Mr. Galland in a communication to David W. Rodgers, suggested that the Saints locate in Iowa, which was a territory; for he thought they would be more likely to receive protection from mobs under the jurisdiction of the United States, than they would in a state of the Union, "where murder, rapine and robbery are admirable (!) traits in the character of a demagogue; and where the greatest villains often reach the highest offices." He also wrote to Governor Robert Lucas of Iowa, who had known the "Mormon" people in Ohio, and who spoke very highly of them as good citizens. However, when the Prophet arrived at Quincy in April, he purchased from Hugh White a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, for the sum of five thousand dollars; also another farm from Dr. Isaac Galland lying west of the White purchase, for nine thousand dollars. This property, which was located in the vicinity of Commerce was secured on long time notes. To these farms the destitute Saints commenced to gather, also to the little town of Montrose on the Iowa side of the river. Joseph Smith Moves to Commerce Friday, May 10, 1839, President Joseph Smith took up his residence in a small log house on the bank of the Mississippi, on the White purchase, one mile south of Commerce. The first house built by any of the Saints in that part was raised by Theodore Turley, in June, 1839. When the purchase was made of the White and Galland property, Commerce consisted of one stone house, three frame and two block houses, three of which were log cabins. Between Commerce and David Hibbard's place on the south front of the river there were four houses, three of which were log cabins, and into one of these the Prophet moved. The place was virtually a wilderness. The land was covered with trees and bushes, and much of it, in the lower parts near the river, was so wet that travel by team was impossible, and on foot, most difficult. Notwithstanding the unhealthful condition, the Prophet felt that by draining the land, and through the blessing of the Lord, the place could be made a pleasant habitation for the Saints, and he decided to build a city there. There was inspiration in this decision, for this was an excellent site for the building of a city, when the unfavorable conditions of the lowlands were removed. The Mississippi makes a half circle around the place, giving three fronts on the river. The ground gradually rises from the river front for a distance of about one mile to the common level of the prairie lands which extend beyond. A more beautiful site could not be imagined. The City of Nauvoo