Other territory, which was unoccupied, was also selected for the gathering of the Saints, as the Lord had commanded by revelation. The history gives the following account of the selection of these lands: "Monday 21. This morning, after making some locations in this place, which is in township 61, ranges 27 and 28, we returned to Robinson's Grove, about two miles, to secure some land near Grand River, which we passed the day previous; and finding a mistake in the former survey, I sent the surveyor south five or six miles to obtain a correct line, while some of us tarried to obtain water for the camp. In the evening I called a council of the brethren to know whether it was wisdom to go immediately into the north country, or tarry here and hereabouts, to secure land on Grand River. The brethren spoke their minds freely on the subject, when I stated to the council that I felt impressed to tarry and secure all the land near by, that is not secured between this and Far West, especially on Grand River. President Rigdon concurred, and the council voted unanimously to secure the land on Grand River, and between this and Far West." For many days following, the brethren spent their time surveying, selecting sites for settlements, building houses and preparing for the gathering of the Saints who were rapidly coming to these parts. In their travels they, at times, came across antiquities in the form of mounds, which were erected by the ancestors of the Indians. Independence Day at Far West July 4, 1838, was spent by the Saints in celebrating Independence Day. A declaration of independence from all mobs and persecutors was declared, and after a parade the people assembled at the excavation made for the building of the Lord's house, and the corner stones of the proposed temple were laid, agreeable with the commandment of April 26, 1838.[5] The southeast corner stone was laid by Bishop Edward Partridge, assisted by twelve men; and the northeast corner stone was laid by the teachers, assisted by twelve men. The building was to be one hundred and ten feet long and eighty feet wide. Sidney Rigdon was the orator of the day, and at the close of these services, the assembly shouted hosanna, and after singing they adjourned. The Law of Tithing The law of tithing, which was given as a substitute law for consecration, and to act as a "school-master" to train the Saints, was given July 8, 1838, at Far West, by revelation. Earlier, as we have discovered, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery made a covenant that they would give one tenth of all they received, for the support of the poor. Now the Prophet inquired of the Lord to know what course should be taken by the Saints, and received the following revelation: