At a meeting of the High Council in Far West, April 3, 1837, seven of the standing councilors were present. John Murdock was appointed moderator, and Elias Higbee clerk.

Resolved, That the Council request the Presidents W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer to give explanation of the following items:

First—By what authority was this place [Far West] pointed out as a city and

Second—By what authority was a committee appointed and ordained to superintend the building of the House of the Lord?

Third—By what authority was Jacob Whitmer ordained to the High Priesthood?

Fourth—Have two presidents authority to lay out a city, and build a House of God; independent of the counsel of the High Council?

Fifth—By what authority was one of the High Councilors disfellowshiped in the name of the High Council without their knowledge?

Sixth—Has any individual or individuals a right to prefer a charge to the Presidency in Kirtland against any High Councilor, [of this Council] without the knowledge of the Council or [the] individual?

Seventh—Should not the High Council and Bishop of Zion, who are appointed to do business for Zion, receive their inheritance in the care of that city in preference to one who is not particularly called to labor for Zion, or an unbeliever?

Eight—Shall any intelligence relative to the building up of Zion be withheld from the Council of Zion?