In consequence of my house being constantly crowded with strangers and other persons wishing to see me, of who had business in the city, I found myself unable to support as much company free of charge, which I have done from the foundation of the Church. My house has been a home and resting-place for thousands, and my family many times obliged to do without food, after having fed all they had to visitors; and I could have continued the same liberal course, had it not been for the cruel and untiring persecution of my relentless enemies. I have been reduced to the necessity of opening "The Mansion" as a hotel. I have provided the best table accommodations in the city; and the Mansion, being large and convenient, renders travelers more comfortable than any other place on the Upper Mississippi. I have erected a large and commodious brick stable, and it is capable of accommodating seventy-five horses at one time, and storing the requisite amount of forage, and is unsurpassed by any similar establishment in the State. There was an officers' drill in Nauvoo. {34} Rhoda Ann, daughter of Willard and Jenetta Richards, was born at fifteen minutes to three, p.m., in Nauvoo. [Sidenote: Legion Parade and Inspection.] _Saturday, 16.--_General parade of the Nauvoo Legion near my farm. Went in company with my staff to the muster, was met by an escort, and arrived before the Legion about noon. I was received and saluted with military honors. The Legion was dismissed at about one, p.m., for two hours, and I rode home to dinner. I returned about twenty minutes after three, attended the review, and with my staff inspected the Legion; after which, I took my post and gave orders. After the inspection, I made a speech to the Legion on their increasing prosperity, and requested the officers to increase the Legion in numbers. I was highly gratified with the officers and soldiers, and I felt extremely well myself. About sundown the Legion was dismissed. I rode home with my staff, highly delighted with the day's performance, and well paid for my services. _Sunday, 17.--_I was at meeting; and while Elder Almon W. Babbitt was preaching, I took my post as Mayor outside the assembly to keep order and set an example to the other officers. After preaching, I gave some instructions about order in the congregation, men among women, and women among men, horses in the assembly, and men and boys on the stand who do not belong there, &c. In the evening Mr. Blodgett, a Unitarian minister, preached. I was gratified with his sermon in general, but differed in opinion on some points, on which I freely expressed myself to his great satisfaction,--_viz._, on persecution making the work spread, like rooting up a flower garden or kicking back the sun! _Monday, 18.--_I received a letter from Governor Ford as follows:-- {35} _Letter of Governor Ford to the Prophet._ SPRINGFIELD, September 13, 1843.