KFD1: Typographical Facsimile of James Burgess notes for May, 1844∗
James Burgess notes the following : In the month of May 1843. Several miles east of Nauvoo. The Nauvoo Legion was on parade and review. At the close of which Joseph Smith made some remarks upon our condition as a people and upon our future prospects contrasting our present condition with our past trials and persecutions by the hands of our enemies. Also upon the constitution and government of the United States stating that the time would come when the constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the latter day Saints will step forth and save it. General Scott and a part of his staff of the American Army was present on the occassion I James Burgess was present and testify to the above as being true.
∗This text is found in the journal of James Burgess, MS 1858, LDS archives.