Variously engaged, writing &c. Administered to a sister who had just been delivered of a fine girl. Held meeting in afternoon—the brethren spoke and I followed—we had a good meeting.

Attended Bible Class this morning and afterwards held public meeting—Bro. Woodbury spoke and had the spirit & I followed and was followed by Bro. R. N. Allred who closed the meeting with a few remarks.² In afternoon had an excellent meeting—all the brethren spoke.

Writing &c. Bros. Mc Bride, Hawkins, Keeler and R. A. Allred arrived in tolerable good health—The brethren from Oahu are coming round by Kahului on a vessel also Bro. Hammond.³ Bro. Green is still unwell.

Sent down horses to meet the brethren; Bros. Lewis, Tanner, Johnson, Karren, Bigler [Edward] Dennis[,] Hammond and wife—they all came up in company with Bro. John Winchester from Makawao. I was glad to meet with the brethren all in the enjoyment of good health; it was a meeting long expected and much desired by me. After eating we went down to bathe and had a good time. We had a very pleasant time & spent the evening very agreeably indeed, in relating our feelings to each other and in dilating on the prospects of the work.⁴

We met together this morning in council meeting to canvass the subjects to be presented and acted upon by the conference. The press was the first thing taken into consideration, whether we ought to have the Book of Mormon printed by hiring or whether we should purchase a press of our own and publish it and the other works necessary for the instruction of the saints. The subject was thoroughly discussed, all spoke on the subject—some objected on the grounds that if the press was bought we would have <to> stay & take charge of it, and they did not feel to keep us here against our will. I was then called upon to state my feelings; I said that for my own part I did not consider that my mission was fully filled until I saw the Book of Mormon in press if there was a prospect of it being done in a reasonable time and I did not want them to let this have sufficient <weight> to deter them from doing what they thought wisdom demanded. It was thought best to buy a press and material; it was agreed upon by the council to select a committee of three to adopt measures for procuring a press by subscription &c.

We also conversed on the subject of seeking a location for the settlement of the saints in accordance with the letter of Bro. Brigham [Young] to Bro. [Philip] Lewis and self. Bro. H. [Francis Hammond] made a statement in regard to a place [Palawai Basin] which he had discovered on the island of Lanai [Lana‘i], a place which he thought might answer the desired end & be made suitable for the gathering of the people.⁵ It was resolved to choose a committee of five for the purpose, to select a suitable place for this object.

We then had some discussion in regard to the purchase of a vessel for conveying produce from island to island and also for the conveyance of the elders, and to be used, in case a place of gathering should be found, for the removal of the saints. After canvassing the subject thoroughly it was thought best to let the matter rest at present, it not being the suitable time to carry such an operation into effect.⁶

This morning the anniversary of the semi-annual conferences of the church was hailed by us with joy;⁸ it was a beautiful morning and we felt to rejoice that we were privileged in meeting together and in counselling in regard to the things of the kingdom, in beholding each other’s faces for this is <a> treat that can only be appreciated by those who have been cast as it were alone among strangers whose sympathies very few of them were in consonance with our own, this made our reunion doubly delightful.

We were all well with the exception of Bros. Ephraim Green and Reddin A. Allred, the former was recovering from an attack of the Panama fever and the latter had been attacked with it a few days ago, this dampened our pleasure somewhat, but as there was no particular danger attending an attack of this kind, we felt under no apprehensions on their account. The Natives saints mustered strong; we had taken out one end of the meeting house and built a bowery at the end in order that all might be accom[m]odated with seats and that all might hear—we moved the stand to suit the new arrangements.

It was fast day and they met together and enjoyed the spirit in praying & in strengthening each other and according to their account they were much blessed with the spirit of teaching.

