--- title: Times and Seasons description: Issues of 1845 to 1846. authors: - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints editors: - Ebenezer Robinson - Don Carlos Smith - Smith, Joseph, Jr. - Taylor, John collections: - periodicals tags: - newspaper - times-and-seasons - nauvoo - nineteenth-century periodical: Times and Seasons volume: 6 number: 22 published: 1846-02-01 publisher: E. Robinson and D. C. Smith; later John Taylor publisher_place: Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois language: en type: article reference: "“Revelation given on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834,” *Times and Seasons* 6, no. 22 (February 1, 1846): 1104–1108." printed_title: Revelation given on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834. source: url: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1846-02-01_6_22 transcription: Text from the Centerplace.org transcription (https://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v6n22.htm), with its page breaks; this Internet Archive scan is the reference copy (its OCR was used only as a witness for OCR repair) identifier: per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1846-02-01_6_22 start_page: 1104 end_page: 1108 curator_note: A Mormon newspaper published by the church in Nauvoo; included for historical study. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1846 (Nauvoo, Illinois); published before 1931, so public domain in the United States source: https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_times-and-seasons_1846-02-01_6_22 publication_year: 1846 --- # Revelation given on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834 Verily I say unto you, who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people: Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now: but behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I require at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them, and are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom: and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom, otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself; and my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer. I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation; but I speak concerning my churches abroad; there are many who will say, Where is their God? Behold, he will deliver in time of trouble; otherwise we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our moneys.-Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion, that they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly, concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands; and this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high: for behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them inasmuch as they are faithful, and continue in humility before me; therefore, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion: for behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil [fulfill], I will fight your battles. Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence, they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints. Behold, I have commanded my servant Baurak Ale to say unto the strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men and middle aged, to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen; but the strength of mine house has not hearkened unto my words; but inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue faithful. I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me, that they should be brought thus far, for a trial of their faith. And now, verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that as many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round about, let them stay; and those that cannot stay, who have families in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them, for I will counsel him concerning this matter; and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled. And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about, be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they should be revealed. Talk not judgment, neither boast of faith, nor of many works; but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be consistently with the feelings of the people; and behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the people, execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and redress us of our wrongs. Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great: and I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Baurak Ale, and Baneemy, whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of my house, and to have sent wise men, to fulfil [fulfill] that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of the lands in Jackson county, that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about; for it is my will that these lands should be purchased, and after they are purchased that my saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given; and after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies, that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. But firstly, let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations; that the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ: therefore, let us become subject unto her laws. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that the first elders of my church should receive their endowment from on high, in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland: and let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law, be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption. There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy; and it shall be manifested unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen, and they shall be sanctified: and inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion. And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not only the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth; and make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things shall work together for your good: therefore be faithful, and behold, and lo! I am with you even unto the end, even so; Amen." About this time brothers Thayer and Hayes were attacked with the cholera, and brother Hancock was taken during the storm. I called the camp together and told them that in consequence of the disobedience of some who had been unwilling to listen to my words, but had rebelled, God had decreed that sickness should come upon them, and that they should die like sheep with the rot, that I was