4 July 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2; Not in Words

Tuesday 4th. To day we had a meeting in the grove ... in the evening Prest. J. related a history of the Missouri persecutions & the late arrest in the presence of about 900 passengers & a very large multitude of Saints.

7 July 1843, Friday
Allen 2, p. 99

On July 7, 1843, he had arranged to give a supper for the band, but suddenly Hyrum Smith had work for him to do. ``Hyrum wants me to write,''he wrote, ``& seems to care nothing for any disappointment.'' Loyal workhorse that he was, Clayton took the assignment and simply asked the band to see that his share of the meal was taken to his home where he was working. His feelings about such demands would not be made public--he was much too concerned about his image as a loyal disciple for that. But he would be less than human if he had not harbored at least some note of resentment when such demands were made of him. In this case he had a slight reprieve for in the evening the band came to his home anyway, and they enjoyed themselves until midnight.

8 July 1843, Saturday
Allen 2, p. 99

Clayton then stayed up until 2 a.m. writing for Hyrum, and spent all the next day, [the 8th] until 7 p.m., finishing the job. It is not surprising that he was ``considerable unwell'' that day.
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 8 ... Margt. wrote a letter to Aaron which I dictated informing him that she should not marry

9 July 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2; Not in Words

Sunday 9th. A.M at the Grove. Pres. J. preached

12 July 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 12th This A.M, I wrote a Revelation consisting of 10 pages on the order of the priesthood, showing the designs in Moses, Abraham, David and Solomon having many wives & concubines &c. After it was wrote Prests. Joseph & Hyrum presented it and read it to E. who said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious. J told me to Deed all the unincumbered lots to E. and the children He appears much troubled about E.
Affidavit 1874, p. 225

On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the `brick store,' on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, ``If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace.'' Joseph smiled and remarked, ``You do not know Emma as well as I do.'' Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, ``The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin,'' or words to their effect. Joseph then said, ``Well, I will write the revelation and we will see.'' He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end.

Joseph and Hyrum then sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole was written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct. He then remarked that there was much more that he could write, on the same subject, but what was written was sufficient for the present.

Hyrum then took the revelation to read to Emma. Joseph remained with me in the office until Hyrum returned. When he came back, Joseph asked him how he had succeeded. Hyrum replied that he had never received a more severe talking to in his life, that Emma was very bitter and full of resentment and anger.

Joseph quietly remarked, ``I told you you did not know Emma as well as I did'' Joseph then put the revelation in his pocket, and they both left the office.
The revelation was read to several of the authorities during the day. Towards evening Bishop Newel K. Whitney asked Joseph if he had any objections to his taking a copy of the revelation; Joseph replied that he had not, and handed it to him. It was carefully copied the following day by Joseph C. Kingsbury. Two or three days after the revelation was written Joseph related to me and several others that Emma has so teased, and urgently entreated him for the privilege of destroying it, that he became so weary of her teasing, and to get rid of her annoyance, he told her she might destroy it and she had done so, but he had consented to her wish in this matter to pacify her, realizing that he knew the revelation perfectly, and could rewrite it at any time if necessary.

The copy made by Joseph C. Kingsbury is a true and correct copy of the original in every respect. The copy was carefully preserved by Bishop Whitney, and but few knew of its existence until the temporary location of the Camps of Israel at Winter Quarters, on the Missouri River, in 1846.

After the revelation on celestial marriage was written, Joseph continued his instructions, privately, on the doctrine, to myself and others, and during the last year of his life we were scarcely ever together, alone, but he was talking on the subject, and explaining that doctrine and principles connected with it. He appeared to enjoy great liberty and freedom in his teachings, and also to find great relief in having a few to whom he could unbosom his feelings on that great and glorious subject.

From him I learned that the doctrine of plural and celestial marriage is the most holy and important doctrine ever revealed to man on the earth, and that without obedience to that principle no man can ever attain to the fulness of exaltation in celestial glory.
Letter, p. 76

Now, I say to you, as I am ready to testify to all the world, and on which testimony I am most willing to meet all the Latter-day Saints and all apostates, in time and through all eternity, I did write the revelations on celestial marriage given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, on the 12th of July, 1843.

When the revelation was written there was no one present except the Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum and myself. It was written in the small office upstairs in the rear of the brick store which stood on the banks of the Mississippi river. It took some three hours to write it. Joseph dictated sentence by sentence, and I wrote it as he dictated. After the whole was written Joseph requested me to read it slowly and carefully, which I did, and he then pronounced it correct. The same night a copy was taken by Bishop Whitney, which copy is now here (in the Historian's office) and which I know and testify is correct. The original was destroyed by Emma Smith.