Our conference was opened by singing and prayer. Present one High Priest, sixteen Seventies, three Elders and one Priest. Bro. Lewis made a few prefatory remarks on the progress of the work on these lands and on ant other lands and of the prospects before us, which were in the highest degree cheering. Before these remarks were made Bro. John E. B. Winchester was chosen clerk. On motion of Elder [Nathan] Tanner Pres. Lewis was sustained in his office who next presented his counsellors, Elders Tanner and [Thomas] Karren, who were also sustained in their offices. The branches were then represented as follows:

and a statement was made by all the elders in relation to the situation and prospects of the different branches—which was very cheering.¹⁰

The business next taken into consideration was the subjects that we had canvassed yesterday. It was motioned and carried that a press and material be purchased at the earliest date, and that a committee of three be appointed to transact all business relative to raising means and procuring said press and that said committee be authorized to choose such fields of operations and auxiliaries to aid them in accomplishing this object as they deem necessary. I was appointed in conjunction with Elders [Benjamin F.] Johnson & Lewis as said committee, and that it was calculated that we would make a circuit of the islands to accomplish the object in view, either individually or collectively.¹¹ The following brethren: [Francis] Hammond, [Edward] Dennis, Johnson, Tanner and [William] Mc Bride were chosen as a committee to select a place suitable for the gathering of the saints and report by circular the result of their labors. We counselled together in relation to our grievances in school matters and on motion Bros. Johnson, Cannon & Tanner were appointed a committee to draft a memorial to the proper authorities setting forth our grievances in regard to this matter.¹² The next business before us was the appointment of the elders to their different fields of labor, Bro. Tanner was appointed to preside over Hawaii [Hawai‘i]. It was thought best, as I was appointed to collect means for the press and travel thro’ the different conferences and branches to effect this, that I be released from the duties of presiding over the Maui conference. The brethren called upon me to nominate my successor, this was a thing that I had not been expecting and I demurred saying, that I thought it was the place of the presidency to make such nominations; but they pressed it upon me. I felt to pray to the Lord for wisdom and the direction of His Holy Spirit, for I had no idea, not the least, who I should nominate; I felt impressed very much to nominate Bro. Redick [Reddick] N. Allred, not that I had any prepossessions in favor of this as I th had thought that it would <fall> to <the> lot of some other one to nominate, and therefore I made it without fear <of giving offence> or division of feeling on the subject. Bro. Hy. [Henry] W. Bigler was appointed to preside over Oahu [O‘ahu]. Elder Wm. [William] Farrer to preside over Kauai [Kaua‘i]. It was motioned and carried that Molokai be a seperate conference, it having previously been included in Maui conference, and that Bro. Woodbury preside. Elders Karren, [David] Rice, [Edgerton] Snider, [James] Lawson, [James] Keeler and Lynn [Gustaf Linn] were appointed to Hawaii. Elder [William] McBride and Priest Wolverton to Kauai. Elders Hammond and Reddin A. Allred to Maui. Elder Green to Molokai. Elder [James] Hawkins to Oahu. It was expected that Bro. Winchester would move to Honolulu as soon as practicable and be subject to the direction of the presidency. Elder Johnson was appointed to labor in Honolulu when not engaged in the business of the committee as we were well satisfied that his labors had been beneficial and were necessary there. There were twenty-two elders and priests appointed to travel in conjunction with the foreign elders—they were promising young men the majority of them and well calculated by the help of the Lord to do good. The remainder were to be subject to the calls of their respective presidents. Conference adjourned until the 8th inst. in order to meet with the Native saints in conference.

We met this morning in Conference and with the Native saints—there was a very large and attentive congregation, they having come from the various branches on this island and also from Molokai and some few had <even> come from Oahu. The conference was opened by singing and prayer, I then made the opening remarks setting forth the objects of the conference—the progress and prospects of the work on these lands—the spread of truth on other lands, and the causes we had to be stimulated. I was blessed much with the spirit and the people appeared to feel well. Others spoke also and were blessed. We then made a representation of the branches and spoke on their increase, &c. We then adjourned for an hour. In afternoon met and I made a statement of the business transacted by us in our conference, translating it to them and calling for their votes to support the measures adopted by us, which they did unanimously. I spoke at some length on the various subjects presented before the conference and was blessed very much with the spirit—in speaking on the subject of the press, gathering and the elevation of this people from their present degraded situation[.] I felt warmed up and felt the spirit very powerfully resting upon me—the people all felt its influence and in alluding to our labors, privations, forbearance & patience in spreading the truth on these lands, this together with the recital which I made of our feelings, that we had intended to have gone home and enjoy the society of our friends and relatives but had consented to forego these pleasures for a season for their <(the saints)> benefit and for the benefit of this people, the tears coursed down their cheeks and they appeared much affected. I told them that we had ties all <as> well as they—that we wanted wives as well as they—that we wanted children as well as they, that in staying we sacrificed all these things and therefore in regard to the press and other things we wanted to see them take hold with a will and assist us in redeeming their countrymen and in rolling <forth> this glorious work of the last days, for we did not want to spend all their <our> days here.¹³ Others of the brethren spoke also and the spirit was enjoyed much by all present. Met in meeting among ourselves in evening and was edified.¹⁴

