2 July 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 2nd A.M went to see Emma. She is in trouble because mother Smith is making disturbance about the property in Josephs hands. Mother Smith wants Samuel to move into Nauvoo and take the Patriarchs office & says the church ought to support him.
Nauvoo 2; Allen 1, p. 57 n. 57; Allen 2, p. 159

There is considerable danger if the family begin to dispute about the property that J's creditors will come forward & use up all the property there is. If they will keep still there is property enough to pay the debts and plenty left for other uses.
Nauvoo 2
I had much talk with Emma on the subject.

3 July 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 3rd. A.M at the Temple Office Emma sent for me & Cutler & Cahoon we had conversation with Esqr Wood on the situation of Josephs affairs. Emma has councilled Esqr Wood on the subject. P.M. at the Temple Office & after went to dig up the Records. Water had got into the place where they were & they were damaged. /Clayton does not say that these are the records of the Kingdom or the records referred to on 23 June 1844: The previous day he went home and buried the records of the Kingdom and on ``Sunday 23r. At 5 A.M. Rockwood & Scott came to ask advice what to do with the Cannon &c I went to Joseph & got all the public & private records together and buried them.'' This was another set of records/ 47

4 July 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 4th ... I went to Emmas and assisted Esqr Wood to examine Josephs affairs. The situation looks gloomy. The property is chiefly in the name of the Trustee in Trust while the obligations are condisered personal. Woods advised Emma to have all the Deeds recorded at Carthage for he says our Recorders office is not legal. This will cause trouble & much dissatisfaction P.M. in Council with brothers Marks Cutler & Cahoon at Mark's house. It seemed manifest to us that brother Marks place is to be appointed president & Trustee in Trust and this accords with Emma's feelings. Brother Taylor is at brother Mark's. I saw some of his wounds which ar bad but he is recovering
Allen 2, p. 152

``Liberty is fled,'' he moaned, and the flag stained with innocent blood, for the nation had rejected the gospen and the prophets. There was no public celebration in Nauvoo: ``Instead of celebrating with splendor with joy we celebrate her [the nation's] down-fall with grief and mourn for the loss of our prophet & Patriarch & pray to God to avenge their blood speedily.''

5 July 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 141
On Friday, the 5th of July, a large raft of pine lumber, containing 87,732 feet, was landed at the city for the temple. The brethern turned out liberally with their teams to haul it to the temple, where it was secured in a few days. In a few days afterwards another raft, of 67,952 feet was received and hauled to the temple. This gladdened the hearts of the Saints.

6 July 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 6th. Yesterday a raft of Pine Lumber arrived for the Trustee in Trust. Woodworth laid claim to it, but the bretheren say it is my duty as agent for the Trustee to take charge of it. I have accordingly done so and ordered Rockwood to Guard it till we can get it to the Temple.
Nauvoo 2; Allen 1, p. 58; Allen 2, p. 142

The greatest danger that no[w] threatens us is dissensions and strifes amongst the Church. There are already 4 or 5 men pointed out as succesors to the Trustee & President & there is danger of feelings being manifest. All the brethern who stand at the head seem to feel the delicacy of the business.
Nauvoo 2

Phelps & Dr Richards have taken a private course & are carrying out many measures on their own responsibility without council.

7 July 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2; see Allen 2, p. 153

Sunday 7th. At home writing this history which I now conclude again at 1 o clock P.M. 5 o clock went to council with the Quorum on the subject of appointing a Trustee in Trust. I was told on the way that R. D. Foster is in Nauvoo having a permit from the Governor to come and settle business. O.P. Rockwell, M. G. Eaton and Theodore Turley are raging and threaten his life is he tarry here, consequently the City Council have seant a Guard to take care of him. I reasoned with Rockwell & tried to show him the
folly of his conduct inasmuch as the Governor had said that if one of those men were assassinated the whole city would be held responsible, and that President Joseph gave himself up into the hands of his murderers for the express purpose of saving the City from being Massacred. But no reasoning seemed to touch him. He swore bitterly he would have revenge and the Foster should not tarry here. I feel grieved at this conduct, for there is now a little prospect that the public sympathy will turn in our favor if we keep still. I was late at the Council. The brethern had agreed not to appoint a Trustee untill the Twelve came home, and that I should act in the place of Trustee to receive property &c untill one was appointed.
Temple History, p. 123

On the second Sabbath after the murder, the subject of the temple was brought into consideration, and the Church voted to commence work again and finish it as speedily as possible.

8 July 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2; Allen 2, p. 160

Monday 8th At the Temple all day. Emma came up ... She also
objected to the conclusion of the council last evening & says here must be a Trustee appointed this week on account of the situation of business.
Temple History, p. 123

On the 8th of July the laborers resumed their work, although the committee had not so much as a bushel of meal, nor a pound of flour, nor a pound of meat to feed the hands with; but all seemed determined to go to work and trust in God for the means.

