10 February 1842, Thursday
Manchester, p. 218

Brother Kimball came in the morning to say that I must go to Joseph Smiths office and assist Brother Richards. I accordingly got ready and went to the office and commenced entering tithing for the Temple. I was still shaking with the Ague every day but it did not much disable me for work.
Temple History, p. 60

When this order 9 was understood by the Saints, the business of the recorder increased rapidly, and having many important matters crowding upon him, he found it necessary to appoint Saturday of each week as the time for receiving and recording the tithings of the brethern. He published a notice under date of January 12, 1842, informing the Saints of this regulation; and it was subsequently carried into effect. But the business increased so rapidly that he could not keep pace with the work. He therefore counseled with his brethern of the Twelve; and, having received permission from President Joseph, he called Elder William Clayton, lately from England, to assist him. Elder Clayton accordingly entered the recorder's office on the 10th day of February, 1842, and continued therein from that time forward.
Affidavit, p. 225

I was employed as a clerk in President Joseph Smith's office, under Elder Willard Richards, and commenced to labor in the office on the 10th day of February, 1842. I continued to labor with Elder Richards until he went east to fetch his wife to Nauvoo. 10

12 February 1842, Saturday
Manchester, p. 219

Saturday. I was able to continue writing all day although I had the ague but not severe.

13 February 1842, Sunday
Manchester, p. 219

Sunday. We had a Singing meeting at Brother Farrs. Brother and Sister Kimball was present.

17 February 1842, Thursday
Manchester, p. 219

Thursday. I dined at Sister Hydes with Brother Joseph Smith, Heber Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Brigham Young and Wilard Richards. At night saw W & S.

18 February 1842, Friday
Manchester, p. 219

Friday. Pained with tooth ache all day--heard Joseph read a great portion of his history.

30 March 1842, Wednesday
Letter 11

Dear William, My heart rejoices while I write to inform you that on Sunday evening last, the steamer Ariel landed at Nauvoo, loaded with Saints from England. About five o'clock the boat was seen coming up the river, the whole deck crowded with Saints. I went to the landing place along with Elder John Taylor, his wife, and others.

As we went along, we were delighted and astonished to see the number of Saints on their way to meet the boat. When we arrived, the scene was affecting; I could not refrain from weeping. I looked round, and I suppose there was not less than from two to three thousand Saints on the shore, all anxiously interested in the scene. Many were there who wanted to give the strangers (yet brothers) a hearty welcome; others panting betwixt doubt and hope, lest their friends should not be there, others waiting to ascertain if any former acquaintence was in the company--myself amongst the number; and many, whose hearts throbbed with joy, and their eyes wept tears, expecting to see their mothers, their fathers, their children, and other relatives, &c., &c. While all this bustle was going on on shore, the boat was now within three hundred yards, coming directly for the shore; the confusion was so great I could but faintly hear those on the boat singing a hymn (I believe ``The Latter-day Glory'').

At this period my heart almost melted, the boat moving majestically, every head stretched out, and all eyes gazing with intensity. A few moments more and the boat was landed, and the joyful acclamations and responding welcomes would have made a heart of stone acknowledge, that whether there was any religion or not, there was a great quantity of love--the purest essence of religion. I soon recognized sister Davies, from Cookson-street, Manchester, and a sister Martha who lived with them; also James Burgess and family, Richard Hardman and family, Rbt. Williams and wife, and several others whom I know. They soon discovered me, and we quickly felt each other`s hand, and had a time of rejoicing together. Teams were soon in waiting to carry their luggage to houses until arrangements could be made for their final accommodation. The company were in good health and spirits.

Amongst the number who went to see them land, I may mention, president Joseph Smith, B. Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, of the twelve; and many others in high standing, although the distance was nearly two miles.

Now, dear William, let me say I am neither dead, sick, nor dissatisfied, but am rejoicing to hear from my old friends. My faith in this doctrine, and in the prophet and officers is firm, unshaken, and unmoved; nay, rather, it is strengthened and settled firmer than ever.

