Remarkable Phenomenon

A letter from an officer in the U. S. Army, dated Fort Leavenworth, Missouri, March 20th, states, that on the 14th of February, at 3 o'clock, A. M. 'the moon, which had been obscured by a cloud of some hours, burst forth in a deep blood-red color, with a black cross of equal [equal] proportions over the face, extending beyond the rim; while on the two sides small pieces of rainbow were visible. After continuing in this way for about an hour, the color of the moon changed to its ordinary hue, and the cross became a silvery white, with the edges extending beyond the rim, and touching the rainbows. It continued so for half an hour and heavy clouds then intervening, obscured the moon, which set unseen. This phenomenon was seen by the hospital attendants, who were up at that hour, some of them very intelligent men, by the guard and sentinels on post, and by several citizens of Weston, a little town five miles off. The next morning the sun rose, accompanied by two sun dogs, as they are commonly called, nearly equal in brilliance to the sun, and resembling two other suns. This latter scene was witnessed by numbers. In addition, for about two weeks past, every night at seven o'clock, a bright streak of light has appeared in the heavens, coming from the west, and bearing about E. S. E., and resembling very much what is believed to be the tail of a comet. I have thought it my duty to state these things, even at the expense of being discredited, in the hope of eliciting a comparison of observations elsewhere.'

Although the phenomenon of the apparent cross on the moon can no doubt be explained from natural causes, yet it will probably be seized upon by some persons as confirmatory of the prophesy of father Miller; and be viewed by others with superstitious dread.

Minutes of the Genesee conference of the church in Batavia, April 6th, 1843.

Convened pursuant to adjournment in Batavia, April 6th, 1843.

Brother J. P. Greene was chosen president, and brothers Ezra Thayer an Charles Thompson his councillors [councilors] , and R. J. Coats Secretary.

Prayer by brother C. Thompson. The president then arose and addressed the conference as follows:

Brethren-when I take into consideration the memorable events that have transpired in this church since it was first organized, on the 6th of April 1830, I am thrilled with admiration when I contemplate the glorious scenes that have transpired even upon this day of the year since that time, when the Saints have assembled together in order to celebrate the anniversary of the rise of the church in this last dispensation, it gives me joy and consolation. Brethren-this conference is convened for the purpose of deliberating upon the things which pertain to the building up of Zion, and the spread of the gospel. Brother Joseph Smith stated on the stand at Nauvoo but a short time since, that the salvation of the Saints depended upon the speedy gathering of the saints, and their united efforts in building the temple-that unless the saints put forth their strength and finish the temple speedily, the Lord would cast them off with their dead. The president then set forth the necessity of the union of the brethren, and their co-operation, as laborers in the Lord's vineyard, being necessary in order to bring about these glorious events; the building up of Zion, &c.

Official members present; there were two high priests, five of the seventies and eighteon [eighteen] elders

To be Continued.