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Letter to Vienna Jaques, 4 September 1833

Source Note

JS, Letter,
Kirtland Township

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
, Geauga Co., OH, to
Vienna Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
,
Independence

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

More Info
, Jackson Co., MO, 4 Sept. 1833; sent copy; handwriting of
Frederick G. Williams

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

View Full Bio
; three pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes address, postal markings, dockets, and use marks.
Bifolium measuring 8⅛ × 6⅛ inches (21 × 16 cm). The letter was trifolded twice, addressed, and sealed with a red adhesive wafer. On the verso of the second leaf, a docket in the handwriting of Leo Hawkins reads: “Sept 4. 1833 | Joseph Smith | to |
Vienna Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
”.
1

Though many others spelled her name “Jacques,” as well as a variety of other spellings, extant evidence indicates that Vienna consistently spelled her last name “Jaques.” (Photograph of Vienna Jaques, ca. 1867, George Albert Smith, Miscellaneous Portraits, ca. 1862–1873, CHL; Vienna Jaques, Salt Lake City, to Brigham Young, 2 July 1870, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833, in Doctrine and Covenants 84:7, 1835 ed. [D&C 90:28].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Miscellaneous Portraits, ca. 1862–1873. CHL. PH 5962. The original portrait of Vienna Jaques within this collection is in private possession.

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

A piece measuring 4⅝ × 4⅜ inches (12 × 11 cm) that contained JS’s signature was cut from the second leaf. When the page was cut, the descenders of the last line of text on the recto were cut off, as well as part of the address and postage on the verso. The recto of the second leaf has a docket in the handwriting of John L. Smith written presumably at the time the signature was cut out: “This letter was sighned | by Joseph Smith own | Hand— which autograph | was cut off by Pres. B | Young March 4th 1859 | The letter was also | written by Joseph Smith’s | own hand.”
2

Under the date of 4 March 1859, the Historian’s Office journal records that “Pres. Young sent over to the Historian Office after the autograph of Joseph Smith. which was furnished him from a letter that Joseph wrote himself & sent to Vienna Jaques.” (Historian’s Office, Journal, 4 Mar. 1859.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

An equation in unidentified handwriting appears on the verso of the second leaf: “553 | 279 | 274”. The letter has undergone conservation.
The letter bears notations that match the excerpted copy of the letter found in the addenda of JS’s manuscript history.
3

JS History, vol. A-1, addenda, 1–2.


If the markings were made to prepare the letter to be copied into the manuscript history, the letter would have been in the possession of the Church Historian’s Office by the end of May 1845.
4

Historian’s Office, Journal, 28 May 1845.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

The docket inscribed by John L. Smith indicates that the letter was certainly in the custody of the Historian’s Office by March 1859.
5

The Historian’s Office journal includes a transcript of this letter after an entry dated 15 February 1859. (Historian’s Office, Journal, 15 Feb. 1859.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Though many others spelled her name “Jacques,” as well as a variety of other spellings, extant evidence indicates that Vienna consistently spelled her last name “Jaques.” (Photograph of Vienna Jaques, ca. 1867, George Albert Smith, Miscellaneous Portraits, ca. 1862–1873, CHL; Vienna Jaques, Salt Lake City, to Brigham Young, 2 July 1870, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833, in Doctrine and Covenants 84:7, 1835 ed. [D&C 90:28].)

    Smith, George Albert. Miscellaneous Portraits, ca. 1862–1873. CHL. PH 5962. The original portrait of Vienna Jaques within this collection is in private possession.

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

  2. [2]

    Under the date of 4 March 1859, the Historian’s Office journal records that “Pres. Young sent over to the Historian Office after the autograph of Joseph Smith. which was furnished him from a letter that Joseph wrote himself & sent to Vienna Jaques.” (Historian’s Office, Journal, 4 Mar. 1859.)

    Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

  3. [3]

    JS History, vol. A-1, addenda, 1–2.

  4. [4]

    Historian’s Office, Journal, 28 May 1845.

    Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

  5. [5]

    The Historian’s Office journal includes a transcript of this letter after an entry dated 15 February 1859. (Historian’s Office, Journal, 15 Feb. 1859.)

    Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

Historical Introduction

In 1831,
Vienna Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
, an unmarried woman in her forties, converted to the
Church of Christ

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
. In the early 1830s, Jaques resided in
Boston

Capital city of Massachusetts, located on eastern seaboard at mouth of Charles River. Founded by Puritans, 1630. Received city charter, 1822. Population in 1820 about 43,000; in 1830 about 61,000; and in 1840 about 93,000. JS’s ancestor Robert Smith emigrated...

More Info
, where she, “by patient toil and strict economy, had accumlated considerable means for those times.” While in Boston, Jaques had affiliated with a Methodist Episcopal church, but when she heard of JS and of the Book of Mormon, she traveled 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
, Ohio, met JS, and was
baptized

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
.
1

George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

She returned to Boston, and in the summer of 1832, she assisted
Samuel Smith

13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811...

View Full Bio
and
Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
in raising a small branch of the Church of Christ in Boston and the surrounding area.
2

According to one Boston area newspaper, “Mormonite preachers have recently visited this city, and made about 15 converts to their strange doctrines, who have been baptised and joined the Mormon church.” According to Orson Hyde’s and Samuel Smith’s journals, during that summer the two men also preached in areas surrounding Boston and once lodged at Jaques’s second home in Fox Point wharf, near Providence, Rhode Island. (See “Mormonism,” American Traveller [Boston], 28 Aug. 1832, [2]; Samuel Smith, Diary, 22 June–7 Aug. 1832; and Hyde, Journal, 25 June–7 Aug. 1832.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

American Traveller. Boston. 1825–1844.

Smith, Samuel. Diary, Feb. 1832–May 1833. CHL. MS 4213.

Hyde, Orson. Journal, Feb. 1832–Mar. 1833. CHL. MS 1386.

That same summer Jaques decided to collect her means and again travel to Kirtland to gather with the Mormons.
3

George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

She arrived in Kirtland by November 1832 and remained there until the spring of 1833.
4

A copy of the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon that apparently belonged to Vienna Jaques is held at the Church History Library. On the first page of the book is inscribed the following: “The Writeing above is Joseph Smith’ own handwriteing which he wrote, the day he gave the book me Vienna Jaques on the 22d of November 1832.” This note, apparently written by Jaques, follows a notation written by JS: “Vienna Jaque[s] Book Novem 22d. 1832.” A letter JS wrote to Missouri in late November 1832 indicates that Jaques was in Kirtland by that time. (Letter to William W. Phelps, 27 Nov. 1832.)


By 8 March 1833, the day a JS revelation directed
Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
to relocate to
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

More Info
, Missouri, Jaques had
consecrated

The dedicating of money, lands, goods, or one’s own life for sacred purposes. Both the New Testament and Book of Mormon referred to some groups having “all things common” economically; the Book of Mormon also referred to individuals who consecrated or dedicated...

View Glossary
a substantial sum of money to the church.
5

Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–31].


The precise amount of money that Jaques donated is uncertain. In the summer of 1832, an article published in the
Boston

Capital city of Massachusetts, located on eastern seaboard at mouth of Charles River. Founded by Puritans, 1630. Received city charter, 1822. Population in 1820 about 43,000; in 1830 about 61,000; and in 1840 about 93,000. JS’s ancestor Robert Smith emigrated...

More Info
newspaper American Traveller stated that several members of the Church of Christ branch in Boston contemplated “going to the west” for the “promised land.” The article reported that two women had left and that they had taken with them all their wealth. These two women “had acquired by industry, one 1500 and the other 800 dollars, which they have given up to go into the general stock.” The article did not name these women, but one of them was likely Jaques, as she immigrated 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
in the summer or fall of 1832, around the same time the women in the article departed. No other contemporary accounts mention Jaques or the financial situation of women immigrating to Kirtland at this time.
6