You say you are almost wearied with the lies, &c. This is what we must expect in these days, for this is a lying and wicked generation; even many, in whom we may have great confidence, when we see them brought into trial, give way to an evil spirit. Old Mr. B-- and daughter like many others, were assailed by the apostate crews, who lay scattered on the banks of the river; and all manner of evil reports were sounded in their ears, until they became discouraged; and, finally, almost denied the faith before they came near Nauvoo.

People coming here with their minds thus prejudiced, will naturally construe every thing they see and hear into evil, and will imagine evil where there is none. In this state the B--ton family came, and were something like spies, afraid to be spoken to by any one, least they should be ensnared, and especially afraid to meet Joseph Smith, lest he should want their money. After remaining a short time here, they went back to Warsaw, where some of the greatest enemies reside, and, I am sorry to say, have joined in the general clamor and business of circulating evil reports, some of which I, MYSELF, KNOW POSITIVELY TO BE FALSE.

For me to write any thing concerning the character of president Joseph Smith would be superfluous. All evil reports concerning him I treat with utter contempt; but because I esteem you highly as a friend and brother, I will say a few words on this subject. Joseph Smith is not the ``treasurer for all the Saints,'' and has no more to do with their money than you or me; every man just does what he pleases with his money, and neither Joseph, nor any one of the officers, ever attempt to control any one, or their property either.

The church have appointed Joseph Smith trustee, in trust for the church, and as such, upon him devolves the important duties of buying lands, that the Saints may have somewhere to gather together, and he is responsible for the payment for these lands. How can he do this without means? If those who have money will not assist by purchasing lands from Joseph Smith, and paying him money for it, how is the church to be built up, and what is to become of the thousands of poor who are continually pouring in from all quarters?

With regard to J. Smith getting drunk, I will say that I am now acting as clerk for him, and at his office daily, and have been since February 10th, and I know he is as much opposed to the use of intoxicating drinks as any man need be.--I have never seen him drunk, nor have I ever heard any man who has seen him drunk since we came here. I believe he does not take intoxicating drink of any kind: our city is conducted wholly upon temperance principles. As to his using snuff and tobacco, I KNOW he does no such thing. To conclude, I will add that, the more I am with him, the more I love him; the more I know of him, and am sorry that people should give heed to evil reports concerning him, when we all know the great service he has rendered the church.
[end of letter]

8 June 1842, Wednesday
Temple History, p. 60

It was late in the Spring of 1842, when work was opened upon the walls, and little was done until Brother William Player came in June. He had just arrived from England, and had come with the full intention of working on the temple. He began to labor about the 8th day of June: and he spent some time in regulating the stone work already set which had not been done very well.

11 June 1842, Saturday
Temple History, p. 60

About the 11th of the same month he /William Player/ set the first plinth on the south-west corner of the south side.

During the Summer he lost two weeks of work, having to wait for Elder Cahoon's sons' plinths, which they were cutting, they playing in the stone shop much of the time.

29 June 1842, Wednesday
Temple History, p. 86

Williard Richards, the recorder, having in the early part of June obtained permission from the President to go to the East to get his family, made preparations to depart upon this journey. On the 29th of June he transferred the ``Law of the Lord'' and books belonging to the temple to the care and charge of William Clayton. One or two days later Elder Richards started away.
Allen 1, p. 42

On 29 June Richards turned over all the work of Joseph Smith's office to Clayton.
Affidavit, p. 225

After Elder Richards started east I was necessarily thrown constantly into the company of President Smith, having to attend to his public and private business, receiving and recording tithings and donations, attending to land and other matters of business. During this period I necessarily became well acquainted with Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet Joseph, and also with the children--Julia M. (an adopted daughter), Joseph, Frederick and Alexander, very much of the business being transacted at the residence of the Prophet. 12

2 July 1842, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 82 13

Only three days after his appointment the eager new clerk found himself riding around the city with his leader looking at lots.

9 July 1842, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 82 14

A week later the two of them were out on the Illinois prairie looking at more land and hoeing potatoes on Joseph Smith's farm.

16, 23 August 1842
Allen 2, p. 118

Certain tender reflections by Joseph Smith on the value of his friends, on August 16 and 23, 1842, were dictated directly to Clayton, who recorded them in the sacred record book 15 and later made them available for the published History.