Met in conference <among ourselves> this morning and disposed of several items of business in relation to an invoice of books that we ordered from England last spring—the invoice had arrived last spring and the books were expected shortly;—They were passed over into the hands of the committee of three to be disposed of when they arrived.

We met at ten o’clock with the native saints and made a good many appointments and selected many for elders, priests, teachers and deacons, and done other business. I forgot to mention that yesterday we commenced collecting means for the press—it was but small but they showed their willingness.¹⁵ In evening we ordained some twenty three elders, twenty nine priests, sixteen teachers and twelve deacons.¹⁶

We met this morning and had a very large concourse of people—the house was full to & overflowing as also the bowery and there were a great many outside; some of the brethren thought that there was in the vicinity of 1500.¹⁷ I preached on the Book of Mormon and was blessed very much with the spirit. During the intermission Bro. Johnson spoke in English to a few strangers and us brethren, and he was blessed very much and preached very powerfully. In afternoon attended to <the Lord’s> sacrament and spoke all of us exhorting, strengthening and teaching the saints. In af evening assembled with the native officers, quite a large assemblage, and gave them a lecture on their duties and the nature of their offices. It lasted two hours or upwards and I seldom, if ever, had the spirit of teaching to such an extent; the Lord blessed me beyond my most sanguine expectations with His Holy Spirit, and I was completely satisfied and felt relieved as I felt that it was very necessary before we seperated to give them a good deal of instruction as many of them were going into the field to labor with elders that know but very little of the native langu<a>ge and consequently much depends upon them.

Met this morning in company with many the saints before the sunrise and enjoyed the spirit much. The brethren going to Hawaii met this morning and made their arrangements for leaving. We met in conference together, that is the elders, to-day, and transacted other business, such as appointing Bro. Farrer to prepare a synopsis of the scripture; Bro. Hammond to translate such portions of the Doctrine & Covenants as the Presidency shall see fit; Elder Woodbury to select prepare a selection of hymns adapted to our form of worship. There was much conversation in relation to priesthood, uniformity in teaching, and in all the ordinances of the gospel, and also in regard to politics, &c. Motioned and carried that we take a trip to the mountain containing the extinct crater, Haleakala, on East Maui.¹⁸ Motioned and carried that <conference> be adjourned until April 6th, 1854, at a place the Presidency and he may designate. Closed with singing and prayer.

To day I was engaged with Bro. Winchester, the clerk of Conference, in preparing the minutes to be sent home, &c.

The brethren were variously engaged. I forgot to mention that there were about thirty baptized during conference. My feelings during this conference have been excellent—I have enjoyed it and felt that it has been a feast for me. We have been at it steady, meeting morning, noon and night leaving no time unimproved, and we have transacted a good deal of business in relation to the church on these lands. Unanimity and harmony have prevailed in all our deliberations and it has been apparent that the Lord has been with us. I think that it has exceeded any conference we have had for instruction, spirit &c. The Lord grant it may ever increase with me.

We fasted to-day as we had set it apart as a blessing day. We met together and blessed each other.¹⁹ The brethren called me forward and I was first blessed Bro. Lewis acting as mouth. The presidency and Bro. Johnson laid their hands upon me. The blessing was a powerful one and I felt the spirit bearing witness of its truth to me. They told me that I should bear this gospel to many other lands—that prisons should be rent and their bars burst asunder that they might not hold me in consequence of my mighty faith—that I should yet acquire many different languages and preach in power in them, and also translate the Book of Mormon in many languages—that I should be blessed with the blessing of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and with a numerous posterity who should be mighty and powerful in the Kingdom of God—that I should have a partner after my own heart—that my table should be constantly supplied and I be blessed with riches and all that my heart could desire in righteousness—that thousands should be fed at my table and I should be blessed all my days. These together with many other blessings were pronounced upon my head—that I should be blessed as in acting as Chairman of the Committee for the procural of a press, &c.—I felt melted down and felt to rejoice much. We were all blessed and also blessed Bro. [Jonathan] Napela &c. &c. Sister [Mary Jane] Hammond and a few native saints returned to-day to Lahaina. There were a good some horses brought from Kula by the saints for the benefit of the visitors to Haleakala; also some furnished by brethren here. Bros. Lewis, Tanner, Karren, Johnson, R. N. Allred, Hawkins, Hammond, Farrer, Woodbury, Bigler, Keeler and Dennis went to Kula to-day; and Bro. Snider and I went with Bro. John Winchester to his place, Haliimaile [Hali‘imaile], to pass the night. The remainder of the brethren felt themselves unequal to the task of travelling, and stayed at Wailuku.

