Saints Without Halos: A Mormon History Website

Mormon History 1830-1844

Heber C. Kimball's Accounts of Zion's Camp (1)


		Times and Seasons Vol. 6, no. 1 (Jan. 15, 1845): 771–773		Millennial Star Vol. 26, no. 34 (Aug. 20, 1864): 535–536. Originally published in the Deseret News, Mar. 31–Apr. 28, 1858
		EXTRACT FROM THE JOURNAL OF ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL.		SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF HEBER CHASE KIMBALL.	Heber C. Kimball (h1) Minutes of Feb. 17, 1834 "Extract" is consistent, though not identical to the uncorrected version of MH-A.
High council organized February 17, 1834	¶	During my stay here (Kirtland) and on the 17th February 1834, a general council of twenty four High Priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith jr., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the High Council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve High Priests. The number composing the council who voted in the name of and for the church in appointing these councillors were forty three, as follows; nine High Priests, seventeen Elders, four Priests, and thirteen members. During this time I received much precious instruction concerning the order of the kingdom.
			¶	Soon after our arrival in Kirtland there was a contribution called for to finish the school-house and printing office; I contributed the glass for the house, and I gave brother Hyrum Smith $200 for the building of the temple.
House of the Lord construction	¶	When I got to Kirtland the brethren were engaged in building the house of the Lord. The commandment to build the house, and also the pattern of it was given in a revelation to Joseph Smith jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, and was to be erected by a stated time.	¶	The brethren were engaged in building the House of the Lord. The commandment to build the House, and also the pattern of it was given in a revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, and was to be erected by a stated time.	Frederick G. Williams Sidney Rigdon
Church impoverished		The church was in a state of poverty and distress, in consequence of which it appeared almost impossible that the commandment could be fulfilled,		The Church was in a state of poverty and distress, in consequence of which it appeared almost impossible that the commandment could be fulfilled,
Enemies raging		at the same time our enemies were raging and threatening destruction upon us, and we had to guard ourselves night after night, and for weeks were not permitted to take off our clothes, and were obliged to lay with our firelocks in our arms.		at the same time our enemies were raging and threatening destruction upon us, and we had to guard night after night, and for weeks were not permitted to take off our clothes, and were obliged to lay with our firelocks in our arms to preserve brother Joseph's life.
Painesville suit				Joseph was sued before a magistrate's court in Painesville on a vexatious suit. I carried him from Kirtland to Painesville, with four or five others, in my wagon every morning for five days, and brought them back in the evening. We were often waylaid, but managed to elude our enemies by rapid driving and taking different roads. Esq. Bissell defended the Prophet.
Jackson county persecutions 1200 driven, plundered		At this time also, our brethren were suffering great persecution in Jackson county, Missouri; about twelve hundred were driven, plundered and robbed; and their houses burned and some were killed.
Ready to destroy us	¶	The whole country seemed to be in arms against us, ready to destroy us.	¶	Mobs were organized around Kirtland, who were enraged against us, ready to destroy us.
Revelation to redeem Zion		Brother Joseph received a lengthy revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, which remains to be fulfilled in a great measure.	¶	Brother Joseph received a revelation concerning the redemption of Zion.	D&C 101 (Dec. 16, 1833)
Gather men to assist brethren in Zion		But he thought it best to gather together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, with what means they could spare and go up to Zion to render all the assistance that we could to our afflicted brethren.		He gathered together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, to go up to Missouri to the assistance of our persecuted brethren, according to the words of the Lord.	Zion's Camp Chronology (1834)
Supplies		We gathered clothing and other necessaries to carry up to our brethren and sisters who had been stripped; and putting our horses to the wagons, and taking our firelocks and ammunition, we started on our journey;
Oliver, Sidney temple workmen remain		leaving only Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and the workmen who were engaged at the Temple; so that there were very few men left in Kirtland.			Sidney was leading the church in Kirtland in Joseph's absence. He and Oliver were preparing the church covenants and putting out Evening and Morning Star. ¶ Minutes of Apr. 20–21, 1834
Travel on foot		Our wagons were about full with baggage &c., consequently we had to travel on foot.
