The Papers
Browse the PapersDocumentsJournalsAdministrative RecordsRevelations and TranslationsHistoriesLegal RecordsFinancial RecordsOther Contemporary Papers
Reference
PeoplePlacesEventsGlossaryLegal GlossaryFinancial GlossaryCalendar of DocumentsWorks CitedFeatured TopicsLesson PlansRelated Publications
Media
VideosPhotographsIllustrationsChartsMapsPodcasts
News
Current NewsArchiveNewsletterSubscribeJSP Conferences
About
About the ProjectJoseph Smith and His PapersFAQAwardsEndorsementsReviewsEditorial MethodNote on TranscriptionsNote on Images of People and PlacesReferencing the ProjectCiting This WebsiteProject TeamContact Us
Published Volumes
  1. Home > 
  2. The Papers > 

Letter to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838

Source Note

JS, Letter,
Independence

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

More Info
, Jackson Co., MO, to
Emma Smith

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

View Full Bio
,
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, Caldwell Co., MO, 4 Nov. 1838; handwriting of JS (signature now missing); three pages; CHL. Includes address, wafer seals, and redactions.
Bifolium measuring 12½ × 7¾ inches (32 × 20 cm), with thirty-five printed lines per page. The document was trifolded twice in letter style, sealed with wafers, and addressed. Later, the letter was refolded, perhaps for filing. JS’s signature was subsequently cut from the second leaf.
1

According to Richard Howard, former historian for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a high-ranking church official in the early twentieth century cut JS signatures from documents—a common practice at the time. (Richard Howard, email to Rachel Killebrew, 5 Jan. 2015, copy in editors’ possession.)


The leaves eventually became separated and were reattached with staples. At some point, the two leaves were numbered in graphite. The letter likely remained in the Smith family’s possession until it was transferred, on an unknown date, to the custody of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ).
2

See R. Howard to R. Killebrew, 5 Jan. 2015.


In 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the letter from the Community of Christ, and it is now held at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    According to Richard Howard, former historian for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a high-ranking church official in the early twentieth century cut JS signatures from documents—a common practice at the time. (Richard Howard, email to Rachel Killebrew, 5 Jan. 2015, copy in editors’ possession.)

  2. [2]

    See R. Howard to R. Killebrew, 5 Jan. 2015.

Historical Introduction

Following JS’s late October 1838 arrest in
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, Missouri, he wrote to his wife
Emma Smith

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

View Full Bio
on 4 November 1838.
1

For more information on JS’s arrest and move from Far West to Independence, see Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.


JS and his fellow prisoners—
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
,
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

View Full Bio
,
Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
,
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
,
Parley P. Pratt

12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823....

View Full Bio
, and
Amasa Lyman

30 Mar. 1813–4 Feb. 1877. Boatman, gunsmith, farmer. Born at Lyman, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Roswell Lyman and Martha Mason. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Lyman E. Johnson, 27 Apr. 1832. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co....

View Full Bio
—arrived in Independence, Missouri, around noon on 4 November in the midst of a severe storm.
2

Parley P. Pratt, Independence, MO, to Mary Ann Frost Pratt, Far West, MO, 4 Nov. 1838, Parley P. Pratt, Letters, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

The prisoners were lodged in a large “old log house” situated on Maple Street, immediately north of Independence’s public square and courthouse.
3

Lyman Wight, Journal, in History of the Reorganized Church, 2:295–297.


Comprehensive Works Cited

The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 8 vols. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1896–1976.

In the evening, the prisoners were “provided with Paper and writing Materials and Candles,”
4

P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

and JS wrote the following letter to Emma Smith, recounting the prisoners’ reception in Independence and expressing anxiety for her welfare. The absence of a postmark suggests the letter was hand delivered. JS may have sent the letter by way of a “Mr Collins,” who on 7 November carried a letter from inmate Parley P. Pratt to his wife,
Mary Ann Frost Pratt

14 Jan. 1809–24 Aug. 1891. Midwife. Born in Groton, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Daughter of Aaron Frost and Susanna Gray Bennett. Moved to Bethel, Oxford Co., Maine, by 1820. Married first Nathan Stearns, ca. Feb. 1832, in Bethel. Husband died, 25 Aug. 1833. ...

View Full Bio
, in Far West.
5

P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838; Lyman Wight, Journal, in History of the Reorganized Church, 2:295.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 8 vols. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1896–1976.

By the time Emma Smith received this letter, she and her children had likely been evicted from their residence and were probably staying at the home of
George

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

View Full Bio
and
Lucinda Pendleton Harris

27 Sept. 1807–1856. Born in Washington Co., Vermont. Daughter of Joseph Pendleton and Betsey Riley. Married first William Morgan, 7 Oct. 1819, in Washington Co., Virginia. Moved to Canada, 1821. Moved to Rochester, Monroe Co., New York. Husband was allegedly...

