| 520 July 19 and 20; at Benson, Vermont, July 26; and at Bolton, New York, August 2, 1834.
During the summer an attack was made on the faith by Alexander Campbell, through The Millennial Harbinger, which was answered by Oliver Cowdery through the Evening and Morning Star.
On August 11, 1834, the High Council of Kirtland met to investigate charges preferred against President Joseph Smith, by Sylvester Smith, a member of the High Council, charging him with "criminal conduct during his journey to and from Missouri." After a lengthy examination, during which several of those who went with him were examined, the council vindicated and exonerated Joseph.
Notwithstanding this Sylvester Smith continued to assert his complaints, and Sidney Rigdon preferred charges against him before the High Council as follows:-
"To Newel K. Whitney, Bishop of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Kirtland; Sir:-I prefer the following charges against Sylvester Smith, a high priest of said church:-
"1st.. He has refused to submit to the decision of a council of the high priests and elders of this church, held in this place on the 11th of this month, given in a case of difficulty between said Sylvester Smith and Joseph Smith, Jun.
"2d. He continues to charge said Joseph Smith, contrary to the decision of the before-mentioned council, with improper conduct in his proceedings as President of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, during his journey the past season to the State of Missouri. As these things are exceedingly grievous to many of the saints in Kirtland, and very prejudicial to the cause of truth in general, I therefore require that you summon the High Council of this church, to investigate this case, that a final decision may be had upon the same. I say the High Council, because it is a case affecting the Presidency of said church.
"Sidney Rigdon.
"Kirtland, Ohio, August 23, 1834."
-Millennial Star, vol. 15, p. 170.
The council met on August 28, 1834, and after a thorough examination rendered a verdict that fully vindicated President
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