I again testify that the revelation on polygamy was given through the prophet Joseph on the 12th of July, 1843; and that the Prophet Joseph both taught and practiced polygamy I do positively know, and bear testimony to the fact.

13 July 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 13. This A.M. J. sent for me. & when I arrived he called me up into his private room with E. and there stated an agreement they had mutually entered into they both stated their feelings on many subjects & wept considerable O may the Lord soften her heart that she may be willing to keep and abide by his Holy Law ...

15 July 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 15th. Made Deed for ½ S.B Maid of Iowa from J. to Emma. Also a Deed to E. for over 60 city lots. ...

16 July 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 16th. A.M. at home writing bro. Kimballs lecture.
Nauvoo 2; Words p. 232
P.M. went to the Grove and heard Pres. J. preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right & he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he has authority. He showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.

17 July 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 17. A.M. at the Temple & at Prest. J's, conversed with J. & Hyrum on the priesthood ...

22 July 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 22 ... Mt. and a had a long conversation together. She has stood true to her covenant with CW. [CW is written backwards] I also had some talk with him & although the shock is severe he endures it patiently. And I pray the Great Eloheem to make up the loss to him an hundred fold and enable him to rejoice in all things. My heart aches with grief on his & M's account and could almost say O that I had never known h. But Thou O God knowest the integrity of thy servant. Thou knowest that I have done that which I have understood to be thy will & am still determined to do so and I ask thee in the name of Jesus Christ either to absolutely wean my affections from M. or give me hers entire and then I am content. But to live in this state of feeling I cannot. If I have done wrong in this thing, show it me that thy servant may repent of it and obtain forgiveness. But O Lord have mercy on me and by some means release me from this grievous bondage of feeling & thy servant will praise thee. Prest. Joseph came to see me & pronounced a sealing blessing upon Ruth and me. And we mutually entered into an everlasting covenant with each other.
Affidavit, p. 225

... on the 22nd of July, 1843, he married to me, according to the order of the Church, my first wife Ruth.

23 July 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 23. ... M. appears dissatisfied with her situation & is miserable O that the Lord will bless my house and deliver us from every evil principle & feeling that we may be saved. For I desire to do right. O Lord make my heart and my affections right and pure as it shall please thee that I may enjoy the blessing of peace and happiness even so Amen. Hyrum preached A.M and Joseph P.M. Evening I had some more talk with M. & find she is miserable which makes me doubly so. I offered to her to try to have her covenant released if she desired it but she said she was not willing

24 July 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 24. ... M. is still miserable and unhappy and it does seem that my heart must burst. What shall I do? How shall I recompense? And how long must I thus suffer worse than death for that which I have always regarded as being the will of the Lord. By the help of the Lord I will do right. I have repeatedly offered to M. to try to get a release from the covenant and I have done all I know to make things comfortable but to no effect. She appears almost to hate me and cannot bear to come near me. O. God if thou wilt give me M's affections, and cause things to be pleasant and happy between us, If thou will bless her & comfort her by thy spirit & cause her to rejoice in what she has done, and bring it to pass that I may secure her truly with all her affections for time & for eternity. I feel to covenant to try to serve thee with more diligence if possible and to do all that thou shalt require at mine hands, wilt thou not grant me this blessing, and relieve my aching heart from this worst of all troubles which ever befel me in the course of my life? O God plead my cause and give me thine everlasting blessing, and do remember M. for good that she may be comforted even so amen amen and amen

