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Show Page 44 The spirit of consecration had moved the men to pool all their money and supplies in the beginning; now, that spirit seemed to decay before their eyes as they toiled in want and fever across the swampy Missouri bottoms. In addition, two separate attacks on the camp were made at Fishing River, Missouri - the first assault group capsized on the river, while a second was doused with rain and hail and gave up in discouragement. Despite these two attempts at a fight, Zion's Camp never fired a shot at the mob, for after negotiations with the sheriff of Jackson County, Joseph Smith came to the conclusion that any attempt to re-establish the Saints in their new Zion would be dangerous and fruitless. Moreover, the scattering had demoralized and impoverished the Saints; clearly, no effective means for recovering their forfeited property could be provided. With the welfare of the people in mind, Joseph established a new high council to re-organize and put the Church in Missouri back in order - among other high priests, Orson and Parley were selected to serve on the council July 3, 1834. Thin and bony from his long march, Orson accompanied Bishop Edward Partridge, heretofore head of the Missouri Mormon colony, on a mission through Clay County, instructing and assisting the shabby Saints, advising them to "lie low," to avoid holding public meetings, and to refrain from voting in the upcoming congressional election. For six weeks, Orson, himself pinched and ravenous, ministered to the stricken exiles, finding many of them deeply ill with cholera or boarding with profiteers, their possessions reduced to 32 the clothing they wore. After organizing the high council, Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland. Orson Pratt served the council for six weeks, and then resolved to preach his way home again. The crisis had slackened somewhat with the policy of conciliation and restraint adopted by Joseph Smith; therefore, the high 33 council gave Orson leave to go back to Kirtland and resume preaching. |