History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

SIDNEY RIGDON. 199
if he would consent to humble himself. But Sidney
would not humble himself. Soon after Joseph's
death, at which he was not present, he had a revela-
tion of his own, bidding him conduct the saints to
Pittsburgh. 14
Visiting that city, he found the time
not yet ripe for this measure; and meanwhile returning
to Nauvoo, the 3d of August, he offered himself
on the following day as a candidate for the presidency,
aided by Elder Marks.
Sidney now put forth all his strength to gain influence
and secure retainers. He must have Joseph's
mantle ; he must have the succession, or henceforth he
would be nothing. It was a momentous question, not
to be disposed of in a day. To substantiate his claim,
Sidney could now have visions with the best of them
on various occasions he told how the Lord had through
him counselled the people to appoint him as their guardian.
He requested that a meeting should be held
on the following sabbath, the 8th of August, for the
further consideration of the matter. But prior to this
meeting Parley Pratt and two others of the twelve
bade the candidate go with them to the house of John
Taylor, who yet lay prostrate with his wounds. Taylor
expostulated with him, but to no purpose. Sidney
continued to press his claims, even assuming the sacred
office, prophesying and ordaining. On the sabbath
named, according to appointment, Sidney and his supporters
met in the grove near the temple ; but were
confronted by the apostles, with Brigham at their
head. Standing before them, Sidney addressed the
iam Huntington; president over a quorum of high priests, Don Carlos Smith,
with Amasa Lyman and Noah Packard for counsellors; a priesthood to preside
over the quorum of elders, John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse
Baker; to preside over the quorum of seventies, Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield,
Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock,
James Foster—this for elders constantly travelling, while the quorum of
elders was to preside over the churches from time to time; to preside over
the bishopric, Vinson Knight, Samuel H. Smith, and Shadrach Roundy, and
others.
14 See his memorial to the Pennsylvania legislature, in Times and Seasons,
v. 418-23. Remy says that he was also instructed to pay a visit to Queen
Victoria, and overthrow her if she refused to accept the gospel. Jour, to O.
S. L. City, i. 411; a statement for which I find no authority.
;