Letter from Joseph L. Heywood, 23 October 1843

Genl. Jos. Smith

Dr Sir

In a conversation with of this place a short time since. he expressed in very warm terms, feelings of sympathy for the wrongs yourself & Bretheren suffered in , as well as his sense of the vindictive feelings the authorities of that still manifested towards you personally.

has not yet had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with yourself altho, he says he had the pleasure of meeting your at her sister’s residence on Rock– River. has been written by the Hon B. Rhett of S. Carolina upon the subject of the Persecution & thinks of all men he would be the best qualified to present a petition in our behalf— & says should such an arrangement meet your approbation he will use his influence in favor of a petition & says he knows of some Honorable men in whom he has no doubt are anxious to wipe off the stain that rests upon them by some just—