10 July 1844, Wednesday
Allen 2, p. 153

The day was saved by a self-appointed committee of nine women, including Mary Fielding Smith, wife of the martyred Hyrum Smith, and Leonara Taylor, wife of the wounded John Taylor. On the tenth they paid an unexpected visit to Foster, told him they would bear his insults no longer, and threatened that if he did not leave the city forthwith he would be visited by a stronger force the next day. ``The Dr was much frightened,'' recorded Clayton in a somewhat roguish tone, `` and looked every way for fear some one would be upon him. He is gone away and there are hopes that he will never return.''

11 July 1844, Thursday
Allen 2, p. 153

The next day the same sisters were ready to wait upon still more apostates and persuade them to leave in the same manner.

12 July 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 12th. A.M at the Temple measuring Lumber. Prest. Marks came up to enquire which was best to do about appointing a Trustee. We concluded to call a meeting of the several presidents of Quorums & their council this P.M. at 2 o clock. As I returned to dinner bro. Whitney came down with me & stated his feelings about Marks being appointed Trustee. He referred me to the fact of Marks being with Law & Emma in opposition to Joseph & the quorum. -- And if Marks is appointed Trustee our spiritual blessings will be destroyed inasmuch as he is not favorable to the most important matters The Trustee must of necessity be the first president of the Church & Joseph has said that if he and Hyrum were taken away Samuel H. Smith would be his successor.

After dinner I talked with Cutler & Cahoon on the subject & they both agreed in the same mind with bro. Whitney & myself. At 3 we went to meeting. Emma was present and urged the necessity of
appointing a Trustee immediately. But on investigation it was considered we could not lawfully do it. Another meeting was appointed for Sunday Eve Dr Richards & Phelps seem to take all the matters into their own hands & wont tell us any thing what they intend or have thought to do.

13 July 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 13. This A.M Forgens paid over $[7]00 from L Wight & $1000. from bro. Kimball in paper money. He however requested payment of an execution against Tufts amounting to $254.95 which Prest. J. agreed to do. I consulted Cutler & Cahoon & they said I had better pay it which I did. Emma sent for me to enquire about the title to Snyders Lot. She talked much about Trustees being appointed & says if he is not a man she approves of she will do the church all the injury she can by keeping the Lots which are in her name.

14 July 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 14. ... At 6 went to the council. Phelps & Richards & P.P. Pratt stated that they had concluded to appoint 4 Trustees when a majority of the Twelve returned. These three brethern seem to keep matters very close to themselves and I and several others feel grieved at it. After meeting I informed Emma of the proceedings. She thinks they dont use her right.

15 July 1844, Monday Nauvoo 2

Monday 15. ... Emma sent for me. I went & conversed considerable with her. She feels dissatisfied with the conduct of Richards and Phelps & says if they undertake to trample upon her shel will look to herself. I conversed with Richards & Phelps & told them our feelings & they seem to feel more free. They told me the names of those they had thought of nominating for Trustees, Myself & A. Cutler are two of them. I told Emma of this & she seems better satisfied

15 July 1844 ?
Temple History, p. 141

About the middle of July, the sisters of the branches of LaHarpe and Macedonia sent word to the temple committee and stated their anxiety to see this building progress still more rapidly.

They proposed if the committee would build another crane, they would furnish the means to build it with, and seemed wishful to go ahead with it immediately. The committed and recorder councilled on the subject and it was decided to comply with the wishes of the sisters.

Sister Clark, wife of Raymond Clark, was authorized to collect the contributions. She immediately started, and returned on the 29th with money and other property, amounting in the whole to $194, which was more than sufficient to build a new crane.

30 July 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 30th Emma sent for me early concerning the Lawrence business. She concluded that she & I had better go to Quincy to settle the business. I went home & got ready & we started on the ``Osprey.'' ... We arrived at Quincy about 6½ P.M. Went to the City Hotel. After supper I went to see Mr Lawrence concerning a tax title which he holds on some property in Lima belonging to bro Marks. He wants $100 for it. I had much conversation with him Emma stayed at Burr Riggs' & I went to the City Hotel
Temple History, p. 141

Soon after this period the Saints were again made to sorrow on account of the death of Brother Samuel H. Smith, which took place on Tuesday evening, the 30th of July, after a very short illness; this being the third death in the family within five weeks.

There is now only one brother left of the family, viz: William. He was in the East during the progress of these afflicting events.

31 July 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 31st. Went to see Judge Miller and found that the Lawrence business could not be settled until another Guardian was appointed. ... At 12 at night a Boat came & we left for home on the ``Waverly.'' Amasa Lyman & G. P. Dykes was on the Boat. We
arrived at Nauvoo at 11--
1 August 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 1st August 1844. At 11 we arrived in Nauvoo, where we heard that Samuel H. Smith died on tuesday evening.

