Item Detail
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17330
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0
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0
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English
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Diary
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Curtis Bolton : Pioneer Missionary
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25-232
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October 19, 1849 to February 22, 1853. Bolton receives a mission call to Europe. He crosses the Plains, noting encounters with the Crow and Cheyenne, and sails to England. He raises funds for missionaries in France before crossing the Channel. He is present when John Taylor debates several ministers in Boulogne, opining the debate went very badly. Bolton works on translating pamphlets and the Book of Mormon. Many entries note the difficulty of translating and publishing the Book of Mormon. Bolton discusses the status of the Church in France, blaming slow growth on political instability. He details the red tape that must be cut through to operate legally and he meets with members of the French and American governments, attempting to get approval. Bolton fails, and is banned from preaching. He later explains the ban resulted from a perceived connection between Mormonism and socialism. Bolton and Taylor have a nasty falling out over credit for the Book of Mormon translation. Continuing financial troubles cause their relationship to deteriorate further. Bolton also finds himself in trouble over romantic overtures made to a new member. During the 1851 Coup d'Etat, he flees Paris. He shortly returns, witnessing fighting in the streets and the massacring of civilians. After the coup, Bolton complains about increasing government interference. He is made president of the French Mission and struggles with his calling. Willard Richards, Europe's presiding authority, refuses to provide Bolton with funds and Bolton accuses Richards of spying on him and believing false reports. Bolton's relationship with members is equally rocky as he and the congregation feud, during which the female members refuse to sustain him and he requires the rebaptism of all members in Paris. His mission ended, he travels to England and prepares Saints for immigration.