The committee on removal discussed the propriety of paying the debts of the Saints in Clay County. Alanson {262} Ripley was requested to call on lawyer Barnet, who was in town, and make arrangements concerning the matter. A letter of attorney was drawn up for the brethren to sign, who felt willing to dispose of their real estate to discharge their debts, appointing Alanson Ripley their attorney for that purpose. This was not exactly according to the minds of the committee, for they only directed Brother Ripley to confer with the person above named, for the purpose of obtaining information without reference to his being appointed an attorney for that purpose, independent of any other person or persons. _Friday, February 15_.--My family arrived at the Mississippi, opposite Quincy, after a journey of almost insupportable hardships, and Elder Markham returned immediately to Far West. _Monday, 18_.-- _The Governor's Order to Return the Arms Belonging to the Saints_. Executive Department, City Of Jefferson, February 18, 1839. _To Colonel Wiley C. Williams, Aid to the Commander-in-Chief_: Sir:--You will take the measures as soon as practicable, to cause the arms surrendered by the Mormons, to be delivered to the proper owners upon their producing satisfactory evidence of their claims. If in any case you think an improper use would be made of them, you can retain such, using a sound discretion in the matter. You will call upon Captain Pollard or any other person who may have arms in possession, and take charge of them; and this will be your authority for so doing. I am respectfully, Your obedient servant, Lilburn W. Boggs. Little benefit would have resulted from this order, even if it had been promptly executed, as many of the brethren who owned the arms had left the state and it would be very difficult to decide what would be satisfactory evidence of claims. [Sidenote: Labors in the Interests of the Poor.] _Tuesday, February 19_.--The committee on removal appointed Charles Bird to visit the several parts of Caldwell {263} county, and William Huntington the town of Far West, to ascertain the number of families that would have to be assisted in removing, and solicit means from those who are able to give for the assistance of the needy, and make report as soon as possible. _Thursday, February 21_--Elder Markham arrived at Far West, and in the evening the committee on removal were in council. Elders Bingham, Turley, and Shearer, were appointed to sell the house of Joseph Smith, Sen., to a gentleman from Clay county. Charles Bird was sent to Liberty relative to a power of attorney. _Committee Resolutions_.