Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845
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Source Note
Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845; handwriting of Martha Jane Knowlton Coray and ; 240 pages, with miscellaneous inserted pages; CHL.Note: , the mother of Joseph Smith, dictated this rough draft version of her history to Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (with some additional scribal help from Martha’s husband, ) beginning in 1844 and concluding in 1845. In 1845, the Corays inscribed a fair copy of the history under Lucy’s direction.
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Historical Introduction
In June 1844, the church suffered the loss of its president and prophet, JS, and his brother, church patriarch . The Smith family, already devastated, endured another heartbreak a few weeks later with the death of JS’s brother . That fall their widowed mother, , perhaps in part as a salve to her grief, began recording her family’s story. Writing to her only surviving son, , on 23 January 1845, Smith informed him, “I have by the council of the 12 [Apostles] undertaken a history of the family, that is my Fathers Family and my own.” She added:People are often enquiring of me the particulars of Joseph’s getting the plates seeing the angels at first and many other thing which Joseph never wrote or published I have told over many things pertaining to these matters to different persons to gratify their curiosity indeed have almost destroyed my lungs giving these recitals to those who felt anxious to hear them I have now concluded to write down every particular as far as possible and if those who wish to read them will help me a little they can have it all in one piece to read at their leasure—To help defray the cost of publication she asked William to start a subscription to raise about $100 to buy paper to print her history (Lucy Mack Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to William Smith, 23 Jan. 1845, CHL).Later that year on 8 October, at a general conference of the church being held in the , spoke of the completion of her project. According to the conference minutes she “gave notice that she had written her history, and wished it printed before we leave this place” (“Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, 1 Nov. 1845, 6:1014). However, arrangements could not be made for its publication prior to the Saints’ departure from Nauvoo. It was eventually printed by in 1853 in , England.Years later, Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, writing from Provo, Utah, in June 1865, responded to a request from for information regarding her role in the drafting and publication of ’s history. Regarding Smith, Coray wrote, “I was her amanuensis at the time the Book was written.” She then cited her own practice of “noting down everything, I heard and read which possessed any peculiar interest to me. . . . I was occupied, from time to time as occasion offered, in making notes of sermons, and other things which I thought reliable such as: discourses by yourself, the twelve, and other responsible men.” She then related that this practice “made it an easy task for me to transmit to paper” what Smith dictated to her. She added, “ and Joseph were dead, and thus without their aid, she [Lucy] attempted to prosecute the work, relying chiefly upon her memory. . . . There were two Manuscripts prepared, one copy was given to Mother Smith, and the other retained in the Church” (Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, Provo, UT, to Brigham Young, 13 June 1865, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL).The two completed manuscripts Coray referenced in her letter to were preceded by a draft, sometimes referred to as the “rough draft manuscript.” Martha Jane Coray and her husband, , composed this draft as they met with during the fall and winter 1844–1845. Then, in early 1845, utilizing the rough draft and other notes and sources, the Corays apparently penned two revised, or “fair,” copies. The sole extant fair version is titled “The History of Lucy Smith Mother of the Prophet.” Miscellaneous fragments included with the rough draft copy suggest that the Corays may also have produced an intermediate draft prior to transcribing the two fair copies. Assuming an intermediate draft once existed in some form, most of it has been lost.obtained a U.S. copyright for her manuscript on 18 July 1845. (Copyright for Lucy Mack Smith, “The History of Lucy Smith,” 18 Juy 1845, Robert Harris, Copyright Registry Records for Works Concerning the Mormons to 1870, CHL). According to the “History of Brigham Young,” on 10 November of that same year, and several members of the Twelve “consulted on the subject of purchasing the copy right of Mother Smith’s History; and concluded to settle with Brother for his labor in compiling the same” (History of the Church, 7:519). No currently extant record indicates whether Smith was actually approached about selling her copyright to the church, nor is it known if the Corays were compensated as indicated