Soon after my husband and Joseph left for Kirtland, William, being one of the teachers, visited the Church; and calling upon each family, he remained with them until each individual belonging to the house had prayed in his hearing.

When the brethren considered the spring sufficiently open for travelling on the water, we all began to prepare for our removal to Kirtland.² We hired a boat of a certain Methodist preacher, and appointed a time to meet at our house, for the purpose of setting off together; and when we were thus collected, we numbered eighty souls.³

A time was set when the church were to meet at my house and Set off for Kirtland in the same boat. When they were collected together we numbered 80 including the children We went on board a boat which was owned by a man who was a methodist preacher and his wife generally went on board the boat with him and cooked for her husband and did his work but when she found that he was going to take a company of mormons on his boat she refused to go and sent a hired girl in her stead but the

Just before we shoved off from shore an Old Brother by the name of Humfry came from Potsdam. He was brought into the church by Don C’s preaching when he went with his father to Potsdam which circumstance I have before related

A few minutes before we started, an old brother by the name of Humphry, arrived from Potsdam. This man was brought into the Church by Don Carlos, at the time that he visited his grandfather in company with my husband. At this time, brother Humphry was the oldest Elder in the Church, and Don Carlos the youngest.⁴

This brother was the oldest man in the church and I would have been glad if he to have if he had taken the management of the affairs of th for the company but he as well as Brother Hyrum Page who was also with us entirely refused to do so saying that everything should be done just as Mother smith said and that I with my sons William and Carlos should have the entire dictation <yes responded they all together just as mother smith says so we will do>

On account of brother Humphry’s age, I wished him to take charge of the company, but he refused, saying, that everything should be done, just as mother Smith said; and to this the whole company responded, “yes.”

—Just then Esquire Chamberlain came to and enquired if I had what money I needed to make my family comfortable I told him I had abundance of everything for myself and children but it was possible that he might find some who had not been able to provide means suffcient to take them through Well here is a little cash said he (and handed me $17) you may spend it as you like I again told him I did not need it then you can deal it [Fragment:] out to such as do then said he I took the money and [corner bent on microfilm copy] had reason to rejoice that I did After bidding him [corner bent] our other acquaintances an affectionate farewell the boat was shoved from shore and we were soon under fine head way

At that instant, one Esquire Chamberlain came on board, and asked me, if I had what money I wanted to make my family comfortable. I replied, that I had an abundance for myself and children, but he might, perhaps, find some on board, who stood in need of assistance. “Well,” said he, “here is a little money, and you can deal it out as you like,” and, handing me seventeen dollars, he left the boat. Soon after this we were pushed off and under fine headway.⁵

I then called the brethren and sisters together, and reminded them that we were travelling by the commandment of the Lord, as much as father Lehi⁶ was, when he left Jerusalem; and, if faithful, we had the same reason⁷ to expect the blessings of God. I then desired them to be solemn, and to lift their hearts to God continually in prayer, that we might be prospered. We then seated ourselves and sang a hymn.

but when we struck <into> the second hymn and the capt cried out to his mate do for God’s sake <come here and> take the helm and let me go for I must hear that singing when we finished the hym he expressed his surprize and pleasure in the warmest terms and mentioned that his wife had left the boat because that he had taken a Mormon company on board which he regreted for he thought she would have enjoyed our society very much—All evening Brother Page Humfry and Brother Page asked me I thought it was best to have prayers twice a day This plased me for it was what I intended before

The captain was so delighted with the music, that he called to the mate, saying, “Do, for God’ sake,8 come here, and steer the boat; for I must hear that singing.” He afterwards expressed his pleasure and surprise at seeing such an appearance of devotion among us, stating that his wife had refused to accompany him, on account of her prejudice against us, which he very much regretted.

At the approach of sunset, we seated ourselves, and sang another hymn. The music sounded beautifully⁹ upon the water, and had a salutary effect upon every heart, filling our souls with love and gratitude to God, for his manifold goodness towards us.

When the evenings service was ended I went round among the brethren to ascertain how many of them had prepared themselves with food for the journey and to my surprize I discovered that there was not less than 20 who had not more than two meals victuals on hand. These all I supported entirely as well as 30 children <by feeding them from meal to meal> from this clear to the end of the journey or they would have been obliged to <have> turned back or have suffered or else suffer for the want of food proper sustenance for More who had provided for themselves [written over “theirselves”] had done no more although some of them might have don supplied others and themselves also

The services of the evening being ended, I inquired of the brethren concerning the amount of provisions which they had on hands¹⁰ for the journey; and, to my surprise, I ascertained that we had on board, besides twenty grown persons, thirty children, who were almost destitute of food. This was unaccountable to me at first, but I afterwards learned that they had converted their substance into clothing, expecting that those who were in better circumstances would support them, as well as defray their travelling expenses;¹¹ those, however, from whom they expected the most assistance, disappointed them, consequently, the burthen was thrown entirely upon my shoulders. From this time forward I furnished the whole fifty persons with food from day to day.

but they did not seem to consider that the revelation¹² that they should help each other was binding upon them. Brethrer [sic] and sisters are still learning that <you who were with me do you you recollect those circumstances which I am relating I know> that you remmember this journey well for I am not speaking of that which took place in a former century but what your eyes have seen and your ears have heard—

I soon discovered a carlessness among the Mothers who were in our company which gave me great anxiety for many of them did neglect their children even when thier especial care was necessary to the preservation of their lives. As for instance at a time when passing under a bridge if children were on deck they woud be thrown over board or bruised in such a maner as was terrible to think of I Called the sisters together an talked withe and tried to make them realize their childrens danger and their own responsibility.

Sisters said I God has given you children to be a blessing to you and it is your duty to take care of them to keep them out of every possible danger and in such a place as this especially to have them always by your side and I warn you now to attend better to your duty in this respect or your children will by some unforeseen accident be taken from you—Then after this we received news by another boat of the death of a small child which occurred the day before and was occasioned on the same river it was killed by a bridge being on deck when the boat was passing under the child I thought that what I had said and this accident together would rouse the sisters to greater attention but in this I was mistaken for they took not thought of either and their excuse for their neglecting their children was that they could not make them mind

I told them that I could make them mind me easy enough and as they would not controll them I should

I then got the children together round me and said now mark what I say to you. When I come up the stairs and raise my hand you must every one of you run to me as fast as you can and you must not stop a minute will you do so. They all answered heartily yes Maam we will, and to their crdit I would say that they kept their faith better that [sic] some very great folks do in these days—for they never failed to do just as I told not only in that but every thing else while I was with them

I then called the children around me, and said to them, “Now, children, mark what I say to you. When I come up stairs, and raise my hand, you must, every one of you, run to me as fast as you can. Will you do as I tell you?”

“Yes,” they replied, with one unanimous voice. And they strictly kept their faith to the end of the journey.

When we got half way to Bufaloe the canal broke and we were stopped from travelling this circumstance gave rise to many evil forebodings and and much murmuring and dicontentment “We here we are” said they “and what are we going the canal is broke and we can go no farther and what next we have left our houses and good homes and now we have no means of getting a living and here we must starve

On getting about half way to Buffalo, the canal broke.¹³ This gave rise to much murmuring and discontentment, which was expressed in terms like the following:—

“Well, the canal is broke now, and here we are, and here we are likely to be, for we can go no further. We have left our homes, and here we have no means of getting a living, consequently¹⁴ we shall have to starve.”

“No, no,” said I, “you will not starve, brethren, nor anything of that sort; only do be patient and stop your murmuring. I have no doubt but the hand of the Lord is over us for good; perhaps it is best for us to be here a short time. It is quite probable that the boats cannot leave Buffalo harbour on account of the ice; if so, the town must inevitably be crowded with families, in which case it would be next to impossible for us to get into a comfortable house. Are we not in far better circumstances in our present situation?”

Well said the sisters I suppose you know best but it does seem to me that we would have done better to have remained at home for there we might set in our rocking chairs and take as much comfort as we were a mind to and here we are tired out and no place to rest ourselves. I could not help reflecting upon the contrast between their care and fatigue and cause for complaint and my own.

“Well, well,” returned the sisters, “I suppose you know best; but it does seem as if it would have been better for us to have staid where we were, for there we could sit in our rocking chairs, and take as much comfort as we pleased, but here we are tired out, and have no place to rest ourselves.”

While I was talking a man came citizen of the a citizen of the place where we had landed came into the boat and enquired what proffession we were. I told him that we were mormons or latter day saints Ah! said he that is a denomination which I never heard of before. Do they ever preach? They do said <replied> I. Have you any preachers on board Said he that would preach for us while you are stopping here—I told him that there were some elders now in our company and I would speak to them about the matter and then went immediatly to Brothers Humfry and Page to and asked them if they would preach that day the They were glad of an opportunity of addressing the People and gave out an appointment for meeting at one O’clock P.M.

Whilst this was passing, a citizen of the place came on board, and after inquiring what denomination we belonged to, he requested that, if there were any preachers on board, a meeting might¹⁶ be appointed in the neighbourhood. I introduced him to Elders Humphry and Page, who appointed a meeting for the next day,

which was held¹⁷ on a beautiful green, bordering on the canal, and of sufficient size to accommodate a hundred persons. They listened with attention, and requested¹⁸ that another meeting might be appointed for the succeeding day, but, as the canal was repaired by eleven o’clock, we proceeded on our journey, and arrived at Buffalo on the fifth day after leaving Waterloo.¹⁹

Here we met the brethren from Colesville who had been detained in <a week.> This place as was customary in this season of the year to await for the opening of Navigation to open—and as Mr. Smith and Hyrum were directed to be in Kirtland in april they went the remainder of the journey by land—

Here we found the brethren from Colesville, who informed us that they had been detained one week in this place, waiting for the navigation to open. Also, that Mr. Smith and Hyrum had gone through to Kirtland by land, in order to be there by the first of April.

I asked them if they confessed to the people that they were “Mormons.” “No, indeed,” they replied, “neither must you mention a word about your religion, for if you do you will never be able to get a house, or a boat either.”

