DEAR BROTHER JOSEPH SMITH:—I am requested by our friend Orrin Porter [Rockwell] to drop a few lines informing you that he is in this place. His health is good, but his spirits are depressed, caused by his being unable to obtain employment of any kind. He has applied in different parts of the city and country, but all without success, as farmers can get persons to work from sunrise till dark for merely what they eat. He is most anxious to hear from you, and wishes you to see his mother and the children and write all the particulars, how matters and things are, and what the prospects are. I pity him from the bottom of my heart. His lot in life seems marked with sorrow, bitterness and care. He is a noble, generous friend. But you know his worth: any comments from me would be superfluous. He will wait in this place until he hears from you. Please write immediately, as it will be a source of great comfort to him to hear [from you].
If Joseph is not at home, Brother Whitney will be kind enough to write. He says every other one he has come across has been afraid of their shadows, but he watches them well. He comes to see me every day, and I keep him a close prisoner! But he does not complain of my cruelty, or being hard-hearted, but, when with me, seems resigned to whatever punishment I may see proper to inflict, but he takes it in good part. Answer this as soon as received.
Yours truly,
S. ARMSTRONG,
for Orrin Porter [Rockwell].
Friday, 2.—Sat as Mayor on trial of Amos Davis, who was fined in the sum of $25 for breach of city ordinance for selling spirits by the small quantity. In the evening, called on Elder Richards, and Bishop Whitney to take an appraisal of the printing office establishment, preparatory to a lease to Elders Taylor and Woodruff for the term of five years.
Saturday, 3.—Called at the printing office several times. In the afternoon, attended the municipal court in the case of Amos Davis, for breach of city ordinance, &c.
Sunday, 4.—The weather being very wet, I remained at home all day.
The High Council of Nauvoo met, heard, accepted, and adopted the report of their committee for dividing the city into ten wards, as follows:—
The First Ward is bounded on the north by the city boundary line, and on the south by Brattle street.
The Second Ward is bounded on the north by Brattle street or the First Ward, and on the south by Carlos street or the Third Ward.
The Third Ward is bounded on the north by Carlos street or the Second Ward, and on the south by Joseph street or the Fourth Ward.
The Fourth Ward is bounded on the north by Joseph street or the Third Ward, and on the south by Cutler street or the Fifth Ward.
The Fifth Ward is bounded on the north by Cutler street or the Fourth Ward, and on the south by Mulholland street.