ria to rescue the Prophet. When the
Danites arrived they found him at liberty. This was in 1843.

The same winter Joseph organized what was called the "Council of
Fifty." This was a confidential organition. A man by the name of
Jackson belonged to it, though he did not belong to the Church.
This Council was designated as a law-making department, but no
records were kept of its doings, or if kept, were burned at the
close of each meeting. Whenever anything of importance was on
foot this Council was called to deliberate upon it. The Council
was named the "Living Constitution." Joseph said that no
legislature could enact laws that would meet every case or attain
the ends of justice in all respects.

As a man, Joseph tried to be a law-abiding citizen, but he had to
manage those who were constantly doing something to bring trouble
upon themselves. He often reproved them and some he dis-
fellowshipped. But being of a forgiving disposition, when they
came back to him and begged forgiveness his humane heart could
not refuse them. He was often basely imposed upon.

Joseph's sympathies were quick. Once I was standing with him,
watching a couple of men who were crossing the river in a canoe.
The river was full of ice, running swiftly. As they neared the
shore the canoe upset, throwing them into the river. One of them
got on a cake of ice, but the other made several attempts before
he could do so. Joseph sent a runner to them with a bottle of
whisky, saying:

"Those poor boys must be nearly frozen."

Joseph also had a sharp tongue. On one occasion, the 4th of July,
1843, at a celebration, a number of toasts had been offered when
someone said:

"Brother Joseph, suppose you give us a toast."

Raising his glass, with water in it in the place of spirits, he
said:

"Here is wishing that all the mobocrats of the nineteenth century
were in the middle of the sea, in a stone canoe, with an iron
paddle; that a shark might swallow the canoe, and the shark be
thrust into the nethermost pit of hell, the door locked, the key
lost, and a blind man hunting for it."

To return to our expedition across the plains. The snow lay about
eight inches deep when the first company crossed the river. The
plan was this: We must leave Nauvoo, whether ready or not. All
covenanted to help each other, until every one was away that
wanted to go. The teams and wagons sent to help others away were
to return as soon as a suitable place was found at whic