25 July 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday ... M. much as usual.

26 July 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 26. ... M. seems quite embittered against me in consequence of which I called her to me and asked her if she desired the covenant to be revoked if it were posssible To this she would not give me a satisfactory answer only saying if it had not been done it should not be. (meaning our union) I then asked if she would consent if A would take her under all circumstances; but she would not consent to have it revoked--saying she did it not for her sake but for the sake of the peace of my family. Under these circumstances I could not rest until I had ascertained wether the c could he revoked & although contrary to her wish I went to see Prest. J. I took A to talk with him & asked him some questions whereby I ascertained that he would be willing to take her under all circumstances, I reasoned considerable with him to prove that I had done right in all these matters so far as I knew it, I called the Prest. out and briefly stated the situation of things and then asked him if the C, could be revoked. He shook his head and answered no. At this conclusion my mind seemed for the moment to get relief for the two fold reason that I had done all I could and I did not want the C. revoked. I came back & M & A. were together in Farrs garden. I told them the answer I had got & advised them to take the best measures to make all things right between them. I cannot help thinking that M. has treated me not only unkindly but meanly & cruelly, but I forgive her before the Lord for I sympathize with her in her grief, but cant console her for she will not speak to me. My earnest prayer to God is that all things may soon become right & pleasant & that the Lord may bless her & save her from sinning against him. And if I have done wrong in asking if the C. could be revoked & seeking to have it done O Lord forgive me for I desire to do right in all things that I may he saved, I feel that I have done right in the sight of God and that he has abundantly blessed me for which I thank him and something tells me that the time will come when M. will love those whom see ought & when she will feel perfectly satisfied with her situation & rejoice that things remain as they are. And now O God bless thy servant and handmaid & stamp the peace upon us and fill us with the spirit of truth for Jesus Christs sake Amen--

27 July 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 27 A.M. I went to see Prest. J. in our conversation about M & A. he said if A went to making me any trouble he would defend me to the uttermost and stand by me through all, for which I feel thankful. ...

31 July 1843, Monday
Allen 2, p. 83

It was unusual for Clayton actually to receive cash /for the sale of lots/, and this probably accounts for the satisfaction he seemed to feel when he wrote in his journal on July 31, 1843, that he sold a hundred acres to Benjamin Meginess for $1,000 and that the purchaser had agreed to pay $800 cash and give a $200 note.

1 August 1843, Tuesday
Allen 2, p.114

On August 1, 1843, Joseph rode in his buggy up to the temple where he began to discuss with Clayton and other the fact that some of his property was being sold for taxes. Suddenly Walter Bagby, the county assessor and collector, appeared and when Joseph confronted him with the issue, he denied all knowledge of it. As the discussion heated up, Joseph told Bagby that he was always abusing the citizens in the area, and Bagby angrily called Joseph a liar. Obviously irritated, the church leader stepped down from his buggy, whereupon Bagby picked up a stone to throw at him. Enraged, Joseph went after him and struck him two or three times, and it took Daniel H. Wells to separate the two.

3 Aug 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 3rd A.M. at Prest. J's ... Conversed about W Law, Emma &c. ...
Allen 2, p.83

Clayton received the down payment in specie [from Meginess] and happily took the note for the rest.

6 August 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2; Words p. 237; Allen 2, p. 100

... Prest. J. made some remarks on the election showing that he had taken no part in it. stated that Hyrum had had a manifestation that it was for our interest to vote for Hoge.

11 August 1843, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 11 A.M to the Temple office. P.M Prest. J. came to my house & I went home with him & took dinner with him. In our conversation about Judge Adams J. made this remark ``No man can put forth his hand to steady the ark but God and his servant Joseph.'' by the ark I understood him to mean this work & that no man could dictate and govern it but Jehovah and he whom God had appointed viz his servant Joseph. ... Judge Adams died about 10 o clock P.M. None of his family are here having only been sent for a few days & they are at Springfield It is truly afflicting to see the sickness which exists through the city and the loss of this man seems very grievous. He attended the polls on Monday last and was elected Probate Judge for this County but he is gone to receive his reward in the other world. J. told me to day that ``Walker'' had been speaking to him concerning my having taken M away from A. & intimated that I had done wrong. I told him to be quiet and say no more about it. He also told me Emma was considerably displeased with it but says he she will soon get over it. In the agony of mind which I have endured on this subject I said I was sorry I had done it, at which J told me not to say so. I finally asked him if I had done wrong in what I had done he answered no you have a right to get all you can.

13 August 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2; Words p. 241

Sunday 13 ... Went to meeting heard J. preach on 2 Peter 3. 10 & 11--being a funeral sermon on the death of E. Higbee. When speaking of the passage ``I will send Elijah the prophet &c'' he said it should read and he shall turn the hearts of the children to the covenant made with their fathers Also where it says and they shall seal the servants of God in their foreheads &c it means to seal the blessing on their heads meaning the everlasting covenant thereby making their calling & election sure. When a seal is put upon the father and mother it secures their posterity so that they cannot be lost but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father.
Nauvoo 2; Words p. 243

