as much as the mob are to have us go: They calculate to stop us, and then aid the mob, and screen them while working our destruction. They speak in the name of their God, which is my his devil, and he speaks in the name of Israel’s God and says, “we will go and leave them”. Some will say they are not ready to go, but if we have to wait till we get ready, we shall never go till we are burned up and destroyed. We want to go whether we are ready or not. “The Lord is going to find this nation something to do, besides hunt after the blood of the saints and innocent men; They have had that priviledge for years past, but will soon have something else to do.”
He then called for the reports of the Captains of companies, but the reports were not yet ready.
asked— After we go away from here will the tithing stop or be continued, or will the be finished by voluntary contribution &c? He supposed it possible that may come here, and perhaps seek to gain the ascendency. &c. [p. [110]]
Smith was on a tour of eastern cities attempting to establish his own church. Within a month after the departure of Young and most of the other apostles from Nauvoo, Smith returned to the city and preached to the remaining Latter-day Saints. (William Smith, Testimony, Independence, MO, 30 Jan. 1892, p. 186, question 343, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints v. Church of Christ Independence, Missouri, et al. [C.C.W.D. Mo. 1894], typescript, Testimonies and Depositions, CHL; Almon Babbitt and Joseph L. Heywood, Nauvoo, IL, to Brigham Young, “Camp of Israel,” 11 Mar. 1846, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints v. Church of Christ of Independence, Missouri, et al. (C.C.W.D. Mo. 1894). Typescript. Testimonies and Depositions, 1892. Typescript. CHL.
Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.