Nauvoo Summary and Analysis

The land sold to Joseph and his people was on a bend of the Mississippi River and swampy. The city was named Nauvoo, the Beautiful. Though it would be drained and settled by a large number of people, it was the cause of much illness for the Saints. The swamps were full of illness that the people had a difficult time withstanding after a year of starvation and exposure. They died of ague, possibly malaria or typhoid. Even the prophet fell to the disease for a time. After he recovered, he gave up his home to the care of the ill, and he and Emma went among the people. Emma used her herbs and knowledge to help heal; Joseph used the Priesthood, laying hands on their heads and commanding them to be well, according to their faith and the will of...