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Letter from Hyrum Smith, 2 January 1840

Source Note

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...

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, Letter,
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
[
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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], Hancock Co., IL, to JS and
Elias Higbee

23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ...

View Full Bio
,
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

More Info
, 2 Jan. 1840. Featured version copied [between Apr. and June 1840] in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 91–94; handwriting of
Howard Coray

6 May 1817–16 Jan. 1908. Bookkeeper, clerk, teacher, farmer. Born in Dansville, Steuben Co., New York. Son of Silas Coray and Mary Stephens. Moved to Providence, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, ca. 1827; to Williams, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania, by 1830; and...

View Full Bio
; JS Collection, CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for JS Letterbook 2.

Historical Introduction

On 2 January 1840,
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
wrote a letter to JS and
Elias Higbee

23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ...

View Full Bio
, who were in
Washington DC

Created as district for seat of U.S. federal government by act of Congress, 1790, and named Washington DC, 1791. Named in honor of George Washington. Headquarters of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of U.S. government relocated to Washington ...

More Info
, in response to a number of letters he had received from the two men.
1

Two prior letters JS and Higbee wrote to church leaders in Commerce were recorded in JS Letterbook 2. It is likely that these are the letters to which Smith referred in this letter, though there may have been other letters that did not survive. (See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839; and Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.)


With
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...

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and JS out of town, Smith was the only member of the
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

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in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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, Illinois, which made him responsible for managing
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...

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affairs there and responding to inquiries from church
branches

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

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spread throughout the country.
In his letter,
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
updated JS and
Higbee

23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ...

View Full Bio
on his efforts to gather duplicates of
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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land records that JS and Higbee apparently planned to submit to Congress as support for the church’s petition for redress. He also reported on his work to secure more financing for their trip, as JS had directed, especially since the delegation was already running short on funds.
2

See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839.


Smith apprised JS and Higbee of
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....

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’s request to publish editions of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the church’s hymnbook in
New York City

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

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. In addition, Smith informed them of
Oliver Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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’s delay in traveling to
New York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

More Info
to help settle some of the church’s debts.
3

Pratt’s publication request and Hyrum Smith’s rationale for denying it are recorded in several pieces of correspondence between Smith, Pratt, and Lucian R. Foster. A certificate created in May 1839 documents Granger’s role as an agent for the church. As agent he was responsible for arranging the discharge of the church’s debts to New York merchants. (Letter from Parley P. Pratt, 22 Nov. 1839; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Parley P. Pratt, New York City, NY, 22 Dec. 1839, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 80–81; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Lucian R. Foster, New York City, NY, Jan. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 82–84; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839.)


Finally, Smith asked JS for advice on several other matters, including whether their parents should accompany Granger to
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

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, Ohio.
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
likely sent the letter by post, the primary method by which the church’s delegation to the federal government communicated with church leaders in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
.
4

See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839.


No response from JS has been located. The original letter from Smith is apparently not extant, but
Howard Coray

6 May 1817–16 Jan. 1908. Bookkeeper, clerk, teacher, farmer. Born in Dansville, Steuben Co., New York. Son of Silas Coray and Mary Stephens. Moved to Providence, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, ca. 1827; to Williams, Northampton Co., Pennsylvania, by 1830; and...

View Full Bio
copied it into JS Letterbook 2 sometime between April and June 1840.
5

Coray, Autobiographical Sketch, 17, 19.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Coray, Howard. Autobiographical Sketch, after 1883. Howard Coray, Papers, ca. 1840–1941. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2043, fd. 1.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Two prior letters JS and Higbee wrote to church leaders in Commerce were recorded in JS Letterbook 2. It is likely that these are the letters to which Smith referred in this letter, though there may have been other letters that did not survive. (See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839; and Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.)

  2. [2]

    See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839.

  3. [3]

    Pratt’s publication request and Hyrum Smith’s rationale for denying it are recorded in several pieces of correspondence between Smith, Pratt, and Lucian R. Foster. A certificate created in May 1839 documents Granger’s role as an agent for the church. As agent he was responsible for arranging the discharge of the church’s debts to New York merchants. (Letter from Parley P. Pratt, 22 Nov. 1839; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Parley P. Pratt, New York City, NY, 22 Dec. 1839, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 80–81; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Lucian R. Foster, New York City, NY, Jan. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 82–84; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839.)