View Full Bio
in Far West.
6

In 1842 Emma Smith testified that following JS’s arrest, George M. Hinkle, the previous owner of the Smiths’ house in Far West, entered the home, stole Smith family possessions, and “used Coersive measures to drive Witness [Emma Smith] and her Family therefrom, the Premises & House.” She also explained, “I went with my Children to the House of George W. Harris in Far West Missouri.” (Minute Book 2, 6 July 1838; Emma Smith, Deposition, Nauvoo, IL, 22 Apr. 1842, JS v. George M. Hinkle [Lee Co. Dist. Ct. 1842], CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

JS v. George M. Hinkle / Lee County, Iowa Territory, District Court. Joseph Smith v. George M. Hinkle, 1841–1842. CHL.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    For more information on JS’s arrest and move from Far West to Independence, see Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.

  2. [2]

    Parley P. Pratt, Independence, MO, to Mary Ann Frost Pratt, Far West, MO, 4 Nov. 1838, Parley P. Pratt, Letters, CHL.

    Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

  3. [3]

    Lyman Wight, Journal, in History of the Reorganized Church, 2:295–297.

    The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 8 vols. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1896–1976.

  4. [4]

    P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.

    Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

  5. [5]

    P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838; Lyman Wight, Journal, in History of the Reorganized Church, 2:295.

    Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

    The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 8 vols. Independence, MO: Herald Publishing House, 1896–1976.

  6. [6]

    In 1842 Emma Smith testified that following JS’s arrest, George M. Hinkle, the previous owner of the Smiths’ house in Far West, entered the home, stole Smith family possessions, and “used Coersive measures to drive Witness [Emma Smith] and her Family therefrom, the Premises & House.” She also explained, “I went with my Children to the House of George W. Harris in Far West Missouri.” (Minute Book 2, 6 July 1838; Emma Smith, Deposition, Nauvoo, IL, 22 Apr. 1842, JS v. George M. Hinkle [Lee Co. Dist. Ct. 1842], CHL.)

    JS v. George M. Hinkle / Lee County, Iowa Territory, District Court. Joseph Smith v. George M. Hinkle, 1841–1842. CHL.

Page [1]

November 4th 1838
Indipendace [Independence]

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

More Info
Jackson Co— Mo—
My dear and beloved
companion

10 July 1804–30 Apr. 1879. Scribe, editor, boardinghouse operator, clothier. Born at Willingborough Township (later in Harmony), Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis. Member of Methodist church at Harmony (later in Oakland...

View Full Bio
, of my bosam, in tribulation, and affliction, I woud inform you that I am well, and I am that we are all of us in good spirits as regards our own fate, we have been protected by the
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

More Info
boys, in the most genteel manner,
1

Parley P. Pratt confirmed that the “oficers and troops, of Jackson County; have Behaved with that Respect, honor and kindness towards us.” (P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

and arrived here in <​the​> midst of a splended perade, this a little after noon,
2

Parley P. Pratt recalled, “It was now past noon, and in the midst of a great rain. But hundreds crowded to witness the procession, and to gaze at us as we were paraded in martial triumph through all the principal streets—our carriages moving in the centre, while the brigade on horseback were formed in front and rear, and the bugles sounded a blast of triumphant joy.” (Pratt, History of the Late Persecution, 46.)


instead <​of​> going to goal [jail]
3

Jackson County’s first jail was built in 1827; it housed Latter-day Saint prisoners during the 1833 conflict. (History of Jackson County, Missouri, 639–640; Parley P. Pratt et al., “‘The Mormons’ So Called,” The Evening and the Morning Star, Extra, Feb. 1834, [2].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

The History of Jackson County, Missouri: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, Etc. Kansas City, MO: Union Historical, 1881.

we have a good house provided for us and the kind[e]st treatment, I have great anxiety about you, and my lovely children, my heart morns <​and​> bleeds for the brotheren, and sisters, and for the slain <​of the​> people of God, I
Colonal, [George M.] Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
, proved to be a trator, to the
Church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
,
4

For more on Hinkle’s role in the negotiations that led to JS’s arrest, see Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.


he is worse than a hull who betraid the army at
detroit

Port city located between west end of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. State capital and county seat. French first visited site, ca. 1610, and established settlement and fort, by 1701. Britain obtained possession, 1760. Became part of U.S. territory, 1783. First...

More Info
,
5

William Hull (1753–1825) was a Revolutionary War veteran, territorial governor of Michigan, and brigadier general of the army in the northwest United States during the War of 1812. On 16 August 1812, while quartered at Fort Detroit, Hull surrendered to a much smaller British force. In the wake of the capitulation, other perceived traitors in the war were condemned as being “worse than Hull.” (Taylor, Civil War of 1812, 154–173, 196.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Taylor, Alan. The Civil War of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, and Indian Allies. New York: Vintage Books, 2011.

he decoyed <​us​> unawares God reward him, I
Johon Carl [John Corrill]

17 Sept. 1794–26 Sept. 1842. Surveyor, politician, author. Born at Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Married Margaret Lyndiff, ca. 1830. Lived at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 Jan. 1831,...

View Full Bio
told <​
general Willson

1795–ca. 1868. Farmer, merchant, land developer, postmaster. Born in Virginia. Moved to Greene Co., Tennessee, by Dec. 1818. Married first Margaret Guin, 23 Dec. 1829, in Greene Co. Moved to Pike Co., Illinois, by Apr. 1832. Served in Black Hawk War, 1832...