above.As previously noted, one of the two prepared fair copies was given to by the Corays. There are varying accounts regarding what happened next, but by March 1853, Smith’s copy was in the possession of in . Pratt took it to England where he had it printed by the end of that summer under the title Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations, by Lucy Smith, Mother of the Prophet. The fair copy adapted for the , England, publication by Pratt apparently is no longer extant.The second fair copy was apparently given to the church before the Saints departed from and was taken west by them. An entry for “Mother Smith’s History” is listed in the first extant Historian’s Office inventory, compiled in Nauvoo in 1846 by clerk . Records of a 4 April 1855 inventory of the Historian’s Office included an entry for “Mother Smiths Mss History” (Schedule of Church Records. Nauvoo 1846,” [1]; “Inventory, Historian’s Office, 4th April 1855,” [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL). It seems that the Corays retained the rough draft and transported it to Utah.had not consulted with or other church leaders before publishing the 1853 edition of ’s history. Young had not authorized its publication and believed it contained historical errors. In 1865, Young and his counselors in the First Presidency of the church formally recalled the Liverpool edition. According to ’s journal for 22 April 1866, Young asked Woodruff to request church historian and JS’s uncle, , to revise the text so that it could be reissued in a corrected edition. However, despite expectations, a revised version was not issued during Young’s lifetime. It was not until 1901 that the church released an authorized edition, in serial form in the Improvement Era. The serial began in the November 1901 issue under the title “History of the Prophet Joseph Smith” and concluded in the January 1903 issue. When published in book form in 1902, it bore the title History of the Prophet Joseph Smith by His Mother Lucy Smith as Revised by George A. Smith and Elias Smith. Subsequently, other popular editions have appeared.Much of the value of ’s account lies in her offering a wife and mother’s perspective on her family’s role in the early church. She illuminates the family setting that fostered the birth of Mormonism and retells incidents and interactions recounted nowhere else. Though there are errors in the dating of some events and occasionally in place and individual names, overall her account is of inestimable value, providing a rarely heard woman’s voice as it traces JS’s life from beginning to end. She was present at many seminal events and offered insights no one else could provide.Beginning with details of her New England ancestors, related an account of her family’s early experiences and support of JS during the founding era of the church. Adversity and persecution are vividly evident, as are hard work, faith, love, and testimony. Many details that we know about early church history can be attributed to Lucy, such as JS’s leg operation when he was a child; the death of JS’s oldest brother, ; the dreams, visions, and blessings of ; and a wife and mother’s grief as she buries her “beloved husband” and many of her children. She also provided details and perspective about missions, moves, travels, mobbings, and arrests that are not available elsewhere.Published here is the 1844–1845 rough draft. (The Corays’ 1845 fair copy retained by the church is also available on this website.)
Document Transcript
no more of my brother untill the letter came 20 yea[rs] after—— thence to 2 <years> Dead wife dead one daugter alive
Having attained my 62 year, and being offlicted with a complication of disease and infirmities, many of which have been brought upon me by the cruelty of an ungodly and hard hearted world; and do many <at> <often— times> times threaten to put a period to my Earthly existence, I feel it <a privilege as well as> my duty <to all can> and my priveledge <Candid inquirers after truth> to give (as my last testimony to a world from whence I must soon take my departure) an account, not particularly <exclusively> of my own manne[r] of life from my youth up, but after saying somewhat concerning my ancestors, as well as myself, to trace carefully up, ev en from the cradle to the grave The footsteps of some <the circumsttances> the manner of whose life and <death> as <have been such> such as <are calculated> to excite in the minds intense of int cur<iosity> in the minds of all who ever knew them personally or shall hear of them hereafter. And inasmuch as none no one on earth <is so thorougholy acquainted)> do know as fully as myself <with> the entire history of those of whom I speak and all those intimately connected with them I have been induced by these and other considerations to assume the task of not only tracing them through during their own individual existences throug <all the windings, and vicisstudes of> a life checkered with many ills; but likewise to give a sketch of their forefathers <progenitors> and the dealing of God with <them> also.