May 5 Leave Kirtland		We started on the 5th of May and truly this was a solemn morning to me. I took leave of my wife and children and friends, not expecting ever to see them again, as myself and brethren were threatened both in that country and in Missouri by the enemies, that they would destroy us and exterminate us from the land.	¶	May 5th, I left Kirtland in company with brother Joseph and about a hun-[536]dred others
	¶	There were about one hundred brethren in our company who started for Zion. These brethren were all young men and nearly all Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons.
May 6 Organize at New Portage Pool funds		The second day we arrived at New Portage, being about 50 miles, at which place on the 7th, we made regulations for travelling, and appointed a paymaster whose name was Frederick G. Williams, and put all of our monies into a general fund. Some of the brethren had considerable, and others had little or none, yet all became equal.		and arrived in New Portage on the 7th, where Zion's camp was organized. I had a span of good horses and wagon which I took along and I gave in to the general fund all the money I had.	New Portage
		While here one of my horses received a kick from another horse, which obliged me to trade away my span, and get another span of older horses.
Chippeway		We then proceeded on our journey twelve miles to the Chippeway. Here we pitched our tents under a pine grove.
Company organization		The next day we were divided into companies of twelve each, and captains were appointed over each company. I then organized my company in the following manner, appointing two to attend to cooking, two to see that fires were made, two to prepare the tent at night and prepare the bedding, and also to strike the tent each morning, two to fetch and provide water, one to do the running, two to see to the horses, see that the wagon was greased, and every thing prepared for starting. My business was to see that the company was provided for, and to see that all things were done in order.
Heber's company organization				I was appointed Captain of the third company, which numbered thirteen. I drove and took care of my own team, and took charge of my company.
Heber walks most of the way				I walked the most of the journey, letting the lame and footsore ride in my stead. I frequently invited the Prophet to ride, seeing him lame and footsore, on such occasions he would bless my team and myself with a hearty good will: my team performed the journey very well.
		Times and Seasons
Food Evening, morning prayers		Our living generally was very good, being able to buy bread from the bakers on the way through the settled part of the country. After this we purchased flour and had to bake our own bread. We sometimes had to live mostly on johnny cake and corn dodger, and sometimes our living was scant. Every night before we went to bed we united in our tent and offered up our prayers before the Lord for protection. This was done at the sound of a trumpet; and at the sound of the trumpet in the morning, every man was upon his knees and some one made prayer. There was a similar order attended to in each tent. There were higher officers appointed over the company.
May 8 Begin	¶	On the 8th we started on our journey, and on Saturday the 10th, we passed through Mansfield and camped for the Sabbath in Richfield.
May 11 Sunday Sylvester Smith preaches		On Sunday the 11th, brother Sylvester Smith [772] preached and the sacrament of bread and wine was administered to the company.			Sylvester Smith
May 12 Sandusky		On Monday the 12th we passed over the Sandusky Plains, and through the Indian settlements.—
Roads		We then passed through a long range of beech woods, where the roads were very bad. In many instances we had to fasten ropes to the wagons to haul them out of the sloughs and mud holes. While passing through these woods the brethren scattered on each side of the road and went to hunting for wild game.
Sylvester Smith's refractory feelings		We came to Belle Fontain where we first discovered refractory feelings in Sylvester Smith >.
Dayton		We passed through a very pleasant country to Dayton, Ohio, where we crossed the Miami River, which is a very beautiful stream; the water being only about two and a half feet deep, most of the brethren forded it.
May 16		We arrived at this place on Friday the 16th. The brethren were in good spirits, and the Lord was with us.