3 September 1842, Saturday
History of the Church, 5:144. 16

A letter was received from Brother Hollister to the effect that the Missourians were again on the move, and that two requisitions were issued, one on the governor of this state,and the other on the governor of Iowa. Their movements were represented as being very secret and resolute. Soon after 12 o'clock, Pitman, the deputy sheriff, and two other men came into the house. It appears that they had come up the riverside, and hitched their horses below the Nauvoo House, and then proceeded on foot undiscovered, until they got into the house. When they arrived, President Joseph Smith was in another apartment of the house, eating dinner with his family. John Boynton happened to be the first person discovered by the sheriffs, and they began to ask him where Mr. Smith was. He answered that he saw him early in the morning; but did not say that he had seen him since.

While this conversation was going on, President Joseph Smith passed out of the back door, and through the corn in his garden to Brother Newel K. Whitney's. He went up stairs undiscovered. Meantime Sister Emma went and conversed with the sheriffs. Pitman said he wanted to search the house for Mr. Smith. In answer to a question by Sister Emma, he said he had no warrant authorizing him to search, but insisted upon searching the house. She did not refuse, and accordingly they searched through, but to no effect.

This is another testimony and evidence of the mean, corrupt, illegal proceedings of our enemies, notwithstanding the Constitution of the United States says, Article 4th, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized."

Yet these men audaciously, impudently and altogether illegally searched the house of President Joseph Smith even without any warrant or authority whatever. Being satisfied that he was not in the house, they departed. They appeared to be well armed, and no doubt intended to take him either dead or alive; which we afterwards heard they had said they would do; but the Almighty again delivered His servant from their bloodthirsty grasp.

It is rumored that there are fifteen men in the city along with the sheriffs, and that they dined together today at Amos Davis's. Soon after sundown, Thomas King and another person arrived at the house and demanded to search, which they immediately did; but, finding nothing they also went towards Davis's. Some of them were seen about afterwards; but at about ten o'clock all was quiet.

It is said that they started from Quincy yesterday, expecting and fully determined to reach Nauvoo in the night, and fall upon the house unawares; but report says they lost the road, and got scattered away one from another, and could not get along until daylight. This, in all probability, is true, as they appeared much fatigued, and complained of being weary and sore from riding.

President Smith, accompanied by Brother Erastus Derby, left Brother Whitney's about nine o'clock, and went to Brother Edward Hunter's, where he was welcomed, and made comfortable by the family, and where he can be kept safe from the hands of his enemies.

Temple History, p. 86
About nine o`clock on the evening of Saturday, September 3rd, the President was at Bishop N.K. Whitney's, but was about to leave that place to go to Edward Hunter's. He called William Clayton to him and said:

``Brother Clayton, I want you to take care of the records and papers; and from this time I appoint you Temple Recorder; and when relevations are to be transcribed, you shall write them.''

This was done because Elder Richards had more work than he could attend to, he being engaged upon the Church History, which the President was anxious should progress as fast as possible.
Allen 1, p. 42

On the evening of 3 September the Prophet announced, ``Brother Clayton, I want you to take care of the records and papers, and from this time I appoint you Temple Recorder, and when I have any relevations to write you shall write them.'' 17
Affidavit, p. 225

On the 7th of October, 1842, 18 in the presence of Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife Elizabeth Ann, President Joseph Smith appointed me Temple Recorder, and also his private clerk, placing all records, books, papers, etc., in my care, and requiring me to take charge of and preserve them, his closing words being, ``When I have any revelations to write, you are the one to write them.''

12 September 1842, Monday
Allen 2, p. 118

Clayton was one of several scribes who kept the ``Book of the Law of the Lord.'' For the most part, this large, leather-bound record contains notations of consecrations and tithing for the building of the temple, and 370 pages, covering the period from September 12, 1842, to May 4, 1844, are in William Clayton's handwriting. 19

Fall, 1842
Temple History, p. 60

The work progressed but slowly during this season, as there was but one crane; but the delay arose through the stones not being cut fast enough. By the Fall, however, Brother Player had got all the rock-work laid around as high as the window sills, together with all the window sills including that of the large east Venetian window. He had also two courses of pilaster stones on the plinths all around.

