Joseph Smith Baptizes Eighty Persons in the Mississippi River and the Spirit Rests on the Multitude (1842)

“On the afternoon of the 15th inst. President Joseph Smith, informed the congregation that he would attend to baptisms in the Mississippi river, near his own house, at 2 o'clock, P. M. A large multitude gathered along the river bank to witness the proceedings. President Smith went into the water and baptized about 80 persons. The first who was baptized was Mr. L. D. Wasson, a nephew of Mrs. Emma Smith; the first of her kindred that have embraced the fulness of the Gospel. At the close of this interesting scene the administrator lifted up his hands towards heaven, and implored the blessing of God to rest upon the people; and truly the spirit of God did rest upon the multitude, to the joy and consolation of our hearts. After baptism the congregation again repaired to the grove, near the Temple, to attend to the ordinance of confirmation; and, notwithstanding, President Smith had spoken in the open air to the people, and stood in the water and baptized about 80 persons, about 50 of those baptized received their confirmation under his hands, in the after part of the day. While this was progressing great numbers were being baptized in the font.”

— Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, No. 12, p. 760