May 17 Ohio/Indiana border		On Saturday the 17th we passed into Indians, just on the line betwixt the State of Ohio and Indiana, where we camped for the Sabbath, having travelled forty miles that day. Our feet were very sore and blistered, and our stockings were wet with blood, the weather being very warm.			"on Saturday ~~the~~ 17th ~~of May~~ we crossed the state line of Ohio, and encamped for the sabbath just within the limits of Indiana, having travelled<about> forty miles that day; Our feet were very sore and blistered, our Stockings wet with blood, the weather being very warm. ~~This~~ <At> night ~~one <of> our enemies spies~~ <a spy> attempted to get into our camp. but was prevented by our guards. We had our sentinels <posted> every night on account of spies. who were continually striving to harrass us.—<~~[--] to~~ steal our horses &c> , 480.
Spies	¶	This night a spy from the enemy attempted to get into our camp but was stopped by the guard. We had our sentinels or guards appointed every night, on account of spies continually harassing us.
Sylvester Smith's rebellion Joseph's rebuke and prediction		On this evening there was quite a difficulty between some of the brethren and Sylvester Smith, on occasion of which brother Joseph was called to decide the matter. Finding quite a rebellious spirit in Sylvester Smith, and to some extent in others, he said that they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances, "and you will know it before you leave this place"; exhorting them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be scourged.			The text from MS history, Addenda 4-G, below was copied from Heber's Times and Seasons account and incorporated into HC 2:68–69. "This evening there was ~~quite~~ a difficulty between some of the brethren and Sylvester Smith, on occasion of which I was called to decide in the matter. Finding ~~quite~~ a rebellious spirit in Sylvester Smith, and to some extent in others; I told them they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances; and said, "and you will know it before you leave this place"; exhorting them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be scourged.
		A very singular occurrence took place that night, and the next day concerning our teams.			"A very singular occurrence took place that night, and the next day concerning our teams.
Horses founder		On the following morning when we arose we found almost every horse in the camp so badly foundered that we could scarce lead them a few rods to the water. The brethren then deeply realized the effects of discord.			"On ~~the following morning~~ Sunday, when we arose, we found almost every horse in the camp so badly foundered that we could scarcely lead them a few rods to the water. The brethren then deeply realized the effects of discord.
		When brother Joseph learned the fact he exclaimed to the brethren, that for a witness that God overruled and had his eye upon them, that all those who would humble themselves before the Lord, should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses should be restored to health immediately, and by twelve o'clock the same day the horses were as nimble as ever, with the exception of one of Sylvester Smith's which soon afterwards died <.			"When I learned the fact, I exclaimed to the brethren, that for a witness that God overruled and had His eye upon them, that all those who would humble themselves before the Lord, should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses should be restored to health immediately; and by twelve o'clock the same day the horses were as nimble as ever, with the exception of one of Sylvester Smith's, which soon afterwards died." MS history, Addenda 4-G.
Skips sacrament to write Vilate	¶	On Sunday the 18th we had preaching as usual and administered the sacrament. I did not attend meeting myself as I was writing a letter to my companion.
May 19 Indianapolis		Monday 19th we passed through Indianapolis where we crossed white river. The teams forded the river most of the brethren crossed over the new bridge which was unfinished.
Enemy threats		We were threatened by our enemies that we should not go through the town, but we passed through quietly and were not molested, everything appeared to be in perfect silence as we went through, although the people looked aghast as if fear had come upon them. At night we camped on an open spot, the height of an eminence. Here we lost one horse.
Indianapolis		*Millennial Star*		May 21st, We passed through Indianapolis the capital of Indiana.
		Times and Seasons
May 25, Illinois border		On Sunday the 25th we arrived at the edge of Illinois. We had no meeting but attended to washing and baking to prepare for our journey again.
Continually threatened Angels seen		On Monday 26th, we resumed our journey. At night we were alarmed by the continual threatening of our enemies. I would here remark that notwithstanding so many threats were thrown out against us we did not fear nor hesitate to proceed on our journey for God was with us, and angels went before us, and we had no fear of either men or devils. This we know because they (angels) were seen.
Decatur		Wednesday the 28th we reached the town of Decatur. Here we lost another horse.
Jacksonville		Saturday the 31st at night, we camped one mile from Jacksonville and prepared for the Sabbath.