3 August 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 141

The committee immediately set the carpenters to work, and on the 3rd of August the crane was put in operation under the management of Joshua Armstrong, the setter, and Horace Owens to back up, and W. W. Dryer, Wm. Austin and Archibald Hill to attend to the crane.

They commenced work on the north side and very soon satisfied the Saints of the utility of the movement. The works now progressed rapidly.

4 August 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 4th. A.M attended meeting. Er Rigdon spoke on the words My ways are not as your ways &c. He related a vision which the Lord had shown him concerning the situation of the Church and said there must be a Guardian appointed to build the Church up to Joseph as he has begun it. P.M at home bro. Whitney came. Evening Charles C. Rich came to my house to enquire about some revelations. He said brother Marks had notified the public that next Thursday there would be a meeting to choose a Guardian inasmuch as Er Rigdon was in a hurry to go home again. I do not feel satisfied with this move because it is universally understood that the Twelve have been sent for and are expected here every day and it seems a plot laid for the saints to take advantage of their situation.
Temple History, p. 141

On the 4th of August, Elder Rigdon returned from Pittsburg and laid a plan to draw away the minds of the Saints by proposing or instructing the Saints that they must now choose a guardian--intimating that he himself was the proper person.

5 August 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 5th This last night I dreamed that Joseph and Emma came to me and appeared very much dissatisfied and displeased because I had kept back the money sent by brother Kimball. I thought I explained the reason and told them I had been concilled to do so.

6 August 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 6th. ... Phelps told me that they had a council and called upon Er Rigdon to say why he was so much disposed to hurry matters &c. He said they should wait untill the Twelve returned.
Temple History, p. 141

Fortunately, on Tuesday, the 6th of August, five of the Twelve returned home, viz: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Lyman Wight, Orson Pratt and Wilford Woodruff. This event appeared very providential. They were just in time to frustrate Elder Rigdon's plans. This they did effectively.

7 August 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 7th. This morning the Committee and myself went out to Lots to take the invoice of Joseph property. Brother Cutler said that in the council yesterday he drew out from Marks that Sidney Rigdon was to be president and Marks Patriark.

5 of the Twelve go home last night viz. B. Young, H.C. Kimball, L. Wight, O. Pratt and W. Woodruff. This seems very providential and has given great satisfaction to the people. At 4 P.M the Twelve & the High Council assembled in the 70s Hall when Elder Rigdon state the object of his mission. He said he had a vision presented to his mind, not an open vision, but rather a continuation of the one mentioned in the Book of Covenants. It was shown to him that this Church must be built up to Joseph and that all the blessings we receive must come through Joseph. He had been ordained spoken [spokesman?] to Joseph and he must come to Nauvoo & see that the Church was governed in a proper manner. The people could please themselves whether they accepted him or not. He said he had a conversation with Judge Pope on his way to Pittsburgh and that Pope told him that the U. S. government were determined to deal with our Municipal Court for the proceedings in relation to Jeremiah Smith and that Butterfield and Pope were very determined to prosecute &c. After Er Rigdon got through B. Young said a few sentences. He said he did not care who lead the Church if God said so even if it was old ``Ann Lee'' but he must know that God said so He said he the keys & means of knowing the mind of God on this subject. He knew there were those in our midst who would seek the lives of the Twelve as they had sought that of brother Joseph. He should ordain some man and give him the keys so that if he was killed the church might still have the priesthood. He said the Twelve would not be permitted to tarry here long. They would organize the church & then go away & they would batize Mormons a great deal faster than the mob would be able to kill them. Er Lyman Wight followed in the same strain & said he knew there were those in our midst who were seeking his life. The meeting closed by appointing a conference for next tuesday at 10 o clock.
8 August 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 8th. A.M I went to council with the Twelve. Brother Kimball concluded to pay the $1000 to Emma. I went home to get it & while there B. Young came & said they were going to have their conference this afternoon and wanted I should notify the brethern. I then went with brothers Kimball and Richards to see Emma. K. paid her the $1000 and bore testimony to her of the good feelings of the Twelve towards her. She seemed humble and more kind. P.M. attended conference. The Church universally voted to sustain the Twelve in their calling as next in presidency and to sustain Er Rigdon and A Lyman as councillors to the Twelve as they had been to the First Presidency. The church also voted to leave the regulation of all the church matters in the hands of the Twelve. There was a very good feeling prevailed except amongst a few who were dissapointed.
Temple History, p. 141

On Thursday, the 8th, the Church voted to sustain the Twelve as the proper authority to govern the Church. The result was the open apostasy of Elder Rigdon and some others, who immediately left for Pittsburg.

After this event the Saints seemed more and more united, and a better feeling prevailed.

9 August 1844, Friday
Temple History, p. 142

After the death of President Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum, Joseph having been sole Trustee-in-Trust, when the Twelve returned home they held a council and appointed Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, the two presiding bishops, Trustees-in-Trust. This was on the 9th of August; and a few days afterwards, the trustees entered upon the duties of their office.

