A few days before the 4th day of July, last, I heard , known by the fictitious name of , say that was writing a declaration, to declare the Church independent. I remarked to him, I thought such a thing treasonable, to set up a government within a government. he answered it would not be treasonable if they could maintain it— and that a set of fellows had got hold of it that would maintain it, or fight ’til they died. & some others made about the same remark— ’s 4th of July oration was the declaration refered to,—

About Along in the forepart of through the summer and fall, a storm appeared to be gathering, and from time to time I went out into & counties, saw and conversed with many gentlemen on the subject, of who always assured me that they would use every exertion that the law might <​should​> be enforced. and I repeatedly make made these things known in & that there was no disposition among the people to raise mobs against them from these counties— I never was invited, nor did I attend any of their secrets meetings—

— I was at the meeting on monday before the last expedition to — having learned that steps would be taken there, which might affect me. At this meeting Jos the first presidency were present together with many others were there— to the number of, perhaps 200 or 300,— or more— [p. [88]]