, and Backenstos, who ran as a Democrat, the individuals nominated at that June meeting did not receive any votes.
17

Orson Pratt, Nauvoo, IL, to “the Public,” 13 July 1842, in Wasp, 23 July 1842, [3]; Notices, Wasp, 16 July 1842, [2]; “August Election,” Wasp, 23 July 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

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
, as the meeting’s appointed secretary, likely took minutes of the 26 May meeting. Perhaps using Sloan’s minutes, the Wasp printed a summary of the meeting in its 28 May issue.
18

“Introductory,” Wasp, 16 Apr. 1842, [2]. John C. Bennett subsequently reprinted this summary in his book History of the Saints. (Bennett, History of the Saints, 158–159.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

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

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    The Whigs and the Democrats were the major political parties in 1840s America. Whigs aimed to bring about a more commercial and industrialized national economy, while supporting a national bank and federally backed internal improvements and moral reform. Democrats favored an agricultural economy and popular sovereignty, while opposing federal involvement in banking, internal improvements, and moral reform. (See Howe, What Hath God Wrought, 582–584.)

    Howe, Daniel Walker. What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815–1848. The Oxford History of the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

  2. [2]

    See “The August Elections,” New-York Tribune, 17 Aug. 1841, [2].

    New-York Tribune. New York City. 1841–1842.

  3. [3]

    See, for example, JS, Journal, 10 May 1838. While in Ohio, the Saints had indicated their preference for the Democrats as well. (Crawley, Descriptive Bibliography, 1:51–52.)

    Crawley, Peter. A Descriptive Bibliography of the Mormon Church. 3 vols. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997–2012.

  4. [4]

    Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 1 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy (IL) Whig, 4 May 1839, [2]; Lyman Wight, Quincy, IL, 7 May 1839, Letter to the Editors, Quincy Whig, 11 May 1839, [2].

    Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

  5. [5]

    Letter from Robert B. Thompson, 13 May 1839.

  6. [6]

    Letter to the Editors, 17 May 1839. The First Presidency also wrote to Thompson expressing similar sentiments. JS wrote to Wight directly as well. In the letter to Wight, JS recognized his good intentions but encouraged him to “steer clear of making the Church appear as either supporting or opposing you in your politics.” (Letter to Robert B. Thompson, 25 May 1839; Letter to Lyman Wight, 27 May 1839.)

  7. [7]

    See Letter from Elias Higbee, 22 Feb. 1840; Letter to Robert D. Foster, 11 Mar. 1840; and Discourse, 7 Apr. 1840.

  8. [8]

    See Historical Introduction to Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840. Thomas Ford suggested that the Saints received bipartisan support for the charter because “each party was afraid to object to them for fear of losing the Mormon vote, and each believed that it had secured their favor.” (Ford, History of Illinois, 265.)

    Ford, Thomas. A History of Illinois, from Its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847. Containing a Full Account of the Black Hawk War, the Rise, Progress, and Fall of Mormonism, the Alton and Lovejoy Riots, and Other Important and Interesting Events. Chicago: S. C. Griggs; New York: Ivison and Phinney, 1854.

  9. [9]

    Letter to Editors, 6 May 1841; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 276.

    Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

  10. [10]

    “The Late Proceedings,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1841, 2:447–449.

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

  11. [11]

    Letter to Friends in Illinois, 20 Dec. 1841, italics in original.

  12. [12]

    See, for example, “Citizens of Illinois—Read and Consider,” Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 28 Jan. 1842, [3]; “The Mormons—Religion and Politics,” Peoria (IL) Register and North-Western Gazetteer, 21 Jan. 1842, [2]; and “Joseph Smith,” Quincy (IL) Whig, 22 Jan. 1842, [2].

    Sangamo Journal. Springfield, IL. 1831–1847.

    Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer. Peoria, IL. 1837–1843.

    Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

  13. [13]

    “Death of Col. Snyder,” Wasp, 28 May 1842, [3].

    The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

  14. [14]

    JS, Journal, 23 May 1842; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 449.

    Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

  15. [15]

    With a “full ticket,” a party would nominate a candidate for every position in a pending election. Thomas C. Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal and critic of the Latter-day Saints, argued that the Latter-day Saints’ move to nominate a separate ticket precipitated the Anti-Mormon convention held on 29 May 1842. ([Thomas C. Sharp], “The Last Move,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 9 July 1842, [2].)

    Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

  16. [16]

    “Public Meeting,” Wasp, 4 June 1842, [3]; JS, Journal, 1 June 1842. Despite these nominations, Nauvoo citizens overwhelmingly backed Democratic candidates in August. (“Official Returns,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 13 Aug. 1842, [3]; Gregg, History of Hancock County, Illinois, 449; Pease, Illinois Election Returns, 126–131, 351, 363.)

    The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

    Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

    Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois, Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: Charles C. Chapman, 1880.

    Pease, Theodore Calvin, ed. Illinois Election Returns, 1818–1848. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923.

  17. [17]

    Orson Pratt, Nauvoo, IL, to “the Public,” 13 July 1842, in Wasp, 23 July 1842, [3]; Notices, Wasp, 16 July 1842, [2]; “August Election,” Wasp, 23 July 1842, [2].

    The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

  18. [18]

    “Introductory,” Wasp, 16 Apr. 1842, [2]. John C. Bennett subsequently reprinted this summary in his book History of the Saints. (Bennett, History of the Saints, 158–159.)

    The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

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

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Minutes, 26 May 1842
History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page [3]

PUBLIC MEETING.
According to previous notice, a very large and respectable meeting of the citizens of 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....

More Info
, convened at 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
ground on Thursday the 26th day of May, at one o’clock, P. M.
The meeting was called to order by
Gen. [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
on whose motion the assembly was duly organized by the appointment of General Joseph Smith, Chairman, and Colonel
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
, Secretary.
The object of the meeting was then stated in a speech of considerable length by Gen. Smith, distinctly avowing his intention not to co-operate or vote with either the Whig or Democratic parties as such.
The meeting then unanimously disapproved of the remarks of the Quincy Whig, in relation to the participation of Gen. Smith in the violent death of
Gov. [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...

View Full Bio
of
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
, and unanimously concurred in the opinion that Gen. Smith had never made such a prediction.
1

Boggs had been shot on 6 May 1842, but he survived. The Quincy Whig noted rumors of Latter-day Saint involvement in the attempted assassination of Boggs and stated that JS “prophesied a year or so ago, his death by violent means.” On 22 May JS wrote to the editor of the Quincy Whig, objecting to the allegations. (“Assassination of Ex-Governor Boggs of Missouri,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 21 May 1842, [3]; Letter to Sylvester Bartlett, 22 May 1842.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

Gen. 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
, at the solicitation of the Chairman, then spoke at length on State and general politics, and nominated
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
, and
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
, for representatives for the county of
Hancock

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 ...

More Info
at the approaching August Election, which nominations were unanimously concurred in by the assembly.
2

Both Latter-day Saints and those outside the church considered Rigdon and Pratt two of the most able speakers among the Latter-day Saints. (See Van Wagoner, Sidney Rigdon, 22–30; and Bergera, Conflict in the Quorum, 86–87.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Van Wagoner, Richard S. Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1994.

Bergera, Gary James. Conflict in the Quorum: Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002.

George Miller

25 Nov. 1794–after July 1856. Carpenter, mill operator, lumber dealer, steamboat owner. Born near Stanardsville, Orange Co., Virginia. Son of John Miller and Margaret Pfeiffer. Moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, 1798; to Madison Co., Kentucky, 1806; to Boone...

View Full Bio
then made a speech recommending the selection of a full Ticket, which was concurred in; and
George Miller

25 Nov. 1794–after July 1856. Carpenter, mill operator, lumber dealer, steamboat owner. Born near Stanardsville, Orange Co., Virginia. Son of John Miller and Margaret Pfeiffer. Moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, 1798; to Madison Co., Kentucky, 1806; to Boone...

View Full Bio
put in nomination for the State Senate, from
Hancock

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 ...

More Info
;
Hiram Kimball

31 May 1806–27 Apr. 1863. Merchant, iron foundry operator, mail carrier. Born in West Fairlee, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Phineas Kimball and Abigail. Moved to Commerce (later Nauvoo), Hancock Co., Illinois, 1833, and established several stores. Married ...

View Full Bio
, for County Commissioner; and
William Backenstos

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

View Full Bio
, for Sheriff: A Committee was then appointed to take the names of the legal voters in 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
precinct, and report to the next general meeting of the people, on two weeks from this day, at the same time and place.
3

Section 7 of Nauvoo’s charter indicated that “all free white male inhabitants who are of the age of twenty one years, who are entitled to vote for state officers, and who shall have been actual residents of said city sixty days next preceding said election shall be entitled to vote for city officers.” The Illinois constitution stipulated that “all white male inhabitants above the age of twenty-one years, having resided in the State six months next preceding the election, shall enjoy the right of an elector.” (Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840; Illinois Constitution of 1818, art. 2, sec. 27.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Illinois Office of Secretary of State. First Constitution of Illinois, 1818. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

The meeting then adjourned for two weeks,
4

The meeting reconvened on 1 June, earlier than planned. (“Public Meeting,” Wasp, 4 June 1842, [3].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

JOSEPH SMITH, Chairman.
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
, Secretary. [p. [3]]
View entire transcript

|

Cite this page

Source Note

Document Transcript

Page [3]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Minutes, 26 May 1842
ID #
3431
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
JSP, D10:97–101
Handwriting on This Page
  • Printed text

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Boggs had been shot on 6 May 1842, but he survived. The Quincy Whig noted rumors of Latter-day Saint involvement in the attempted assassination of Boggs and stated that JS “prophesied a year or so ago, his death by violent means.” On 22 May JS wrote to the editor of the Quincy Whig, objecting to the allegations. (“Assassination of Ex-Governor Boggs of Missouri,” Quincy [IL] Whig, 21 May 1842, [3]; Letter to Sylvester Bartlett, 22 May 1842.)

    Quincy Whig. Quincy, IL. 1838–1856.

  2. [2]

    Both Latter-day Saints and those outside the church considered Rigdon and Pratt two of the most able speakers among the Latter-day Saints. (See Van Wagoner, Sidney Rigdon, 22–30; and Bergera, Conflict in the Quorum, 86–87.)

    Van Wagoner, Richard S. Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1994.

    Bergera, Gary James. Conflict in the Quorum: Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002.

  3. [3]

    Section 7 of Nauvoo’s charter indicated that “all free white male inhabitants who are of the age of twenty one years, who are entitled to vote for state officers, and who shall have been actual residents of said city sixty days next preceding said election shall be entitled to vote for city officers.” The Illinois constitution stipulated that “all white male inhabitants above the age of twenty-one years, having resided in the State six months next preceding the election, shall enjoy the right of an elector.” (Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840; Illinois Constitution of 1818, art. 2, sec. 27.)

    Illinois Office of Secretary of State. First Constitution of Illinois, 1818. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

  4. [4]

    The meeting reconvened on 1 June, earlier than planned. (“Public Meeting,” Wasp, 4 June 1842, [3].)

    The Wasp. Nauvoo, IL. Apr. 1842–Apr. 1843.

© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UseUpdated 2021-04-13Privacy NoticeUpdated 2021-04-06