I will firstly take up an old document which I have in my possession writen by my in the 80 year of his age and from which I shall perhaps make a n [p. [1], bk. [1]]umber of extracts before I get through <conclude my> with my detail <narrative>
My Parents (My Father) writes as follows. I was born in in the town of Lime near the mouth of the Connecticut river Sept 26— 1735 My Parents<Father> were <was> <a man> people of a large property, lived in good style, <&> commanding <commanded> all that respect which is ever paid to those <who> living <live> <in> fine circumstances and strict habits of morality. and for some length of time, they lived in peace and plenty, enjoing <all> the good of their labors. But at length a series of misfortunes visited them occasioned, in most instances, by the perfidy of their fellow <man> which reduced by degrees till at last they came to penury and want to that extent that A once happy and flourishing family wer compelled to disperse and throw themselves upo[n] the charity of <a cold,>an unfeeling world.
I was bound to a farmer in the neighborhood As is too commonly the case, I was considered rather as a Slave than as a member of the family, and instead of allowing me the priviledges of common hospitality and a claim to, that kind of protection due to helpless and indigent children, I was treated by my Master as his property and not as his fellow mortal.
Soon after I left my Master, (which <was> I did at the age of 21 years) I enlisted in the service<s> of My Country under the command of capt. Henry; and was annexed to the regiment commanded by Col Whiting. I marched from to fort Edwards and was in a severe battle fought at half way brook <in> 1755. In the year 1757, I was in the Kings se[r]vice and being one morning out on a short excu[r]sion with a friend named Webster, I was traveling along about 20 rods in <advance> of my companion [p. 2, bk. [1]] When, behold! a small company of Indians sudenly, rushed <sudenly> upon my view; armed with Tomma hawks scalping knives and Guns. I had no weapon of defence, but a walking stick. However, I hit upon a stratgem that served my purpose excellently <admirably>. I Called out at the top my voice; Rush on! Rush on My boys, we’ll have the Devils, We we’ll have the Devils. My friend, appearing in sight just at that Moment, they took fright, and fled for life, and I saw no more of them
Soon In the year 1758, I enlisted under Maj. Spencer, went over the lakes, <&> was in a severe battle; Where Lord Howe was killed. The next day, we attempted to march to the brast work but were <compelled> to retreat of with loss of 500 men. In the engagement, a ball passed under my chin, within an inch of my neck; but I e[s]caped unhurt. The <the> enemy went to ticonderga recruitd and came after us The sentiles [sentinels] gave word that we were surro[u]nded Maj Putnam led us out Maj Rogers brought up the rear the Indians lay in a semicircular position round us Maj Putnam led us through their ranks They fired upon us. Took Maj Putnam who was rescued by a French Lieu. The enemy rose like a cloud fired a volly upon us my being in front brought me in the rear we were pursued I turned a little to the right I saw a tremendous windfall befores me which seemed insurmountable but the Tommahawks encompassed me and bullets flew round my ears like hail. I thought I could at least make the <effort> I gave it <a> <one> spring and cleared the whole mass the Indians hesitated I lookek [looked] one side saw a man badly wounded I siezed him an[d] got him with myself into the main body of our men with out receiving any farther injury. [p. 3, bk. [1]]
The battle commenced in the morning lasted till three P.M. Half of our men were killed wounded and taken we wer compelled to Send to Fort edwards for assistance to carry our wounded they being 80 in number or more the distance 14 miles I was almost worn out but I went to for stores and returned to the army It was now fall I went home and tarried the ensueing winter In the spring of 1759 I again enlisted for another campaign I went to crown point. About this time I b[e]came acquainted with an amiable and accomplished young woman a school Teacher by the name of Lydia Gates the daughter of Nathan and Lydia Gates a man living in ease and affluance in the town of East Hadam state of to whom I was shortly united in the bands of Matrimony and <a> most worthy <and invaluable> companion <did> she prove to for I soon discovered that She was not only pleasant and agreable by reason of the polish of Education but She also possesed that inestimable jewel which in a wife and Mother of a family is truly a pearl of great price namely <a> truly pious and devotional Character. In the course of 2 years I was <moved> into the town of Marlow where we remained untill we had a family of 4 children at that time <marlow was> a desolate wilderness. There was but 4 families in 40 Miles then it was I learned to prize the inestimable talents and virtues of my wife As our children were wholely deprived of the priviledge of schools she took the charge of their education which task she performed as none but mothers can <do,> debared in their earliest years and in thier mothers first experience in some measure from intercourse with the world their Mother’s percepts and example tooke deeper root in their infant minds and had a more lasting influence upon their future character than all the flowery eloquence of the pulpit surounded [p. 4, bk. [1]] with its ordinary disadvantages could ever have done Thus my older children became confirmed in habits of gentleness piety and reflection which were under these circumstances more easily impressed upon the minds of those who came after them and I have often thought it would have been more difficult to have brought them into the channel in they were reared in had they not inherited much of the disposition of thier excelent mother whose prayers and alms our first was from came up dialy before that all seeing eye that rests upon all his works.