I told them I would let the people know exactly who I was and what I professed and if you said I are ashamed of christ you not be prospered as much as I shall and we will get to kirtland before you

I told them I should tell the people precisely who I was; “and,” continued I, “if you are ashamed of Christ,²⁰ you must not expect to be prospered; and I shall wonder if we do not get to Kirtland before you.”

Now While we were yet talking with the colesville brethren another boat came up which had on board about 30 Mormon brethren—and brother Thomas Marsh was one of the company he came to me and said perceiving the drift of our convesation said Now Mother Smith if you do sing and have prayers and acknowedge that you are Mormons here in this place as you have done all along you will be mobbed before morning

While we were talking with the Colesville brethren, another boat landed, having on board about thirty brethren, among whom was Thomas B. Marsh, who immediately joined us, and, like the Colesville brethren, he was decidedly opposed to our attending to prayer, or making known that we were professors of religion. He said that if our company persisted in singing and praying, as we had hitherto done, we should be²¹ mobbed before the next morning.

“Mob it is, then,” said I, “we shall attend to prayer before sunset, mob or no mob.” Mr. Marsh, at this, left considerably irritated.²²

I then called William and told him to ask <tell> Elder Humphrey and Elder Page that I would like to see them and speak with when they came in we counsilled together and concluding that it was best to make what dilligence we could to get on to Kirtland our journey’s end. I requested them to go round among the boats and enquire for capt. Blake for he was the captain of a boat that formerly belonged to General Mack My brother of Detroit— and if they found him to bargain with him for to take us to fairport²³— They soon found the person in question and agreed with him to take us all on board the next morning—but he said that he would not be able to furnish us with fresh water and also he was uncertain about starting as the ice might not be out in a fortnight from that time— the morning after however we <commenced> moving [written over “moved”] our goods on board capt. Blakes boat and by 2 hours before sunset we had all our goods moved—The captain of the boat which brought us to Buffaloe cam went with us and said he would stay with us as long as we were there let it be what time it might for the sake of religious instruction.

I then requested brothers Humphry and Page to go around among the boatmen, and inquire for one Captain Blake, who was formerly captain of a boat belonging to my brother, General Mack, and who, upon my brother’s decease, purchased the boat, and still commanded the same. They went in search of the man, and soon found him, and learned from him that his boat was already laden with the usual amount of passengers and freight. He said, however, that he thought he could make room for us if we would take a deck passage. As this was our only opportunity, we moved our goods on board the next day,

and by the time that we had fairly settled ourselves, it began to rain. This rendered our situation very uncomfortable, and some of the sisters complained bitterly because we had not hired a house till the boat was ready to start. In fact, their case was rather a trying one, for some of them had sick children;

I told them that I did not believe it would be an easy matter to get a house for the other brethren had informed me that it was almost impossible for them to get any accomodations at all—but if they were so uncomfortable they could not content themselves I would get a Brother Hyrum Page to try to get a room for them—

He did so and after a tiresome search he returned and informed them that there was no vacant house to be found in the whole place. N and then they grumbled again—At last they declared that they would not stay a room they would have Let the case got as it would—

in consequence of which, brother Page went out for the purpose of getting a room for the women and sick children, but returned unsuccessful. At this the sisters renewed their complaints, and declared that they would have a house, let the consequences be what they might.

In order to satisfy them, I set out myself, with my son William, although it was still raining very fast, to see if it were possible to procure a shelter²⁴ for them and their children.

The rain was still falling in torrents But William went with me and held an umbrella over my head

I went to the <nearest> tavern and asked the Landlord if he could let me have a room for some women to bring their beds into and sleep that their children were unwell and she they were so much exposed that I was fearful for their health. Yes Said he I can easily make room for them. at this a woman who was ironing in the room turned upon him very sharply saying I have put up here myself and I am not going to be encumbered with anybody’s things in my way. I’ll warrant the children have got the whooping cough or measels²⁵ or some other ketchin disease and and if they come I’ll go some where else to board—

I stopped at the first tavern, and inquired of the landlord if he could let me have a room for some women and children who were sick. The landlord replied that he could easily make room for them. At this, a woman, who was present, turned upon him very sharply, saying, “I have put up here myself, and I am not a-going to have anybody’s things in my way. I’ll warrant the children have got the whooping cough or measles, or some other contagious disease, and, if they come, I will go somewhere else.”

Why Maddon [sic] said the landlord that is not necessary you can still have one large room.

“Why, madam,” said the landlord, “that is not necessary, you can still have one large room.”

“I don’t care,” said she, “I want ’em both, and if I cant have ’em, I won’t stay—that’s it.”

Never mind said its no matter I will go some where else I presume I can get Some other room just as well.

“Never mind,” said I, “it is no matter; I suppose I can get a room somewhere else, just as well.”

No you can’t though avowed the lady for we hunted all over the town and could’nt find one single one till we came here—

“No, you can’t though,” rejoined the lady, “for we hunted all over the town, and we could not find one single one till we got here.”

This instance of human nature carries its own moral therefore it needs no remarks.

I left immediately and soon came to a long row of rooms and as one of them seemed to be almost at liberty I ventured to call and enquire of the owner if I could not rent it a few days I found the proprietr to be a fine cheerful old lady <probably near 70 years of age> A when I requested asked her if She had a roon [sic] which she could spare me at any price Well I stating the circumstances as I had don to the Land lord before—

I left immediately, and went on my way. Presently I came to a long row of rooms, one of which appeared to be almost vacant. I inquired if it could be rented for a few days. The owner of the buildings, I found to be a cheerful old lady, near seventy years of age. I mentioned the circumstances to her, as I before had done to the landlord.

Well I don’t know said She where did are you going to Kirtlang [sic] said I What are <be> you said she. be you baptists no said I we are Mormons. Mormons! said she in in a quick but low and good natured tone. Why I never heard of them before what be they—I told her that we did not acknowledge the name but the world called us so but <and> I said so that she might know who we were but our proper name was Latter-day Saints—Latter day saints said she I never heard of such a thing them before. I am said I the Mother of the Prophet who bra brought forth the work and translated the book of Mormon <with increased surprize.> What! said she, a prophet in these why I never heard the like in my life Well I will Will you come if I let you have a room. I told her that I wanted the more <the room> for the sisters who were with me Well now you will come any way won’t you

“Well, I don’t know,” said she; “where be you going?”

“To Kirtland,” I replied.

“What be you?” said she. “Be you Baptists?”

I told her that we were “Mormons.”

“Mormons!” ejaculated she, in a quick, good-natured tone. “What be they? I never heard of them before.”

“I told you that we were ‘Mormons,’” I replied, “because that is what the world call us, but the only name we acknowledge is Latter-Day Saints.”²⁶

“Latter-Day Saints!” rejoined she, “I never heard of them either.”

I then informed her that this Church was brought forth through the instrumentality of a Prophet, and that I was the mother of this Prophet.

“What!” said she, “a Prophet in these days! I never heard of the like in my life; and if you will come and sit with me, you shall have a room for your sisters and their children, but you yourself must come and stay with me, and tell me all about it.”

I returned to the boat and went and told the sisters what the prospects were and who pursuant to which they made haste to the room and carri having their beds taken also. The old lady was very prompt in removing the furniture from the room and as soon as this was done she came to me and said now come and set down and with me and tell me all about what you was talking

This I promised to do, and then returned to the boat, and had the sisters, and their sick children, removed to the old lady’s house; and after making them comfortable, I went into her room. We soon fell into conversation, in which I explained to her, as clearly as I could, the principles of the Gospel. On speaking of the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost,

she was as much surprised as those disciples were whom Paul found at Ephesus,²⁷ and she asked me, “What do you mean by the Holy Ghost?” I continued my explanations until after two o’clock the next morning, when we removed to the boat again.

Receive the holy Ghost said she what do you mean by that— I then explai I gave her an explanation in full of this and many other Matters and she was so inquisitive and anxious to hear that we I had <she kept> me up untill 2 oclock in the morning and

the next day I with my sisters were up by times— the and the old Lady was not at all behind us and she offer offered us every assistance possible about our cooking and arrangements for the comfort of those that lodged with her. It when breakfast was over and I was about starting back to the boat—she urged me to stay last say I felt as soon as I saw you that there was something more than common and I would not have let my room go to any person in the world but you for I have now eight families in my house besides your company

When I went got back to the boat Capt. Blake said that he would rather the passengers would all stay on board as the ice might break away in the night and then he wanted them to be ready to make a sudden start at a moments warning. He sent a man out that morning to measure the depth of the ice which was constantly coming down the river lake and piling up cake upon cake and when the man returned he informed the capt. that the ice was 20 feet deep and observed captain, you’ll stay here this long while yet.

As he said so Porter Rockwell turned to his mother and said Now mother I am going on shore to see my uncle I can just as well go as not she insisted upon his staying but he payed no attention to what she said and she appealed to me saying— Mother smith wont you get Porter back he is going ashore and I can’t stop him for he won’t mind any body but you.

At this, Porter Rockwell started on shore to see his uncle. His mother endeavoured to prevent him, but he paid no attention to her, and she then appealed to me, saying, “Mother Smith, do get Porter back, for he won’t mind any body but you.”²⁸

I I looked round and sure enough he was about leaving us without leave from any one. I called to him back but he still insisted that there was time enough for him to visit the man his uncle and get back before the Ice could break any way well said do as you like but if you do you will p run the risk of being left in Buffaloe he went

I told him that, if he went, we should leave him on shore, but he could do as he liked. He left the boat,

and several others were about following him; but when I spoke to them, they replied, “We will do just as you say, Mother Smith,” and returned immediately.

Mother said <my son> William just then in whisper³⁰ do see the confusion yonder w’ont you go and settle stop it. I looked round and saw a number of the brethren and sisters engaged in warm debating and others grumbling and murmuring Some young ladies flirting with gentlemen passengers who were strangers to them and not members of the church whilst I might safely say hundreds of spectators were on the shore and on other boats gazing upon the exhibition of clamor and vanity among the Mormon company with great interest

Just then William whispered in my ear, “Mother, do see the confusion yonder; won’t you go and put a stop to it!”