“Mormonism,” American Traveller (Boston), 28 Aug. 1832, [2]. Later histories stated the amount donated by Jaques was $1,400. However, neither the evidence cited in those histories nor extant contemporaneous evidence corroborates that figure. According to Edward Tullidge’s Women of Mormondom, published in 1877, Jaques “went to Kirtland in 1833, being a single lady and very wealthy. When she arrived in Kirtland she donated all of her property to the church.” It is not clear if Tullidge interviewed Jaques for this publication. One obituary for Jaques similarly states that she collected her “considerable means” and that “by her liberality rendered” much “pecuniary assistance to the Church in its infancy.” Another obituary simply stated, “She was well known and widely respected for her life-long integrity and many virtues of character.” (Tullidge, Women of Mormondom, 441; George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152; “Vienna Jacques Dead,” Deseret News [Salt Lake City], 13 Feb. 1884, 49.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

American Traveller. Boston. 1825–1844.

Tullidge, Edward W. The Women of Mormondom. New York: Tullidge and Crandall, 1877.

Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

Deseret News. Salt Lake City. 1850–.

Whatever the amount, Jaques’s consecration came at a propitious time. Church leaders were in the midst of contracting to purchase several parcels of land in Kirtland and needed additional funds to carry out such agreements. Jaques’s contribution, as JS wrote in this letter, “proved a Savior of life as pertaining to [JS’s] pecunary concern.”
By 30 April 1833,
Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
had not yet left for
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

More Info
, Missouri, as she had been directed to do by the 8 March 1833 revelation. A
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
of
high priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
convened that day and “decided that Sister Vean Jaqush [Vienna Jaques] should not immediately procede on her Journy to
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
but to wait untill
William Hobert

Ca. 1813–Oct. 1833. Typographer. Directed to accompany recent Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convert Vienna Jaques from Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, to Jackson Co., Missouri, June 1833. Intended to work for The Evening and the Morning Star newspaper...

View Full Bio
gets ready and go in company with him.” Jaques and Hobert probably left sometime before mid-May and arrived in
Independence

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

More Info
, Missouri, by 7 June. Jaques experienced considerable hardship on the journey when Hobert “was afflicted with a delirium, which for a short time entirely deprived him of his natural intellect.”
7

Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–30]; Minutes, 30 Apr. 1833; Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 2 July 1833; “Obituary,” The Evening and the Morning Star, Dec. 1833, 117.


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Evening and the Morning Star. Independence, MO, June 1832–July 1833; Kirtland, OH, Dec. 1833–Sept. 1834.

What is more, in July, just weeks after Jaques arrived in Jackson County, anti-Mormon violence erupted as county residents intended to force members of the Church of Christ to leave their lands.
8

See Letter from John Whitmer, 29 July 1833.


Jaques was an eyewitness to the tarring and feathering of
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...

View Full Bio
and other violent actions in Jackson County later that month, including the razing of the church’s
print shop

JS revelations, dated 20 July and 1 Aug. 1831, directed establishment of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’s first printing office in Independence, Missouri. Dedicated by Bishop Edward Partridge, 29 May 1832. Located on Lot 76, on Liberty Street...

More Info
. According to Jaques’s later statement, during the attack on the print shop, she was attempting to gather pages from the partially printed Book of Commandments that “were thrown into the streets” when a “mobber came a long and remarked to her, ‘Madam this is only a prelude to what you have to suffer.’”
9

Vienna Jaques, Statement, 22 Feb. 1859, CHL; see also [Edward Partridge], “A History, of the Persecution,” Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:18.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jaques, Vienna. Statement, 22 Feb. 1859. CHL. MS 3172.

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

Jaques

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
wrote to JS sometime after her arrival in
Independence

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Latter-day Saint population...

More Info
, but her letter, which included “a history of [her] Journey and [her] safe arival,” has not been located. JS stated that both Jaques’s earlier letter and his own spiritual promptings led him to write the letter featured here. In the letter, JS expressed his gratitude for her safe arrival in Independence, reflected on the contemporary plight and future destiny of
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

View Glossary
, shared news of church growth and
temple

JS revelation, dated Jan. 1831, directed Latter-day Saints to migrate to Ohio, where they would “be endowed with power from on high.” In Dec. 1832, JS revelation directed Saints to “establish . . . an house of God.” JS revelation, dated 1 June 1833, chastened...

