Tax Controversy.
Wednesday, March 2.—I read the proof of the Times and Seasons, as editor for the first time, No. 9, Vol. III, in which is the commencement of the Book of Abraham;[[1]] paid taxes to Mr. Bagby, in the general business office for county and state purposes, but refused to pay the taxes in the city and town of Commerce, as the demand was illegal, there being no such place known in law, the city and town of Commerce having been included in the city plat of Nauvoo, but continued by our enemies on the tax list for the purpose of getting more money from the Saints; I commenced a settlement with Gilbert Granger on the estate [Kirtland] of his father, Oliver Granger; and continued in my office till nine in the evening, having received a visit from General Dudley of Connecticut.
Thursday, 3.—I attended council in the general business office (over the store) at nine o'clock a. m.
Attempted Settlement with Gilbert Granger.
In the afternoon, continued the settlement with Gilbert Granger, but finally failed to effect anything, except to get Newel's note.[[2]] Granger refused to give up the papers to me, which he had received of his father, the same being Church property, although I presented him deeds, mortgages and paper to the amount of some thousands against his father, more than he had against the Church.
I also wrote Hiram Barney, Esq., of New York, in reply to his letter of the 24th of January, offering him one hundred dollars per acre, for his twenty acres of land in this city, lying somewhere between the Hotchkiss purchase on the north, and Galland's purchase on the south, or to take an agency to sell the same.
Book of Abraham Fac-simile.
Friday, 4.—At my office exhibiting the Book of Abraham in the original to Brother Reuben Hedlock, so that he might take the size of the several plates or cuts, and prepare the blocks for the Times and Seasons; and also gave instruction concerning the arrangement of the writing on the large cut,[[3]] illustrating the principles of astronomy, with other general business.
Attended city council, and moved "that when property is sold at sheriff's, marshal's or constable's sale under ordinance of this city, the persons having their property sold shall have the privilege of redeeming the same, by paying the principal and fifteen per cent on principal, with cost and charges, within thirty days after sale."
Saturday, 5.—Attended the city council, and spoke at considerable length on the powers and privileges of our city charter; among other business of importance, the office of registrar of deeds was established in the city of Nauvoo, and I was chosen registrar by the city council.