I went to that part of the boat where the principal portion of our company were.³¹ There I found several of the brethren and sisters engaged in a warm debate, others murmuring and grumbling, and a number of young ladies were flirting, giggling, and laughing with gentlemen passengers, who were entire strangers to them, whilst hundreds of people on shore and on other boats were witnessing this scene of clamour and vanity among our brethren with great interest.

I stepped into their midst. “Brethren and sisters,” said I, “we call ourselves Saints, and profess to have come out from the world for the purpose of serving God at the expense of all earthly things; and will you, at the very onset, subject the cause of Christ to ridicule by your own unwise and improper conduct? You profess to put your trust in God, then how can you feel to murmur and complain as you do! You are even more unreasonable than the children of Israel were;

for here are my sisters fretting for the want of their rocking chairs and brethren from you I expected assistance and looked for some firmness in you but instead of that you are complaining that you have left a good house and now you have no home to go to and do not know as you shall have when you get to <the end of> your journey And more than all you do not know but you will all starve to death before you get away from Buffaloe

for here are my sisters pining for their rocking chairs, and brethren from whom I expected firmness and energy, declare that they positively believe they shall starve to death before they get to the end of the journey.

And why is it so? Have any of you lacked? Have not I set food before you every day, and made you, who had not provided for yourselves, as welcome as my own children?

³⁴And even if this were not the case where is your faith Where is your confidence in God do you know that all things are in his He made all things and still over rules them and how easy a matter it thing it could be with God if every saint here would just <lift> their desires³⁵ to him in prayer that the way might be opened before us how easy would it be for God to cause the Ice to break away and we be in a moments time we could be off on our journey but how can you expect the Lord to prosper you when you are continually murmuring against him—

Where is your faith? Where is your confidence in God? Can you not realize that all things were made by him, and that he rules over the works of his own hands? And suppose that all the Saints here should lift their hearts in prayer to God, that the way might be opened before us, how easy it would be for him to cause the ice to break away, so that in a moment³⁶ we could be on our journey!”

Just then a man on shore cried, “Is the Book of Mormon true?”

“That book,” replied I, “was brought forth by the power of God, and translated by the gift of the Holy Ghost; and, if I could make my voice sound as loud as the trumpet of Michael, the Archangel, I would declare the truth37 from land to land, and from sea to sea, and the echo should reach to every isle, until every member of the family of Adam should be left without excuse. For I do testify that God has revealed himself to man again in these last days, and set his hand to gather his people upon a goodly land, and, if they obey his commandments, it shall be unto them for an inheritance; whereas, if they rebel against his law, his hand will be against them to scatter them abroad, and cut them off from the face of the earth; and that he has commenced a work which will prove a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death, to every one that stands here this day—of life unto life, if you will receive it, or of death unto death, if you reject the counsel of God, for every man shall have the desires of his heart; if he desires the truth, he may hear and live, but if he tramples upon the simplicity of the word of God, he will shut the gate of heaven against himself.”

Then, turning to our own company, I said, “Now, brethren and sisters, if you will all of you raise your desires to heaven, that the ice may be broken up, and we be set at liberty, as sure as the Lord lives it will be done.”

I and at that moment a noise was heard like bursting thunder and the captain cried out every man to his post and the ice parted leaving barely a pathway for the boat and that was so narrow that as it passed through the buckets were torn from the water wheel with a this with the noise of the ice the confusion of the spectaters the word of command from the capt. <and> the hoarse answering of the sailors was truely dreadful⁴⁰ —<and our boat and one other had just time enough to get through and the the ice closed again and remained 3 weeks longer>

At that instant a noise was heard, like bursting thunder. The captain cried, “Every man to his post.” The ice parted, leaving barely a passage for the boat, and so narrow, that, as the boat passed through, the buckets of the water-wheel were torn off with a crash, which, joined to the word of command from the captain, the hoarse answering of the sailors, the noise of the ice, and the cries and confusion of the spectators, presented a scene truly terrible. We had barely passed through the avenue, when the ice closed together again, and the Colesville brethren were left in Buffalo, unable to follow us.

As we were leaving the harbour, one of the bystanders exclaimed, “There goes the Mormon company! That boat is sunk in the water nine inches deeper than ever it was before, and, mark it, she will sink— there is nothing surer.” In fact, they were so sure of it, that they went straight to the office and had it published that we were sunk,⁴¹ so that when we arrived at Fairport, we read in the papers the news of our own death.

I spoke to brother Humfry and requested him to call the brethren and sisters together that we had seen a great manifestation of the power of God in our behalf and <as> it was near time for prayers I thought it would be well to sing a little and then have a kind of prayer meeting so that all could pray that felt disposed to d to do—We then sang and when commenced praying

After our miraculous escape from the wharf at Buffalo, we called our company together, and had a prayer⁴² meeting, in which we offered up our thanks to God for his mercy, which he had manifested towards us in our deliverance;

but before our meeting was broken up, the captain’s mate came to me and said, “Mrs. Smith, do, for God’s sake, have your children stop praying, or we shall all go to hell together; we cannot keep one single man to his post, if we should go to the devil, for they are so taken up with your praying.” Therefore our meeting was broken up.

We soon however had a formidable difficulty to encounter We began to feel the effects of the motion of the boat which brought many of our number down upon their backs⁴³ and then there was a cry for water and the captain had told the cook not to furnish all the last set passengers with water except where there was engagedments made—And the saints especialy those to who were sick were in great anxiety—

Soon after leaving Buffalo, some of our company began to feel the effects of the motion of the boat, and were overcome with sea-sickness.

I went to the cook and <handed him 25 cts &> asked him if he could not let me have some hot water occasionally for the sick folks he complied very readily with my request and I was furnished with the means to make them comfortable for a season—

I went to the cook, and, handing him twenty-five cents, asked him if he could let me have some hot water for the sick folks. He complied with my request, and I was thus furnished with the means of making them comfortable.

Upon further acquaintance with the captain, I made myself known to him as the sister of General Mack. He seemed highly pleased to find in me a relative of his old friend; and I was treated with great attention and respect, both by himself and crew, while I remained on the boat.

Previous to this however Brother Humfry and myself went on shore and I bought a quantity of Bread and some melasses for the little children for there was 30 on board that I suplied myself after we went back brother H. called me one side Mother smith said he you must stop this slavish work or you will kill yourself and now from this out let those women wait upon their own children and do the work for themselves [written over “theirselves”] and their husbands as for myself I shall not stay on board much longer—I told him I thought there was no danger of my injuring myself but thanking him for his kindness went on as before they told me afterwards that he left us the next landing but I did not observe it at the time when

A short time before we arrived at Fairport, brother Humphry and myself went on shore to do some trading for the company. While on shore, this brother told me that I was making a slave of myself unnecessarily; that those sisters whose families I had the care of⁴⁴ could as well wait upon their own husbands and children, as for me to do it; that, as for himself, he was not going to stay on board much longer. I thanked him for his kindness, but told him that I thought I could get along with the work, without injuring myself. Nothing further passed between us upon the subject. At the next landing he left,⁴⁵ and whither he went I did not know.

On drawing near Fairport, where we were to land, the captain, passengers, and crew, bade me farewell in tears. After landing, our company were more disheartened than ever, and the brethren came around me and requested that I should set their wives to sewing blankets together, and making tents of them, that the men might camp by their goods and watch them, for they had no hopes of getting any further.

I looked for <round at> the sisters and found them setting about some crying others pouting others attending to their business but the last was the fewest number. I told them I should not set their wives to work, they might do as they liked but yonder said I raising my eyes sits a man that <and> I shall enquire of him for information and see what can be done by the way of settling ourselves I went up to him and asked <him> how far it was to Kirtland he started up and exclaimed is this mother Smith—Yes sir said I we would like to know whether there is any chance of teams and is it possible that this is mother smith said he I have sat here 3 day and nights for no other purpos but to see you

I told them I should do nothing of the kind. As for the sisters, some of them were crying, some pouting, and a few of them were attending to the care⁴⁷ of their families. As I passed among them, my attention was attracted by a stranger, who sat a short distance from us on the shore of the lake. I inquired of him the distance to Kirtland. He, starting up, exclaimed, “Is it possible that this is mother Smith? I have sat here looking for you these three days."

Replying to his question in the affirmative, I asked him if it would be possible to procure teams to take our goods to Kirtland. He told me to give myself⁴⁸ no uneasiness about the matter, that Joseph was expected every hour, and in less than twenty-four hours there would be teams sufficient to take all our company to houses that were waiting to receive them.

at his mentioning Joseph by name I started for I just began to realize that I was so soon to see my Husband and 3 oldest sons for for [blank] samuel too was with them and so I turned from the stranger the first object that met my eyes was samuel coming towards me we met in tears of joy

but before I could speak to him Joseph came up and caught hold of my other hand th Mother said samuel I was warned of God in a dream to come immidiately to this place to meet the company from Waterloo and I was afraid that some dreadful thing had befallen you indeed I feared that you was dead and that I should only meet your corpse Joseph also seemed overjoyed to find me in so good health And was myself in great fear for your life for brother Humfry came to Kirtland 3

They wept for joy upon seeing me— Samuel, because he had been warned of God in a dream to meet the company from Waterloo, and feared that some disaster had befallen me; and Joseph, because of the information which he had received from brother Humphry; who had arrived at Kirtland a short time before this, he having informed Joseph that he apprehended, from the fatigue I was undergoing, that my life was in danger.⁴⁹

After they informed me of these things, Joseph said he should take me from the company.

as soon as this was spoken they <women> gathered round me Oh Mother smith what shall we do you must not leave us cannot we go with you Joseph told them that they could go as far as Painsville and your husbands and the other brethren will remain untill the teams come for the goods but tomorrow I shall take her away from the whole of you for she has done enough—

As the sisters begged to go with me, he took them as far as Painsville,⁵⁰

I with the other women got into the waggons and were taken to Brother Partridge’s when we arrived there we found an excellent supper prepared for us

where we stopped at the house of brother Partridge. Here we found a fine supper prepared for the whole company.

after <this brother Kingsbury came and took me in his carriage * and> a good <nights> rest the which I had taken since left waterloo. I <and Bro Kingsburry in> set out with my sons for Kirtland in a handsome and comfortable carriage which Joseph <belonged to Brother Kingsbury and Joseph> had provided for the purpose before my arrival— Joseph and the brethren had also engaged houses in Kirtland and painsville and Hyrum for the rest of the company so that in a little while they were well situated and ready to commenc buisness for the future suport of their families. The first house that I entered was Bro Morely’s here I met my to Beloved husband and Joseph joy Brother and great was my joy⁵¹

Soon after partaking of this refreshment, I was taken to brother Kingsbury’s, in his own carriage, where I was treated with great kindness and respect. From this place I went with Joseph to Kirtland. The first house that I entered was brother Morley’s. Here I met my beloved husband, and great was our joy.