The oldest <son> jason was a studious lad and manly boy and before he atained his 16th year he became what is termed a Seeker a beleiver in the power of God manifest through the medium of prayer and faith he held that there was no church in existence which held to the pure principles of the Gospel but labored incessantly to convince the people that by an exercise of prayer the blessings and privileges of the a[n]cient diciples of jesus might be obtained and eventualy would be. At the age of 20 he became a minister of the gospel. Shortly after this he became enamored of a beautiful young and wealthy young woman by the name of Esther Bruce of the State of new Hamshire of whom he was passionately fond; she seemed also to have the most fervent attachment for him They were engaged to be married and every preparation was being made for their approaching nuptials when I received word <a letter> from stating that a heavy debt that had been due me for a long time was collected and ready for me it was agreed that the marriage of my son should be deferred and he should accompany me to he left his betrothed with a heavy heart but with this arrangement, that he was to write to her and his sisters conjointly once in 3 months Shortly after his departure or in due time a letter arrived, which She received most joyfully but the it was never followed by another from [p. 5, bk. [1]] him A young man who kept the office where She received her letters formed in his heart a design to thwart my sons in his intentions and obtain the hand of Esther Bruce himself he used every art to desuade her from marrying Jason at the same time <meantime> detaining his letters <that he might the more easily accomplish his fiendish purpose> in order that She might not hear from him. Unforeseen accidents <circumstances> detained us beyond the time appointed the this <the post master> continued to importune Miss Bruce upon the subject of my sons neglect untill at last she received 2 or three several Epistles stating that Jason Mack was dead that She and his relatives might cease to look for his return this was 2 years after we left the shores of . Esther gave no credence to the first message till the tale was so confirmed that She could no longer doubt but still She rejected the young <man’s> suit untill within 4 months of our arrival at home 4 <3> year 10 months from the time we embarked from <for> Jason went immediately to her <father’s> house She was absent with her husband. He seated himself in the same room where he wooed her and obtained her consent to be his he waited her arrival with a beating heart not knowing the Perfidious game his rival had played him, untill She en entered. She was attired in a complete suit of Mourning <as the she had recently> lost a brother recently by death. and without this there was a bitter disapointment preying like a canke[r] worm upon her very vitals occasioned by the suposed death of him who now stood before her She bowed Go in Gloomy silence as she entered the splendid apartment where he sat fitted up in earlier happier days to please the of the man now doomed to drink the bitter cup of sorrow to the dregs She walked to the other side of the room thrust [p. 6, bk. [1]] of aside her boonnet and shawl but as she turned again to the stranger and beheld his look of distracted and enquiring look She was recalled to her recollection his immag[e] and person without a word a she clasped her hands in agony and <with a piercing shriek> fell lifeless to the floor after my son took the lifeless <motionless> form <of her> that should have been his own and placing her on a sofa resigned her into the hands of her cowering conscience smitten husband; and left her with what those pungeant feelings <which> some few are fated to experienc[e], but none can tell nor immagine correcly.— By the active exertions of those who attended her She at last revived to realize her lamentable <situation> more fully. My son returned <and> having heard an explanation of (the whole <matter> which simply <was> the man <[w]ho> detained his letters gave the intelligence of his Death) he went immediately to sea But whither he has fled or what his fate has been God knows ’tis long Since he left us and I fear my Grey hairs will go down in sorrow to grave e’re I shall see his face, <but> if this happens to meet the eye of the man who has brought this heavy affliction upon my boy and us (his parents) I hope it may stimulate him to <penitence and> better deeds hereafter.)
