Letter to Edward Hunter, 9 and 11 March 1842

Home >
The Papers >

Letter to Edward Hunter, 9 and 11 March 1842
Source Note

JS, Letter with postscript by
William Law
8 Sept. 1809–12/19 Jan. 1892. Merchant, millwright, physician. Born in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co...
View Full Bio
,
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
, Hancock Co., IL, to
Edward Hunter
22 June 1793–16 Oct. 1883. Farmer, currier, surveyor, merchant. Born at Newtown Township, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Edward Hunter and Hannah Maris. Volunteer cavalryman in Delaware Co. militia, 1822–1829. Served as Delaware Co. commissioner. Moved...
View Full Bio
,
West Nantmeal
Sits at headwaters of east branch of Brandywine River. Settled by Welsh immigrants, ca. 1700. Split into West and East Nantmeal, 1739. Divided again, 1789. Population in 1820 about 1,400. Brandywine branch of church established in town, by July 1840.
More Info
, Chester Co., PA, 9 and 11 Mar. 1842; handwriting of
William Law
View Full Bio
,
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
View Full Bio
, and
William Clayton
17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...
View Full Bio
; signatures of JS and
William Law
View Full Bio
; four pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes address, docket, and use marks.

Bifolium measuring 9¾ × 7¾ inches (25 × 20 cm). The letter was inscribed on the first three pages and on the bottom of the fourth page, leaving space on the fourth page that was used for addressing. The bifolium was trifolded twice in letter style and addressed. The letter was later refolded for filing.

The document was docketed by
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
View Full Bio
, who served as JS’s scribe from 1843 to 1844 and as clerk to the church historian and recorder from 1845 to 1865.
1
Jessee, “Writing of Joseph Smith’s History,” 456, 458; Woodruff, Journal, 22 Jan. 1865.
Comprehensive Works Cited
Jessee, Dean C. “The Writing of Joseph Smith’s History.” BYU Studies 11 (Summer 1971): 439–473.
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
It was listed in an inventory produced by the Church Historian’s Office (later Church Historical Department) circa 1904.
2
“Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.
Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.
By 1973 the document had been included in the JS Collection at the Church Historical Department (now CHL).
3
See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.
The document’s early docket as well as its inclusion in the circa 1904 inventory and in the JS Collection by 1973 indicate continuous institutional custody.
Footnotes
[1]
Jessee, “Writing of Joseph Smith’s History,” 456, 458; Woodruff, Journal, 22 Jan. 1865.
Jessee, Dean C. “The Writing of Joseph Smith’s History.” BYU Studies 11 (Summer 1971): 439–473.
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
[2]
“Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.
Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.
[3]
See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.
Historical Introduction
On 9 and 11 March 1842, JS wrote a letter from
Nauvoo
More Info
, Illinois, to
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

agent
A specific church office and, more generally, someone “entrusted with the business of another.” Agents in the church assisted other ecclesiastical officers, especially the bishop in his oversight of the church’s temporal affairs. A May 1831 revelation instructed...
View Glossary

Edward Hunter
View Full Bio
in
West Nantmeal
Sits at headwaters of east branch of Brandywine River. Settled by Welsh immigrants, ca. 1700. Split into West and East Nantmeal, 1739. Divided again, 1789. Population in 1820 about 1,400. Brandywine branch of church established in town, by July 1840.
More Info
, Pennsylvania. Hunter had been in his native
Pennsylvania
Area first settled by Swedish immigrants, 1628. William Penn received grant for territory from King Charles II, 1681, and established British settlement, 1682. Philadelphia was center of government for original thirteen U.S. colonies from time of Revolutionary...
More Info
since the previous fall, settling his own financial affairs, purchasing goods on behalf of JS, and conducting business on behalf of Margaret Smith, a recent convert from the area who had relocated to
Nauvoo
More Info
. This letter was one in a series of letters exchanged between JS and Hunter while the latter was in Pennsylvania. JS received a 10 February 1842 letter from Hunter on 8 March and began his reply the next day. In his reply he responded to Hunter’s inquiries about contacting Jacob Weiler, whom Hunter had hired to build a house in Nauvoo, and about the condition of the State Bank of Illinois and the Bank of St. Louis. Hunter intended to donate financially to the
temple
Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...
More Info
and
Nauvoo House
Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...
More Info
and wondered which bank would be more secure.
1
Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842.
JS encouraged Hunter to avoid the banks altogether and instead to bring additional goods to outfit his new general store in Nauvoo.

