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Show W interin at Winter their departure, and they what had to be done. were more Quarters 137 experienced in travel and knew part played by top officials and the disadvantaged position them in, is illustrated by a document found in the church placed files. It is from Willard Richards, a member of the First Presidency, and historian and general recorder of the church who had spent his time in organizing and instructing church members instead of looking The it after his personal affairs. The item is dated Kanesville, June 18, 1848: Whereas there has not been sufficient means at command in the Church to furnish all the First Presidency with an outfit to the Great Salt Lake City, and whereas before leaving Winter Quarters, Presi dent to "call upon the Saints where ever me Young instructed me in writing they might be found" to furnish follow him as speedily as possibly. And whereas I have been and still am with outfit, that I might an confined by sickness so that I cannot visit the Saints to fulfill President Young's instructions. Therefore I have delegated and appointed Elder Wilford Woodruff, member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, my special agent and manager, to all the Saints who have means, in connection with his mission to the United States, Canada, and the adjacent provinces, to call upon them in the name of the Lord in my behalf, to donate a liberally for the removal of of the Saints' in the in the Church pertain to my myself and family to the mountains, that I may again history calling. gathering place my labors generally that resume and the affairs of the Church And those who render me assistance in this thing shall be blessed of the Lord according to the promises made to the fathers, and the Saints in these last days. Done in camp County, Iowa, near the this 18th Log Tabernacle, Kanesville, day of June, 1848. Potawattamie member of the quorum of the First Presidency, Historian and General Recorder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Willard Richards, Latter-day Saints. IS It is a matter of record that an outfit was assembled for President Willard Richards and that he led a company of Saints, which included the Lymans and Tanners, across the plains in 1848. The record does not show what part, if any, John Tanner played in outfitting Presi dent Richards for his trip to the valley. John had been the victim of a ruinous fire and his health was not the best, but judging from past \ |