Many of my readers may know my present situation. These can imagine with what feelings I recite such scenes as that which followed the re-union of our family; but let it pass—imagination must supply the ellipsis. Were I to indulge my feelings upon such occasions as this, my strength would not support me to the end of my narrative.

when I retrace my life I al In scenes like that which were to give vent to my feelings should here describe I seem again to press the warm hand that I then held within my own and rest my weary head upon that affectionate breast that supports it now no more b but Oh! My God give me strength <and> be thou my God and help in every time of need and support me yet a little longer untill my work is done and then may the angels waft me to my home in Heaven but enough I must not indulge my feel heart for my tale of woe is yet to come be told hereafter Brother Morely gave us the use of a good room which we occupied The evening after our arrival at Kirtland we visited Emma. She was very much plased to see as he said that had heard of our situation and s was afraid that we would be drowned on the Lake.

This evening she had a pair twins brought in that was given to her a few days before these children were taken to supply the places of a pair of twins which she had lost⁵²

Mr. Morely gave me the use of a room which we occupied but 2 weeks when we moved onto a farm which was purchased by Joseph and the Church for the on this farm my family were all established and with this arrangement that we were to cultivate the farm and the products were to suport our several families <our families> and sustain stranges who were traveling that being either Members of the church or others in search of the truth tha or on a visit to the place.

We remained⁵⁴ two weeks at Mr. Morley’s, then removed our family to a farm which had been purchased by Joseph for the Church. On this farm my family were all established with this arrangement, that we were to cultivate the farm, and, from the fruits of our labour, we were to receive our support; but all over and above this was to be used for the comfort of strangers or brethren, who were travelling through the place.⁵⁵

Immediately after we moved onto the farm, Joseph received a request for further orders from the brethren who were sent to Missouri in search of a location for the church Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the following revelation reference to the Times and Seasons June 1831 vol. 5 Page 416.⁵⁶ It will be observed in this revelation that

About this time Joseph was requested by Parley P. Pratt and his company, who were then in Missouri, to send some Elders to assist them. He inquired of the Lord, and received the revelation contained in the Times and Seasons, vol. v, p. 416, in which

Samuel H. Smith and Reynolds Cahoon were appointed togo together to Missouri.⁵⁸ They departed immediately on their mission. Before they had proceeded far, they called at a town, the name of which I do not remember, where they found William E. Mc Lellin, who was employed as a clerk in a store. After making a little inquiry, they found that Mr. Mc Lellin was anxious to hear them preach, and that he was willing to make some exertion to obtain59 a house and congregation for them, for the name of Latter-Day Saint was new to him, and he felt curious to hear what the principles of our faith were. So, by his interposition, they soon had a large congregation seated in a comfortable room. They preached that evening, and the next morning they pursued their journey.

Shortly after they left, Mr. McLellin became very uneasy respecting his new acquaintances; he felt that it was his duty to have gone with them and assisted them on their journey. This feeling worked so strongly in his breast, as to deprive him of rest all the ensuing night; and, before morning, he concluded to set out for Missouri, at the hazard of business, character, and everything else. Accordingly, after settling with his employer, he started in pursuit of Samuel, and brother Cahoon. He passed them on their way, and got to Missouri, and was baptized before they arrived there.

On their route, Samuel and brother Cahoon suffered great privations, such as want of rest and food.⁶³ At the time that they started for Missouri, near fifty⁶⁴ others also set out for the same place, all taking different routes. When they arrived,⁶⁵ they dedicated the spot for the Temple.⁶⁶

—when they arrived in Jackson the Elders had mostly got there before them—after the elders had collected t in Jackson (here turn to page 446 of the Times and Seasons and carefully select suitable extracts from the Revelation given in Zion 1831 also Page 450 Rev given in Zion same date also the whole revelation commencing Page 451 also then follow Times and Seasons <down to the revelation Page 464 there stop awhile> inseting portions of revelations Page 463 insert portions of reve Page 464⁶⁷

About this time, or soon after, a number of revelations were received which the reader will find by following the History of Joseph in the Times and Seasons, vol. v., from p. 448 to 466. A clause in one of these reads as follows:— “Let my servant Reynolds Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom I am well pleased, be not separated until they return to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me.” p. 465.68 And here, let me say, that Samuel was never censured by revelation, to my knowledge, for he always performed his missions faithfully, and his work was well approved.

As Hyrum, my eldest son, was directed to go to Missouri by the way of Detroit, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit the family of my brother, General Mack. Accordingly, my niece, Almira Mack, Hyrum,—brothers Murdock, Lyman Wight, and Corril and I,⁶⁹ set out together for Detroit.

When we went on board the boat we held a consultation to Determine whether it was best to say much concerning the gospel at first it was concluded th that we should be entirely still as to religion but finally Hyrum said that Mother might say what she was disposed to and if a difficulty arose that Elders should to assist her out of it.

When we first went on board the vessel which took us across the lake, we concluded to keep perfectly still upon the subject of religion; but it was afterwards proposed by Hyrum, that mother Smith should say just what she pleased, and if she got into difficulty, the Elders should help her out of it.

Shortly after this I was sitting at the door of the cabin, reading the book of Mormon, when a lady came up and inquired of me what book I was reading. “The Book of Mormon,” I replied. But the title of the book was no advantage to her, for she had never before heard of there being such a work⁷⁰ in existence. By her request I gave her a brief history of the discovery and translation of the book. This delighted her, and when I mentioned that it was a record of the origin of the Aborigines of America, she said, “how I do wish I could get one of your books to carry to my husband, for he is now a missionary among the Indians.”

just then a Lady <who was a doctors wife> came up very near us with the appearance of wishing to hear our conversation. She paced to and fro before us for some time and carrying herself daintily I assure you. She was sumptuously dressed and in seeming absence of mind she allowed her rich scarf to fall from one shoulder and thus displayed the splendid decoration a neck and bosom so splendidly decorated as almost to dazzel the eyes

Just then, another lady, who was a doctor’s wife, came near us, with the appearance of wishing to hear our conversation. She was gorgeously dressed, and carried herself very daintily, I assure you. She wore a splendid satin scarf, which, as she walked to and fro before us, she would occasionally let fall from the left shoulder, and expose a neck and bosom decorated with very brilliant jewels.⁷¹

after a while she turned she sharply upon me saying Now I do not want to hear any more about that stuff for the anything about Joe Smith who they say he is a Mormon prophet

Presently she stopped short, and said, “I do not want to hear any more of that stuff, or anything more about Joe Smith either. They say that he is a Mormon Prophet; but it

is nothing but deception and lies. There was one Mr. Murdock, who believed in Joe Smith’s doctrines; and the Mormons all believe they can cure the sick and raise the dead; so when this Mr. Murdock’s wife was sick, he refused to send for a doctor, although the poor woman wanted him to do so, and so by his neglect his wife died.”

I told her I thought she must be a little mistaken, that I was acquainted with the family, and knew something in regard to the matter.

I know all about it said the lady

Well now said perhaps not just stop a moment and I will explain a little

no that I wont said she wi

“I know all about it,” said the lady.

“Well now, perhaps not,” said I, “just stop a moment and I will explain it to you.”

“No, I wont,” returned the woman.

Then said I will introduce you to Mr. Murdock himself and let him tell the story said I turning to Elder Murdock who stood near just before this

“Then” said I “I will introduce you to Mr. Murdock, and let him tell the story himself.” I then turned to Mr. Murdock, who stood near, and gave her an introduction to him.

However the chamber maid who was very friendly to went down stairs and complained to <the> Lady’s husband of his wife’s unbecoming behaviour and before she had heard a dozen words from <our> Brother her husband came bustling up stairs said here <here> they tell me you are abusing this old lady and taking her hand drew it within his arm marched her off att at us an unusualy quick pace.

Before this, however, the chambermaid went down stairs and complained to the doctor of his wife’s unbecoming behaviour, and before she had heard a dozen words from our brother, her husband came bustling up stairs. “Here,” said he, to his wife, “they tell me that you are abusing this old lady;” and taking her hand, he drew it within his arm, and marched her off without further ceremony.

This circumstance introduced the subject of “Mormonism” among the passengers, and it continued to be the topic of conversation until we arrived at Detroit.

When we landed in detroit it was dark and My Niece thought it would be advisable for us to for us to put up at the <a> tavern as her sister Mrs. Cooper who was the only one of My brothers family who lived in Detroit was in very ill health with a nervous affection which she had been under the influence of for several years—

On landing in Detroit, we repaired immediately to a tavern, as my niece, Mrs. Cooper, was exceedingly nervous, and we deemed it imprudent to disturb her that evening.