Left Bro. John’s and started for Kula; he kindly furnished me with a horse and a pair of blankets. We arrived at Kula and found all the brethren on hand and preparing to ascend the mountain. We left Bro. Kapono’s about ten o’clock some mounted on horses and some on asses. We were accompanied by seven of the native brethren, Bro. Kuaihulu acting as principal guide. Our provision &c. was packed on asses and driven by some boys who went along as cooks, &c. The morning was a splendid one, and we all felt in high spirits. In our ascent we passed thro’ several fields of Irish potatoes which were very luxuriant—they grow spontaneously and are of tolerable quality. The soil is very rich and might be cultivated to advantage; in the dry season water is rather scarce, there being no living running water in the district; the settlers are supplied from large natural cisterns formed in the beds of the creek, which are filled during the rainy season. During our ascent we had a beautiful view of the islands Kahoolawe and Lanai, as also West Maui and a corner of the island of Molokai. About noon and during the afternoon and evening we had splendid views of the clouds in consequence of our altitude—it required but a slight effort of the imagination to think they were mountains covered with snow. We found scrubby sandal wood, (formerly an article of export) growing on the sides of the mountain;²⁰ also the Hawaiian whortleberry (ohelo) growing in abundance, which we found improved in flavor the higher we ascended.²¹ As we ascended the travelling increased in difficulty—the trail became indistinct and finally totally illegible, the ground over which we travelled being very stony and vegatation scarce. About three o’clock we came to a cave sufficiently large to lodge all of us comfortably, where our pilot told us we would have to stop for the night. Grass and water in small quantities were convenient. The night was comfortably spent by us although we felt sensibly the difference in the temperature, reminding us forcibly of our loved mountain home. This cave is in the vicinity of eight thousand feet above the level of the sea.²²

Early this morning we were on our way, we found the ascent more toilsome than we had in yesterday’s travel. As we neared the top we had to travel through a large field of scoria—very wearisome traveling indeed.²³ When we reached the summit we had a very distinct view of Hawaii with its twin mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the highest mountains in the Pacific. The summit of Mauna Kea was covered with snow,—its height is upwards of thirteen thousand feet.

We saw nothing of the crater, the object of our journey, until we stood at the summit when the whole sight burst upon our view, and we found ourselves standing on the brink of an almost perpendicular precipice which formed one of the sides of the vast caldron. We arrived in time to get a perfect view before the clouds filled it up, which they usually do about noon and the after part of the day and it was with feelings approaching to awe that we gazed upon this mighty laboratory of nature, said to be thirty miles in circumference. It was a sublime spectacle and one that filled the contemplative mind with food for reflection on the mighty power of the God of Joseph.

There is a break in the crater on the north [Ko‘olau Gap] and another on the east [Kaupo Gap]: it is nearly triangular in form and in the vicinity of two thousand five hundred feet in depth. Brother Karren concluded not to go down, as he felt rather unwell. We found it tolerably easy in descent although very steep; our road lay about three fourths of the distance through a bed of cinders, through which we passed very rapidly, running and leaping, sinking up to our knees every jump, sometimes our legs would get entangled and down we would fall without the least danger of being hurt—the descent occupied about fifteen or twenty minutes. The inside was entirely destitute of vegatation; we steered for a hill which we were told by our pilot was the last place from which Madame “Pele” the goddess of the volcanoe vomited forth her liquid fire. This hill is composed of scoria and cinders and about three hundred feet high; upon ascending we found a pit of about two hundred feet in depth of a conical shape, about two hundred feet across the top and about two rods wide in the bottom. From this hill there is a stream of lava flowing toward the northern gap—the place <seen,> I judge, from Keanae. We counted twelve of these hills in the bottom of the crater, similar in appearance to the one we ascended, all of a reddish appearance and looking as though they had been thrown up after the crater had become partly inactive. On the south side,—toward Kaupo—it appeared as though there had been a recent eruption; and the natives have legends connected with this crater when active which would seem to establish the fact that this had formerly been a liquid sea of fire, such as Kilauea is at the present time on Hawaii. After spending some time in the crater, eating, collecting specimens, &c. we commenced our return. Bros. Allred, Hammond and I kept together and it took us nearly two hours to ascend and that with the utmost exertion we were capable of. Whether from the altitude or some other cause I experienced a difficulty of respiration in returning. We were all very much fatigued and were very glad when we regained the summit. Some of the brethren were nearly done out for the want of water, viz.: Bros. Johnson, Tanner and Woodbury it took them nearly three hours.²⁴ We were all out by half past one p.m. with the exception of Bros. Hawkins, who had gone no one knew where; he had started before the rest and no one had seen him since. I felt very anxious about him, as I was afraid something might have happened to him—a fall, the loss of his road, or exhaustion for want of water—and as I was not suffering for te w for want of water I proposed to stay until the rest should go to water and send two back to relieve me—it was almost useless to hunt him and I felt fearful lest he should return and finding us all gone, take the wrong trail. Bros. Allred and Bigler stayed also, and we ascended the highest hill we could find and whooped, hoping to make him hear. About three o’clock he hove in sight, just as Bros. Karren and Farrer were coming to our relief. We were glad to see him—he had ascended to the right considerably of us and had travelled more than we had. We descended about two miles to the creek where the water was, over as rough or rougher road than I ever travelled with a horse. As it was too late to think of returning by this time, we struck out for a cave about a mile from the water, and found commodious lodging for the night. Camping out brought back with vividness by gone scenes and associations and I wished earnestly for the time to roll around when I could again have the privilege of travelling so with my face home and Zionward.²⁵

We started this morning early for the settlement; we started without breakfast, having ate our last victuals last night. We had a bad road to travel for a while after starting, lava and large rocks piled up making, it tedious both for man and horse. We arrived at Bro. Kapono’s about ten o’clock and ate breakfast and then went to Omaopio where we remained awhile and partook of the Cactus fruit which grows in abundance there—it is a very good fruit.²⁶ Bros. Hy. W. Bigler, Hawkins and Woodbury stayed to fill the appointment for the morrow in this place—Kula. <The brethren all went to excepting Wailuku excepting> Bros. Lewis, Johnson, Tanner, Karren, Dennis, Snider and myself went to Makawao, where they all slept at the house of Bro. Winchester, with the exception of Bros. Karren, Snider and myself—we rode to Wailuku, after supper, by moonlight. We found the brethren who were unwell improved in health.

Bros. S. J., T., & D. arrived from Makawao this morning. I preached to-day to the saints in relation to the work that had been done, and to my labors among them, telling them of the glorious <work> in which they were engaged, and the bright and cheering prospects laying before them; and exhorted them to persevere unto the end, bearing testimony in the name of Jesus that what had been preached to them was true, and if they would observe these things they would be saved.²⁷

I was engaged writing. The brethren and myself preparing our things to send to Lahaina.²⁸ We have received a paper [Deseret News] of the 30th July from home, giving an account of the destruction of property by the Indians <under> by Walker [Wakara] who has come out an open enemy against us. The saints are busy fortifying—two <or three> men have been wounded and one killed. May the Lord exert his power in behalf of his people and discomfit all his enemies, is my prayer.²⁹ The brethren, several of them, left for Lahaina by way of Kealia by boat.

Writing licences for the Elders and Priests going on missions from this conference. In the evening Bros. Bigler, Allred, Hawkins and Farrer left for Lahaina, by moonlight. Bro. Napela and I left in the night for Lahaina and arrived about day-light.³⁰ We found all well.

