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The chairman [Joseph Smith] said he had never had any trials about brother Wights conduct, and presumed no one present had. We have no right to complain of others while we are as corrupt as they are. Gods way is, never to commence a matter untill he is able to carry it out.

He wanted Elder Wight and every other man who could leave, to go into all the States and preach and electioneer for him to be president. And when he is president we can send out ministers plenipotentiary, who will secure to themselves such influence that when their office shall cease they may be received into everlasting habitations, but we should never indulge our appetites to injure our influence, or wound the feelings of friends, or cause the spirit of the Lord to leave us. There is no excuse for any man to drink and get drunk in the church of Christ, or gratify any appetite, or lust, contrary to the principles of righteousness.

The chairman continued to instruct the council on the principles of sobriety, and every thing pertaining to godliness at considerable length & concluded to by remarking that it is best to run on a long race and be careful to keep good wind &c.—

Er Lyman Wight was received into the council by unanimous vote. He was born May 9th. 1796—48 years of age

Ers Lyman Wight, Alexander Badlam and George Miller gave their assent to all the rules of the house in relation to the proper head &c.

Elder [Lucien] Woodworth having returned from his mission, reported that in course of his travels he had visited Galveston in the Texas, and had an interview with President [Sam] Houston. He made some propositions to Houston, but at first he thought nothing could be done. There are two parties in Texas, about equal in power. Houston goes out of office in December ’Tis thought he will be re-elected. There are many speculators who wish to have the Texas annexed to the United States to raise the price of land. He had sold seen 4000 acres sold for $20,00. There are no sales. Many speculators possess 100,000 acres of land. There are many speculators in New Orleans &c who married their slaves to Texas. They want to get away from Texas. There is no sale for land or negroes and they want to get away. Houston thought the Texas would not be annexed to the United States. The Texian government offered England certain principles for protection. I made a proposition to General Houston to give or sell us a tract of land on the Rio Grande. President thought it doubtful whether Congress would grant it. Next day he thought Congress might grant the Saints a tract for a settlement. I proposed if Texas was not annexed to the United States, to send a delegate to the Texian Congress at their next session. Houston asked if I had any books on our religion and was sorry I had not, so that he could read them. I told him I did not come to treat with him on religion. I told him if he did agree to give us a tract on which we might institute a government, we might try to get some other grant and assist them in their government. I proposed to Mr Lot of New Orleans to forward per the Texian Consul at New Orleans some of our books to President Houston.

The Lower Texas are very unhealthy. Galveston is one of the prettiest locations on the earth. It is on a fine bay, rising back on the sand hills to the oceans back. Many trade from N.E. High Tarrif

Coffee is 2 cents pr lb. Cloth 2 cnts pr yard. Pork $1.00 pr barrell. Land good for Sugar. They are raising Cotton from the mouth of the Trinity to the forks, to Natchitoches, about 100 miles. There is a colony of Eastern men of about 300, raising Cotton. It is a perfectly health[y] location. They are destitute of timber The climate is mild, though hot at mid day in the sun. I think annexation will not take place, and if not I believe a tract of land may be obtained gratis, if our people are a mind to go there. Houston told me he would assist me all in his power in the government and would receive and communicate at any time. I He proposed to send Houston some books with explanations &c

Mr. [Uriah] Brown related the opinion of [Thomas Hart] Benton on annexation that Mr [Robert J.] Walker of Mississippi would be the only man in the senate who would vote for it.

Elder Woodworth said the petition for annexation of Texas was not by either political party of Texas, but by the speculators of Texas and the United States and president [John] Tyler.

Mr Brown read a letter.

Elder Woodworth said the suggestion was made to Tyler and he offered to receive Texas. He [Woodworth] did all he could to have Houston go against annexation. The Texian Congress is not properly organized from leaving Mexico. It was made up from certain districts &c. There is nothing like 100 members of Congress, he should guess about 50.

The chairman suggested to select 50 men aside from this council and organize them. Give each man his stint, to convert his equal in Texas at Galveston, and assist them in organizing a good government.

Er Woodworth said the laws in Texas were in a broken state. Some thought they all ought to be burned. They had one constitution. They had another constitution which was not printed. The President could not act but 3 years in succession. Houston thought the laws might be bettered, and the government of the United States also.

Er George Miller suggested that the best plan would be to throw a population into Texas. Two thirds of Texas is a most salubrious climate. The population is about 70,000. Let them mix with the people, or enjoy their own society as they find most convenient.

Er Woodworth said that Houston thinks there are from 100,000 to 120,000 inhabitants and about 20,000 voters. He has no doubt we may get land enough under the colonization act of Texas. He thinks a few men might make more converts than 50 at the capital of Texas. There might be a great company scattered over the whole country. Two or three men might get a hearing and baptize a great many.

Er Hyrum Smith thought the first move ought to be to get a grant of land on which to colonize the poor of England &c. and the fame thereof will go abroad as a place of rest and safety, and the people may gather.

Dr. [John M.] Bernhisel approved of petitioning Congress of Texas for a grant of land. At 6 o clock P.M adjourned for supper.

Reassembled and house called to order at 8 o clock in the evening

Er [Sidney] Rigdon moved that Ers Woodworth Babbit [Almon Babbitt] and Miller take a mission to Texas but the motion was not acted upon.

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