President William Marks observed that he was altogether in favor of making the purchase, providing that it was the will of the Lord that we should again gather together; but from the circumstances of being driven from the other places, he almost was led to the conclusion that it was not wisdom that we should do so, but hoped that the brethren would speak their minds; the Lord would undoubtedly manifest His will by His Spirit. Brother Israel Barlow thought that it might be in consequence of not building according to the pattern, that we had thus been scattered. Brother Mace spoke in favor of an immediate gathering. Bishop Partridge then spoke on the subject, and thought it was not expedient under the present circumstances to collect together, but thought it was better to scatter into different parts and provide for the poor, which would be acceptable to God. Judge Higbee said that he had been very favorable to the {261} proposition of purchasing the land and gathering upon it, but since the Bishop had expressed his opinion he was willing to give up the idea. Several of the brethren then spoke on the subject, after which it was moved and seconded, and unanimously agreed upon, that it would not be deemed advisable to locate on the lands for the present. A committee was appointed to draft a petition to the General government, stating our grievances, and one likewise to be presented to the citizens [of the United States] for the same object. [Sidenote: Applications for Assistance.] _Tuesday, February 12_.--The committee [on removal] sent a delegation to Sister Murie to ascertain her necessities. Daniel Shearer and Erastus Bingham went. Applications for assistance were made from Sister Morgan L. Gardner, Jeremiah Mackley's family, Brother Forbush, Echoed Cheney, T. D. Tyler, D. McArthur and others. _Wednesday, February 13_.--Voted that Theodore Turley be appointed to superintend the management of the teams provided for removing the poor, and see that they are furnished for the journey. [Sidenote: Persecution of Brigham Young.] _Thursday, February 14_.--The persecution was so bitter against Elder Brigham Young (on whom devolved the presidency of the Twelve by age, [1] Thomas B. Marsh having apostatized) and his life was so diligently sought for, that he was compelled to flee; and he left Far West on this day for Illinois. [Sidenote: Petition to Help the Smith Family From Mo.] My brother Don Carlos Smith had carried a petition to the mob, to get assistance to help our father's family out of Missouri. I know not how much he obtained, but my father and mother started this day for Quincy, with an ox team. [Sidenote: Arrangements for paying the Debts of the Saints.]