made some remarks explaining his course. He explained why he ordered s article to be altered. He gives it as his legal opinion that we are not yet legally notified of the repeal of our charters. We have never done any thing illegally by virtue of the charters, neither was it illegal to hold our election for City officers. As to the papers, they lack type, and they lack paper; but they have borne the disadvantage patiently and have hired some money to get along; the hands have borne it patiently and are willing to do right. He had thought if the papers were divided it would be benificial.
said he did not believe there is a better set of hands in creation than the hands in the office. He believes they will do every thing right. reads the [p. [238]]
Although word of repeal of the Nauvoo charter had circulated since January, Phelps apparently meant that city officials in Nauvoo had not received official notice from the state government. At a late January meeting to discuss reports that the charter had been repealed, Phelps stated, “All the newspaper statements that would quarter fill this room does not repeal our Charter.” Brigham Young similarly said at that meeting, “I consider the Gov[erno]r. has to serve the city with a notice not to go on with proceedings.” (Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 30 Jan. 1845.)
Historian’s Office. General Church Minutes, 1839–1877. CHL
Besides Taylor and Phelps, at least nine other men are believed to have worked in the Nauvooprinting office at this time: Ariah Brower, Joseph Cain, George Q. Cannon, Matthias Cowley, Chauncey Jennings, Lyman Littlefield, William Rowley, Elias Smith, and William Taylor. (See Directory of Printers, in JSP, R2:701.)