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Letter to Joseph L. Heywood, 13 February 1844

Source Note

JS, 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
, Hancock Co., IL, to
Joseph L. Heywood,

1 Aug. 1815–16 Oct. 1910. Merchant, postmaster, U.S. marshal, hatter, farmer, lawyer. Born in Grafton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Benjamin Heywood and Hannah R. Leland. Moved to Illinois, spring 1838. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, fall 1839...

View Full Bio
, [
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
, Adams Co., IL], 13 Feb. 1844. Featured version copied [ca. 13 Feb. 1844]; handwriting of
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
; two pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes dockets, notation, and archival marking.
Bifolium measuring 9⅞ × 7¾ inches (25 × 20 cm). The letter was inscribed on the recto and verso of the first leaf. The letter was folded for filing and docketed.
The letter was docketed by
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
, who served as scribe to JS from 1842 to 1844.
1

JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

The document was also docketed by
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

View Full Bio
, who served as a clerk in the Church Historian’s Office (later Church Historical Department) from 1853 to 1859.
2

“Obituary of Leo Hawkins,” Millennial Star, 30 July 1859, 21:496–497.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

The notation “A. J” was apparently added by a clerk or secretary for Andrew Jenson, who served as assistant church historian from 1897 to 1941.
3

Bitton and Arrington, Mormons and Their Historians, 48–52, 55.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Bitton, David, and Leonard J. Arrington. Mormons and Their Historians. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1988.

The letter was listed in an inventory that was produced by the Church Historian’s Office circa 1904.
4

“Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [3], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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).
5

See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.


The letter’s early dockets and notation, its listing in a circa 1904 inventory, and its inclusion in the JS Collection indicate continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

  2. [2]

    “Obituary of Leo Hawkins,” Millennial Star, 30 July 1859, 21:496–497.

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  3. [3]

    Bitton and Arrington, Mormons and Their Historians, 48–52, 55.

    Bitton, David, and Leonard J. Arrington. Mormons and Their Historians. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1988.

  4. [4]

    “Letters to and from the Prophet,” ca. 1904, [3], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.

    Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.

  5. [5]

    See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

On 13 February 1844, JS wrote a letter from
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
, Illinois, to
Joseph L. Heywood,

1 Aug. 1815–16 Oct. 1910. Merchant, postmaster, U.S. marshal, hatter, farmer, lawyer. Born in Grafton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Benjamin Heywood and Hannah R. Leland. Moved to Illinois, spring 1838. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, fall 1839...

View Full Bio
in
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
, Illinois, declining his invitation to visit Quincy. Heywood had extended that invitation in a 7 February letter, in which he also informed JS about the prosperity of the Quincy
branch

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...

View Glossary
.
1

See Letter from Joseph L. Heywood, 7 Feb. 1844.


In his reply to Heywood, JS explained that although he would like to visit Quincy, it would be imprudent for him to do so. Not only was he very busy but he also thought it best to avoid hostile communities between Nauvoo and Quincy because of the possibility of another attempt to convey him to
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 ...

More Info
.
JS’s original letter to
Heywood

1 Aug. 1815–16 Oct. 1910. Merchant, postmaster, U.S. marshal, hatter, farmer, lawyer. Born in Grafton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Benjamin Heywood and Hannah R. Leland. Moved to Illinois, spring 1838. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, fall 1839...

View Full Bio
, is apparently not extant. A docket written by
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
on the version featured here indicates that it is a “Copy,” but the quality of inscription suggests that it is a draft rather than a fair copy of the finished letter. The letter was presumably sent and received, but there is no known response.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Letter from Joseph L. Heywood, 7 Feb. 1844.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Letter to Joseph L. Heywood, 13 February 1844
History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page [1]

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
Feby 13th. 1844
Dear
Brother [Joseph L.] Heywood

1 Aug. 1815–16 Oct. 1910. Merchant, postmaster, U.S. marshal, hatter, farmer, lawyer. Born in Grafton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Benjamin Heywood and Hannah R. Leland. Moved to Illinois, spring 1838. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, fall 1839...

View Full Bio
I sit down at this time to acknowledge the receipt of, and reciprocate the friendly feelings manifest in, yours of the 7th. inst,
1

See Letter from Joseph L. Heywood, 7 Feb. 1844.


and although surrounded by a press of business shall take pleasure in spending a few moments to reply.
I would take the greatest pleasure imaginable in coming down 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
on a visit to see you and all my friends in your
City

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
would business & circumstances permit, but it would be a matter of impossibility almost for me leave here home at the present time in consequence of a multitude of business which I have daily to attend to;
2

In the weeks before writing this letter, JS began his campaign for president of the United States. He held political meetings, presided over sessions of court, and, as mayor, met with the Nauvoo City Council. (See JS, Journal, 29–30 Jan. 1844; 5, 7–10, and 12 Feb. 1844.)


