Minutes of August 29, 1834

Mormon History 1830-1844

Minutes of August 29, 1834
Concluding testimony in the Sylvester Smith case. He refused to take Hyrum's order to move the camp §; threatened dog (Joseph's?) §. Accusation that Joseph appropriated a quilt §. Sylvester refused Parley bread §. Sylvester guilty, must publish confession §. Sylvester signs under duress.

Speaking times are given on page 73 of the minutes, after the testimony and decision. Here the times appear in the notation column to the right of each speaker's testimony.

Date		August 29, 1834	Kirtland council, 63–73.
Location		Kirtland, Ohio.
Description		Council being organized in due form, the testimony was continued …
Moderator		[Newel K. Whitney]
Clerks		Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde
Luke Johnson testimony Lyman and Sylvester stop, others continue		Luke S. Johnson: As the camp neared the twenty-five mile prairie in Missouri, Joseph sent him back to assist those at the recent creek crossing and said that the camp would be moving on to the prairie. When he returned, Lyman Wight and Sylvester Smith's men were stopped for supper, while others were following the ensign, or flag, forward. Sylvester called out to them [64] "who they were following; whether Gen. Wight or some other man?"	I have reconstructed Luke's convoluted narrative for what seems to be proper sequence of events. Cf. ¶ Sylvester Smith. Original: White Lyman Wight had been appointed "general of the camp" on June 8, nine days before this incident began. ¶ Heber's Accounts of Zion's Camp (1)
Admit dividing camp		That evening Lyman and Sylvester "were called upon to give an account of themselves, why they had sought to divide the camp? They both acknowledged that they had been out of the way by so doing."
Rebuke not unusually severe		President Smith did throw a trumpet or horn, but not at Sylvester. "It only fell to the ground near to them (himself and Brother Sylvester) … He further said that the reproofs given by President Smith at the time were no more severe than he had often heard him give previously; that he did not consider him angry, as he has been represented."
Hyrum Smith testimony Joseph asks Hyrum about going to prairie, orders move		Brother Hyrum Smith said that when the camp first came to the creek himself and brother Joseph were forward, that while [65] the teams were crossing, Brother asked whether it was advisable to move into the prairie to camp. After some consultation, it was first advised to [-] camp in the bushes near the edge of the prairie. While making prepareations to encamp they were informed that a mob intended to make an attack upon them that night.
		They further consulted upon their situation and himself and brother Thayer, were required by brother Joseph, to go onto the edge of the Prairie where they might encamp. They looked out a place but it was near the bushes, and brother Joseph gave an order to go forward into the prairie. …
Luke sent to assist at creek		Some further remarks were offered on the subject of a visit from a mob, and preparations were made with the guns & Some feared were entertained for the teams and families yet crossing the creek, and it was thought advisable to send back a company to guard & assist them over, among whom was brother Luke Johnson.
Hyrum standard bearer		He [Hyrum] then took the flag or standard (as he had previously carried it) and gave the word to move forward, and the teams immediately began to follow.
Lyman defies Hyrum		After the company had come up in the Prairie himself with brother R. Orton received an order to call upon brother L. Wight to place strong guard around the camp that night, but he refused doing any thing further, because he supposed that he, (brother Hyrum) supposed he had ordered the camp into the prairie without an order from the commander of the company	Roger Orton
Lyman and Sylvester reproved		He was then informed by brother Joseph that it was by his (brother J's) order that the camp should move into the prairie. He was present when brother Joseph reproved brothers, L. Wight & Sylvester Smith [66] and saw the transactions or design to throw it at brother Sylvester,
		he has no such thought at the time, nor could he have since—that at the time when he (brother Joseph) had finished his remarks to brothers Wight & Sylvester, that he threw the horn upon the ground. That brother Wight told him the next day that he had had a jealousy existing in his mind against him (brother Hyrum) for some days, but now his mind was satisfied, and he said that when he received the order for moving the camp into the prairie, that brothers L. Wight & Sylvester were near by.