June 1 service		On Sunday, June 1st, we had preaching all day, and many of the inhabitants of the town came out to hear. Brother John Carter preached in the morning. By this time the inhabitants began to flock down in companies to hear preaching, as they understood we were professors of religion and had had a meeting in the morning.
Preachers: John Carter Joseph Young Brigham Young Orson Hyde Lyman Johnson Orson Pratt, Eleazar Miller		Brother Joseph then proposed that some of the brethren should set forth different portions of the gospel in their discourses, as held by the religious world. He called upon brother Joseph Young to preach upon the principles of salvation. He then called upon brother Brigham Young to speak, who set forth baptism as essential to salvation. [773] He was followed by brother Orson Hyde who proved by the scriptures that baptism was for the remission of sins. He next called upon brother Lyman Johnson, who spoke at some length upon the necessity of men being upright in their walk, and keeping the Sabbath day holy. He then called upon brother Orson Pratt who delivered an excellent discourse on the principles of the final restoration of all things. The services of the day were concluded by a powerful exhortation from Eleazer Miller. His voice was said to be heard a mile and a half.			Orson Hyde Lyman Johnson Orson Pratt
Eleazar Miller in Mendon	¶	I would here remark concerning brother Eleazar Miller who was one of the first that brought the gospel to us in Mendon N. Y., when he used to retire to a little grove near my house for secret prayer, he would get so filled with the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost that he would burst out into a loud voice so that he was heard by the surrounding inhabitants for more than a mile.
Strangers try to guess religious identity		After the day's services were over at this place many strangers were in our camp making remarks upon the preaching which they had heard. They said that brother Joseph Young by his preaching they should judge was a Methodist. They thought brother Brigham Young was a close communion Baptist. Brother Orson Hyde they supposed was a Campbellite, or reformed Baptist.—Brother Lyman Johnson they supposed was a Presbyterian, and brother Orson Pratt a Restorationer. They enquired if we all belonged to one denomination. The answer was, we (were) some of us Baptists, some Methodists, some Presbyterians, some Campbellites, some Restorationers &c.
People estimate 500 in camp		On Monday morning when we passed through Jacksonville, they undertook to count us, and I heard one man say, who stood in the door of a cabinet shop that he had counted a little rising of five hundred, but he could not tell how many there were. This thing was attempted many times in villages and towns as we passed through, but the people were never able to ascertain our number.
Spies in Indiana	¶	One circumstance that occurred while we were traveling in Indiana, I will here mention, concerning some spies who came into our camp.			Heber's Extracts, 787–790.
Evasive answers		One day while we were eating dinner three gentleman came riding you on very fine looking horses and commenced their inquiries of various ones concerning our traveling not so large a body, asking where we were from, and which we were going. The reply was as usual some from the State of Maine, another would say, I am from York state, some from Massachusetts, some from Ohio, and some replied, we are from the east, and as soon as we have done eating dinner we shall be going to the west again.
Frederick G. Williams: No on in particular leads		They then addressed themselves to Doctor Williams to see if they could find out who the leader of the camp was. The Doctor replied, we have no one in particularly. They asked if we had not a general to take the lead [788] of the company? The reply was, no one in particular. But said they, is there not some one among you who you call your captain, or leader, or superior to the rest? He answered, sometimes one and sometimes another takes charge of the company so as not to throw the burthen upon any one in particular.
Spies from the West		These same spies who had come from the west passed us that same day, or the next.
June 2 cross Illinois river	¶	On Monday, June 2nd, we crossed the Illinois river. The enemies had threatened that we should not pass over here, but we were ferried across without any difficulty.
Ferryman believes 150 are 500		Here we were counted by the ferryman, and he declared we were five hundred in number, although there was only about one hundred and fifty of us. Our company had increased since we started from Kirtland, in consequence of many having volunteered and joined us from the different branches of the church, through which we had passed in our journey. We camped on the bank of the river until next day.