Moreover wisdom and prudence seem to forbid my coming on account of the bitter feeling which manifests itself in various places between this
place

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
and
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
,
3

At the time JS wrote this letter, overland travel was the only available route to Quincy. The Mississippi River sometimes froze over, and ice was typically a danger. In winter 1843–1844, it was not until the end of February that the river was free of ice and steamboats again began to operate. The most direct land route from Nauvoo to Quincy involved traveling through the southwestern part of Hancock County, Illinois, which was a center of hostility toward JS and the Latter-day Saints. Moreover, church member Daniel Avery and his son Philander were kidnapped in the area between Quincy and Nauvoo in November and December 1843. Both men were taken to Missouri and imprisoned. (See JS, Journal, 18, 20–22, and 27–28 Feb. 1844; “Nauvoo,” Burlington [VT] Sentinel, 26 Jan. 1844, [2]; “Nauvoo Ferry,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 18 Oct. 1843, [4]; News Item, Nauvoo Neighbor, 7 Feb. 1844, [2]; News Item, Nauvoo Neighbor, 28 Feb. 1844, [2]; “Kidnapping,” Times and Seasons, 1 Nov. 1843, 4:375; Affidavit from Dellmore Chapman and Letter to Thomas Ford, 6 Dec. 1843; Philander Avery, Affidavit, Nauvoo, IL, 20 Dec. 1843, copy, JS Office Papers, CHL; Affidavit from Daniel Avery, 28 Dec. 1843; and Andrew Hamilton and James Hamilton, Affidavit, Hancock Co., IL, 20 Dec. 1843, copy, JS Office Papers, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Burlington Sentinel. Burlington, VT. 1830–1844.

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

not that I have any apprehensions for my personal safety, for the same kind hand which hath hitherto been my shield and support would save me from the power of my wicked persecutors but you know something might grow out of it which would prompt my adversaries to get out another illegal writ
4

Missouri officials made three attempts to extradite JS between 1840 and 1843. In each instance, JS’s attorneys argued that he should be released because of deficiencies in legal documents. (See “The Late Proceedings,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1841, 2:448; “The Release of Gen. Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 2 Jan. 1843, 4:60; “Missouri vs Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1843, 4:243; and “Part 4: June–July 1843.”)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

and would eventually probably cost me <​some​> three or four thousand dollars as in other cases and under which I have still to labor to disadvantage
5

The most recent extradition attempt, in June 1843, cost JS $1,750 in attorney fees and $1,308.76 in other expenses for a total of $3,058.76. (Statement of Account, June 1843, copy, Emma Hale Smith Bidamon Financial Papers, 1843–1852, Bidamon Family Papers, CHL.)


Under these considerations therefore, I am compelled to decline paying you a visit for the present, at the same [p. [1]]
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Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Joseph L. Heywood, 13 February 1844
ID #
1269
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • William Clayton

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Letter from Joseph L. Heywood, 7 Feb. 1844.

  2. [2]

    In the weeks before writing this letter, JS began his campaign for president of the United States. He held political meetings, presided over sessions of court, and, as mayor, met with the Nauvoo City Council. (See JS, Journal, 29–30 Jan. 1844; 5, 7–10, and 12 Feb. 1844.)

  3. [3]

    At the time JS wrote this letter, overland travel was the only available route to Quincy. The Mississippi River sometimes froze over, and ice was typically a danger. In winter 1843–1844, it was not until the end of February that the river was free of ice and steamboats again began to operate. The most direct land route from Nauvoo to Quincy involved traveling through the southwestern part of Hancock County, Illinois, which was a center of hostility toward JS and the Latter-day Saints. Moreover, church member Daniel Avery and his son Philander were kidnapped in the area between Quincy and Nauvoo in November and December 1843. Both men were taken to Missouri and imprisoned. (See JS, Journal, 18, 20–22, and 27–28 Feb. 1844; “Nauvoo,” Burlington [VT] Sentinel, 26 Jan. 1844, [2]; “Nauvoo Ferry,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 18 Oct. 1843, [4]; News Item, Nauvoo Neighbor, 7 Feb. 1844, [2]; News Item, Nauvoo Neighbor, 28 Feb. 1844, [2]; “Kidnapping,” Times and Seasons, 1 Nov. 1843, 4:375; Affidavit from Dellmore Chapman and Letter to Thomas Ford, 6 Dec. 1843; Philander Avery, Affidavit, Nauvoo, IL, 20 Dec. 1843, copy, JS Office Papers, CHL; Affidavit from Daniel Avery, 28 Dec. 1843; and Andrew Hamilton and James Hamilton, Affidavit, Hancock Co., IL, 20 Dec. 1843, copy, JS Office Papers, CHL.)

    Burlington Sentinel. Burlington, VT. 1830–1844.

    Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  4. [4]

    Missouri officials made three attempts to extradite JS between 1840 and 1843. In each instance, JS’s attorneys argued that he should be released because of deficiencies in legal documents. (See “The Late Proceedings,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1841, 2:448; “The Release of Gen. Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 2 Jan. 1843, 4:60; “Missouri vs Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1843, 4:243; and “Part 4: June–July 1843.”)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  5. [5]

    The most recent extradition attempt, in June 1843, cost JS $1,750 in attorney fees and $1,308.76 in other expenses for a total of $3,058.76. (Statement of Account, June 1843, copy, Emma Hale Smith Bidamon Financial Papers, 1843–1852, Bidamon Family Papers, CHL.)

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