The next morning Almera Now Mack (Now Mrs. Covey) <and myself> went to her sisters house and found Mrs Cooper was in her room when we arrived lying on the bed Almira went to her but I remained in the sitting room as her housekeeper thought that our both going in at once would agitate her Mrs. Cooper so much that it might be an injury to her when the usual introductions had passed between the sisters Almira told Mrs. C that I had come to Detroit and was waiting for to see her and enquired if she should ask me into the room Stop siter said the Elder sist of two I am so nervous I cannot see her now but I am glad she is here am will be happy to have her come in as soon as my nerves are a little <some> settled again— Well Mrs Cooper said Almira there is another thing I want to mention to you Aunt Lucy has some three or four Elders with her who are yet at the tavern and she wishes to have them invited here also Oh Dear No I am so nervous that I never could endure it in the world it would kill do me do not think of it

The next morning, Almira Mack and myself visited Mrs. Cooper, who was Almira’s sister. Almira went into her room, and found her lying on the bed. After the usual salutations she informed Mrs. Cooper that aunt Lucy was in the parlor waiting to see her, and requested the privilege of inviting me into her room; but it was some time before her nerves were sufficiently settled to see me. However, before I was admitted into her presence, she was further informed that her cousin Hyrum, as also several other Elders, had come to Detroit in company with me, and that I would expect them to be invited as well as myself. But this was refused, Mrs. Cooper declaring that she could not endure the presence of so many visitors. She sent for me, but forbade her sisters inviting any one else.

Almira saw that it was in vain to urge the Matter and when her sister thought that she was composed enough to meet me her she directed her to call me in to her room but Almiras heart was full to overflowing. She knew that Lovisa that is Mrs. cooper had received as much of my attention when a child as either of My own had done and that my feelings for all my brothers children were unusualy tender and on this account she felt disagreeable to bear be the bearer of her sisters refusal to meet her cousin and my son but after giving vent to her feelings in a flood of tears she came to me and gave me to understand what <was> the situation of affairs.

I went into Lovisa’s room and she seemed very much pleased to see me after a great some fashionable remarks on both sides I said Lovisa I have 4 of my brethren with me and one of them is your cousin Hyrum

“Oh! no, no; I never can consent to it,” exclaimed she,—“Why, aunt, I am so nervous, I am scarcely ever able to see any company.”

Now Lovisa said I do you know what it is that ails you I can tell you exactly there is a good spirit and an evil one opperating upon you and the bad spirit has almost got possession of your ⁷²and when the good spirit is the least agitated the evil one strives for the entire mastery and sets the good spirit to faltering but just ready to leave you because it has so slight a foothold—

“Now, Lovisa,” I replied, “do you know what ails you? I can tell you exactly what it is: there is a good spirit and an evil one operating upon you, and the bad spirit has almost got possession of you; and when the good spirit is the least agitated, the evil one strives for the entire mastery, and sets the good spirit to fluttering, just ready to be gone, because it has so slight a foothold.

But you have been sick a long time and you know not that you will live long Many years do you not wish to know something about your saviour before you ar are called to meet him She said she did. Well continued I there is another thing these men are clothed with <the> Authority of the everlasting Priesthood and it may be a <through which you may receive> a blessing to you to have them come here <should they come> and it is my wish to have them invited to breakfast— She for furthermore if you refuse to receive my brethren into your house I shall leave it and go myself to the tavern

But you have been so for a long time, and you may yet live many years. These men who are with me are clothed with the authority of the Priesthood, and through their administration you might receive a blessing; and even should you not be healed, do you not wish to know something about your Saviour before you meet him. Furthermore, if you refuse to receive my brethren into your house, I shall leave it myself.”

It was finally concluded that a sumptuous dinner should be prepared, and that the brethren should all be invited.

The neccessary directions being given. I told her that I would like to have her calm her mind as much as possible and when the Elders came and after she the ceremony of introduction &c was over have them lay hands on her and pray for her to this she consented and and it was done after dinner she went to her room again being a little fatigued—I asked her if she would like wished them to pray for her again she answered very readily that she did for she had been better since they administered to her the they complied with her request and bidding her farewell left the house after they were gone and she found that they were not to be there again she seemed to be very much distressed because she had not urged them to stay and preach

While they tarried with her they administered to her twice by the laying on of hands, in the name of the Lord. They stopped with her during the day, and in the evening left for Pontiac. When she learned that they were not expected back again, she seemed greatly distressed, because she had not urged them to stay and preach.

The next morning, I and my niece set out for Pontiac, in the first stage, to visit sister Mack, my brother’s widow, and her daughter, Mrs. Whitermore. Here we were treated with great attention and respect by Mr. Whitermore and his family. The subject of religion was introduced immediately after our arrival and continued the theme of conversation until near tea-time, when sister Mack arose, saying, “sister Lucy, you must excuse me, for I find my nerves are so agitated I cannot bear conversation any longer; the subject is so entirely new, it confuses my mind.”

stop a moment said I and she sat down I then repeated to her the same in substance which I had told her daughter the two days before but added I if a company of fashionable people were to come in now and begin to talk about parties balls and <the> latest style of making dresses would that agitate you think you she smiled saying I do not know Sister Lucy as it would you know those are very common things—I told her that I would excuse her freely now to go <walk> where she liked but requested her to think of what I had said to her—

I then requested her to stop a moment. I then repeated to her the same that I had done two days previous to Lovisa, adding, “suppose a company of fashionable people were to come in and begin to talk about balls, parties, and the latest style of making dresses, do you think that would agitate you so?” She smiled at this, and said, “I do not know that it would, sister Lucy; you know that those are more common things.”

I then told her that I would excuse her, and that she might go where she pleased, concluding in my own

mind never to mention the subject to her again, unless it should be by her own request. That night we slept in the same room. When I was about retiring to rest, she observed, “do not let my presence prevent you from attending to any duty which you have practised at home.” And soon afterwards she again remarked, “the house is now still, and I would be glad to hear you talk, if you are not too much fatigued.” I told her I would have no objections, provided the subject of religion would not make her nervous; and, as she did not think it would, we commenced conversation, the result of which was, she was convinced of the truth of the Gospel.

In few days Mr. Whitermore accompanied me the house of another niece named Ruth Stanly⁷⁴ wife of [blank] Stanley and sister to Mrs. Whitermore. soon after our arrival Mr. Whitermore introduced me to Rev Mr. Ruggles who was the pastor of the presbyterian church to which Mr. H belonged

In a few days subsequent to this, we all set out to visit Mrs. Stanley, who was also my brother’s daughter. Here Mr. Whitermore gave me an introduction to one Mr. Ruggles, the pastor of the Presbyterian church to which this Mr. Whitermore belonged.

“And you,” said Mr. Ruggles, upon shaking hands with me, “are the mother of that poor, foolish, silly boy, Joe Smith, who pretended to translate the Book of Mormon.”⁷⁵

I looked him steadily in the face and replied I am sir the Mother of Joseph Smith but why may I ask do you call him a foolish silly boy—

Because said his Reverence that he should immagine that he was going to break down all the churches with that simple <mormon> Book

I looked him steadily in the face, and replied, “I am, sir, the mother of Joseph Smith; but why do you apply to him such epithets as those?”

“Because,” said his reverence, “that he should imagine he was going to break down all other churches with that simple Mormon book.”

Did you ever read that book I enqured. No said he it is to far beneath me to be worthy of my notice— Then I think sir I said you do not abide by that scripture which saith search all things—and Now sir let me tell you boldly that the Book of Mormon contains the everlasting Gospel and it was writen for the salvation of your soul by the gift and power of the holy Ghost

“Did you ever read that book?” I inquired.

“No,” said he, “it is beneath my notice.”

“But,” rejoined I, “the Scriptures say, ‘Prove all things;’ and now sir, let me tell you boldly, that that book contains the everlasting Gospel, and it was written for the salvation of your soul, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.”

“Pooh said the Minister nonsense— but I have no fears bu of any mems. of my church being lead away by any such dedmation[?] for they have too much inteligence Now Mr. Ruggles said and I spoke earnestly for the spirit of God was upon me Mark my words as true as God lives before 3 years we will have more than one third of your church and sir whether you believe it or not we will take the very deacon too

“Pooh,” said the minister, “nonsense— I am not afraid of any member of my church being led astray by such stuff; they have too much intelligence.”

“Now, Mr. Ruggles,” said I, and I spoke with emphasis, for the Spirit of God was upon me, “mark my words—as true as God lives, before three years we will have more than one-third of your church; and, sir, whether you believe it or not, we will take the very Deacon too.”

This produced a hearty laugh at the expense of the minister.

Not to be tedious I will say that I remained in this section about 3 weeks after our brethren left me making my whole stay 4 weeks during which time I labored incessantly for the truths sake and gained the hearts of many believers among whom was David Dort and his wife. These were anxious to have an Elder sent to them and some of them said if I would use my influence to in <their> favor they would pledge themselves that the man who came should not lack for anything and Mr Cooper my Nephew of Detroit said that if we would dress our elders in broadcloth instead of home spun it would add greatly to their influence. I promised him that the next one who came to preach to them should be more genteel

Not to be tedious, I will say that I remained in this section of country about four weeks, during which time I laboured incessantly for the truth’s sake, and succeeded in gaining the hearts of many, among whom were David Dort and his wife. Many desired me to use my influence to have an Elder sent into that region of country, which I agreed to do. As I was about starting home, Mr. Cooper observed that our ministers would have more influence if they dressed in broadcloth.

This was just as I embarked for home where I arrived in a few days in perfect health and safety and found my family well. I mentioned the state of things where I had been to Joseph the first opportunity he seemed pleased that I had succeeded in preparing the way for a minister of the Gospel and [blank of approximately 31⁄2 inches] sent Brother Jared carter to labor with them but not untill we had him fitted out as I promised Mr Cooper with a suit of superfine broadcloth He went into the midst of Mr Ruggles’s church and converted 70 of his best member and as I said he took the very deacon to⁷⁶ for although I did not know anything about the situation of the His church he had a very intelligent deacon by the name of Bent who is now a high councillor in Nauvoo and he told me the last time I saw him which was not a week since that he had never <not> forgotten my prophecy upon his head

When I returned, I made known to Joseph the situation of things where I had been, so he despatched brother Jared Carter to that country. And in order that he might not lack influence, he was dressed in a suit of superfine broadcloth. He went immediately into the midst of Mr. Ruggles’ church, and, in a short time, brought away seventy of his best members, among whom was the Deacon, just as I told the minister. This Deacon was brother Bent, who now presides over the High Council.⁷⁷

In less than a month after my arrival, Samuel returned home from Missouri, and remained until the succeeding October, at which time a revelation was given, commanding him and Wm. Mc Lellin to go to the town of Hiram, which was about thirty miles distant.⁷⁸

Samuel commenced making preparations, but before he was ready to start, he heard a voice in the night, which said, “Samuel, arise immediately, and go forth on the mission which thou wast commanded to take to Hiram.” He arose from his bed and took what clothing he had in readiness, and set off without further delay.