11 August 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 11th. A.M had conversation with Dianthe Farr on various subjects. She seems to be true and faithful. Margaret is miserable and unhappy. P.M. attended meeting for prayer with Ers B. Young, G. Miller, H.C. Kimball, A. Lyman, W. Richards, L. Richards, J.P. Green, L. Woodworth, N.K. Whitney & G.A. Smith & W. Woodruff.

12 August 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2
Monday 12th. At the Temple Office & Emma's settling & preparing papers for her settlement as administratrix.

15 August 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 15th. ... I went to see sister Emma, as she had sent for me early this A.M. I found her very cross. Esqr. Wood told me what he wanted done with regard to settling up the estate. He wanted a ``list of all titles in the name of the Trustee in Trust, & not conveyed away, whether dedded or bonded, and by whom conveyed to the Trustee. Also a list of all lands conveyed to him as Trustee & by him conveyed away & to whom conveyed. Also a list of lands in his individual name. Also a full list of such personal property as was in his name as Trustee at the time of his death. Also a list of all notes & accounts and given their value and whether good or bad. Also a list of all property both real or personal belonging to the heirs'' Besides this he wanted me to produce the papers pertainint to the transfers of the ``Maid of Iowa'' and recommemded Emma to have the Boat included in the schedule. While he was talking I felt as though he was laying a deep plan to find out the situation of the private & publich matters of the Church and to lay a trap for our ruin. I did not feel free to given him the papers of the Boat untill I could get council. Emma seemed very much dissatisfied because I did not go in the morning and becuase I yielded to do anything else untill she had her business settled. After dinner I went to see Er B. Young & have his council. I laid the matter before him & he advised me not to given Would any accounts pertaining to the business of the Trustee in Trust. We both went over to bro. Whitneys and staed the matter to him. He was also opposed to Wood's interfering with the business of the Trustee in Trust. I then went to see Emma. I found her alone and began to talk to her & tell her what I thought Wood's intended to do. She grew warm 48 and said that all the business of the Trustee must be presented We had no secrets that we must keep back from the public for she was determined to have every thing settled now. I replied to her that there were many things which I was unwilling the world should know any thing about and should not lend my hand to ruin the church. She then grew more angry and said I had neglected her and the business, and there was nothing that had Prest. Smith's name to that should not be investigated. She said she had no secrets nor any thing she was unwilling the whole world should know. I told her that there was some things which /she/ would be unwilling the public should know. She denied it. I said I knew things that she did not want the world to know. She said if I harbor'd any idea that she had ever done wrong it was false. I answered ``at I have seen with my eyes and heard with my ears I could believe.''he said, if I said she had ever committed a crime I was a liar and I knew it. I replied sister Emma I know I dont lie and you know better what I know I know and although I never have told it to any soul on earth nor never intend to yet it is still the truth and I shall not deny it. She then several times called me a liar and said she knew I was her enemy and she never had been so abused in all her life. I told her I was not her enemy nor never had been She said I neglected her and spent my time in the secret council of the Twelve and it was secret things which had cost Joseph and Hyrum their live and says she ``prophecy that it will cost you and the Twelve your lives as it has done them''he repeated this two or three times in a threatening manner, and said it in a manner that I understood that she intended to make it cost us our lives as she had done by Prest. Smith.
Nauvoo 2; Allen 1, p. 58; Allen 2, p. 162.

I told her that I would rather die than do any thing to ruin the church
Nauvoo 2

She raged very hard and used many sever threats and told me that she had now proved that I was an enemy to her and she did not want such persons about her to do business. I cooly replied that I was her friend and she would prove it so and I had done nothing but what I felt perfectly willing to meet her and Joseph together and answer for it. I also tried to show her that she had misinterpreted my words for I did not mean what she said I did. I told her I had run at her call night or day whenever I could get a chance and have suffered abuses which I never would have born from any other woman in the world. She would not listen to any thing I could say and I left her. I still feel to befriend her all I can but she will now try to destroy my character and influence no doubt but I have no enmity towards her and am determined I will not given way to it. She is blind as to her best interest and those who are her best friends she is the most bitter against. She is cherishing and putting her life into the hands of traitors and murderers and they will use her up; for she will not listen to the advise of her friends nor be at peace with those who wish to do her good. I feel to pray that God will soften her heart and shew her the danger she is exposing herself to and to bind her up that she may not have power to destroy thy servants O God. I went & told Prest. Young the whole circumstances & he told me to fear not, but rejoice

17 August 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

/17th HCK tells WC that Emma says somebody stole some of her money ... Clayton sees this as a plot by Emma to discredit him./

