Appendix 1 Comparison of William Clayton’s Diary and History of the Church (December 1842–June 1844)

Clayton Diary

Joseph Smith, History

[Saturday, December 17, 1842]: . . . “Springfield Dec 17. 1842

“Dear Sir -

“Your petition requesting me to rescind Gov Carlins Proclamation and recall the writ issued against you has been received and duly considered. I submitted your case and all the papers relating thereto, to the Judges of the Supreme Court, or at least to six of them who happened to be present. They were unanimous in the opinion that the requisition from Missouri was illegal and insufficient to cause your arrest but were equally divided as to the propriety and justice of my interference with the acts of Governor Carlin. It being therefore a case of great doubt as to my power and I not wishing ever in an official Station to assume the exercis[e] of doubtful powers; and in as much as you have a sure and effectual remedy in the courts, I have decided to decline interfering. I can only advise that you submit to the laws and have a judicial investigation of your rights. If it should become necessary for this purpose to repair to Springfield, I do not believe that there will be any disposition to use illegal violence towards you; and I would feel it my duty in your case, as in the case of any other person, to protect you with any necessary amount of force from mob violence whilst asserting your rights before the courts, going to and returning. I am most respectfully Yours

Thomas Ford”

. . .

[Saturday, December 17, 1842]: Ford to Joseph Smith—on the Missouri Requisition.

Springfield, December 17, 1842.

DEAR SIR:—Your petition requesting me to rescind Governor Carlin’s proclamation and recall the writ issued against you has been received and duly considered. I submitted your case and all the papers relating thereto to the judges of the Supreme Court, or at least to six of them who happened to be present. They were unanimous in the opinion that the requisition from Missouri was illegal and insufficient to cause your arrest, but were equally divided as to the propriety and justice of my interference with the acts of Governor Carlin. It being, therefore, a case of great doubt as to my power, and I not wishing, even in an official station, to assume the exercise of doubtful powers, and inasmuch as you have a sure and effectual remedy in the courts, I have decided to decline interfering. I can only advise that you submit to the laws and have a judicial investigation of your rights. If it should become necessary, for this purpose, to repair to Springfield, I do not believe that there will be any disposition to use illegal violence towards you; and I would feel it my duty in your case, as in the case of any other person, to protect you with any necessary amount of force from mob violence whilst asserting your rights before the courts, going to and returning.

I am most respectfully yours,

THOMAS FORD.

“Springfield December 17-1842

“Joseph Smith Esqr, Dear Sir,

“I have heard the letter read which Gov Ford has written to you, and his statements are correct in relation to the opinion of the judges of the Supreme Court. The Judges were unanimously of the opinion that you would be entitled to your discharge under a habeas corpus to be issued by the Supreme Court - but felt some delicacy in advising Gov Ford to revoke the order issued by Gov Carlin. my advice is that you come here without delay and you do not run the least risk of being protected while here and of being discharged by the Sup. Court by habeas corpus. - I have also a right to bring the case before the U.S. Court now in Session here and there you are certain of obtaining your discharge - I will stand by you and see you safely delivered from your arrest -

Yours truly J Butterfield”

Letter of Justin Butterfield—Opinion on Governor Ford’s Action.

SPRINGFIELD, December 17, 1842.

Joseph Smith, Esq.

DEAR SIR:—I have heard the letter read which Governor Ford has written to you, and his statements are correct in relation to the opinion of the judges of the Supreme Court. The judges were unanimously of the opinion that you would be entitled to your discharge under a habeas corpus to be issued by the Supreme Court, but felt some delicacy in advising Governor Ford to revoke the order issued by Governor Carlin. My advice is, that you come here without delay, and you do not run the least risk of not being protected while here, and of being discharged by the Supreme Court by habeas corpus. I have also the right to bring the case before the U.S. Court, now in session here; and there you are certain of obtaining your discharge. I will stand by you, and see you safely delivered from your arrest.

Yours truly,

J. BUTTERFIELD.

[Sunday, January 1, 1843] Had a pleasant interview with Mr. Butterfield, Judge Douglas, Senator Gillespie, and others. In reply to Mr. Butterfield, I stated that the most prominent difference in sentiment between the Latter-day Saints and sectarians was, that the latter were all circumscribed by some peculiar creed, which deprived its members the privilege of believing anything not contained therein, whereas the Latter-day Saints have no creed, but are ready to believe all true principles that exist, as they are made manifest from time to time.

At the suggestion of the company, I explained the nature of a prophet.

If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar. . . .

[Sunday, January 22, 1843]: This A. M. Joseph preached in the Temple. subject arose from two questions proposed at a Lyceum. 1st Did John Baptize for remission of sin,? 2nd Wether the kingdom of God was set up before the day of Pentecost or not till then? . . .

[Clayton then gives a short synopsis of the sermon.]

[Sunday, January 22, 1843]: I preached at the Temple on the setting up of the kingdom of God. The subject arose from two questions proposed at a lyceum meeting.

1st. Did John baptize for the remission of sins?

2nd. Whether the kingdom of God was set up before the day of Pentecost, or not till then?

[At this point the History includes a lengthy synopsis of the sermon as recorded by Wilford Woodruff.]

[Thursday, February 9, 1843]: There are two kinds of beings in heaven—viz., angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones. For instance, Jesus said, “Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.[”] 2nd. The spirits of just men made perfect—they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory. When a messenger comes, saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand, and request him to shake hands with you. If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect, he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear. Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message. If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him. These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

[The letter from Joseph Smith to R. M. Young included in History from this date was taken down by Clayton.]

[Sunday, April 2, 1843]: . . . “I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the comeing of the son of man when I heard a voice repeat the following ‘Joseph my son, if thou livest untill thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man, therefore let this suffice and trouble me no more on this matter.’ I was left thus without being able to decide wether this coming referred to the beginning of the Millenium, or to some previous appearing, or wether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the son of man will not be any sooner than that time” In correcting two points in Er Hydes discourse he observed as follows, “The meaning of that passage where it reads ‘when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is’ is this, when the saviour appears we shall see that he is a man like unto ourselves, and that same sociality which exists amongst us here will exist among us there only it will be coupled with eternal glory which we do not enjoy now. Also the appearing of the father and the son in John c 14 v 23 is a personal appearing, and the idea that they will dwell in a mans heart is a sectarian doctrine and is false”

In answer to a question which I proposed to him as follows, ‘Is not the reckoning of gods time, angels time, prophets time & mans time according to the planet on which they reside he answered Yes “But there is no Angel ministers to this earth only what either does belong or has belonged to this earth And the Angels do not reside on a planet like our earth but they dwell with God and the planet where he dwells is like crystal, and like a sea of glass before the throne. This is the great Urim & Thummim whereon all things are manifest both things past, present & future and are continually before the Lord. The Urim & Thummim is a small representation of this globe. The earth when it is purified will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim & Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom or all kingdoms of a lower order will be manifest to those who dwell on it. And this earth will be with Christ Then the white stone mentioned in Rev. c 2 v 17 is the Urim & Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an higher order of kingdoms even all kingdoms will be made known and a white stone is given to each of those who come into this celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

“Whatever principal of intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection: and if a person gains more knowledge in this life through his diligence & obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

“The Holy Ghost is a personage, and a person cannot have the personage of the H. G. in his heart. A man may receive the gifts of the H. G, and the H. G. may descend upon a man but not to tarry with him.[”] . . .

[This entry is also found as Doctrine and Covenants section 130.]

[Sunday, April 2, 1843]: Important Items of Instruction given by Joseph the Prophet at Ramus, Illinois, April 2nd, 1843.

When the Savior shall appear, we shall see Him as He is. We shall see that He is a man like ourselves, and that the same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy. (John xiv:23.) The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.

In answer to the question, “Is not the reckoning of God’s time, angel’s time, prophet’s time, and man’s time according to the planet on which they reside?[”] I answer, yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it. The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth; but they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest—past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord. The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim. This earth in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s. Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation ii:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms, will be made known; and a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God, that the commencement of the difficulties which will cause much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of Man will be in South Carolina. It may probably arise through the slave question. This a voice declared to me while I was praying earnestly on the subject, December 25th, 1832.

I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following: “Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.” I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see His face. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time. . . .

The Persistence of Intelligence—Blessings Predicated on Law.

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection; and if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.

[Sunday, April 23, 1843]: . . . Last sunday president Joseph received a letter by mail of which the following is a copy:-

“Washington D. C. March 31 - 1843

“Sir: - You stand accused of high Treason. You will deliver yourself up to the Governor at Springfield Ill. in order to be tried before the Supreme Court of the U. S. next term. The Governor of Ill. will be directed to take you in custody if you will not deliver yourself up.- The president will issue a proclamation against you if you obey not this order by May 1, 1843[.]

“Respectfully yours, Hugh S. Legare Attorney General

Joseph Smith Esqr”

This letter was superscribed “By order of J. Tyler Pres. of U. S.

[Sunday, April 16, 1843]: I received a letter from the postoffice, of which the following is a copy:

A Canard.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 31, 1841.

SIR:—You stand accused of high treason. You will deliver yourself up to the governor at Springfield, Illinois, in order to be tried before the Supreme Court of the United States next term.

The governor of Illinois will be directed to take you in custody, if you will not deliver yourself up.

The president will issue a proclamation against you, if you obey not this order by May 1, 1843.

Respectfully yours,

HUGH L. LEGARE,

Attorney-General.

Joseph Smith, Esq.

This letter was superscribed, “By order of J. Tyler, President of the United States.”

[Tuesday, April 25, 1843]: . . . I was told that Grand Master G. M. Nye was dead, which caused the following remark:—

The Prophet’s Remarks on G. M. Nye.

When Nye was here trying to pull me by the nose and trample on me, I enquired of the Lord if I was to be led by the nose and cuffed about by such a man. I received for answer, “Wait a minute.” Nye is dead; and any man or Mason who attempts to ride me down and oppress me will run against the boss of Jehovah’s buckler and will be quickly moved out of the way. . . . they will do us all the injury they can; but let them go ahead, although it will result in a division of the lodge.

[Monday, May 1, 1843]: I insert fac-similes of the six brass plates found near Kinderhook, in Pike county, Illinois, on April 23, by Mr. Robert Wiley and others, while excavating a large mound. They found a skeleton about six feet from the surface of the earth, which must have stood nine feet high. The plates were found on the breast of the skeleton and were covered on both sides with ancient characters.

I have translated a portion of them, and find they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. He was a descendant of Ham, through the loins of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the Ruler of heaven and earth.

[Tuesday, May 16, 1843]: We called at Carthage & saw Styles, Backenstos & others. Tarried about 15 minutes & started again for Ramus where we arrived about 3½ oclock. We stayed at W. G. Perkins. Prest J. & I went to B. F. Johnsons to sleep. Before we retired the Prest gave bro Johnson & wife some instructions on the priesthood. He put his hand on my knee and says “your life is hid with Christ in God,” and so is many others”. Addressing Benjamin says he “nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent him (me) from inheriting eternal glory for he is sealed up by the power of the priesthood unto eternal life having taken the step which is necessary for that purpose.” He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (ie. they will not have any children in the resurrection, but those who are married by the power & authority of the priesthood in this life & continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase & have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessary thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of Satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus.” I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting covenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be.

Prest J. said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory there was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he dont he cant obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have an increase.

[Tuesday, May 16, 1843]: At eleven o’clock, with George Miller, William Clayton, Eliza and Lydia Partridge and J. M. Smith, I started for Carthage where we tarried about half-an-hour conversing with different individuals, when we started for Ramus; arrived about half-past three, p.m., and stayed at William G. Perkins for the evening; then went to Benjamin F. Johnson’s with William Clayton to sleep. Before retiring, I gave Brother and Sister Johnson some instructions on the priesthood; and putting my hand on the knee of William Clayton, I said:

Remarks of the Prophet at Ramus—Lives that are Hid with God in Christ—Importance of the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant.

Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent you from inheriting eternal life for you are sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eternal life, having taken the step necessary for that purpose

Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood, or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgment in the flesh, and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of Satan until the day of the Lord Jesus.

The way I know in whom to confide—God tells me in whom I may place confidence.

In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood, [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage;] and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom: he cannot have an increase.”¹

[Wednesday, May 17, 1843]: Breakfast at bro Perkins, after which we took a pleasure ride through Fountain Green. At 10 Prest J. preached on 2nd Peter ch 1 - He shewed that knowledge is power & the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power. Also that salvation means a mans being placed beyond the power of all his enemies. He said the more sure word of prophecy meant, a mans knowing that he was sealed up unto eternal life by revelation & the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy priesthood. He also showed that it was impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. Paul had seen the third heavens and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles. . . .

. . . P.M. Pres. J. attended the City council & afterwards rode out with B.F. Johnsons family. In the evening we went to hear a Methodist preacher Lecture. After he got through Pres. J. offered some corrections as follows. The 7th verse of C 2 of Genesis ought to read God breathed into Adam the his spirit or breath of life, but when the word “ruach” applies to Eve it should be translated lives.

Speaking of eternal duration of matter he said. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes We cant see it but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter. The gentleman seemed pleased & said he should visit Nauvoo immediately.

[Wednesday, May 17, 1843]: Partook of breakfast at Brother Perkins’; after which we took a pleasure ride through Fountain Green.

At ten a.m. preached from 2nd Peter, 1st chapter and showed that knowledge is power; and the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power.

Items of Doctrine by the Prophet.

Salvation means a man’s being placed beyond the power of all his enemies.

The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up into eternal life by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the holy priesthood. It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.²

Paul saw the third heavens, and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles.

In the afternoon attended council, and afterwards rode with Benjamin F. Johnson’s family.

In the evening went to hear a Methodist preacher lecture. After he got through, offered some corrections as follows:

Items of Doctrine by the Prophet.

The 7th verse of 2nd chapter of Genesis ought to read—God breathed into Adam his spirit [i. e. Adam’s spirit]³ or breath of life; but when the word “rauch” applies to Eve, it should be translated lives.

Speaking of eternal duration of matter, I said:

There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it, but when our bodies are purified, we shall see that it is all matter.

The priest seemed pleased with the correction, and stated his intention to visit Nauvoo. . . .

[Thursday, May 18, 1843]: . . . The Judge appears very friendly & acknowledged the propriety of the prests remarks.

We left Carthage about 2 & arrived home at 5½. my family all well.

[Thursday, May 18, 1843]: He [Judge Douglas] appeared very friendly, and acknowledged the truth and propriety of President Smith’s remarks.

We then rode home, where we arrived about half-past five p.m., and found my family all well.

[Notice that there is a contextual error here. The statement, “found my family all well” is probably drawn from the Clayton statement that he found his own family well, not Joseph’s.]

[Friday, May 19, 1843]: I borrowed of Orson Hyde fifty dollars, which I paid to Mr. Eric Rhodes, and which he is either to repay in cash or let me have lumber.

I rode out with Mr. Jackson in the afternoon.

[Saturday, June 3, 1843]: This A.M. we started for Quincey on the Steam Boat “Maid of Iowa.” I took my wife & her child Also Margaret Moon & Sarah Crooks We had a large company of brethren and sisters on a pleasure voyage. We arrived at Quincey about 1 o clock. I immediately went to the Probate Judge & presented the papers which we had made out pertaining to the Lawrence Estate. He said he could do nothing with them. Upon enquiring what he wanted I finally made a new account which he accepted. I then went to the boat & Prest J returned with me to make oath to the accounts <ballance in Gaurdians hands was $3790.89¾>. We soon got through & started back about 5 oclock We did not get to Keokuk untill 1 oclock Sunday A.M - A storm coming on we tied up untill daylight. We had to sit up on the Boat which was very tiresome & unpleasant. We got home about 7 P.M. . . .

[Clayton mistakenly writes 7 “P.M.” instead of “A.M.”]

[Saturday, June 3, 1843]: This morning, I, with my family and a large company of brethren and sisters, started for Quincy, on a pleasure voyage on the steamboat Maid of Iowa, had a fine band of music in attendance, and arrived there at about one p. m.

The accounts of the Lawrence estate were presented to the probate judge, to which he made objections, when a new account was made out by William Clayton, which we made oath to, when the accounts were accepted by the probate judge.

At five p. m. started on our return, but tied up at Keokuk, at one a. m. on account of a severe storm until daylight, when we started home and were glad to arrive in Nauvoo at seven a. m. of the 4th.

[Sunday, June 18, 1843]: . . . Hyrum wished me to get a horse & start for Joseph as fast as possible. I got ready and borrowed about $120. in money to take with me. I got S. Markham to go with me. We left about 12 o clock and proceeded for La Harpe. We arrived there just at sun rise. tarried about 2 hours to shoe the horse & take breakfast. We started again about 7 and proceeded for Monmouth. We went out of our way about 7 miles making the distance from Nauvoo to Monmouth 62 miles. We arrived at the latter place about 3 o clock and put up our horses at the Tavern to feed and rest. We took dinner and lay down untill 7 o clock at which time we started again and rode until 12 when the horses being tired and weary we turned them into a field and lay down & went to sleep about 2 hours. We started again about 2 and rode 4 miles beyond Hendersonville where we stopped & took breakfast and fed our horses[.]

[Note that there are two discrepancies between the two accounts. Clayton says that he borrowed $120, while the account in History says he borrowed $200. Also, Clayton says they stopped for breakfast 4 miles beyond Hendersonville; the account in History says one mile.]

[Sunday, June 18, 1843, and Monday, June 19, 1843]: Judge Adams’ message arrived early in the evening, when my Brother Hyrum sent William Clayton and Stephen Markham as fast as possible to inform me. Markham had two hundred and fifty dollars, and Clayton borrowed two hundred dollars.

They left Nauvoo about half-past twelve at night, and proceeded to La Harpe.

[Begin Monday 19th]

Clayton and Markham arrived at La Harpe at sunrise, tarried about two hours to get a horse shod and take breakfast; started again at seven for Monmouth, where they arrived at three p. m., and put up their horses to feed and rest. They took dinner and slept till seven, when they started again and rode till midnight, when, the horses being tired and weary, they turned them out to feed, and they themselves lay down to sleep about two hours; after which they again resumed their journey and rode one mile north of Hendersonville, where they stopped to feed their horses.

[Tuesday, June 20, 1843]: About 7½ we again started on our journey and arrived at Andover about 10 being 20 miles from Henderson We rode on a little & turned our horses to graze half an hour in the woods and then proceeded to Geneseo where we arrived at 2½. We put up our horses to rest & feed & tried to hire a pair and leave our own but did not succeed We again left Geneseo at 6 and travelled to Portland where we arrived at 12 We put up our horses and went to bed untill 4 o clock.

[Clayton says they left “about 7” in the morning, History says “half-past seven.”]

[Wednesday, June 21, 1843]: Left Portland at 4 and travelled to within 9 miles of Dixon & we learned that we were only 12 miles from Inlet therefore we concluded to change our rout and go direct to Inlet. We arrived at 12½ & took dinner & fed our horses. We left Inlet at 2 & arrived at Wassons at 4. Prest Joseph & Emma were gone to Dixon in the Carriage and although our horses were tired down we concluded we would go on and meet them. We met them about half way between Wassons & Dixon & delivered our message. Prest J. said we need not be alarmed for he had no fear for he knew they could not hurt him We returned to Wassons & was very glad to come to a resting place having rode near 190 miles in 64 hours & had very little rest on the way. My horse was tired & his back was very sore[.]

[Note the discrepancy in mileage in the two accounts. Clayton says they traveled “near 190 miles in 64 hours,” while History says “two hundred and twelve miles in thirty-six hours.” Also, Joseph’s quote is more precise in the History account.]

[Wednesday, June 21, 1843]: Markham and Clayton left Portland at four a. m., and traveled to within nine miles of Dixon. They changed their course, and went direct to Inlet Grove, where they arrived at half-past twelve, took dinner and fed their horses. Left Inlet at two p. m., and arrived at Wasson’s at four p. m., where they learned that I was gone to Dixon in the carriage; and although their horses were tired down, they started for Dixon, but met me about half way.

They returned with me to Wasson’s, and were glad to find a resting place, having ridden two hundred and twelve miles in sixty-six hours and had very little rest on the way; the horses were tired,—their backs very sore. I told them not to be alarmed. “I have no fear. I shall not leave here: I shall find friends, and Missourians cannot hurt me, I tell you in the name of Israel’s God.”