He traveled 15 miles that day warning the people by the way and the next day he arrived at Hyrum where he met Wm McLellin according to previous appointment for they went <did not> go the same rout <and> as Brother McLellin rode his horse <but as brother McLellin rode he got> there as soon as Samuel did they held a meeting <as> soon as they could make arrangements to do so and being tolerably well received they continued to preach in Hyrum and the surrounding country but they had not been in this place long untill they were sent for by a woman who had been sick many months and had prayed much that the Lord would send so some of the Mormon into that country that she might have hands laid on her for the recovery of her health. Samuel went immediately to her and administerd to her by the Laying on of hands in the name of the Lord and she was healed and was also baptized—

On arriving at the abovementioned place, he found Wm. E. Mc Lellin there according to previous appointment. Here they commenced preaching together, and after labouring a while in this town, they went from place to place, bearing testimony of the truth in whatever city, town, or village they entered, until the twenty-seventh of December, at which time they arrived at Kirtland.

Samuel was not long permitted to remain at home in quiet; on the first of January⁸¹ he was sent, with Orson Hyde, on a mission into the eastern country. They went and preached from city to city until they were called home to receive the ordinance of The Washing of Feet.

I shall now return to the month of September, 1831.⁸² Joseph, at this time, was engaged in translating the Bible, and Sidney Rigdon was writing for him. About the first of this month, Joseph came to the conclusion to remove himself and clerk, as well as their families, to the before-mentioned town of Hiram, in order to expedite the work. They moved to the house of Father Johnson,⁸³ and lived with him in peace until the following March, when a circumstance occurred, which I shall relate in his own words:—

“On the twenty-fifth of March, (1832,) the twins before mentioned, which had been sick of the measles for some time, caused us to be broke of our rest in taking care of them, especially my wife. In the evening I told her she had better retire to rest with one of the children, and I would watch with the sickest child. In the night, she told me I had better lie down on the trundle bed, and I did so, and was soon after awoke⁸⁴ by her screaming murder! when I found myself going out of the door in the hands of about a dozen men; some of whose hands were in my hair, and some hold of my shirt, drawers, and limbs. The foot of the trundle bed was towards the door, leaving only room enough for the door to swing. My wife heard a gentle tapping on the windows, which she then took no particular notice of (but which was unquestionably designed for ascertaining whether we were all asleep), and, soon after, the mob burst open the door and surrounded the bed in an instant, and, as I said, the first I knew, I was going out of the door, in the hands of an infuriated mob. I made a desperate struggle, as I was forced out, to extricate myself, but only cleared one leg, with which I made a pass at one man, and he fell on the door steps. I was immediately confined again, and they swore by God they would⁸⁵ kill me if I did not be still, which quieted me. As they passed around the house with me, the fellow that I kicked, came to me and thrust his hand into my face all covered with blood, (for I hit him on the nose,) and with an exulting horse laugh, muttered, ‘Ge, gee, God d—mn ye, I’ll fix ye.’⁸⁶

“They then seized me by the throat, and held on till I lost my breath. After I came to, as they passed along with me, about thirty rods from the house, I saw Elder Rigdon stretched out on the ground, whither they had dragged him by the heels. I supposed he was dead.

“I began to plead with them, saying, you will have mercy and spare my life, I hope. To which they replied, ‘God d—mn ye, call on yer God for help, we’ll show ye no mercy;’ and the people began to show themselves in every direction: one coming from the orchard had a plank, and I expected they would kill me, and carry me off on a plank. They then turned to the right, and went on about thirty rods further⁸⁷—about sixty rods from the house, and about thirty from where I saw Elder Rigdon—into the meadow, where they stopped, and one said, ‘Simonds, Simonds,” (meaning, I supposed, Simonds Rider,), ‘pull up his drawers, pull up his drawers, he will take cold.’ Another replied, ‘A’nt⁸⁸ ye going to kill ’im? A’nt ye going to kill ‘im?’ when a group of mobbers collected a little way off, and said, ‘Simonds, Simonds, come here;’ and Simonds charged those who had hold of me to keep me from touching the ground (as they had done all the time), lest I should get a spring upon them. They went and held a council, and as I could occasionally overhear a word, I supposed it was to know whether it was best to kill me. They returned, after a while, when I learned that they had concluded not to kill me, but pound and scratch me well, tear off my shirt and drawers, and leave me naked: one cried, ‘Simonds, Simonds, where is the tar bucket?’ ‘I don’t know,’ answered one, ‘where ‘tis, Eli’s left it.’ They ran back and fetched the bucket of tar, when one exclaimed, ‘God d—mn it, let us tar up ⁸⁹ his mouth;’ and they tried to force the tar paddle into my mouth; I twisted my head around, so that they could not; and they cried out, ‘God d—mn ye, hold up ⁹⁰ your head and let us give ye some tar.’ They then tried to force a vial into my mouth, and broke it in my teeth. All my clothes were torn off me, except my shirt collar; and one man fell on me and scratched my body with his nails like a mad cat, and then muttered out, God d—mn ye that’s the way ⁹¹ the Holy Ghost falls on folks.’⁹²

“They then left me, and I attempted to rise, but fell again; I pulled the tar away from my lips, &c., so that I could breathe more freely, and after a while I began to recover, and raised myself up, when I saw two lights. I made my way towards one of them, and found it was father Johnson’s. When I had come to the door I was naked, and the tar made me look as though I was covered with blood; and when my wife saw me, she thought I was all mashed to pieces, and fainted. During the affray abroad, the sisters of the neighbourhood had collected at my room. I called for a blanket, they threw me one and shut the door; I wrapped it around me, and went in.****⁹³

“My friends spent the night in scraping and removing the tar, and washing and cleansing my body; so that by morning I was ready to be clothed again. This being Sabbath morning, the people assembled for meeting at the usual hour of worship, and among those came also the mobbers, viz., Simonds Rider, a Campbellite preacher, and leader of the mob; one M’Clentic, son of a Campbellite minister; and Pelatiah Allen, Esq.,94 who gave the mob a barrel of whisky to raise their spirits; and many others. With my flesh all scarified and defaced, I preached to the congregation, as usual, and in the afternoon of the same day baptized three individuals.”—Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 611. Millennial Star, vol. 14, p. 148.

⁹⁵It will be observed by the Times and seasons that sydney came up to Kirtland before Joseph set out for Misouri— ⁹⁶ soon after <sydney> he arrived <Kirtland there was a prayer> we attended a meeting which was held in a barn which My husband had prepared with seats so that <we could hold> meetings could be held in it in the summer as Sydney had just arrived but a short time previous from Hiram the brethren were anxious to hear <a sermon> from him

We waited a long time before he made his appearance; at last he came in, seemingly much agitated. He did not go to the stand, but began to pace back and forth through the house. My husband said, “Brother Sidney, we would like to hear a discourse from you to-day.” Brother Rigdon replied, in a tone of excitement, “The keys of the kingdom are rent from the Church, and there shall not be a prayer put up in this house this day.”

Oh no said My husband I hope not. They are said sydney I tell the keys are rent from this people and no man or woman shall put a prayer here this day—

“Oh! no,” said Mr. Smith, “I hope not.” “I tell you they are,” rejoined Elder Rigdon, “and no man or woman shall put up a prayer in this place to-day.”

This produced a great excitement in the minds of some <many> of the sisters and some brethren—The brethren stared and turned pale— the sisters cryed and for a few minutes we were in indecision were at a stand what course to take

This greatly disturbed the minds of many sisters, and some brethren. The brethren stared and turned pale, and the sisters cried.

Sister Howe <particularly> was much terrified Oh! dear Me said she what shall we do what shall we do the keys of the Kingdom are taken from us— <and what shall we do Hyrum was a I tell repeated Syney the with much apparent feeling the keys of kingdom are re <wrent> from this <you> and you never will have them again untill you build me a new house.

Sister Howe, in particular, was very much terrified: “Oh dear me!” said she, “what shall we do? what shall we do? The keys of the kingdom are taken from us, and what shall we do?” “I tell you again,” said Sidney, with much feeling, “the keys of the kingdom are taken from you, and you never will have them again until you build me a new house.

Hyrum was vexed at this frivolous nonsense, and, taking his hat, he went out of the house, saying, “I’ll put a stop to this fuss, pretty quick; I’m going for Joseph.”

Oh do’nt do’nt for pity’s sake go bring Joseph here it is no use for brother sydney says he has we have lost the keys of the kingdom and where is the use of bringing Joseph here

“Oh don’t,” said sister Howe, “for pity’s sake, don’t go for him. Brother Sidney says the keys of the kingdom are taken from us, and where is the use of bringing Joseph here.”

Hyrum paid no attention to her but went for a horse and set out that night <evening> which was Saturday after his brother he got there in the after part of the night Joseph was in bed come said Hyrum laughing Joseph get up you must go back with me to Kirtland and attend to things there we are in great trouble we have lost the keys of the kingdom and they are having a terrible time—

Hyrum took a horse, and went immediately to father Johnson’s, for Joseph. He arrived there in the afterpart of the night, and having aroused Joseph, he said, “You must go straight with me to Kirtland; we are having terrible times there, and I want you to come up and see to things.”⁹⁸

Joseph did not know what he could mean but when Hyrum told him what kind <a> freak had got into Sydney’s head Joseph said that he would start as soon as he could get his breakfast— Father Johnson offered him a horse for he was a kind old man and would do anything in his power for Joseph or any of our family—

Joseph being informed of the precise situation of affairs, he got a horse of⁹⁹ father Johnson, and started without delay, with Hyrum, for Kirtland.