18 August 1844, Sunday
Council of 50, p. 268

Sunday. August 18. At the Office copying the Record of the Kingdom
Nauvoo 2

/18th BY tells WC that Emma told Cahoon that WC stole $200 gold WC says the money is not hers but belongs to Peter Haws/ ``She dont want to give up the money and I suppose if she can ruin my character and hold on to the money she will accomplish a two fold object. God knows that I am innocent of the charge as the angels in heaven, and it is grosly wicked in her to give out this report. Er Young recommended me to watch carefully - and in the morning go and get the secretary. I feel sorry to think that after I have served that family like a slave, having run at her call night & day, and never wronged them out of the first cent that she should thus abuse me, for I must say I never met with oppression and tryranny so cruel from any person in all my life as I have borne from that woman, but yet I will not be her enemy nor do her any harm, except I should be in the defence of my own life and character'' /Next Emma would give them the secretary to WC and Cutler who went together/ 49

19 August, 1844, Monday
Allen 1, p. 58

On 19 August he [Clayton] was further upset when Emma refused to turn over to the church a secretary (writing desk) which he considered church property.
Allen 2, p. 162

On August 19 he was further disturbed when Emma refused to turn over to the church a writing desk that he considered church property.

27 August 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 27. During last night D.A. /D. Adelbar/ grew much worse. The Canker in his mouth grew worse and turned quite black. About 7 this A.M. he was seized with a kind of fit which weakened him a good deal. He sank gradually ... untill 2 o clock P.M. he
breathed his last. Thus has ended the earthly career of an innocent sufferer who has known no comfort in this life but has suffered since his birth to his death. The tongue of slander has swung freely against him and many which his death /sic/. He is gone to rest with the just and will come forth again to inherit thrones, kingdoms, dominions principalities and powers in the mansions of his father. /Same day Cahoon went to get the Secretary but she returned it empty of its important papers/ ''She did this by means of a false key which will unlock it. Her treachery seems unbounded Rigdon, Marks, Emma, and some others are trying to draw of [off] a party They say there is no church.

29 August 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 29th. At the Temple A.M. at 10 met the Twelve at Prest Youngs. Er Marks & Rigdon had been notified to attend (for whom the council was designed) Er Rigdon said he was sick and should not attend. Er. Marks was present. Prest. Young stated to Er Marks that in consequence of rumors & reports of the proceedings of him & Er Rigdon he had called them together that the thing might be talked over and if possible an union effected. Er Young stated what he had heard and Er Marks denied the charges in toto, and said he had been abused by the tongue of slander. He acknowledged that the course the Twelve had pursued was contrary to what he had expected but he did not intend to say any thing. The meeting was benificial to me & I though I would never listen to reports again. Evening Er Kimball called to see us I had a long conversation with him. He advised me to take L for time.

30 August 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 30th. At the Temple all day talked with L. but she dont seem disposed to do what is councilled.

31 August 1844, Saturday
Nauvoo 2

Saturday 31st. At the Temple Office all day. P.M. went to see A. Hardman who is getting better. She will do right & wants her sister Elizabeth to go with her.

2 September 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 2

Monday 2nd. At the Temple Office had much talk with father about the gospel &c.

3 September 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

Tuesday 3rd. At the Temple all day Bro Whitney handed me the following

John Smith & wife 2
Jos. Smith & W 2

Hyrum Smith & do 2
Wm. Marks & W 2

Mercy R. Thompson 1
Jos. Fielding & W 2

W. Woodruff & Wife 2
C.P. Lott & W 2

G. A. Smith and W 2
L. Richards 1

N. K. Whitney & do 2
W. W. Phelps & W 2

R. Cahoon & do 2
S.H. Smith 1

A. Cutler & do 2
Isaac Morley & W 2

Jno Taylor & do 2
Agness Smith 1

O. Hyde & do 2
Jos. Young & W 2

James Adams & do 2
W. Clayton

H. C. Kimball & do 2
J.P. Green 1

B. Young & do 2
S. Rigdon 1

O. Spencer & do 2
Wm. Smith 1
O. Pratt 1
Almon Babbit 1

P.P. Pratt 1
Lyman Wight 1

W. Richards & Wife 2

J. M. Bernhisel 1

L Woodworth & wife 2

W. Law & wife 2

Sis Durfee 1

Mother Smith 1

Geo. Miller & W 2

4 September 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 2

Wednesday 4th Last eveinig the Twelve and some others met together with Er Rigdon to investigate his course. He came out full against the Twelve and said he would not be controlled by them. They asked him for his license, and he said he would give that if he must expose all the works of the secret chambers and all the iniquities of the church. The Twelve with drew fellowship from his [him?] and James Emmett and _____ [?]

There is considerable feeling prevailing. Edward Hunter, Leonard Soby, Wm. Cottier, B. Coles are amongst those who have joined Er Rigdon, Samuel James is one of his main supports. Every one of his followers as far as I can learn are ordained prophets and immediately receive the same spirit Er Rigdon is of. In the evening the Twelve & a few others of us met at Er Youngs & offered up prayers for our preservation & the preservation of the church, and that the Lord would bind up the dissenters that they may not have power to injure the honest in heart. We had a good time and we believe the Lord will answer our prayers.

