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An Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton

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Imagine you could go back in time and step into Nauvoo, the trip across the plains, and early settlement of what is now Utah. This is the book. William Clayton was a personal scribe to Joseph Smith. He was converted in England, sailed accross the Atlantic, and almost instantly became an insider, and confidant to Joseph Smith once he arrived in Nauvoo.

He is very detailed in his journal, yet it almost reads like a story. The highlights include: Doing missionary work with some of the early church leaders including Brigham Young in England. His trip to America is tragic, with sickness and disease killing some of the passengers. The mormon voyagers join in "faith" with the belief they can "hold on" to those who are dying if they just can believe strong enough... they end up dissappointed. You get a real sense of the stength of their belief and the conviction of those willing to leave England for Zion. Upon arriving in Nauvoo he describes his conversations with Joseph Smith. He alludes to his early introduction to polygamy, when most in the church did not know it was being practiced. He marries a number of wives, and mentions many of Joseph's plural marraiges. The political issues facing the Saints are discussed, as well as the efforts to go West. He describes the sacrifice in preparing the Nauvoo temple, and has a month or more dedicated to describing the endowment of the Saints before leaving West. He gives a description of the organization of the pioneers when going west, and his own journey accross the plains. What I found very funny was the popularity of the mormon band as they travelled. Cities would pay the Mormon band (of which Clayton was a member) to play for them, and this helped fund the trip. I would recommend the book to anyone who wants to delve into the details of the early church practice and belief. What is so fun about history is seeing the world through someone else's eyes. His life was great and I really enjoyed the book.

Clayton was the Prophet's meticulous secretary and confidant. Reading this book has given me fresh new insight into the ingenious mind of Joseph Smith as well as to the very turbulent times of the Saints during the 1840's in Nauvoo. Furthermore, Clayton documents early missionary work in Lancashire, England and the difficult voyage across to America with newly converted Latter Day saint families. It's very interesting reading and surely an important reference book for any Mormon History scholar.

This book is exactly what the title says, an intimate chronicle. A great view into the beginnings of plural marriage in Nauvoo and the beginnings of the Council of Fifty. A little dry at times, but an easy read. Very interesting.