On his arrival there, the brethren were collected for meeting. Joseph went upon the stand, and informed the brethren that they were under a great mistake, that the Church had not transgressed; “and, as for the keys of the kingdom,” said he, “I, myself, hold the keys of this Last Dispensation, and will for ever hold them,¹⁰⁰ both in time and in eternity; so set your hearts at rest upon that point, all is right.”

after preaching a comforting discourse he appointed a councill to set the next day in which brother Sydney¹⁰¹ was tried for having lied in the name of the Lord and Joseph told him that he must suffer what he had and you shall said he be delivered over to the buffetings of satan and the Devil will handle you as one man handeleth another and the less priesthood you have the better it will be for you therefore I advise you to give up your licence—

He then went on and preached a comforting discourse, after which he appointed a council to sit the next day, by which Sidney was tried, for having lied in the name of the Lord. In this council Joseph told him, he must suffer for what he had done, that he should be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan, who would handle him as one man handleth another, that the less Priesthood he had, the better it would be for him, and that it would be well for him to give up his license.

Sydney did as he was counsilled and he afterwards stated that he the most astonishing encounters with the Devil on the following night that ever a man had he said that the he was dragged out of bed 3 times successively on the same night one thing is certain that is <viz.> his contrition of soul was apparently as great as a man could well live through after this he made an humble confession and received had <another> license the first is still in brother Whitney’s hands.

This counsel Sidney complied with, yet he had to suffer for his folly, for, according to his own account, he was dragged out of bed by the devil, three times in one night, by his heels. Whether this be true or not, one thing is certain, his contrition of soul was as great as a man could well live through.¹⁰²

After he had sufficiently humbled himself, he received another license; but the old one was retained, and is now in the hands of Bishop Whitney.

On the second of April, 1832, Joseph set off for Missouri, accompanied by Newel K. Whitney, Peter Whitmer, and Jesse Gauze.¹⁰⁴ They were taken by brother Pitkin to the town of Warren, where they were joined by brother Rigdon, and they all pursued their journey together.

I shall now return my steps unto the 1st of sept. when Joseph began to make preparations to remove his family to Hy<i>ram This he did in order to facillitate the translation of the Bible which he had previously commenced— The brethren also who had been commanded to go to Missouri were making every preparation to obey the voice of the Lord on this wise designing to leave Kirtlang for Misouri the ensueing set which they <accordingly> did—on the 12th day of September Joseph started removed with his family which consisted of his wife and two adopted children who were the twins before spoken of shortly after <in a short time> he was followed by Sydney Rigdon who followed settled his family near to Joseph in order to act in his office of scribe to Joseph as is mentioned in my sons history with many revelations particulars not immediately connected with my narative Nothing of importance he says occurred untill 25 of—March—here <the> reviser may follow the Times and seasons commencing P. 611—thence 624 first sentence Hence¹⁰⁵ While Joseph was gone Emma was by her husband’s <and bishop Whitney> request

moved to Kirtland and <as> Bishop Whitney desired her to go to his house and tarry with his wife untill her husband and hinself [sic] (for Brother Whitney went with Joseph to Misouri) returned home—When Emma came to brother <sister> Whitneys house and made know her design and the wish of Her Mr Sister Whitney’s husband) Sister Whitney communicated the same to an <elderly> maiden-Aunt who lived with her at but the Aunt whose name was Sarrah Smith was highly offended and declared that if Emma staid she would go away upon this Sister Whitney ret invited Emma to leave¹⁰⁶ This came to the ears of said> This However I was never aware of until very lately and although <he [sic] lived> with us and very near us She said nothing of the mortifying circumstance least it should injure feelings. She was then young and being naturaly ambitious <and> her whole heart was occupied in the work of the Lord and she felt no interest ex for the church and the cause of truth whatever She found her hands found to do she did with her might and did not ask the selfish question Shall I be benefited any more than any one else If Elders were sent away to preach she was the First to go volunteer her services to assist in clothing them for their journey She lived Her countenance shining wore a happy expression of Zeal and let her own privations be what they might like the son of Altnomak¹⁰⁷ she scorned to complain ed—

She lived with brother Wm Cahoon and Brother Williams occasionaly spending a short time with us. When her during Joseph’s absence she was not Idle for she moments <labored> faithfully with for the interest of those with whom she staid cheering them by her lively <and spirited> conversation Now see Times and season Page 626 commencing date May 6th¹⁰⁸

On the twenty-fourth of April, Joseph arrived at Independence. He made haste to attend to the business that lay before him, and on the sixth of May following, he, with brothers Whitney and Rigdon, left Independence for Kirtland. When they arrived at New Albany, brother Whitney had the misfortune to get his leg broken.¹¹⁰ This detained Joseph, who remained, in order to take care of him, four weeks at Mr. Porter’s public-house in Greenville.¹¹¹ While they were at this place, Joseph had poison administered to him in his food, which operated very violently upon his system, but he soon recovered, and the next morning they pursued¹¹² their journey again, and arrived in Kirtland some time in the month of June.

After the return of Joseph <her husband> a comfortable house was provided for Emma and her adopted daughter and this house belonged to Brothers Whitney and Gilbert being previously occupied for a store¹¹³ soon after She moved into this house—Joseph left her again <in the care of Hyrum who watched over her with the most faithful care and attention> and as he observes while he was gone his son Joseph Smith the 3thd was born

After Joseph returned from his mission to the East, he established a school for the Elders, and called them all home from the different parts of the country where they had been labouring. This was called the School of the Prophets; and was kept in an upper room of the house in which Joseph resided.

when My sons returned and had rested themselves Joseph took them with all of the males Mr. Smith and Carlos as well as those who had been away on Missions into the room Where the school of the

At this time my sons were all called home, and, shortly after they arrived, Joseph took all the male portion of our family into the beforenamed school-room, and administered to them the ordinance of

spirit of the Lord fell upon them and they spoke in other tongues <and prophesied> as on the day of pentecost and the brethren gathered together to witness the manifestation of the power of God.¹¹⁹ I was on the farm a short distance from the place where the meeting was held but then My children who could not bear that “Mother should loose anything despatched an messenger in a great haste for me I was putting some <loaves> bread into the oven but the brother who came for me would not wait till I had set my bread to baking <so> I went and shared with the rest one of the most glorious outporings of the spirit of God that had ever been witnessed in the church at that time—This produced great joy and satisfaction among the Brethren and sisters and we felt as though we had about gained the victory over the adverary and truly it was as as the poet says

Washing of Feet; after which the Spirit fell upon them, and they spake in tongues, and prophesied. The brethren gathered together to witness the manifestations of the power of God. At that time I was on the farm a short distance from the place where the meeting was held, and my children being anxious that I should enjoy the meeting, sent a messenger in great haste for me.¹²⁰ I went without delay, and shared with the rest, the most glorious outpouring of the Spirit of God that had ever before taken place in the Church. We felt that we had gained a decided victory over the adversary, and,

We could not believe
That we ever should grieve
Or ever should sorrow again

“We could not believe,That we ever should grieve,
Or ever should sorrow again.”

But alas! how our joy was measureably turned to grief for not 2 months until news came to our ears of the dificulties in Jackson county between the brethren and the mob in

A Messenger arrived from Misouri about [two inch blank on the line] and my sons were then all at work preparing appiece of ground for sowing wheat the ensueing fall Joseph was standing on the porch near the door washing his face and hands when the despatch arrived and <who> stated that the brethren were driven and brethren Pattridge and [blank] had been tarred and feathered and put into prison and that many some even killed and brother Dibble among the others had been shot

But, alas! our joy was soon mingled with woe. It was not two months¹²¹ before a messenger arrived from Missouri, with tidings of the difficulty in Jackson county; that brothers Partridge and Allen had been tarred and feathered, and put into prison; that some had been killed, and others shot;¹²² and among the latter, was brother Dibble, who had been dangerously wounded.

When Joseph heard this he was overwhelmed with grief He bust into tears and sobbed aloud Oh my brethren my brethren said he. Oh that I had been with you to have shared with you your trouble—My God My God what shall we in such a case of trial

Upon hearing this, Joseph was overwhelmed with grief. He burst into tears, and sobbed aloud. “Oh, my brethren! my brethren;” he exclaimed, “would that I had been with you, to have shared your fate. Oh my God, what shall I do in such a trial as this.”

After his grief had a little subsided, he called a council, and it was resolved that the brethren from the surrounding country, as well as those in Kirtland, should go immediately to Missouri, and take with them money and clothing to relieve the brethren in their distress.¹²³ Just before this, Jesse Smith,¹²⁴ my husband’s nephew, and Amos Fuller, arrived in Kirtland from Potsdam, and Jesse determined to go with the camp to Missouri. He was the son of Jesse Smith, my husband’s oldest brother, of whose peculiar disposition I have spoken before. Knowing that his father would censure us, I endeavoured to dissuade him from going; but to no purpose, for he was determined upon being one of the company. After making the necessary collections, they set out for Missouri. The whole company amounted to two hundred in number.

Previous to taking leave for Missouri,¹²⁷ the brethren commenced building a house, which was designed for both a meetinghouse and a school. This was left in the hands of brother Reynolds Cahoon for completion; and was to be in readiness for use by the commencement of the ensuing winter. It is true we held meetings in it during the summer, but then it only served as a shelter from the sun.¹²⁸ We were now unusually anxious to meet together as often as possible, in order to unite our faith and prayers in behalf of our brethren; but, for a length of time after they left, almost every meeting was broken up by a storm.

In consequence of this, together with the near approach of winter, we began to urge upon brother Cahoon the necessity of hurrying the building, but he said that he could do nothing about the matter, as he had neither time nor means.

