George A. Smith defends indentured servitude in "An Act in Relation to Service."
- Type
- Meeting Minutes / Notes
- Hearsay
- Translation
- Reference
George A. Smith, "Debate on various bills, 1852," transcribed by LaJean Carruth, Utah Territorial Legislature, 1852 January-February, Addresses and sermons, 1851-1874, Church History Department Pitman Shorthand transcriptions, 2013-2024, CR 100 912, Church History Library
- Scribe/Publisher
- George D. Watt, Church History Library, LaJean Purcell Carruth
- Audience
- Utah Territorial Legislature
PDF- Transcription
George A. Smith, section 2nd
The intention of deriding that section—it has occurred since settlement of America—persons in Europe would say to some individual: if you will take me and my family and move me to such a place in America, we will serve you until you are paid. Persons in Wales and in [England?] have made such promises: bring us here; we will serve you until you are paid. Some persons have [expended/expanded?] their fortunes in helping persons. It is the design of that section that, until the debt is due, we will serve you.
I suppose myself to be in England with half a dozen boys, big and small. I pledge myself to Mr. Stout that they I pay. I die on the road—shall my children kick up their heels and say, "My daddy’s dead; I shall not pay"?
- Source Link
- https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/3d34e2f8-ac15-4a48-805b-63ffc6f634f1/0/0?lang=eng
- BHR Staff Commentary
LaJean Carruth translation of George D. Watt's Pittman transcript.
- Citations in Mormonr Qnas
The B. H. Roberts Foundation is not owned by, operated by, or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.