Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2007 witin funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/biographyfamilyrOOsnowricli tl£^y/yi^ (y^a^-u/- rri^° o 13 BancroltLiDrary PRE^B'AGE.' This Biograph}^ and Autobiography of my brother, Lorenzo Snow, has been written as a tribute of sisterly affec- tion for him; and as a token of sincere respect to his family. It is designed to be handed down in lineal descent, from generation to generation — to be preserved as a family Memorial. In adapting it to this purpose, both in the matter origi- nated, and in that compiled, the writer has varied materiallj'- from the usual course of biographers. That it may consti- tute a historical point to which my brother's posterity, to the latest generations, who shall honor the Gospel of the (Son of God, may trace their origin in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day " Saints, and find a record of their illus- trious ancestor — his wives, children and grandchildren — a full genealogical record is inserted. That his descendants may profit by his instructions, selections from his letters and discourses are copied into this work; we also have inscribed missionary sketches of some of his sons and sons- in-law. E. K. S. S. GONTKNTS. CHAPTER I. Lorenzo Snow's Birth and Parentage. — Parents settled in Oliio. — Hardships and Privations. — Their Hospitality. — Lorenzo's early Characteristics. — Fondness for Books. — Military Aims. — Change in Pursuits.— Starts for Oberliu College.— Falls in Company with David W. Patten.— Conversa- tion. — In College. — Eliza Embi-aces the Gospel. — Moves to Kirtland — How she obtained a House and Lot. — Lorenzo in College.— Investigates. — Is disgusted — Writes to Eliza. — Her Invitation. — He accepts and comes to Kirtland.— Studies Hebrew. — Is Baptized. — How he receives the Holy Ghost, ..--.--- Page 1 CHAPTER II. A Blessing Meeting.— Lorenzo's Opinion of the Patriarch.— The Patriarch's Marvelous Prediction. — Lorenzo is Puzzled — Explained to him by Revelation. — Lorenzo in Kirtland. — Fast-day Meetings. — Outpouring of the Spirit. — Gifts Manifested — Lorenzo's First Speech from the Pulpit. — Description of the Temple. — Fast Meetings. — A Striking Incident. — Efl'ect of the Meetings on Lorenzo's Mind. — Wants to Preach. — Is Ordained an Elder. ...----9 CHAPTER III. My Brother started on Mission. — Without Purse or Scrip.— Hard work to Beg. — Aflt'ectionate Aunt. — First Meeting in Medina County, Ohio. — Baptism.s. — Preaches in Court House. — Ludicro.is Anecdote. — Visits Relatives.- Preaches to Schoolmates. — Baptizes some of them. - 15 CHAPTER IV. A change — Great Apostacy. — Disaftection creeps into every Quorum. — Pride and speculation — Apostates claim the Temple. — Warren Parrish a ring- leader.— A fearful, terrible scene in the Pemple. — The scene described. — What occurred the next Day. — Very interesting Court scene. — John Boynton portrayed.— Joseph and Sidney flee for their lives. — Father Smith served with State's Warrant. — How he escaped. — Luke Johnson befriends him. — Luke's death. .... - 20 CHAPTER V. Leave Kirtland. — Grand Entertainment. — A noble Woman.— Lorenzo drives one Team. — He is very Sick. — Arrive in Far West, Missouri. — Elder Rigdon's Kindness. —Dr. Avord's Meanness. — His Nurse, Nightwatcher and Doctor. — An Incident. — Arrive in Adam-ondi-Ahinan. — Lorenzo takes his Gun and goes out to Hunt. — A new Train of Reflections. — Hunting for Sport. — The old Settlers.— Their Antagonism.— Preparation for Defense— False Alarm explained. - - - - 24 CHAPTER VI. Wants to go on Mission.— Elder Butterfield wishes to accompany him. — They go.— Arrive in Far West on the second day.— Father Smith blesses Lorenzo.— Blindness of Thomas B. Marsh.— Leave Far West. — Meet a camp of Brethren at the Missouri River.— Construe; a craft.— Started in VI CONTENTS. snow storm down the' river.— Perilous times.— Narrow escapes.— A savage band. — Make their escape.— Find camping place in peace. — Leave the boat and travel on foot.— Get lodging at the house of a Mobocrat. — Mobocratic narrative.— A Campbellile Preacher's Polite- ness. — Courtesy of a Methodist Preacher.— A crowded house.— A Dona- tion just in time.— Saved from a Mob by his pocket Bible.— Other Mobocrats foiled. ...--- Page 30 CHAPTER VII. Leaves Kentucky.— Travels on foot five hundred miles.— Reaches his friend'*^ in Ohio.— Through fatigue and exposure, is very sick.— Receives kind attention.— Traveled and preached.— Taught school.— Great effort, and great success.— A thrilling narrative. — Arrives in Nauvoo. — The Father and Family in LaHarpe. ....-- 38 CHAPTER VIII. In Di-Ahman.— Our father's purchases.— Friendliness of the "old settlers." — A spirit of hostility prevalent.— Millers would not grind our wheat. — Grating corn for our bread. — How we cooked the grated meal. — A strange move; the old .settlers abscond. — Their reports in tlie surround- ing country. — The Military quells the upri.sing. — A horse mill in opera- tion. — Mobs arouse with increased force. — Government sends Militia — They are set to guard the Saints, who are ordered to leave the county within ten days. — The halfway house. — Food frozen.— How we ate sup- per. — Sleepless and jolly. — Arrive in Far West. — Seven miles out. — Move to Illinois.— To Warren County,— To LaHarpe.— To Nauvoo. 41 CHAPTER IX. Called on mission to England. — Extraordinary communication. — Calls on families of the Twelve. — In Ohio. — Borrows money. — On board a sailing vessel. — In Liverpool.— Writes to his aunt. — Why he is there. — How he came there.— Crossing the ocean. — Terrific storms. — An ocean storm .scene. — The calm. — Gratitude. — Arrives in Liverpool. — Manchester. — Birmingham. ........ ^c^ CHAPTER X. Writes from Birmingham. — Church numbers Sixteen. — Conference in Lon- don. — Lorenzo appointed to preside over the London Conference. — Con- firmed in Manchester". — Nine of the Twelve present. — Established a Branch in Wolverhampton.— Ordained William Henshaw.— Sent him to Wales. — William Henshaw did a good work, but "died as a fool dieth." — An encounter with Evil Spirus. — Lorenzo gets the Victory. — An Apostacy succeeds. — April (Jth, Conference in Manchester. — Nine of the Twelve present. — Branches represented.— Officers set apart — A cake for the Twelve. — The cake distributed. — A joyful time. — Orson Hyde speaks. — Joseph Fieldmg speaks — P. P. Pratt composes verses. — Brigham Young and William Miller sing. — President B. Young dis- misses.— Poem addressed to L. Snow. .... 52 CHAPTER XI. Brother Snow writes to Elder Pratt. — Baptisms. — A hint to the wise. — Caution and instruction. — Writes to the Star. — Increase in the Church in London. — Good word for Bedford. — Baptisms. — To Elder Pratt. — Sad news. — Sister Morgan's Death. — Her faithfulness and benevolence. — Her triumphant departure. — Her Husband is comforted. — Conference. — Lorenzo informs how subscriptions are obtained. — Singing in Tongues. — L. appointed First Counselor. — P. P. Pratt speaks.— Stanza.— Queen Victoria. — Presentation of the Book of Mormon to Her Majesty and the Prince Consort. ....... o8 CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTER XII. Brother Snow's Mission terminates.— Reports four hundred Members in the London Conference. — Is appointed to take charge of two hundred and fifty Saints en route to Nauvoo. — Embarks on the "Swanton." — The Steward's sickness. — Grows worse and worse. — Is given up, and nearly dead. — Sister Martin insists witli the Captain. — Is repulsed, and again asks that Elder Snow may administer to the Steward.— She obtains con- sent. — The man is healed. — Baptisms in New Orleans. — The Company reaches Nauvoo. — Great Reception. — Waving of Handkerchiefs. — The Prophet present. — Reminiscences. — My joy in meeting Lorenzo. — How we associated. —Appeal to my Husband. — Their Interview. — The Result. -.-.-.-- Page 65 CHAPTER XIII. Plural Marriage. — It tries the Prophet. — God commands, and he nuist obey. — Interview on the bank of the river.— The Prophet's words. — Gives Lorenzo a precious promise. — Lorenzo and myself visit our Parents, and return. — Lorenzo goes to Ohio. — Where he finds me on his return. — Close of 1843. — A social gathering, — Extract from Lorenzo's speech. — He organizes a company. — The General's compliment. — Lorenzo's experience in an unfortunate school. — Makes a success. — Mobbing at Lima. - - - - - - -69 CHAPTER XIV. The Prophet instructs the Twelve. — They appoint a Delegation to seek a location for the Saints. — Lorenzo notified to be in readiness. — Change intervenes. — An unprecedented apostacy. — Joseph Smith's correspond- ence. — Calls for an expression from candidates for the Presidency. — Copy of Appeal. — Disgusted with their responses. — Offers himself as candidate. — Elders electioneer. — How Lorenzo succeeds. — Terrible news. — Assassination. — Mournful Elegy. — Meeting mobocrats. - 70 CHAPTER XV. Lorenzo a Bachelor.— The Prophet instructs him.— He changes tactics. — Marries. — Wives and Endowments, — In the Temple. — Wrath of our Enemies. — Expulsion of the Saints. — Cross the Mississippi River. — Intensely cold.— Snow storm. — Outfit.— Camp organized. — Moves for- ward. — Song No. 1. — Song No. 2. ----- 84 CHAPTER XVI. Garden Grove. —Pisgaji. — ^Severe sickness,— Death of Elder Huntington,— Lorenzo called to preside. — Condition of the Saints, — A dilemma. — Loi-enzo's policy. — How he succeeded. — A ludicrous and enjoyable entertainment. — Births. — Death. — Life incidents. — President Young's call. — Appointments. — Another wife. — Arrives in ihe Valley. — Ordained into the Quorum of the Twelve. — Builds a log house, - - S9 CHAPTER XVII. The first celebration. — Lorenzo chairman of committee. — Description of Escort— Moves from Bowery to President Young's. — Receives the Presidency, — Returns to Bowery, — Singing by the way.— Cheers. — Hymn.— Prayer. — Declaration of Independence read.— Speech by Silver Greys. — Ode sung by Silver Greys. — Shout of hosanna. — March to the dinner tables.— A rich feast. — Thousands of the Saints partake. — Gentiles en route to California, partake, — Scores of Indians partake. — Grandeur in Simplicity.— Gratitude to God. ... - : 95 CHAPTER XVIIl. The Brethren covenant to help the poor out from Nauvoo,— Lorenzo called to obtain means.— The poverty and liberality of the Saints,— One offers Vlll CONTENTS. his only cow. — Anecdote of Captain Brown. — Called on a mission to Italy. — Increase of family. — Weight of responsibility. — No time for preparation.— Company organized. — Letter to his Sister. — The Journey. — Wonderful manifestations of the hand of God. — Nauvoo. — Carthage. — Arrival in Liverpool. — Meets the brethren. - - Page 107 CHAPTER XIX. The Editor's reflections. — The responsibility of Lorenzo's Mission. — His trust in God. — His knowledge that God had called him — Commendable characteristics. — How they are strengthened. — He writes to F. D. Rich- ards. — Describes Genoa. — Armed men. — Priests. — Meets an acquaint- ance. — Curious interview. — Reflections. — Sympathy for the people. — Door opening for the Gospel in Piedmont. — Encouraging prospects. 116 CHAPTER XX. Writes to President Young— The Waldenses. — Incidents. — Calls Elder Sten- house. — Cathedral of St. Lorenzo. — Sends two Elders to Piedmont. — Describes the Country. — Published "The Voice of Joseph." — Miraculous healing. — Sends for Elder Woodard. — Organization of the Church — Prayer. — Officers chosen. — Mount Brigham. — Rock of Prophecy. — Testi- mony of an Englisliman. — Invited by a Priest. — First Baptism. — Difficul- ties to meet. — LaTour. — The presence of the Elders only tolerated. — Can lift up his head and rejoice in spite of difficulties. - - 121 CHAPTER XXI. Joseph Smith. — His anxiety on the subject of religion. — Secret vocal prayer.. — A brilliant light envelops him. — Two personages appear. — The Lord speaks to Joseph. — Instructs him. — He has another vision. — Is shown where records are deposited. — Obtains and translates them. — Testimonies of the Witnesses. — Baptisms. — Church organized. — Temple built. — Gifts manifested — Saints leave Kirtland. — Scenes in Jackson County. — Extreme Suflfering. — Expulsion. — Memorial to Congress. - 13(5 CHAPTER XXII. Why the Saints are persecuted. — Persecutions in diflerent ages of the World^ — How Jethro came to Moses. — The Saints locate in Illinois. — A shor'' season of peace. — Hostilities resumed. — Perfldy of the Governor of the State — Assassination. — The Prophet's testimony that his work was finished. — The Saints are driven. — Their journey. — War with the remain- der. — Extracts from Epistle. — Peace. — Perpetual Fund. — Labors of the Elders. — Publications. — The work of twenty years. — The power of truth. - - - - - -■ ■ - - - 15S CHAPTER XXIII. Explanatory note. — Lorenzo writes to Elder Hyde.— Brightness of natural scenery.— Spiritual darkness. — A courageous minister. — Inscription attached to his portrait.— Hymn.— Drudgery. — Expression of gratitude. — A dream. — First Native ordained to preach. — Ordains Elders Woodard and Stenhouse to the High Priesthood. — The former to preside in Italy, the latter in Switzerland. — A Magnificent view. — Reflections. - 168 t;HAPTER XXIV. Note by Editor.— Elder Woodard writes. — More Baptisms in Italy. — A singular scene. — A successful experiment. — Ten baptized. — Expressions from converts. — The Millennial Star speaks. — Encouraging reports. — Letter from Elder Woodard.— Extract from Elder Stenhouse's letter. — Opposition re-acts.— Good results. - - - - - 177 CHAPTER XXV. Onward.— No bounds to Brother Snow's mission.— He looks towards India and shapes his plans.— Writes to F. D. Richards. — Expresses his views. — CONTENTS. IX Brother Woodard writes from Italy. — Brother Stenhouse from Switzer- land. — Lorenzo visits Wales.— Untimely plaudit. — A Bedlamite night encounter. — Ultimate fate of the hotel and its Landlord. Page 184 CHAPTEIl XXVI. Address to the Saints. — Responsibility of those holding the Priesthood. — Eternal prospects. — The best policy in governing. — Priesthood to be honored. — By benefiting others we benefit ourselves. — Must pass through suffering.— Must be pure and humble. — Need patience. — Esti- mation of F. D. Richards. — His wise policy. — Progress of the mission. — Expression of gratitude. — The Editor speaks.— Lorenzo's courage and faithfulness. -------- 19] CHAPTER XXVII. Editor's reflections. — Lorenzo writes i to President Richards.— Completed Translation of the Book of Mormon. — Visits Paris, — Pleasure of meeting Saints. — Condition of the people, — Goes to Geneva. — Degradation of woman. — Meets Elder Stenhouse.— Interesting meetings. — At Lausanne. — Professor Reta —Benefit of Elder Taylor's French publications. 200 CHAPTER XXVIII. Editor's note. — Lorenzo writes. — Leaves Geneva. — Over the hills.— Over the Alps. — A heavy snow storm. — Only two passengers in the coach. — Ten horses barely sufficient. — "Houses of Recovery" erected by the govern- ment for lost travelers. — Reaches Turin. — Meets Elders Woodard and Toronto. — Interesting "re-union." — Visions.— ^Healings. — Condition of Italy. — Brother Woodard's course commendable.— The Waldenses. 2U7 CHAPTER XXIX. Editor's Remarks. — Lorenzo writes from Malta. — Naples. — Across the Med- iterranean — Detention. — Disappointed. — Makes virtue of necessity. — Samnel succeeds his brother. — Lorenzo explains cause of detention — Revised edition of the "Voice of Joseph." — Prospects in Malta. — Michael and Lucifer represented. — In Gibraltar. — Good news from India. — Extracts. — Elder Willis writes. — One hundred and eighty-nine members. —Ordained two Elders. — More Baptisms. ... . 21I CHAPTER XXX. Closing the Mission.— Elder Jabez Woodard writes.— Leaves Malta.— Elde. Obray succeeds him. — A vision related.— Commendatory of Elder Malan ^Extract from Elder Obray's letter. — From Western Hindostan. — Oppo- sition. — What a soldier dared. — The result. — Military oppose Mission- aries.— A Branch organized in Poonah. — The "Voice of Joseph," by Elder Lorenzo Snow.— "The Only Way to be Saved" republished.— A remarkable vision. ..._... 222 CHAPTER XXXI. Close of Mission. — Bids adieu to the Saints and scenes of his labors. — Poem, in which martial and ecclesiastical labors and lionors are contrasted. — Ijorenzo returns home. — Chosen Member of Legislature. — President of Council. — Reflections. — Joy and sorrow. — Vision. — A covenant. — Char- lotte's death. — Singular manifestation. — A little prattler. — Quandary.— Solution. — Social party. — Storm. — Drenched. — Lorenzo decides to build. — A struggle. — Proves a success. ----- 230 CHAPTER XXXII. Discourse by Elder L. Snow, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City.— Blessings proportioned to faith and diligence. — Plainness of the Gospel. — Naaman, the Assyrian. — How the Gospel found us. — The same as that X CONTENTS. of New Testament. — Power of the Gospel. — Testimony of the Elders. — What Philanthropists tried to do, the Lord has done. — Joseph Smith. — His mission. — Obedience brings knowledge. — Elders lionest and brave as the ancients. — Knowledge not confined to oiir leaders.— Fal.sehood refuted. — The dishonest will apostatize — Persecution promised. — The honest Avill receive the truth. —The Latter-day work will triumph. Page 237 CHAPXER XXXIII. Polysophical Association. — Lorenzo no ane-idea man. — Character of the Association. — Called to write. — Responded. — Speeches from ten to fifteen minutes. — Time fully occupied. — How it was accomplished. — Everything high-toned. — The effect captivating. — ^ Anxiety to become member.'*. — Note by the Editor. — Nationality. — Where is the place of my nativitv? — Where is my home? — Not in any European country. — Not even in America. — Not on earth. — Here I am a stranger. — My home, my nationality in the courts of immortality. — Address to parents. — Our mutual aim.— "hespon- sibilities. — Necessity of cultivating children. — What they should be pre- pared for. — What they are to become. - - . . 251 CHAPTER XXXIV. How Lorenzo spent the interval. — His next mission. — DifBculties to be over- come. — Lays out a city. — Description of the premises. — Builds a house. — President Young visits him. — Introduces a precedent. — Description of it. — Succeeded by railroads. — Gift of the Gospel. — The Patriarch's promise. — A sick man. — Faith in Lorenzo's administration. — A handkerchief is sent, — He blesses and dedicates it. — Is taken to the patient. — Placed upon him. — He recovers. — A letter. — In memoriam. — To Elder Porter Squires. — Expressions of gratitude. — Good wishes and blessings. - 260 CHAPTER XXXV. Necessity of recreation.— Lorenzo anticipates the need of the people. — Pro- vides a miniature theatre. — How it was managed.— Moves to a new building.— A windstorfai. — House blown down. — Everything destroyed. — Discouragement. — President J. Young speaks prophetically.^ His prophecy fulfilled. — The Dramatic Association organized. — Lorenzo pre- sides over it. — Bishop McQuarrie speaks. — Relates an incident. — The Social Hall erected. — Its uses. — Concerning circulating medium.— Checks as good as gold. — Within reach of all. — Assessment. 267 CHAPTER XXXVI. Mission to the Sandwich Islands. -Elders called home.— Walter M. Gibson. — Goes to the Sandwich Islands. — His perfidy. — Lorenzo, with other Elders, sent to investigate. — Take Stage. — Arrive at a mining town. — Incident. — New driver. — Favorable impressions. — Sings melodiously. — Swears blasphemously. — Drives furiously. ^ Perilous predicament. — Other perils. — Arrive at San Francisco. — At Brother Eveleth's. — Take steamer. — Arrive near the landing at Lahaina. — Boat upset. — Lorenzo and the Captain drowned. — Both restored to life.-r-Rejoicing and thanks- giving. .._.----- 272 CHAPTER XXXVII. Mission to the Sandwich Islands concluded.— Journey to Lanai.— Mr. Gib- son. — Pagan superstitions. — Adopted by Miss Gibson. — Mr. Gibson rev- erenced hy the natives. — His impudence. — Elder J. F. Smith's reply. — Elder Snow's prophecy.— Gibson cut oft' from Church.— Prophecy ful- filled. — Sermon on the ship.— An earthquake.— Return home.— Inter- view with President Young. .... - 281 CHAPTER XXXVIII. Lorenzo's gigantic movement.— In accordance with President Young's sug- gestion'.— A social monument.— To be perpetuated.— Letter to Bishop contp:ntp. XI Lunt. — Mercantile and Manufacturing Association. — Eftbrt requisite. — First, Mercliandise. — Second, Tannery. — Third, Woolen Factory. — Fourth, Dairy. — Fifth, a Horn Stock Herd. — Agricultural Department. — Hat Factory! — Between thirty and forty industrial branches. — Furnish employment for all.-^Form of checks. — Labor received for capital stock. — Organization of the Association. — Directors. — Council. Page 290 CHAPTEll XXXIX. All was flourishing. — Attaining to Independence. — Factory burned. — Sent a chill to Lorenzo's heart.— Instead of discouragement it was proof of the strength of their compact. — Everywhere manifest, even in the Children. — Union could not be broken. — Impregnability of their Order. — Deseret News speaks. — Commendatory. — Sympathy. — ^Calamity is proof of the strength of the Co-operative system. — Determination to rebuild. 298 CHAPTEll XL. Dedication. — Fourth day of July. — Gratitude andrthanksgiving. — More than two thousand had suffered loss. — In six months the Factory is rebuilt. —Great rejoicing. — Dedicatory prayer — Address. — Speeches. — Brigham City M. and M. Association. — A raid. — Railroad contract. — How a village sprang up. — An onslaught. — Confuhian ensues. — The Grand Jury issues indictments. — Men drove to jail in a herd. — Gi-eat excitement. — Superin- tendent Dunn speaks. — John Merrill in custody. — Handcufi'ed. — Chained in jail. — Telegrams from the United States President. — How the Judge received them. — More about Merrill. — Left unguarded and unacquitted. — About the mill. — Dishonesty of Jurors. — Financial loss. - 300 CHAPTER XLI. To President F. D. Richards. — Burning of the woolen factory. — In thirty minutes all consumed. — Foiebodings that the people would be dis- couraged. — Fears unfounded. — What was done within six months. — The people superior to the loss. — A raid follows the lire. — An unlawful tax follows the raid. — Statement of losses. — Business curtailed. — Checks canceled. — Eleven industrial departments in operation. — The mercantile flourishing. — Confidence preserved. .... 300 CHAPTER XLII. Remarks by the Editor.— Lorenzo writes to George Q. Cannon.— Makes sug- gestions concerning the illegal assessment. — Letter two. — What Lawyer Sutherland says.— Letter three.— A description of Scrip.— How used. — Affldavits. — Correspondence. — Joseph F. Smith writes. — Lorenzo responds. ........ 310 CHAPTER XLIII. Stake Conference in Brigham City. — President B. Young expected. — Prepara- tions made.— Flags hoisted.— Conference in Bowery.— Box Elder Stake re-organized. — Lorenzo calls the officers of the United Order together. — Nominate officers. — All are accepied. — O. G. Snow to preside. — President Young's fatherly counsel and blessing. .... 3i<) CHAPTER XLIV. Oliver G. Snow speaks. — His maiden speech. — Performs a good deed.— Called to go to assist the emigiation. — Encounter with Indians. — Mission to England.— Visits New York.— Arrives in Liverpool.— Goes to Man- chester. — An incident^ relative to tlie death of Dickens.— ^Oliver attends a sectarian lecture.— Is challenged.— Attempts to respond. — Is repulsed. — The priest is disgraced and forsaken. — A visit to Scotland. — Descriptions* — Return to England. — Incomprehensible dialect. — Released. — Home again. — Ordained member of High Council.— Marries. — Mission to the States. — Visits Oberlin. — Ludicrous incident.— Visits his grandmother. — Preaches her funeral sermon. — At home appointed President of Box Elder Stake. -......- 321 Xll CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLV. Discourse by Elder Lorenzo Snow, delivered in the Tabernacle, S It Lake City, January 14, 1872 —Progression. — The Fatherhood of God.— The penectman.— The gifts of the Spirit.— His testimony. - Page 331 CHAPTER XL VI. Lorenzo's birthday. — A surprise. — His escort. — Enthusiastically greeted. — Address.— He responds.— Singing "Grandfather'sClock."— A hair picture presented. — Recitation by the children. — Autograph album presented. — Tables loaded with luxuries. — Dinner. — Singmg. — Lorenzo makes a speech. — Parting Hymn. — Dismissal. . _ - - 348 CHAPTER XLYII. George F. Gibbs. — His parents receive the Gospel. — His early youth. — Employed in a printing establishment. — How he stood with his asso- ciates. — Had to fight his way to maintain his integrity. — Honored the Word of Wisdom. — Drew a prize. — Was highly honored. — Chosen for out-door preaching. — Compliments his motlaer. — Leaves home for Liverpool. — Clerk and book-keeper in Liverpool Office. — l<"migrates to America. — In President B. Young's Office.- Goes to Liverpool Office. — Works there three years.^Home again. — Anecdote. — Masters Phon- ography. — Has been and now fs Church Reporter. - - 352 CHAPTER XLYIII. M. D. Rosenbaum leaves his native country.— In San Francisco. — Goes to Carson. — A voice speaks to him. — Goes toSalt Lake. — At Elder Neibaur's. — Baptized.^Called on mission to Germany. — In Berlin. — Attends meet- ing. — Is arrested.— Tried and sentenced. — Kanished. — Returns home. — F. H. Snow appointed to a mission. — Reflections. — Strangers marvel. — What an aftrighted Catholic said.— The captain of the steamer replies. — An incident. — Tired and hungry. — Why he goes to bed supperless. — A retort. — What a priest did. — The Channel Islands. — Released and returns home.^Expression of gratitude. . _ - - . 359 CHAPTER XLIX. Discourse by Elder Lorenzo Snow, delivered in a meeting of the St. George Stake of Zion, in the Temple, April 5th, 1877; reported by George F. Gibbs. — Necessity for effort. — What the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery. — Regulation of temporal affairs. — Consecration and stewardship. — Prepa- ration for building in Jackson County. — The United Order.— Plural marriage. — Responsibility of Presidents. — How confidence is created. — The necessity of its cultivation. — Desires for the future. - 366 CHAPTER L. Elijah Box saj's his parents embraced the Gospel in England. — Came to Nauvoo. — Elijah born in a turbulent time. — Moves to St. Louis. — To the Bluffs.— To the Valley.— Storm described.— Moves to Brigham City.— Struggle for an education. — How it is obtained. — Called on mission.— A great contrast in Liverpool. — Visits relatives.— In London meets with the Palestine tourists. — How poor Saints manage their Sunday clothing. — An incident. — Closes mission. — In charge of a company of Saints, leaves England. — Reflections. — Reaches home.— Engaged in leaching. — Presides over Improvement Associations. — Counselor to Stake President. 37!) CHAPTER LI. George Dunford. — When in his teens wants to earn living. — Decides on going to sea. — Leaves home without a shilling. — Applies to the Admiral of the British Navy. — Sent to Rio Janeiro. — Officiates he steward for the officers. — The brig Curlew ordered to England. — How as CONTENTS. Xlll saved ibis means. — Returns home with plenty of money. — Meets with an Elder.— Convinced of the truth of the Gospel, and is baptized. — Ordained Elder, presides over two branches. — Emigrates to America. — Presides over the St, Louis branch. — In mercantile business. — Goes to California, St, Louis, and settles in Salt Lake City. — Appointed Bishop of Malad Valley, including six settlements.— After nearly three years, is released.— Expression of fatherly feeling. - - Page 385 CHAPTER LII. From the Deseret News. — A re-union. — A dinner. — Speeches.— Songs. — Expressions of love and union. — Judge Burt reads a lengthy presenta- tion address. — The editor comments. — The address. — Presents gold watch and chain to Lorenzo. — A testimonial of love, respect and confidence. - - - - - -- - 389 CHAPTER LIII. Chester Loveland a modern Ajax. — Drives the Sherifi" and his posse. — Holds a mobocratic jury. — Brings them to terms. — Captain in "Nauvoo Legion." — Comes to Utah. — Goes to Carson. — A scene of suffering, — Commissioned Probate Judge. — Is left to preside. — Mission to the States. — John A. McAllister called on mission to Europe. — Interesting time on the steamer. — Why the "Mormons" were driven from Nauvoo.^Is sent to the Orkney Islands. — Stops at his uncle's in Glasgow. — Missionary labors. — In Dundee and Newcastle-on-Tyne. — Visits London. — Returns home.— Is elected County Recorder. - - - . - 393 CHAPTER LIV. Discourse by Apostle Lorenzo Snow at the General Conference, Salt Lake City, April 7, 1882, Reported by George F. Gibbs. — Reference to Moses and ancient Israel. — Distrusting results the effect of ignorance. — Latter- day Saints have more faith. — No such thing as standing still. — Move on, trusting in God, the watchword. — Persecutions of the Latter-day Saints, — Move on and work on. — If we do our part, God will do His. — How the Lord overi'uled in our coming to the mountains. — Plural marriage. — Good resulting from the Edmunds bill. — The great worth of the Gospel.— Move on, move on. ...._-_ 400 CHAPTER LV. Eli H. Peirce. — Called on a mission. — Thoughtless of religion. — Taken by surprise. — Throws aside pipe and novel. — What his associates said. — What Moses Thatcher did. — Eli starts forthwith.— In New York. — To the coal regions, Pennsylvania. — Great success. — A testimonial. — Faptizes and administers to sick. — The power of God attends. — Organizes branches. — Heavenly messenger appears. — Release. — A second missidn. — On the frontier. — Baptized a Sioux. — From Deseret News. — A third mission. — With B. Morris Young. — Meets with success. — Opposition. — Close of mission. — Happj^ expression. _ . . . 407 CHAPTER LVI. Alphonso Snow. — Letter from President Taylor. — Called on mission. — In Tennessee. — Strange dialect. — Travels and preaches. — Organizes a Branch. — Opposition.— Ordered to leave. — A dastardly letter. — Opposition pro- motes good. — Professors of religion the persecutors. — What a Deacon said. — Presides over a Conference. — In Georgia. — Alphonso released. — Visits relatives. ..-..-. 422 CHAPTER LVII. Introductory.— Letter from Lorenzo's son-in-law on the Sandwich Islands. — The weather. — Cane crop. — Five hundred and forty-nine baptisms. — King David Kalakauna is coming to visit the Saints.— Great preparations xiv CONTENT^. for his reception. — Houses decorated. — Inscriptions.— Breakfast is wait- ing. — The steamer comes. — The King is escorted between two tiles of men, women and children. — Cheers. — Introductions. — Breakfast, then to the meeting house. — Reception. — Singing choirs. — Dedication prayer by President Partridge. — The King speaks approvingly' of the Saints. — Meeting adjourned. — A "big feast" prepared by the natives. — What composed of. — How the King was seated. — How he ate. — How they all, numbering one thousand, ate. — The King escorted to the steamer. — A national custom. — Splendid conference. — Number of the Saints. Page 427 CHAPTER LVIII. Expression of appreciation creditable. — Lorenzo speaks of his wives. — Their nobility. — How he made choice of them. — His earthly prospects. — How -Ihey accepted the position.— The Editor explains. — Thej' prove superior to circumstances of trial and hardships.