(Esther died short time after
I shall here drop for a while at least my s narrative and pursue the subject of my brother he <lived single till his age of 50th year but> continued preaching the word by land and seas untill the year 1835 when we received from him the following letter which was the last we heard of him before his death We heard no more [p. 7, bk. [1]]
South Branch of Oromucto
Province of New Brunswick June 30 1835
My Dear Brother solomon [Mack]
You will no doubt be surprized to hear that I have am verily alive Still alive although in an abscence of 20 year. I have never writen to <you> before but I trust your gladne will forgive me when I tell you that for most part of the 20 years I have been so situated that I had little or no communication with the lines and have been holding meetings day and night from place to place and <and> my <mind> has been so taken up with the deplorable situation of the Earth in the darkness in which it lies that when my labors did call me near the lines I did not realize the opportunity that presented itself of letting you know where I was And again I have designed visiting you long since And annuaally have prommised myself that the succeed ing year I would certinly seek out my relatives and he enjoy the priviledge of one pleasing interview with them before I passed into “The vally and shadow of death”. But last though not least let me no startle you when I say that according to my early adopted principle of the power of faith the Lord has in his exceeding kindness bestowed upon me the Gift of healing by the prayer of faith and the use of <such> simple means as seems congenial to the human system but my chief reliance is upon him who hath organized us at the first and can at pleasure restore that which is disorganized The first of my peculiar success in this way was 12 years since and from near that date I have had little [p. 8, bk. [1]]
rest for in addition to the hourly <incessantly> calls which I in a short time had There was the most overwhelming torrent of opposition immediately poured down upon me that I ever witnessed.
But it pleased God to take the weak to confound the wisdom of the wise. I have in the last 12 years seen the greatest manifestation of the power of God in healing the sick that than I with all my sanguineity I ever hoped or immagined And when the learned infidel has declared with sober face tha time and again that disease had obtained such and ascendency that Death could be resisted no longer that the victim must wither beneath his potent arm I have seen the almost lifeless clay slowly but surely resuscitate and revive till the palid monster fled so far that the patient was left in the full bloom of vigorous health But it is God that hath done it and to him let all the Praise be given I am <now> compelled to close this Epistle for I must start immediately fo on a journey of more than 100 miles to attend a heavy case of sickness.
