On 16 February 1844, member wrote a letter from , Illinois, to JS in Nauvoo asking his forgiveness for past offenses. Although Littlefield never stated in his letter what he had done to wrong JS, the difficulties between the two men likely dated back to 1842. In February of that year, the first issue of the Times and Seasons that was published under JS’s name as editor included a marriage announcement containing sexual innuendo. In March 1842, Littlefield wrote a letter to JS—which was published in the Times and Seasons—admitting that he had written the announcement and explaining that JS had not inspected its content beforehand and should not be held responsible for it. Later that year, Littlefield’s personal conduct again came under scrutiny after a woman accused him of making sexual propositions to her and teaching “that there was no harm in having unlawful intercourse,” a practice that he claimed JS condoned. On 27 May 1842, the Nauvoo charged Littlefield with “improper and unvirtuous conduct and for teaching false doctrine.” That same day he was disfellowshipped.

Although apparently regained his standing in the church by April 1843, when he received a call to preach in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he felt that a rift in his relationship with JS remained unresolved. In his 16 February 1844 letter, Littlefield explained that his pride and honor had long discouraged him from seeking JS’s pardon. He, however, was now asking for forgiveness because he believed that JS held the of the kingdom, or, in other words, the authority to direct the kingdom of God on earth. Littlefield also expressed his rededication to God and asked JS to accept what he could offer.

The letter bears no postal mark, suggesting that either delivered the letter personally or had a messenger deliver it. It is unclear when JS received this letter, and no response from him has been located.