5 September 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

Thursday 5th. ... Evening I heard Er Hyde in the Masonic Hall. He proved very plain that Er Rigdons course since he came here has been a continued course of deception and falsehood and that his object is to scatter the people and break up the foundation laid by our beloved prophet Joseph Smith. The people seem to feel indignant at Er Rigdon for it is now reduced to a certainty that he is conspiring with the apostates to bring a mob upon us.
Allen 1, p. 52 n. 45

Clayton became convinced that Sara [Crooks] was even ``laying a snare'' for him.

6 September 1844, Friday
Council of 50, p. 268

Friday. Sept 6 At the Temple all day copying Records of the Kingdom
Nauvoo 2

Friday 6th. ... A.M. Er H.C.K. came up to say that I might take A.H. I went to the Temple office & also to see A.H. P.M attended the High Council as clerk. Leonard Soby was disfellowshipped by the council for following Er Rigdon. He spouted hard

8 September 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 8. At the meeting all day and acted as clerk. Er Rigdon Samuel Bennett, Leonard Soby, George Morey, Joseph H. Newton and John A. Forgens were cut off from the church & Samuel James and Jared Carter disfellowshipped. There was a good feeling among the people and a bad feeling among the Rigdonites. 9, 10, 12 September 1844, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Nauvoo 2

9th. 10th. 12th (``P.M. at Phelps office comparing minutes.'')

13 September 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 13. /WC worked on minutes of the excommunication trial of Sep 8th/ ... At 3 went to see Alice Hardman who is sick and was united in the E.C.
Allen 1, p. 53

... on 13 September 1844 the two [William Clayton and Alice Hardman] were married by Heber C. Kimball

15 September 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 2

Sunday 15. A.M. hear P.P. Pratt preach on the priesthood.

20 September 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 2

Friday 20. ... Also wrote a letter for H.C. Kimball after he and I went to see A.H and E.B. The latter will obey his instructions. He again earnestly told me that all the Twelve were my very warmest friends and he will help me to accomplish all my desires inasmuch as they are right. He says I shall yet have S.C.

23 September, Monday
Temple History, p. 141

The works of the temple moved on with astonishing rapidity, and on the 23rd of September the first capital was put up.

The stone weighed about two tons and when the stone was at its hight, and the men were attempting to draw it to the wall, the crane gave way at the foot of the wing or angle, which circumstance caused considerable danger. By great care the stone was safely landed and set without any further accident.

24 September 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 2

/WC visited D.D. Yearsley to collect fifty dollars/ Yearsley has wronged me and it is an evidence to me that he is about to deny the faith. I feel that he has wronged me a second time. He refused to take a $5.- bill a few days ago and said it was a counterfeit, when it is well known that it is good
See other Book No 2

/Thus ends the 1843-1844 Diary/ 50
Allen 2, p. 175

Clayton borrowed a gun from Brigham Young with which to protect his family.

25 September 1844, Wednesday Temple History, p. 142

On Wednesday, the 25th, as the brethern were beginning to raise one of the capitals, having neglected to fasten the guys, the crane fell over with a tremendous crash, breaking it considerably. As soon as it was perceived that the crane was falling, the hands fled to get out of the way. One of the brethern, Thomas Jaap, running directly in the course of the falling crane, barely escaped being killed. The crane struck the ground and was within a foot of striking his head. This circumstance hindered the workmen some; but in a few days the crane was mended, reared, and the brethern again went to work on it.

About this time, Ira T. Miles came down from Lyman Wight's company, who were then in the north, having left the city, as was supposed, through cowardice, as they expected we should be routed and the city destroyed.

About the same time, Jacob Morris came down from the same company and stated that Miles had come with the intention of setting fire to the lumber, that the building might be hindered, as Lyman Wight had said the temple never would be built.

Whether this was the intention of Brother Miles or not we could not learn satisfactorily. However, enough was known to induce the authorities of the Church to advise the committee to have some of the old police guard the lumber and the temple night and day. The police have continued to guard it to this time. There has since been many threats thrown out from the Rigdonites and other sources that the temple never should be built, and no doubt an attempt would have been made to set fire to it if it had not been well guarded all the time.
26 September 1844, Thursday
Allen 2, p. 175

Four watchmen were placed at the temple every night and, commented Clayton, ``It seems that all hell is let loose at once but we feel calm for we know that God is with us.''

1 October 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 1

Tuesday 1st. ... Evening met the Twelve at bro. Kimballs and offered up prayer for the Governor and Emma & sundry other things. We had a very interesting season of conversation. A man has a right to be bapized for his acquaintances who are not relatives and sealed to them only by the consent and authority of him who holds the keys.