sorry but could not help it. Previous to this, while on our journey, I had predicted and warned them of the danger of such chastisements; but there is some who would not give heed to my words. On the 23rd; resumed our march for Liberty, Clay county, taking a circuitous course round the heads of Fishing River, to avoid the deep water. When within five or six miles of Liberty, we were met by Gen. Atchison and other gentlemen who desired us not to go to Liberty, as the feelings of the people were so much enraged against us. At their communication we wheeled to the left, and crossing the prairie, and wood and, came to Sidney Gilbert's residence, and encamped on the bank of Rush Creek, in Bro. Burgharts field. During this a council of High Priests assembled in fulfilment [fulfillment] of the revelation given the day previous, and the following individuals were called and chosen as they were made manifest unto me by the voice of the Spirit, and Revelation, to receive their endowment. Edward Partridge was called and chosen, to go to Kirtland and receive his endowment with power from on high, and also, to stand in his office of Bishop to purchase lands in the State of Missouri. Wm. W. Phelps was called and chosen, and it was appointed unto him for to receive his endowment with power from on high, and help to carry on the printing establishment in Kirtland, until Zion is redeemed. Isaac Morley and John Corrill were called and chosen, and it was appointed unto them to receive their endowment with power from on high in Kirtland and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house and preach the gospel. John Whitmer and David Whitmer were called and chosen, and appointed to receive their endowments in Kirtland and continue in their offices. Algernon S. Gilbert, was called and chosen, and appointed to receive his endowment in Kirtland, and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house, and to proclaim the everlasting gospel until Zion is redeemed. But he said he "could not do it." Peter Whitmer Jun., Simeon Carter, Newel Knight, Parley P. Pratt, Christian Whitmer, and Solomon Hancock were called and chosen; and it was appointed unto them to receive their endowment in Kirtland, with the power from on high; to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and to preach the everlasting gospel. Thomas B. Marsh was called and chosen; and it was appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, his office to be made known hereafter. Lyman Wight was called and chosen; and it was appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high; and to return to Zion and have his office appointed unto him hereafter. The same day the elders made the following reply, as before referred to, to "S. C. Owens, and others, committee" of the Jackson mob. "We the undersigned committee, having full power and authority to settle and adjust all matters and differences existing between our people or society and the inhabitants of Jackson county, upon honorable and constitutional principles; therefore, if the said inhabitants of Jackson county will not let us return to our lands in peace:-we are willing to propose firstly; that twelve disinterested men, six to be chosen by our people, and six by the inhabitants of Jackson county; and these twelve men shall say what the lands of those men are worth in the county who cannot consent to live with us, and they shall receive their money for the same in one year from the time the treaty is made, and none of our people shall enter the county to reside till the money is paid. The said Twelve men shall have power also, to say what the damages shall be for the injuries we have sustained in the destruction of property and in being driven from our possessions, which amount of damages shall be deducted from the amount for their lands. Our object is peace, and an early answer will be expected. (Signed) W. W. PHELPS, EDWARD PARTRIDGE, ISAAC MORLEY, JOHN CORRILL, JOHN WHITMER, A. S. GILBERT." June 24th, this night the cholera burst forth among us, and about midnight it was manifest in its most terrified form. Our ears were saluted with cries and moanings, and lamentations on every hand; even those on guard fell to the earth with their guns in their hands, so sudden and powerful was the attack of this terrible disease. At the commencement I attempted to lay on hands for their recovery, but I quickly learned by painful experience, that when the great Jehovah decrees destruction upon any people, makes known his determination, man must not attempt to stay his hand. The moment I attempted to rebuke the disease, that moment I was attacked, and had I not desisted, I must have saved the life of my brother by the sacrifice of my own, for when I rebuked the disease it left him and seized me. Early on the morning of the 25th the camp was separated into small bands, and dispersed among the brethren living in the vicinity, and I wrote & sent by express, to "Messrs. Thornton, Donaphon and Atchison," as follows: "Rush Creek, Clay county, June 25th 1834. Gentlemen;-Our company of men advanced yesterday from their encampment beyond Fishing River to Rush Creek, where their tents are again pitched. But feeling disposed to adopt every pacific measure that can be done, without jeopardizing our lives, to quiet the prejudices and fears of some part of the citizens of this county, we have concluded that our company shall be immediately dispersed and continue so, till every effort for an adjustment of differences between us and the people of Jackson has been made on our part, that would in any wise be required of us by disinterested men of republican principles. I am respectfully, your obed't serv't. JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. N. B. You are now corresponding with the Governor, (as I am informed) will you do us the favor to acquaint him of our efforts for a compromise. This information we want conveyed to the Governor, inasmuch as his ears are stifled with reports from Jackson of our hostile intentions, &c." I left Rush Creek the same day, in company with David Whitmer and two other brethren, for the western part of Clay county. While travelling [traveling] we called at a house for a drink of water. The women of the house shouted from the door that they had "no water for Mormons, that they were afraid of the Cholera," &c,-We turned and departed, according to the commandment, and before a week had passed, (page 1106) the cholera entered that house, and that woman and three others of the family were dead. When the cholera made its appearance, Elder John