June 3 Mound overlooking Illinois river	¶	On Tuesday the 3rd, we went up, several of us, with Joseph Smith jr. to the top of a mound on the bank of the Illinois river, which was several hundred feet above the river, and from the summit of which we had a pleasant view of the surrounding country: we could overlook the tops of the trees, on to the meadow or prairie on each side the river as far as our eyes could extend, which was one of the most pleasant scenes I ever beheld.
3 stone altars on top Human bones		On the top of this mound there was the appearance of three altars, which had been built of stone, one above another, according to the ancient order; and the ground was strewn over with human bones. This caused in us very peculiar feelings, to see the bones of our fellow creatures scattered in this manner, who had been slain in ages past.
Dig up skeleton and arrow Take leg and thigh, Brigham keeps arrow		We felt prompted to dig down into the mound, and sending for a shovel and hoe, we proceeded to move away the earth. At about one foot deep we discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire; and between two of his ribs we found an Indian arrow, which had evidently been the cause of his death. We took the leg and thigh bones and carried them along with us to Clay county. All four appeared sound. Elder B. Young has yet the arrow in big possession. It is a common thing to find bones thus drenching upon the earth in this country.
Joseph's vision of Zelph Vision is evidence of Lord's mindfulness	¶	The same day, we pursued our journey.—While on our way we felt anxious to know who the person was who had been killed by that arrow. It was made known to Joseph that be had been an officer who fell in battle, in the last destruction among the Lamanites, and his name was Zelph. This caused us to rejoice much, to think that God was so mindful of us as to show these things to his servant. Brother Joseph had enquired of the Lord and it was made known in a vision.
Joseph prophesies scourge	¶	This day, June 3rd, while we were refreshing ourselves and teams, about the middle of the day, Brother Joseph got up in a wagon and said, that be would deliver a prophecy. After giving the brethren much good advice, exhorting them to faithfulness and humility, he said, the Lord had told him that there would a scourge come upon the camp, in consequence of the fractious and unruly spirits that appeared among them and they should die like sheep with the rot; still if they would repent and humble themselves before the Lord, the scourge in a great measure might be turned away; but, as the Lord lives, this camp will suffer for giving way to their unruly temper, which afterwards actually did take place to the sorrow of the brethren.
Buy honey	¶	The same day when we had got within one mile of the Snye, we came to a very beautiful little town called Atlas. Here we found honey for the first time on our journey, that we could buy; we purchased about two thirds of a barrel.
Cross Snye Mob warnings, gunfire		We went down to the Snye and crossed over that night in a ferry boat. We camped for the night on the bank of the Snye. There was a great excitement in the country through which we had passed, and also ahead of us; the mob threatened to stop us. Guns were fired in almost all directions through the night.—Brother Joseph did not sleep much, if any, but was through the camp, pretty much during the night.
June 4 camp on Mississippi river Enemy warn not to cross, cross anyway	¶	We pursued our journey on the 4th, and camped on the bank of the Mississippi river.—Here we were somewhat afflicted and the enemy threatened much that we should not cross over the river out of Illinois into Missouri. It took us two days to cross the river, as we had but one ferry boat, and the river was one mile and a half wide. While some were crossing, many others spent their time in hunting and fishing, &c. When we had all got over, we camped about one mile back from the little town of Louisiana, in a beautiful oak grove, which is immediately on the bank of the river.
Sylvester Smith and growling dog		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.—			Also see ¶ Minutes of Aug. 29, 1834, ¶ Satan Came Also, ¶ Sylvester Smith
Joseph: if you kill it, I'll whip you		The next morning Brother Joseph said 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." 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."— 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.
June 6	¶	On Friday the 6th, we resumed out journey.
June 7 Salt river, Allred settlement		On Saturday the 7th, at night, we camped among our brethren at Salt river, in the Allred settlement, in a piece of woods by a beautiful Spring of water and prepared for the Sabbath.
June 8 Hyrum and Lyman arrive 255 total		On the Sabbath we had preaching. Here we remained several days, washing our clothes, and preparing to pursue our journey. Here we were joined by Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight with another company. The camp now numbered two hundred and five men, all armed and equipped as the law directs. It was delightful to see the company, for they were all young men with one or two exceptions, and in good spirits.