So God be with you all farewell
Jason Mack
This was the last intelligence we received from my oldest Brother previous to his death which took place 6 years anterior to the date of the above letter
Lovisa [Mack] my oldest sister was a woman peculiar faith as well as my oldest brother and my her sister next to her Lovina [Mack], These two were sin [p. [9], bk. [1]]gular for their devoted attachment for each other which continued steadfast till Death and even the manner of their death one might well say as did one of old <let me die the death of the righteous and> let my last end be like theirs. I shall here relate a circumstance that m[a]y tax the credulity of such as do not bear wittness of the fact as I do which who are not a few. I shall not weary my reader with recitals of early life which though they are engraved upon my heart with a pen of Iron <never to be obliterated> might not touch the feelings of others with that interest with which I contemplate the same But what I say here I say with reference to Eternity and the judgement seat of the allmighty where I shall again meet my readers on <as> a testater of the same—
but to my tale an example of my oldest sisters faith which I shall here give was exhibeted <years> subsequent to her Marri[a]ge She was taken violently sick with a disease so singular in its nature that her attendant Phisicians not being furnished with any precedent could give no name to Sufice it to say she was nigh unto death and surely afflicted for the space of 2 years She revived a little about this time and showed some symptoms of recovery but a malignant reattack soon brought her back in intense agony upon a bed of pain and languor she grew worse and worse untill she became utterly speechless and was so for several days those who attended her were not allowed to move her she ate not she drank not with the exception of a mere morsel of of rice water which they were [p. [10], bk. [1]] enabled to pour into her mouth with a teaspo[o]n by prying her teeth apart Thus she lay untill the night of the 3rd day at about 2 oclock she feebly pronounced the name of her sister Lovina who had hovered <indefatigueably> all the while arround her pillow night and day like an attendant angel watching every change with thrilling anxiety She now bent with deep emmotion over the emmaciated form of the invalid and said My Sister! but no more her feelings choked her uterance Lovisa said emphatically The Lord has healed me soul and body take <raise> me up and give me my clothes I want to get up Her <Husband> told those present to gratify her as this was probably a revival before death and he would not have her crossed in her last moment they raised her in bed and handed her clothing to her and assisted her to dress but when she was lifted to her feet both of her ancles were instantly dislocated by her weight resting upon them she said put me in a chair and pull my feet gently and I shall soon be sound again. She then ordered her husband to bring her nourishment when she had taken some stimulance She desired them to assist her to cross the street to her Fatherinlaw’s who was then sick. He they did so when she entered He cried out in ammazement Lovisa is dead and her spirit has come to admonish me of my final exit No Father No she said God has raised me up and I come to tell you to prepare for Death she then sat down conversed with him some time and then afterwards returned home by this <the> <help of her husband and> <3 watchers that had been sitting up with her for she had not been without <2 extra> attendants one night for one whole year>
<by this> [p. [11], bk. [1]] time so great an excitement was raised that the inhabitants began <to> gather from all quarte[r]s she told them she would meet them at the village church <*> <* She then sang them a hymn with angelic harmony*> on thursday the next day but one and tell them all they wished to know which she accordingly did by walking 1 mile with the assistance of Her husband and her sister <*> <* told them <when she lay sick her spirit> <she was carried <away>>there was nothing more than a spider’s web between her and heaven Christ that Christ bid her return and warn the people> She testified with boldness to <the> power of God in her behalf and continued so to do till her death which was 2 3 yars <+> <+ She occupied the whole day had her two nurses with minister opened the meeting and gave it into her hands she sang a splendid strain of music >see last page> after