During the greater part of the time in the Fall, and especially toward the season when the work ceased, when Winter set in, Brother Player was very sick. He nearly lost use of his hands and feet, and several times he fell, through weakness, while on his way home. He considered that his sickness was caused by the change of climate and by his having drank bad water while coming up the river.

1 October 1842, Saturday
Temple History, p. 86

The Prophet, before he went up the river, had called upon the members of the Temple Committee to come together to have a settlement.

On Saturday, October 1st, they met at the President's house, he being sick. The recorder and Bishop N.K. Whitney were present.

Some reports had been circulated to the effect that the committee was not making a righteous disposition of property consecrated to the building of the temple, and there appeared to be some dissatisfaction among the laborers on account of these reports.

After carefully examining the books and making inquiry into the entire proceeding of the committee, President Joseph expressed himself as being perfectly satisfied with the committee and its work.

The books were balanced between the Trustee-in-Trust and the committee, and also each individual account was carefully examined.

The wages of the Trustee-in-Trust, the members of the committee and the recorder were also fixed by the President; and it was agreed that each should receive two dollars per day for his services.

The President remarked that he was amenable to the State for the faithful discharge of his duties as Trustee-in- Trust, and that the Temple Committee was accountable to him and to no other authority; and that no notice must be taken of any complaint unless it were properly brought to him, when he would make things right if any change were needed.

The parties separated perfectly satisfied, and the President said that he would have a notice published stating that he had examined the accounts and was satisfied. This notice appeared in the Times and Seasons of October 15th, 1842.

At this council it was also agreed that the recorder's office should be removed to the Committee House near the temple for the better accommodation of the business.

October 1842
Temple History

While President Joseph was concealed at Father Taylor's, Elder Cahoon and some others went to visit him. He gave them many glorious instructions, and in his conversation requested Brother Cahoon, as soon as he return home, to call upon the Saints to put a temporary floor in the temple, that we might be enabled to hold our meetings within its sacred walls.

7 October 1842, Friday
[See entry for 3 September 1842]
Affidavit, p. 225

On the 7th of October, 1842, in the presence of Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife Elizabeth Ann, President Joseph Smith appointed me Temple Recorder, and also his private clerk, placing all records, books, papers, etc., in my care, and requiring me to take charge of and preserve them, his closing words being, ``When I have any revelations to write, you are the one to write them.''

23 October 1842, Sunday
Temple History, p. 86

On Sunday, the 23rd day of October, the committee laid before the Saints the President's request 20 and called upon them to begin work on the morrow to accomplish this object.

24 October 1842, Monday
Temple History, p. 86

On the following day the brethern began their labor on this temporary floor; ...

28 October 1842, Friday
Temple History, p. 86

... and on Friday, the 28th, the floor was laid and seats were fixed ready for meeting.

30 October 1842, Sunday
Temple History, p. 86

On Sunday, the 30th, the Saints held the first meeting in the temple, and were addressed by Elder John Taylor, one of the Twelve Apostles. It was expected that the President would be there himself; but he was sick and unable to attend.

This movement added a new stimulus to the work; and the hearts of all the Saints seemed to be filled with joy and gratitude for this privilege.

November 1842
Allen 2, p. 104

Clayton began erecting a fine brick home--the only brick home, in fact, on the block. Early in November 1842 he hired masons to begin laying the brick

2 November 1842, Wednesday
Temple History, p. 86

... the committee built a small brick office for the recorder; and on Wednesday, November 2nd, the recorder moved his records, books, papers, etc. to the new office and began business there forthwith.

28 November 1842, Monday
Allen 2, p. 111

The temple committee consisted of Alpheus Cutler, Elias Higbee, and Reynolds Cahoon, and in November 1842 the stonecutters brought serious charges of ``oppressive and unchristian conduct'' against Higbee and Cahoon. They were accused of distributing provisions unevenly and giving more iron and steel tools to Cahoon's sons than to other workers. After a ten-hour hearing before Joseph Smith the committee was fully exonerated. 21
Temple History, p. 106

After the work ceased upon the walls of the temple, in the Fall of 1842, the rock-cutters continued their labor with the intention of having a goodly number of the stones ready for the Spring.