P.M. Prest J. offered some complaints of the citizens of Nauvoo 1st because some young men sat on the ladies camp ground and laughed & mocked during meeting He next spake of Walter Bagby & the little skirmish he had with him about a week ago he spoke of Esq Wells interfering when he had no business. He then spake of the abuses he received at the election by King & the board of Judges. also of the Grog & Beer shops & said he should rip them up. He then showed that Sidney Rigdon had bound himself by an oath to Governor Carlin to deliver J into the hands of the Missourians if he could & finally in the name of the Lord withdrew the hand of fellowship from him & put it to the vote of the people. He was cut off by an unamous vote & orders to demand his license. Nauvoo 2

At night my wifes mother went into the garden to pray just as we were going to bed. Margaret and Lydia went out & found her on her knees. She was deranged. She came into the bed room trembling and seemed as though she had been frightened but was altogether delirious. her feet and legs were cold & I feared she was going to die. She got into bed & we got some hot water to her feet & rubbed her legs and feet with flannel & went to bed. She soon seemed some better. From her conversation with Lydia this afternoon it seems she took Prest. J's remarks very deeply to heart & that with her fears for Margaret overwhelmed her. I feel as though I was in some measure a child of sorrow but am determined to try to do right in all things. May the Lord bless my family and my fathers house and save us with an everlasting salvation & let peace & interlligence beam upon us in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

16 August 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 16. ... [out showing a man a lot] We returned & met Prest. J. & some of the family going to the funeral of Judge Adams. P.M. I went with A. Young to look at a lot & called as sis Booths who is in trouble. Robert is gone away to work Sarah Ann is gone to Keokuk, & Elesabeth & husband is going to Chicago this evening. This A.M. J. told me that since E. came back from St Louis she had resisted the P. in toto & he had to tell her he would relinquish all for her sake. She said she would given him E. & E. P but he knew if he took them she would pitch on him & obtain a divorce & leave him. He however told me he should not relinquish any thing O. God deliver thy servant from iniquity and bondage.

17 August 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 17th. ... Margaret seems friendly but not well satisfied yet she treats me very well & I pray God to bless her forever.

18 August 1843, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 18th. ... Prest. J. instructed Er Sl. James in the order of the Holy Priesthood. ... I had some conversation with bro. Whitney & have learned that Farrs family are conspiring with Walkers boys & girls & they with E. to accomplish my downfall. I find they are my secret enemies but I fear them not for God who knows the secrets of all hearts knows mine also. I told M. of this & ascertained that she had ackowledged to A. that I had slept with her and if it never had been done (our union) it should not be. This of course has given him a plea and a weapon against me. At night my wifes mother had another fit of delirium, which fills us all with sorrow, and I think we have a good share.

19 August 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 19. ... evening went to Prest. J's did not see him. M. says D. Farr said to day she believed M & I was vexed at her & she almost felt disposed alomost to go to every house in the city & tell all she knew & then come hom & kill herself. I felt my heart acke to night when we lay down being down stairs & M. up. My sould loves M. & my desire is to see her happy & comfortable. Oh may the Lord bless her.

20 August 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2
Sunday 20th M. came upstairs to me. ... P.M. I went to sister Booths & had some conversation about SA. at sister B's request. I have evidence that S.A is true to me & desire to reveive her I also had talk with M. Aspen who is in trouble. P.P.P has through his wife made proposals to her but she is dissatisfied Sister P. is obstinate. When P. went away sister P. cautioned A. against me & said the Twelve would have more glory than me &c. I tried to comfort her & told her what her privilege was. tarried till 8½

21 August 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 21. ... E. asked if I handed 2 letters to J. which she showed me. I had not done it. I satisfied her I had not. They appeared to be from ER Snow & Pres. J. found them in his pocket E seemed vexed & angry

23 August 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 23rd. ... Prest J. told me that he had difficulty with E. yesterday. She rode up to Woodworths with him & caled while he came to the Temple. When he returned she was demanding the gold watch of F. he reproved her for her evil treatment. On their return home she abused him much & also when he got home. he had to use harsh measures to put a stop to her abuse but finally succeeded ... This evening I had some more conversation with Margaret & find she is stubborn and disposed to abuse me. I fell resolved to break my feelings from her if I possibly can.

24 August 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 24.

[JS through WC pays D.D. Yearsley] ... At night I asked mother if M might sleep with Ruth & me she appeared very rebelious & would not consent but said we might do as we had a mind.

