[Joseph Smith] Francis M. Higbee is tried before the municipal court for "slanderous and abusive language." During the trial Higbee and Joseph are reconciled, and Higbee states that the difficulties between him and Joseph are buried and that they are friends forever. An "Ordinance concerning the Sale of Spirituous Liquors" is also passed by the city council. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 6:178-79.) (1)
-- Jan 19, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, January 19th 1844 At home. [several lines left blank] Rode out in the course of the day. [several lines left blank] In the evening gave a Lecture on the Constitution and candidates for the Presidency &c. Backenstos, clerk of the Co[unty] Court, [was] present. Bro[ther] Phelps and a great Co[mpany] in Bar Room. [several lines left blank] Mild weather, Cloudy P.M. and eve. (2)
-- Mar 7, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] ..."Shallow drafts intoxicate the brain &c. Look at the reason. No vessel could land any where if subject to individual[s'] laws. [The] Corporation owns the streets of the city and have a right to tax the Boats to make wharfs. The same as to tax citizens to make roads. [I] Want every man in this city to stay at home and let the Boat Captains, peace officers, and every body alone. ... (3)
-- Before May 3, 1844
Augustine Spencer writes a letter charging Joseph Smith with drinking, swearing, carousing, and keeping six or seven young females as wives [Per Parley P. Pratt]. (4)
-- May 5, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 5th 1844 At home. Instructed Dr. Richards, my clerk, to go to Quincy and pay Walsh 100 dollars due on my farm. Rain. Messenger did not go.
Elder Grant preached at the Mansion 2 P.M. A large co[mpany] in Bar Room. P.M. and eve. Joseph spoke a long time on petitions read F. Grierson's letter, Clay's letter, &c.
J[ohn] P. Green attended Conference at Quincy Saturday and to day. Rain continues. (3)
Footnotes:
1 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
3 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries
4 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
LDS History Chronology: the Word of Wisdom
Mormon Timeline: the Word of Wisdom
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
