Which I recorded in the City Record of Deeds:—
Hotchkiss Letter Recorded.
RECORDER'S OFFICE, May 5, 1843. State of Illinois, City of Nauvoo,
I, Joseph Smith, recorder in and for the said city of Nauvoo, Hancock county, and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that the within letter was duly recorded in Book A, page 140, and numbered 134.
JOSEPH SMITH, Recorder. WILLIAM CLAYTON, Clerk.
Saturday, 6.—In the morning, had an interview with a lecturer on Mesmerism and Phrenology. Objected to his performing in the city. Also had an interview with a Methodist preacher, and conversed about his God without body or parts.
Legion Parade.
At half-past nine a.m., I mounted with my staff, and with the band, and about a dozen ladies, led by Emma, and proceeded to the general parade-ground of the Nauvoo Legion, east of my farm on the prairie. The Legion looked well—better than on any former occasion, and they performed their evolutions in admirable style.
The officers did honor to the Legion. Many of them were equipped and armed cap-a-pie. The men were in good spirits. They had made great improvements both in uniform and discipline, and we felt proud to be associated with a body of men, which, in point of discipline, uniform, appearance, and a knowledge of military tactics, are the pride of Illinois, one of its strongest defenses, and a great bulwark of the western country.
In the course of my remarks on the prairie, I told the Legion that when we have petitioned those in power for assistance, they have always told us they had no power to help us. Damn such traitors! When they give me the power to protect the innocent, I will never say I can do nothing for their good: I will exercise that power, so help me God. At the close of the address, the Legion marched to the city and disbanded in Main Street, about two p.m., the day being windy and very cold.
There were two United States officers and General Swazey, of Iowa, present, who expressed great satisfaction at our appearance and evolutions.
In the evening, attended Mr. Vicker's performance of wire dancing, legerdemain, magic, etc.
A conference was held at Toulon, Stark county, Illinois: 5 branches, 17 elders, 3 priests, 4 teachers, 2 deacons, and 129 members were represented.