JS also responded to
Hunter
View Full Bio
’s concerns about the power of attorney that allowed Hunter to settle Margaret Smith’s financial affairs. On 15 December 1841, after Hunter notified him that the initial document was not properly certified, JS arranged for a new power of attorney for Hunter.
2
Margaret Smith, Power of Attorney, to Edward Hunter, 15 Dec. 1841, Edward Hunter, Collection, 1816–1884, CHL; Letter from Edward Hunter, 27 Oct. 1841.
Hunter, Edward. Collection, ca. 1798–1965. Photocopy and typescript. CHL.
In his 10 February 1842 letter, Hunter informed JS that the new power of attorney was deficient because it did not include the presiding judge’s signature.
3
In a continuation of the 9 March 1842 letter, written on 11 March 1842, JS promised to obtain the proper paperwork once the judge returned to the area in May.

William Law
View Full Bio
, JS’s counselor in 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...
View Glossary
, acted as scribe for the original portion of the letter, which JS signed, and
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
View Full Bio
acted as scribe for the 11 March addition, signing on JS’s behalf. Law also added his own note to this letter sometime on 11 March or shortly thereafter. Because he and his brother
Wilson Law
26 Feb. 1806–15 Oct. 1876. Merchant, millwright, land speculator, farmer. Born in Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co....
View Full Bio
were planning to construct a steam mill in
Nauvoo
More Info
, Law suggested the possibility of purchasing a steam engine that
Hunter
View Full Bio
intended to bring to Nauvoo.
4
Editorial, Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1842, 3:663–664.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
He also wanted Hunter to determine whether the bank in
Philadelphia
Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...
More Info
was in danger of failing and if so to remove a $1,100 payment Hunter had placed there for Law.

The absence of postal markings suggests that the letter was hand carried to
Pennsylvania
Area first settled by Swedish immigrants, 1628. William Penn received grant for territory from King Charles II, 1681, and established British settlement, 1682. Philadelphia was center of government for original thirteen U.S. colonies from time of Revolutionary...
More Info
.
Hunter
View Full Bio
received the letter before 10 May 1842, when he replied.
5
Edward Hunter to JS, 10 May 1842, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Memorial Museum, Salt Lake City.
Footnotes
[1]
[2]
Margaret Smith, Power of Attorney, to Edward Hunter, 15 Dec. 1841, Edward Hunter, Collection, 1816–1884, CHL; Letter from Edward Hunter, 27 Oct. 1841.
[3]
[4]
Editorial, Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1842, 3:663–664.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
[5]
Edward Hunter to JS, 10 May 1842, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Memorial Museum, Salt Lake City.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter to Edward Hunter, 9 and 11 March 1842 Letterbook 2 History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 Addenda “History of Joseph Smith”
Page [1]
Hide editing marks

William Law handwriting begins.
Nauvoo City
More Info
March 9th. 1842,

Bro.
Edward Hunter
View Full Bio

Dear Sir

I yesterday had the pleasure of Receving your Letter of Feb. 10—
1
am much pleased that you have effected a Sale, and are So Soon to be with us &c.
2
Hunter informed JS that he had just sold one of his farms and intended to move to Nauvoo in May. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842.)
——

