1. In the spring of 1834, Governor Dunklin issued a requisition to Colonel S. D. Lucas to return the arms to the "Mormons" which were taken from them in November, 1833; but Lucas had resigned his commission and moved to Lexington, Missouri. A second requisition to Colonel Pitcher was contemptuously ignored. The arms were distributed among the mob and they boasted that they would not return them, notwithstanding the order of the governor of the state; and the arms were never returned. Chapter 20 The Patriarchal Priesthood--Zion's Camp 1833-1834 The Patriarchal Priesthood December 18, 1833, a number of elders assembled in the printing office in Kirtland and dedicated the printing press, with all that pertained thereunto, unto the service of the Lord. The first sheets of the re-printed _Evening and Morning Star_ were struck off, it having been decided to continue that periodical in Kirtland until the press could be restored in Independence.[1] While the elders were assembled in the printing office on this occasion the Prophet gave the first patriarchal blessings in this dispensation. It was his privilege to do this, for he held the keys of all the authority in the Church, and was spoken of as the first patriarch in the Church because of this fact, in the minutes which were kept at that time. Those who received blessings under his hands on this occasion were: Oliver Cowdery, the father and mother of the Prophet, and three of his brothers, Hyrum, Samuel and William Smith. Oliver Cowdery, who held the keys of Priesthood with the Prophet, also gave a number of patriarchal blessings. Joseph Smith, Sen., was ordained to the Patriarchal Priesthood, to hold the keys of blessing on the heads of all the members of the Church, the Lord revealing that it was his right to hold this authority. He was also set apart as an assistant counselor to the Prophet Joseph in the presidency, and at a later day Hyrum Smith, the Prophet's brother, and John Smith, his uncle, were set apart to this same calling. Organization of the First High Council The first high council in this dispensation was organized at the home of Joseph Smith in Kirtland, February 17, 1834. The First Presidency presided in this council and the following brethren were chosen as its members: Joseph Smith, Sen., John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith and Luke S. Johnson.[2] Several days before this action was taken the Prophet had explained the manner in which councils should be conducted. "No man," said he, "is capable of judging a matter in council unless his own heart is pure." Ancient councils were conducted with strict propriety; no one was permitted to whisper, leave the room, or think of anything but the matter before them for consideration. If the presiding officer could stay, others were expected to do the same, until the Spirit was obtained and a righteous decision was reached.