14. Thomas Bullock, 1816-1885

Nauvoo Journal of Thomas Bullock

Transcription

Monday 9 The Governors troops came into the City to search for some thieves. At about half past 3 p.m. the roof of the Temple was discovered to be on fire. An alarm was immediately given when the brethren marched steadily to its rescue. Dr. Richards called on the brethren to search every house for buckets and bring them filled with water. A line was immediately formed and the buckets passed up in quick succession. The fire raged about half an hour. Axes were set to work and tore up the roof. The water [was] thrown on the burning parts which soon got extinguished. It appears that the clothing in the Temple was being washed and dried in the upper room. The stove got over heated. The wood work caught fire and burned from the railing to the ridge about 16 feet North and South and about 10 feet East and West. The shingles on the north side were broken through in many places. The damage to that part is about 100 dollars but other damage was also done in the anxiety to put out the fire. When it was completely extinguished the Saints gave glory to God and shouted Hallelujah which made the air rejoice. During the fire some of the Troops tried to force their passage into the Temple but were prevented by the Brethren who stood in the door way. When the fire was out pres. B. Young sent word for the brethren to disperse to their homes and take care that their houses were not set fire as the city was full of devils. At the same time that the Temple was on fire a man and two boys were crossing the River in small skiff. Thro' the unskilfulness of the man, his boat was in a sinking condition. They hailed to a flat boat on which 20 or 30 of the brethren were crossing who veered round to help them. The wind being high the boat began to fill. They succeeded in rescuing the man and two boy. As quick as they were on board, a wicked man squirted some tobacco juice into the eyes of an ox which kicked and plunged in the River, dragging with him another ox, who, as he went over the side, knocked a plank off the side of the boat when the water began to flow in. They steered fr the side and as they reached it, Hosea Stout leaped off. The boat went to the bottom with its cargo. Several of the brethren were picked up in an exhausted condition. All were rescued. A yoke of oxen attached to a bro. Thomas Grover's waggon went to the bottom and were drowned. After some time they and the waggon were got out. A few things were lost. This evening I received an order from Dr. Willard Richards for 270 days pay at 1.50 per day. He said he had councelled with Pres. Young about it, that I was deserving it, and it was right and I should have it. He has also given me a strong recommend to the new Trustees as follows:

Nauvoo February 7, 1846

To Almon W. Babbit and Trustees.

You will please receive into your office and employ, my long tired, and confidential clerk, Thomas Bullock. Help him to make sale of his property and forward him and family to me as speedily as possible unless public business should crown upon you so that you should specially need his services.

By Council of President Brigham Young and oblige your servant,

Willard Richards