In the winter of 1843-44, the
Prophet Joseph Smith sent to me one of the Twelve Apostles of the Church to
learn if I would be one of a company of twenty-five (25) young men whom he
wished to send out to pioneer the Rocky Mountains and Lower California, to find
a place for the Church to remove to as the persecutions were getting too strong
to think of staying in that part of the country, so near to the borders of the
State from which we were driven, without being able to obtain any redress, or
any sympathy from any source in the Union. My personal acquaintance with the
Prophet up to this time was of a most endearing character, and I most freely
and gladly responded to the request, and my name was enrolled as one of the
chosen number. Weekly meetings were held for the purpose of instructing the
company of twenty-five (25) young men thus selected. These meetings were
attended by the Presiding authorities, including the Prophet's counselors–by
the Presiding authorities, including the Prophet's Counselors Sidney Rigdon and
Hyrum Smith; and several of the Twelve Apostles then present in the city of
Nauvoo. I had been present at three or four of these meetings before I heard
the Prophet say just what was expected of those twenty-five (25) young men who
were to go on that expedition. At one of the meetings he said he wanted young
men of faith who could go upon the mountains and talk with God face to face as
Moses did on Mount Sinai, and learn from Him where His people should make a
home. When I heard this in one of the meetings, I was very seriously affected.
My first thought was to resign as once before leaving the meeting room, but
after a few moments reflection thought I would ask my heavenly Father before I
decided the matter. I went home and upon my knees by my bedside I prayed for
some manifestation that would satisfy my mind as to what I should do. My prayer
was answered. In vision I performed the entire journey successfully, and, in
connection with it, I saw the future of my entire life, and also down to the end
of time, when all things were restored to their Eden grandure, purity and
excellence, for the use of man. All this was given to me as the result of
responding to the wishes of the Prophet by becoming a member of that Pioneer
party organized to find a place for the Church in the wilds of the west. The
outfit of the party was to be two animals for each man, one to ride and one to
pack; a double-barreled gum, one barrel for shot and one for ball, with which
we were to provide our living on the way; and each one to take no less than
five-hundred dollars ($500.00) in cash with which to purchase lands to settle
upon if necessary.
During the latter part of the
winter the persecutions become very severe and increased almost daily. Soon
after the Pioneer company was fully organized and properly instructed as to
what was expected of them, the Prophet Joseph left Nauvoo and with his brother
Hyrum went in a westerly direction, as was supposed by some to escape the
pending trouble seemingly coming upon the people; but by others it was suppose
that his intention was to join the Pioneer party when it should go out, and be
their leader to the mountains. He was followed by those who did not feel
disposed to consult his wishes in the least and was accused by them of
cowardice, and as having no regard for the people in their time of trouble, but
sought his own safety. Because of this accusation the plan was never carried
out. He told his accuser that if his life was of no value to them it was not to
himself and he would return with them going as a lamb to the slaughter, which
verily proved true.
It was well known, however, that
the Prophet had perfected every necessary arrangement for the Saints to make
their exodus to the mountains of the West, and as had been Prophecied many
times in our weekly Pioneer meetings, they would become a great and a mighty
people, establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth no more to be thrown
down forever.
The removal of the Saints from
Nauvoo to the Rocky Mountains was no plan originating with Brigham Young, but
originating with the Prophet Joseph Smith. This I personally know. Brigham
Young, at the time, was away in the East on missionary work, when these plans
were being arranged under the Prophet's personal direction, assigned by his
brother Hyrum, who mostly presided at the meetings of the party. At our
meetings the spirit of prophecy was always strong, and on one occasion the
Patriarch Hyrum Smith arose from his seat and remarked, "There has been
enough said," and dismissed the meetings without further ceremony. (Samuel
W. Richards affidavit, 1903 December 11, Church History Catalog, MS
3961)
Further Reading:
Resources on Joseph Smith’s Prophecies