Some time in the month of November a feeling against the committee arose among the stone-cutters, who finally presented a charge to the First Presidency against Elders Cahoon and Higbee for oppressive and unchristian conduct, and against the committee for an unequal distribution of provisions, iron, steel, tools, etc.; also alleging that favors were shown by the committee to the sons of its members.

The trial began about 11 o'clock in the day and continued until 9 at night. Hengry G. Sherwood made a plea on the side of Justice and the Patriarch Hyrum on the side of Mercy. The decision was given by the President. He decided that the members of the committee should retain their standing and gave much good instruction to all parties, correcting the errors of each in kindness. The decision was marked by judgment and wisdom and cannot fail to produce a good effect.
Illinois Journal, p.494, Footnote 1.

The Temple Committee, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, and Elias Higbee, had been appointed in October 1840 to oversee building of the Nauvoo Temple. At the time of this trial, Cutler was working at the Church lumber mill in Wisconsin. The principle grievances brought against the committee were an unequal distribution of provisions to those who had worked on the temple, and allowing Cahoon's sons more iron and steel tools to work with than others. [Diary of William Clayton, 28 November 1842.]

29 November 1842, Tuesday
Illinois Journal, 1841-1842, p.495, footnote 1.

In council with prest Hyrum, Willard Richards & others concerning the Bankruptcy case.1

[Footnote 1. states:]

William Clayton was also present, collecting testimony and documents preparatory to the hearing in the case at Springfield, Illinois, in December. [William Clayton Diary, 29 November 1842.]

9 December 1842, Friday
Allen 2, p. 90

On December 9 Clayton found himself one of a delegation of nine men leaving Nauvoo to visit the new chief executive in Springfield. Their task was to get Carlin's order for Joseph's arrest set aside.

13 December 1842, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 90

They arrived on the thirteenth ...

14 December 1842, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 90

... and the next day, after consulting with Stephen A. Douglas and U.S. District Attorney Justin Butterfield, began making their plea. Ford sympathized with the prophet but was not sure of his authority to rescind the order.
Illinois Journal, 1841-1842, p.501, footnote 1.

Clayton described Governor Ford as "a very small man apparently weighing about 110 lbs." He added, "The Govr appeared friendly and we think we shall succeed in obtaining a countermand of the writ &c." (Diary of William Clayton, 14 December 1842.)

16 December 1842, Friday
Illinois Journal, 1841-1842, p.502, footnote 3.

The proposition of the high council for payment of the judgment against Joseph Smith, Henry W. Miller, George Miller, and Hyrum Smith by the United States was that a bond would be signed to cover the sum of $5212.49 1/2 by responsible individuals in four equal annual installments with interest and to secure the payment of the bond by mortgage of Illinois real estate worth double the amount of the debt. (Diary of William Clayton, 16 December 1842.)
Illinois Journal, 1841-1842, p.504, footnote 1.

William Clayton noted that on the previous evening he and Williard Richards "went to see and had a pleasant interview with Judge Douglas. He stated that he had conversed with Gov. Ford who shewed the feelings of the 6 judges of foresaid. He (Judge Douglas) thought it was best that Joseph should be arrested on the proclamation by some of his friends and brought to Springfield and by writ of Habeas Corpus have the case investigated before the Judges of the Supreme Court who he (Douglas) had no doubt would discharge him

17 December 1842, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 90

A few days of meetings and negotiations followed, and finally, after consultation with Douglas and six judges of the state supreme court, Ford decided on what amounted to a legal ruse as the most practical course of action. Joseph should voluntarily submit himself to arrest by a friend and come to Springfield. There the court would grant him a writ of habeas corpus, thus effectively forestalling the pending arrest by Missouri constables. Actually, three judges were ready to dismiss the case without a hearing, but the other three, together with Ford and Douglas, thought the habeas corpus procedure was the best way to assure the prophet's continuing freedom. The plot has all the elements of a political intrigue, and Clayton understood its implications. He was impressed by Douglas's argument that since it had been said that Joseph had defied the laws of Illinois, this would be the surest way of satisfying the public mind and at the same time securing the governor from public censure. Clayton also recognized the obvious self-interest in the governor's actions, and his comment seemed reminiscent of Joseph Smith's denunciation of President Martin Van Buren, who had refused to intervene in behalf of the Mormons in Missouri for fear he should lose that state's vote.
Allen 2, p. 91