More Info
construction in
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
and reports of missionary success in the East, provided instructions for
Bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
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...

View Full Bio
, and gave comments about or intended for mutual acquaintances.
10

JS earlier stated that letters to Missouri were meant to be available to all church members. (Letter to Edward Partridge, 2 May 1833.)


This document is the earliest surviving letter that JS addressed specifically to a woman other than his own wife
Emma Hale Smith

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...

View Full Bio
. The letter was postmarked on 11 September 1833, and though no extant record mentions its reception, it would have likely arrived in
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

More Info
in early October, just weeks before violence there resumed.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152.

    Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

  2. [2]

    According to one Boston area newspaper, “Mormonite preachers have recently visited this city, and made about 15 converts to their strange doctrines, who have been baptised and joined the Mormon church.” According to Orson Hyde’s and Samuel Smith’s journals, during that summer the two men also preached in areas surrounding Boston and once lodged at Jaques’s second home in Fox Point wharf, near Providence, Rhode Island. (See “Mormonism,” American Traveller [Boston], 28 Aug. 1832, [2]; Samuel Smith, Diary, 22 June–7 Aug. 1832; and Hyde, Journal, 25 June–7 Aug. 1832.)

    American Traveller. Boston. 1825–1844.

    Smith, Samuel. Diary, Feb. 1832–May 1833. CHL. MS 4213.

    Hyde, Orson. Journal, Feb. 1832–Mar. 1833. CHL. MS 1386.

  3. [3]

    George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152.

    Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

  4. [4]

    A copy of the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon that apparently belonged to Vienna Jaques is held at the Church History Library. On the first page of the book is inscribed the following: “The Writeing above is Joseph Smith’ own handwriteing which he wrote, the day he gave the book me Vienna Jaques on the 22d of November 1832.” This note, apparently written by Jaques, follows a notation written by JS: “Vienna Jaque[s] Book Novem 22d. 1832.” A letter JS wrote to Missouri in late November 1832 indicates that Jaques was in Kirtland by that time. (Letter to William W. Phelps, 27 Nov. 1832.)

  5. [5]

    Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–31].

  6. [6]

    “Mormonism,” American Traveller (Boston), 28 Aug. 1832, [2]. Later histories stated the amount donated by Jaques was $1,400. However, neither the evidence cited in those histories nor extant contemporaneous evidence corroborates that figure. According to Edward Tullidge’s Women of Mormondom, published in 1877, Jaques “went to Kirtland in 1833, being a single lady and very wealthy. When she arrived in Kirtland she donated all of her property to the church.” It is not clear if Tullidge interviewed Jaques for this publication. One obituary for Jaques similarly states that she collected her “considerable means” and that “by her liberality rendered” much “pecuniary assistance to the Church in its infancy.” Another obituary simply stated, “She was well known and widely respected for her life-long integrity and many virtues of character.” (Tullidge, Women of Mormondom, 441; George Hamlin, “In Memoriam,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Mar. 1884, 12:152; “Vienna Jacques Dead,” Deseret News [Salt Lake City], 13 Feb. 1884, 49.)

    American Traveller. Boston. 1825–1844.

    Tullidge, Edward W. The Women of Mormondom. New York: Tullidge and Crandall, 1877.

    Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

    Deseret News. Salt Lake City. 1850–.

  7. [7]

    Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–30]; Minutes, 30 Apr. 1833; Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 2 July 1833; “Obituary,” The Evening and the Morning Star, Dec. 1833, 117.

    The Evening and the Morning Star. Independence, MO, June 1832–July 1833; Kirtland, OH, Dec. 1833–Sept. 1834.

  8. [8]

    See Letter from John Whitmer, 29 July 1833.

  9. [9]

    Vienna Jaques, Statement, 22 Feb. 1859, CHL; see also [Edward Partridge], “A History, of the Persecution,” Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:18.

    Jaques, Vienna. Statement, 22 Feb. 1859. CHL. MS 3172.

