Sioux 27,000
Iowas 12,00
Sacs of the Missouri 500
Omahas 1,400
Ottoes and Missourias 1,600
Pawnees 10,000
Camanches 7,000
Assinaboins 8,000
Crees 3,000
Gros Ventres 3,000
Crows 3,500
Quapaws 450
Caddoes[[1]] 2,000
Poncas 800
Arickarees 3,000
Cheyennes 2,000
Blackfeet 30,000
Foxes 1,600
Anepahas, Kioways, etc. 14,000
Osages 5,120
Kansa 1,471
Sacs 4,800
Hopes of the Prophet in Behalf of the Indians.
The joy that we shall feel, in common with every honest American, and the joy that will eventually fill their bosoms on account of nationalizing the Indians, will be reward enough when it is shown that gathering them to themselves, and for themselves, to be associated with themselves, is a wise measure, and it reflects the highest honor upon our government. May they all be gathered in peace, and form a happy union among themselves, to which thousands may shout, Esto perpetua.
A Feast at Bishop Whitney's.
Thursday, 7.—Attended a sumptuous feast at Bishop Newel K. Whitney's. This feast was after the order of the Son of God—the lame, the halt, and the blind were invited, according to the instructions of the Savior. Our meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Father Smith; after which Bishop Whitney's father and mother, and a number of others, were blessed with a patriarchal blessing. We then received a bountiful refreshment, furnished by the liberality of the Bishop. The company was large, and before we partook we had some of the songs of Zion sung; and our hearts were made glad by a foretaste of those joys that will be poured upon the heads of the Saints when they are gathered together on Mount Zion, to enjoy one another's society for evermore, even all the blessings of heaven, when there will be none to molest or make us afraid. Returned home, and spent the evening.
Progress of Work on Kirtland Temple.
Friday, 8.—Spent the day in the Hebrew school, and made rapid progress in our studies. The plastering and hard-finishing on the outside of the Lord's house was commenced on the 2nd of November, 1835, and finished this day. The job was let to Artemas Millet and Lorenzo Young, at one thousand dollars. Jacob Bump took the job of plastering the inside of the house throughout, at fifteen hundred dollars, and commenced the same on the 9th of November last. He is still continuing the work, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather.
Bishop Whitney's Unique Invitation to the Prophet.
Saturday, 9.—Attended school in the forenoon. About eleven o'clock received the following note:
Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me—If thy brother Joseph Smith, Jun., will attend the feast at thy house, this day (at twelve o'clock), the poor and the lame will rejoice in his presence, and also think themselves honored.
Yours in friendship and love,
Newel K. Whitney.
January 9, 1836.