[Sidenote: The Case of Botswick Slander of Hyrum Smith.] In the afternoon, held court at the Mansion. City of Nauvoo _versus_ Orsimus F. Botswick, on complaint of Hyrum Smith for slanderous language concerning him and certain females of Nauvoo. Botswick was fined $50 and costs. Francis M. Higbee, his attorney, gave notice he should appeal to the municipal court, and then to the circuit court. I told Higbee what I thought of him for trying to carry such a suit to Carthage--it was to stir up the mob and bring them upon us. Prayer-meeting in the assembly room in the afternoon. My uncle John Smith and lady were present, were anointed, and received blessings; and in the evening Father Morley was also blessed. Ira S. Miles volunteered to join the mountain exploring expedition. _Tuesday, 27,--_At home, Cool and clear. River clear of ice. In the afternoon, visited the printing office. Mailed my "Views of Powers and Policy," &c., to the {226} President and cabinet, supreme judges, senators, representatives, principal newspapers in the United States, (all the German), and many postmasters and individuals. Almon L. Fullmer and Hosea Stout volunteered to go on the Western Exploring Expedition. _Wednesday, 28.--_At home. Rainy day. At four, p.m., steamboat _General Brooke_ passed up the river: first boat this season. No ice in sight. In the evening I sent Brother Coolidge to Brother Phelps, to call the brethren and pray for Brother Coolidge's sick child, as he thought it could not live till morning. Elder John Taylor and others prayed for him. Dr. Alphonzo Young published an appeal to his native state of Tennessee, giving a history of our Missouri troubles, and asking the influence of that state to obtain redress. The _Neighbor_ of to-day publishes the following:-- FOR PRESIDENT, JOSEPH SMITH. Having now raised the name of our General and Prophet to the head of our columns, it becomes us, as Latter day Saints, to be prudent and energetic in the cause that we pursue, and not let any secondary influences control our minds or govern our proceedings. The step that we have taken is a bold one, and requires our united efforts, perseverance, and diligence; but important as it may be, it is no greater than others have taken, and they have conceived that they had a right, without molestation, to pursue that course, and to vote for that man whose election they in their wisdom thought would be most conducive to the public weal. As American citizens, then we presume that all will concede to us this right; and whatever may be their views respecting the policy of such a step, they will acknowledge that we act legally, justly, and constitutionally in pursuing our present course. Some have nominated Henry Clay, some Colonel Johnson, others John C. Calhoun, others Daniel Webster, and others Martin Van Buren.