26 August 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 26th. ... Hyrum & I rode up to my house & J met Mrs Wdth & F. and conversed some time. ... Prest. J and I walked from my house to sis Durfee's and thence to his house.

27 August 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2; Words p.

Sunday 27th. A.M. at the Grove. Prest. J. preached on Hebrews c 7. After reading a letter from Thos. Carlin to S. Rigdon and
making some remarks about it. He shewed that the word ``Salem'' is a wrong translation it should be ``Shalome'' signifying peace. He prophecied that ``not all the powers of hell or earth combined can ever overthrow this boy'' for he had a promise from the eternal God. He spoke concerning the priesthood of Melchisedek shewing that the sectarians never professed to have it consequently never could save any one and would all be damned together. He showed that the power of the Melchisek P'd was to have the power of an ``endless lives.'' he showed that the everlasting covenants could not be broken, and by the sacrifice required of Abraham the fact that when God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man and he refuses to receive it he will be damned--mentioning the case of the Israelite praying that God would speak to Moses & not to them--in consequence of which he curse them with a carnal law.
Nauvoo 2
P.M. I went to sister Booths & talked with her and Mary Aspen.

28 August 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 28th. ... Pres. J met Ms Wdth at my house.

29 August 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 29th. A.M at the Temple Pres. J. at my house with Mss Wdth.

30 August 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

30 August 1843 A.M. ... at Pres J's. He & Hyrum told me that Mr Brown of Rushville had arrived last night & had no where to go. They requested me to taken them in for about 3 weeks and I consented

31 August 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

31st ... I move Mr Browns family to my house this evening

3 September 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 3rd. A.M at home. Unpleasant feelings with M.

4 September 1843, Monday
Allen 2, p. 104

[Clayton] had to haul water until the well [at his new home] was finished in September. The house apparently cost Clayton about $500 cash to build. Little did he imagine that the family would remain in the home for less than three years.

10 September 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 10th. ... In the evening I went to sister Booths

15 September 1843, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 15th. A.M at Prest. J's afterwards at the Temple Office all day. Evening Prest. J. met me & I returned with him to O. Spencers to borrow $1400.- to clear his farm from an incumbrance laying on it which fact Esq. Skinner has ascertained on searching the Records. Prest.J. told me he had lately had a new item of law revealed to him in relation to myself. He said the Lord had revealed to him that a man could only take 2 of a family except by express revelation and as I had said I intended to take Lydia he made this known for my benefit. to have more than two in a family was apt to cause wrangles and trouble. He finally asked if I would not give L to him I said I would so far as I had any thing to do in it. He requested me to talk to her.

17 September 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 17. At home all day with M. I had some talk with Lydia. she seems to receive it kindly but says she has promised her mother not to marry while her mother lives & she thinks she wont

18 September 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 18 A.M at Prest. J's ... J & I rode out to borrow money - drank wine as sis Lyons. P.M. I got $50 of sis Lyons & paid it to D.D. Yearsley

19 September 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 19th. ... J & E rode to Woolleys &c

21 September 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 21. A.M at the Temple Office. P.M at the Boat & J's settling with the hands. he says I must go on the Boat a month to regulate the Books. This A.M. he came to talk with Lydia but she wont yet consent she wants to tarry with her sisters

23 September 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 23rd. ... I went to sis Booths but S.A. did not come.

24 September 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

24th September he leaves Nauvoo for Quincy

September 1843
Allen 2, p.105

When he went to St. Louis in September 1843, he even attended the circus

1 October 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 1st. Had some meditation about home, M. &c on the summit of the Hill above Peru. Never did M. and my little family appear more lovely and endearing than while my anxous thoughts wer pondering over their probable situation. At 12 we started out for St Louis

6 October 1843, Friday
Temple History, p. 106

[Clayton was not in Nauvoo on this date]

On the 6th day of October, 1843, the special conference was held in the temple. This was the first time a conference was held in the building.

At this conference charges were again preferred against the temple committee, and a public investigation was entered into; and it was again voted that the members of the committee should be retained in their standing.

On this occasion the President proposed to the people to place under bonds all agents who were sent out to collect funds for the temple and Nauvoo House. He showed that some of the Elders, when they were away, received contributions to the temple; but as they sometimes devoted a portion of the money in other channels, they did not make proper returns at Nauvoo and the accounts did not, therefore, accurately balance.

