Enterprises in Pittsburg, 1843.
Our quorum assembled and walked over Pittsburg. We first visited Mr. Curling's glass works, and saw them at work through each branch. We saw them make pressed, stamped and plain tumblers, large jars, &c. We next went on the bluff above the city, and had a view of the new basin that is to contain the water to be forced into it from the Alleghany river to water the city. From this place we had a fair view of the city below. It truly sends forth its columns of smoke and blackness that arise from the coal fires which propel the numerous engines that are the mainspring of all the foundries, manufactories and works of the great city of Pittsburg.
We then descended the hill and visited the city water works or reservoir. The building is 150 feet long, 110 feet wide, and contains two engines of 200 horse power each, to drive a force pump to force the water from the Alleghany river into the basin on the bluff, to supply the wants of the citizens. The whole cost of this building, reservoir, and basin was $200,000. The building is after the Roman order. The whole architecture, design, making and finishing the building, was executed by Elder Charles Beck, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We visited every branch of the Miltonberger's iron works; saw the iron form the keel of an iron steam ship of war, 140 feet long. The vessel is designed to navigate Lake Erie.
The Prophet's Altercation with Bagby.
Tuesday, August 1, 1843.—I was very sick at home in the morning. At four p.m. I rode up to the Temple and complained to the clerks that Mr. Hamilton had got a tax title from the sheriff on one of my city lots. Mr. Bagby, the collector, came up in the midst of our conversation and when asked about it denied all knowledge of it. I told him that I had always been ready to pay all my taxes when I was called upon; and I did not think it gentlemanly treatment to sell any of my lots for taxes; and I told him that he was continually abusing the citizens here. Bagby called me a liar, and picked up a stone to throw at me, which so enraged me that I followed him a few steps, and struck him two or three times. Esquire Daniel H. Wells stepped between us and succeeded in separating us. I told the Esquire to assess the fine for the assault, and I was willing to pay it. He not doing it, I rode down to Alderman Whitney, stated the circumstances, and he imposed a fine which I paid, and then returned to the political meeting. Bagby stayed awhile, muttering threats against me. I went home, commenced to work awhile, but soon was very sick.
Received a private communication from a Mr. Braman, stating that the writ was returned to the governor and killed.
Hyrum and Hoge called at the office, when Hoge acknowledged the power of the Nauvoo Charter habeas corpus.
Esquire Walker gave a stump speech at the stand until dusk, and was immediately replied to by Esquire Hoge for over two hours, having lit candles for the purpose to hear them politically castigate each other.
The Twelve visited Alleghany City. Elders Young, Page and Kimball preached in the evening.
The Temple is progressing steadily. The walls of the noble edifice continue to rise, and its completion is looked forward to with great interest and anxiety by many.
All kinds of improvements are going on rapidly in Nauvoo and vicinity. Houses are going up in every direction in the city and farms are being inclosed without. "The wilderness" will soon "blossom as the rose."
Elder Luman A. Shurtliff writes that he has traveled in the New England States, and recently baptized twenty persons.