S. Carter was the first man who stepped forward to rebuke it, and upon this, was instantly seized, and became the first victim in the camp. He died about six o'clock afternoon; and Seth Hitchcock died in about thirty minutes after, as it was impossible to obtain coffins, the brethren rolled them in blankets, carried them on a horse sled about half a mile; buried them in the bank of a small stream, which empties into Rush Creek, all of which was accomplished by dark. When they had returned from the burial, the brethren united, covenanted and prayed, hoping the disease would be staid [stayed]; but in vain, for while thus covenanting, Eber Wilcox died, and while some were digging the grave others stood sentry with their fire arms, watching their enemies. June 26th; the elders wrote Governor Dunklin as follows: "Sir: A company of our people, exceeding two hundred men, arrived in this county the 19th inst., and encamped about twelve miles from Liberty, where they were met, by several gentlemen from this and Ray county, who went by request of the people, to ascertain the motives and design of our people in approaching this county, and as the deputation was composed of gentlemen who appeared to posses humane and republican feelings, our people were rejoiced at the opportunity of an interchange of feelings and an open and frank avowal of all their views and intentions in emigrating to this country with their arms. A full explanation having been given in a public address by our brother Joseph Smith Jun., which produced great satisfaction, the same in substance was afterwards reduced in writing and handed to the aforesaid gentlemen that it might be made public, as the shedding of blood is, and ever has been, foreign and revolting to our feelings, for this reason, we have patiently endured the greatest indignities that freemen of this republic have ever been called to suffer, and we still continue to bear with heart rending feelings a deprivation of our right having commenced negociations [negotiations] with the inhabitants of Jackson for a compromise wherein proposals, on our part, have been made which have been acknowledged by every disinterested man, to be highly honorable and liberal. An answer to our propositions has not yet been received from Jackson. If we fail in this attempt, we intend to make another effort and go all lengths that would be required by human or divine law, as our proposals and correspondence with the inhabitants of Jackson, will doubtless hereafter be published, we think it unnecessary to detail the same in this communication, our right to our soil in Jackson county we shall for ever claim, and to obtain peaceful possession, we are willing to make great sacrifices. To allay excitement in the county, the aforesaid company of emigrants have dispersed to await the final end of all negotiations that can be made with the said county of Jackson. Within the last week, one of our men being near the ferry, was seized by some Jackson citizens, while in this county, threatened with death if he made resistance, and carried over the river, prisoner to Independence, where he was put under guard one day, and after bearing many threats, was liberated. The houses of several of our brethren in this county have been forcibly entered by some of the inhabitants of Jackson, and a number of guns and small arms taken therefrom, where the men were absent from their houses, loaded guns were presented to the females, and their lives threatened if they made resistance, and we have been informed, and have no doubt of the fact. Your second order for the restoration of our arms, was received last mail; we have not yet done any thing with it. Hoping that the influence of the inhabitants of Jackson county, will materially lesson in the surrounding counties, and the people become more tranquil, we think it wisdom to defer petitioning for a guard, while there exists a hope of a compromise, &c. We believe that the President would render us assistance in obtaining possession of our lands, if aided by the executive of this state in a petition and thereby put an end to serious evils that are growing out of the Jackson outrage. In a letter from your excellency, of April 20th, we had a word on the subject of petitioning. We should be pleased to hear further, and would here observe that no communication from the executive, giving his opinion or advice, will be made public, if requested not to do so. We are respectfully, and with great regard Your obed't serv'ts, A. S. GILBERT, W. W. PHELPS, JOHN CORRILL." The drafting and signing of the above, was the last public act of the keeper of the Lord's storehouse, Algernon S. Gilbert, for he was attacked with the cholera the same day, and died in a few hours, according to his own words that he "would rather die than go forth to preach the gospel to the Gentiles." The following is from the chairman of the committee of the Jackson mob, to our lawyer: "Independence, Mo., June 26, 1834. Mr. Amos Reese; Dear Sir.: Since my return from Liberty, I have been busily engaged in conversing with the most influential men of our county, endeavoring to find out if possible, what kind of a compromise will suit with the Mormons on their part. The people here, enmass, I find out, will do nothing like according to their last proposition. We will have a meeting if possible, on Monday next, at which time the proposals of the Mormons will be answered. In the mean time, I would be glad, that they, the Mormons, would cast an eye back of Clinton and see if that is not a country calculated for them." Yours Respectfully, S. C. OWENS." The cholera continued its ravages about four days, when an effectual remedy for their purging, vomiting, and cramping was discovered; viz, dipping the person afflicted in cold water, or pouring it upon them, about sixty eight of the saints suffered from this disease, of which number thirteen died, viz. John S. Carter, Eber Wilcox, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, Alfred Frisk, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jesse B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Eliah Strong, Jesse Smith and Betsy Parish. The last days of June I spent with my old Jackson county friends in the western part of Clay county. On the first of July I crossed the Missouri river, in company with a few friends, into Jackson county, to set my feet once more on the "goodly land" and on the 2nd I went down near Liberty and visited the brethren. This day the 'Enquirer' the correspondence between the Sheriff and the camp, of the 22nd of June as follows: