A Wonderful Manifestation – Hundreds of Indians Healed by the Power of God 1879

The Millennial Star Monday June 2, 1879 Volume 41 No.22
Shared with be by a wonderful Native American named Betty “Red Ant” LaFontaine.

Several accounts, slightly varying in their details, having become current with regard to the manifestation of God’s power in the healing of several hundred Zuni Indians, under the hands of Elder Llewellyn Harris, President Taylor directed Elder Orson Pratt, the Church Historian, to obtain, direct from Elder Harris, the facts in the case. The following is Brother Harris’ reply to Elder Pratt’s letter of inquiry:

Panguitch, Dec. 15th, 1879. Brother Orson. Pratt,

Dear brother,—Your favor of Nov. 27th, is received, wishing me to give a history of the healing of the Zuni Indians of small-pox, by the laying on of hands, which I will do, as near as I can remember the circumstances. I started from Panguitch on the 5th of November 1877; overtook brother Thayne and company (from Centreville) at Johnson, and traveled with them as far as Woodruff on the Little Colorado. I parted with the company there and traveled alone to the Zuni village; distance from Woodruff about 100 miles. Arrived at the Zuni village January 20th, 1878 and found some sick with the small-pox in nearly every house.

I put up with a Zuni Indian known as Captain Lochee, who had three children sick with the smallpox. After I had been asleep two or three hours, I was awakened by the cries of the family and some of the neighbors who had come in. I arose and inquired the cause of the crying, and was informed by Captain Lochee that his daughter, a child of about 12 years of age, was dying. I saw she was gasping for breath. I felt like administering to her then, but the Spirit of the Lord prompted me to wait a little longer. I waited until she had done gasping and she did not appear to breathe. The Spirit of the Lord moved upon me very strong to administer to her, which I did; she revived and slept well the remainder of the night. I also administered to the other two who were sick in the same house that night. All was quiet the remainder of the night, and all seemed much better in the morning.

Additional Information about Captain Lochee.

“THE FAITH OF THE ZUNIS” By Llewellyn Harris

Juvenile Instructor-“Miraculous healing among the Zuni”

The news of this spread through the town, and the next day I was called to visit about twenty-five families, all of whom had one or more sick with the small-pox. They also wished me to administer to the sick, which I did. I was called upon to visit from ten to twenty families a day for four days after my arrival and administering to their sick. The power of the Lord was made manifest to such a degree that nearly all I administered to recovered. The disease was spreading so rapidly that I was unable to visit all the houses. One morning about eight o’clock one of the Zuni women came for me to go and visit the sick; she took me to a house which had a large room in it, about twenty by forty feet. When I entered the room, I found they had gathered the sick from all parts of the village, till they had completely filled the house. The stench that arose and the horrible sight that met my eves is beyond description. They had a Spaniard there, who understood the Zuni language, for an interpreter, who told me they wanted me to administer to all those who were sick in the room. I being the only elder in the village it seemed to be a great task to administer to so many, but I called on the Lord to strengthen me. I commenced, and as fast as I administered to them they were removed, but other sick ones were continually being brought in. It was late in the afternoon before I could perceive that they began to diminish, in numbers. When I had administered to the last one and went out, the sun had set and it was getting dark. The Spaniard who had stayed there all day asked me if I knew how many I had prayed for. I told him that I did not keep count; he said he had and that it was 406. The next morning my arms were so sore that I could hardly move them.

There was a Presbyterian minister in the village, who became jealous of the influence I was gaining with the Indians. He persuaded two Spaniards, one Navajo Indian, one Albino ‘Zuni, and one of the Zuni medicine men, to circulate lies and frighten the ‘Zunis, telling them that those who were healed were healed by the power of the devil.

I felt weak from the effects of administering so much. And on the second day after administering to the 406. I started for the settlement in Savoia valley. The next day after arriving in Savoia I was taken down with a severe fever, which lasted about a week. I stopped with the family of brother John Hunt, who treated me very kindly. It was about three weeks before I was able to resume my I journey to the Mexican settlements on I the Rio Grande. I spent about four months preaching to the Mexican people in New Mexico. When I arrived at Savoia on my return, I was informed by the brethren that the minister who opposed me at Zuni had passed there and was nearly dead with the consumption. When I arrived at Zuni I was told by some of the most reliable Zunis that all that I had administered to recovered, excepting five or six that the minister gave medicine, and four or five that the medicine man had tried to cure by magic. The medicine man that opposed me had died during my absence, and the Navajo, who opposed me, on returning home, was killed by his people to keep the small-pox from spreading among them.

This is a true statement of the manner in which the power of God was made manifest among the Zunis, and also the judgments of God which followed some of those who opposed it. It seemed that I was, by the providence of God, cast among them; and I felt that I was one of the weakest of my brethren, and to ask the Lord to strengthen me if it was his will to make his power manifest through me. If the Lord had not strengthened me I could not have borne up under what I passed through at Zuni.

If you wish a history of my mission to the Mexicans and will make it known, I will be pleased to furnish it to you. No more at present.

From your brother in the Gospel,

           Llewellyn Harris.

The foregoing was published in the Deseret News some time since, but, owing probably to the remarkable character of the statements set forth in it, some people expressed doubts as to its veracity. In order to set the matter at rest, pains were taken to obtain information from various other sources. The result of these investigations, we are, by courtesy of Pres. John Taylor, enabled to place before our readers, in the annexed correspondence, which, besides being confirmatory of Brother Harris’s first account, gives further interesting details:

New Mexico, Feb. 20, 1879. Brother L. H. Hatch:

According to your request I hasten to give you an account of the power and blessings of our Heavenly Father through the ministration of Elder Llewellyn Harris, while laboring among the Zunis. And as the Church Historian has requested that it should be sent to him without exaggeration or depreciation, I will, as you earnestly requested me, use the same language used by them, under an inquiry. Upon my return and after you handed me the Apostle Brother Pratt’s letter, I called at the village where Bro. Harris had labored, and in the presence of at least forty Zunis I interrogated one of the principal men, who could talk Spanish, at least good enough to enable me to get a most thorough and positive understanding. Speaking to the crowd, I said: Do any of you remember a ‘Mormon,’ who came to this place and stayed a while, at the time you had the small-pox?

After a moment’s talk among themselves, the man of whom I have spoken stepped forward and answered:

“Oh yes, but why do you inquire about him”

“Because I wish to learn if he told the truth, when he said, the Lord heard him by curing them, when he laid his hands upon their heads.”

I very readily perceived from the above question that it aroused their suspicions, and in order to allay this spirit, so as to get at the naked truth, I continued:

“As this is the remedy to which we * Mormons’ appeal, for you all well know that I have always told you, that if we would serve the Great Spirit, he would hear us when we prayed to him.”

By this time those who had been baptized were drawing nearer, with an expression upon their countenances of brotherhood and confidence. However, the old man continued:’

“Yes, it is the truth. There is no doubt.”

This last sentence, when spoken in Spanish, affirms anything in the most positive manner possible, not even allowing any chance for a mistake.

“Do you know how many he cured? (You will remember that the crowd was consulted before answering at each successive question.)

“Oh, lots of them.”

“But about how many?” At the same time holding up my finger, as that is the manner of counting among natives, though these being a little more enlightened, it serves to form an extra impression, or by way of demanding the exact number.

“Oh, lots of them! How could yoo tell how many, for there were lot of them cured, though some died after.”

“Which man in this crowd saw and heard this?

“Why, all but me, so they say. He cured them in a large house. He did lay his hands on lots in four houses.”

“Which man’s house, in this crowd, did he do this in?

“That man says he did in his house, and that children were brought into him, and those that were big enough and able to walk, came, and he cured all that he laid his hands on, though some died afterwards.”

This was said in presence of my wife Eliza, and not less than forty Zunis.

Besides, Brother Hatch, it gave me a splendid opportunity to talk to them upon the subject, which I improved, thus endeavoring to awaken in them a love for the truth, and they seemed to drink into the Spirit of it, though they said:

“Numberless stories, in short, everybody seems to be opposed to you; and though we feel good when you are with us, and we cannot help believing what you say. But then why all this opposition.”

However, feeling that a more thorough investigation would give better satisfaction, I drove off and left the crowd, and soon met Brother Ramon Lund, who affirmed, in the most positive manner, what had been stated, and adding, said, that it was true that some died after they had been cured ; but it was because they took the medicine of an American, who was acting as priest and doctor at that place, under the direction of the United States, and when he told me this, he went through the motion, with his hand, of putting something into his mouth. At this instant, I well remembered the crowd of which I have spoken, going through the same gestures to the old man, who was acting as interpreter, but he failed to tell that part, as he did not belong to the Church, though he had never to my knowledge taken any active part either for or against.

I feel impressed to call your attention to the subject of which we talked about; namely the call of the King of the Zunis, with others of his associates for some of our brethren to assist them this spring in putting in their crops. This is not only a request, but rather bordering on a demand, from the fact of us both having offered to do so. I do not know who to appeal to, and I am not acquainted with President John Taylor, but there should be something done, for they look to me, as you well know, as their father; and it is impossible for me to fill the place at the three Branches. You will please excuse my awkwardness and tedious way of explaining, for I have done the best I could.

Praying God to bless you, and desiring to be remembered in your prayers, I remain, your co-laborer in the latter-day work,

Ammon M. Tenney. Forestdale, Yavapai Co., Arizona, March 3rd, 1879. Brother E. Snow.

Dear brother,—I arrived here on the first of this month in good health. I hope these few lines will find you and family enjoying the same blessing.

The brethren seem to feel satisfied and contented here, with the exception of a few, who do not like to have the Indians move in here. Some twelve families of the Apache Indians want to come into this place, and live with us, and learn to work, and live as we do, and send their children to school I will start out in a few days to preach to some of the Apache Indians, and I feel to pray to the Lord that I may have his Spirit to guide and direct me, that I may be able to do good. Some of the brethren blame me for inducing the Indians to come to this place; but I cannot help that, it is to gain their friendship I am here, and I intend to do so, if possible.

There are also some of the brethren who are trying to show that I have exaggerated on the number of the Zuni Indians administered to, and also the number healed. All I have to say about this is, that I have given a true account, as near as I could, by getting my information from other parties, and what I could see myself; but I will say one thing now, and that is this, that those Indians must have received benefit by the administration when I visited the different houses, or they would not gather all the sick that were in the village for me to administer to, and keep me busy all day. Let the number be more or less than 400, I will say one thing, and that is, that there were silent witnesses whom the Lord had sent to take note of what passed that day. The day will come when those witnesses will give their testimony, and testify that I worked all that day, and did all I could, and no man or men will be able to gainsay it, so I do not care what men may say at present; the Lord knows all things.

No more at present, from

Your brother in the Gospel, Llewellyn Harris.

Woodruff, March 8th, 1879. Elder Orson Pratt.

Dear brother,—I received, some time ago, a letter from the Historian’s Office, wishing me to ascertain a statement of the healing of the Zunis of the small-pox, and in order that I might get a correct understanding it has taken me some time to get the facts. I will give you what information I have on the subject, personally.

While on my way from Utah to my family that were located in New Mexico, while at sunset, Bishop John Hunt, whom I had placed in charge of the Zuni Mission during my absence, told me that the Zunis were dying off rapidly, and that Elder Llewellyn Harris was performing great cures by the laying on of hands and the power of faith. About the 15th of February, 1878, myself, Elders Ammon M. Tenney, Erastus B. Snow, and A. W. Ivins, passed through the main village, and learned through some of our Zuni brethren that there had been from 150 to 200 deaths, but at the time we passed, the disease was abating. About twenty miles distant, at my house in Savoindette, we found Elder Harris, who was quite sick from exposure and the effects of administering to so many sick people. We administered to him, and he was better. He revealed to us his experience in administering to the Zunis and the power of God in healing the sick. I will now give you a copy of a statement made by brother Harris on the 23rd of February, 1879, while at Bagley, on his way to the Apache Indians:

“On the 27th of January, 1878, I administered from 8 a.m. until sun down, and made short ceremonies. A Mexican was present, who was very friendly. He followed me to where the sick came. He told me that I had administered to 406. I kept no count of the number. I had administered to several at a private house, when a Zuni woman came and wished me to go and see some sick persons, and I went to a hall which I judged to be 20 x 40 feet in dimensions. I think that there were about 75 persons in the room. A loathsome sensation came over me, as I beheld their fearful condition. As I commenced administering this feeling left. After administering to them they were taken out, and others were brought in. These were mostly children. Some that were brought appeared to be well. I asked them why they wanted me to administer to them. The Mexican interpreter told me they wanted me to administer to them, so that if they were taken sick the attack might be light, and I blessed all that came. It seemed that there was a holy messenger standing by me. Fathers and mothers, as they brought their children, each seemed anxious to be first. The day passed rapidly, and after I got out into the open air, I felt sick, and the sun had gone down.

“A Presbyterian school-teacher in the employ of the United States Government, named Parmer, when he found what was done, ordered me away, when I went to Savoindette to your house, where you found me.

“Llewellyn Harris.”

This is, in substance, as related ta me one year ago. Brother Harris says, he cannot be positive as to dates, but believes he is about correct. There are some remarkable cases of healing among the Navajos, which I witnessed in connection with Elder L. C. Burnham and Bishop Hunt; about one year ago last June, an account of which I think I forwarded to the Deseret News at the time, also to President John W. Young. I do not remember the dates of those letters referred to. If you should require it, and the letters are not at hand, a statement can hereafter be given, as it might be of value to the Church history.

I shall always be happy to render you all the aid in my power to facilitate your arduous duties.

Your brother in the Gospel, L. H. Hatch.

P. S.—I herewith forward to you a statement of facts, as related by the Zunis themselves to Elder Aramom M. Tenney. L H. H.

Source: https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/MStar/id/38769

Zunis, Lagunas, and Isletas

“If there are any Nephites on this continent we have found them among the Zunis, Lagunas, and Isletas” Wilford Woodruff

To President John Taylor and Council:

DEAR BRETHREN:—I arrived on Saturday night, the 13th inst., all well and in good spirits and found Brother Lake, of Brigham City, and Brother Bates, of Pleasant Valley, very sick. They had been to the Verde, baptizing some and administering to the sick. Brother Lake has been looked upon as dangerous, but was some better yesterday.

The Isletas of which I speak is a village twelve miles below Albuquerque, on the Rio Del Norte, containing 3,000 souls that stand at the head of this class of men that I call the Nephites. They occupy forty villages, containing a population of 32,000, speaking sixteen distinct languages, but nearly all good Spanish scholars. I look upon this as a great field of missionary labor for some forty good, faithful “Mormon” elders, who should be able to speak the Spanish; and I hope next conference will call some of them, at least, into the field. I visited this people, located in their homes in company with Brother Ammon M. Tenney, who had visited most of them before, and I think has done much good in opening doors among them. He had baptized 115 of the Zunis on a former mission.

My journey and visit with him was a visit of observation, and I was amply rewarded. In what way, I do not know, but in almost every village I visited, they were looking for me. I can only make a brief outline from my journal of our journey. On the 19th of August, we entered the Zuni village, containing about 3,000 souls. The village stood on a piece of elevated ground; many buildings were three stories high, and the upper stories were entered by ladders at the top.

There had been a heavy struggle in this village between the Catholics and Mormon Zunis. The priests had done all they could to lie about the Mormons and had drawn away {523}a few who had been baptized, but others remained firm. I went through the old Catholic cathedral in the village; it looked as though it were 500 years old. It had two bells hanging in the tower and over the pulpit was some of the finest carved work in wood I ever saw, representing Christ, the apostles, and angels. I went all through the village and, for the first time in my life, I had a view of the white Indians called Albinos. Their hair, face, and limbs were nearly as white as milk, much whiter than any Americans. I met with many who had been baptized and they were very glad to see me. They had 2,000 acres of corn, looking well without irrigation. On the day following, we visited their village at their farm called Fish Springs. I was here introduced to Brother Juan Bautista (John Baptist), the first man baptized in the Zuni nation by A. M. Tenney. His son’s wife was the most handsome woman I ever saw of the Indian race; had a beautiful child, nearly white. I went through their wheat fields, which they were cutting with sickles. We visited several ruins of the ancient inhabitants; some of the outside walls of stone were standing some eight feet high. On Sunday evening, the 25th, we held a meeting in a village of the Lagumas, called Mosita Negra. We had an interesting talk with the Governor of the place (Jose Carido), and the spiritual advisor (Lorenzo Coreo) and both wanted a meeting. They called the people together, men, women, and children. We opened by singing and prayer, and Brother Tenney spoke to them in Spanish thirty minutes. I spoke a short time. Brother Tenney interpreted and we dismissed, thinking we had kept them long enough.

As soon as we dismissed, a Nephite arose, full of the spirit of the Lord, and said: ‘Friends, why do you dismiss us and leave us in this way. This is the first time we have heard of our forefathers and the gospel, and the things we have looked for from the traditions of our fathers. If our wives and children are weary, let them go home; we want to hear more. We want you to talk all night, do not leave us so.’ This speech raised me to my feet and the next hour was one of the best meetings we had. We all felt inspired, missionaries, Nephite men, women, and children. I spoke and Brother Tenney interpreted. I never felt the want of tongues more than on this occasion. I taught the things of the Kingdom of God and found hearts capable of receiving it. All were deeply interested and the seeds we {524}had sown in the hearts of that people will bring forth fruit. At the close of the meeting, the man who spoke in the meeting came to me and said, ‘When you return, drive to my home and all your wants will be supplied,‘ which we did and held another meeting on the Sunday following. We should have baptized him, the Governor, and many others, I think, but the Governor who had followed us, as did the spiritual advisor, some sixty miles to Isletas, had not returned. The people did not wish to take any steps until their Governor was with them. On the following morning, my carriage was surrounded by the Governor and people that we had talked to the night before. Some of them took breakfast with us and I had to talk to them on the principles of the gospel and their record and signs of the times, until I left; and the leading men of the village followed us sixty miles to Isletas and stopped with us most of the time we were there. On the morning of the 26th of August, we drove through Frisco, crossed the Rio Del Norte, which we found very low, and entered Albuquerque, containing about 3,000 inhabitants, Jews, Gentiles, Americans, and Mexicans.

I was introduced to Judge Parks, the U. S. District Judge of that District, from Illinois. I went through the city or town. It is quite a place of business. I went through the Catholic cathedral accompanied by an Italian padre, or priest. He took great pains to show us everything in it, robes of the priests and deacons; some robes woven from pure gold thread that cost $1,000.00. There was much more wealth than I would have looked for in as obscure a place as Albuquerque. We spent the day in the place and left in the evening and camped five miles below on the banks of the river. On the 27th of August, we entered the village of Isletas (Ysleta), being the day before the great annual feast of this people. Brother Ammon M. Tenney had visited this people three years ago and had made friends in the place. We called upon an old patriarch that had received him before. His name was Juan Reylocero (John King). He was glad to receive us. He furnished us with mutton, fruit, and anything we needed. He was one of the leading spirits, was one of the most influential men in the village, and was over eighty years of age; but by his labor and activity he did not appear more than seventy. It should be understood that the Catholic power has had dominion for centuries over most of the American tribes. This is the case with all {525}these tribes, as well as others, and the priests who now occupy their villages are mostly French or Italian. The priests who dwell in Isletas have had a hard contest with the old patriarch, because he had received the Mormons and their religion. He told the priest that he had his own rights and agency and no men should take his rights or religion from him; and they had not spoken to each other for two years. This spirit is manifest through all the tribes when the gospel is preached, and the Lamanites and Nephites throughout all the land are beginning to be weary of the Catholic priests and their religion.

The inhabitants of Isletas stand at the head of these 32,000 Nephites; all the other 40 villages come to them for counsel. They have their own laws, police courts, and judgment seat. They are very rich. The man we stopped with possessed 9,000 sheep, 100 brood mares and horses, 100 mules and asses, 500 cows and oxen, a ranch worth $8,000.00, and $25,000 of other wealth. He rents many houses in the city, and he is a sample of many of the Isletas nation. They allow no white man or Mexican to mix with them in their blood; all their marriages are in their own tribe. Our friend (Reylocero) said the Americans had called them wild men. If they were wild, they were honest and virtuous. It was very seldom that a case of seduction of a wife or daughter was known in their tribes. Whenever such a case did occur, the penalty of death was executed and had been for centuries, until civilization was introduced by Americans, who had introduced seduction and corruption wherever they had a chance, and now, if a man were put to death for seduction, the civilization of the day would kill his slayer. In fact they were so much afraid of white men coming in contact with their women, that Brothers Tenney and Robert H. Smith, of the 15th Ward, Salt Lake City, three years ago, came nearly starving to death before they got thoroughly acquainted with them.

They were not willing for these brethren to go into the presence of their women; but after the old patriarch had reached full confidence in Brother Tenney, he put his grand-daughter (a very handsome young woman) in his charge, as he was going away for a season, and a young Mexican wished to court her, and the old gentleman did not wish him to marry her. And as the people in that village had full confidence in him, on our arrival we were kindly received and entertained by all we {526}called upon.

I look upon the Isletas as the most industrious and hard laboring people of any I ever met (the Latter-day Saints not excepted). This Nephite village has a field of corn ten miles in length and one in width. It lies north and south of their village, and is irrigated. The corn is quite as good as any I ever saw in Utah, and perfectly clean; not a weed could be found in a hundred acres. They have also twenty-one vineyards bordering on their city and 1,000 vines to each vineyard, some of them 60 years of age, all kept perfectly clean and loaded with the finest of fruit, and as heavy a crop as I ever saw in St. George. The vines stand from two to four feet in height and, in the fall of the year, each vine has a mound of earth formed around it, until it is covered out of sight. In the spring it is uncovered and the earth leveled. This is an immense work. They have also many apple, pear, and peach orchards, all ripe as well as the grapes. Isletas is occupied only by the Nephites themselves. There are no Mexicans or white men. The houses generally are made of adobe, cement, or concrete, and plastered. The outside walls are as white as snow, and the floors are made of mortar or plaster, very smooth and many of them very neatly carpeted. We saw some as handsome women and girls as could be found in America, barring their dark complexions. There is one practice that exceeds that of any civilized city on the globe that I ever heard of. No man, woman, or child is allowed to sweep a particle of dirt or dust from their floors into the door yards or streets, under penalty of a fine. It all has to be gathered in cloths or baskets and carried to mounds which are located in different parts of the city. The room we occupied was in the center of the town and the mound formed from the sweepings of the floors in that part of the town measured 150 yards at the base and some thirty feet high, which had probably been 100 years in collecting, for they did not appear to cart it away. I found in Isletas and in other villages of the Nephites the same kind of crockery and stone ware painted in all its brilliant colors that we find in the remains of their ancient cities, or in ruins of the ancient inhabitants. All of their water jugs and main crockery are of this material, for they still hold the art of making and painting it. We visited quite a number of the families in the village and were kindly entertained. Among {527}others, we visited Mrs. Pascual Avieta, a Nephite lady, I should judge 50 years of age, a large portly woman, with a large, fine home. Her floors were neatly carpeted, and settees were covered with Navajoe blankets, worth $15 each. She was neatly dressed. I was introduced to her by Brother Tenney and to her daughters and sons. She received me and treated me with all the cordiality that any refined lady could, and presided over her household with all the dignity and grace of a Martha Washington.

When her daughters were introduced to me, after bowing and shaking hands, they very reservedly and modestly retired across the room, sat down upon a settee and listened to what was said in silence. The matron sat down beside me and conversed with great freedom. While the family could speak good Spanish, her son, a fine young man of 20, could speak good English, which was a God send to me, and I thoroughly improved it by preaching the Gospel of Christ and blessings of the Kingdom of God to him, which he gladly received and promised to deliver the same to his father and mother. The matron invited us into her pear, peach, and apple orchard, and grape vineyard where fruit was ripe. We feasted to our satisfaction, and repeated by invitation the same ceremony each day while in Isletas. The feast was on the 27th of August. There were hundreds of Mexicans from all the surrounding country gathered. The Mexican women and girls had their long trails. Most all the drinking, gambling, and fighting, which lasted all night, were done by the Mexicans, while the Isletas were in their homes with doors locked at an early hour. The Governor and leading men of Mosita Negra, where we preached, were with us and did not take part in the Mexican carousal.

Thus, dear brethren, I have given you an outline, merely, of the field of labor which I consider the God of Israel has opened unto us, and which I consider the revelations of God require us to perform. I think there is element sufficient for forty good, faithful elders. There is need for a goodly number of elders who can speak the Spanish language, or who will be able to learn it. I have already sent Brother Taylor a small list of names, including the Indian missionaries that are already in this country, as far as I can remember them, and if there are any in St. George {528}or southern Utah, or northern, who can speak the Spanish, or who will learn it, I would like Brother Taylor to consider them at the October Conference.

I am happy to be able to state that most of the settlements I have visited of the Saints have been blessed with fair crops of grain, notwithstanding the dry season. They were just finishing threshing as I left Snowflake. They will have over 3,000 bushels of grain, mostly wheat, and I am confident they will have over 4,000 bushels of wheat at Sunset.

I have not written anything for publication concerning my journey to Lamanites or Nephites of late, thinking it would not be wisdom to publish anything about our labors among the American Indians under the present state of excitement on Mormonism. I forwarded a list of names in my other communication, as missionaries. I forward a few more in this communication and those I send from here are mostly persons who have given in their names and are willing to engage in the mission. Some incidents occurred on our mission which were interesting to me and showed that the Lord was at work with and for us, to open the way for the introduction of the gospel among this branch of the house of Israel. But I have already lengthened this communication much more than I intended at the commencement. I learned of the release of the Apostles from prison from the “News,” which has given joy to all the faithful Saints of the land. The devil is making a hard struggle to stop the building of temples, and the work of God, and the wicked are helping him, but, brethren, God reigns and will stand by you to the end. The lawyers, judges, and the nation are hastening to their doom as fast as time will permit, and they are sure of their fate. That God may bless you and give you the victory, is the earnest prayer of

Your brother in the gospel, WILFORD WOODRUFF.