View Full Bio
​>
was a going told
general, [Moses] Wilson

1795–ca. 1868. Farmer, merchant, land developer, postmaster. Born in Virginia. Moved to Greene Co., Tennessee, by Dec. 1818. Married first Margaret Guin, 23 Dec. 1829, in Greene Co. Moved to Pike Co., Illinois, by Apr. 1832. Served in Black Hawk War, 1832...

View Full Bio
, that he was a going to leave the Church,
6

Previously a trusted church leader in Missouri, Corrill became disaffected in summer 1838. In his history, Corrill suggested that it was his disillusionment with the Danites, the Saints’ October 1838 military operations in Daviess County, and JS’s leadership that led him to leave the church in winter 1838. (See, for example, Corrill, Brief History, 29–32, 36–37, 40, 46, 48.)


general Willson

1795–ca. 1868. Farmer, merchant, land developer, postmaster. Born in Virginia. Moved to Greene Co., Tennessee, by Dec. 1818. Married first Margaret Guin, 23 Dec. 1829, in Greene Co. Moved to Pike Co., Illinois, by Apr. 1832. Served in Black Hawk War, 1832...

View Full Bio
says he thinks much less of him now then before, why I mention this is to have you careful not to trust them, if we are permited to be stay any time here, we <​have​> obtained a promice that they we may have our families brought to us,
7

Parley P. Pratt wrote to his wife, “If we should Stay Long In this place, General Willson, has Promised us that our families shall Be guarded to us and Protected.” (P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

what God may do do for us I do not know but I hope for the best always in all circumstances although I go unto death, I will trust in God, what outrages may be committed by the mob I know not, but expect there will be but little <​or​> no restraint
8

Michael Arthur, who was not a member of the church but was friendly to the Saints, indicated that “small companies” of armed men were “constantly strolling up and down Caldwell county . . . insulting the women in any and every way; and plundering the poor devils [Latter-day Saints] of all the means of subsistence.” (Michael Arthur, Liberty, MO, to “Respected Friends,” 29 Nov. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; see also Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

Oh may God have mercy on us, [p. [1]]
View entire transcript

|

Cite this page

Source Note

Document Transcript

Page [1]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838
ID #
418
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D6:279–282
Handwriting on This Page
  • Joseph Smith Jr.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Parley P. Pratt confirmed that the “oficers and troops, of Jackson County; have Behaved with that Respect, honor and kindness towards us.” (P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.)

    Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

  2. [2]

    Parley P. Pratt recalled, “It was now past noon, and in the midst of a great rain. But hundreds crowded to witness the procession, and to gaze at us as we were paraded in martial triumph through all the principal streets—our carriages moving in the centre, while the brigade on horseback were formed in front and rear, and the bugles sounded a blast of triumphant joy.” (Pratt, History of the Late Persecution, 46.)

  3. [3]

    Jackson County’s first jail was built in 1827; it housed Latter-day Saint prisoners during the 1833 conflict. (History of Jackson County, Missouri, 639–640; Parley P. Pratt et al., “‘The Mormons’ So Called,” The Evening and the Morning Star, Extra, Feb. 1834, [2].)

    The History of Jackson County, Missouri: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, Etc. Kansas City, MO: Union Historical, 1881.

  4. [4]

    For more on Hinkle’s role in the negotiations that led to JS’s arrest, see Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.

  5. [5]

    William Hull (1753–1825) was a Revolutionary War veteran, territorial governor of Michigan, and brigadier general of the army in the northwest United States during the War of 1812. On 16 August 1812, while quartered at Fort Detroit, Hull surrendered to a much smaller British force. In the wake of the capitulation, other perceived traitors in the war were condemned as being “worse than Hull.” (Taylor, Civil War of 1812, 154–173, 196.)

    Taylor, Alan. The Civil War of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, and Indian Allies. New York: Vintage Books, 2011.

  6. [6]

    Previously a trusted church leader in Missouri, Corrill became disaffected in summer 1838. In his history, Corrill suggested that it was his disillusionment with the Danites, the Saints’ October 1838 military operations in Daviess County, and JS’s leadership that led him to leave the church in winter 1838. (See, for example, Corrill, Brief History, 29–32, 36–37, 40, 46, 48.)

  7. [7]

    Parley P. Pratt wrote to his wife, “If we should Stay Long In this place, General Willson, has Promised us that our families shall Be guarded to us and Protected.” (P. Pratt to M. Pratt, 4 Nov. 1838.)

    Pratt, Parley P. Letters, 1838–1839. CHL. MS 5828.

  8. [8]

    Michael Arthur, who was not a member of the church but was friendly to the Saints, indicated that “small companies” of armed men were “constantly strolling up and down Caldwell county . . . insulting the women in any and every way; and plundering the poor devils [Latter-day Saints] of all the means of subsistence.” (Michael Arthur, Liberty, MO, to “Respected Friends,” 29 Nov. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; see also Introduction to Part 3: 4 Nov. 1838–16 Apr. 1839.)

    Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UseUpdated 2021-04-13Privacy NoticeUpdated 2021-04-06