Reorg: Lyman Wight general Hyrum captain of Joseph's guard	¶	We were now re-organised, according to the following order: Lyman Wight was chosen general of the camp; then Brother Joseph chose twenty men out of the camp for his life guard, I being one of the number. Brother George A. Smith was Brother Joseph's armor bearer; Hyrum Smith was chosen captain of the life guard. The remainder of the camp was organised into companies as before stated.			Lyman Wight
Drill on prairie		We had twenty-five wagons, two horses in each and some three. One day while we remained here, our general marched us out on a large meadow or prairie.—He then proceeded to inspect us and examine our firelocks, &c.; afterwards we marched in platoons and an object being placed, we discharged our pieces in order to try them. We were drilled about half a day and then returned to the camp.
June 12 resume march	¶	On the 12th, we again resumed our march: many of the inhabitants went with us several miles; they seemed to have much respect for us. We traveled about fourteen miles, and camped on a large prairie.
June 13 Heber's horses run away	¶	Friday the 13th, my horses got loose and went back ten miles, with others. I pursued after them and returned back to the camp in about two hours.
Trouble on the prairie		We tarried in the middle of this prairie which is about twenty eight miles across, on account of a rupture which took place in the camp.			¶ Sylvester Smith
Joseph rebukes Frederick G. Williams and Roger Orton		Here F. G. Williams and Roger Orton, received a very serious chastisement from Brother Joseph, for not obeying orders previously given. The chastisement given to Roger Orton, was given more particularly for suffering me to go back after the horses, as I was one of Joseph's life guard, and it belonged to Roger to attend to the team; but, as the team was my own and I had had the care of it all through, he still throwed the care on me, which was contrary to orders, inasmuch as the responsibility rested upon him to see to the team: In this place further regulations were made in regard to the organization of the camp.			Frederick G. Williams Roger Orton
Bishop Partridge arrives at Waconda river, reports	¶	A day or two after this Bishop Partridge met us direct from Clay county, as we were camping on the bank of the Wakenda river in the woods. We received much information from Brother Partridge concerning the hostile feelings and prejudices that existed against us in Missouri in all quarters. It gave us great satisfaction to receive intelligence from him, as we were in perils, and threatened all the while.—			Edward Partridge Original: Wacondah river. The Wakenda is a minor tributary of the Missouri between DeWitt and Carrolton.
Lyman Wight baptizes camp member		I will here mention one circumstance that transpired during our stay at this place, which was, that of Brother Lyman Wight baptising Dean Gould as he was not previously a member of the church yet had accompanied us all the way from Kirtland.			Dean Gould: son of John Gould
William Smith kills deer	¶	We pursued our journey and followed the bank of the river for several miles. As we left the river and came into a very beautiful prairie Brother William Smith, one of the Twelve, killed a very large deer, which made us some very nourishing soup, and added to our comfort considerably.
June 18 near Richmond	¶	On Wednesday the 18th at night we camped one mile from the town of Richmond, Ray co.
June 29 pass through Richmond		On Thursday the 19th, we arose as soon as it was light and passed through the town before the inhabitants were up.
Black woman warns of ambush		As Luke Johnson and others, were passing through before the teams came along, Brother Luke observed a black woman in a gentleman's garden near the road. She beckoned to him and said, "come here massa." She was evidently much agitated in her feelings. He went up to the fence and she said to him, there is a company of men laying in wait here who are calculating to kill you this morning as you pass through.			Luke Johnson
Nothing new		This was nothing new to us as we had been threatened continually through the whole journey, and death and destruction seemed to await us daily.