Lovina’s character was that of a true follower of Christ and she lived as she died contemplating her final change with that peacefull serenity which <characterizes> those who fear God and walk uprightly she was taken with the consumption at 16 and languished 3 years with this fatal disease she spoke calmly of her approaching disolution and conjured her young friends to remmember that life upon this earth could not be eternal to any one therefore the necessity of looking beyond this vale of tears to a far more glorious inheritance laid up where moth doth not corrupt nor theives break through nor steal Finally to be as brief as possible she called to me <one night> (who am the youngest daughter of My ’s family) and said tell mother <> and <Mother> to come to me, when mother come came she said Mother I am going now and I wish you to call my young mates that I may speak to them again before I die while my mother was giving the necessary direction my sister bade me take her up and place her in a chair When When [p. [12], bk. [1]] Mother and our associates with the family were seated she commenced speaking an[d] finding that her strength failed her she desired Mother to prepare her some food saying tis the last you will ever get for me She took the food and after eating with seeming apetite a small quantity she <she then gave back the dish to mother and said there mother you will never get me any thing to eat again> proceeded I do not know when I receved any material change of heart unless when I was ten years old God heard my prayers and forgave my sins since then I have according to my best ability endeavored to serve him continually
I have called you here to give you my last warning and bid you all farewell and beseech you to endea[vor] to meet me where parting shall be no more [s]ister help me be to the Then Holding up her hands and looking upon them as one would <mark> a trifling thing which they had <not> observed before She said smiling see the blood is now settleing under my nails and as She contemplated the Gradual Change in their appearance he <She> again remarked how slowly Death creeps on there She said placing the fingers of her left hand across the right tis cold to there soon this mortal flesh will be food food for worms Then turning to me now help me back to the bed. I did as She desired but as I moved my hand from beneath her side <she started and saying that hurts me> She moaned plaintively which gave me awful feelings <sensations> feeblings that I could utter for <too well I knew that it was the last sad office I should ever perform for <my> only surviving sister and it wounded me to think that in laying her upon her death bed I should caus her pain> [p. [13], bk. [1]]
My Sister now laid her <self> calmly back upon her pillow and said Mother brothers sisters and dear componions all farewell I am going to rest prepare to follow me for death tis <#> a Melancholly thought to those who have no God after repeating this Hymn she <and> placed her hands together across her breast and closed her eyes to open them no more in this world <the hymn was the <very> last of all>
Thus I have disposed of my oldest brother and 2 sisters next comes stephen Mack who volunteered to in the last war at 13 14 and fought by land and sea and travelled throug cold the hunger fatigue and endured every species of hardship that human nature could endure for 3 years in which time he recieved an office of honor in the army [blank] returned to his at 17 an At 21 he commenced buisness for himself in Gilsum where he entered upon merchandise He removed from thence to Tunbrige where he was very successful He built here a store a very large tavern and improve cultivated an extensive farm soon he was enabled to open a 2 wholesale and retail establishments <in the city of > whilst at this place was made a captain of a company by Hull although he had been for a long <some> time <previous> a Colonel at Tunbrige Hull at this time commanded his men to surrender Col. Mack broke his sword accross his knee and trew it into the lake His stores would have been robbed by the French both of mony and goods had it not been been for an old woman who washed for him she went into the stores and took out the money and hid it and by this means he was soon doing a <his stores Goods however were all taken but the money the old woman saved for him enabled him to recomence merchandize again com when he had done so he brought his family from tunbridge to but soon r[e]moved them> [p. [14], bk. [1]] a ◊◊◊e buisness again He shortly etendad buisness to [P]ontiac where he <afterward set up busness and> built a Grist Mill Cotton factory and purchased 2 farms thence <after this he went> to and built a Grist Mill and saw Mill. Near this time he undertook to settle up his affairs but was taken very sick, and after 4 days illness died lammented by all who knew him particularly the poor many of whom looked to for assistance day by day so though he had added house to house and field yet in the midst of his Glory he was called to leave all that he had and try the realities of another state of existence without one moments warning for <*> not one of his family suposed him to be dangerous untill they tho discovered that disolution was taking place. He left his family with legcy of $50 000 clear of incumbrances— He was a Moral Man a man of buisness and a man of the most intrepid courage which last was shown in the defence of his country which was ever the interest that lay nearest to his heart—
But I will not tresspass unnecessarily upon the readers patience.