According to Wilford Woodruff

Nephites
Isletas
Zunis
Lagunas

Lamanites
Navajo
Moquis
Apaches

A Quote to Remember

“Oliver Cowdery, even in that early day, had found the Navajos in the far Southwest, and he reported it to the brethren, feeling that it was a very important thing. Then Wilford Woodruff said this further, as he went down into the southwest, in New Mexico, and visited among the Indians there. He said: “In my short communication of the second inst., I promised to give a fuller account of my visit to the Isletas which I will now endeavor to do. The Isletas are one of the Pueblo groups down in New Mexico. I view my visit among the Nephites one of the most interesting missions of my life, although short. I say Nephites, because if there are any Nephites on this continent, we have found them among the Zunis, the Lagunas, and the Isletas, for they are a different race of people, altogether, from the Lamanites. I class the Navajo, Moquis (Hopis) and Apaches with the Lamanites, although they are in advance of many Indian tribes of America. I class the Zunis, Lagunas, and Isletas among the Nephites. And then he goes on to say, that as soon as they dismissed this particular meeting among the Isletas, and were going to leave, one of the Nephites arose. . . full of the spirit of the Lord and said, “Friends, why do you dismiss us and leave us this way? This is the first time we have heard of our forefathers and the gospel and the things we have looked for from the traditions of our fathers. If our wives and children are weary, let them go home. We want to hear more. We want you to talk all night. Do not leave us so.” The Work Among the Lamanites Elder Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1950, pp. 63-69

President Spencer W. Kimball was a small man with a great appetite for work By Ronald Fox

Joseph Smith Knew the Nephites

“Such questions have been asked as “How much did the prophet Joseph Smith actually know about Book of Mormon geography?” and “How much of what he knew did he feel at liberty to reveal to his followers?” Joseph Smith was first shown the plates of the Book of Mormon on September 22, 1823, but it was not until the fourth anniversary of that date, i.e., in 1827, that they actually came into his possession. What was he doing during those four years, and why that long wait before he could get on with his important assignment of translating them into English? A recent study documents no fewer than 22 visitations of the angel Moroni to Joseph, as well as appearances of Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and other Book of Mormon notables [Robert J. Woodford, “Book of Mormon Personalities Known by Joseph Smith” The Ensign, Vol. 8, No. 8, August 1978, pp. 12-15; also “The Story of the Doctrine and Covenants,” i.b.i.d., Vol. 14, No. 12, December 1984, pp. 32-39].

Most of these visits were made, no doubt, during this four-year period, and many of them were reported by Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the Prophet, who in her old age dictated a biography of her controversial son. (Smith, 1979) Chapter 18 (pp. 79-85) of Mother Smith’s biography is of particular interest. It starts with the date September 22, 1823, when young Joseph told his father of the visits of Moroni through the previous night. Then, that evening and the next, his whole family gathered about to listen to him. From this time forth, Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he gave us a relation of the same. I presume our family presented an aspect as singular as any that ever lived upon the face of the earth–all seated in a circle, father, mother, sons and daughters, and giving the most profound attention to a boy, eighteen years of age, who had never read the Bible through in his life: he seemed much less inclined to the perusal of books than any of the rest of our children, but far more given to meditation and deep study. ‘During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them.’ (Smith, pp. 82-83) . . . In any case, the Prophet seems to have known a good deal about ancient Nephite civilization. Why, then did he not tell his followers more about such matters as Book of Mormon geography? Because they were not yet ready for it, and because that was not what the Church was to become involved in at that stage of development. It would seem, however, that he at least left a few clues behind, perhaps to stimulate us of the present generation to further inquiry. (Incidentally, I am not one to accept everything Joseph Smith ever said or wrote as automatically binding; he was a human being like the rest of us. But I do believe he had special insights, and whatever he may have had to say–even on a subject like Book of Mormon geography–is worthy of careful consideration.)” Ross T. Christensen at the Thirty-third Annual Symposium on the Archaeology of the Scriptures, held at BYU on September 28 and 29, 1984.

I believe the Prophet Joseph Smith actually knew a great deal about Book of Mormon geography. I believe if you study, read and pray about the Prophet Joseph’s writings, you will find his strong belief in the North American setting for the Book of Mormon. Read Letter VII, Wentworth Letter, Josephs letter to Emma, D&C 28, 30,125, 128 and many other sources that reflect this belief. I believe it is important to know more about where Lehi landed, and Nephi served, and where the final battles of the Nephites happened. It adds to my testimony just as knowing the Lord was born in Bethlehem. Cumorah in New York is the key. This is where the angel appeared to Joseph, where the plates were hidden and the very hill where the Jaredites and Nephites were destroyed.

Below is some great counsel from the LDS Newsroom about our witnesses about Church doctrine. I have felt a wonderful feeling for example, that there is only ONE CUMORAH. This feeling  gives me a deeper understanding of the important role that Hill Cumorah played in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

“Individual members are encouraged to independently strive to receive their own spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of Church doctrine. Moreover, the Church exhorts all people to approach the gospel not only intellectually but with the intellect and the spirit, a process in which reason and faith work together.” LDS Newsroom

JOSEPH , “SEALED HIS MISSION AND HIS WORKS”

My Works of Joseph website was started in 2011 as a way to honor the Prophet Joseph Smith. Everything he has done, will do, and continues to do, has been and always will be focused on testifying of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As the scripture says in D&C 135: 3, “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!”

Whatever Joseph Smith possessed, spoke of, acted out, preached, served, translated, worshiped, revealed, and testified of; witnesses as a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet of this Last Dispensation and holds the keys in these last days. It will be well with us to learn about him and speak of him as he will lead us to the Savior.

Along with Moroni holding the keys of the Stick of Ephraim (D&C 27:5), Joseph Smith and Hyrum I believe, will lead us during the millennium. May the Lord help each of us to become more familiar with these amazing prophets and strive to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in all we do.

Mother Lucy Smith’s Statement
The day after Joseph and Hyrum were martyred, their bodies were taken back to Nauvoo on horse-drawn wagons. Their mother, Lucy Smith, described the events which followed:

After the corpses were washed and dressed in their burial clothes, we were allowed to see them. I had for a long time braced every nerve, roused every energy of my soul, and called upon God to strengthen me; but when I entered the room, and saw my murdered sons extended both at once before my eyes, and heard the sobs and groans of my family, and the cries of “Father! Husband! Brothers!” from the lips of their wives, children, brothers, and sisters, it was too much. I sank back, crying to the Lord, in the agony of my soul, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken this family!”

A voice replied, “I have taken them to myself, that they might have rest!”

Emma was carried back to her room almost in a state of insensibility.

Her oldest son approached the corpse, and dropped upon his knees, and laying his cheek against his father’s, and kissing him, exclaimed, “Oh, my father, my father!”

As for myself, I was swallowed up in the depths of my afflictions; and, though my soul was filled with horror past imagination, yet I was dumb, until I arose again to contemplate the spectacle before me. Oh! at that moment how my mind flew through every scene of sorrow and distress which we had passed together, in which they had shown the innocence and sympathy which filled their guileless hearts!

As I looked upon their peaceful, smiling countenances, I seemed almost to hear them say, “Mother, weep not for us, we have overcome the world by love; we carried to them the gospel, that their souls might be saved; they slew us for our testimony, and thus placed us beyond their power; their ascendancy is for a moment, ours is an eternal triumph.” (Lucy Smith, Joseph Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors, 354-355) Source https://restorationbookstore.org

“Who can say aught against Joseph Smith? I do not think that a man lives on the earth that knew him any better than I did, and I am bold to say that, Jesus Christ excepted, no better man ever lived or does live upon this earth. I feel like shouting Hallelujah all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet.” Millennial Star, XXI (July 11, 1863)

To see all of Andrew Knaupp’s art of Joseph Smith and Videos visit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q8Zb1IMOik&list=PL1S539HeZXytwxvyn8Ae6co-W5T7CdPAE

Joseph Smith about Jesus Christ

When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, he begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to him, he is ready to come to us. History of the Church, 6:308.

Seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in the fields. Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over, and for your families, your cattle, your flocks, your herds, your corn, and all things that you possess; ask the blessing of God upon all your labors, and everything that you engage in. History of the Church, 5:31.

The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. History of the Church, 3:30.

It is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, “the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God will gather together all things that are in heaven, and all things that are upon the earth, even in one,” . . . The blessings of the Most High will rest upon our tabernacles, and our name will be handed down to future ages; our children will rise up and call us blessed; and generations yet unborn will dwell with peculiar delight upon the scenes that we have passed through, the privations that we have endured; the untiring zeal that we have manifested; the all but insurmountable difficulties that we have overcome in laying the foundation of a work that brought about the glory and blessing which they will realize; a work that God and angels have contemplated with delight for generations past; that fired the souls of the ancient patriarchs and prophets; a work that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family. History of the Church, 4:609–10.

When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when He shall come to receive His Saints unto Himself, where they shall dwell in His presence, and be crowned with glory and immortality; when I consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken, and the earth tremble and reel to and fro; and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up; and that every mountain and island are to flee away, I cry out in my heart, What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness! History of the Church, 1:442.

Joseph Smith is and was a Prophet of God. I love him! Rian Nelson