Slowed by wagon breakdown		This day we only traveled about fifteen miles. One wagon broke down; and the wheels run off from others, and there seemed to be many things to hinder our progress, although we strove with all diligence to speed our way forward. Our intentions were, when we started to go through to Clay county that day, but all in vain. This night
June 19 Between Fishing river branches		we camped on an elevated piece of land between the two branches of the Fishing river, the main branch of which was formed by seven small streams or branches, these being two of them.		June 19th, We camped on an elevated piece of land between two branches of Fishing River,
		Times and Seasons
Threats of 5 strangers		Just as we halted and were making preparations for the night, five men rode into the camp, and told us we should see hell before morning, and such horrible oaths as came from their lips, I never heard before. They told us that sixty men were coming from Richmond, Ray county, who had sworn to destroy us, also, seventy more were coming from Clay county to assist in our destruction.
Only God's power could save		These men were armed with guns, and the whole country was in a rage against us, and nothing but the power of God could save us.
Small cloud rises to intense hail storm		All this time the weather was fine and pleasant. Soon after these men left us we were discovered a small black cloud rising in the west; and not more than twenty minutes passed away before it began to rain and hail, but we had very little of the hail in our camp. All around us the hail was heavy; some of the hailstones, or rather lumps of ice, were as large as hens eggs.
Thunder, lightning		The thunders rolled with awful majesty, and the red lightnings flashed through the horizon, making it so light that I could see to pick up a pin almost any time through the night; the earth quaked and trembled, and there being no cessation it seemed as though the Almighty had issued forth his mandate of vengeance.
Terrible winds		The wind was so terrible that many of our tents were blown over and we were not able to hold them; but there being an old meeting house close at hand, many of us fled there to secure ourselves from the storm. Many trees were blown down, and others twisted and wrung like a withe.
Mob unable to cross river, damaged River rises 40 feet		The mob came to the river, two miles from us; and the river had risen to that height that they were obliged to stop without crossing over. The hail fell so heavy upon them that it beat holes in their hats, and in some instances even broke the stocks off their guns; their horses being frightened fled, leaving the riders on the ground, their powder was wet and it was evident the Almighty fought in our defense. This night the river raised forty feet.
		*Millennial Star*		where we encountered a severe storm of rain and hail accompanied by thunder and lightning; the hail fell all round the camp, and within a mile many of the trees were stripped of their branches; the streams which were fordable in the evening rose to the depth of thirty feet; and this interposition of divine providence preserved us from fighting our enemies who had gathered on all sides to attack us.
		Times and Seasons
	¶	[803] In the morning I went to the river in company with Brother Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, and others, as we had it in contemplation to proceed that morning to Liberty, Clay county; but we could not continue our journey as there was no way to cross the river. It was then overflowing its banks, and we have seen the river since and proved that it was full forty feet from the top of the banks to the bottom of the river. Previous to this rain falling, it was no more than ancle deep. Such a time never was known by us before; still, we felt calm all night and the Lord was with us.—The water was ancle deep to us all night so we could not sleep.			Heber's Extracts, 803–805.
W. W. Phelps, John Corrill, others from Liberty join camp	¶	[804] At this place, W. W. Phelps, S. W. Denton, John Corrill, with many others from Liberty joined us, from whom we received much information concerning the situation of the brethren who had been driven from Jackson county, and the fixed determination of our enemies to drive or exterminate them from that county.			W. W. Phelps S. W. Denton John Corrill
Witness storm's destruction Travel 5 miles to secure place, camp 3–4 days while citizens calm down	¶	The next day when we moved into the country we saw that the hail had destroyed the crops and we saw that it had come in some directions within a mile, and in other directions within half a mile of our camp. After passing a short distance the ground was literally covered with branches of the trees which had been cut off by the hail. We went a distance of five miles on a prairie to get food for our horses, and also to get provisions for ourselves; and to get into some secure place, where we could defend ourselves from the rage of the enemy. We stayed here three or four days until the rage of the people was allayed.
June 21 Col. Searcy visits Acknowledges the hand of the Lord	¶	On the 21st, Colonel Searcy and two other leading men from Ray county, came to see us, desiring to know what our intentions were, for said he, "I see that there is an Almighty power that protects this people, for I started from Richmond, Ray county, with a company of armed men having a fixed determination to destroy you, but was kept back by the storm and was not able to reach you."
