Minutes of a Conference of the church of Latter Day Saints held in Grafton, Lorain Co. Ohio, Feb. 20th, 1841

The Conference was called to order by Elder Thomas Kee, Zebedee Coltrin was called to the Chair, and R. C. Wetherbee chosen clerk. After singing a hymn the throne of Grace was addressed by the President, and then another hymn was sung. It being presented to the Conference that Andrew Allen, an elder, denied the truth of the book of Mormon, he being present acknowledged the charge true, and the Conference voted that he be no longer a member of this church; and on request, gave up his license.

The president then addressed the conference and congregation of the duty of the elders, and on the different orders of the priesthood; the Articles and Covenants were read, and again the president addressed the congregation on the same. There being several members in the place, who had received the fulness [fullness] of the gospel through the instrumentality of Elder Thomas Kerr and Elder Z. Coltrin, they requested to be organized agreeably to the covenants of said church; which was accordingly done; and several members united with them; making in all twelve members. They then made choice of Thomas Kerr to preside, who was set apart to that office; and W. W. Diger was publicly ordained to the office of Priest.

Voted that this church be recognized as the Grafton branch of the church of Latter Day Saints.

The branch of the church in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga Co. was represented by Elder John Hughs, consisting of 21

members, including one elder, one priest, and one teacher. The branch in Brownhelm, Lorain Co. was represented by Elder Charles Weeden, consisting of 12 members, including one elder, one priest, and one deacon.

Elder Z. Coltrin represented 6 members in Charleston Lorain Co. Official members present: one high priest, four elders, one priest, and one teacher.

Resolved; that a conference be held at this place, commencing on the third Saturday of May next, at ten o'clock A, M. Elders and brethren are respectfully invited to attend: and elders travelling [traveling] through this section are requested to call.

Z. Coltrin, Pres't.

R. C. Wetherbee Clerk.

City of Nauvoo. May 6, 1841.

To the Editors of the Times and Seasons,

Gentlemen:-

I wish, through the medium of your paper, to make known, that on Sunday last, I had the honor of receiving a visit from the Hon. Stephen A. Douglass, Justice of the Supreme Court and Judge of the fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, and Cyrus Walker Esq. of Macomb, who expressed great pleasure in visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements which were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the Mayor; and they severally addressed the assembly. Judge Douglass, expressed his satisfaction of what he had seen and heard respecting our people and took that opportunity of returning thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo, for confering [conferring] upon him the freedom of the city, stating that he was not aware of rendering us any service, sufficiently important to deserve such marked honor; and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the improvements we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were highly creditable to us indeed.

Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the citizens &c. and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the blessing and priveleges [privileges] of our free and glorious Constitution, and as a patriot and a freeman he was willing at all times to stand boldly in defence [defense] of liberty and law.

It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know, that kind and generous feelings exist in the heart of men of such high reputation and moral and intellectual worth.

Judge Douglass has ever proved himself friendly to this people; and interested himself to obtain for us our several charters, holding at that time the office of Secretary of State. Mr. Walker also ranks high, and has long held a standing at the bar, which few attain, and is considered one of the most able and profound jurists in the state.

The sentiments they expressed on the occasion, were highly honorable to them as American citizens, and as gentlemen.

How different their conduct, from that of the official characters in the state of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent, that instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves our character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready at all times to listen to those who had the "poison of adders under their tongues," and who sought our overthrow.

Let every person who may have inbibed [imbibed] sentiments prejudicial to us, imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors, (Douglass & Walker) and I believe they will find much less to condemn then [than] they anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend.

What makes the late visit more pleasing, is the fact, that Messrs. Douglass & Walker, have long been held in high estimation as politicians, being champions of the two great parties that exist in the State; but laying aside all party strife, like brothers, citizens, and friends, they mingle with us, mutually disposed to extend to us courtesy, respect and friendship, which I hope, we shall ever be proud to reciprocate.

I am, very respectfully, yours &c.

Joseph Smith.

Pittsburg, Santa Fee and Rocky Mountains.-Passing by our friend A. Beelen, Esq. Commission Merchant, Market street, we observed a parcel of

goods marked Santa Fe, and upon enquiry [inquiry] found 104 bales and boxes from Eastern cities, marked S. Houch, Santa Fe. Mr. Bellen informed us he was shipping these goods in a Steamboat for Independence, Missouri, and that they would be thence taken in wagons to Santa Fe, a distance of 897 miles by land. He also informed us that goods were also consigned to him for the American Fur Company from the Eastern cities, to be sent on steam boats to St. Louis, and then loaded in steamers to the Yellow Stone, 3060 miles-there re-loaded into Keel boats & taken to the very head of the Missouri river to the Company's fort and store, in the Rocky Mountains, 600 miles farther.-The whole distance to which from the Eastern cities, is about 4640 miles. Such is the spirit of trade and commerce.-Pitts. Adv.

Times and Seasons.

City of Nauvoo.

Saturday, May 15, 1841.