11 October 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 1

Friday 11th. ... Evening at H.C.Ks in company with Prest. Young. H.C.K & G.A.S of the Twelve, the two Trustees and sisters Kimball & Whitney We offered up prayer for the sick & sister Emma &c. and also that the enemies may have no more power over us. We had much conversation respecting the Temple Committee.

16 October 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 1

Wednesday 16th. ... At 12 married Lucius N. Scovil to Lucy Snow also Alice Harris to L.N.S.

18 October 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 1

Friday 18. ... I was at the office all day recording. P.M. Bishop Whitney read much in the Book of the Law of the Lord.

19 October 1844, Saturday Nauvoo 1

Saturday 19th. ... Last night I dreamed I was in a nice building in a very pleasant place. I thought I was married to brother Cutlers youngest daughter & she seemed as happy as an angel and I felt full of joy and peace. I thought I had received Miss Cutler in addition to those I had already got. When I awoke I felt disappointed and felt to pray in my heart O God if it be thy will give me that women for a companion and my soul shall praise thee but they will be done and not mine ... Sister Booth tells me that Sara Ann is very unhappy and wants to see me she says Jane Charnock is perfectly unhappy and if there is any way she can be loosed she wants me to take her. Mary Aspen is ready to unite to me as her savior and sister Booth says she shall not risk her salvation in Roberts hands & wants me to interfere We had considerable conversation on many subjects and felt pretty well.

21 October 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 1

Monday 21th (sic) ... P.M. I went to see M. Aspen she has made up her mind to go with me. I also went to see A. H. she is better.

27 October 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 1

Sunday 27. AM went to fetch books from the office. Called at brother Cutlers. Then went to George Millers, in council with N.K. Whitney, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, Goerge Miller, Amasa Lyman, Lucien Woodworth and John D. Parker. Brother Parker has been prying into the secret designs of the mob. He has professed to be an apostate and by that means got into their secret councils. He was told by the mob that all their plans to overthrow the church has completely failed, but they had one plan in view which they felt satisfied whould accomplish the purpose and that plan was to obtain our sacred records and destroy them and also obtain testimony from them to our overthrow. They gave him to understand that this was to be accomplished by the means of a man in our midst who had free access to the records and who had agreed to put them in possession of them. They finally told brother Parker that the man who was to do this was W. W. Phelps and Parker was told by several that Phelps was the man on whom they depended to get the records. I went over to Dr Richards and found that all the records were safe in his hands. There was also considerable fears entertained that bro. Cahoon is not true to us. A. Babbit is suspected from good evidence of being treacherous and of conspiring with the mob to overthrow us.

8 November 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 1

Friday 8th. ... P.M. went to see Jane Hardman
Nauvoo 1; Allen 1, p. 53

she prefers me for a Saviour to any one else, so she says.
10 November 1844, Sunday
Allen 2, p. 152

While in St. Louis, Clayton walked down Front Street and stopped to watch a man working on a stone marker. He was astonished to find the words ``high water June 27th 1844'' already inscribed. ``This was the day when this generation rejected the prophets of God,'' he was reminded. It was also the day floodwaters had overflowed the Missippii and covered Front Street. In Clayton's mind the high water marker was a sign of the providence of God. ``I suppose they never considered that this monument pointed directly to the day when they murdered the men of God,'' he mused. ``But I thought of it and could not help but wonder at the circumstances. I feel to hope that the monument will stand to put future generations in remembrance of the circumstances and time of the murder.''

19 November 1844, Tuesday
Nauvoo 1

Tuesday 19th. ... At night, I retired and prayed for him /his son Wm. Heber who was very sick/ according to the order of the priesthood

20 November 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 1

Wednesday 20th. ... P.M. went with Prest. Young to see sister Jane Hardman.
Nauvoo 1; Allen 1, p. 53

Prest. Young blessed her with the blessings of the ever lasting covenant and she was sealed up to eternal life and to W[illiam] C[layton] for time and for all eternity

21 November 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 1

Thursday 21st /Weeks Player & Cahoon had bitter feelings last two days/ We moved into the new office in P. P. Pratts store to day. Evening I went to brother H.C. Kimballs awhile and then to see J.H. & prospered.

22 November 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 1

Friday 22nd. ... Evening brother Kimball sent for me to write two letters for him. We had considerable talk on the priesthood. Margaret dont seem happy which makes my head ache.

2 December 1844, Monday
Nauvoo 1

Monday 2nd. ... The brethern had a council at Dr Richards but I was not permitted to be there, probably they did not think worthwhile to tell me. I feel sorry and grieved at heart, but dont intend they shall know it.