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

  10. [10]

    JS earlier stated that letters to Missouri were meant to be available to all church members. (Letter to Edward Partridge, 2 May 1833.)

Page [1]

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
Sept 4th 1833——
Dear
Siste[r]

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
Having a few Leisur moments I sit down to communicate to you a few wordes which I know I am under obligation to improve for to your Satisfaction if it should be a satisfaction for you to receive a few words from your unworthy brother in Christ, I received your Letter some time since containing a history of your Journey and your safe arival for which I bless the Lord
1

In response to an early report of Jaques’s safe arrival, the presidency of the church remarked, “We rejoiced greatly to hear of the safe arival of Sister Viana and brother William [Hobert] and thank our heavenly father that their lives have been spared them till their arival.” (Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 2 July 1833.)


I have often felt a whispering since I received your letter like this Joseph thou art indebted to thy God for the offering of thy
Sister Viana [Vienna Jaques]

10 June 1787–7 Feb. 1884. Laundress, nurse. Born in Beverly, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Daughter of Henry Jaques and Lucinda Hughes. Lived in Boston, 1827–1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by E. Harris, 12 July 1831. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
which proved a Savior of life as pertaining to thy pecunary concern therefor she should not be forgotten of thee for the Lord hath done this and thou shouldst remember her in all thy prayers and also by letter for she oftentimes calleth on the Lord saying O Lord inspire thy Servant Joseph to communicate by letter some word to thine unworthy handmaid canst thou not speak peaciably unto thine handmaid
2

See Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28].


and say all my sins are forgiven and art thou not content with the chastisement wherewith thou hast chastised thy handmaid yea siste[r] this seams to be the whisperings of a spirit and Judge ye what spirit it is I was sensable, when you left
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
that the Lord would chasten you
3

Members of the Church of Christ viewed chastisement as a manifestation of divine love that had a salutary, disciplining effect, turning ordinary believers into true disciples. Several months earlier, a revelation expressed this idea: “Verily thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation and I have loved you.” (Revelation, 1 June 1833 [D&C 95:1]; see also Hebrews 12:5–11.)


but I pray<​ed​> fervantly in the name of Jesus that you might live to receive your
inheritance

Generally referred to land promised by or received from God for the church and its members. A January 1831 revelation promised church members a land of inheritance. In March and May 1831, JS dictated revelations commanding members “to purchase lands for an...

View Glossary
agreeable to the
commandm[e]nt

Generally, a divine mandate that church members were expected to obey; more specifically, a text dictated by JS in the first-person voice of Deity that served to communicate knowledge and instruction to JS and his followers. Occasionally, other inspired texts...

View Glossary
which was given concerning you
4

Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–31].


I am not at all astonished at what has happened to you neithe[r] to what has happened to
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

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5

In the weeks before this letter was drafted, JS wrote to church leaders in Missouri in a more sympathetic tone. He encouraged them to “be of good cheer” and hoped that his letters would “refresh the hearts and revi[v]e the spir[i]ts” of those afflicted. (Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 10 Aug. 1833; Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 18 Aug. 1833.)


and I could tell all the why’s & wherefores of all there calamities
6

The “why’s & wherefores of all there calamities” were later explained in a December 1833 revelation: “Behold I say unto you there were jar[r]ings and contentions envyings and strifes and lustful and covetous desires among them Therefore by these things they poluted their inheritances they were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God Therefore the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers to answer them in the day of their trouble In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my council but in the day of their trouble of necessity they feel after me.” (Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:6–8]; for examples of this behavior during the previous two years, see Letter to William W. Phelps, 31 July 1832; Letter to William W. Phelps, 11 Jan. 1833; and Letter to Edward Partridge et al., 14 Jan. 1833.)


but alas it is in vain to warn and give precepts for all men are naturally disposed to walk in their own paths as they are pointed out by their own fingers and are not willing to considder and walk in the path which is pointed out by another saying this is the way walk ye in it
7

See Isaiah 30:21.


