On 22 September 1843, in , Illinois, wrote a note to JS seeking permission to utilize unused building materials for Richards’s new home. Since 1 May 1843, Willard and had been living in on the southeast corner of the intersection of Water and Granger streets. In early August, Willard Richards began building a home southeast of the intersection of White and Partridge streets. Still living at JS’s store, Richards noticed that certain building materials intended for a “house near the brick store” remained unused. Needing the lumber and other materials for his own house, Richards apparently asked the if he could make use of the idle supplies. After the temple committee indicated that he could, Richards wrote to JS asking him to affirm the committee’s decision. Before sending the note to JS, Richards added a second question seeking clarification on the performance of proxy for deceased individuals. Though Richards dated the note 22 September 1842, his journal and evidence of construction on his home in the second half of 1843 suggest that he wrote the note in 1843.

Given his close relationship with JS and service as his scribe, likely delivered this note personally. On 23 September 1843, JS read and responded to the queries. Richards recorded JS’s permission for him to use the building materials in a notation on the verso of the document.