He stated that the Temple Apostles were not about to go East to raise means for the temple and also for the Nauvoo House. He suggested that they give bonds to the amount of two thousand dollars each; and that this rule be enforced upon all the Elders from this time forward. An action was taken by the Conference and it was decided by unanimous vote to carry this proposition into effect. The Twelve gave bonds in the required amount previous to their going East, which bonds were filed in the office of the Trustee-in-Trust.

Thus the Twelve were the first agents who were ever placed under bonds, when sent to collect funds for the Church. The wisdom of this order was soon manifest; for, although it was well understood and universally believed that the Twelve would invariably make correct returns, there were others who might not be so careful or scrupulous. And, inasmuch as members of this first quorum were required to give bonds, no other man could justly complain if he were brought under the same rule.

At this conference the Saints again voted to renew their exertions and double their diligence in order that the temple might be speedily finished.

During this conference, also, Elder Sidney Rigdon was tried for his fellowship, charged with a long course of conduct which rendered him unworthy of a place in the Church. President Joseph told the Saints that he had carried Elder Rigdon long enough and that he should do so no more. But notwithstanding this, the Patriarch Hyrum pleaded for mercy in Sidney's behalf; and the conference voted to sustain Elder Rigdon in his position as counsellor to the First Presidency.

7 October 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 7th. ... At 7 we started in the stage and arrived at Montrose soon after 9 got over the River at 10 and arrived at home at ¼ before 11. All my family were gone to conference but M. we had a joyful meeting, and she gave me a warm evidence of her love, and never did my affections glow more warmly than during our meeting embrace and during the time we had the privilege to be alone which was untill 3 o clock when the rest of my dear family returned home. My bosom heaved with joy to find them all well ... P.M. went to Morrissons. Sis. Booths, Burbanks &c. S.A. had been at home 2 weeks ago and had gone back. I felt very much disappointed

9 October 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2; Words, p. 255

... P.M. at the conference Prest. J. preached Judge Adams funeral sermon. The people were well edified and a very good feeling prevailed throughout.

10 October 1843, Tuesday
Allen 2, p. 86

Clayton stopped his Manchester friend, Arthur Smith, from cutting timber on Joseph's prairie property.

11 October 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 11th. A.M at home sick. P.M. at Prest J's. he is gone to Benbows to dine &c. ... Evening B.F. Johnson came to meet J & Hyrum. At about 8 Wm. Walker came to say J. & H. could not come untill morning

14 October 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 14th. A.M at Prest. J's. He was conversing with some strangers one of whom I believe is Dr Turner the Phrenologist & another a mesmerist. They had a pretty warm debat. J. said they could not prove that the mind of man was seated in one part of the brain more than another &c ... Evening I went to sis. Booths and saw S.A. but could not have a chance to converse any.

16 October 1843, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 16th. ... P.M at the Temple Office & sis. Booths. S.A is to be married to Jno Needham tomorrow

18 October 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 18. ... P.M. went to J's - did not see him spent 2 hours with lovely M.

19 October 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 19. A.M at the Temple Office comparing books & recording deeds. at 11 W. Walker came & said Prest. J wanted me to go to Macedonia I went immediately to see him & he requested me to go with him. I went home & got dinner & got ready he soon came up and we started out After we had got on the road he began to tell me that E. was turned quite friendly & kind. she had been anointed & he also had been a. K. He said that it was her advice that I should keep M at home and it was also his council. Says he just keep her at home and brook it and if they raise trouble about it and bring you before me I will give you an awful scourging & probably cut you off from the church and then I will baptise you & set you ahead as good as ever.

20 October 1843, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 20th. At B.F. Johnsons writing Deed. Evening J. gave us much instruction. showing the advantages of the E.C. He said there was two seals in the Priesthood. The first was that which was placed upon a man and woman when they made the covenant & the other was the seal which alloted to them their particular mansion--After his discourse B.F. Johnson & his wife were united in an everlasting covenant.

23 October 1843, Monday
Temple History, p. 106 35
Patriarch Hyrum Smith was appointed by the Trustee-in-Trust, with the consent of the [temple] committee; and on the morning of the 23rd day of October, 1843, he entered upon the duties of his office, amidst the greetings and good feelings of the workers universally.

