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Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 24 October 1843

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James Arlington Bennet

21 Dec. 1788–25 Dec. 1863. Attorney, newspaper publisher, educator, author. Born in New York. Married first Sophia Smith, 8 May 1811. Served as third and later second lieutenant in First U.S. Artillery, 1 Aug. 1813–14 Oct. 1814. Published American System ...

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, Letter,
Arlington House

Long Island residence of James Arlington Bennet, who corresponded with JS, 1842–1843. Bennet purchased a hundred acres of land in New Utrecht, New York, in 1825 and there built the residence known as “Arlington House.” He deeded it to his son, James H. A....

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, New Utrecht, NY, to JS,
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....

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, Hancock Co., IL, 24 Oct. 1843; handwriting of
James Arlington Bennet

21 Dec. 1788–25 Dec. 1863. Attorney, newspaper publisher, educator, author. Born in New York. Married first Sophia Smith, 8 May 1811. Served as third and later second lieutenant in First U.S. Artillery, 1 Aug. 1813–14 Oct. 1814. Published American System ...

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; dockets in handwriting of Willard Richards and Thomas Bullock; three pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes postmark and dockets.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 24 October 1843 History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page [1]

<​Confidential excepting to your immediate friends.​>
Arlington House

Long Island residence of James Arlington Bennet, who corresponded with JS, 1842–1843. Bennet purchased a hundred acres of land in New Utrecht, New York, in 1825 and there built the residence known as “Arlington House.” He deeded it to his son, James H. A....

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Oct 24 1843
Dr. General. I am happy to know that you have taken possessio[n] of your New Establishment & presume you will be eminently successful & happy in it togethe[r] with your good
lady

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...

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& family. You are no doubt already aware that I have had a most interesteresting visit from your most excellent & worthy fr[i]end. Pres.
B[righam] Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

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, with whom I have had a glorious frolick in the clear blue ocean; for most assuredly a frolic it was, without a moments reflection or Consideration. Nothing of this kind would in the least attach me to your person or cause. I am capable of being a most undeviating fr[i]end without being governed by the smallest religious influence. As you have proved yourself to be a philosophical Divine you will excuse me when I say that we must leave these influences to the mass. The boldness of your plans & measures together with their unparalled Success, so far, are calculated to through <​throw​> a charm over your whole being & to point you out as the most extraordinary man of the present Age. But my mind is of so mathematical & philosophical a cast that the Divinity of Moses makes no impression on me, and you will not be offended when I say that I rate you higher as a Legislature [legislator] than I do Moses because we have you present with us for examination whereas Moses derives his Chief Author[ity] from prescription & the lapse of time.
I cannot however say but you are both right, It being out of the power of men to prove you wrong. It is no mathematical problem & can therefore get no mathematical solution. I say therefore go a head, you have my good wishes. You know Mahomet had his “right hand man.” [p. [1]]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from James Arlington Bennet, 24 October 1843
ID #
1653
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D13:220–225
Handwriting on This Page
  • James Arlington Bennet

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