We made arrangements this morning to go to Lanai for the purpose of exploring; the party was composed of the committee, Elders Karren, Napela, and myself; Bro. R. N. Allred went over as a committee man in place of Br. McBride, who was unwell.³¹ Our passage was a very tedious one, for the want of wind and the men had to row, (it being a whale boat,) with what aid we could give them, all the way. The distance was about eighteen miles. We arrived about 4 o’clock [at Manele]. Bro. Allred was quite sea sick and I <had> great difficulty to repress my inclination to do likewise, but I escaped, altho’ I felt the influence <of it> all the evening. We <were> entertained by a member of the Catholic church who was believing—they were very kind and hospitable. We held meeting in the evening and I preached; two were baptized.³²

Confirmed the two baptized and held meeting; after which ate breakfast, the fish having been caught by one of the brethren [one of those baptized the night before] who sat up all night fishing for us. May the Lord bless them for their kindness. We started after eating for the top of the mountain, where the land which we were in search of [was located]; the ascent was from one to two miles in length, quite steep and rocky; after reaching the summit we travelled thro’ a fine piece of level land for a short distance, when we came to a beautiful basin gradually descending to the centre, of about two miles width, shut out entirely and secluded from the view of the sea; it reminded me of Deseret. It was a splendid piece of land and seemed to be well adapted for a gathering place as far as quality of soil and situation is concerned. We crossed the valley and came to a settlement where some few saints resided, we were treated with much friendship. Ate a luncheon and then ascended a hill behind the settlement toward the mountain with the intention of seeing the place from whence they get their supply of water; after about a mile and a half’s travel we came to a hill with steps cut in the clay, descending to the water in a deep gorge. We found no running water, but, only a few holes which were kept supplied by the oozing of the water thro’ the soil and porous rock which composed the sides of the mountain. This was <the> only water upon which this basin depended, and it was but a poor prospect for supplying the wants of a community from such a source, but it was thought by the brethren that by digging wells or forming reservoirs there might be a supply provided sufficient to supply a community of any size. Timber also was rather scarce but this is not so much of an object in this country, where it is only <used> for building and cooking purposes and but I not very extensively even for such objects, as it is among a white people. We returned, ate dinner, and took a circuit thro’ the centre of the valley; we passed a patch of beans which were growing very luxuriantly; one vine had ran on a tree which stood near bye, and covered it completely with its tendrils, making a very beautiful appearances, the top of the tree being of an umbrella shape in consequence of its prolific growth; the stem had attained the surprising diameter of two to three inches. Sweet Potatoes were growing wild in the bottom. After we arrived at the centre we struck out for Manele our place of landing and where we left in morning. Had a bathe in evening.³³

Held meeting this morning, and after eating breakfast we set sail about 9 o’clock for Lahaina. We had to be propelled by oars as the wind was lulled, the sea was very rough, and we were soon all seasick all that were inclined that way; I commenced it and I never was so deadly seasick, that I remember, before; it seemed as though I could not endure it very long, a cold prespiration started out all over me and I was really very sick. Bro. Napela prayed aloud to the Lord <by my request>, to bless us with a breeze and it was only a few minutes before we had to unship our oars, and we were gliding along delightfully before a pleasant breeze, which carried us into Lahaina.³⁴ I was glad when I again put my foot on terra firma, and after arriving at Bro. Hammond’s, I soon lost all the sensations, with which I had been troubled, and we enjoyed the afternoon much.³⁵

Variously engaged. Bros. Lewis, Bigler, Farrer and Hawkins had gone to Honolulu while we were gone. Conversing on the subject of <a> gathering place on Lanai; there is, apparently, a disunion among the members of the committee, and feelings were elicited which I was grieved to see. Bro. Tanner was opposed to the project; the rest were in favor of it, and there were some sharp passages between him and Bro. Johnson.

At meeting and I preached and was blessed with freedom. Again held meeting in afternoon, Bros. [Paulo] Maewaewa, Hammond and I spoke, and afterwards called upon the saints for their contributions towards the press. Some few contributed.³⁶

The brethren, Keeler, Lawson, Woodbury and Snider arrived from Wailuku this morning early; they bring word that Bro. Geo. [George] Raymond had contributed a colt, and two beeves toward the press &c.³⁷ We embarked on board the whale ship Hannibal, Capt. Lester, for Honolulu after taking leave of all the brethren with regret; there were five of us, Bros. Johnson, Tanner, McBride, Dennis and myself, embarked. He treated us very politely and entertained us in his cabin, with state rooms for our accommodation. I was not seasick, altho’ I felt a little qualmish; Bro. McBride was slightly seasick. It was the most pleasant passage I have taken for years; and <I> felt pleased, as I had dreaded the voyage very much, in consequence of my painful experience on the passage from Lanai.