— Are comfortably situated. — Step forth as mothers in Israel. — Tlieir positions. — Questions to the defamers of Latter-day Saint women. — Lorenzo's independence of char- acter. — Where credit is due. — Wife-missions. — Success attributed to God. — Testimonials of love and respect. - . - . 432 CHAPTER LIX. Start for Fort Hall Agency. — Meeting in Portage. — In Malad. — Reach the Reservation. — Meet Indians. — Pitched tent. — With two Bishops Lorenzo visits the agent. — Describes Mr. Cook. — Lorenzo asks the privilege of preaching to the Indians. — Prevarication. — An incident. — A discussion. — Mr. Cook says nothing so much needed as a farmer. — Brother Snow pro- poses to furnish one. — Mr. Cook will not accept. — Grows uneasy and will not have preaching. — A grave responsibility. — Mr. Cook shoulders it. — The school teacher enters and ''brothers" Mr. Cook. — The brethren start for camp. — Meet Indians. — Visit school. — Little Chief, wife and daughter. ....-..- 439 CHAPTER LX. In Bannock Valley. — Happy meeting with Indians. — What Lorenzo said to fhem. — Lamanite Elders speak. — All shake hands. — Lorenzo describes the Agency. — What the Secretary of the Interior says. — A comparison between the two colonies. — The one at Washakie. — How located. — Sunday School. — Meeting exercises. — How Lamanitesare taught. — How presided over. — Their Co-operative Store and Sheep Herd. — White families. — A re-action. — An Adage. — The United States Supreme Court decides. — Tele- grams to Hon. L. Snow. ..---. 446 CHAPTER LXI. Circular to the heads of families. — Names of Committees. — Exercises for Wednesday, a. m. — Wednesday, p. m. — Thursday, p. m. — Friday, p. no. — Prompt attendance. — Letter from H. A. Hendrickson. — Extracts frona eastern communications. — Weather propitious. — Children amused.^ — The hall. — How occupied. — Invited guests. — Table scenes. — Bachelor group. — The Re-union indescribable. — Article from Deseret News, by C. W. Penrose. - - - - - -- - 453 CHAPTER LXII. Our father's birthday. — Prose address by F. H. Snow.— Poem by M. D. Rosenbaum.— Prose address by G. F.Gibbs. — Poem by O. W. Snow. — Prose address by A. H. Snow.— Poem by E. R. S. Smith. — Closing address by Lorenzo Snow. _.---. 465 CHAPTER LXIII. Births and deaths of our parents.— Their children. — Genealogies of Lorenzo's wives, children, grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters- in-law. — Mary Adaline's children by her first husband. - 488 CONTENTS. XV LETTER I. National Monument.— Its construction.— One hundred and eighty marble statues.— Lofty spire set with thousands of pcems.— Embossed globe.— Statue of Prince Albert. — Tower of London.— Queen Elizabeth's Armory. — Torture rooms. — Ann Boleyn. — Earl of Essex. — Lady Jane Grey. — Executioner's axe. — Instruments of torture. - - Page 498 LETTER II. At Haarlem. — Two thousand people executed. — Wonderful organ. — A Dutch wedding. — Amsterdam. — A city on piles. — Formidable army of worms. — One hundred islands and two hundred and eighty bridges. — Palace on piles. — Diamond cutting. — Charitable institutions. — Antwerp. — Notre Dame. — Masterpiece of Rubens. — Royal Palace. — Brussels. — St, Nicho- las. — Singular marriage. — Roj^al Theatre. — National Palace. 503 '' LETTER III. Paris. — Visit to Versailles. — Bois de Boulogne. — St. Cloud. — Attend the National Assembly. — French glory. — Interview with the President of the French Republic. — Paris Meginter speaks of the Party. - 509 LETTER IV. From Paris to Lyons. — Burgundy and its wines. — Famous towns. — Lyons and its silk industries. — Weaving portraits. — Ampitheatre eighteen hundred years old. — Olive plantations and vineyards.-^At Venice. — Genoa. — Statue of Columbus. — The cathedral of St. Lorenzo. — Chain that bound John the Baptist. — Turin. — Milan. — Cathedral of our blessed Lady, the grandest religious edifice in the world. — Attend high mass. — Arrive in Venice, the City of Waters. - - - - 51 LETTER V. Rome and its population. — The seven hills. — Excavations by the Govern- ment. — The Forum. — Antony and Julius Caesar. — Where Virginius stabbed his daughter. — Famous obelisks. — Temple of Venus. — The Tar- peian Rock. — St. Peter's. — Call on the American minister. — The Vatican. — Michael Angelo. — Paul III. — Appian Way. — Seneca. — Baths. — Foot- prints of the Savior. — Naples. — Mount Vesuvms. - - 518 LETTER VI. Naples. — Beggars. — Pompeii. — Earthquakes. — Herculanseum. — Museum. — "Secret Cabinet." — Ascent of Vesuvius. — Pliny tlie Elder. — From Naples to Briudisi. — Hardworking women. — Corfu. — Religious service in a Greek cathedral. — Take steamer for Alexandria. — Egypt. — Turkish mosques. — Copts. — Mohammedan schools. — Male and Female attire. — Dervish worship. — Suez. — Red Sea. . - - - - 525 LETTER Yil. Jatfa.— Traveling arrangement. — Place wliere the Ark was built. — House of Simon the Tanner. — Mohammedan fuueral ceremony, — Plains of Sharon. — A niglit in the desert. — Battlefield of David and Goliath. — Rose of Sharon.— Mount Zion. — Mount of Olives, — Jerusalem,- - Rachel's Tomb. — Solomon's Pools. — Church of the Nativity. — Studio of St. Jerome. — Shefjlierds' field, — Jordan River. — Dead Sea. - 532 LETTER VIII. Jordan River. — Sacred localities. — Fountain of Elisha. — Brook Cherith. — Plains of Jericho. — i:ethany. — Residence of Mary and Martha. — Tomb of Lazarus. — Garden of Gethsemane. — Hill of evil counsel. — Mizpah. — Valley of Jehoshaphat.— Absalom's Pillar. — Mosque of Omar.— Solo- mon's Temple. — Mount Moriah. — Worship of Moloch. — Place of LaiQentation, - - - -- r - - 539 XVI CONTENTS. LETTER IX. At Athens. — Plains of Attica. — Hill of Mars. — Galilee. — Scriptural remi- niscences. — Fountain of Dan. — Cesarea Philippi. — Damascus. — An unfor- tunate Architect, ------ Page 546 LETTER X. Famous Scripture locality. — Village of robbei's. — Battlefield of Palestine. — Mounts Tabor and Hermon. — Nazareth. — The Holy Groito. — Table of Christ.— Arab plows. — Cana of Galilee. — Arab school.— Sea of Galilee. — Tiberias. — Bedouin spinsters. — Residence of Mary Magdalene. — Sere- naded by Bedouins. — Backsheesh. ----- .55;^ LETTER XI. The Stone of Unction.— The Holy Sepulchre.— The Chapel of the Angel. — Hill of Calvary. — The hole in which the Cross was planted. — House of Pilate. — "Behold the Man!" — The true Cross. — A terrible Massacre. — Turkish Guards. — Christianity despised by Jews and Mohammedans. — Farewell to .Jerusalem. — Gala day. — Arab Agi'iculture. — Shechem. — Ferocious People. — The Olive. — Samaria. - - . 558 LETTER XII. Beyrout. — Protestant college and schools. — Embark for Constantinople. — Island of Cyprus. — Mount Olympus. — Sea of Marmora. — Arrival at the Turkish Metropolis. — Greek Independence Day. — At Athens. — Classical ruins. — Peculiar Greek customs. — Funeral ceremonj'. - - 564 LETTER XIII. Munich. — Visit to a Royal Palace. — Statue of Bavaria. — Imperial Wedding. — Vienna. — The Arsenal. — Summer Palace. — The Great Exhibition. — Berlin.— Royal Palace.— Banquet Hall. — Monuments.— U. S. Minister.— " Parliament. — Soldiers. — Moral condition of Berlin. — Hamburg. — In London. - -- ----- 572 LETTER XIV. At St. Louis. — Fine scenery. —Visit relatives. — Poem. — Obtain genealogies. — Acknowledgment. .--.--. 579 LETTER XV. Home again. — Reception by friends. - - - - - 581 AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND FAMILY RECORD OF LORENZO SNOW. CHAPTER I. Lorenzo Snow's Birth and Parentage — Parents settled in Ohio. — Hardships and Privations. — Their Hospitality.— Lorenzo's early Characteristics. — Fondness for Books. — Military Aims. — Change in Pursuits. — Starts for Oberlin College.— Falls in Company with David W. Patten. — Conversa- tion. — In College. — Eliza Embraces the Gospel. — Moves to Kirtland. — How she obtained a House and Lot. — Lorenzo in College.— Investigates. — Is disgusted — Writes to Eliza, — Her Invitation. — He accepts and comes to Kirtland.— Studies Hebrew.— Is Baptized. — How he receives the Holy Ghost. ORENZO SNOW, son of Oliver and Rosetta L. Petti- bone Snow, was born April 3, 1814, in Mantua, Portage County, Ohio. Our father was a native of Massachusetts, our mother of Connecticut, and were descend- ants of the genuine Puritan stock — those who fled from religious persecution in the "old world," and landed on Plymouth Rock, of historic celebrity. Early in the settlement of that portion of country now known as the Middle States, our parents, with their family, consisting of two daughters, Leonora Abigail, and Eliza i AUTOBIOGRAPHY. Roxcy, (the writer of this history,) left the home of their youth, and moved to what was at that period considered the extreme West, or, as it was sometimes styled, "the jumping off place," and settled in Mantua, Portage County, Ohio, making the eleventh family in the township. There two daughters and three sons were added to the family, to wit: Amanda Percy, Melissa, Lorenzo, Lucius Augustus, and Samuel Pearce. . Many times, and with intense interest, have their chil- dren listened to recitals of the hardships our parents encoun- tered, and the privations they endured in that new and heavily timbered country, so very forbidding when compared with the beautiful prairie landscapes of the West. But as true and worthy representatives of our noble ancestors, our parents were proof against discouragement, surmounted every difficulty, and through the blessing of God on their efforts, created for themselves and their children an enviable home. In their religious faith our parents were by profession Baptists, but not of the rigid, iron-bedstead order; their house was a resort for the good and intelligent of all denominations, and their hospitality was proverbial. Thus, as their children grew up they had ample opportunities for forming acquaint- ances with the erudite of all religious persuasions. Without the least shadow of vanity we can truly say of our parents, their integrity was unimpeachable, and they were trustworthy in all the social relations and business trans- actions of life; and carefully trained their children to habits of industry, economy, and strict morality, and extended to them the best facilities for scholastic education the country at that time afforded. Although a farmer by occupation, father was much abroad on public business, and Lorenzo, being the eldest of the three brothers, was left in charge, and early in life became accustomed to responsibilities, which he discharged with scru- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 3 pulous punctuality and that inflexibility of purpose which ensures success; and from early childhood exhibited the energy and decision of character which have marked his progress in subsequent life. An unseen hand evidently was guiding him, for in his boyhood he was energetically, yet unconsciously, preparing for the position in life he was des- tined to occupy. Ever a student, at home as well as in school, (most of his schooling after his twelfth year was during the winter terms,) his book was his constant companion when disengaged from filial duties; and when sought by his asso- ciates, ^'Md up loith his book" became proverbial. With the exception of one term in a High School in Ravenna, Ohio, also a special term of tuition under a Hebrew professor, he completed his scholastic training in Oberlin College, which at that time was exclusively a Presbyterian institution. Through the solicitation of an intimate friend, connected with the col- lege, he was induced to enter, and through whose influence, as a special favor, he was admitted. Although religiously trained from infancy, up to this time my brother had devoted little or no attention to the subject of religion, at least not sufficiently to decide in prefer- ence of any particular sect. In the progress of his development, his ambition strongly led in the direction of military distinction, so much so, that, watching with a sisterly, jealous eye, the steps one by one, by which he gained promotion in the military road to honor, I feared lest in the course of human events his path might lead to the battle field, and his earthly career prematurely close on a gory bed. I frequently plead, entreated, and at times exhausted my stock of persuasion, but without effect. At length he must have a first class military suit, and no one could make it so precisely to his liking as his sister; she had made his "freedom suit" (at the time referred to he had passed his twenty-first year), which every one admired — it fitted him exactly, and now this most important of all mortal 4 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. habiliments should be entrusted to no other. I made the suit — it was beautiful, magnificent, and my brother donned it with as much, if not of military pride, of self-satisfaction as ever Napoleon won a battle, but it proved of short duration, for he soon felt that his ambition could not be satisfied with- out a collegiate education. Determined on this, he laid his military ambition on the altar, disposed of his paternal inheritance, and started for Oberlin. His classical purpose was very satisfactory to my views — forming a permanent quietus to my imaginary forebodings. On his way to Oberlin, my brother accidentally fell in company with David W. Patten, an incident to which he fre- quently refers as one of those seemingly trivial occurrences in human life which leave an indelible trace. This gentleman was an early champion of the fulness of the Gospel as taught by Jesus and His Apostles in the meridian of time, and revealed in our own day through the Prophet Joseph Smith; to which cause Elder Patten fell a martyr on- the 24th of October, 1838, in Missouri, during the terrible scenes of perse- cution through which the Latter-day Saints passed in that State. He possessed a mind of deep thought and rich intelli- gence. In conversation with him, my brother was much im- pressed with the depth and beauty of the philosophical reason- ing with which this inspired Elder seemed perfectly familiar, as he descanted on the condition of the human family in con- nection with the sayings of the ancient Prophets, as recorded in the Scriptures — the dealings with, and the purposes of God in relation to His children on the earth. From that time a new field, with a new train of reflections, was open to my brother's mind, the impress of which has never been erased. We will now leave the subject of these sketches, in Ober- lin, clubbed with three or four of his classmates, alternately cooking their meals and pursuing their studies with combined energies, while we digress in order to form a connecting link in our narrative. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 5 Having been thoroughly convinced of the authenticity of the Gospel in its purity as revealed through Joseph Smith, I was baptized on the fifth of April, 1835, and in the autumn of the same year, left my father's house and united my interest with the Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. Soon after my arrival, I sent for the " Building Committee of the Kirtland Temple," and, on my asking them if they would like a little money, they replied that they had a pay- ment to make soon, and did not know where the means was coming from. I do not recollect how much I gave them; however, it was sufficient to cover the present liability of the committee, who felt greatly relieved, and proposed to send me their note of hand for the amount, I told them that I did not want a note — they were welcome to the money: however, they sent the note, and some time after wished me to accept a house and lot — thus redeeming their note. The lot was a very valuable one — situated near the Temple, with fruit trees — an excellent spring of water, and a house that accommo- dated two families. It was truly an enviable situation, and, although I was teaching the Prophet's family school, and had my home with them, my eldest sister, a widow with two chil- dren, wanted a home in Kirtland, and I rented one part of the house while she occupied the other. In all this, the hand of God was too plainly visible to be mistaken, as will be manifest in the following events. Now to our narrative: So intimately was my brother associated while in college, with professors and students, that he became thoroughly acquainted with the profession and the practice of the denomination by which that popular insti- tution was controlled; and, although he cherished very friendly regards for the people, he was unfavorably impressed with their system of religion, A short time before leaving Oberlin, he wrote, asking me many questions concerning revealed religion, at the same time saying, "i/ there is nothing better than is to be found here in Oberlin College, good bge to all religions." 6 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. I answered his questions, and knowing he intended crowning his studies with a thorough knowledge of Hebrew, invited him to come to Kirtland at the close of his term in Oberlin, as a school was soon to commence there, under the tuition of an able Hebrew professor, for the sole study of that language. Accordingly he came, but not with the most dis- tant idea of embracing the faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which were most of the Hebrew students, with whom, includ- ing Apostles and the Prophet Joseph, he became familiarly associated; and while he studied the dead language of the ancient Hebrews, his mind also drank in, and his heart became imbued with the living faith of the everlasting Gos- pel — "the faith once delivered to the" ancient "saints," and not many weeks passed after his arrival, before he was bap- tized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a marvelous change crossed the path of the young aspirant! This one act of stepping into the waters of bap- tism, with its accompanying ordinance of the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, by authorized administrators, opened up a new world before him. He now sees with a changed and vastly enlarged vision — having been invested with an additional, a sixth sense, a sense which com- prehends the things of God — which penetrates into futurity and estimates eternal values. How wonderfully changed all his youthful aims! How suddenly they sink into insignificance! How extended the sphere of his youthful anticipations! How glorious — how exalted the motive power, the incentive that now prompts his youthful ambition! Instead of earthly military renown, he now enters the arena for championship with the armies of heaven — the achievements of the Gods, crowned with the laurels of eternity, everlasting glory, honor and eternal lives. Not to be armed with carnal weapons, and to be decked with glittering badges and costly equipage, to march forth in the pomp and pride of battle array, for the shedding of human AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 7 blood: but to go "forth without purse or scrip," clothed in the power of the Gospel of the Son of God, wielding the sword of the Spirit of the Almighty, he now takes the field to battle with the powers of darkness, priestcraft, superstition, and wickedness, until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In my brother's journal I find the following incidents recorded by himself: I was baptized by Elder John Boynton, then one of the Twelve Apostles, June, 1836, in Kirtland, Ohio. Previous to accepting the ordinance of baptism, in my investigations of the principles taught by the Latter-day Saints, which I proved, by comparison, to be the same as those mentioned in the New Testament taught by Christ and His Apostles, I was thoroughly convinced that obedience to those principles would impart miraculous powers, manifestations and revelations. With sanguine expectation of this result, I received baptism and the ordinance of laying on of hands by one who professed to have divine authority; and, having thus yielded obedience to these ordinances, I was in constant expectation of the fulfil- ment of the promise of the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manifestation did not immediately follow my bap- tism, as I had expected, but, although the time was deferred, when I did receive it, its realization was more perfect, tangible and miraculous than even my strongest hopes had led me to anticipate. Some two or three weeks after I Avas baptized, one day while engaged in my studies, I began to reflect upon the fact that I had not obtained a knowledge of the truth of the work — that I had not realized the fulfilment of the promise "he that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine," and I began to feel very uneasy. I laid aside my books, left the house, and wandered around through the fields under the oppressive influence of a gloomy, disconsolate spirit, while an indes- cribable cloud of darkness seemed to envelop me. I had 8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. been accustomed, at the close of the day, to retire for secret prayer, to a grove a short distance from my lodgings, but at this time I felt no inclination to do so. The spirit of prayer had departed and the heavens seemed like brass over my head. At length, realizing that the usual time had come for secret prayer, I concluded I would not forego my evening* service, and, as a matter of formality, knelt as I was in the habit of doing, and in my accustomed retired place, but not feeling as I was wont to feel. I had no sooner opened my lips in an efifort to pray, than I heard a sound, just above my head, like the rustling of silken robes, and immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping my whole person, filling me, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and O, the joy and happiness I felt! No language can describe the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of mental and spiritual darkness into a refulgence of light and knowl- edge, as it was at that time imparted to my understanding. I then received a perfect knowledge that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and of the restoration of the holy Priesthood, and the fulness of the Gospel. It was a complete baptism — a tangible immersion in the heavenly principle or element, the Holy Ghost; and even more real and physical in its effects upon every part of my system than the immersion by water; dispelling forever, so long as reason and memory last, all possibility of doubt or fear in relation to the fact handed down to us historically, that the "Babe of Bethlehem" is truly the Son of God; also the fact that He is now being revealed to the children of men, and communicating knowl- edge, the same as in the Apostolic times. I was perfectly sat- isfied, as well I might be, for my expectations were more than realized, I think I may safely say in an infinite degree. I cannot tell how long I remained in the full flow of the blissful enjoyment and divine enlightenment, but it was several minutes before the celestial element which filled and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 9 surrounded me began gradually to withdraw. On arising from my kneeling posture, with my heart swelling with grati- tude to Grod, beyond the power of expression, I felt — I kneio that He had conferred on me what only an omnipotent being can confer — that which is of greater value than all the wealth and honors worlds can bestow. That night, as I retired to rest, the same wonderful manifestations were repeated, and continued to be for several successive nights. The sweet remembrance of those glorious experiences, from that time to the present, bring them fresh before me, imparting an inspir- ing influence which pervades my whole being, and I trust wdll to the close of my earthly existence. CHAPTER II. A Blessing Meeting. — Lorenzo's Opinion of the Patriarch. — The Patriarch's Marvelous Prediction. — Lorenzo is Puzzled. — Explained to him by- Revelation. — Lorenzo in Kirtland. — Fast-day Meetings. — Outpouring of the Spirit. — Gifts Manifested. — Lorenzo's First Speech from the Pulpit. — Description of the Temple. — Fast Meetings. — A Striking Incident. — Effect of the Meetings on Lorenzo's Mind. — Wants to Preach. — Is Ordained an Elder. lEING present at a "Blessing Meeting," in the Temple, previous to his baptism into the Church; after listen- ing to several patriarchal blessings pronounced upon the heads of different individuals with whose history he was acquainted, and of whom he knew the Patriarch was entirely ignorant; he was struck with astonishment to hear the pecu- liarities of those persons positively and plainly referred to in their blessings. And, as he afterwards expressed, he was con- vinced that an influence, superior to human prescience, dic- tated the words of the one who officiated. 10 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. The Patriarch was the father of Joseph, the Prophet. That was the first time Lorenzo had met him. After the services, they were introduced, and Father Smith said to my brother that he would soon be convinced of the truth of the latter-day work, and be baptized; and he said: "You will become as great as you can possibly wish — even as great as God, and you cannot wish to be greater." Unenlightened as his mind was at the time, the forego- ing saying of the Patriarch was a puzzle which my brother could not comprehend, as will be seen by the following expres- sion from his journal: The old gentleman's prediction, that I should ere long be baptized, was strange to me, for I had not cherished a thought of becoming a member of the "Mormon" Church; but when he uttered the last clause, I was confounded. That, to me, was a big saying, and, I then thought, approaching almost to blasphemy. And why not? After years of study and dili- gent search after knowledge, in that which most intimately concerned me — "From whence came I?" "Why am I here?" "What is my future destiny?" In all this, I was profoundly ignorant. As yet I had received no key that could unlock those mysteries — that could make known, to my satisfaction, my relationship to Him who controls the universe. I looked at Father Smith, and silently asked myself the question : Can that man be a deceiver? His every appear- ance answered in the negative. At first sight, his presence impressed me with feelings of love and reverence. I had never seen age so prepossessing. Father Joseph Smith, the Patriarch, was indeed a noble specimen of aged manhood. But with all my favorable impressions of the Patriarch, that big saying was a dark parable. The prediction that I should soon be baptized was fulfilled in two weeks from the time it was spoken, and in about four years from that time I was reminded of the foregoing prediction by a very wonder- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 11 ful revelation on the subject in which the principle, as well as the promise, was made clear to my understanding as the sun at noonday. My brother spent most of the winter of 1837-8 in Kirt- land, where he witnessed many marvelous manifestations of the power of God; also exhibitions of the power and opposi- tion of the adversary. During the time he became intimately acquainted with Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and with his father, the Patriarch — with the Twelve Apostles and other leading men in the Church. In his journal he speaks of the fast meetings, prayer and testimony meetings in the Temple, as follows: There we had the gift of prophecy — the gift of tongues — the interpretation of tongues — visions and marvelous dreams were related — the singing of heavenly choirs was heard, and wonderful manifestations of the healing power, through the administrations of the Elders, were witnessed. The sick were healed — the deaf made to hear — the blind to see and the lame to walk, in very many instances. It was plainly manifest that a sacred and divine influence — a spiritual atmosphere pervaded that holy edifice. Yes, indeed, for the Son of God, in His glory, had honored it with His royal presence. His voice, like the sound of many waters, was heard, saying: I am the first and the last, I am he who liveth, I am he thai was sialyl, lam your advocate with the Father. * * * Jjct the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, u^ho have, with their might, built this house to my name. . For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here, and I loill manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house, etc. (See Doctrine and Covenants.) No language can describe my feelings when, for the first time, I stood up in one of those pulpits to address an audi- ence — a pulpit on the breastwork of which, only a short time before, this holy Personage stood — "his hair as ivhite as pure 12 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. snoio, his eyes as a fiame of fire" — where also Moses, Elias and Elijah came and committed the keys of their dispensations to Joseph Smith. (Here the journal closes for the present.) Public meetings were regularly held in the Temple, after its dedication, on Sundays; and on the first Thursday in each month a fast meeting, commencing at or before 10 a.m., and closing at 4 p.m. The Temple was so constructed, that with white canvas curtains, which could be dropped and raised at pleasure, the lower story was, whenever occasion required, divided into four sections or apartments. This was invariably done at those fast meetiugs. The two sets of pulpits, one on the east and the other on the west end of the building, were intersected by the curtain extending from east to west, so as to leave half their lengths in each apartment, and they were occupied by the presiding officers who directed the services. Thus four separate meetings were in session at the same time, without, in the least, interfering with each other — giving opportunity for four to exercise instead of one. On the aforementioned days. Father Smith (the Prophet's father) was in the habit of entering the Temple very early in the morning, and there offering up his prayers to God, in that holy place, before the rising of the sun, after having told the Saints, publicly, that they were welcome to come as early as they pleased. The result was that many assembled before the hour of 10 a.m., and did not leave till after 4 p.m. Father Smith, in the capacity of his calling as President, gave general counsel and instructions on fast day; recom- mending that the greater portion of the forenoon should be spent in prayer, with testimonies of manifestations of the power of God, and with exhortations to faithfulness. At about 3 p.m. he would order the curtains to be drawn up — bringing the four congregations into one, over which he then presided until the close of the meeting. The Saints were humble, and through our united faith, the Spirit of God was poured out in copious effusion, and, for AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 13 one hour, we enjoyed pentecostal refreshings from on high. On these occasions the gifts of the Gospel were powerfully manifest — speaking and singing in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, the gift of healing and of prophecy, were freely exercised. These monthly fast meetings were so interesting, and so very enjoyable, that people came long distances to attend them. At one of these meetings, an insane woman came into the quarter of the house where I had convened; she came before the opening services, and her tongue ran incessantly, making so much confusion as to render it improper, if not impossible, for the presiding Elder to commence religious services. The more she was coaxed and supplicated to be silent the more impetuous she became. At length. Elder John P. Greene, who was appointed to preside in that department, requested the congregation to kneel down and all simultaneously pray to God, vocally, that the evil spirit which was actuating that woman might be bound. The request was immediately com- plied with, and when we arose from our kneeling position Brother Greene, addressing the unfortunate woman (who was then silent), said: "Sister, you may now speak, for thou wilt not speak unless thou shalt speak by the Spirit of God." She instantly arose to her feet, and, in a sputtering, stammering manner, tried to speak but could not, and flew out of the Temple like a dart, and we saw no more of her that day. I will relate one more remarkable circumstance which transpired in that interesting season — a circumstance which was not confined to either section of the Temple, but was wit- nessed by the many who were congregated on that day; and certainly all now living who were present on that occasion will remember. It is a testimony of answer to prayer that never can be forgotten. Father Smith presided over the meet- ing in the northwest section of the Temple, and after the meet- ing was opened by singing, he was -mouth in prayer, and in course of supplication he very earnestly prayed that the Spirit 14 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. of God might be poured out as on the day of Pentecost — that it might come "as a rushing mighty wind." Some time after, in the midst of the exercises of the forenoon, it did come; and whether Father Smith had forgotten what he had prayed for, or whether in the fervency of his heart, when praying he did not realize what he prayed for, I never ascertained ; but when the sound came and filled the house, with an expression of great astonishment he raised his eyes, exclaiming, "What! Is the house on fire?" But presently he comprehended the cause of his alarm, and was filled with unspeakable joy. In attending these meetings, and listening to the young Elders as they bore testimonies of their marvelous experiences in the work of God, my brother became inspired with a strong desire to engage at once in the labors of the ministry. On this subject he says: The testimonies of young missionaries as they rehearsed their experiences as laborers in the vineyard, proclaiming the joyful news that God was again speaking to His children on the earth ; that He had raised up a Prophet through whom He vas communicating His will, and calling on all the inhab- itants of the earth to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," stirred within me an irresistible desire to join in the glorious ignterprise. About this time a proclamation of the First Presidency was given from the stand, inviting those who wished to become members of the Elders' Quorum to present their names, and if accounted worthy by the Presidency, they should be ordained. With many others, I submitted my name for approval or otherwise, which is the only time in my life that I have offered my name for or solicited an office or calling. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 15 CHAPTER III. My Brother started on Mission.— Without Purse or Scrip.— Hard work to Beg.— Affectionate Aunt.— First Meeting in Medina County, Ohio.— Baptisms. — Preaches in Court House. — Ludicrous Anecdote.— Visits Relatives.— Preaches to Schoolmates. — Baptizes some of them. SHORT time after my ordination and reception into the Elders' quorum, i. e., early in the spring of 1837, I shouldered my valise and started out like the ancient missionaries, "without purse or scrip," on foot and alone, to proclaim the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel of the Son of God, and to bear witness of what I had seen and heard, and of the knowledge I had received by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It was, however, a severe trial to my natural feelings of independence to go without purse or scrip — especially the purse; for, from the time I was old enough to work, the feel- ing that I "paid my way" always seemed a necessary adjunct to self respect, and nothing but a positive knowledge that God requiredit now, as He did anciently of His servants, the Dis- ciples of Jesus, could induce me to go forth dependent on my fellow creatures for the common necessaries of life. But my duty in this respect was clearly made known to me, and I determined to do it. I walked upwards of twenty miles the first day, and stayed over night with Mrs. Granger, my father's sister. She was a devoted Presbyterian, and a noble hearted woman; she thought very highly of my father's family, and that there must be something valuable in "Mormonism" or they would not have embraced it. She held me in so great esteem that she could not believe that I would suffer the same abuse, be maltreated and refused accommodation as other "Mormon" 16 AUTOBIOGKAPHY. Elders. I differed in opinion, and told her I thought I need xiot expect to travel a smoother path than my brethren. The following morning I left my aunt and her hospitable roof, and traveled about thirty miles, and just as the sun was setting I made my tirst call for a night's lodging, as a "Mormon" Elder, and was refused; then another, and so on, until the eighth call, when I was admitted to a night's lodging — going to bed supperless, and leaving in the morning, minus a breakfast. . The first meeting I held was in the neighborhood of my uncle, by the name of Goddard, near the county seat of Medina County, Ohio. The people were notified and a respectable congregation assembled. It was a sore trial to face that audience in the capacity of a preacher, but I believed and felt an assurance that a Spirit of inspiration would prompt and give me utterance. I had sought by prayer and fasting — I had humbled myself before the Lord, calling on Him in mighty prayer to impart the power and inspiration of the holy Priesthood; and when I stood before that congregation, although I knew not one word I could say, as soon as I opened my mouth to speak, the Holy Ghost rested mightily upon me, filling my mind with light and communicating ideas and proper language by which to impart them. The people were astonished and requested another meeting. After the second meeting the court house was ofifered me, which I accepted, and had a very interesting time,^ and was treated very courteously by several of the officials. I bap- tized and confirmed into the Church my uncle, aunt and several of my cousins, of whom Adaline was one, who after- wards became my wife. I traveled and preached during the following summer and autumn, in diff'erent parts of Ohio, baptizing quite a number — always traveling on foot, "without purse or scrip," and often meeting with trying and sometimes amusing cir- cumstances. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 17 When at the house of Brother Smith, in Stark Comity, Ohio, I dreamed one night that arrangements were in pro- gress to mob me. The following evening after I had the dream, as T sat conversing with friends who had called on me, a loud rap at the door preceded the entrance of two well dressed young men, who politely invited me to accompany them to a school house about one mile distant, and address an audience already assembled. After a little hesitation on my part, they began to urgently request my acceptance of their invitation, when the dream of the preceding night instanta- neously flashed across my mind, and I told them that I could not comply with their wishes. They still persisted to urge and insist on my accompanying them. When they were con- vinced that I was immovable in my determination of non- compliance, they not only manifested disappointment, but were exceedingly angry. The next day I learned that they told the truth so far as a congregated audience waiting my appearance at the school house was concerned, but the object was entirely different from that reported by the young men — it corresponded pre- cisely with my dream. On one occasion (having been joined by Brother A. But- terfield) I called at a hotel for our night's lodging, I think, in Stark County, Ohio. As we approached the house, we saw the landlord standing upon the porch. Accosting him, I told him we were Mormon preachers, traveling as the Elders in former times, and asked him if- he would be so kind as to accommodate us with supper and a night's lodging. He very gruffly refused, saying he kept travelers for their money — not for Gospel pay; and advised us to go home, get employment, earn money, then give him a call, and he would be happy to entertain us. I replied that inasmuch as he had met our request with a decided refusal, we would bid him a good evening. But as I was turning to go, it forcibly occurred to me to say something further. Therefore, I said to him, My 3 18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. friend, it is not our wish to crowd ourselves upon you, but we think it might be well for you to know the fact that two ser- vants of God have called upon you for a supper and night's lodging, which you have thought proper to refuse. The future results of what you have done you do not now know; but we know, and a time will come when you also will know. When that Scripture is fulfilled which says, "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." "Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the w^orld, for I was hungry, and ye fed me; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me." "Then shall the righteous say. Lord, when saw we Thee hungry and fed Thee? Or when saw we Thee a stranger and took Thee in? Then shall the King say to them, Inas-. much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." When this event takes place, you will be there with us, and you will then know that we were the servants of God, commissioned to preach His Gospel, and when engaged in this work, we asked you to administer to our necessities, and you turned us away. This is all I wished to say: we will now go. Good night. The gentleman seemed struck with amazement, and at a loss what to say Or do. AVe had not proceeded far, however, before our ears were saluted with "Stop, gentlemen, hold on — you need not go off vidd — your talk is all stuff and nonsense: but you have plenty of money, I'll be bound. Turn back, gentlemen, walk in — walk in." Of course, we turned back and walked in, and were invited to sit down to a good supper, after which the neighbors were called in, who, with' the land- lord and family, listened- attentively and with apparent AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 19 interest to our preaching. We had excellent lodging and a good breakfast in the morning, and left without a question whether we had money or not. The journal continues: I had a strong desire to make known the way of life as God had revealed in plainness, to my relatives, friends and associates. For that purpose I vis- ited my native town and had the privilege of preaching in the school houses, and was offered the town house, in which I met a large audience, and had the pleasure of addressing many of my school fellows and the neighbors of my parents, among whom I had been associated from childhood. How muchsoever I craved the privilege, and hailed with gratitude to God this opportunity, it was a trying position. I was well aware that the principles of the everlasting Gospel, which I estimated dearer than my mortal life, were in contrast to the creeds of the day, to which many of my friends adhered with unyielding tenacity. I was listened to. with respectful atten- tion, and although many of my audience acknowledged their belief in my sincerity; with few exceptions, my testimony was unheeded. I had the satisfaction, however, of baptizing some of my schoolmates, who bore testimony that they received a knowledge of the truth of the work by revelation, through the reception of the Holy Ghost. I addressed a large congregation in the meeting house, in the town of Aurora, adjoining my native town; also in Auburn, Geauga County, in a school house, mostly filled by my relatives — my grandfather, uncles, aunts, and cousins. While on this mission, I traveled in various parts of the State of Ohio, and during the time baptized many persons who have remained faithful to the truth. The Lord was with me, and I was greatly blessed in performing my arduous labors. 20 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. CHAPTER IV. A change — Great Apostacy. — Disaffection creeps into every Quorum. — Pride and speculation. — Apostates claim the Temple. — Warren Parrish a ring- leader.— A fearful, terrible scene in the Temple. — The scene described. — What occurred the next Day. — "Very interesting Court scene. — John Boynton portrayed. — Joseph and Sidney flee for their lives. — Father Snaith served with State's Warrant. — How he escaped. — Luke Johnson befriends him. — Luke's death. URING the time my brother was on this, his first mission, a great change had been going on in Kirtland, in the midst of the Saints. A spirit of speculation had crept into the hearts of some of the Twelve, and nearly, if not every quorum was more or less infected. Most of the Saints were poor, and now prosperity was dawning upon them — the Temple was completed, and in it they had been recipients of marvelous blessings, and many who had been humble and faithful to the performance of every duty — ready to go and come at every call of the Priesthood, were getting haughty in their spirits, and lifted up in the pride of their hearts. As the Saints drank in the love and spirit of the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts, and they were filled with pride and hatred toward those who maintained their integrity. They linked themselves together in an opposing party — pretended that they constituted the Church, and claimed that the Temple belonged to them, and even attempted to hold it. Warren Parrish, who had been a humble, successful preacher of the Gospel, was the ringleader of this apostate party. One Sabbath morning, he, with several of his party, came into the Temple armed with pistols and bowie-knives, and seated themselves together in the Aaronic pulpits, on the AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 21 east end of the Temple, while Father Smith and others, as usual, occupied those of the Melchisedec Priesthood on the west. Soon after the usual opening services, one of the brethren on the west stand arose, and just after he commenced to speak, one on the east interrupted him. Father Smith, presiding, called to order — he told the apostate brother that he should have all the time he wanted, but he must wait his turn — as the brother on the west took the floor and commenced first to speak, he must not be interrupted. A fearful scene ensued — the apostate speaker becoming so clamorous, that Father Smith called for the police to take that man out of the house, when Parrish, John Boynton, and others, drew their pistols and bowie-knives, and rushed down from the stand into the congregation; J. Boynton saying he would blow out the brains of the first man who dared to lay hands on him. Many in the congregation, esj)ecially women and children, were terribly frightened — some tried to escape from the con- fusion by jumping out of the windows. Amid screams and shrieks, the policemen, in ejecting the belligerents, knocked down a stovepipe, which fell helter-skelter among the people; but, although bowie-knives and pistols were wrested from their owners, and thrown hither and thither to prevent disastrous results, no one was hurt, and after a short, but terrible scene to be enacted in a Temple of God, order was restored, and the services of the day proceeded as usual. But the next day Father Smith, and sixteen others, were arrested on complaint of the apostate party, charged with riot, and bound over for their appearance in court to answer to the charge. With others, I was subpoenaed as a witness, and I found the court scene as amusing as the Temple scene was appalling. The idea of such a man as Father Smith — so patriarchal in appearance — so circumspect in deportment and dignified in his manners, being guilty of riot, was at once ludicrous and farcical to all sane-minded persons. And after 22 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. the four Gentile lawyers (two for each party) had expended their stock of wit, the court dismissed the case with "no cause for action," and Father Smith and his associates came off triumphant. • During the proceedings, it was very interesting to hear the lawyers for the defence describe the opposite traits of character exhibited in the lives and appearances of the men who had apostatized from what they were when faithful in the work of God. One of them, Mr. Bissell, of Painesville, Ohio, pointing to John Boynton, said: "Just look at Mr. Boynton, see how changed! Before he apostatized, we used to see him in Painesville — he then was humble, and seemed truly a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus; but how does he seem now? all puffed up with pride. He looks more like a celestial dandy than a Saint." Five of the quorum of the Twelve were in this apostacy; and some in every organized quorum became disaffected. Wherever tbe spirit of speculation — a grasping for the things of the world — obtained, the light of the Spirit of God departed, and impenetrable darkness ensued. Some even became so blind as to seek to depose the Prophet of God. At length the hostility of the belligerent party assumed such threatening attitude that, late in the autumn of 1837, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had to flee for their lives; and at a moment's warning, started for Missouri. But their absence did not check the persecution waged by those apostate brethren — others became the targets of their malice. Through their influence, the aged Father Smith was served with a State's warrant, but fortunately for him he was placed in the custody of Luke Johnson, who, although one of the apostates, was averse to the bitter spirit of persecution which characterized others. Naturallj^ of a jovial turn, he was more inclined to ridicule than hostility. Having been somewhat conversant with law usages, he volunteered his services as legal adviser for Father Smith, although his custodian. He privately told Father AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 23 Smith's friends that the suit was instigated through malice — that he knew Father Smith was innocent, and he was determined to do all he could for him; and he was true to his word. A room adjoining the one in which the court was in session, was lighted by one window. Before Father Smith was brought for trial, Mr. Johnson had examined the premises, and under the aforesaid window, on the outside, he had cautiously made preparation so that the old gentleman could reach the ground without injury. Before the court proceeded to business, Mr. Johnson said he would like a few minutes private conversation with his client. Permission was granted for him to take the prisoner into the room aforemen- tioned. When in, he drew the nail which was the only fastening to the window — raised the window, and said to Father Smith, "Go right up to Esquire Snow's— he is a qu^et man, and no one will think of going there for you." The old gentleman did his bidding, and came directly to our father's, who had purchased a home in Kirtland, and was living a mile and a quarter distant from the court scene; when he arrived, it was nearly midnight. Mr. Johnson replaced the nail in the window, and, after giving Father Smith time to clear the premises, proceeded to the court room, where he soon discovered that his client had not followed him ; whereupon he hurried back to the room to see what was detaining him. After hunting about there a short time, he came back to the court room, apparently very much disconcerted, and reported the unaccountable fact that the prisoner was not to be found. After close search by those present, who found the nail fastening in the window all right, the question was, ''How did he make his escape?" The constable, who manifested the greatest astonishment of all present, finally settled the question by saying, "It is another Mormon miracle." Father Smith remained between two and three weeks at 24 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. our father's house, "hid up" from his enemies; but during the time, with the legal assistance of the justice of the peace (an honorable Gentile), he arranged his business matters prepara- tory to leaving for the west. Before he left, he was joined by- six others, whose lives were threatened by apostates. Before closing this subject, I think a further notice is due the unantagonistic apostate, Luke Johnson. I happened to meet him the day after the scene in the court room — he enquired after his released prisoner, and after hearing that he reached his destination all right, he, in a jocose manner, related the foregoing circumstances, and closed with, "Father Smith will bless me for it, all the days of his life." To which, when I repeated it to Father Smith on my return home, he replied in the affirmative; and Luke Johnson is the only one of those five Apostles that returned to the Church. He was re-baptized, and lived a faithful member — was much respected, and died an honorable death in the midst of his friends, in Salt Lake City. CHAPTER V. Leave Kirtlancl.— Grand Entertainment.— A noble Woman.— Lorenzo drives one Team. — He is very Sick. — Arrive in Far West, Missouri. — Elder Rigdon's Kindness. — Dr. Avord's Meanness. — His Nurse, Nightwatcher and Doctor.— An Incident. — Arrive in Adam-ondi-Ahnian.— Lorenzo takes his Gun and goes out to Hunt.— A new Train of Reflections — Hunting for Sport.— The old Settlers.— Their Antagonism.— Preparation for Defense. — False Alarm explained. Howards the last of April, 1838, our father left Kirt- land with twenty-one souls in company, to wit: his own family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, three sons, and two grand-daughters, children of our eldest sister who was at this time a widow; Brother Huntington and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 25 family; Brother James Moses and family; Brother Pearce and family, and Julian Moses, brother to James, We started with horse and ox teams, my brother Lorenzo having charge of one of our father's teams, which he drove until about one hundred miles from Far West, Missouri, when he was taken very sick with bilious fever. On our first night out from Kirtland, our whole company stopped, in accordance with a previous pressing invitation, with one of our father's sisters, Mrs. Charlotte S. Granger. Had we been a bridal party we could not have been treated with more respect, or served more bountifully, although we were "Mormons" and she a popular Presbyterian. She was too noble minded to be a bigot. She and her husband are dead. Lorenzo has been baptized for her husband — I for her, and we have had the sealing ordinances performed in their behalf. Our journey from Kirtland to Far West was rendered tedious in consequence of rainy weather. We arrived in Far West on the sixteenth of July, with my brother very sick in bed. For nearly one hundred miles he suffered such a rack- ing pain in his head that when we traveled I held it as steady as possible to prevent excruciating suffering being produced by the motion of the wagon. On our arrival in Far West, Elder Rigdon met us and requested our father to take my sick brother to his house, which was gratefully accepted, and I was to stop with him, as Adam-ondi-Ahman, thirty miles dis- tant, was father's destination; and as he had considerable stock which he could not keep in Far West, he started out the next morning, to return for us when Lorenzo should have so far recovered as to be able to ride that distance. Dr. Avord, who afterwards made himself notorious as an unscru- pulous apostate, spent most of his time sitting under an awning in front of Elder Rigdon's house, and as I was under the necessity of obtaining some medicine for my brother, as a matter of convenience I applied to him, at the same time endeavoring to make him understand that it was the medi- 26 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. cine I wanted, and not his medical attendance; but come he would, and continued to come. My brother grew worse — the fever increased until he became quite delirious, and I deter- mined to get rid of Avord, and to accomplish this desirable yet disagreeable task, I asked him for his bill as kindly and politely as possible. The idea struck him at once that this request signified non-attendance, and he was very angry and tried to frighten me concerning my brother's condition, by telling me that his skill was needed more then than when he first saw the patient. I tried to be as pacific as possible, but thought that this concession did not recommend him to fur- ther attendance. However, when the doctor found me un- yielding, he presented his bill, and although sitting in front of the house day after day, he neither called in to see nor inquire after the sick man. I realized that the family of Elder Rig- don, himself included, at that time had more faith in medical treatment than in the healing ordinances, and they all thought me to blame for discharging the physician. But my trust was in God, the prayer of faith, and good, sisterly nursing. As soon as the fever abated, my brother's conscious- ness returned, and in two weeks from the time father left us he was sufficiently restored, was sent for, and we took a pleas- ant wagon ride to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Daviess County, although my brother had to ride on a bed. I will here mention one little incident with which con- valescents, many of them, will sympathize. As his fever began to break, my brother tried to think of something he could relish, and his memory went ])ack to college associa- tions and college scenes, and to one college dish. At one time while attending college, he and three of his fellow students took it into their heads to try the novelty of bachelor board- ing, each taking his turn in the cooking department. One particular dish, which at that time was relished very exquis- itely, now haunted my brother's recollection — if he had a dish precisely like that he felt certain he could eat. His sister at AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 27 that time, was his only nurse and night watcher, for the people of the house were so displeased with me for dis- charging the doctor that they were but little disposed t-o assist, and I was as little disposed to trouble them, although in every other respect they were hospitable and kind, and in fact for years had been quite partial to our family. But the dish; it must be precisely after the pattern, and could I do it? Cer- tainly; for "what "has been done can be done," and I am not afraid to try. The ingredients, as he named them, were all at my command, and, after listening anxiously to his descrip- tion, I went to work and a dish was produced, but alas! it was not THE dish — "it did not taste like the bachelor dish." Try, try again, was my motto, and after listening attentively to a more critical description, I went at it again, and although that effort was a pronounced improvement on the first, it was not quite up to the original, but the third time trying proved a success — not so much from improvement in the skill of the cook as improvement in the appetite of the patient. The following is copied from his journal: In Adam- ondi-Ahman, while gradually recovering from the effects of a malignant fever which had detained me a fortnight in Far West, under the constant and skilful nursing of my sister Eliza, for some time I was unable to either do, or read much. One day, to while away the slowly passing hours, I took my gun with the intention of indulging in a little amusement in hunting turkeys, with which that section of the country abounded. From boyhood I had been particu- larly, and I may say strangely attached to a gun. Hunting, in the forests of Ohio, was a pastime that to me possessed the most fascinating attractions. It never occurred to my mind that it was wrong — that indulging in "what was sport to me was death to them;" that in shooting turkeys, squirrels, etc., I was taking life that I could not give; therefore I indulged in the murderous sport without the least compunction of con- science. 28 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. But at this time a change came over me. While moving slowly forward in pursuit of something to kill, my mind was arrested with the reflection on the nature of my pursuit — that of amusing myself by giving pain and death to harmless, innocent creatures that perhaps had as much right to life and enjoyment as myself. I realized that such indulgence was without any justification, and 'feeling condemned, I laid my gun on my shoulder, returned home, and ft-om that time to this have felt no inclination for that murderous amusement. In fact, years had elapsed since the days of boyhood sport, and in the interval I had neither time nor opportunity for reckless indulgence. Education, the leading star of my youth, had so entirely engrossed my ambition that, until the Gospel of the Lord Jesus took possession of my mind, it was the genii before which everything else had to bow; then, almost simultaneously, missionary labors succeeded book studies, and no room was left for sportive scenes. A spirit of mobocracy, which had previously manifested itself, was continually on the increase all around us, and very naturally suggested to our minds the thought of preparation for defense. The house we lived in, with the plantation on which it stood, father purchased on his arrival, and paid for in full. It was a "double log house," with an alley about three feet wide between the two. In this alley our faithful watchdog was stationed, and we knew that no intruder could possibly reach either door before the dog would give an alarm, which, so far, was very satisfactory. But, to our deep regret, the mobocrats, finding the dog out of sight of the house, shot him down. He had, by his affectionate faithfulness, so won our love and confidence that he almost seemed one of the family — we sincerely mourned his loss, and I assisted my brothers in giving him a formal burial. Amid the threatenings of mobocrats to either drive or destroy us, a circumstance occurred, which, though seriously exciting at the time, afterwards afforded us much amusement. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 29 One night at about 11 o'clock, we all were suddenly aroused from sleep by the discharge of fire arms, accompanied with loud shouts, apparently about a mile distant. We supposed that our enemies had commenced their depredations by put- ting their threats into execution, and were making an attack on our people, and the probability was that they would visit us in turn. We immediately began to prepare for defense by barricading the doors and windows, and distributing among all the members of the family such weapons for protection as were available, viz: one sword, two or three guns, pitchforks, axes, shovels and tongs, etc. We proposed that mother take^ her choice, and she thought that she could do the best execu- tion with the shovel. With no small degree of anxiety, not only for ourselves, but also in behalf of our friends situated at the point from which the exciting sounds proceeded, we kept up a sleepless watch until morning, when intelligence was brought, explaining the cause of the night alarm, as fol- lows: A company of our brethren had been to a distant settle- ment to accomplish some business requisite in consequence of threatened mob violence, and on their return, having peace- fully and successfully accomplished their object, discharged their fire arms, accompanied with a shout expressive of their happy success — resulting in our false alarm and subsequent amusement. 