Autobiography Volume 2 circa 1865
was a great day in the camp of Israel and important
to the whole Church. Four companies of the volunteers were organized
and ready for marching. They were brought together and formed into a
hollow square by their Captains and then addressed by several of the
quorum of the Twelve in a very suitable manner
The March
At the close of the address the Battalion commenced
its march in double file from Redemption Hill for seven miles
across the Missouri River Bottom to the Ferry. The brethren
who formed these companies had left their families teams and waggons
and cattle standing by the way side not expecting to meet them again
for one or two years. Yes here by the way side they left their
wives and children to the mercy of God and their brethren but they
went away with cheerful hearts believing they were thus doing the will
of God. As I viewed them I considered that I was looking
upon the first Battalion of the army of Israel engaged in the service
of the United States.
Ordination of Ezra T. Benson to the Twelve
^(July 16)^
After the march of the Battalion the quorum of the
Twelve met in council and ordained Ezra T Benson to fill the place
of John E. Page as a member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