A sash for instance would cost and a light and then he must bring them from Painsville which the¹²⁹ had not time to do> This made me feel very sorrowful for we much needed the <a> house of worship was <where> we could hold meetings without being interrupted so as we must be in a dwelling where a family resided—I studied sometime upon it and at last I told my husband that I thought that I could collect means for finising the house my single self if he would consent to it I would try and see what I could effect My husband told me he should not hinder me in anything of that kind and he would be glad if I could raise anything towards helping the work along.

This made me very sorrowful. I studied upon it a long time. Finally, I told my husband, I believed that I could raise the means myself to finish the building, and, if he would give his consent, I would try and see what I could do. He said he would be glad if I could do anything towards forwarding the work,¹³⁰ and that I might take any course I saw fit, in order to accomplish it.

I set off wrote a subscription paper in which I agreed to return all the money¹³¹ which I was subscribed giving back to Each individual that which I received from him or her in case it could not be applied to the [… t.ne] building of the meeting house

I then wrote a subscription paper, in which I agreed to refund all the money that should be given, in case it could not be appropriated to the purpose for which it should be subscribed.

This article I first took to each member of my family who were at home, as also my boarders, then proceeded with it to father Bosley’s. Here I received considerable assistance, and, as I was leaving the house, I met brother Cahoon, and informed him of what I was doing. He seemed pleased, and told me to go on and prosper.

and it was even so: I did prosper for in about 2 weeks I had everything in fine order for commencing the work I employed one a man to case and make the doors at a reduced price and engaged the sash and casing for the windows of one Mr. Bar who agreed to make the sash for 4 cents a light

And it was even so, I did prosper; so that in two weeks I had everything in fine order for commencing the work.¹³⁴ I employed a man by the name of Bar to make and case the doors, and also to case the windows and make the sashes. All this was to be done at a very reduced price.

This man went immediately to the house and began to take the measurement of the windows but in consequence of some misunderstanding with Brother Cahoon forbid him doing the work according Mr. Bar came to my husband to enquire about the <get some explanation> of the affair

Mr. Bar went immediately to the house, and began to take the measurement of the windows, but, in consequence of some misunderstanding brother Cahoon forbade him touching the work. Mr. Bar came to my husband for an explanation of the affair.

A council was called, and, after three hours sitting, it was voted that mother Smith should go on, and finish the house as she thought proper. Accordingly, I continued to collect means and employ hands, until the house was thoroughly completed, even to the fastenings of the doors; and when this was accomplished, there was but six dollars remaining unpaid.¹³⁶ And this debt my husband afterwards discharged by the sale of produce.137

Nothing occurred worthy of mention between this time and Hyrum and Joseph’s return which I think was late in the fall. Their joy at seeing us again in health and was exceeding great above measure because of the perils which they had passed during their absence and after they were a little rested and refreshed <they sat down on each side one on either side of me Joseph holding one of my hands and Hyrum the other and> they relatedthe folling history <sketch> of their journey

Late in the fall¹³⁸ Joseph and Hyrum returned. They were overjoyed to meet us again in health, more especially on account of the perils which they had passed through during their absence. Joseph and Hyrum sat down beside me, each holding one of my hands in his, while they related the following story:—

“When we started on our journey, we made arrangements to have every one made as comfortable as possible; but the sufferings which are incident to such an excursion made some of the brethren discontented, and they began to murmur against us, saying, ‘the Lord never required them to take such a tiresome journey,’ and that it was folly for them to suffer such fatigue and inconvenience just to gratify us. We warned them, in the name of the Lord, to stop their murmuring; for, if they did not, the displeasure of the Almighty would be manifested in judgments in their midst.

but many of them persisted in complaining untill one morning we <they> came to harness their horses they found them so lane [sic] as to be unable to travel this gave them great uneasiness and said Joseph I called together and told the if they would repent and humble themselves before the lord the curse would be removed but if they did not a greater curse would come upon them.

But the majority of them¹³⁹ paid no attention to what we said, until one morning when they went out to harness up their horses, and found them all so lame as to be unable to travel. We told them that this was a curse which had come upon them because of transgression; but, if they would repent, it might be removed—if not, a greater curse would come upon them. They believed what we said, and repented of their folly. The consequence was, we were soon on our journey again.

It was not long, however, till the spirit of dissension arose again, and was not quelled, so as to produce any degree of good feeling, until we arrived at Missouri.

Soon after we got to the point of destination the cholera broke out among us and the brethren were so viotently atacted that it seemed impossible to render them any assistance they immediately sent for the Elders who remained in health to have hands laid on them that they might be relieved from this awful disease among others who were called upon were Hyrum and myself but we soon discovered that it was the judgement of the Almighty for when we laid our hands upon them in the name of the Lord in order that they might be healed the disease instantly fastened itself upon us and in a few minutes we were in awful distress—We made mute signals to each other and left the house for the purpose of going into some secluded place to join in prayer that God would deliver us from this awful influence. but before we could get a sufficient distance to be secure from interruption we were scarcely able to stand upon our feet and we were in terror least we should Hyrum said in we were greatly alarmed fearing that we should be die in this western wilderness so far from our families without even the priviledge of <blessing our children or> giving them one word of parting counsel

“Soon after arriving at the point of destination, the cholera broke out in our midst; the brethren were so violently attacked that it seemed impossible to render them any assistance. They immediately sent for us to lay hands on them, but we soon discovered that this, also, was a judgment from the Almighty; for, when we laid our hands upon them, in the name of the Lord, the disease immediately fastened itself upon us, and in a few minutes we were in awful agony. We made signals to each other and left the house, in order to join in prayer to God that he would deliver us from this dreadful influence; but, before we could get to a sufficient distance from the house to be secure from interruption, we were hardly able to stand upon our feet, and we feared that we should die in that western wilderness without the privilege of blessing our children, or giving them one word of parting counsel.

We succeeded in getting a few steps further, and then fell upon our knees and cried unto the Lord that he would deliver us from this awful calamity, but we arose worse than before. We kneeled down the second time, and when we commenced praying the cramp seized us, gathering the cords in our arms and legs in bunches, and operating equally severe throughout our system. We still besought the Lord, with all our strength, to have mercy upon us, but all in vain. It seemed as though the heavens were sealed against us, and that every power that could render us any assistance was shut within its gates. We then kneeled down the third time, concluding never to rise to our feet again, until one or the other should get a testimony that we should be healed; and that the one who should get the first intimation of the same from the Spirit, should make it known to the others.”

They stated further,¹⁴³ that after praying some time the cramp began to release its hold; and, in a short time, Hyrum sprang to his feet and exclaimed, “Joseph, we shall return to our families. I have had an open vision, in which I saw mother kneeling under an apple tree; and she is even now asking God, in tears, to spare our lives, that she may again behold us in the flesh. The Spirit testifies, that her prayers, united with ours, will be answered.”

Oh my Mother said Joseph how often have your prayers been a means of assisting us when the shadows of death encompassed us

“Oh, my mother!” said Joseph, “how often have your prayers been the means of assisting us when the shadows of death encompassed us.”

We found that William had the same symptoms was not so severely affected as we had been an and as a sister by the name of [blank] we permited her to take him home with her and She was extremely kind and attentive to him insomuch that in a short time he was well again

¹⁴⁴William was also taken sick of the same disease; but one of the sisters took him to her house, and nursed him so faithfully that he soon recovered.

But our poor cousin Jesse being <was> taken so like manner severely that we could not render him any assistance <and> he died in a short time.

Jesse Smith, my nephew, was seized so violently that nothing could be done for him, and he died immediately.

Brother Thaye[r] was also taken and called upon us at first to lay hands upon him but he afterwards said no you need not do so—I will go into the river and he commenced dipping himself in the water untill he was better his example was followed by others and those who did this recovered.

They When we saw the brethren and When as soon as we could consistently do so we started back for Kirtland but I will tell you further particulars at another time—I then related to them my The circumstances attending the building of the schooll house and that I had seceeded in preparing a house for them to preach in they highly approved my zeal, and blessed me for what I had done We here and we all had a time of great rejoicing with the those who returned

After hearing this recital, I took Joseph and Hyrum with me, and showed them the new meeting-house, with which they were highly pleased, and they approved of all that I had done relative to the matter.¹⁴⁵

THE LORD’S HOUSE AT KIRTLAND COMMENCED—A LETTER FROM THE PROPHET TO HIS UNCLE SILAS.

¹⁴⁶nothing of suficient importance to demand special attention occurred from this time untill The ensueing summer when the Brethren began to [blot] discuss the subject of building another meeting House as the first was now rather small to afford room for the increased congregation.

The summer ensuing¹⁴⁷ Joseph’s return from Missouri, the brethren called a council with the view of investigating the subject of building a new meeting-house, as the first was now too small to accommodate the increased congregation.

A councill was called and Joseph requested the brethren to each one to rise and give his views and after they were through he would give <his> opinion they <all> spoke one some thought that it would be better to build a frame others said that a frame was too costly kind of a house—and the majority concluded upon the putting up a log house and made their calculations about what they could do towards it building it—

In this council, Joseph requested that each of the brethren should give his views with regard to the house; and when they had all got through, he would then give¹⁴⁸ his opinion concerning the matter. They all complied with his request. Some were in favour of building a frame house, but the majority were of a mind to put up another log house.¹⁴⁹

Joseph reminded them that they were not building a house for man, but for God; “and shall we, brethren,” said he, “build a house for our God, of logs? No, I have a better plan than that. I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by Himself; and you will soon see by this, the difference between our calculations and His idea of things.”

He then gave them the plan in full of the house of the Lord at Kirtland <with> which when the brethren heard they were highly delighted with and particularly Hyrum who was twice as much animated as though it were for himself and declared that he would strike the first blow towards building it <the> house for God

He then gave them a full pattern of the house of the Lord at Kirtland, with which the brethren were highly delighted,¹⁵⁰ particularly Hyrum, who was much more animated than if it were designed for himself.¹⁵¹

After the close of the meeting, Joseph took the brethren with him,