| 143 Saints in Missouri, until Presidents Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon arrive in the land of Zion.
"'J. Murdock, Moderator
"'T. B. Marsh, Clerk
"'The High Council of Zion met in Far West, on Saturday, March 10,1838, agreeable to adjournment; when after discussion it was resolved first: That the High Council recommend by writing to the various branches of this church, that all those who wish to receive ordination, procure a recommend from the branch to which they belong, and have it pass through the hands of the different quorums for inspection, previous to their ordination.
"'2d. Resolved that the High Council recommend to all those who hold licenses, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, and do not officiate in their respective offices, to be subject to military duty.
"'A charge was then preferred against William W. Phelps and John Whitmer for persisting in unchristianlike conduct.
"'Six counselors were appointed to speak; viz., Simeon Carter, Isaac Higbee, and Levi Jackson [Jackman?], on the part of the accuser; and Jared Carter, Thomas Grover, and Samuel Bent, on the part of the accused; when the following letter was read by Brother Marcellus Cowdery, bearer of the same, belonging to Thomas B. Marsh, previous to giving it to its rightful owner:-
"'"Far West, March 10, 1838.
"'"Sir:-It is contrary to the principles of the revelations of Jesus Christ, and his gospel, and the laws of the land, to try a person for an offense by an illegal tribunal, or by men prejudiced against him, or by authority that has given an opinion or decision beforehand, or in his absence.
"'"Very respectfully we have the honor to be
"'"David Whitmer,
"'"W. W. Phelps,
"'"John Whitmer,
"'"Presidents of the Church of Christ in Missouri.
"'"To T. B. Marsh, one of the Traveling Counselors."
"'Attested, OLIVER COWDERY, Clerk of the High Council of the Church of Christ in Missouri.
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