I have purchased the lands you desired, and will use my influence to have the improvements made which you wish,
3
Hunter requested that JS purchase ninety acres of woodland outside of Nauvoo from Chauncey Robison and an additional forty acres from Hugh McFall. He also asked him to contact Jacob Weiler, whom he had hired to build his home in Nauvoo. Hunter also mentioned that he had asked Weiler to arrange for Stephen Winchester or someone else to plow eighty acres of his land and William Garner to fence the property. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842.)
Bro. [Jacob] Weiler rec’d your Letter and says he will do what he Can to have all done,
4
Since December, Hunter had tried to send word to Weiler to complete the construction of his home as quickly as possible, including by asking in his 10 February letter to JS that he relay the message. Weiler finally learned that Hunter was trying to contact him from a “Brother Sheets” in late February and wrote to Hunter on 27 February 1842. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842; Jacob Weiler, Nauvoo, IL, to Edward Hunter, Chester Co., PA, 27 Feb. 1842, Edward Hunter, Collection, 1816–1884, CHL.)

The Power of Attorney I will forward to you with all its due forms

The Eight hundred dollars for the
Temple
Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...
More Info
&
Nauvoo House
Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. JS revelation, dated 19 Jan. 1841, instructed Saints to build boardinghouse for travelers and immigrants. Construction of planned three-story building to be funded by fifty-dollar...
More Info
5
A January 1841 revelation commanded the Saints to build the Nauvoo temple as well as the Nauvoo House, a boardinghouse that would also serve as a home for JS and his family. (Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:55–56].)
I wish you to bring in goods, which I will give you Stock & Credit for, as soon as Received,
6
On 10 February 1842 Hunter wrote JS expressing his intention to donate $800 in support of both construction projects. Hunter had previously shipped goods from Pennsylvania to Nauvoo. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842; Letter from Edward Hunter, 27 Oct. 1841.)

I wish you to invest as much money as you possibly can in goods, to bring here, and I will purchase them of you, when you come, if we can agree on terms, or you can have my new brick
Store
Located in lower portion of Nauvoo (the flats) along bank of Mississippi River. Completed 1841. Opened for business, 5 Jan. 1842. Owned by JS, but managed mostly by others, after 1842. First floor housed JS’s general store and counting room, where tithing...
More Info
to rent,
7
JS’s general store was located on the southeast corner of Water and Granger streets. The store opened for business on 5 January 1842. (JS, Journal, 14 Dec. 1841; Letter to Edward Hunter, 5 Jan. 1842.)
I wish the business kept up by some one, in the building as it is a very fine house, and cost me [p. [1]]
View entire transcript
|
Cite this page
Source Note
Document Transcript
Page [1]
Document Information
Footnotes
William Law handwriting begins.
[1]
[2]
Hunter informed JS that he had just sold one of his farms and intended to move to Nauvoo in May. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842.)
[3]
Hunter requested that JS purchase ninety acres of woodland outside of Nauvoo from Chauncey Robison and an additional forty acres from Hugh McFall. He also asked him to contact Jacob Weiler, whom he had hired to build his home in Nauvoo. Hunter also mentioned that he had asked Weiler to arrange for Stephen Winchester or someone else to plow eighty acres of his land and William Garner to fence the property. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842.)
[4]
Since December, Hunter had tried to send word to Weiler to complete the construction of his home as quickly as possible, including by asking in his 10 February letter to JS that he relay the message. Weiler finally learned that Hunter was trying to contact him from a “Brother Sheets” in late February and wrote to Hunter on 27 February 1842. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842; Jacob Weiler, Nauvoo, IL, to Edward Hunter, Chester Co., PA, 27 Feb. 1842, Edward Hunter, Collection, 1816–1884, CHL.)
[5]
A January 1841 revelation commanded the Saints to build the Nauvoo temple as well as the Nauvoo House, a boardinghouse that would also serve as a home for JS and his family. (Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:55–56].)
[6]
On 10 February 1842 Hunter wrote JS expressing his intention to donate $800 in support of both construction projects. Hunter had previously shipped goods from Pennsylvania to Nauvoo. (Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 Feb. 1842; Letter from Edward Hunter, 27 Oct. 1841.)
[7]
JS’s general store was located on the southeast corner of Water and Granger streets. The store opened for business on 5 January 1842. (JS, Journal, 14 Dec. 1841; Letter to Edward Hunter, 5 Jan. 1842.)