Joseph and his two counselors, his brother Hyrum
and Sidney Rigdon had been released from j ail in Rich-
mond, Missouri, and were again at the head of the
Church and directing the energies of the brethren. It
was the policy of Joseph to hold the city lots in Nauvoo

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126 LEE AS A MISSIONARY

at a high price, so as to draw money from the rich, but
not so high as to prevent the poor from obtaining homes.
The poor who lost all their property in following the
Church were presented with a lot free in the center of
the city. The Prophet told them not to sell their lots
for less than eight hundred to one thousand dollars, but
to sell for that when offered ; then they could take a
cheaper lot in the outskirts of the city and have money
left to fix up comfortably.
All classes, Jews and Gentiles, were allowed to settle
there, one man's money being as good as another's. No
restrictions were placed on the people ; they had the
right to trade with anyone that suited them. All
classes attended meetings, dances, theaters, and other
gatherings, and were permitted to eat and drink to-
gether. The outsiders were invited to join in all of
our amusements. Ball was a favorite sport with the
men, and the Prophet frequently took a hand in the
game. He appeared to treat all men alike, and never
condemned a man until he had given him a fair trial
to show what was in him.