  4. [4]

    See Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839.

  5. [5]

    Coray, Autobiographical Sketch, 17, 19.

    Coray, Howard. Autobiographical Sketch, after 1883. Howard Coray, Papers, ca. 1840–1941. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2043, fd. 1.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter from Hyrum Smith, 2 January 1840 Letterbook 2 History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 93

another edition of his Book<​s​> of Mormon and wanted permition to print and edition of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants &c with a periodical similar to the [“]Times and Seasons” stating that ther were men who had means, that would assist in these things. He likewise wanted to get priviledge for the
twelve

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

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to print the Book of Mormon &c in Europe.
16

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had been sent by JS on a mission to England. At the time Hyrum Smith wrote this letter, several members of that quorum were in the eastern United States preparing for their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. (See Letter from Parley P. Pratt, 22 Nov. 1839.)


I wrote in reply that if there were any of the Brethern— disposed to aid, and had means to spare for such purposes to send them to this place, so that not only this place might be benefited, but that the Books might come out under your immediate inspection.
17

Hyrum Smith informed Pratt that the church wanted to publish the Book of Mormon in Commerce under the supervision of JS and his counselors. Smith similarly explained to Lucian R. Foster that, according to revelation, the publication of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the hymnbook was to be directed by a select few men, a group that included Smith and JS. (Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Parley P. Pratt, New York City, NY, 22 Dec. 1839, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 80–81; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Lucian R. Foster, New York City, NY, Jan. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 82–84; Revelation, 12 Nov. 1831 [D&C 70:1–6].)


I am afraid some have been induced to tarry and assist
Parly

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....

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in these undertakings; and had made arrangements with
Elder Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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to assist in liquidating the
New York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

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debts,
18

In May 1839, Granger was directed by the First Presidency to discharge a number of the church’s outstanding debts with New York merchants. (See Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839; Agreement with Mead & Betts, 2 Aug. 1839; and JS, Oliver Granger et al., and John A. Newbould, Agreement, ca. 2 Aug. 1839, Hiram Kimball, Collection, CHL.)


I want a Letter as from you Bro. Joseph, as soon as possible, giving me all the instruction you think necessary. I feel the burthen in your absence is great.
Father

12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...

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expresses a a great desire to go to
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
along with
Bro. Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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, who has promised to pay his and
Mother

8 July 1775–14 May 1856. Oilcloth painter, nurse, fund-raiser, author. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Daughter of Solomon Mack Sr. and Lydia Gates. Moved to Montague, Franklin Co., Massachusetts, 1779; to Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont, 1788...

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s expenses. Would you think it advisable for them to go or not.
19

In January 1839 and again in May 1839, the First Presidency directed converts emigrating from England and the eastern United States to settle in Kirtland (where many church members continued to reside) because continuing to Missouri was dangerous in the aftermath of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs’s 27 October 1838 “extermination order.” The First Presidency did not direct church members expelled from Missouri to resettle in Kirtland, though some individual church members expressed the desire to return there. According to this letter, JS’s parents were considering returning to Kirtland, though they appear to have intended to visit their former home rather than permanently relocate. JS’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, later recalled that Joseph Smith Sr. was very ill at this time. It is possible that Hyrum Smith asked JS’s opinion about their parents’ visiting Kirtland out of a concern for their father’s health. (Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 6 May 1839; Kimball, Heber C. Kimball, 68; Vilate Murray Kimball, Commerce, IL, to Heber C. Kimball, New York City, NY, 2 Feb. 1840, photocopy; Heber C. Kimball, New York City, NY, to Vilate Murray Kimball, 5 Mar. 1840, photocopy, Heber C. Kimball, Correspondence, 1837–1864, CHL; Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, bk. 18, [1]–[3].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kimball, Stanley B. Heber C. Kimball: Mormon Patriarch and Pioneer. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1981.

Kimball, Heber C. Correspondence, 1837–1864. Private possession. Copy at CHL.

The
high Council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
met a few days ago and took your second letter
20

Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.


into consideration and passed some resolutions on the subject: appointed committees to get certificates for land, and to get all other information they could—
21

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Dec. 1839, 39–40.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

some have gone to
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

More Info
and others to different places— We shall forward from time to [time] the information you desire.
22

JS had requested that the high council forward to him certificates verifying that church members still owned land and preemption rights in Missouri as well as affidavits that stated soldiers were unlawfully quartered in church members’ homes during the recent conflict in that state. (Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.)