Adjourn		Adjourn to 1 p.m.
		Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde clerks

Resume	¶	At 1:00 the clerk calls the names of the moderator, counselors, and "complainant & defendant," and "business" resumes.
Brigham Young Nothing wrong with Joseph's conduct	¶	Brother Brigham Young, said that he was in company with brother Joseph from about 27 miles from this place [Kirtland] till they arrived in Clay County Missouri, That at the time the difficulty occurred on the prairie, when the camp was divided, that he concurred in what brother Hiram had said, and that he could not relate it any more particular than he (brother Hyrum) had done.
		He further said that he had not seen any thing in brother Joseph's conduct to justify the charge previously made by brother Sylvester, that his heart was corrupt. So far from this, he had not seen the last shadow of any thing of the kind. He had not seen any thing in his (brother Joseph's) conduct, during his journey to the West unbecoming his [67] profession as a man of God.
Rebukes didn't hurt Sylvester's reputation		Question by brother Sylvester.
		Did you not think that my character was injured in the minds of the weaker part of the camp in consequence of those reproofs and chastizements which were given me by brother Joseph?	¶ Satan Came Also ¶ Heber's Zion's Camp ¶ Sylvester Smith
		Answer. I did not.
Dog		Brother Brigham further said in relation to a certain difficulty which took place relative to a dog.—
		that on a certain evening after crossing the Missisippi River, brother Sylvester came up with the remaining part of the camp, when the dog came out and insulted him. he knew not whether he touched him or not.	At this place there was some feelings of hostility manifested again by Sylvester Smith, in consequence of a dog growling at him while he was marching his company up to the camp, he being the last that come over the river.—
Joseph defends dog		The next morning, after hearing considerable complaint and murmuring concerning the dog. Brother Joseph spoke to several brethren present and said,	The next morning Brother Joseph said
	¶	I will descend to the spirit that is in the camp, to show you the spirit you are of, for I want to drive it from the camp. "The first man that kills that dog, or my dog I will whip him!"	that he would descend to be spirit that was manifested by some of the brethren, to let them see the folly of their wickedness. He rose up and commenced speaking, by saying, "if any man insults me, or abuses me, I will stand in my own [789] defence at the expense of my life; and if a dog growl at me, I will let him know that I am his master."
Sylvester's retort		He thought about this time, that brother Sylvester came up, who said "If that dog bites me I will kill him."	At this moment Sylvester Smith, who had just returned from where he had turned out his horses to feed, came up, and hearing Brother Joseph make those remarks, said, "if that dog bites me, I'll kill him."—
Back and forth		If you do said brother Joseph "I will whip you."	Brother Joseph turned to Sylvester and said, "if you kill that dog, I'll whip you," and then went on to show the brethren how wicked and unchristianlike such conduct appeared before the eyes of truth and justice.
		If you do said brother Sylvester, I shall defend myself the best way that I can!
Joseph reproves camp attitude		Brother Joseph then said that he could in the name of the Lord. He brother Joseph asked the brethren if they were not ashamed of such a spirit? said he, I am. He then proceeded to reprove them for condescending to that spirit, that they ought to be above it, that it was the spirit of a dog, and men ought never to place themselves on a level with beasts. but he possessed of a more noble disposition.
		He then said he had descended to that spirit in order to show the spirit which was among them.
		He further said that this explanation gave general satisfaction, and the most of them said that he had only made those remarks for the purpose of intrusting them, and warning them against such a spirit or disposition.
		Brethren L. Johnson & H. C. Kimball concurred.	Lyman E. Johnson Heber C. Kimball
David Elliott		Brother D. Elliot said he was not present when these reproofs were given in the mor[68]ning, that the circumstances were related to him afterward, which disaffected his mind and gave him some disareeable feeling, that at noon. he heard brother Joseph give a further explanation, which perfectly satisfied his mind.	David Elliott (b. 1799 in Charleston, New York; d. 1855 in Salt Lake City), blacksmith, lives in Ithaca. Baptized 1831. Marries Mary Cahoon, 1831. Member, First Quorum of Seventy. To Missouri with Kirtland Camp, 1838. After Missouri, Springfield, Illinois. Papers: 1:484.