Trembling		When he came into the camp he was seized with such a trembling that he was obliged to sit down in order to compose himself.
Asks intentions Joseph rehearses persecutions		When he desired to know what our intentions were, Brother Joseph arose and began to speak and the power of God rested upon him. He gave a relation of the sufferings of our people in Jackson county, and also of all our persecutions and what we had suffered by our enemies for our religion; and that we had come one thousand miles to assist our brethren, to bring them clothing, and to reinstate them upon their own lands; that we had no intentions to molest or injure any people, but only to administer to the wants of our afflicted brethren; and that the evil reports, which were circulated about us were false, and were circulated by our enemies to get us destroyed.
Searcy and others melt Promise to help	¶	After he had got through and had spoke quite lengthy, the power of which melted them into compassion, they arose and offered him their hands, and said they would use their influence to allay the excitement which everywhere prevailed against us. They accordingly went forth and rode day and night to pacify the people; and they wept because they saw we were a poor afflicted people, and our intentions were pure.
June 22 Sherrif Gilliam gives advice		The next day the Sheriff of that county, named Gilliam, came to deliver a short address to us. We formed into companies and marched into grove a little distance from the camp and there formed ourselves into a circle, and sat down upon the ground.
		Previous to Mr. Gilliams address, he (Gilliam) said, "I have heard much concerning Joseph, and I have been informed that he is in your camp, if he is here I would like to see him." Brother Joseph arose and said, I am the man. This was the first time he was made known during the journey.
		Mr. Gilliam then arose and gave us some instructions concerning the manners and customs of the people, their dispositions, &c., and what course we should take in order to gain their favor and protection.
Sunday Heber and Smalling kill deer	¶	On the Sabbath day while we were in this place, being in want of salt, I took it upon me to go to some of the inhabitants and get some; Brother Smalling took his rifle and went along with me. After passing through a path enclosed by hazle bushes, about two miles from the camp, I discovered a deer a little distance ahead of us standing across the path; I made motions to Brother Smalling and he, drawing up his rifle over my shoulder, which served for a rest, fired and hit the deer just behind the shoulder, it ran a few rods and fell. We cut a pole and fastening it on the pole, got it on our shoulders and carried it along to the camp. When we got to the camp we dressed it and divided it among the different companies, and had an excellent feast.
Cholera strikes Brother Thayer, Hayes, Hancock		Here Brother Thayre was taken sick with the cholera, and also Brother Hayes. We left them there, and also Brother Hancock who had been taken with the cholera during the storm.		While on Fishing River, brothers Joseph Hancock, Ezra Thayer and Thomas Hayes were attacked with cholera."	The Millennial Star paragraph ("While …") is out of sequence, actually occurring after Joseph's prophecy (below). Ezra Thayer
Joseph calls camp together		Bro. Joseph called the camp together, and told us that in consequence of the disobedience of some who had not been willing to listen to his words, but had been rebellious,
Rebellion		*Millennial Star*		During our journey there was murmuring and complaining, and in some instances there was rebellion in the camp against the counsels of President Smith who prophesied that
The Lord's sickness/scourge		God had decreed that sickness should come upon us, and we should die like sheep with the rot; and said he, "I am sorry, but I cannot help it."		the Lord had prepared a scourge for the camp, and that the destroyer should be in our midst, and many should die like sheep with the rot; he further said, "Repentance may modify the calamity, but not altogether avert it; the members of the camp will be scourged for their wickedness."
		Times and Seasons
Heber's reaction	¶	When he spake these things it pierced me like a dart, having a testimony that so it would be.
Fishing river revelation		In the afternoon of this day, we began to receive the revelation known as the "Fishing River revelation."
June 23, 1834 council	¶	On Monday we held a council as follows: [omitted here; see Minutes of June 23, 1834			For the Times and Seasons account of this council, compared to the original minutes and the version in HC, see.
		Heber C. Kimball's Accounts of Zion's Camp (2) Zion's Camp Chronology (1834) Jackson County Missouri Home