30 AUTOBIOGKAPHY. CHAPTER VI. Wants to go on Mission.— Elder Butterfield wishes to accompany him. — They go.— Arrive in Far West on the second day. — Father Smith blesses Lorenzo. — Blindness of Thomas B. Marsh. — Leave Far West. — Meet a camp of Brethren at the Missouri River. — Construct a craft. — Started in snow storm down the river.— Perilous times. — Narrow escapes. — A savage band. — Make their escape.— Find camping place in peace. — Leave the boat and travel on foot. — Get lodging at the house of a Mobocrat. — Mobocratic narrative. — A Campbellite Preacher's Polite- ness. — Courtesy of a Methodist Preacher.— A crowded house. — A Dona- tion just in time. — Saved from a Mob by his pocket Bible. — Other Mobocrats foiled. HE journal speaks: About the first of October of this year (1838), the spirit of my missionary calling pressed so heavily upon my mind, that I longed to engage in its labors. Elder Abel Butterfield, who had accompanied me on a mission in Ohio, proposed to be my traveling companion at this time, and although not having yet fully recovered from the effects of my summer sickness, and had not strength sufficient to endure much fatigue, I felt that I must go. My father and others thought it not prudent, but my trust was in God, and I felt an assurance that He would give me strength and restore me to soundness of health sooner if I went forth depending on Him, than* if I remained at home. Accord- ingly, with the necessary books and a few underclothes packed in my valise, I bid adieu to father, mother, brothers and sisters, and, with Brother Butterfield, started forth to proclaim the word of the Lord to those who had ears to hear. At first I could only walk a short distance before I was compelled to sit down and rest, but my ability to walk gradually increased until I was perfectly restored. The second day after we started, we arrived in Far West, AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 31 where we stopped a short time to visit our friends. Father Smith, the Patriarch, gave us his blessing and much good fatherly counsel, and expressed much sympathy for us in connection with our mission through the southern part of Missouri, the immediate field of our prospective labors. At that time the excitement against the Latter-day Saints had been fanned to fever heat in every part of the State, conse- quently it was more than probable that we should meet with abuse and have to submit to many hardships. In going the rounds in Far West, we called on Elder Thomas B. Marsh, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve. I think at that time he was indulging a spirit of apostacy, which, not long after, culminated in his severance from the Church. In our conversation with him, our spirits and his did not intermingle, and he seemed utterly blind in relation to the condition of things and the spirit of the times. He expressed unbounded charity for our enemies — said he did not think they intended us much harm — they were not naturally inclined to wickedness, etc. It is a noticeable fea- ture in those who cherish a spirit of apostacy from the light of the Gospel, that they adopt the doctrine of Universalism and think none too wicked for a complete and unconditional salvation. On leaving Far West, we directed our course to the Mis- souri River, where we found a camp of our brethren, some of whom were intending to go down the river and return to their homes, somewhere in the southern part of the State. We joined together in constructing a kind of water-craft — it was not a canoe, neither a skiff or raft, and to name it a boat would be preposterous; but, whatever its proper cognomen, its capa- city was sufficient to accommodate five men, and, on tlie sev- enteenth of October, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow, we launched it, and started on a most perilous passage down the turbid waters of a turbulent river. At that season of the year the stream was very low, and frequently through the day we 32 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. experienced much difficulty in following the channel. We took turns in rowing, and, as night approached, we began in sober earnest to look out for a suitable landing, but were forced to continue on until it was quite dark, when we were every moment in danger of being upset by "sawyers," for we could hardly discern them in time to shun them. Those "sawyers" were trees or parts of trees — one end firmly embedded in the bottom of the stream, while the other end, by the motion and pressure of the current, was constantly vaccillating up and down, often swiftly and powerfully. We met with several narrow escapes, and anxiously watched for a place of landing. At length we espied upon the bank a bright light, to which we directed our course, and, much to our relief, were enabled to bring our little bark safely to land, and after securing it, we climbed up the bank, and directly found ourselves in the presence of rough, savage looking fellows, who told us they were hunters and trappers; but their appearance and conversation, and the whisperings of the Spirit, impressed us at once with the feeling that there was more safety on the river, searching our way amid the threatening "sawyers," than in remaining through the night in such forbidding company. Accordingly we again em- barked, and pushed into the fluctuating stream. It was very dark, and as we cautiously wended our way, our ears were ever and anon saluted with the fearful sounds of the dashing "sawyers" ahead. It was prudent to keep as close to the bank as possible, in order to avail ourselves of the first opportunity to secure a landing. We had one man at the bow to watch for "sawyers," while the others kept a vigilant look out for a place to haul up. The dense darkness of the stormy night prevented us discovering danger until we were on the point of being envel- oped in it, and in several instances, our escape seemed truly miraculous. At last our perilous night voyage terminated, having drifted into a swift current which fortunately forced AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 33 US upon a low place in the bank, covered with willows, briers and thorns, through which, after having fastened our bark, we made our way, and soon reached a very welcome camping ground, in the midst of a thick grove of small timber. We were not long in starting a rousing fire, and having taken from our little bark the provision we brought along, we did justice to a hearty meal, while the gratitude of our hearts arose in evening incense to Him, the Giver of all good, to whom we ascribed our safe deliverance. After vocally and unitedly returning thanks to Him for His miraculous provi- dence in preserving us from the perils of the night, we spread our blankets, couched down and enjoyed refreshing sleep, with occasional interruptions by the wonderful clamor of ■seemingly thousands upon thousands of wild geese, which had gathered upon an island in the river, a short distance from our camp. The following morning we were struck with astonish- ment, as we viewed, by the light of day, the river below us thickly dotted with sand-bars and bristling "sawyers," there being, apparently, no possible chance of having proceeded one dozen yards farther without steering nearly a direct course to the opposite bank of the stream, which, with our ignorance of the circumstances, and the darkness of the night, would naturally have resulted very disastrously. After this brief but impressive experience in the labors and dangers in traveling on this celebrated river, we concluded to abandon our boat and proceed on foot. In carrying out this programme, the first night after leaving the river, we called at a gentleman's house and asked for a night's lodging,' without making ourselves known as "Mormons." We were very kindly entertained by our host, whom we soon discovered was a bitter mobocrat, and had acted the part of leader of a mob in raiding one of our settlements. He was very wealthy, and had with him, as guest, a rich southern planter, who told us that he, as neutral, accompanied his friend, the captain of 4 34 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. the mob above mentioned, and he narrated the particulars of the fight, and its termination. He said that the two parties met and fought with desperation. He sheltered himself behind a large tree which was struck by "Mormon" bullets, several times. At length a parley was held, and a cbuncil between the leaders of the parties, in which the "Mormons" agreed to abandon their location. Our host and his friend said they justified the manner in which they were expelling the "Mormons," only on the ground that they were mostly Yankees, and opposed to slavery, and they feared that by settling in the State, the interest of the inhabitants, as slave- holders, would be infringed upon. We all listened with respectful attention, but those gentlemen little thought who composed their audience, and they knew not our thoughts and the feelings of our hearts. The next day we parted with our brethren who came down the river with us, Brother Butterfield and I traveling together and holding neighborhood meetings. We made the acquaintance of a Campbellite preacher, who became so much interested with the principles we taught, that he invited us to attend his conference, and I had a very enjoyable time in preaching to his congregation. But opportunities for preach- ing, in that time of excitement and belligerent feeling toward our people, did not often come when unsought, and very fre- quently not then. The many false reports in circulation against us were so exasperating the feelings of the people in that section, that the spirit of mobocracy was everywhere manifesting itself; in many instances it really assumed the appearance of a species of insanity. Our main object was, by giving correct information, to disabuse the minds of those we gained access to, and allay the feverish sentiment of bitter- ness. Whenever we succeeded in securing the attention of people, to listen to our testimonies, we were pretty sure of their confidence. We held meetings in several places where we were threatened, and in one instance preached to a con- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 35 gregation in which were those who had come expressly to mob us, but on seeing and hearing us, had changed their minds, and at the close of the meeting, came and made their acknowledgments. Finding, after continued efforts, that very little good could be accomplished while excitement was running at so high pitch, and the mob spirit so rampant, we concluded to leave the State of Missouri until it cooled off from its fer- mented condition. Brother Butterfield took for his field of labor the northern sections of Indiana and Illinois, while I continued my course through Missouri, the southern portion of Illinois, and into Kentucky. Just before leaving the State, as I approached a beautiful little village, called Jacksonville, I felt an anxiety to preach to the people, and yet felt that it would not be proper to make myself known as a "Mormon" Elder. Just as I arrived at the suburbs of the town, I accosted a stranger whom I met, and desired him to inform me who was the principal min- ister in the place. He told me the minister's name, and said he was a Methodist, directing me to his residence. On my arrival at the house, a very fine and intelligent appearing lady responded to the door-bell, and informed me that her husband was not at home. I told her I was a minister of the Gospel — a stranger in that part of the country — that I wished to stop in town over night, and desired to improve the oppor- tunity of preaching to the people, if a suitable house could be obtained. "To what religious persuasion do you hold, sir?" was the first inquiry. "I wish, madam," said I, "this evening, to speak to a promiscuous congregation, embracing all classes of people, therefore, I had thought, on this particu- lar occasion, and for this special purpose, I would beg to sup- press the name of the religious denomination of which I am a minister; but," I continued, "I was christened Lorenzo, having been named as you see, madam, after the celebrated Lorenzo Dow." Her eyes lighted up, and her countenance 36 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. assumed a pleasant smile; she invited me to walk in and be seated — said her husband would be in directly — that he had charge of the principal chapel, and would be delighted to accord to me its accommodations. The minister soon made his appearance, to whom I was introduced by his lady. The gentleman at once assented to my wishes — sent notice around of the meeting, and had the bell of his chapel rung long and loud. . That evening I had a large, appreciative audience, and spoke with great freedom ; in fact, I seldom, if ever, enjoyed greater liberty than on that occasion. What ray hearers thought of me or whom they imagined I was, or whence I came, or whither I was going, I am left in ignorance to this day, as I was not required to inform any of my audience, and of course was entirely reticent on those points. I stayed over night with the minister, and after breakfast the next morn- ing, took my departure, no further questions having been asked in relation to my business or profession, excepting as shown in the following incident: At this time, I was, as usual, traveling "without purse or scrip." I had proceeded two or three miles, when I noticed that just ahead of me the road forked, and being at a loss which to take, I called at a house a little in the distance, to inquire. A gentleman was standing on the porch, who, after satisfying my inquiry, with much apparent diffidence, asked if I was not a minister of the Gospel, and if I would not allow him the pleasure of contributing a little to aid in the good cause in which I was engaged, at the same time drawing from his pocket the willing offering, which I very thankfully accepted. Probably he was one of the audience at the meet- ing the evening before. No' more than an hour later, I found myself in actual need of a portion of the kind gentleman's donation, for I soon came to a large stream where money was necessary to pay for ferryage. In passing through the southern portion of Illinois, I AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 37 found, in general, very little interest manifest in reference to the principles of the fulness of the Gospel, but any amount of ignorance and prejudice. I spent the remainder of the winter in travel and preach- ing, chiefly in the northern part of Kentucky, with varied suc- cess, and treatment — sometimes received in the most courteous manner and listened to with intense interest, and, at other times, abusively and impudently insulted; but in no instance treated worse than was Jesus, whom I profess to follow. He said: "If then f^^^'^ called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more they of his household^ What a fine test the Gospel is, to prove the hearts of the people! On one occa- sion, I was very courteously tendered a court house, and at the close of the services, I was invited home by a member of the legislature — was seated at the head of his table, and other- wise as highly honored, and as hospitably treated, as though I had been a sceptered monarch. Then, on another occasion, one evening, I was preaching in a large room of a private house, and afterwards learned that a portion of my audience had gathered for the purpose of mobbing me. They had arranged with a party that lay concealed at a little distance, and within call, to join them immediately on my leaving the house to return to my lodgings, and all proceed together to execute their schemes of vengeance. It was a very cold night, and after the close of the services I stood with my back to the chimney fire, with a number of others — some of whom belonged to the mob party. One of the latter persons, amid the jostling of the crowd, accidentally brought his hand in contact with one of the pockets in the skirt of my coat, which struck him with sudden alarm on his feeling, what he sup- posed to be, a large pistol. He immediately communicated the discovery to his affrighted coadjutors, all of whom directly withdrew, and, to their fellows outside, imparted the astounding news that the "Mormon" Elder was armed with deadly weapons. That was sufficient — the would-be outlaws 38 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. abandoned their evil designs for fear of signal punishment; but the supposed pistol which caused their alarm and my protection, was my pocket Bible, a precious gift to me from the dearly beloved Patriarch, Father Joseph Smith. On another occasion, while addressing a congregation in a dwelling house, in fulfilment of a previous arrangement by a lawless set, to throw a rope over my head and then drag me to the river and duck me through a hole in the ice, one of the fellows who was in front of me was in the act of throw- ing his lariat, when he was discovered by the mistress of the house, who instantly gave the alarm, and he sneaked out of the congregation like a whipped dog. CHAPTER VII. . Leaves Kentucky. — Travels on foot five hundred miles.— Reaches his friends in Ohio.— Through fatigue and exposure, is very sick. — Receives kind attention. — Traveled and preached. — Taught school. — Great effort, and great success. — A thrilling narrative. — Arrives in Nauvoo. — The Father and Family in LaHarpe. /An the last of February, 1839, I left the State of Ken- tucky with one dollar and twenty-five cents in my pocket, to visit my former home in Ohio, and to settle up some unfinished business, having received, by letter from my sister Eliza, the news of the expulsion of our people from Missouri. The distance of the journey before me was about five hundred miles, and in the worst season of the year for traveling, and at a time when very little interest was felt by the people for Gospel truths, and few opportunities afiforded for public preaching. The trip was a tedious one — on foot and in the midst of snow and rain storms — sometimes hard, frozen ground — sometimes mud and water soaking through AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 39' my boots until my socks were wringing wet at night, and of course, hard and stiff in the morning when I was fortunate enough to get them dry. It was a hard pull, but I accom- plished the feat, and worn out by fatigue and exposure, I arrived am/)ng my friends in Ohio. The first place I reached was a Brother Smith's, where one year before I had performed missionary labors — preached and baptized, and, at his house, made my home. Fatigue and its consequences had so changed my appearance, that at first Brother Smith and family did not recognize me. As soon as recognized, and my condition known, every attention was extended that kindness could suggest, and everything done for, my comfort that warm hearts and willing hands could bestow. Then came a reaction of the overstraining of my physical powers, and with a burning fever, I was confined to my bed, and for days remained in a prostrate condition, when, through the kind ministrations of my friends and the bless- ing of God in the manifestations of His power, I soon recovered, and resumed my missionary labors. The summer and fall I spent principally traveling anrf preaching in the northern part of Ohio. In the winter of 1839 and 1840, I was employed in teaching a district school in the township of Shalersville, Portage County, Ohio. The school was large, and its patrons all Gentiles with the excep- tion of one family. Previous to this time, the directors had been very unfortunate in the selection of teachers; conse- quently the scholars were, in their studies, far behind adjacent schools. Here an opportunity presented for me to make a mark, and I determined to do it, and set myself to the arduous task of arousing and instilling intellectual life into the mentally dormant brain. I labored day and night to accomplish my purpose, i. c, io elevate my students to a higher standard of intellectual improvement. I succeeded, and before its close, my school had attained to such celebrity, that it was everywhere spoken of for its wonderful pro- 40 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. gress, and as having outstripped all of the neighboring schools. But my extra exertions told seriously on my physical system, as the following little incident will illustrate: One evening I was in company with a gentleman who was with Napoleon Bonaparte's army in its retreat from Moscow. He possessed peculiar descriptive powers, and portrayed so life- like the terrible scenes of suffering and death he had witnessed in that memorable defeat, that my mind was entirely absorbed, and my feelings and sympathies so aroused and carried along with him in his thrilling narrative, that my bodily strength was completely overcome, and I suddenly fainted and fell from my chair. This circumstance admonished mc of the necessity of rest, of which I availed myself, and soon regained my usual health. After having arranged my secular affairs, I took leave of my friends and kindred in Ohio, and started for Nauvoo, where I arrived about the first of May, 1840. I found my parents, brothers and sisters, whom I had left about eighteen months before, in Adam-ondi-Ahman, living in LaHarpe, about thirty miles from Nauvoo. 0, what changes, priva- tion, hardship and suffering, the cruel hand of persecution had produced in those eventful months! But God was with His people, and they knew in whom they trusted, and in the midst of severe trials, rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the truth's sake. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 41 CHAPTER VIIL In Di-Ahman. — Our father's purchases.— Friendliness of the "old settlers." — A spirit of hostility prevalent. — Millers would not grind our wheat. — Grating corn for our bread. — How we cooked the grated meal. — A strange move; the old settlers abscond. — Their reports in the surround- ing country. — The Military quells the uprising.— A horse mill in opera- tion. — Mobs arouse with increased force. — Government sends Militia. — They are set to guard the Saints, who are ordered to leave the county within ten days. — The halfway house.— Food frozen.— How we ate sup- per. — Sleepless and jolly.^Arrive in Far West.— Seven miles out. — Move to Illinois.— To Warren County. — To LaHarpe. — To Nauvoo. E will now leave Lorenzo in LaHarpe, preparing for a i j Jl visit to Nauvoo, and return to Adapi-ondi-Ahman, ^ ^ where he left us. In Di-Ahman, Daviess County, Missouri, our father purchased and paid in full for two home- steads, including the farm crops. The "old settlers," as the inhabitants were called, were very anxious to sell to the Lat- ter-day Saints, who, at the time, did not comprehend nor suspect their villainy. They were obsequiously kind and friendly in their manner towards us as strangers, and we did not, for the time being, suspect their sincerity; but the sequel proved that they had made arrangements for mobbing and driving us, previous to selling, and then, according to their programme, re-take possession of the purchased premises. Before Lorenzo started on his southern mission, as reported in his journal, a spirit of mobocracy was boldly manifested by leading citizens in the county opposing the Latter-day Saints, and at the August election preventing their vote — also putting them to great inconvenience by laying an embargo on all of the flouring mills in that section, and pre- venting our people from obtaining breadstuff. Our father had abundance of wheat, but could get no grinding. In this 42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. di.emma we had to resort to graters, made by perforating tin pails and stovepipes, on which we grated corn for bread mate- rial. We tried boiled wheat, but found that it did not retain much nourishment; and our grated corn meal, when cooked by the usual process of bread making, was not quite so solid as lead, but bore a more than satisfactory resemblance to it. "Necessity, the mother of invention," prompted experiment- ing, and we set our wits to work to make our meal not only eatable, but palatable. We had a fine crop of "Missouri pumpkins" (which, being interpreted, means the choicest kind), produced from the soil our father bought; these we stewed with a good sup- ply of moisture, and when boiling hot, stirred it into our grated meal, which, when seasoned with salt and nicely baked — well buttered or in milk, was really very delicious; the main thing was to get enough, especially after the mob had driven in the scattered settlers, by which the number of our family was increased to twenty-five. Elder Abel Butterfield, Lorenzo's traveling companion, was stopping with us, while waiting for my brother to regain his strength sufficient for travel, and as he required clothing made, previous to departure, my sister proposed to join me in doing his needle work, tailoring, etc., if, he would give his time in grating meal for the family, which he gladly accepted. It was hard work, and after he left, we took it by turns, soak- ing the corn when it became so dry as to shell from the cob. Not long after our young missionaries left us, very early one morning, we were utterly astonished with the announce- ment that all of our neighbors, the "old settlers," including those of whom our father had purchased, had fled the coun- try. On entering some of the vacated houses, clocks were seen ticking the time, coffee-pots boiling the coffee, and every- thing indicating a precipitate and compulsory flight. What could be the cause, and what the meaning of this unprece- dented and really ominous movement was veiled in tlie AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 43 deepest mystery, until the reaction solved it by bringing to light the most cruel perfidy. We soon learned that those unscrupulous hypocrites had scattered abroad through- the settlements, arousing a mob feeling against the Latter-day Saints, by reporting that the "Mormons" had driven them from their homes, they having barely escaped with their lives at the expense of all they possessed. This unprecedented move was sufficient pretext for an onslaught, and a general uprising of the people threatened an immediate extermination of the Latter-day Saints, which was prevented by an appeal to, and the intervention of, the military authority of the State. A posse was sent, which quelled the mob, and for a few days we had peace. The Saints took advantage of the quietus, purchased a horse-mill and soon had it in operation, and released the family graters. But the peaceful interim was of short duration. It seemed that the turbulent spirit had gained strength by the recess, and broke out with redoubled fury. No Latter-day Saint was safe, and although our trust was in God, and we felt assured of His protection, it was wise for us to keep up a show of defence, as it had a tendency to awe our enemies. . To us it was a novel sight, and would have been ludicrous (were it not painfully symptomatica! of the situation) to see our venerable father walking to meeting on the Sabbath, with a Bible in one hand and a rifle in the other. At length an order was issued by the Governor of the State, for all of the Saints to leave Daviess County within ten days from date, the sixth of December, and a company o^ militia was sta- tioned in Di-Ahman, for that length of time, ostensibly to protect us from the mob, but it was difficult to tell whether the mob or the militia was most dangerous. Before we left, the former owner of the place where we lived, came in, and looking around very impudently, in- quired how soon we would be out of the house. It required an effort, but we suppressed our feelings of indignation. 44 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. The weather was extremely cold, and the morning we bid adieu to our honorably and honestly acquired transitory hom'e, and much property which we were obliged to leave, after assisting what I could, I started before the teams, to warm my feet by walking. AVhile musing on the changing and wonderful vicissitudes of mortal life as I walked quietly and alone, I was interrupted in my meditations by the approach of one of the militia. After the usual salutations of "Good morning," he said: ''I think this loill cure you of your faithy I looked him in the eye, and, with emphasis, replied, "No, sir, it will take more than this to cure me of my faith." His countenance dropped, and he said, " Well, I must confess you are a better soldier than I am." And we parted. It took two days to go by team to Far West, and seventy- five persons, pi'grims like ourselves, put up at our stopping place for the night. It was a small vacated log house of one room only, which was the general nightly resort of people traveling from Di-Ahman to Far West, As we found it, the chinkings between the logs had been torn out, leaving open spaces through which gusts of wind had free play. AVhen we arrived, the provisions we brouglit were solidly frozen, and the crowd of people was so dense, we could not avail ourselves of the fire. But we must have supper, and we could not eat hard frozen bread, and we adopted the follow- ing: The boys milked our cows, and before the milk was strained, one of us held the dish while another sliced the bread, and the third strained the warm milk into it, which thawed the bread; thus one after another, until all were p)len- tifully served. Bed time came, but there was no room for beds, except for the sick, and, indeed, there was very little sitting room. Our mother was quite feeble through fatigue and exposure, and we managed to fix a place for her to lie down, while our sister and myself sat on the floor, one on each side, to ward off the crowd. I can well remember that ever memorable AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 45 night — how I. dare not move lest I should disturb those around me, so closely were we packed. And withal, it was a jolly time, although with the majority, a sleepless night. Some ten or fifteen feet from the house was a small horse shed, in the centre of which the brethren built a roaring fire, and around it they stood, sometimes dancing to keep warm, some roasting potatoes, while others parched corn, and all joining in singing hymns and songs, merrily passing off the hours till the morning dawn. Many started very early, which gave us access to the fire for our morning meal. Little would strangers, could they have witnessed those seventy-five Saints, without knowing our circumstances; I say, little would they have thought that we were exiles from our homes, going to seek among strangers, abiding places for the winter, in an adjoining county, and by order of the gov- ernor, leave the State and go we knew not where, in the Spring. They would naturally have thought us a pleasure party. On the fifth of March, 1839, after wintering seven miles from Far West, in Caldwell County, we started en route for Illinois, landing in Quincy; we stopped there a short time, and from there our father moved to Warren County, in the same State; from there to LaHarpe, where Lorenzo found us, thence to Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo. 46 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. CHAPTER IX. Called on mission to England. — Extraordinary communication. — Calls on families of the Twelve. — In Ohio. — Borrows money. — On board a sailing vessel. — In Liverpool.