You will receive enclosed in this a number of Duplicates for land from
Bishop [Edward] Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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and others— The
Mississippi

Principal U.S. river running southward from Itasca Lake, Minnesota, to Gulf of Mexico. Covered 3,160-mile course, 1839 (now about 2,350 miles). Drains about 1,100,000 square miles. Steamboat travel on Mississippi very important in 1830s and 1840s for shipping...

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is frosen up; the weather is very cold & a great quantity of snow is on the ground and has been for some time. Your family is in tolerable good health excepting one or two. having the chills occasionally.
23

JS had inquired about the health of his children in a November 1839 letter to Emma Smith, to which Emma replied the following month. (Letter to Emma Smith, 9 Nov. 1839; Letter from Emma Smith, 6 Dec. 1839.)


Bishop [Vinson] Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

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desires me to inform you, that
Br. Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

View Full Bio
and Hose have drove into
commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
a large quantity of Hogs. They are now engaged [p. 93]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 93

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from Hyrum Smith, 2 January 1840
ID #
505
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D7:96–100
Handwriting on This Page
  • Howard Coray

Footnotes

  1. [16]

    The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had been sent by JS on a mission to England. At the time Hyrum Smith wrote this letter, several members of that quorum were in the eastern United States preparing for their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. (See Letter from Parley P. Pratt, 22 Nov. 1839.)

  2. [17]

    Hyrum Smith informed Pratt that the church wanted to publish the Book of Mormon in Commerce under the supervision of JS and his counselors. Smith similarly explained to Lucian R. Foster that, according to revelation, the publication of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the hymnbook was to be directed by a select few men, a group that included Smith and JS. (Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Parley P. Pratt, New York City, NY, 22 Dec. 1839, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 80–81; Hyrum Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Lucian R. Foster, New York City, NY, Jan. 1840, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 82–84; Revelation, 12 Nov. 1831 [D&C 70:1–6].)

  3. [18]

    In May 1839, Granger was directed by the First Presidency to discharge a number of the church’s outstanding debts with New York merchants. (See Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839; Agreement with Mead & Betts, 2 Aug. 1839; and JS, Oliver Granger et al., and John A. Newbould, Agreement, ca. 2 Aug. 1839, Hiram Kimball, Collection, CHL.)

  4. [19]

    In January 1839 and again in May 1839, the First Presidency directed converts emigrating from England and the eastern United States to settle in Kirtland (where many church members continued to reside) because continuing to Missouri was dangerous in the aftermath of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs’s 27 October 1838 “extermination order.” The First Presidency did not direct church members expelled from Missouri to resettle in Kirtland, though some individual church members expressed the desire to return there. According to this letter, JS’s parents were considering returning to Kirtland, though they appear to have intended to visit their former home rather than permanently relocate. JS’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, later recalled that Joseph Smith Sr. was very ill at this time. It is possible that Hyrum Smith asked JS’s opinion about their parents’ visiting Kirtland out of a concern for their father’s health. (Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 6 May 1839; Kimball, Heber C. Kimball, 68; Vilate Murray Kimball, Commerce, IL, to Heber C. Kimball, New York City, NY, 2 Feb. 1840, photocopy; Heber C. Kimball, New York City, NY, to Vilate Murray Kimball, 5 Mar. 1840, photocopy, Heber C. Kimball, Correspondence, 1837–1864, CHL; Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, bk. 18, [1]–[3].)

    Kimball, Stanley B. Heber C. Kimball: Mormon Patriarch and Pioneer. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1981.

    Kimball, Heber C. Correspondence, 1837–1864. Private possession. Copy at CHL.

  5. [20]

    Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.

  6. [21]

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Dec. 1839, 39–40.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  7. [22]

    JS had requested that the high council forward to him certificates verifying that church members still owned land and preemption rights in Missouri as well as affidavits that stated soldiers were unlawfully quartered in church members’ homes during the recent conflict in that state. (Letter to Seymour Brunson and Nauvoo High Council, 7 Dec. 1839.)

  8. [23]

    JS had inquired about the health of his children in a November 1839 letter to Emma Smith, to which Emma replied the following month. (Letter to Emma Smith, 9 Nov. 1839; Letter from Emma Smith, 6 Dec. 1839.)

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