Ford, wrote Clayton, ``appears to have the best of feelings towards Joseph but is unwilling as stated above to interfere lest he should lose the conficence of his political friends.'' But Clayton liked the plan, though he still feared the possibility that treachery somwehere along the line would result in Joseph being sent to Missouri. At this point the prophet's Masonic association seemed to pay political dividents, for Douglas assured Clayton that as a Mason, he believed there was not a particle of doubt that Joseph would be released immediately. The governor, Douglas said, had promised Joseph protection on his way to Springfield, and Douglas promised to see Ford personally and request a written authority for safe conduct.

On the seventeenth, at Clayton's request, the governor wrote a letter to Joseph explaining the plan. Butterfield did the same thing, and, armed with both documents, the delegation left for Nauvoo immediately. When the plan was presented to the prophet, he was delighted.

19 December 1842, Monday
Allen 2, p. 92

The prophet had no intention of defaulting, but the pressures became so great that he finally decided to take advantage of the new Bankruptcy Act of 1841 and file for discharge, still planning to make full payment of all his debts when he was able.

At first Justin Butterfield opposed such action, partly because of Joseph's responsibilities as trustee-in-trust for the church. Shortly after Joseph's delegation arrived in Springfield, however, Hyrum Smith was actually discharged in bankruptcy and Butterfield himself consented to an ``arrangement'' whereby Joseph also could be discharged. So confident was Willam Clayton of the outcome that he wrote in his diary on his way home that ``there is now nothing to prevent pres. Joseph discharge in Bankruptcy.''

21 December 1842, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 112

[A] month later the stonecutters were complaining again. Joseph Smith exonerated the committee a second time and wrote a pointed letter to the workers reminding them of its high standing and the need to pay it ``proper deference.'' He further instructed the laborers that the committee's policy in distributing pork, beef, and other provisions was ultimately for furthering the temple and advised them ''to submit patiently to their economy and instructions; and that we, with one accord with united feelings, submit patiently to the yoke that is laid upon us, and thereby secure the best interest, to the Temple of the most High God, that our limited circumstances can possible admit of: and then having done all on our part, that great Eloheem, who has commanded us to build a house shall abundantly bless us and reward us for all our pains.'' Ever the middle man, Clayton was sent to the stone shop to read the letter to the workers. Some, he said, were satisfied, but three ``seemed not exactly so.''

25 December 1842, Sunday
Allen 2, p. 98

He spent much of Christmas Day, 1842, working with Willard Richards on Joseph Smith's history and then went home that night and continued working.

26 December 1842, Monday
Allen 2, p. 98

All the next morning was spent on the same task, interrupted only by the need to make preparations to go to Springfield with the prophet.
Allen 2, p. 91

On the day after Christmas, Wilson Law arrested Joseph Smith, and Clayton was sent to Carthage to obtain a writ of habeas corpus to take Joseph before the Springfield court.
Temple History, p. 79

On Monday, December 26th, he suffered himself to be arrested by Wilson Law, on the proclamation, and on the following morning started for Springfield, accompanied by about sixteen of the brethern. His object was to stand trial before Judge Pope on habeas corpus. This was consented to, at the suggestion of Mr. Butterfield, U.S. District Attorney, who had been consulted in relation to the matter and had expressed assurance that the President would be acquitted.

27 December 1842, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 91

The next day Clayton was with the prophet and his group as they started for Springfield to carry out the plan.

30 December 1842, Friday
Temple History, p. 79

The company arrived at Springfield on Friday the 30th, and on the following morning application was made for a writ of habeas corpus from the U.S. District Court. The writ was granted and Monday morning, January 2, 1843, was appointed as the time to try the validity of the arrest.