Many unhappy with Joseph over dog Satisfied when Joseph explained at noon		He further said that during the forenoon he learned that there were <many> of the brethern dissatisfied with brother Joseph's remarks, concerning the dog in the morning, that after the explanation at noon was so generally given, he thought that every one in the camp might have known it.
		David was "perfectly satisfied" with Joseph's explanation.
Lorenzo Booth Nothing wrong with Joseph's conduct		Brother Lorenzo Booth concurred in the statement of brother Brigham Young; though he was not present in the morning when the reproofs were given concerning the dog that he was with brother Joseph twenty seven miles from this place to Missouri and a part of the way home. That he did not see any thing in brother Joseph character. derogatory to a man professing Religion.
Joseph did not steal quilt Given to him		That he was present during a certain transaction, which occurred during their journey home, respecting certain articles of beading [bedding]. That he ~~had~~ has heard since his return that brother Joseph Smith; Junr. and Ezra Thayer fought, that he was present during the whole transaction, and that there was no fighting,
		He further said in relation to a certain report which had come to his knowledge since his return from Missouri that brother Joseph had taken a bed-quilt which was not his property. That while at New Portage Ohio, on their way to Missouri, one of the brethren gave him brother Joseph two bed-quilts, which he brother Booth had charge of as he was the individual who drove the team for brother Joseph and had charge of the baggage. That befoer leaving Clay County Missouri he brother B. took them to be washed, and after starting for home, he went and put them aboard of the Waggon, the babbage of which he [69] had the charge during their journey home. That he brought the same back with him,—has seen them since and knows that the one which was said to be the property of another individual, is the one which was given brother Joseph at Norton.
Frederick G. Williams Marked quilts—not stolen		Brother F. G. Williams, said while at Norton, certain articles were handed him to mark, among which were two bed-quilts, which he marked with common ink. Has seen certain bed-quilts since his return, and has no doubt but this one in question, is the one he marked.	Frederick G. Williams
Brigham Young Joseph reproves Sylvester over rations		Brother B. Young further said, relative to a certain difficulty arising out of a circumstance concerning some bread. That brother J. S. Carter on their to Missouri, on the line between Ohio and Indiana said to brother Joseph is this thing right?	"We purchased flour <and meal,> baked our own bread and cooked our own provisions generally. which were good though sometimes scanty: and some times we had Johnny cake. or corn dodger. instead of flour bread." MH-A, 479. On the shortage of bread after crossing into Missouri,, see Hiram Winter's Zion's Camp
Brigham Young Joseph reproves Sylvester over rations		"What thing? concerning brother P. P. Pratt (h) asking brother Sylvester for bread for supper. He then learned that brother Pratt had asked brother Sylvester for some bread, that brother Sylvester had bread at the time, but directed him to some one else, who he brother S. said had a sufficient. that brother Pratt called upon that individual and could not obtain any: That he was present when brother Joseph told brother Sylvester that he had not conducted right in the matter. that he ought to impart when he had in [preference?] to directing one where he was not certain he could obtain—that by so doing some might be deprived of food at times.
Sylvester justified himself		He further said that brother S. contends he has been right and justified his own conduct in the matter. That brother Joseph reasoned with brother Sylvester to convince him, that he brother S. was in a fault, but he continued to justify his course till brother J reproved him sharply.
		He frequently hears the brethren speak of this circumstance, and all whom he heard say any thing on the subject manifested a satisfaction with brother J. and thought his [70] observations were correct and just, and the principles which he advanced to be just.
Lyman Sherman		Brother Lyman Sherman said the he concurred in brother B. Youngs statement concerning the bread. That he thought that it was generally known that brother Pratt, in consequence of brother Sylvester's <not> furnishing him with bread, was deprived of bread that night.—
		That at the time when brother Joseph told him that brother Parley did not obtain any bread in consequence of the same.
Jacob Bump Sylvester claims Parley got bread		Brother Jacob Bump said that since the Brethren return[ed] from the West, that he went with Sylvester to brother S. Rigdon to advise concerning the adjusting of certain complaints which were in circulation concerning brother Joseph's conduct to and from Mo. that brother Sylvester told Sidney that Parley did obtain bread from the individual to whom he sent him.
Orson Hyde		Brother O. Hyde said that he concurred in the statements of brother B. Young concerning the circumstances which transpired at the time the difficulty arose about the bread.
Lyman Johnson and Heber C. Kimball		Brethrin Lyman Johnson & Heber C. Kimball concurred in the same statement.
Orson Hyde		Brother Orson Hyde then exhibited an account current taken from the receipts of moneys and their properties expended during their late journey to and from Mo.
Frederick G. Williams expense report		This account was taken from documents kept during the journey by brother F. G. Williams.
Expense report correct		Brother F. G. Williams said that the account expi[nded] was correctly taken from his amounts as he had the charge of the monies and attended to paying it out &c.
Counselors		The case was then submitted to the council, and the counsellors everally spoke in their turns.
		Afer which the Complainent and the accused also spoke.
Sylvester and Joseph		[71] Sylvester and Joseph each speak.
Decision Publish confession	¶	The Moderator then proceeded to give a decision, That if brother Sylvester Smith will acknowledge the following items of complaints before this council & publish the same in print, that he can remain yet a member of this church otherwise he is expelled from the same. viz:
Terms	¶	First, he is to acknowledge that he has wickedly and maliciously accused our brother J. Smith Jr. with prophesying lies in the name of the Lord, once on the line between Ohio and Indiana, and at another time after crossing the Mississippi River, and at another time after leaving the Church in Missouri at Florida.—
		That he is to acknowledge that in making these charges against brother J. S. Junior he has himself willfully and maliciously lied.
		That he has maliciously told falsehoods, in saying that brother J. Smith Junr. has abused him with insulting and abusive language and also injuring his character and standing before the brethren while journeying to Missouri.
		That he further cast out insinuations concerning brother J. S. Junrs character which was also an evil malicious design to injure brother Josephs standing in the church.—
		That he further acknowledge that he has abused the former councils which have set upon this case and wickedly and maliciously insulted their just and righteous decisions.—
		That he has further tantalized this present council, in seeking to excuse himself contrary to the counselling of the counsellors. after acknowledging that it was organized by the direction of revelation.
		And further, that he has wilfully and maliciously lied, by saying that brother J. Smith Junr had prohibited the liberty of speech on their journey to Missouri.
		That he also acknowledge that he has wickedly and maliciously lied by charging brother J. S. Junr. of being possessed of a heart as corrupt as hell.
Council agrees	¶	[72] The Counsellors were then called ypon to give their assent to the foregoing decision, and concurred. in the same.
Sylvester's confession	¶	I hereby certify that the foregoing charges or complaints are just and true, and hereby acknowledge the same. as set forth in the decisions of this council by signing my own proper name to their minutes with my own hand.
	¶	~~Sylvester Smith~~
Coerced	¶	The above was signed for fear of [one or two canceled words] <punishment>	The entire line is in another hand and is probably an insertion.
	¶	The council then proceeded to transact some other business. brother Joseph Smith Junr. the president of the church presiding.
Joseph to preach Sunday		It was agreed that the church in Kirtland be instructed on their particular duties &c. on sunday by brother Joseph.
Brigham chorister		It was further decided that brother Brigham Young be appointed to take the lead in singing in our meetings.
Close	¶	The council then closed brother Reynolds Cahoon lead in prayer at fifteen minutes before 3 oclock A.M. on Saturday the 29 <1834>
	¶	Oliver Cowdery / Orson Hyde clerks
		Minutes of September 8, 1834 Minutes of August 28, 1837 Ohio Minutes Zion's Camp Home