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| Zion's Camp Chronology |
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| Heber's
Accounts of Zion's Camp (1) |
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Times
and Seasons (1845) and Millennial Star (1864) versions of
Heber's daily journal in parallel columns. |
| Heber's Accounts
of Zion's Camp (2) |
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| ¶ Wilford Woodruff |
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Retrospective (daily diary entries begin January 13, 1835). |
| W. W.
Phelps to the Star, May 1, 1834 |
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W. W. Phelps writes that in late
April a report that Mormons were coming to take their lands brings the mob
out for war. They burn most of the 170 Mormon structures. Depredations in
Clay county. Some non-Mormons leaving Jackson. Only God can stop the mob. |
| Joseph Smith
to Emma, June 4, 1834 |
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Arriving at the Mississippi, Joseph
writes that Emma that the Camp is in good condition, enemies believe the
camp is much larger than the real number of 170; hope to meet up with Hyrum
Smith and Lyman Wight contingent at Salt River. |
| Daniel
Dunklin to James Thornton, June 6, 1834 |
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Governor Dunklin hopes
for a compromise between the Mormons and Jackson county citizens. Failing
that, he will have to enforce the law. Must remain out of negotiations to
retain impartiality. Law is on the side of the Mormons, but they cannot
enter the state armed without his consent. |
| John
Corrill to the Star, June 14, 1834 |
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John Corrill writes
in mid-June that Jackson county mob leaders spread word that the Mormons
are coming, burn remaining Mormon property and blame it on the Mormons.
Hundreds of armed men ready to repel any Mormon attempt to return; agitating
citizens of Clay county. Some residents leaving Jackson. Mormon intentions
purely defensive, governor assurres protection. |
| Hiram
Winters Recollection of Zion's Camp |
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Twelve
men receive two pounds of deer meat and two pounds of bread, which
proves more than enough. The First Presidency heals Burr Riggs, who
had been found stiff as a board. |
| July 1834 Appeal |
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The high council in Zion issues
a public appeal for assistance from all honorable, freedom-loving men,
warning if this blatant violation of state and federal constitutions prevails,
no one will be safe from religious persecution in the future. |
| Aftermath |
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Minutes
of August 11, 1834 |
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Council of high priests and elders
hear Sylvester Smith's accusations
of "criminal conduct" by Joseph Smith during Zion's Camp. Joseph
is exonerated. Sylvester's confession is to be published and the branches
notified. |
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Minutes of August 21, 1834 |
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Council approves article vindicating
Joseph Smith's conduct on Zion's Camp, signed by sixteen members, to be
published in the Evening and Morning Star and circulated as a broadside. |
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Minutes of August 28, 1834 |
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Bishop Whitney convenes high council
to try Sylvester Smith for his accusations against Joseph Smith. The prophet's
conduct in Zion's Camp is upheld and Sylvester Smith is rebuked. |
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Minutes of August 29, 1834 |
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Concluding testimony in the Sylvester
Smith case—he is blamed for confrontations with Joseph Smith during
Zion's Camp: insubordination, threatening Joseph's dog, arguing with him,
refusing to share bread. Joseph didn't steal a quilt, it was given to him.
Sylvester to publish confession. Detailed terms dictated. Sylvester signs
statement under duress. |
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Sylvester Smith's Published Confession |
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Difficulties between Sylvester Smith
and Joseph Smith arose during Zion's Camp. Sylvester complained to council,
which found Joseph's conduct blameless. Sylvester perfectly satisfied,
regrets trouble he caused with his accusations. Testifies the work is true
and must endure. Published in the October issue of the Messenger and
Advocate. |
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Jackson County
Expulsion from Jackson County
Missouri
Kirtland 1834
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