5 December 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 1

Thursday 5th. ... I was at the office all day. At noon we had some conversation concerning recorders for the Baptism of our dead &c. We feel very anxious on the matter but have little prospect of anything being done very speedily. I feel very anxious on the subject myself, in as much as the Records of our Baptisms for our dead have not been kept in order for near 2 years back. The minutes have been kept on loose slips of paper and are liable to be lost and they have not been kept according to the order of God. there is so much treachery in man that it is hard to find a man wo can be trusted with those Records for they cannot be public property. In as much as they will have to contain histories pertaining to the transactions of individuals which never must be public. Dr Richards remains very sick & I fear if he do not change his mode of living he will die ... Brother Kimball asked Prest. Young concerning D. Farr. He gave full consent & ordered Bro. K. to attend to it. I feel humbly grateful for this grant. And feel to ask the father in the name of Jesus to give me favor in her eyes & the eyes of her parents that I may receive the gift in full.

6 December 1844, Wednesday
Temple History, p. 142
The workmen continued raising the capitals until December, when, on the 6th of that month, the last one was safely deposited in its place; which was a source of great joy to the Saints. Many fears had been entertained that Brother Player would not be able to finish them before Winter set in, but it seemed as though the Lord held up the weather until this important piece of work was accomplished. About two hours after the capital was set it commenced snowing very briskly, and at night the ground was covered about four inches, and it froze very keenly.

There were then twelve of the capitals without the trumpet stones; and they remained in this state until the following Spring.

The cost of each of the capitals was about $300. The first and last of the capitals were cut by Charles Lambert and Harvey Stanley.

I will further say that when the hands were raising the last capital, and had got it about half-way up, one of the block shives in the tacklw broke an rendered it impossible in the situation to either raise or lower the stone. This circumstance presented a great difficulty, but after some consultation the hands fastened the rope below the tackle, so that it could not slip, and left the stone suspended while they took down the blocks, put in a new shive and fixed the blocks again.

The stone was then raised without further difficulty, and was set precisely at twenty minutes before one o'clock. This was the heaviest stone among the whole number.

16 December 1844, Monday
Temple History, p. 142

In the early part of December the trustees and Twelve held a council to talk on the propriety of employing a suitable number of carpenters this Winter to prepare the timber works for the temple, so as to have it all ready when the stone work is finished. It was decided to employ fifteen persons as steady carpenters; and the architect was authorized to select such men as he may have confidence in--men who are well qualified to do the work that is wanted.

It was also concluded to fix up a shop in the temple for the carpenters to work in. Accordingly the south side of the lower story of the temple was weather-boarded around. A very good shop was made by this means, which was completed on the following Saturday; and on Monday, the 16th, the men selected went to work in their new shop. Their names are as follows:

Truman O. Angell, William Felshaw, William F. Cahoon, Joseph T. Schofield, Samule Rolfe, Zimri H. Baxter, Adison Everett, John Stiles, Hugh Riding, Miles Romney, Jabez Durfee, Stephen Longstrogh, Benjamine Rolfe, Nicholas T. Silcock and William Carmichael. Hiram Mace, Wandel Mace and Gideon Gibbs were appointed to attend the saw-mill and Daniel Avery to turn grindstone for the carpenters, keep the shop clean and take care of strangers who might visit the building.

19 December 1844, Thursday
Nauvoo 1

Thursday 19th. ... Read 2 letters from Er Woodruff to Prest Young concerning Wm Smith & G. J. Adams showing that they are in opposition to the Twelve and have collected money in the east for the Temple & have used it. There are warrants out for them in N. York and Boston and all seems confusion and sorrow whereever they go.

22 December 1844, Sunday
Nauvoo 1

Met with the brethren of the first quorum to pray & counsel. My wife and O. Pratts wife, P.P. Pratts wife and A. Lymans wife was voted in we have to use the greatest care and caution & dare not let it be known that we meet

24 December 1844, Tuesday Nauvoo 1

Tuesday 24th. ... Evening I went to converse with brother Farr concerning D. He and sister Farr feels well towards me and are quite willing to give me what I ask. He wishes to converse with brother Kimball and D. before he decides. Thus has my prayer been answered to the full, and my heart is full of joy and gratitude to God for his mercies to me and my house. If my heart was as pure as I desire it should be, no sin nor evil would ever be found there but I am subject to vanity

25 December 1844, Wednesday
Nauvoo 1

Wednesday 25th. ... Afterwards I went with the Band to Collidges. We had a very pleasant interview. Prest Young, H.C. Kimball G.A. Smith A.Lyman, & John Taylor and their Ladies were all there. After we got through playing prest Young read some remarks expressive of his good feelings and Love for the brethrn. His remarks were very profitable. He said the Lord would never suffer us to overcome our enemies while we cherish feelings of revenge. When we prevail over our enemies it must be from a sense of duty and not of revenge.

27 December 1844, Friday
Nauvoo 1

Friday 27th. ... After meeting I asked brother Farr if he had come to a conclusion & he gave assent to my request and seemed to feel well.

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