Landed in Honolulu this morning and met Bros. Pres. Lewis and the other brethren at the house of Bro. Dennis; Sis. D. [Hakuole Dennis] was well and seemed glad to see us. Went and bathed in afternoon in company with some of the brethren.

This morning we met at Bro. Lewis’ house and was conversing on the subject of gathering at Lanai when there was a repetition of some of the remarks that had passed between Bros. Tanner and Johnson, at Lahaina. Bro. T. made some distinct charges against Bro. J., saying, that he had been aspiring &c. &c. Pres. Lewis thought it best to call all the brethren together and investigate the matter as we could not be prospered, he said, as long as disunion existed in our midst. We met, complaints <& charges> were made, and attempted to be sustained and rebutted; the council held until after dark without <them> being fully settled. Adjourned until 9 o’clock A.M. on the morrow.³⁸

Met again and finished up what was left unfinished; the brethren unburthened themselves and were charged by Bro. Lewis to tell all their feelings without reserve that there might be no cause <left> for a recurrence of such feelings. The charges were not sustained, and suitable confessions were made, and all feelings and jealousies were done away with.³⁹ Had a long conversation in evening at Bro. L’s with a Capt. Richmond, on the whale fishery, &c.⁴⁰

Variously engaged

do. do.⁴¹ Went inland and bathed.

Bro. Woodbury preached, I followed and was blessed in bearing my testimony. In afternoon I preached.⁴² In evening one of the High Chiefs, and a member of the Privy Council [Levi Haalelea] called to see me, in company with Bro. [William] Uaua. We had quite an interesting conversation; I told him our plans in regard to the press, the Book of Mormon, place of gathering, &c., &c.; he was interested, and said he had many lands on the different islands, the basin on Lanai which we had explored was <is> composed, in part, of one of his lands, and he was willing, he said, to assist us all he could. He is an agreeable man and evidently believing the work.⁴³

The mail arrived to-day from the valley bringing me three letters and an extra [of the Deseret News]:⁴⁴ one was from Elizabeth [Hoagland] which was very cheering and filled, as usual, with expressions of love and enduring affection. She is anxious to hear of my return, and says, <that some tell her> that I am not coming home, if she could think so, she says, she would feel like shouldering her pack and come to meet me. Bless her, O Lord, for her constancy and may she be strengthened continually and kept unto the end. She alludes to a circumstance which has made me mourn, and which has is contained in the “Extra,” that is, the death of Bros. John Dixon and John Quayle and the wounding of Bro. John Hoagland in the arm, they having been <attacked by> ambushed Indians and John D. was shot dead and John Q. was was [sic] killed from his horse in attempting to flee. They were teaming from Snider’s mill, Parley’s park [Parleys Summit], and the Indians got three span of horses, the other span, Bro. Hoagland’s, escaped, John H. and Bro. Knight having ridden them off. I felt very bad indeed in hearing this news; with all these his <John D’s> faults I was much endeared to him, as we had been together under many various circumstances, and he had always been very fr kind and brotherly to me. One, written by Angus [Cannon], contained <strong> expressions of faith & assurance in the justice of the cause and its consequent triumph over all who might oppose it. It was the best letter that I have received from him, and contained kind and loving feelings, as also the other one, which was written by Mary Alice [Lambert] and Anne [Ann Woodbury]; they are looking anxiously for my return, and their letters are pleasant to read assuring me that there are those who love me and feel interested in my welfare. The intention is to fortify the city and all the settlements, and those who are scattered are commanded to gather into the places of security. The labors of the Saints are likely to be heavy, very heavy this season, in consequence of all this; and, I feel that they have need of my prayers and the prayers of all saints.—In afternoon went with Bro. Woodbury to get our dg daguerreotype portrait taken; his was taken and was a good one; when I sat, the brethren tried to make me smile, and when the plate was drawn it was a correct likeness but was had a little too strong a smile, and the brethren thought I had better have another taken. As it was then too late, it was deferred till morning.⁴⁵