Letter to John C. Calhoun, 4 November 1843, as Published in Nauvoo Neighbor
Source Note
JS, Letter, , Hancock Co., IL, to , Fort Hill near , Pickens District, SC, 4 Nov. 1843. Version published in “Correspondence of Gen. Joseph Smith and Hon. J. C. Calhoun,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 10 Jan. 1844, vol. 1, no. 37, p. [2]. For more complete source information, see the source note for Notice, 26 Aug. 1843.
Hon. ,—Dear Sir,—As we understand you are a candidate for the presidency at the next election; and as the , (sometimes called Mormons, who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast repubic), have been robbed of an immense amount of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the State of . and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our national covenants; and as in vain we have sought redress by all constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her courts, her executive councils and her legislative halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and solicit an immediate, specific and candid reply to What will be your rule of action, relative to us as a people, should fortune favor your ascension to the chief magistracy?
Most respectfully, sir, your friend, and the friend of peace, good order, And constitutional rights,