Autobiographical Notes, circa 1850-1880
In company with the Twelve and many
other Saints I attended a discussion in the evening held
at the Carpenters Hall, Garrett Road, Manchester. One Mr
Barrett had tried hard for a length of time to get
some of the Twelve to hold a discussion with him, though
his continued teazing [president] Brigham Young told him
the Twelve would not stoop to discuss any subject with
him but if he must discuss the subject of Mormonism
he would appo[in]t some body to meet him, as Mr Barrytt
would not take no for an answer Brother Alfred Cordon
was appo[in]ted to meet him Brother Cordon as it were was
a beardless boy yet he had been ordained an Elder &
received much of the Spirit of the Lord and they met
for this purpose at early candle light, the Stand was
occupied on one side by my Methodist Priest, & on the
other side by the Twelve Apostles & Elders. The Home was lyted
by 3 chandeliers with 12 lights in each lighthed with
gass there were some 1500 people present. Mr Barrett pledged him-
self to prove th Book of Mormon false & water baptism
^not^ essential to Salvation while Brother Cordon pleged
himself to prove the Book of Mormon true & water
baptism essential to Salvation. As Mr Barrytt arose
& declyaired to the Assembly that he would prove the Book of
Mormon false & water baptism not essential to
Salvation 4 glass chimneys in each of the chanderliers burst
