Transcript
Transcript for "Minutes of the Semi-Annual Conference," Deseret News [Weekly], 15 Oct. 1856, 256
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS,
CONVENED IN THE BOWERY
ADJOINING THE NORTH END OF THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
AND COMMENCING MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1856, AT 10 A.M. . . .
Pres. Brigham Young stated that the Semi-annual Conference was now open, and that the first business was to forthwith start assistance to those now on the plains. Called upon those who were willing to go, or send teams, to come to the stand and report; saying that if there were not enough teams, teamsters, &c., volunteered, he would close the conference, and, with br. Kimball, start back to help those companies.
Pres. Kimball remarked, It is moved and seconded that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Jedediah M. Grant go back to help the P. E. Fund Emigrants. Unanimously negatived. . . .
Pres. Kimball called on the blacksmiths in the congregation to retire; as they were wanted to shoe the horses and repair the wagons of those about to start to assist the brethren on the plains. . . .
Elder James Ferguson bore testimony to the truth of Elder Wheelock's remarks in relation to the hand-carts, and appealed to the Saints in behalf of those who are still on the road. . . .
Elder Edward Bunker sketched the travels of his hand-cart company, and alluded to their having been led by the Lord all the way.
Elder Ellsworth sung, 'Hand-carts rolling.'
Elder C. G. Webb said he had assisted to make the carts, and believed that they could be made to run one eighth easier, and at the same time be much stronger; spoke of the unfavorable circumstances under which the companies started this year, also of the good influence of the brethren in Iowa City. . . .
Elder W. Woodruff spoke in relation to the hand-cart companies, and on the necessity of reformation. . . .
Elder James McGaw spoke of the benefits of the hand-cart system of emigration. . . .
Elder Spicer W. Crandall spoke of the blessings enjoyed by the hand-cart company under Elder D. [Daniel] D. McArthur, to which he was attached. . .