— Writes to his aunt. — Why he is there. — How he came there. — Crossing the ocean. — Terrific storms. — An ocean storm scene. — The ealm. — Gratitude. — Arrives in Liverpool. — Manchester. — Birmingham. — Lorenzo says: *■ |ARLY in the spring of 1840, I was appointed to a mission in England, and I started on or about the twentieth of May. I here record a circumstance which occurred a short time previous — one which has been riveted on my memory, never to be erased, so extraordinary was the manifestation. At the time, I was at the house of Elder H. G. Sherwood; he was endeavoring to explain the parable of our Savior, when speaking of the husbandman who hired servants and sent them forth at different hours of the day to labor in his vineyard. While attentively listening to his explanation, the Spirit of the Lord rested mightily upon me — the eyes of my under- standing were opened, and I saw as clear as the sun at noon- day, with wonder and astonishment, the pathway of God and man. I formed the following couplet which expresses the revelation, as it was shown me, and explains Father Smith's dark saying to me at a blessing meeting in the Kirtland Temple, prior to my baptism, as previously mentioned in my first interview with the Patriarch. As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be. I felt this to be a sacred communication, which I related to no one except my sister Eliza, until I reached England, when in a confidential private conversation with President AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 47 Brigham Young, in Manchester, I related to him this extra- ordinary manifestation. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, and others of the Quorum of the Twelve, nine in all, were at this time laboring in England, and before leaving Nauvoo, the home of the Saints, I visited several of their families. I found Sister Young occupying an unfinished log hut, with a loose floor, and no chinking between the logs; consequently the sides and ends of the hut were open, leaving the inmates exposed to wind and storms. When I called, she had just returned from a long, fatiguing and fruitless search for her milch cow, which had strayed the day before, and on which she much depended for sustenance for her little ones. On my asking her what she wished me to say to her husband, she replied, "You see my situation, but tell him not to trouble, or worry in the least about me — I wish him to remain in his field of labor until honorably released." Her apparent poverty-stricken, destitute condition deeply stirred ray sympathy. I had but little money — not sufficient to take me one- tenth the distance to my field of labor, with no prospect for obtaining the balance, and was then on the eve of starting, I drew from my pocket a portion of my small pittance, and presented her, but she refused to accept it; while I strenuously insisted on her taking, and she persisting to refuse — partly purposely, and partly accidentally, the money was dropped on the floor, and rattled through the openings between the loose boards, which settled the dispute, and bidding her good bye, I left her to pick it up at her leisure. When I called on the wife of Orson Pratt, she said she wished her husband to return home as soon as possible — she needed his assistance. On my way to New York, my point of embarkation, I called on my friends in Ohio, held a few meetings, borrowed money at a heavy interest, and proceeded on my way, travel- ing to New York chiefly on canal boats. I took steerage passage on board a sailing vessel, having supplied myself with 48 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. blanket, buffalo robe, and a supply of provisions. I had heard tell of deck passage — I had read of deck passage, but when I experienced deck passage, with its peculiar make-up, on this voyage, I could truly say, with the Queen of Sheba, "the half had not been told;" and I felt assured that the other half never could be told. And, after all, the almost unbearable discomfort I experienced on the voyage was not attributable particularly to deck passage, but to the unpleas- ant peculiarities of the situation. I was surrounded with a huddled crowd of rough, uncouth people, very filthy in their appearance and habits. We had a long passage of about six weeks, in which we encountered storms and tempests, and suffered much for want of fresh water, and also a sufficient supply of food. For further particulars I transcribe tlie following letter written to my aunt in Ohio: London, England, Feb. 16, 1841. My Dear and Highly Respected Aunt: With pleasure I improve the present opportunity in ful- filling the promise made at our last interview. You see by this heading, I am in the city of London, the great metropolis of the British empire. The thought that I am between four and five thousand miles from the home of my childhood and all of my early, fond associations, very naturally prompts the question. Why am I here? To me, a question of no small magnitude — one, the results of which probably lie far in the future. In answer to the foregoing I would say, I am here because God has spoken, and raised up a Prophet, through whom He has restored the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, with all its gifts, powers, ordinances, and blessings; with a proclamation to all peoples, "Rej)ent, for the kinf/dom of heaven is at hand." In the providence of God, I have been called as an ambassador, to bear this message to the nations of the earth, which I realize devolves on me a great responsibility which I cannot discharge without the aid of the Almighty. AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 49 And liow, another question suggests itself — Hoid came 1 here? In answer to this, I can truly say, the hand of the Lord has led me, and His power has protected and preserved me in the midst of those perilous scenes to which voyagers are often exposed when on the hriny deep in their passage to foreign lands. I was nearly two weeks on the way from Cleveland, Ohio, to New York — traveled upwards of three hundred miles on the Erie canal. At Albany I took steamboat to New York, and the next day, after having supplied myself with what little necessary articles and comforts I needed on the voyage, went on board a ship just ready to sail, bidding good bye to New York, after a brief introduction and hasty glance at its temptations for sight-seeing; and, for the first time, turned my face from my native land. I was forty-two days crossing the ocean, and during this time we encountered three terrible storms — storms which those accustomed to the ocean pronounced very dangerous. Unacquainted as I was Avith the turbulent waves, I was unable , to judge comparativelj'', but, in a number of instances, to say the least of it, the scene was fearfully terrific. I did not feel surprised that men, women a;id children who had not learned to trust in God, wrung their hands in an agony of fear, and wept. My trust was in Him who created the seas and defined their bounds. I was on His errand — I knew that I was sent on this mission by the authority He recognizes, and, although the elements raged and the ship swayed and trembled amid the heaving billows. He was at the helm, and my life was safe in His keeping. I think, aunt, that you moved from Massachusetts to Ohio by land, and that you have had no experience in ocean life; now, to realize the answer to "How came I here?" Just look at me in your lively imagination, in one of these terrific storms, seated on a large hogshead of water — holding on, with both hands, to ropes near by, in order to retain my position — 50 BIOGRAPHY AND the ship reeling and dashing from side to side — now and then a monster wave leaping over the bulwarks, treating all present with a shower bath — see, sitting near me, a man weeping bitterly with terror in his countenance — the next moment a wave shoots over the bulwarks, dashing him from his seat and landing him precipitately against the bulwark on the opposite side, from which he arises with a broken arm and dripping wet; while many others are badly bruised by having been furiously thrown about. So much for the upper deck. Now take a peep into the deck below, where boxes, chests and barrels, having broken loose from their storage, are slipping and tumbling about among the women and children, whose groans and cries for help are in vain, so long as each man has all he can possibly do to take care of himself, for none but sailors and those accustomed to marine life can control their movements in a fierce storm on the mighty deep. No doubt but an imaginative glance at the one storm will suffice. Now, after the storm subsided and the bosom of the great deep settled into calm repose, see the tall masts bow gently before the mildly moving breeze — the white sails unfurl in placid swells, and again the ship moves through the parting waves with stately pride, while joy and gratitude fill every heart. When we arrived at the Liverpool docks, as the vessel approached within a few feet of the shore, the hand of an Englishman was reached forth to assist me. I immediately seized it and landed upon the island of Great Britain, just three months from the time I left my father's house in Illinois, to which place my father and family had been driven by the ruthless hand of mobocrac3^ The twenty- second of this month I shall have been four months in ■ England. The pleasure I realized on the termination of a long and tedious voyage on the ocean cannot be expressed. Suffice it to say, my heart was full of the highest gratitude to Him who preserves and sustains those whom He calls AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 51 and sends forth as ministers of salvation to the nations of the earth. In Liverpool, I found a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with about one hundred mem- bers. I tarried a few days and spoke in an evening meeting, then took the train to Manchester, distant thirty miles. On my arrival, I experienced inexpressible joy in greeting once more my brethren from America. I stopped in Manchester about ten days, during which I preached a number of times and baptized several persons. The population of this city consists of over three hundred thousand inhabitants. From Manchester I went by coach to Birmingham. There I labored in the ministry about three months, and never enjoyed myself better, nor received kinder treatment. This great city contains about two hundred thousand inhabit- ants. On the eleventh of February, in about five hours I pro- ceeded by train to London, from which I write you. I am here, presiding over the Church in London; I also have charge of several branches established in the vicinity. The work of the Lord moves on with rapidity in all parts of Her Majesty's kingdom — in England, Scotland and Wales. With kind regards to you, dear aunt, and to each mem- ber of your family, I subscribe myself, Your affectionate nephew, L. Snow. 52 BIOGRAPHY AND CHAPTER X. Writes from Birmingham. — Church numbers Sixteen. — Conference in Lon- don. — Lorenzo appointed, to preside over the London Conference. — Con- firmed in Manchester. — Nine of the Twelve present. — Established a Branch in Wolverhampton.— Ordained William Henshaw.— Sent him to Wales. — William Henshaw did a good work, but "died as a fool dieth." — An encounter with Evil Spirits. — Lorenzo gets tlie Victory. — An Apostacy succeeds, — April 6th, Conference in Manchester. — Nine of the Twelve present. — Branches represented.— Officers set apart. — A cake for the Twelve. — The cake distributed. — A joyfnl time. — Orson Hyde speaks. — Joseph Fielding speaks — P. P. Pratt composes verses. — Brigham Young and William Miller sing. — President B. Young dis- misses. — Poem addressed to L. Snow. iROTHER Snow writes from Birmingham under date of 6th December, 1840. He says the Ciiarch there now numbers sixteen, and that many more are on the eve of being baptized. He also informs us that the Church at Greet's Green now numbers about fort}^ members, and that several in that place will soon become citizens of the King- dom of God. One of the Methodist preachers has yielded obedience to the faith." — 3Iille;nnial Star. February 14, 1841. — At a conference in London, it was moved by Heber C. Kimball, seconded by Wilford Woodruff, that Lorenzo Snow be appointed president of this conference; also to take the superintendency of the Church in London. This appointment was confirmed on the 6tli of April, at the annual conference in Manchester. At that conference, nine of the Quorum of the Twelve were present, viz: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John Tay- lor and George A. Smith. The records show that after Brother Snowy's return from AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 53* conference up to the 26th of May, he had baptized eighteen persons. Before leaving Greet's Green to take charge of the Church in London, Brother Lorenzo held several meetings in Wolver- hampton, a flourishing town numbering several thousand inhabitants. There he succeeded in establishing a branch of the Church. A man, by name William Henshaw, was one of the number who embraced the Gospel at that time; a man of ability and force of character, he became very useful as a minister of and advocate for the truth. Brother Snow ordained William Henshaw to the Priest- hood, and sent him on a mission to Wales to introduce and open the Gospel door to that people. He was very successful and greatly blessed in his labors. He had baptized several hundred persons and organized quite a number of branches of the Church in that country previous to the arrival of Captain Dan Jones, who was sent as a missionary from Salt Lake to that people. It is a matter of deep regret that, after having performed a great and good work — after having been instrumental in bringing into the Church, among the many whom he baptized, several persons who became prominent and influential preachers of the Gospel, that he should make shipwreck of his faith through that destructive demon, intemperance, and by intoxication destroy the powerful faculties with which God had endowed him. He crossed the ocean, and, in St. Louis, died a drunkard. Once beloved and highly respected, he yielded to the weakness of the flesh, and "died as a fool dieth" — an object of regret and pity, a warning to those simi- larly tempted. Not long after Brother Snow was appointed to preside over the Church in London, a circumstance occurred which plainly illustrated the interference of evil spirits in human affairs, and most strikingly their use as instruments to oppose the progress of the latter-day work. A band of them under- 54 BIOGRAPHY AND took to frighten him from his post; but Lorenzo Snow is one whom neither favor, fright nor force can move from the post of duty. At the time referred to, he occupied a well furnished upper room, and directly after his appointment to the presi- dency, after retiring to bed at night, he was aroused from sleep by the most discordant noises. It seemed as though every piece of furniture in the room was put in motion, going slash- dash, helter-skelter, back and forth against each other in such terrible fury that sleep and rest were utter impossibilities. He endured the unceremonious visitation for several nights, each night thinking it was the last, that they would leave as unbidden as they came, until the fact forced itself upon his mind that so long as he would tamely submit to their aggressions, so long they would continue to repeat them. Something must be done. He must claim the right of master over his own premises. Accordingly, after a day of fasting and before kneeling to pray, as was his custom before retiring for the night, he read aloud a chapter in the Bible, and then, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood, rebuked those spirits, and commanded them to leave the house — went to bed and had no more disturbance. But those spirits were not discouraged with one defeat. It was not long before several members of the Church became disaffected and came out in open rebellion, insomuch that it was pain- fully necessary to expel quite a number. Manchester, April 6, 1841. — The council of the Twelve assembled in Manchester Hall, on the 6th day of April, 1841, for the first time, to transact business as a quorum, in the presence of the Church, in a foreign land, being the first day of the twelfth year of the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nine of the Quorum were present. At this Conference much was done in appointing and setting apart to offices — AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 55 ordaining, etc., as well as representing the various branches and conferences. All being accomplished, appropriate in- structions were delivered by different members of the High Council relative to the duties of the officers in their respec- tive callings^ etc., etc. A very richly ornamented cake from New York, from Elder Adams' wife to the Twelve, was then exhibited to the meeting. This was blessed by them, and then distributed to all the officers and members, and then to the whole congrega- tion, consisting, probably of seven hundred people. A large fragment was still preserved for some who were not present. During the distribution, several appropriate hymns were sung, and a powerful and general feeling of delight seemed universally to pervade the meeting. While this was proceed- ing. Elder P. P. Pratt composed and handed over to the clerk the following lines, which the clerk then read to the meeting, as follows: When in far distant regions, As strangers we roam, Far'away from our country, Our friends and our home: When sinking in sorrow, Fresh courage we'll take, As we think on our friends. And remember the cake. Elder 0. Hyde appealed powerfully to the meeting, and covenanted with the b'aints present, in a bond of mutual prayer, during his mission to Jerusalem and the East, which was sustained on the part of the hearers with a hearty amen. Elder Joseph Fielding remarked that it was with the most pleasing and grateful feeling that he had witnessed the scenes of this day. And respecting the rich cake of which they had been partaking, he considered it a type of the good things of that land from whence it came, and from whence they had received the fulness of the Gospel. He expressed a 56 BIOGRAPHY AND hope that they might all hold out till that day, when they should be assembled to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Elder B, Young and Elder William Miller sang the hymn, "Adieu, my dear brethren, adieu," etc. This was after the number of the official members present had been "taken — one hundred and seven. President Brigham Young blessed the congregation and dismissed them. — Millennial Star. At this meeting, Brother Lorenzo reported the London Conference. No one who has never been located far from home can realize the happiness he enjoyed while associated with so many of the Quorum of the Twelve on this occasion. TO ELDER LORENZO SNOW, LONDON, ENGLAND. Dearest brother, wherefore leave us ? Why forsake your friends and home ? Of your presence, why bereave us, And in foreign countries roam ? Must the dearest ties be broken ? Must affection's garland fade? No, no! But God has spoken. And His voice must be obeyed. You have gone to warn the nations. In the name of Israel's God; You are called to bear salvation's Joyful tidings far abroad. Now the Gospel proclamation Must be sounded far and near. That the best of every nation May in Zion's courts appear. In the spirit of devotion To Messiah's glorious Cause, You have crossed the pathless ocean. To proclaim Redemption's laws. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. • 57 You are now a standard bearer On a distant mountain top, And perchance ofttimes a sharer In privation's bitter cup. God designs to try and prove yoUj If you will His voice obey; Therefore from your friends who love you, You aire parted far away. You are called yourself to sever From the land where kindred dwell; But it will not be forever — Time will surely break the spell. Here warm friends await your greeting — Noble friends of Abra'm's line: Here are gentle pulses beating In soft unison with thine. Here are daily prayers ascending For th' appointed hour to come; When your mission nobly ending, We shall bid you " Welcome home." Nauvoo, Jan., 1841. E. R. Snow.' 58 BIOGRAPHY AND CHAPTER XI. Brother Snow writes to Elder Pratt.— Baptisms. — A hint to the wise. — Caution and instruction. — Writes to the l^tar. — Increase in the Church in London.— Good word for Bedford. — Baptisms. — To Elder Pratt. — Sad news. — Sister Morgan's Death. — Her faithfulness and benevolence. — Her triumphant departure. — Her Husband is comforted. — Conference. — Lorenzo informs how subscriptions are obtained. — Singing in Tongues. — L. appointed First Counselor. — P. P. Pratt speaks.— Stanza.— Queen Victoria. — Presentation of the Book of Mormon to Her Majesty and the Prince Consort. ■4. EXTRACT of a letter written from London on the third of May, 1841: Elder Pratt: I improve a few moments in communicating some few items in reference to the prosperity of our Redeemer's king- dom in this metropolis. I feel happy in having the privilege of stating that the prospects of Zion's extension and enlargement in this city are far more encouraging now than at any former time since I located in London. Though surrounded with high-handed wickedness of everj'' description, Zion begins to break forth, and, I trust, ere long will become a shining lamp in this city. Many people in various directions are inquiring the way of salvation, and thanks to her glorious King, Zion is begin- ning to array herself in her beautiful garments, even with light and intelligence, faith and power, and her children are pointing out in plainness the one and only pathway that leads up into the holy, celestial mansions of eternal rest. On Sunday, our preaching room is crowded to overflow- ing. Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of baptizing AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 59 eleven into the fold of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Others, also, will soon follow the glorious example. Lorenzo Snow. a hint to the wise. London, May 13, 1841. The Savior has commanded not to cast pearls before swine. I am sorry to say that this instruction is not always sufficiently regarded by those to whom our Lord has given, through the Everlasting Covenant, His pearls of wisdom, knowledge, and precious gifts. The consequence is, we lose blessings instead of retaining them — a decrease of the Holy Spirit follows, instead of an increase, and our minds become darkened. What I allude to is this : we too frequently engage in con- versation concerning things of the kingdom of God, with persons of a wrong spirit; and feeling over anxious to make them see, understand, and acknowledge the light presented, we urge on, and persist in the conversation until we partake of the spirit of those with whom we are conversing. We ought to be particularly guarded against falling into errors of this kind. It is very easy to understand when conversation is attended with profit. We tlien feel our minds enlightened, and the power of God resting upon us through the Holy Spirit — ideas flow into our minds, and we express them with ease, freedom, and calmness. Conversation conducted in this spirit proves highly profitable, not only to ourselves, but also to those with whom we converse; and after its close, our hearts are drawn out in gratitude to the Most High for the privilege of imparting the glorious truths of the Gospel to the children of men. L. Snow. The following is from the Millennial Star of September, 1841: 60 BIOGRAPHY AND Elder Snow writes from London, under date of August 21, as follows: Dear Brother — This morning I occupj' a few moments in communicating a general view of the present state and prosperity of the London Conference. Six months since, when I took charge of this conference we numbered less than one hundred members; since then we have increased to two hundred and twenty. I recently had the pleasure of spending three weeks in Bedford and vicinity. My heart truly rejoiced to witness the good order, peace and love prevailing there. The zeal and untiring perseverance of the officers of the Church in Bed- ford, in leaving their homes on Sunday morning, after hav- ing labored with their hands all the week, and then walking eight and ten miles to proclaim the fulness of the Gospel, is truly worthy of commendation and of imitation by all who labor in the name, and by the authority of Jesus Christ. During the time I was in Bedford, twenty-three persons were baptized into Zion's fold, in that place and vicinity. London, October 28, 1841. Elder Pratt: Dear Brother. — In a moment our joys are turned to sor- row, our pleasures into pain. Death has entered this part of Zion's fold, and taken one of her best and most worthy daughters. This morning, our beloved sister, Elizabeth Morgan, after a short illness, bid adieu to her weeping husband, children and friends, and took her departure to the fair climes of Immortality. She was beloved by all the Saints, and much respected throughout the extensive circle of her worldly acquaintance. By her faith and knowledge, the curtains of Zion have been extended, and through her benevolence the Saints have been made to rejoice. With herself and husband, our Elders first found a home when they were strangers in London, AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 61 endeavoring to rear the standard of Zion. Their house has been my home ever since my arrival. The Church has cause to mourn her loss, especially those who participated in her friendship when laying the foundation of this branch, when dark clouds gathered thickly over their prospects, and all their efforts seemed baffled. But let them not mourn as for one who dies without hope. She died, not only in hope, but in the perfect assurance of future glory; and in her dying moments, wished me to express to Elder Kimball that she blessed the hour in which he baptized her. One remarkable circumstance connected with this melan- choly event, I wish to relate. About two o'clock this morn- ing, we had given up all hopes of her recovery. We saw it was the will of God to take her to Himself. We had con- tinued to offer our prayers in her behalf, and done everything consistent with scripture and the mind of God. She con- tinually expressed a wish that no medicine should be admin- istered to her by a doctor, and particularly requested that "no blame should be attached to, and no reflections cast upon, her dear husband and. children, because no doctor had been emjiloyed;. for she wanted no physician but the Lord." About two o'clock, she requested me to kneel by her bed- side, and, for the last time, offer my supplications, and she said she would depart in peace. I complied with her request, and while calling upon the Lord in presence of her weeping husband, children and friends, the Holy Spirit rested on me in power, and I was moved upon to ask the God of Israel that her disconsolate husband might be comforted, even if it were by the ministering of Sister Morgan's departed spirit, that he might have thereby consolation and fulness of hope. At the same hour. Sister Bates, of this city — a worthy member of the Church, had an open vision, in which she saw Sister Morgan standing in full view before her, clothed in robes beautiful and white, and around her head were clouds of glor}^, surpassing in splendor and brilliancy, the sun at C2 BIOGRAPHY AND noonday. Sister Bates rejoiced in the vision. It was not a dream, but an open vision, continuing some length of time. When the vision closed, she immediately related it to her husband. When the vision was made known to Deacon Morgan, the bereaved husband, he lifted up his head and rejoiced in sorrow, receiving consolation even in the valley of grief. He has not a shadow of doubt that the companion of his bosom now rests in mansions of peace and glory. Yours in the Everlasting Covenant, L. Snow. In the minutes of a general Conference held in Manches- ter, commencing on the oth of May, 1842, published in the Millennnial Star, we find the following: " Elder Snow then addressed the meeting, and stated the method they had adopted in London Conference of raising funds for the Temple, which was by holding tea meetings; at which time any person wishing to appropriate for this pur- pose, had the opportunity. Elder Snow concluded his address by singing beautifully in tongues." Just before leaving England, Elder P. P. Pratt, through the >S7ar, in a general address to the Saints in Europe, writes the following — " I therefore recommend and appoint Elder Thomas Ward as my successor in the office of the General Presidency of the Church in Europe, in connection with El- ders Lorenzo Snow and Hiram Clark. To these persons I commit the care and government of the Church in this country for the present, trusting that they will conduct and counsel in all things according to the mind of the Spirit, and according to the counsel that shall be given them from Nauvoo from time to time by the Quorum of the Twelve or the First Presidency. "I sincerely hope that the officers and members in the several conferences will uphold and support these men in AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 63 their high and holy calling by the prayer of faith, and by a willing, submissive and teachable spirit; and in so doing they will prosper." STANZA ON THE PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK OF MORMON TO QUEEN VICTORIA. BY ELIZA R. SNOW. Before leaving London, Elder Lorenzo Snow presented to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and His Royal Highness, Prince Albert, through the politeness of Sir Henry Wheatley, two neatly bound copies of the Book of Mormon, which had been donated by President Brigham Young, and left in the care of Elder Snow for that purpose; which circumstance sug- gested the following lines: QUEEN VICTORIA. Of all the monarchs of the earth, That wear the robes of royalty, She has inherited, by birth, The broadest wreath of majesty. ^ From her wide territorial wing, The sun does not withdraw its light; While earth's diurnal motions bring To other nations, day and night. All earthly thrones are tottering things, Where lights and shadows intervene; And regal honor often brings The scaffold or the guillotine. But still her sceptre is approved; All nations deck the wreath she wears; Yet, like the youth whom Jesus loved. One thing is lacking, even there. 64 BIOGRAPHY AND But, lo ! a prize possessing more Of worth than gems with honor rife — A herald of salvation bore To her the words of endless life. That gift, however fools deride. Is worthy of her royal care; She'd better lay her crown aside Than spurn the light reflected there. O would she now her influence bend — The influence of royalty, Messiah's Kingdom to extend, And Zion's " nursing mother" be : Thus, with the glory of her name Inscribed on Zion's lofty spire. She'd win a wreath of endless fame. To last when other wreaths expire. Though over millions called to reign — Herself a powerful nation's boast, 'Twould be her everlasting gain To serve the King, the Lord of Hosts. For there are crowns and thrones on high, And kingdoms there to be conferred — There honoi-s wait that never die — There fame's immortal trump is heard. Truth echoes — 'tis Jehovah's word ; Let kings and queens and princes hear : In distant isles the sound is heard : Ye heavens, rejoice! O earth, give earl The time — the time is near at hand To give a glorious period birth : The Son of God will take command. And rule the nations of the earth. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 65 CHAPTER XII. Brother Snow's Mission terminates.— Reports four hundred Members in the London Conference. — Ts appointed to take charge of two hundred and fifty Saints en route to Nauvoo. — Embarks on tlie "Swanton." — The Steward's sickness. — Grows worse and worse. — Is given up, and nearly- dead. — Sister Martin insists with the Captain, — Is repulsed, and again asks thai Elder Snow may administer to the Steward.— She obtains con- sent. — The man is healed. — Baptisms in New Orleans. — The Company reaches Nauvoo. — Great Reception. — Waving of Handkerchiefs. — The Prophet present. — Reminiscences. — My joy in meeting Lorenzo. — How we associated. —Appeal to my Husband. — Their Interview. — The Result. N April, 1842, at the Conference in Manchester, President P. P. Pratt presiding, Lorenzo Snow represented the London Conference, consisting of four hundred mem- bers, fourteen Elders, thirty-two Priests, seven Teachers, eight Deacons, including ten branches. During his presidency he visited and preached to congregations in many places, bearing testimony to the truths of the Gospel of the Son of God, hav- ing, at the time of embarking for his native country, traveled in England four thousand miles. At the close of his mission, he was appointed to take charge of a company of Saints, consisting of about two hun- dred and fifty souls, en route for Nauvoo ; and in January, 1843, embarked on the ship "Swanton." The commander, Captain Davenport, and officers of the crew were kind and courteous, which contributed much to ameliorate the dis- comfort incident to life on the ocean. The steward, a German by birth, was a young man, very affable in manner, and gentlemanly in deportment — a general favorite and highly respected by all. During the latter part of the voyage he took sick, and continued growing worse and 66 BIOGRAPHY AND worse, until death seemed inevitable. All means proved una- vailing, and the captain, by whom he was much beloved, gave up all hope of his recovery, and requested the officers and crew to go in, one by one, and take a farewell look of their dying friend, which they did silently and solemnly, as he lay unconscious and almost breathless on his dying couch. Immediately after this sad ceremon}^ closed, one of our sisters, by the name of Martin, without my brother's knowl- edge, went to the captain and requested liim to allow my brother to lay hands on the steward, according to our faith and practice under such circumstances, saying that she believed that the steward would be restored. The captain shook his head, and told her that the steward was now breath- ing his last, and it would be useless to trouble Mr. Snow. But Sister Martin was not to be defeated ; she not only importuned, but earnestly declared her faith in the result of the proposed administration, and he finally yielded and gave consent. As soon as the foregoing circumstance was communicated to my brother, he started toward the cabin where the steward lay, and in passing through the door met the cap- tain, who was in tears. He said, " Mr. Snow, it is too late; he is expiring, he is breathing his last!" My brother made no reply, but took a seat beside the dying man. After devot- ing a few moments to secret prayer, he laid his hands on the head of the young man, prayed, and in the name of Jesus Christ rebuked the disease and commanded him to be made whole. Very soon after, to the joy and astonishment of all, he was seen walking the deck, praising and glorifying God for his restoration. The officers and sailors acknowledged the miraculous power of God, and on landing at New Orleans several of them were baptized, also the first mate, February 26, 1843. At New Orleans the Saints left the "Swanton," and, on board the "Amaranth," wended their way up the Missouri and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 67 Mississippi rivers to the city of Nauvoo. Descriptive of their arrival, I clip the following paragraph from the " History of Joseph Smith," under date of April 12, 1843: "Before the Elders' Conference closed, the steamer 'Ama- ranth' appeared in sight of the Temple, coming up the river, and about noon landed her passengers at the wharf opposite the old Post Office building, consisting of about two hundred and forty Saints from England, under the charge of Elder Lorenzo Snow, who left Liverpool last January, after a mis- sion of nearly three years. This is the first boat up this sea- son." The time of the arrival had been announced, and many hearts (mine not excepted) were anxiously and expectantly beating, and when the steamer came in sight, every eye was turned in the direction, and as it neared the landing, white handkerchiefs were waving along the shore, up and down, for a great distance. President Joseph Smith, with a large num- ber of brothers and sisters, was present to greet our friends, and he gave notice to the new comers to meet at the Temple on the next day at ten o'clock, to receive instructions. It should be borne in mind that time and progress have wrought great changes since that event — at that time steam- ers were not navigating the ocean with the astonishing rapidity they are doing forty years later — crossing in a few days ; and, at that time, letter communication was very tardy in comparison with the present fast age, and cablegram non- existent. In consideration of these circumstances, it will be readily understood that a mission to England now differs very considerably from a mission to England then — saying nothing about the aid and facilities of the railroads of the present day. In view of all these improvements, it is easy to compre- hend that the arrival of a company of Saints from Europe was hailed as an important event. To me, personally, the one alluded to above was particularly so. The appearance of the "Amaranth," as it came in sight, 68 BIOGRAPHY AND attracted the gaze of many eyes, but I then thought, and still think, that of all the crowd that watched its progress up the Mississippi, as it approached the wharf, no one felt a deeper interest than myself. Knowing that the steamer held a dear brother with whom, three years before, I parted for an indefi- nite period, I watched it coming, and the white handkerchiefs waving from its deck — perhaps one is his, and in a few moments I shall clasp the hand that waves it ! Although I determined to appear to the bystanders undemonstrative, I have not forgotten how my heart beat when the steamer reached the wharf. It may seem trivial to others, but that is one of the incidents in my life that has fastened indelibly on my memory. While my brother was absent on this, his first mission to Europe, changes had taken place with me, one of eternal import, of which I supposed him to be entirely ignorant. The Prophet Joseph had taught me the principle of plural, or Celestial Marriage, and I was married to him for time and eternity. In consequence of the ignorance of most of the Saints, as well as people of the world, on this subject, it was not mentioned only privately between the few whose minds were enlightened on the subject. Not knowing how my brother would receive it, I did not feel at liberty, and did not wish to assume the responsibility of instructing him in the principle of plural marriage, and either maintained silence, or, to his indirect questioning, gave evasive answers, until I was forced, by his cool and distant manner, to feel that he was growing jealous of my sisterly confidence — that I could not confide in his brotherly integ- rity. I could not endure this — something must be done. I informed my husband of the situation, and requested him to open the subject to my brother. A favorable opportunity soon presented, and, seated together on the lone bank of the Mississippi river, they had a most interesting conversation. The Prophet afterwards told me that he found that my broth- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 69 er's mind had been previously enlightened on the subject in question, and was ready to receive whatever the spirit of rev- elation from God should impart. That Comforter which Jesus said should " lead into all truth," had penetrated his understanding, and while in England had given him an inti- mation of what at that time was, to many, a secret. This was the result of living near the Lord, and holding communion with Him. CHAPTER Xin. Plural Marriage. — It tries the Prophet. — God commands, and he must obey. — Interview on the bank of the river.— The Prophet's words. — Gives Lorenzo a precious promise. — Lorenzo and myself visit our Parents, and return. — Lorenzo goes to Ohio.— Where he finds me on his return.— Close of 1843— A social gatliering,- Extract from' Lorenzo's speech. — He organizes a company. — The General's compliment. — Lorenzo's experience in an unfortunate school.— Makes a success. — Mobbing at Lima. T was at the private interview referred to above, that the Prophet Joseph unbosomed his heart, and described the trying mental ordeal he experienced in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings, the natural result of the force of education and social custom, relative to the introduction of plural marriage. He knew the voice of God — he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward — to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre- possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world stared him in the face; but God, who is above all, had given the commandment, and He must be obeyed. Yet the Prophet hesitated and deferred from time to time, until an angel of God stood by him 70 BIOGRAPHY AND with a drawn sword, and told him that, unless he moved for- ward and established plural marriage, his Priesthood would be taken from him and he should be destroyed ! This testi- mony he not only bore to my brother, but also to others — a testimony that cannot be gainsay ed. From my brother's journal: "At the interview on the bank of the Mississippi, in which the Prophet Joseph ex- plained the doctrine of Celestial Marriage, I felt very humble, and in my simplicity besought him earnestly to correct me and set me right if, at any time, he should see me indulging any principle or practice that might tend to lead astray, into forbidden paths; to which he replied, ' Brother Lorenzo, the principles of honesty and integrity are founded within you, and you will never be guilty of any serious error or wrong, to lead you from the path of duty. The Lord will open your way to receive and obey the law of Celestial Marriage.' Dur- ing the conversation, I remarked to the Prophet I thought he appeared to have been endowed with great additional power during my mission in England. He said it was true; the Lord had bestowed on him additional divine power." On the 22d of May, Lorenzo and I started on a visit to our parents in Walnut Grove, seventy-five miles northeast from Nauvoo, and we returned on the 1st of June. On the 12th, he left for Ohio; and when he returned on the last of August, he found me at our sister's, Mrs. Leonora A. Snow Morley, where our brother's occasional visits were highly ap- preciated. He spent a few days with us at the close oi the year 1843. On the evening of December 31, a social circle of a few choice friends convened at the house of our sister, and we had a lovely time. My brother being one of the orators of the evening, and his sister secretary pro tem., I copy from my own Journal the following extracts from his parting speech, on the closing year: Lima, Sunday Evening, December 31, 1843. The year AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 71 1843 is just closing upon us with all its eventfulness. "While meditating upon the subject, the thought suggested to my mind that it was brother Lorenzo's turn to address those present. I made the motion, which was seconded and carried unani- mously (of course) ; and responding, he gave a very interest- ing address — beautifully adapted to the occasion and to the peculiar circumstances of those present. He spoke of the anticipations of the future, on which the past had a very important bearing — the probable eventful scenery of the year about to open before us. In referring to the past, he said that the individuals present, while standing on the threshold of the year now closing, did not and could not imagine it possible for the changes to transpire which have transpired, with the reception and understanding — the light and intelligence connected with principles of salvation, etc., which will have an important bearing upon our future wel- fare; and we may also expect that the coming year will be as replete with interesting changes, and with consequences of more importance than our minds at present are capable of comprehending. But from the marvellous dealings of Divine Providence in overruling all things for our good — in bringing us safely through difficult scenes, we may look forward without the least anxiety — having everything to hope and nothing to fear. In referring to his own personal experience he said that one year ago he was in the great city of London, presiding over the conference of Saints in the metropolis, and officiat- ing as first counselor to the President of all the Churches in the British Empire — looking forward with deep solicitude, anticipating the difficulties and dangers that awaited him in crossing the boisterous ocean, and holding the responsibility attendant on leading up to Zion a company of Saints; but the Lord had brought him through most successfully; and we are here together, enjoying the blessings of social life, etc., etc. He said, the year upon which we are soon to enter will. 72 BIOGRAPHY AND probably, release some of us from the difficulties into which the changes of the past have placed us; it will open our path and make things clear before us, but, perhaps we shall then meet other things of an unpleasant nature, as consequent attendants on those circumstances, and that scenery in which we may find ourselves. He forcibly suggested the utility of suppressing all anxi- ety with respect to the future, saying, " How illy were we qualified one year ago to pass through the scenes through which we have been led with success ! From which, let us realize the folly of an over anxiety to pry into scenes that are lying before us, inasmuch as God will prepare the way by a gradual process, step by step; and leading us forward in a manner that will prove easy, as we pass along, but which, if presented to our view at once, would seem insurmountable." He said that inasmuch as we are disposed to do right, we may learn from the past 'year's experience, that those things which we are called to suffer, produce a very different effect upon the mind from what we should anticipate if they were presented before us in prospect; producing pleasure and sat- isfaction where we would look for misery. While we reflect with astonishment on the past, we may be instructed to set our hearts at rest with regard to the future; and also by con- trasting the situations of some present with our situations one year ago, and taking into consideration our present enjoy- ments, we find it practicable for the mind to rise superior to circumstance; by having cultivated in our bosoms such prin- ciples as are calculated to elevate the affections — bring the feelings into subjection and give stability to the mind ; thus producing happiness independent of outward contingencies — possessing our happiness within ourselves. He said, in taking a retrospective view of our lives, even from the time we embraced the Gospel, although we had passed through some scenes of severe trials, God had borne us off victoriously thus far, even to our great astonishment AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 73 and we may confidently trust in His guidance and protection for the coming year ! I will here record a little circumstance which transpired a short time after my brother returned from his English mis- sion, as follows: By request of Lieutenant General Joseph Smith. for him to organize a military company, which was to constitute a por- tion of the celebrated " Nauvoo Legion," Lorenzo proceeded at once. The company which he organized was mostly com- posed of volunteers from the company of Saints he had re- cently conducted from England. In the selection of officers, he was chosen captain. At their first parade they were inspected by Gen. Smith, by whom the captain was highly complimented for the fine martial appearance and good military maneuvering of his company. It would not be at all surprising if an encomium from that source should arouse the long dormant military spirit of a man, who, as his early history tells, had so strik- ingly manifested a chivalrous vein in his " make up." Suffice it to say, the " Legion " claims the finale of Lorenzo's military tactics. An interval occurred between the missionary travels of my brother, which he decided to spend alternately between Nauvoo and the home of our sister, Mrs. L. A. Morley. Her home was in a small town called Lima, thirty miles south of Nauvoo. A few families of the Saints had clustered there, but most of the inhabitants were " old settlers," and anti-Mormon in their feelings, yet, when there was no up- rising, very friendly and respectful to those of our people Avho sojourned among them. Knowing that Lorenzo was rather leisurely that winter, the trustees solicited him to teach their district school. He consented, although, at the time, he well knew that he was taking an elephant by the bitts. The condition of that school was simply preposterous. A club of rough, ungovernable, /4 BIOGRAPHY AND rowdy boys, for some time previous, had prided themselves on whipping teachers and breaking up schools. The Saints being a small minority, could exercise no authority to remedy the evil, and the " old settlers" too indifferent on the subject of education to do so, and the roughs carried the day, inso- much that no teacher had been able to complete his term for some time before this, without serious difficulty. Lorenzo was unaccustomed to defeat, and in this instance was willing to risk the chances. In the first place, he must obtain a school certificate of his moral character and proper qualifications, in order to secure the share of public money to which the district was entitled. Mr. Williams, a notorious mobocrat, was the one authorized to issue certificates, and to him my brother applied. The examination was not only brief, but very superficial — sufficiently so to exhibit Williams' profound ignorance, which was truly amusing. The day arrived — he opened school — the belligerents were at their post, and as he proceeded in the arrangements, he noticed a half dozen of those boys grouped together, eying and scrutinizing him in that kind of earnestness that means busi- ness. Without a wise policy on his part, a battle was inevita- ble. "Stoop to conquer," was at this juncture .his watchword. Physically they had decidedly the advantage of him, but mentally the advantage was altogether on his side. He resolved to win respect by conferring it. " Love, and love only, is the loan for love," and he addressed those boys as though they were most respectable gentlemen. Grown up without either moral or mental culture, they were larger, and some of them perhaps older than himself. He took especial pains to impress them with a sense of the interest he felt in their behalf, and the efforts he pur- posed making to assist them forward in their studies, with his peculiar faculty for teaching — the ambition he felt in this direction, etc., etc. In this way, by kindness and persuasion? their feelings relaxed — their confidence was won, and with AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 75 patient and continued exertions, the unscrupulous roughs were transformed into respectful students; and long before the expiration of the term, with surprising progress, they had become habitually studious. The parents of those sons whom, through the wisdom that God had given, my brother had civilized, moralized and mentalizcd, were delighted with the wonderful changes, and expressed their high appreciation and deep gratitude for the interest he had taken in their behalf. Patriarch Morley, the husband of our sister Leonora, pre- sided over the Saints at Lima. A few families, mostly his family connections, had grouped together and formed a little neighborhood of their own, which was known as the " Morley Settlement." Here occurred the first violent outbreak of hos- tilities against the Latter-day Saints in the State of Illinois. It commenced in a sudden raid in which houses and other conbustible property were burned, to that extent that the Saints had to flee precipitately, and destitute, to Nauvoo, leav- ing their real estate possessions to a heartless mob. 76 BIOGRAPHY AND . CHAPTER XIV. The Prophet instructs the Twelve.— They appoint a Delegation to seek a location forfthe Saints. — Lorenzo notified to be in readiness. — Change intervenes. — An «nprecedented apostacy. — Joseph Smith's correspond- ence. — Calls for an expression from candidates for the Presidency. — Copy of Appeal. — Disgusted with their responses.— Offers himself as candidate. — Elders electioneer. — How Lorenzo succeeds. — Terrible news — Assassination. — Mournful Elegy. — Meeting mobocrats. N the 20th of February, 1844, the Prophet .Joseph Smith instructed the Twelve Apostles to seud a dele- gation and make explorations in Oregon and Califor- nia, and seek a good location to which w^e can remove after the Temple is completed, and 'hchere we can build a city in a day, and have a government of our own."" In accordance with the foregoing instructions, the Twelve apppointed the following committee: Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, David Fullmer, Alphonso Young, James Emmett, George D. Watt, Daniel Spencer. Subsequently others, including Lorenzo Snow, were called, and some volunteers were added to the above list. Previous to this, the Prophet had remarked to me that he anticipated moving to the Rocky Mountains with all his family, where he could live in peace and worship God unmo- lested. But other scenes and prospects awaited us. Ever busy change was hurrying onward to a fearful point. The most inveterate apostacy that this Church has yet had to meet was inaugurated in open rebellion against the authorities and the Priesthood in general. After the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the State of Missouri, the authorities of the Church, from time to time, appealed to the rulers of the nation for redress. When AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 77 Martin Van Buren filled the presidential chair, the Prophet Joseph, after acquainting His Excellency with the causes of our grievances, received from our Chief Magistrate the laconic response: " Y(>ur cause is Just, hut I can do nothing for your When the campaign of 1843 opened, Joseph Smith opened correspondence with those brought forward as candi- dates for the presidency, requesting an expression of their views and the policy they proposed to pursue toward the "Mormons," if elected. The following is a copy of the docu- ment: Nauvoo, III., November 4, 1843. Dear Sir. — As we understand you are a candidate for the presidency at the next election, and as the Latter-day Saints (sometimes called "Mormons," who constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast republic) have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings, by the State of Missouri, and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her courts, her executive councils, and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings, without effect, we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific and candid reply to, What will be your rule of action relative to us as a people, should fortune favor your ascension to the Chief Magistracy? Most respectfully, sir, your friend, and the friend of peace, good order and constitutional rights, Joseph Smith, In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A copy of the above was sent to John 0. Calhoun, Lewis 78 BIOGRAPHY AND Cass, Richard M. Johnson, Henry Clay and Martin Van Buren. After receiving their answers, he was so thoroughly dis- gusted with their narrow, illiberal sentiments, that he pub- lished a manifesto, in which he boldly expressed his "Views OF THE Powders and Policy of the Government or the United States," a document well worthy the study of the most erudite student of national policies. At length, to the surprise and intense gratification of many of his friends, Joseph Smith acceded to their repeated solicitations, and consented to become a candidate for the presidency of the United States. Those who best knew him — those who comprehended the depth of his understanding, the greatness of his soul, the superhuman wisdom with which he was endowed, the magni- tude of his calling as the leader of the dispensation of the ful- ness of times, and the mouthpiece of God to this generation, considered it a marked condescension for him to be willing to accept the position of President of the United States; while those who, not having any personal acquaintance with him, had formed their opinions by the scurrilous reports circulated about him, and only knew of him as a base impostor — an ignorant leader of a poor, despised people, designated it as one of the most absurd and even ludicrous of all pretensions. The idea of "old Jo Smith" aiming at the highest gift of the nation — "the money digger" assuming such prerogative, struck them with as much astonishment, and was treated with as much derision as though he had been one of Mac- beth's ghosts. But his friends were in earnest. They knew that through the revelations of God he was in possession of higher intelli- gence, and more correct understanding of national policies, and particularly the needs of our own government as a republic, than any other man living. After he had submitted himself to be announced as a candidate for the presidency, a AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 79 national convention assembled in Nauvoo, in which eighteen States were represented. Subsequently to this the Twelve (with the exception of Willard Richards and John Taylor) and many other promi- nent Elders were sent to various parts of the United States, which the following extract from Lorenzo's journal will explain : I was appointed to take the supervision of the political interests of General Joseph Smith, as candidate for the presi- dential chair, in Ohio, my native State. For this purpose I left Nauvoo, and proceeded directly, by steamboat and stage, to the neighborhood of Kirtland, in the northern part of the State, where I secured the printing of several thousand pamphlets, setting forth his political views, suggestions, pro- positions, etc., for distribution. I then procured a horse and buggy, and traveled through the most populous portions of th? country, lecturing, canvass- ing, and distributing pamphlets. Many people, both Saints and Geijtiles, thought this a bold stroke of policy; however, our own people generally, whom I met, were quite willing to use their influence and devote their time and energies to the promotion of the object in view. I had a very interesting time — had many curious inter- views, and experienced many singular circumstances, on this my first and last electioneering tour. To many persons who knew nothing of Joseph, but through the ludicrous reports in circulation, the movement seemed a species of insanity, while others, with no less astonishment, hailed it as a beacon of prosperity to our national destiny. In the midst of these extremes, my progress was suddenly brought to a close, by a well confirmed report of the massacre of the Prophet and his brother Hyrum. When this terrible news reached me, I was near Cincin- nati, to which place I immediately repaired, and found the Apostle, Amasa Lyman, who had just arrived from Nauvoo 80 BIOGRAPHY AND with intelligence of the martyrdom, and with counsel and instructions to the Saints and Elders. The news of this sad event, of course, came wholly unex- pected, and struck me with profound astonishment and grief, which no language can portray. As a partial expression of my thoughts and feelings, I quote the following lines, written by my sister: THE ASSASSINATION OF GENERALS JOSEPH SMITH AND HYRUM SMITH, FIRST PRESIDENTS OP THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OP LATTER-DAY SAINTS, WHO WERE MASSACRED BY A MOB, IN CARTHAGE, HANCOCK CO., ILL., ON THE 27tH OF JUNE, 1844. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Avord of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow- servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.— Rev., vi; 9, 10, 11. Ye heavens, attend! Let all the earth give ear! Let Gods and seraphs, men and angels hear: The worlds on high — the universe shall know. What awful scenes are acted here below! Had Nature's self a heart, her heart would bleed At the recital of so foul a deed; For never, since the Son of God was slain. Has blood so noble flowed from human vein, i , As that which now on God for vengeance calls From "Freedom's" ground — from Carthage prison walls. Oh, Illinois! thy soil has drunk the blood Of Prophets, martyred for the truth of God. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 81 Once loved America! what can atone For the pure blood of innocence thou'st sown? Were all thy streams in teary torrents shed, To mourn the fate of those illustrious dead, How vain the tribute for the noblest worth, That graced thy surface, degraded earth! Vile, wretched murderers, fierce for human blood, You've slain the Prophets of the living God; Who've borne oppression from their early youth, To plant on earth, the principles of truth. Shades of our patriot fathers! Can it be, Beneath your blood-stained flag of liberty, The firm supporters of our country's cause, Are butchered while submissive to her laws? Yes, blameless men, defamed by hellish lies. Have thus been offered as a sacrifice, T' appease the ragings of a brutish clan, That has defied the laws of God and man! 'Twas not for crime or guilt of theirs, they fell: Against the laws they iiever did rebel. True to their country, yet her plighted faith Has proved an instrument of cruel death. Great men have fallen, mighty men have died — Nations have mourned their fav' rites and their pride; But, t\vo so wise, so virtuous and so good. Before on earth, at once, have never stood Since the Creation — men whom God ordained , To publish truth where error long had reigned; Of whom the world itself unworthy proved; It KNEW THEM NOT, but men with hatred moved, And with infernal spirits have combined Against the best — the noblest of mankind. 0, pefsecutioni shall thy purple hand Spread utter desolation through the land? Shall Freedom's banner be no more unfurled? Has peace, indeed, been taken from the world? 7 82 BIOGKAPIIY AND Thou God of Jacob, in tliis trying hour, Help us W trust in Thy Almighty power — Support the Saints beneath this awful stroke — Make bare Thine arm to break oppression's yoke. We mourn Thy Prophet, from whose lips have flowed The words of life Thy Spirit has bestowed — A depth of thought no human art could reach, From time to time, flowed in sublimest speech, From Thj- celestial fountain, through his mind, To purify and elevate mankind; The rich intelligence by him brought forth, Is like the sunbeam spreading o'er the earth. Now Zion mourns — she mourns an earthly head; Her Prophet and her Patriarch are dead; The blackest deed that men and devils know. Since Calv'ry's scene, has laid the brothers low. One while in life, and one in death — they proved How strong their friendship — how they truly loved; Tx'ue to their mission, until death they stood. Then sealed their testimony with their blood. All hearts with sorrow bleed, and every eye Is bathed in tears; each bosom heaves a sigh; Heart broken widows' agonizing groans Are mingled with the helpless orphans' moans. Ye Saints! be still, and know that God is just — With steadfast purpose in His promise trust; Girded with sackcloth, own His mighty hand, And wait His judgments on this guilty land. The noble Martyrs now have gone to move The cause of Zion in the courts above. Nauvoo, July 1, 1844, With saddened heart I then returned to the vicinity of Kirtland, from whence I started — arranged some matters of business and set my face homeward, traveling with horse and buggy; nothing of interest, worthy of notice, occurring, except, perhaps, I might mention a little incident which hap- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 83 pened after passing through Carthage, the place of Joseph and Hyrum's martyrdom. The spirit of destruction, mobocracy and murder was rampant, and our enemies in Carthage, and other towns and settlements in the vicinity of Nauvoo, were seeking every opportunity to wreak vengeance upon our people, especially when it could be accomplished without endangering them- selves. One morning, near the break of day, as I approached the summit of a long hill, I saw about a dozen fierce looking men, armed with guns and bowie knives, advancing towards me. As we approached each other about half way down the hill, they eyed me very suspiciously — stopped, talked low and excitedly, but just at that moment one of my buggy wheels struck a stone, giving the vehicle a sudden jolt, upon which I turned towards them, and in an angry voice exclaimed, "Boys! Why in hell don't you repair this road!" "jfiTe is one of us," quickly remarked one of the group. "He is all rif/ht, lei him pass." I had several hundred dollars about my person, most of which had been entrusted to me to be delivered to various parties; how far my uncouth and undignified expression went as security for their money, must be left to conjecture. 84 BIOGRAPHY AND CHAPTER XV. Lorenzo a Bachelor.— The Prophet instructs him.— He changes tactics. — Marries. — Wives and Endowments. — In the Temple. — Wrath of our Enemies. — Expulsion of the Saints. — Cross the Mississippi River. — Intensely cold.— Snow storm. — Outfit. — Camp organized. — Moves for- ward. — Song No. 1. — Song No, 2. P to this time my brother lived a bachelor. The great work in which he was engaged as a missionary of the Gospel of salvation to the nations of the earth, had so engrossed his mind and engaged the energies of his soul, that virtually he had ignored the first commandment to " multiply and replenish the earth." To devote his time, his talents, his all to the ministry was his all-absorbing desire; and in conso- nance with this desire, he had cherished the idea that domes- tic responsibility would lessen his usefulness; and, until the law of Celestial Marriage was fully explained to him by the Prophet Joseph Smith, in a prolonged interview while the two were seated alone on the bank of the Mississippi river, as before related, he had not conceived the idea that marriage was one of the duties of the great mission of mortal life. With him, this, as well as every other practical doctrine, was only to be understood to be obeyed. It is one of his peculiarities to do nothing by halves; and when convinced of the duty of marriage, and that it was a privilege accorded him in connection with his ministerial calling, he entered into it on an enlarged scale, by having two wives sealed to him in the holy bonds of matrimony, for time and eternity, at the same time; and not long after, another was added to the num- ber, and then another. Thus, all at once, as it were, from the lone bachelor he was transformed into a husband invested with many domestic responsibilities. Probably a realizing AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 85 sense of the fact that he had arrived at the mature age of thirty-one years in celibacy, suggested to him the propriety of making up for lost time by more than ordinary effort, and out of the old beaten track. Previous to the administration of those sacred sealing or- dinances, he explained to each of the chosen ones the law, obligations and object of Celestial Marriage, and that he might be expected to take others — that the ceremony being precisely the same for each, they would all occupy the same equal posi- tion, no one having a higher claim than another. It was distinctly understood and agreed between them that their marriage relations should not, for the time being, be divulged to the world; but if circumstances should be such that he would wish to acknowledge as wife, before the world, either one of them, he should be permitted to do so. Early in the winter of 1845-6, the Nauvoo Temple was so far completed that the administration of the sacred ordi- nances of the Holy Priesthood was commenced, and contin- ued until about the first of February — thousands of the Saints receiving endowments and sealings. My brother and his wives, among the number, had their washings, anointings and endowments, and were sealed at a holy altar, a privilege and blessing which they estimated above all earthly honors. When Lorenzo walked across the inner court of the Temple proceeding to the aitar, accompanied by his four wives, all stately appearing ladies, one of the Temple officiates exclaimed, "And his train filled the Temple ! " The wrath and bloodthirsty spirit of our enemies, sus- tained and encouraged by State authority, at this time pre- dominated to that degree that the labors in the Temple were closed, and the energies of the Saints directed towards a hasty flight, to avoid impending extirpation. Time and circum- stances admitted of very little, and in many instances, no preparation for a journey of an indefinite length; and to what point we did not know, but go we must. S& BIOGRAPHY AKL) I crossed the Mississippi river on the 12th of February; my brother, with a portion of his family, a few days later, after having made the necessary arrangements for the others to follow. On the day in which he crossed the river, the Nauvoo Temple took lire, but fortunately the fire was extin- guished before much damage was sustained. We camped near the bank of the river, in a small grove. We were poorly prepared for the journey before us, especially a.t this season of the year. A heavy snowstorm occurred, after w^hich the weather turned intensely cold, and caused considerable sufifering. My brother had two wagons and a small tent, one cow and a scanty supply of provisions and clothing, and yet was much better ofif than some of our neigh- bors in our general encampment. On the 7th of February, 1846, Brigham Young, our great leader under God, organized the Camp in order for traveling. Lorenzo was, at this time or soon after, appointed captain over the ten in which Parley P. and Orson Pratt and their families were included. On the first day of March, the ground covered with snow, we broke encampment about noon, and soon nearly four hundred wagons were moving to — vjc knew not where. As applicable to the circumstances, I here insert two poems which I wrote in Camp: CAMP OF ISRAEL. No. 1. Although in woods and tents we dwell, Shout ! shout ! O Camp of Israel: No '"Christian " mobs on earth can bind Our thoughts, or steal our peace of mind. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 87 Chorus. Though we fly from vile aggression, We'll maintain our pure profession — Seek a peaceable possession, Far from Gentiles and oppression. We'd better live in tents and smoke. Than wear the cursed Gentile yoke; We'd better from our country fly, Than by mobocracy to die. Chorus. — Though we fly, etc. We've left the City of Xauvoo, And our beloved Temple too; And to the wilderness we go, Amid the winter frosts and snow. Choeus. Our homes were dear — we loved them well — Beneath our roofs we lain would dwell, And honor our great God's commands. By mutual rights of Christian lands. Chorus. Our persecutors will not cease Their murd'rous spoiling of our peace, And have decreed that we shall go To wilds where reeds and rushes grow. Chorus. The Camp, the Camp — its numbers swell — Shout! shout! O Camp of Israel! The King, the Lord of hosts is near, His armies guard our front and rear. Chorus. West side of the Mississippi, Feb. 19th, 184G. 88 BIOGRAPHY AND CAMP OF ISRAEL. No. 2. Lo, a mighty host of Jacot, Tented on the western shore Of the noble Mississippi, They had crossed, to cross no more. At the last day-dawn of winter. Bound with frost and wrapped in snow; Hark! the cry is "Onward, onward ! Camp of Israel, rise and go." All at once is life and motion — Trunks, and beds, and baggage fly; Oxen yoked, and horses harnessed, Tents rolled up and passing by: Soon the carriage wheels are moving. Onward to a woodland dell. Where at sunset all are quartered — Camp of Israel, all is well. Thickly 'round the tents are clustered, Neighb' ring smokes together blend; Supper served, the hymns are chanted. And the evening prayers ascend. Last of all the guards are stationed — Heavens! must guards be serving here? Who would harm the houseless exiles? Camp of Israel, never fear. Where is Freedom? Where is Justice? Both have from this nation fled; And the blood of martyred Prophets Must be answered on ifs head ! Therefore, to your teiits, Jacob! Like our Father Abra'm dwell; God will execute His purpose — Camp of Israel, all is well. March 1st, 1846. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 89 CHAPTER XVI. Garden Grove. — Pisgah.— Severe sickness. — Death of Elder Huntington. — Lorenzo called to preside. — Condition of the Saints. — A dilemma. — Lorenzo's policy. — How he succeeded. — A ludicrous and enjoyable entertainment. — Births. — Death. — Life incidents. — President Young's call. — Appointments.— Another wife. — Arrives in the Valley. — Ordained into the Quorum of the Twelve. — Builds a log house. 4- 'f [E moved slowly forward. As this was the breaking up of winter, travel with teams was exceedingly difficult, especially as our teams were not suitably provided for; the animals lived mostly on browse (buds and twigs of trees, which were felled for this purpose), and, conse- quently, were weak and poor. At a locality which we named Garden Grove, we made a halt, and commenced an improvement by building a few log , huts, etc. This was done, more especially, for the benefit of those who would follow — a few remaining to cultivate the ground and prepare a resting place for the weary Saints, while the main body of the camp moved forward to another halt- ing place, which we named Pisgah. Now to my brother's journal: At this place I was taken seriously and dangerously ill with a burning fever, which so affected my brain that I was delirious many days, lying at the point of death. While in this condition. Elder Phineas Richards, the father of Apostle F. D. Richards, assisted by other kind brethren, took me from my bed, wrapped in a sheet — placed me in a carriage, drove to a stream of water, and baptized me in the name of the Lord, for my recovery. The fever immediately abated, and through kind, unwearied nursing and attention, by my faithful, lov- ing wives, and my dear sister, E. R. S. Smith, aided and dO BIOGRAPHY AND sanctified through the power and blessing of God, I was deliv- ered from suffering and restored to health. The sickness was the result of extreme hardships and exposures consequent on the journey. Elder William Huntington was called to preside over the settlement in Pisgali, which position he filled until, as many others in that location, he was removed by death, and his mortal remains consigned to the silent grave. After his death, Elder Charles G. Rich was appointed to fill the vacancy. In the following Spring, 1847, Elder Rich left for the Bluffs, to join the main body of emigrants, and I succeeded him as president of Pisgah. By this time the Saints in Pisgah were in a very destitute condition, not only for food and clothing, but also for teams and wagons to proceed on their journey. Several families were entirely out of provision, and dependent on the charity of their neighbors, who, in most cdses, were illy prepared to exercise that virtue. But, above all this, a sweeping sickness had visited the settlement, when there were not sufficient well ones to nurse the sick; and death followed in the wake, and fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters and dearest friends fell victims to the destroyer, and were buried with little ceremony, and some destitute of proper burial clothes. Thus were sorrow and mourning added to destitution. (Here the journal closes for the present.) What a dilemma! And who better calculated to cope with it than L'orenzo Snow? With an indomitable energy — a mind fruitful in expedients, and a firmness of purpose that never yielded to discouragement, he proved himself equal to an emergency which would have terrified men of ordinary abilities. In the first place he moved to arouse and combine the energies of the people — organized the brethren in companies, making selections of suitable men, some to proceed to the Gentile setlements to obtain work for provisions and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 91 clothing, others to put in crops at home and look after the families of those who were called away — to repair wagons, making new ones out of old, and to manufacture chairs, bar- rels, tubs, churns, baskets and such other articles as could be disposed of to advantage in the neighboring settlements. In creating the desirable and necessary union and per- fecting thes3 arrangements, he met with much opposition from some who professed to be Latter-day Saints, in conse- quence of their ignorance and selfishness; but through the blessings of the Lord, he succeeded in having his plans suc- cessfully executed. He sent Elders Dana and Cambell, two intelligent and judicious brethren, to the State of Ohio and other parts of the country, to solicit aid, to invite rich Gentiles to contribute to the wants of the Saints and assist them in their journey west- ward. They succeeded in gathering funds amounting to about six hundred dollars. The arrangements entered into resulted in supplying the people with abundance of food and clothing, besides facilitating the exodus of those who wished to proceed on the journey as early as practicable. Now the joirnal speaks: I had the pleasure of taking a wagon load of provisions up to the Bluffs, and in behalf of the Saints of Pisgah, presenting it to President Brigham Young as a New Year's gift, who manifested a warm feeling of gratitude for this kind token of remembrance. During the long winter months, I sought to keep up the spirits and courage of the Saints in Pisgah, not' only by inau- gurating meetings for religious worship and exercises, in different parts of the settlement, but also by making provi- sions for, and encouraging proper amusements of various kinds. These entertainments corresponded with our circum- stances, and, of course, were of a very unpretentious and primitive character; their novel simplicity and unlikeness to anything before witnessed, added greatly to the enjoyment. They were truly exhibitions of ingenuity. 92 BIOGRAPHY AKD As a sample, I will attempt a description of one, which I improvised for the entertainment of as many as I could reasonably crowd together in my humble family mansion, which was a one-story edifice, about fifteen by thirty, con- structed of logs, with a dirt roof and ground floor, displaying at one end a chimney of modest height, made of turf cut from the bosom of Mother Earth. Expressly for the occasion we carpeted the floor with a thin coating of clean straw, and draped the walls with white sheets drawn from our feather- less beds. How to light our hall suitably for the coming event was a consideration of no small moment, and one which levied a generous contribution on our ingenuity. , But we succeeded. From the pit where they were buried, we selected the largest and fairest turnips — scooped out the interior, and fixed short candles in them, placing them at intervals around the walls, suspending others to the ceiling above, which was formed of earth and cane. Those lights imparted a very peace- able, quiet. Quakerlike influence, and the light reflected through those turnip rinds imparted a very picturesque appearance. During the evening exercises, several of my friends, in the warmest expressions possible, complimented me and my family for the peculiar taste and ingenuity displayed in those unique and inexpensive arrangements. The hours were enlivened, and happily passed, as we served up a dish of succotash, composed of short speeches, full of life and sentiment, spiced with enthusiasm, appro- priate songs, recitations, toasts, conundrums, exhortations, etc., etc. At the close, all seeped perfectly satisfied, and withdrew, feeling as happy as though they were not homeless. In Pisgah, my family was composed of the following individuals: Mary Adaline (my eldest wife); Hyrum, Orville and Jacob, her sons by a former husband; Charlotte, Sarah Ann, Harriet Amelia. Porter and John Squires continued as AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 93 members of my family until we arrived in Salt Lake Valley, and, in fact, till I returned from my Italian mission. All of the women above mentioned were sealed to me as my wives in the Temple at Nauvoo, where we all received our second anointings. In Pisgah, Charlotte gave birth to a daughter (my first- born), which we named Leonora, after my eldest sister. Also Adaline gave birth to a daughter, named Rosetta, after my mother. Little Leonora was taken sick and died, and with deep sorrow we bore her remains to their silent resting place, to be left alone, far from her father and the mother who gave her birth. Sarah Ann also gave birth to a daughter, named after my sister and her mother, Eliza Sarah. Before the spring opened and grass grew sufficient to sus- tain our stock, we were under the necessity of felling trees, to feed our animals upon the buds and twigs, to keep them alive. In the latter part of winter, my only cow sickened and died, a loss which we seriously felt. She had been a great help to us on our journey, by supplying us with milk — was remarkably domesticated, kind and gentle. She was a present from Sister Hinckley, of Portage County, Ohio. People familiar with the circumstances of the Saints at that time would readily pardon my family for shedding a few tears on the occasion. Incidents which in after years would seem of very little or no consequence were at that time subjects of grave consideration. One night, when our animals were driven into the corral, after having browsed among the tree tops through the day, it was discovered that one steer was missing. Early the next morning, with great anxiety, we went in search of it. About a mile from home we came to the river, along the bank of which our stock had been feeding. The stream was much swollen in consequence of the melting snow and ice. For a 94 BIOGRAPHY AND long time our search was fruitless; at last, when about to give up the pursuit, I discovered, on the opposite side of -the river, the head and horns of my drowned ox protruding out between some large cakes of ice. I must confess a feeling of sadness stole over me at the unwelcome sight. It broke up one of my teams which it really seemed impossible for me either to spare or replace. Early in the spring of 1848, Lorenzo was counseled by President Young to join him and his company, and proceed to the valleys of the mountains. Prompt to the instructions, he organized a company comprising about twenty-five families and started westward. On arrival at the " Horn," he was appointed captain over one of the " hundreds," embracing one hundred wagons. He selected 'Elder Leman Hyde captain over one "fifty," and Elder John Stoker captain of the other "fifty." On the day his company left their encampment at the "Horn," another wife, Eleanor, was sealed to him by Presi- dent Brigham Young. The journal says: I managed to discharge my obligations as captain of my "hundred" very satisfactorily, for which I felt truly grateful to the Lord. He arrived in the valley with his family without further serious accident — all in good health and rejoicing in the blessings of prospective peace. Soon after arrival, he was successful in obtaining what at that time was considered a fashionable log house, very similar in size, style and finish to that heretofore described which he left iji Pisgah. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was cited to put in an appearance at a meeting of the Twelve, then in session. Why or wherefore he could not imagine; but, with his character- istic promptitude, he went forthwith, ruminating in his mind whether he was called to answer some unsuspected charge or other; but a c6nsciousness of faithful integrity to the duties assigned him predominated over every apprehension. To his great surprise, on arrival he was informed of his appointment AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 95 to the (Quorum of the Twelve, and was then ordained a mem- ber of that quorum. Elders C. C. Rich, Erastus Snow and F. I). Kichards were also ordained into that quorum at the same time, under the hands of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor. In the spring and summer, with the assistance of Porter and John Squires, he built a log house on his lot in Salt Lake City, which, although a little more ample in dimensions and a little improved in appearance, bore a striking resemblance to those he occupied in Pisgah, and in Salt Lake City on his first entrance. CHAPTER XVIL The first celebration. — Lorenzo chairman of committee. — Description of Escort— Moves from Bowery to President Young's. — Receives the Presidency. — Returns to Bowery.— Singing by the way. — Cheers. — Hymn.— Praj'er. — Declaration of Independence read. — Speecli by Silver Greys. — Ode sung by Silver Greys. — Shout of hosanna. — March to the dinner tables. — A rich feast. — Thousands of the Saints partake. — Gentiles en route to California, partake. — Scores of Indians partake. — Grandeur in Simplicity. — Gratitude to God. .A. HE first celebration in the valleys of the mountains was held on the twenty-fourth of July, 1849 — the second anniversary of the entrance of the pioneers. In this, Lorenzo had much to do. In fact, the originating and com- piling the programme for the exercises of the day, was the product of his fertile brain. The occasion was one which called into requisition his inventive abilities, and exhibited his taste and skill as an organizer; also the wonderful power of co-operative effort in carrying concerted plans into execu- tion. Truly, it was not creating out of nothing; but when we take into consideration the circumstances of the people at that 96 BIOGRAPHY AND time — driven from their homes — robbed and plundered, and so recently located in a sterile waste, one thousand miles from all supplies, except what they extracted from a long- barren soil; it will be at once realized that it required no small stretch of thought and ingenuity to organize, and with appropriate honors, celebrate a day of so much historical importance as the one in question. But they had "the right man in the right place;" for in this instance, as in everything he undertook, Lorenzo verified the adage, "What is worth doing, is worth doing well." And, to make a success of what- ever he undertook, he neither spared labor nor application. Although, since that early day of our mountain liome, as circumstances have changed — means been multiplied, and foreign resources brought within the reach of this once isolated people, insomuch that in more recent celebrations of that ever memorable day, the twenty -fourth of July, mam- moth displays have been crowned with wealth and magnifi- cence, this first, the opening one — this display of civilization in a desolate wilderness has never been eclipsed. As it may be interesting to many of the coming genera- tion, we will here give a brief description of the celebration, as follows: The inhabitants were awakened by the firing of cannon, accompanied by music. The brass band, playing martial airs, paraded the principal streets of the city, in a gaily decorated omnibus, with prancing steeds, and with banners flying, returning to the Bowery, from whence they started. The Bowery was one hundred feet long, by sixty wide; it was built on one hundred and four posts, and covered with boards; but for the services of this day, a canopy or awning was extended about one hundred feet from each side of the Bowery, to accommodate the vast multitude at dinner. At half-past seven, the large national flag, measuring sixty-five feet in length, was unfurled at the top of the liberty pole, which was one hundred and four feet high, and was AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 97 saluted by the firing of six guns, the ringing of the "Nauvoo bell," and soul-stirring airs from the band. At eight o'clock, the multitude was called together by- music and the firing of guns — the Bishops of the several wards arranging themselves in the sides of the aisles, with the banners of their wards unfurled, each bearing an appro- priate inscription. At a quarter past eight a grand and imposing escort was formed, under the direction of Lorenzo Snow, Jedediah M. Grant and Franklin D. Richards, in the following order, to wit: (1) Horace S. Eldredge, marshal, on horseback, in mili- tary uniform; (2) brass band; (3) twelve Bishops, bearing the banners of their wards; (4) twenty -four young men dressed in white pants, black coats, white scarfs on the right shoulder, and coronets on their heads, each carrying in his right hand a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitu- tion of the United States, and each wearing a sheathed sword by his side — one of them carrying a beautiful banner, on which was inscribed, "The Lion of the Lord;" (5) twenty-four young ladies dressed in white, with blue scarfs on the right shoulder, and wreaths of white roses on their heads, each carrying a Bible and a Book of Mormon, and one carrying a neat banner, inscribed with "Hail to our Captain;" (6) P. P. Pratt, John Taylor, Charles C. Rich, Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer, Willard Snow, Erastus Snow; (7) twenty-four Silver Greys, led by Isaac Morley, Patriarch — each carrying. a staff, painted red on the upper part, with a bunch of white ribbon floating at the top — one of them carrying the "Stars and Stripes," bearing the inscription, "Liberty or Death." The escort marched from the Bowerj'^ to the residence of Governor Brigham Young, and, at nine o'clock, when Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball had taken their position in the procession, in froAt of the Twelve Apostles, it moved forward, led by the committee, while the cannon roared, the musketry rolled, the "Nauvoo bell" pealed forth 8 98 BIOGRAl'lIY AND its silvery notes, and the air was filled with the soul-stirring strains of the brass band; and, as a soft, sweet and soothing refrain, intermingling harmoniously as they marched, the twenty-four young ladies and twenty-four young gentlemen sang the following, composed by Apostle P. P. Pratt: THE MOUNTAIN STANDARD. Lol the Gentile chain is broken — Freedom's banner waves on high. List, ye nations: by this token, Know that your redemption's nigh. See, on j-onder distant mountain, "Zion's standard wide unfurled; Far above Missouri's fountain, Lo! it waves for all the world. Freedom, peace and full salvation Are the blessings guaranteed; Liberty to every nation, Evei'y tongue and every creed. Come, ye Christian sects and pagan. Pope and Protestant and priest — Woi-shipers of God and Dagan, Come, come, to Freedom's feiist. Come, ye sons of doubt and wonder, Indian, Moslem, Greek or Jew; • All your shackles burst asunder — ■' • Freedom's banner waves for you. Cease to butcher one another — Join the covenant of peace; Be to all, a friend — a brother, This will bring the world's release. Lo! our King, the great Messiah, Prince of Peace, shall come to reign; ^und again, ye heavenly choir, Peace on earth, good will to men. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 99 On arriving at the Bowery, the escort was received with shouts of "HosANNA TO GoD AND THE Lamb!" While the Governor and suite, Patriarch and Presiding Bishops were pass- ing down the aisle, the people cheered and shouted, "Hail to THE Governor of Deseret." These being seated on the stand by the committee, the escort marched around the Bow- ery, singing an appropriate hymn — then down the aisle, and were seated in double rows on each side. The assembly was called to order, and prayer offered by Apostle Erastus Snow. Richard Ballantyne, chairman of the twenty-four young men, came to the stand, and, in a neat speech, presented the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States to Governor Young, which was received with three shouts, "May they live forever!" led by Governor Young. The Declaration of Independence was then read, the brass band following with lively airs, after which the following Song of Liberty, by E. R. S. Smith, was sung by the twenty- four young ladies: SONG OP LIBERTY. Long, long ago, when Earth and Time Were in the morn of life, All joyous in their lovely prime, With fragrant beauty rife. All nature then in order crowned With perlect harmony; Luxuriant products clothed the ground, O, there was liberty. No vail obscured the worlds on high From those that dwelt on earth; But in the pathway of the sky, • They journeyed back and forth. 100 BIOGllArHY AND Then God and angels talked with men, And woman, too, was free, For both were pure and sinless then, In perfect liberty. The curse pursued transgression's track, And man from God was driven, Until the Priesthood brought him back. To do the will of heaven. We'll shout hosanna to the Lord, For what is yet to be, When earth and man will be restored To God and liberty. We see the lighthouse brightly blaze Far o'er the boisterous wave; With cheering prospects thus we gaze On hopes beyond the grave; For woman, if submissive here To God's divine decree, Eestored, will fill a noble sphere In glorious liberty. The Lord has set His gracious hand. And by His mighty power, He led His people to this land — Preparing for the hour; For Earth and Time are growing old, And soon Eternity Will to the Saints of God unfold Celestial liberty. The singing by the young ladies performed, Elder Phineas Richards came forward in behalf of the twenty-four aged sires, and read their loyal and patriotic add'ress, as fol- lows: lo our honorable President and this respectable Avdience: Respected Fellow Citizens: — Permit us, the aged Fathers in Israel, to mingle our voices with yours on this interesting occasion — an o(?casion which is calculated to call into exercise the most acute feelings of the human heart. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 101 The circumstance which we this day commemorate, will form a very important item in the history of succeeding ages. Two years ago this day, when President Brigham Young first entered this valley, he completed the most extraordinary expedition ever recorded in the annals of history. There are sometimes -small and seemingly trivial events in the life of man, with which every other period most natu- rally associates. There are circumstances in the history of nations, which seem as fulcrums, around which everything else revolves. But the period, the circumstance, the event which we now commemorate, is one with which is associated the interests of the world — the salvation of the whole human family. What must be the feelings, this day, of President Young, the leader of that noble band of Pioneers, while he contem- plates the results of the last two years? Realizing the respon- sibility of his position as the head of a numerous people, per- secuted and driven from their cherished homes, where their first leader and Prophet had sealed his mission with his blood; we say, what must have been his feelings when, with a little band, with barely necessaries sufficient to sustain life for a few months, and leaving their families nearly destitute, on lands claimed by faithless savages, he started forth into the wilderness in search of a home for his people, like Abraham of old, "not knowing whither he went?" But he knew that God had called him — he trusted in the arm of Omnipotence, and by the unseen hand of the Almighty Jehovah, their feet were directed across a trackless desert to this place. And who, fellow citizens, with the recollections of the past and the anticipations of the future, would attempt to describe the feelings that on this occasion fill the breasts of your aged fathers? Soon, like the Patriarchs of old, we expect to be gathered to our fathers. Our bosoms swell with gratitude to the Most High, that after years of tossing to and fro, our feet are one* 102 BIOGRAPHY AND more established upon a land of peace; although exiled by the bloody hand of persecution from the much loved lands of our nativity — our once beautiful homes and quiet firesides, where we inherited the sweets of domestic life from those who fought the battles of the American Revolution, to establish the principles of equity, and a government of peace. From them, too, as a natural inheritance, have we imbibed, and with ardor cherished, the holy fire of patriotism; which, hav- ing been constitutionally implanted in our natures, can never become extinct. As easily might the earth be removed from its orbit — as well might yonder sun be made to emanate dark- ness instead of light, as the glorious priciples of liberty be eradicated from our bosoms. Little did our fathers think, while rehearsing to their children the sufferings of the pilgrims who fled from the religious oppression of the Old World, and while recounting the scenes of hardship, privation and death, while passing through the struggle that "tried men's souls," to plant the tree of liberty, to establish freedom and equal rights, and to bequeath the laws of protection and republicanism to their posterity — we say, little did they think that we, their sons, would have to cower beneath the hand of oppression — be chased like the roe upon the mountains, and forced to flee before the reeking sword of an unhallowed mobocracy, and hunt a refuge, a hiding place, beyond the track of civilization! Little did they think that so soon the proud- crested Eagle would seek an asylum behind the western hills, and that the blood of the noblest martyrs that ever graced this lower world would remoisten the soil which had so lately been purchased by the blood of heroes! But, brethren and friends, we who have lived to three- score years, have beheld the government of the United States in its glory, and know that the outrageous cruelties we have suffered proceeded from a corrupted and degenerate adminis- tration, wliile the pure principles of our boasted Constitution AUTOBIOGRAPHY. lO.'l remain unchanged. President Joseph Smith experienced and well comprehended this corruption; and, inspired by the Spirit of the Almighty, foretold the sequel, and, with the pen- cil of heaven, portrayed the impending desolation 'and ruin; and, prompted by an unction from the upper world, essayed to put forth his hand to preserve the tottering fabric from destruction. "But they have done unto him as they listed" — they have driven the Saints from their midst — they have demolished the bulwarks of liberty and protection, and now the vengeance of insulted heaven awaits them! In our humble opinion, having been taught by bitter experience, that under a defective administration of political government, religious toleration can exist only in name, it devolves upon us, as a people instructed by the revelations of God, with hearts glowing with love for our fallen country, to revive, support, and carry into effect the original, uncorrupted principles of the Revolution, and the constitutional govern- ment of our patriotic forefathers. To you, President Young, as the successor of President Smith, do we now look, as to a second Washington, so far as political freedom is concerned, to replant the standard of American liberty, to unfurl the banner of protection, to re-establish equal rights, to nourish the broad-plumed eagle that has fled to the recesses of the mountains crowned with eternal snows, to unsheath the sword of justice, to do honor to the memories of the heroes of the Revolution, and to A^v memory whose blood now cries from the ground in behalf of a loyal, innocent, persecuted and exiled people. From a long personal acquaintance, and a knowledge of the inflexible, godlike integrity which has characterized your adherence to, and your support of, our murdered Prophet; with the utmost confidence we pledge ourselves to uphold, and, as much as lies in our power, to assist you in resuscitat- ing and re-establishing those glorious principles, while we live; and when we die, we bequeath this pledge as a sacred leg- 104 BIOGRAPHY V AND acy to our children. As we have inherited the spirit of lib- erty and the fire of patriotism from our fathers, so let them descend unadulterated to our posterity. Should not we, who have suffered atrocious cruelties, rise up and redeem our once sacred Constitution from the foul disgrace with which it has been stamped, and the eternal infamy to which it is destined, unless a spirit of philanthropy and independence shall somewhere be aroused for its rescue? Shall not we, fellow citizens, rise up in the spirit of freemen and do honor to the shades of the departed heroes of '76? Let us show ourselves to be worthy sons of our noble, patriotic ancestors. Let us prove to the United States, that when they drove the Saints from them, they not only drove from their midst soldiers who were bravest in protecting their western frontier, but also the firmest supporters of American Inde- pendence. Let us be true to our trust. Profiting by scenes of suffering in the recent school of our experience, let us watch with jealous eye the first encroachment of civil power. Should the infernal monster despotism dare lift its hydra head upon this western Territory, Mr. President, although burthened by the weight of years, and worn down with hard- ship, privation and fatigue, we, the gray-headed, with you for our leader, are ready at any moment to step forth and unsheath the sword in defense of that which our fathers have taught us to hold dearer than life. Yes, we are re^dy; and, as we follow you, we call upon these young men, oilr sons, to follow us; and sooner lay their lives upon the holy altar of liberty than submit to be crushed by the inquisitorial Juggernaut of oppression. Let the sacred motto ^'Liberty or Death" be inscribed on every scabbard, helmet, buckler and shield. Yes, here, with this Territorial government, let a standard of liberty be erected that shall reach to heaven, and be a rallying point for all the nations of the earth. Here let the insigniaed banner begin to be unfurled that shall yet extend AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 105 its benign protecting wand to every kingdom upon the face of the earth; that while revohition treads on the heel of revolu- tion — while commotion, anarchy and devastation push for- ward the reckless besom of destruction, and with continuous sweep are annihilating the last hopes of comfort in human life; while in the prophetic language of Scripture, "all faces shall gather blackness," here let the ensign of peace, like a heavenly beacon, invite to a haven of rest, an oasis of civil, political and religious liberty. From here let peans of theo-democracy or republicanism reverberate from valley to valley, from mountain to moun- tain, from Territory to Territory, from State to State, from nation to nation, from empire to empire, from continent to continent, till the thrilling echo shall be responded from Behring's Straits and the straits of Magellan, from Great Britain and the states of Europe, from Africa, from Hindostan and even from China, the proud, self-styled "celestial empire" of the east. At the conclusion of the address, the assembly arose and shouted three times, "Hosanna! hosanna! hosanna to God and the Lamb, for ever and ever, amen and amen!" while the ban- ners were waved by the Bishops. Then, after the band had played a lively air, the clerk read the Ode to Liberty, written for the occasion by E. R. S. Smith. The ode was then sung by the Silver Greys, to the tuno "Bruce's Address." ODE TO LIBERTY. Fairest spirit of the skies, Fairest child of Paradise, Once Columbia's lawful prize — Glorious Liberty. Thee our noble fathers sought — For thyself our heroes fought. 106 BIOGRAPHY AXD Thus our bleeding patriots bought Precious Liberty. When thy banner waves abroad, All may freely worship God, Fearless of the tyrant's rod — Sacred Liberty. Never, never cease to wave O'er the ashes of the brave; Shield, O shield the patriot's grave — Flag of Liberty. Should oppression boldly dare From thy brow the wreath to tear, Righteous vengeance shall not sj^are The foes of Liberty. Sooner than to bondage yield. Bravely in the battle field, Let the sons of freemen wield The sword for Liberty. God, who moved our worthy sires, When they kindled Freedom's fires, Zion's noble sons inspires To cherish Liberty. Here, with godlike grasp and bold. We the Coiistitution hold, Pure as when it's sacred fold Sheltered Liberty. Freedom, Justice, Truth and Peace, Shall throughout these vales increase; Shout, O shout, till time shall cease, Truth and Liberty! Here, amid the mountain sky, Freedom's banner waves on high; Let the heaven-born echo fly — God and Liberty ! AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 107 The hour of intermission having arrived, the escort was re-formed ; the Bishops collected the residents of their respec- tive wards, and marched with them to the dinner tables, where thousands of Saints dined sumptuously on the pro- ducts of the valley, judiciously and delicately prepared, and rendered delicious in connection with what foreign luxuries were obtained in exchange for staple articles, as flour, butter, potatoes, etc., from travelers to California. Several hundreds of those Gentile emigrants, who, en route to California, had stopped to recruit, partook of the social repast, as did also threescore of Indians. In proportion to the numbers, no celebration ever passed off with more eclat — no one has been conducted with more order, and no feast partaken of with better zest, with more mutual love and friendship, nor with hearts more filled to overflowing with gratitude to God for the outpouring of His blessings and for the manifestations of His overruling hand. CHAPTER XVIII. The Brethren covenant (o help the poor out from Nauvoo.— Lorenzo called to obtain means.— The poverty and liberality of the Saints.— One offers his only cow. — Anecdote of Captain Brown. — Called on a mission to Italy. — Increase of family. — Weight of responsibility.^No time for preparation.— Company organized. — Letter to hisSister. — The Journey. — Wonderful manifestations of the hand of God. — Nauvoo. — Carthage. — Arrival in Liverpool. — Meets the brethren. lEFORE the first companies of the Saints who were driven from Illinois left Xauvoo, the leading brethren entered into a solemn covenant they would not cease their exertions until all the Saints who had not the means, but were desirious of moving to the location of the Church, should be assisted to do so. In connection with this, in his 108 BIOGRAPHY AND journal, ray brother says: Early in the autumn oE 1849, I was called to assist in gathering m'eans for emigrating the poor Saints. This movement culminated in what is now known as the "Perpetual Emigrating Company," the organization of which was commenced at the October Conference, for the gathering of Saints from all parts of the world. In performing the mission of soliciting means from the Saints who, after having been robbed and plundered, had performed a journey of more than one thousand miles, and just located in an unwatered, desolate recess of the great "American Desert," I found myself inducted into an uphill business. With very few exceptions, the people had very little, or nothing they could possibly spare. But the efforts and willingness, everywhere manifested, to eke out a portion of the little — the feeling of liberality and greatness of soul, which everywhere I met in the midst of poverty, the warm- hearted greetings I received even where comparative indigence held court, filled my heart with exceeding great joy. One man insisted that I should take his only cow, saying that the Lord had delivered him, and blessed him in leaving the old country and coming to a land of peace; and in giving his only cow, he felt that he would only do what duty demanded, and what he would expect from others, were the situation reversed. After visiting the Saints in Great Salt Lake City, I traveled north, calling on all the inhabitants, who at this early date were much scattered, and went as far as Ogden, then the northern limit of our settlements, and there found about one dozen families. I was hospitably entertained by Captain Brown, who occupied a log house with earth floor, and roof of the same material, with the addition of willow boughs. I called a meeting, which was held in the captain's house — everybody attended, and we had a glorious season. The hearts of the Saints were open, and, considering their circum- stances, they donated liberally and amply, and I need not say cheerfully. Elder (Captain) Brown exhibited the nobility and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 109 generosity of soul characteristic of the man. There is an amusing anecdote told of Captain Brown, as follows: He owned a ferry on the Weber River at the time when the "Gold Diggers" were rushing through the country, some of whom were bitterly hostile to the "Mormons," and availed themselves of every occasion to vent their spite in the presence and hear- ing of the captain, in the following style: "Whoa haw, old Brigham," "Gee up there, old Heber," at the same time flourishing and cracking their long ox whips. This vulgar language applied in demeaning the leaders of the Church, made Captain Brown very angry, so much so that he could hardly' restrain himself from retaliating; but Anally, when, with increasing impudence, they added the name of Captain Brown, his temper at once arose to fever hea , and became uncontrollable, and to use his own words,"! pitched into them." In public meetings, occasionally, I have referred to this anec- dote in illustrating a principle, i. e., when the Priesthood is assailed, we should be more valiant in its defense than when the offense is merely personal. Without doubt this was the captain's sentiment, and had he received the first insult, he could have borne it, but after having the brethren insulted, which was all he could endure and contain himself, the addi- tion of his name was "the straw that broke the camel's back." At the October Conference many^of the leading Elders were called on missions to different nations of the earth. Lorenzo was appointed to establish a mission in Italy, with discretionary power to labor in any other country or nation, whenever the Spirit should direct. He arranged as best he could under the circumstances, for the comfort of his family during his absence — his family having increased by the birth of a son, Oliver Goddard, and a daughter, Roxcy Charlotte, born in Salt Lake City. In less than two weeks from the time of his appointment, he was to leave. With little means — in a wild, uncultivated country, one thousand miles from supplies, what could ho 110 BIOGRAPHY AND do towards providing for the coming wants of an increasing family, which in a few days he was to leave for an indefinite period? Although he felt the weight of the responsibilities of a husband and father, he did not hesitate. He knew that God, through His servants, had called him to the mission — the mission was before him, and its accomplishment paramount to every consideration. The two young men, John and Porter kindly proposed to remain with his family during his absence and render all the assistance in their power. This was the first company of missionaries sent from the Ivocky Mountains; it was organized on the nineteenth of October, by President Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, and the brethren started the same day on their various missions — some to Nauvoo to assist in gathering the Saints remaining there — some to the Eastern States, and others to the nations abroad. Shadrach Roundy was appointed captain of the company across the plains. We will now glean a portion of my bi other's history from his letters, in which we meet him in Southampton, England : Southampton, England, June 14, 1850. Mu Bear Sister: Although nearly half the world lies between us, I hope tliis brief record of my travels will reach you in safety. Wherever I may be destined to wander, I shall ever remem- ber those claims of relationship, which may be interrupted on earth, but are happily consecrated in your bosom and mine for eternity; they seem like a golden chain, passing over earth and ocean, and linking this foreign shore with your dwelling in the far distant West. Recalling the scenes of the past, my mind reverts to the nineteenth of October, 1849, when, in solemn silence, I left what, next to God, was dearest to my heart — my friends, my loving wives and my dear little children. As I pursued my journey, in company with my brethren, many conflicting AUTOBIOGRAPHY. Ill feelings occupied my bosom. The gardens and fields in and around our new-born city, just emerging from nature's bar- renness, through the faith, energy and the necessities of the exiled Saints, now struggling for subsistence, in a wuld recess in the Rocky Mountains, were exchanged for the vast unbroken wilderness which lay spread out before us for a thousand miles. If my mind still glanced onward, there was the stormy main, and, in the far distant perspective, a land of strangers — the field of my mission. We were hastening farther and still farther from the mighty magnet — home. But we knew that the work in which we were engaged was to carry light to those who sat in darkness and in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and our bosoms glowed with love and compassion toward them. Some persons feared our horses were too enfeebled to bear us over the mighty plain; but when the snows begail to fall, winds swept our pathway, and enabled us to pass without difficulty, while on our right and left the country was deeply covered for hundreds of miles. One day, as we were taking our noontide meal, and our horses were quietly grazing on the prairie; the following thrill- ing scene occurred. A startling call resounded through our little camp, "7b arms! to arms! the Indians are upon us!" All eyes were turned in the direction, and we beheld a spectacle, grand, imposing and frightful. Two hundred warriors, upon their furious steeds, painted, armed and clothed with all the horrors of war, rushing towards us like a mighty torrent. In a moment we placed ourselves in attitude of defence. But could we expect, with thirty men, to withstand this powerful host? Onward rushed the savage band Avith accelerated speed as a huge rock, loosened from the mountain's brow, dashes impetuously downward, sweeping, overturning, and burying everything in its course! We saw it was their intention to crush us beneath the 112 BIOGRAPHY AND feet of their foaming chargers. They approached within a few paces, and in another moment we should be overwhelmed, when lo! an alarm like an electric shock struck through their ranks and stayed their career, as an avalanche, sweeping down the mountain side, stops in the midst of its course by the power of a hand unseen. The Lord had said, "Touch not mini' anointed, and do my j)rophets no har?n." Many incidents occurred which called forth the remark that in our past experience the hand of the Lord had never been more visibly manifested. When we arrived on the banks of the great Missouri, her waters immediately congealed for the iirst time during the season, thus forming a bridge over which we passed to the other side; this was no sooner accom- plished than the torrent ran as before. On arriving at Kanesville, we were saluted with shout- ings, firing of cannon, songs of rejoicing, and other demonstra- tions of welcome. During the few days of our stay, we experi- enced universal kindness from the Saints. I shall never for- get the parting with President Hyde, and the deep interest he manifested for myself and mission as he gave an affectionate farewell, and in the fulness of his soul implored the powers of heaven to protect me from evil in that stronghold of super- stition, dark and benighted Italy. I passed through Mount Pisgah and Garden Grove. At both places I much enjoyed the society of my old acquaint- « ances. I proceeded to Nauvoo — I gazed upon its ruins — the direful work of mobocracy. My heart sickened as I contem- plated that once beautiful city, filled with the songs of rejoicing, and all that was good and virtuous; where the voice of the Prophet had sounded forth upon the ears of thousands the deep and heavenly mysteries that had been concealed for ages. There we had met together, oft relating the sad tale of our past woes, the bitter cup of persecution of which we had taken such abundant draughts; there the old and the young had rejoiced together in the New and Everlasting Covenant. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 113 But now, O how sad the change! The moss was growing upon the buildings, which were fast crumbling down; the windows were broken in, the doors were shaking to and fro by the wind, as they played upon their rusty, creaking hinges. The lovely Temple of our God — once the admiration and astonishment of the world and the hope of the Saints, was burned, and its blackened walls were falling upon each other! Ever and anon a human head would be thrust through win- dows to gaze upon the traveler; but these people were not Saints — they who were dwelling in those houses, who walked those streets, believed not in Jesus, the Son of God — they were professed infidels. Shortly after leaving Nauvoo, I visited another place of painful interest in the history of the Saints. If, on ordinary occasions, words are too weak to convey the feelings of the soul, where shall I find language to portray the thoughts that agitated my mind as I entered Carthage? There, but a few years before, was a scene over which my breast alternately glows and chills with horror and indignation. There an infamous mob were imbruing their hands in the blood of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch, Joseph and Hyrum. O Earth! Then flowed on thy cold bosom the blood of thy noblest and best. Who were those Martyred Ones? Ask the ministering angels from on high! Ask the demons of the dark abyss! Ask the mighty throng whom they have guided to peace, knowledge, wisdom and power! And who are they? My friends — the friends of millions, the friends of Univer- sal Man. Over that guilty place there seemed to hang the gloom of death, the emblem of the deed committed, and the fore- shadowing of righteous retribution! Although fatigued and hungry, nothing could induce me to eat or drink among that cursed and polluted people. In St. Louis, we found a large branch of the Church of nearly four hundred members. We were kindly received; 114 BIOGRAPHY AND and it was delightful to see them assembled in their spacious and beautiful hall. The completeness of their organization reflects the highest credit upon their officers. On the twenty-fifth of March, I left New York on board the Shannon. I had a pleasant voyage over the great waters, and on the nineteenth of April, came in sight of Albion's shores. I never beheld a more lovely morning. Everything wore an enchanting appearance. A calm serenity rested upon the broad bosom of the waters. Old England lay before me, besprinkled with forms and multitudes of human dwellings, with beautiful hawthorn hedges and newly plowed grounds. Around, about on the water, in full view, were ships of all nations — some passing in one direction and some in another. In the midst of this enchanting scene, my feelings sud- denly changed from the high thrilling tone of animation and fell into pensive melancholy, as the thoughts of my loved home crowded upon my mind. Six long months I had been augmenting the distance between me and those I love, and still I must continue to do so. Things certainly appeared strange to me when I thought of the unknown future of my mission. But the Lord of the whole earth had sent me, and in His name I was resolved ever to go forward. On my arrival in Liverpool, I was favored with the com- pany of Elders Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards and President Pratt's family. After leaving that city, I visited the following conferences: Manchester, Macclesfield, Birming- ham, Cheltenham, South Conference, London, and Southamp- ton. Presidents, officers and members received me with kind- ness, and contributed liberally towards my mission; and though I have not had the opportunity of visiting "Cambria's hills," the Welsh brethren have sent donations with all the nobility of soul which gives unsolicited. How changed are my feelings to what they were some eight years ago. Then, I might say, I entered Britain a lonely foreigner, unacquainted with the laws, manners, cus- AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 115 toms and institutions of the country. At this time I felt comparatively at home. Many who were my children fn the Gospel, surrounded me as I passed through those conferences where I had formerly labored. I also had the pleasure of seeing men whom I baptized when on my former mission, now preaching the Gospel and presiding over conferences. The traveler in the desert sometimes finds a green spot which stands in deep contrast to the barrenness of surround- ing nature. England appears thus now, as I am about to leave its shores for the lands of darkness. The voice of a thousand friends are dying away in the distance, while before me is a land of strangers, whose tongues will sound in my ears like the jargon of Babel. I have been refreshed with the company of so many kind friends, that I go forth on my mission with renewed energy of body and mind. To-morrow I leave this place for Italy. Farewell, my dear sister, and may Heaven's choicest blessings be your con- tinued portion, is the prayer of Your affectionate brother, Lorenzo Snow. To Miss p]liza R. Snow, Great Salt Lake City, California. "Even the address of this fascinating letter is historically valuable, for it reminds us that Utah was once a part of the province of Upper California; but it is its beautiful enthu- siasm — tenderness of the spirit and tone, and the graphic eloquence of the description, which constitutes the charm of this gem of epistolary literature." — Tallidge's Magazine. lie BIOGRAPHY AND CHAPTER XIX. The Editor's reflections. — The responsibility of Lorenzo's Mission. — His trust in God.— HLs knowledge that God had called him.— Commendable characteristics. — How they are strengthened. — He writes to F. D. Rich- ards. — Describes Genoa. — Armed men. — Priests. — Meets an acquaint- ance. — Curious interview. — Reflections. — Sympathy for the people. — Door opening for the Gospel in Piedmont. — Encouraging prospects. LITTLE reflection will impress the readers of the following letter of the peculiarly trying position Lorenzo occupied at the time indicated. Holding the Priesthood of God, and by Him sent forth clothed with authority, with power to impart life unto life, or death unto death — invested with the responsibility of the souls of his fellow men, to the land where the "Mother of harlots" claimed the right "above all that was called God," and ruled with a rod of iron, where, under her scathing hand, not long since, the "bloody inquisition" sent terror into the springs and fountains of life! How formidable the mission! How character-proving the situation! Without integrity of heart — without unswerving purpose — without confiding trust in God, and reliance on His promises — without unshaken confidence in His assisting power and grace, no mortal man could abide the ordeal. But Lorenzo knew in whom he trusted — he knew that the work in which he was engaged was the work of God, and for him to shrink from his duty, or to doubt the success of the mission unto which he was called, and suffer his energies to slacken, would be ignoring the example of the Great Redeemer, and prove himself unworthy of the high and holy calling unto which God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, had called him. Those noble characteristics which distinguished him even in AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 117 his childhood, at this period having not only ripened in manhood, but, being quickened and mightily strengthened by the Spirit of the Most High, constituted an invigorating and propelling force which greatly assisted in enabling him to brook every hardship, every opposition, and to overcome every obstacle. GenoAj July 20, 1850. My Dear Franklin: Having safely reached the land of my mission, I take the earliest opportunity to inform you of my location and pros- pects. This ancient city, where I now reside, contains about one hundred and forty thousand inhabitants. It is chiefly built upon undulating ground, extending back as far as the base of the mountains, and, in some places, reaching partly up their summits. Before me I have a most lovely and interesting view of the port of Genoa, and then of the Mediterranean, bearing upon its broad bosom multitudes of fishing boats, schooners, war frigates, steamers, and ships of many nations. The edifices of this city lie open on my right and left. Its palaces, cathedrals, churches, high-built promenades and antique buildings, form, altogether, a very singular and mag- nificent appearance. At a short distance from the city, I have the fascinating scenery of Italy's picturesque mountains, and over my head is a sky of clearest blue. My eyes are filled with tears while attempting to picture the glorious view. It recalls to my mind the more than lovely — the sacred scenery of the far-off West — the valley of the Great Salt Lake, where is poured forth the streams of revelation through our beloved Prophet Brigham, to a people gathered out from the nations; and where, nine months ago, in mournful silence, we pressed the parting hands of our weeping wives and tender offspring. This city is filled with armed men; so, in fact, is almost every seaport and city through which we have passed sin