| 289 I had venerated Orson Pratt from my boyhood, esteeming him in those days as my intellectual tutor. I had labored under him as an assistant editor; I did not wish to humble these apostles, much less Orson Pratt. It was enough. I was relieved of an anxiety for his sake; for it was not in the power of these apostles to escape the judgment of history. Orson's testimony was not needed, excepting for his own honor.
"Review, for example, the record itself. Here is a page from the Life of Brigham Young, summarized from Wilford Woodruff's journals, and passed upon as authentic by Brigham Young himself.
"'The pioneers returned to Winter Quarters, October 31, 1847. During the month of November, much important business came before the Twelve; and on the last of the month, the subject of reorganizing the First Presidency, which had been vacant since the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, was considered.
"'On the 3d of December a conference was held on the east side of the river; but after having resolved to build immediately a large tabernacle for the congregation, it adjourned for three weeks.
"'There was a feast and a grand council, December 5, at the house of Elder Hyde, who had been in charge at Winter Quarters during the absence of the pioneers.
"'In this council of the Twelve Apostles, their President (Brigham Young) first expressed his views concerning the reorganization of the Quorum of the First Presidency, and wished those present to do the same in their order; when Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, and Ezra T. Benson spoke to the question. President Young closed.
"'Orson Hyde then moved that Brigham Young be President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and that he nominate his two counselors to form the First Presidency. Wilford Woodruff seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously.
"'President Young then nominated Heber C. Kimball as
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