altho he should be an uner[r]ing director and the Lord his God sent him
8

JS issued a similar warning in a January 1833 letter: “Repent, is the voice of God, to Zion, & yet strange as it may appear, yet it is true mankind will presist in self Justification until all their eniquity is exposed & their character past being redeemed, & that which is treasured up in their hearts be exposed to the gaze of mankind.” (Letter to William W. Phelps, 11 Jan. 1833; see also Revelation, 1 Nov. 1831–B [D&C 1:13–16].)


nevertheless I do not feel disposed to cast any reflections but I feel to cry mightily unto the Lord
9

See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 453 [3 Nephi 1:12].


that all things might work together for good which has happened
10

See Romans 8:28; Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:24]; and Revelation, 6 Aug. 1833 [D&C 98:3]. One month after this letter was written, another revelation similarly stated, “Therefore let your hearts be comforted for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly and to the sactifycation [sanctification] of the church for I will raise up unto myself a pure people that will serve me in righteousness and all that call on the name of the Lord and keep his commandments shall be saved.” (Revelation, 12 Oct. 1833 [D&C 100:15–17].)


yea I feel to say O Lord let
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

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be comforted let her waste places be built up and established an hundred fold
11

See Isaiah 51:3.


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Page [1]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Vienna Jaques, 4 September 1833
ID #
180
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D3:288–296
Handwriting on This Page
  • Frederick G. Williams

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    In response to an early report of Jaques’s safe arrival, the presidency of the church remarked, “We rejoiced greatly to hear of the safe arival of Sister Viana and brother William [Hobert] and thank our heavenly father that their lives have been spared them till their arival.” (Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 2 July 1833.)

  2. [2]

    See Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28].

  3. [3]

    Members of the Church of Christ viewed chastisement as a manifestation of divine love that had a salutary, disciplining effect, turning ordinary believers into true disciples. Several months earlier, a revelation expressed this idea: “Verily thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation and I have loved you.” (Revelation, 1 June 1833 [D&C 95:1]; see also Hebrews 12:5–11.)

  4. [4]

    Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:28–31].

  5. [5]

    In the weeks before this letter was drafted, JS wrote to church leaders in Missouri in a more sympathetic tone. He encouraged them to “be of good cheer” and hoped that his letters would “refresh the hearts and revi[v]e the spir[i]ts” of those afflicted. (Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 10 Aug. 1833; Letter to Church Leaders in Jackson Co., MO, 18 Aug. 1833.)

  6. [6]

    The “why’s & wherefores of all there calamities” were later explained in a December 1833 revelation: “Behold I say unto you there were jar[r]ings and contentions envyings and strifes and lustful and covetous desires among them Therefore by these things they poluted their inheritances they were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God Therefore the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers to answer them in the day of their trouble In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my council but in the day of their trouble of necessity they feel after me.” (Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:6–8]; for examples of this behavior during the previous two years, see Letter to William W. Phelps, 31 July 1832; Letter to William W. Phelps, 11 Jan. 1833; and Letter to Edward Partridge et al., 14 Jan. 1833.)

  7. [7]

    See Isaiah 30:21.

  8. [8]

    JS issued a similar warning in a January 1833 letter: “Repent, is the voice of God, to Zion, & yet strange as it may appear, yet it is true mankind will presist in self Justification until all their eniquity is exposed & their character past being redeemed, & that which is treasured up in their hearts be exposed to the gaze of mankind.” (Letter to William W. Phelps, 11 Jan. 1833; see also Revelation, 1 Nov. 1831–B [D&C 1:13–16].)

  9. [9]

    See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 453 [3 Nephi 1:12].

  10. [10]

    See Romans 8:28; Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:24]; and Revelation, 6 Aug. 1833 [D&C 98:3]. One month after this letter was written, another revelation similarly stated, “Therefore let your hearts be comforted for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly and to the sactifycation [sanctification] of the church for I will raise up unto myself a pure people that will serve me in righteousness and all that call on the name of the Lord and keep his commandments shall be saved.” (Revelation, 12 Oct. 1833 [D&C 100:15–17].)

  11. [11]

    See Isaiah 51:3.

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