24 October 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 24. A.M. at Prest. J's. receiving Temple property from sister Emma

21 November 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo

Tuesday 21 A.M. at the Temple Office P.M. went to J's to ask him to come to my house & marry Margt. Butterfield to her first husband. He could not come but sent Hyrum. I learned from H. that E. had power to prevent my being admitted to J's Lodge for the present for which I feel somewhat sorry but yet believe that innocence will finally triumph I stood as proxy for Edwd. Lawrence. ... Evening I attended the [Masonic] Lodge [Several entries showed he was attending the Masonic Lodge recently rejuvenated]

23 November 1843, Thursday
Allen 2, p. 86

[Same as entry for 10 October 1843]

28 November 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 28th. ... Evening at home -- My feelings have been harrowed up while reflecting on the disapintment A. must have felt when he returned home and found he had lost M. I would gladly recompense him if it were in my power. I pray that the Lord may bles him & give him a companion worthy of him--

2 December 1843, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

A.M. at the Temple Office. Bro Cutler called me aside & gave me to understand that Cahoon was fully bent on having revenge on my head. It appears he is trying to excite the stone cutters against me & I know no cause except it be because I have opposed his dishonesty & told him of it. I now realise my situation more sensibly than I ever did in my life. I might have the privilege of being received into the quorum of anointing but Cahoon has got there and through private pique he is resolved to deprive me of that privilege that added to Emmas determination to be revenged sink[s] my mind & fills me with agony, but I yet believe that innocence will finally triumph & I shall be prospered As to any accusation which may be brought against me by the stone cutters my conscience is at peace. I am at the defiance of all or any man & am willing to be proved I wrote a long letter to J. on the subject. ...
Allen 2, p. 112 36

By the end of the year, however, Cahoon was angry again and even attempted, Clayton believed, to turn the stonecutters against him. Such tension among brothers dismayed Clayton deeply, though he probably saw it also as another test of his discipleship.

3 December 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 3rd. ... J. was reading my letter.

5 December 1843, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

... Evening Prest J sent for me He returned my letter & said I had no need to be troubled, the only reason why I was not admitted into the quorum was because there is not convenience, and none were admitted only for a particular purpose by Revelation. He said he had asked Cahoon about me a few days ago & Cahoon said I was true blue. We walked together to Turleys and after met the twelve in council on the subject of { [{=Emma] on an extensive scale. The Twelve agreed to take hold and assist in earnest-- I called at Lodge.

6 December 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 6th. A.M. at Prest. J's. went to see the Q for { [{=Emma] and was well pleased with it.

7 December 1843, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 7th A.M. at Prest. Js went to see After at the meeting at the Temple which was got up to petition the Gov. not to issue a writ to satisfy the demand lately made in Mo. P.M. at the Temple Office making 2 Deeds. after [E] Evening Lodge

8 December 1843, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 8th. At the Temple Office & J's P.M. with J. [E] - Evening attended Lodge

17 December 1843, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 17. At home all day. Mother in law in trouble which causes M. also to weep Evening my feelings were insulted while hearing M and her mother in conversation.

20 December 1843, Wednesday
Nauvoo Neighbor 37

To Emigrants and Latter-Day Saints Generally:
I feel it my duty to say ... that there is in the hands of the trustee in trust, a large quantity of lands, both in the city and adjoining townships in this county, which is for sale, some of which belongs to the Church and is designed for the benefit of the poor, and also to liquidate debts owing to the Church, for which the trustee in trust is responsible. Some, also, is land which has been consecrated for the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House.

If the brethern who move in here and want an inheritance, will buy their lands of the trustee in trust, they will thereby benefit the poor, the Temple, and the Nauvoo House, and even then only will be doing that which is their duty, and which I know, by considerable experience, will be vastly for their benefit and satisfaction in days to come. Let all the brethern, therefore, whey they move into Nauvoo, consult President Joseph Smith, the trustee in trust, and purchase their lands of him; and I am bold to say that God will bless them. ...

We hold ourselves ready at any time to wait upon the brethern and show them the lands ... and can be found any day, either at President Joseph Smith's bar-room, or the Temple Recorder's office at the Temple.

Nauvoo, December 16, 1843

25 December 1843, Monday 38
Temple History, p. 106

Some time in the Winter or Spring of the year 1844, the Patriarch Hyrum made a proclamation to the women of the Church, asking them to subscribe in money one cent each per week, for the purpose of buying the glass and nails for the temple. He represented to them that by this means he would be able to meet all the requirements in this regard. He also gave a promise that all the sisters who would comply with this call should have the first privilege of seats in the temple when it was finished.

He opened a record of these contributions which he kept, with the aid of Sister Mercy R. Thompson, until his death.