[Thursday, June 22, 1843]: . . . Prest J. endeavored to keep out of sight but being the day appointed for him to preach a great many people came together from all quarters, & one or two discovered him. There is a great desire manifest to hear him preach and the people felt much dissapointed when he was not there. He however thought it best not to be seen but to carry the idea that he had had a message from Springfield & had important business to attend to in that place. I told him that it was Hyrums wish that he should start home immediately but the horse being wore down & he not thinking it best he said he should tarry a few days and see how things went[.]

[This may be a questionable source for the History entry, but there is enough here to suggest that the compilers probably tried to condense and clarify Clayton’s material.]

[Friday, June 23, 1843]: . . . About 10 - I went in the Carriage to Dixon to find out what was passing & do some business. We met the Sheriff & Constable about half way but they being disguised we did not know them. . . .

[The rest of Clayton’s entry for this date includes a fairly detailed account of the later events of the day—events which are also extensively covered in the History, though in considerably more detail. It does not appear that Clayton was the primary source for this material, even though he was involved in much of it.]

[Friday, June 30, 1843]: This A.M. a messenger arrived saying that the company was expected in about noon & the Prest wanted the Band and as many of the citizens as could to go & meet them Accordingly at 11 o clock the Band started and a train of carriages containing a number of the principal inhabitants. Sister Emma & Hyrum followed the Band both on horse back. We proceeded about 1½ miles East from the Temple w[here] we met J & his company. The carriages who met him extended about a half mile & his company was very large chiefly on horseback consisting of part of those who went out last sunday evening. I was in a buggy in company with a gentleman from Dixon. Wilson & the Missouri Sheriff were in the stage. When the company from the city met the others they cheered Prest J and the scene began to be truly affecting and interesting Prest J left the buggy and mounted old Charley he called for sister Emma & his brother Hyrum who when they came up and took him by the hand all wept tears of joy. Such a feeling I never before witnessed when the Prest took hold of the hand of his partner in sorrow & persecution. Surely it would have moved any thing but the heart of an adamantine. The band then struck up “Hail Columbia” & proceeded to march slowly towards the City. The Carriage having formed in open order the company marched on and the citizens fell in the rear. As we appro[a]ched the city the scene continued to grow more interesting. The streets were lined generally on both sides with male & female whose countenances betokened the greatest joy and satisfaction to see their leader once more safe (though a prisoner) and among his friends. He was greeted all the way by the cheers of the people firing guns, cannon &c. untill he arrived at his house when the crowd was immense. His aged mother was at the door when he alighted. He repaired to her & with the swelling tears rolling down his cheek kissed the parent who had so often been compelled to sorrow & suffer feelings of the most exquisite anguish to see her offspring hunted from place to place for his religious sake. Tears of joy bedewed her aged cheeks whilst she once more held him in clasped in her arms. After greeting some others of his household he went in to his children who clung around him with feelings of enthusiastic & enraptured pleasure mingled with fear. Little Fred exclaiming “pa the Missourians wont take you away again will they.” While all this was going on Wilson & the Sherriff alighted from the stage & apparently unmoved by any thing but apprehensions for their own safety walked into the house & were eyewitnesses to the above scenes. Prest J. then introduced his household & others to his Dixon friends who had accompanied him home viz. Lucian P. Sangor Stage proprietor, Messrs. Southwick, Patrick & Walker his lawyers; Mr Campbell the Sherriff of Dixon & Mr Montgomery. who all gazed with astonishment & rapture to see the enthusiastic attachment of the Mormon people to their beloved leader. The multitude seeming unwilling to disperse Prest J. arose on the fence & said “I am out of the hands of the Missourians again thank God. I bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. I shall address you at the Temple at 4 o clock.” At this information the assembly began to disperse. And the Pres. went in to dinner. Wilson & the Sherriff were very kindly invited to sit at table with the family & friends & partook of the kind hospitality of him whom they had so lately insulted and abused in the most shameful manner. What a contrast between the treatment they met with & that which they had used towards J while he was there prisoner. . . .

[It is clear that at least some portions of the History account were based on this journal entry. It is given in full here for the sake of comparison.]

[Friday, June 30, 1843]: A messenger started from my company in the night, and arrived in Nauvoo early in the morning, saying that I and the company would be in the city about noon. Dr. Willard Richards and Wilford Woodruff arranged the seats in the court-room, preparatory to my arrival.

At half-past ten o’clock, the Nauvoo Brass Band and Martial Band started with Emma and my brother Hyrum to meet me; also a train of carriages, containing a number of the principal inhabitants.

At eight a. m., the company with me again started; arrived at the Big Mound about half-past ten, where the brethren decorated the bridles of their horses with the flowers of the prairie, and were met by a number of the citizens. Continued our journey; and at 11:25 a. m., I was gladdened, when opposite my brother Hyrum’s farm, about one-and-a-half miles east of the Temple, with seeing the train approaching towards us; and I directed Colonel Rockwood to place my Life Guards in their appropriate position in the procession. I was in a buggy with Mr. Montgomery. Sheriff Reynolds and Wilson, with my three lawyers, Cyrus Walker, Shepherd G. Patrick, and Edward Southwick, were in the stage coach with Lucien P. Sanger, the stage proprietor. Mr. Campbell, the sheriff of Lee county, and a company of about 140 were with me on horseback.

I was a prisoner in the hands of Reynolds, the agent of Missouri, and Wilson, his assistant. They were prisoners in the hands of Sheriff Campbell, who had delivered the whole of us into the hands of Colonel Markham, guarded by my friends, so that none of us could escape.

When the company from the city came up, I said I thought I would now ride a little easier; got out of the buggy; and, after embracing Emma and my brother Hyrum, who wept tears of joy at my return, as did also most of the great company who surrounded us, (it was a solemn, silent meeting,) I mounted my favorite horse, “Old Charley,” when the band struck up “Hail Columbia,” and proceeded to march slowly towards the city, Emma riding by my side into town.

The carriages having formed in line, the company with me followed next, and the citizens fell in the rear. As we approached the city, the scene continued to grow more interesting; the streets were generally lined on both sides with the brethren and sisters, whose countenances were joyous and full of satisfaction to see me once more safe.

I was greeted with the cheers of the people and firing of guns and cannon. We were obliged to appoint a number of men to keep the streets open for the procession to pass, and arrived at my house about one o’clock, where my aged mother was at the door to embrace me, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks, and my children clung around me with feelings of enthusiastic and enraptured pleasure. Little Fred, exclaimed, “Pa, the Missourians won’t take you away again, will they?” The friends from Dixon gazed with astonishment and rapture to see the enthusiastic attachment of my family and the Saints towards me.

The multitude seemed unwilling to disperse until after I had arisen on the fence and told them, “I am out of the hands of the Missourians again, thank God. I thank you all for your kindness and love to me. I bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I shall address you at the Grove, near the Temple, at four o’clock this afternoon.”

When I went to dinner with my family, Reynolds and Wilson were placed at the head of the table, with about 50 of my friends, and were served with the best that the table afforded, by my wife, whom they refused to allow me to see, when they so cruelly arrested and ill-treated me, which contrasted strongly with their treatment to me when I was first arrested by them, and until my friends met me.

[Wednesday, July 12, 1843]: This A.M. I wrote a Revelation - consisting of 10 pages on the order of the Priesthood, showing the designs in Moses, Abraham, David and Solomon having many wives & concubines &c. After it was wrote Prests Joseph & Hyrum presented it and read it to E. who said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious. J. told me to Deed all the unincumbered lots to E. & the children He appears much troubled about E.

[Questionable source, though it is likely that the last portion following the revelation is based on Clayton’s journal.]

[Wednesday, July 12, 1843]: I received the following revelation in the presence of my brother Hyrum and Elder William Clayton:—

Revelation on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including the Plurality of Wives. Given through Joseph, the Seer, in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 12th, 1843.

[Included here is the revelation, which Clayton recorded on this date and which now constitutes section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants.]

Hyrum took the revelation and read it to Emma.

I directed Clayton to make out deeds of certain lots of land to Emma and the children.

[Tuesday, August 1, 1843]: I was very sick at home in the morning. At four p. m. I rode up to the Temple and complained to the clerks that Mr. Hamilton had got a tax title from the sheriff on one of my city lots. Mr. Bagby, the collector, came up in the midst of our conversation and when asked about it denied all knowledge of it. I told him that I had always been ready to pay all my taxes when I was called upon; and I did not think it gentlemanly treatment to sell any of my lots for taxes; and I told him that he was continually abusing the citizens here. Bagby called me a liar, and picked up a stone to throw at me, which so enraged me that I followed him a few steps, and struck him two or three times. Esquire Daniel H. Wells stepped between us and succeeded in separating us. I told the Esquire to assess the fine for the assault, and I was willing to pay it. He not doing it, I rode down to Alderman Whitney, stated the circumstances, and he imposed a fine which I paid, and then returned to the political meeting. Bagby stayed awhile, muttering threats against me. I went home, commenced to work awhile, but soon was very sick.

[Note the possible contextual error in this account. In Clayton’s diary it was Clayton, not Joseph, who went home and became sick after working.]

[Tuesday, August 22, 1843]: We constantly hear rumors that the people of Carthage are determined to raise a mob to drive the Mormons out of the state.

My brother Hyrum has gone to Plymouth.

[Saturday, March 23, 1844]: Also called with William Clayton and Alexander Neibaur at Dr. Foster’s. He was gone to Appanoose, and Mrs. Foster was at Mr. Gilman’s.

I here extract from William Clayton’s journal:—

President Smith’s Interview with Mrs. Foster.

We went down there and saw her, [Mrs. Foster]. President Joseph asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an immoral or indecent act. She answered, “No.” He then explained his reasons for asking; which were, he had been informed that Dr. Foster had stated that Joseph made propositions to his wife calculated to lead her astray from the path of virtue; and then asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to her. She answered, “Never.” He further asked if he ever preached anything like the “plurality of wife” doctrine to her other than what he had preached in public? She said, “No.” He asked her if he ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her, and especially when he took dinner during the doctor’s absence. She said, “No.” After some further conversation on the subject, we left. Mrs. Gillman was present all the time. President Joseph and Neibaur then went on foot to the farm.

[This entry appears to be the only one in the entire History that directly cites Clayton’s journal as the source.]

[Thursday, April 4, 1844]: I was visited by eleven Indians, who wanted counsel, and had an impressive interview.

[This entry is incorrectly labeled April 14 instead of April 4 in the History.]

[Sunday, April 7, 1844]: President Joseph Smith delivered the following discourse before about twenty thousand Saints, being the funeral sermon of Elder King Follett. Reported by Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, Thomas Bullock and William Clayton.

[This report of the Conference in which Joseph Smith gives his King Follett sermon states that Clayton was one of those who recorded the sermon. Clayton’s journal mentions the conference but makes no reference to his taking notes of the sermon.]

[Thursday, May 2, 1844]: . . . went to Prest J’s and he desired me to go to Mr Laws to find out why they refused to pay their note. I went with Moore and asked Wilson what he meant by saying he had got accounts to balance the note. He seemed to tremble with anger & replied that he had demands for his services when he was ordered to call out the Legion to go and meet Smith besides money which he expended at that time. I told him that was a new idea & that Genl Smith had had no intimation of any such thing. Wm Law came in and mentioned $400 which was borrowed of Baily $300 of which I am satisfied was paid, and the other $100 Wm Law said he would pay and give it to help defray the expense of the persecution but he now demands the $100 and some more of the $300. - On the whole this is to me a certain evidence of the meanness of the men and a proof that they also are disposed to oppress & persecute those who have invariably befriended them & saved them from the public indignation. I returned & told J. what had passed & he ordered Dr Richards to sue the notes & also gave Moore his own note for $200. payable 6 mo after date. . . .

[Questionable. It is possible that the History entry is a summary of this journal entry, but some of the colorful wording of the last sentence in the History leads to some uncertainty.]

[Saturday, June 8, 1844]: I sent William Clayton to Carthage to give in some lots for assessments; and while there Backenstos told him that Walter Bagby had been gone eight days to Missouri to try to get another writ for me. Brother Clayton also got news that the Democrats had dropped Van Buren, and substituted James K. Polk, of Tennessee for president, and Silas Wright of New York, for vice-president.

I walked out in the evening with Brother Clayton.

[Saturday, June 15, 1844]: . . . Two brethren came from Lima, and said that Colonel Levi Williams had demanded the arms belonging to the Mormons in that neighborhood. They wished my advice on the subject. I told them that when they gave up their arms, to give up their lives with them as dearly as possible.

It is reported that a company of men were constantly training at Carthage. . . .