Lydia [Mack] Daniel [Mack] and Soloman [Mack] remain of the family besides of these I Shall speak somewhat briefly Lydia saught riches and obtained them and but in the day of prosperity she remmembered the poor for she dealt out her substance to the needy with a liberal hand through life and died the object of their affection and as she was beloved in life so she was bewailed in death—
Daniel was a man of the world with but one peculiarity he was as many can testify <*> the in many [p. [15], bk. [1]] scenes of danger where lives were exposed when he was always the first to the rescue and thus was the means of saving many a helpless victim from the jaws of Death the particulars of <one of these> which I <will circumstances> have not here relate least I should exhaust the patience of my readers— one circumstance of this kind <took place in *>
Soloman the youngest Son of my father was born and reared brought up married and still lives in the town of Gilsom and although 64 <70> years old he has never traveled farther than where his Buisness leads him twice a year to purchase goods He has gathered to himself in that rocky Region Fields Flocks and herds that multiply and increase upon the Mountains— He has been known these 20 yeas as captain Solomon Mack of Gilson and as he lives to speak for he himself and I have chiefly to do with the dead I will leave him by hoping that as he has lived peaceibly with all men so he may die happily
<* in Montague <(suposed to be in New hampshire)> in Miller’s river. Daniel saved the lives of 3 men— a great many men— a great many men met spoke of swiming>
<Daniel advised them not to do so on account of danger but 3 of them presisted and came near drowning no one would do anything for them Daniel went in they were clinched to some vine that grew on the bottom of the river Daniel tore up the vines and brought the men one by one to the Ropes when he brought out the first he ordered the bystanders to prepare some barrels to roll the men on in order to fetch them too he then had a bed prepared for each of them and when they were warmly wrapped in bed he gave up his time to attending upon them untill they were quite restored could speak> [p. [[16], bk. [1]]]
<+She pr[e]ached to a croweded house after this her house was always crowded for 3 years when then she took sick sent for to come and see her She was affraid she should die before he got there— he went in a carriage she would go back with him, he prepared a bed laid her thereon She then told him tho now if I die before I get home I wish you to bury me in gilsum, <beside my sister lovina> traveled 4 miles put up at Mr. taffe’s asked her if she would be placed on a chair and rest a little she said she would and after she was taken out— into the parlor while went to the bar for some spirits she expired in her chair then did all that was poss could be done by way decent dress and suitable equipage of every kind it was 50 miles from there to Gilsum kept her 3 days then buried her as her request was took the precaution of writing to mother— almost overcame went 15 miles for a minister to preach— I was then in tunbridge with brother S Mack she made some verses just before she started>
L
<O Lord wilt thou return to me>
< In mercy God Lord before I die>
<Oh may I Now return to thee>
<And lift my heavy soul on high>
< Oh for mercy I implore and lift my heavy>
< And never sin no more soul above— and fill>
<my soul with heavenly love>
<Farewell my and my Mother Dear>
<Farewell my Husband of my life>
<Farewell my brothers and sisters here>
<and farewell all the joys of life.>
<For whilst with you on Earth I stay>
<I beg your prayers both night and day>
<Farewell O world I bid adieu>
<The Lord he calls and I must go>
<For I must and soon be gone>
<my time on Earth will not be long> [p. [17], bk. [1]]
<Farewell Farewell in heaven I shall>
<I hope in to meet you all>
<# lovina placed her fingers on her nose and said My nose is now quite cold She then bade them farewell and sung the hymn>
<continued from last page>
<When they their speech returned they fixed their eyes on my brother and said Mr Mack We look upon you as a savior for you have been the means of rescuing us from a a watery tomb and and one said Oh that we could always live near you for we are now assured that you have not only wisdom to counsil but when Men have spurned your best advice you have still a greatness of soul which will stimulate you to risk even your own life to save an erring fellow man and I will never l[e]ave you as long as I live for I want to dwell with you and convince you that I remmember you and will never slight your councill again— in this they all concured and they did carry out their purpose in very deed and truth he was always a liberal in life which caused him to be greatly mourned in death Died in tunbridge here is to be left to be filled when referance can be had to Mr covey>
<Notes continued after got to printing he went to farm and commenced building and preaching— went home after he settled the affair with Cole. Sectarians held another meeting said that the Smith family could not pay the printer had Who stopped work and we had <to> send to Joseph he came up> [p. [18], bk. [1]]
Now my dear readers I shall introduce to your <attention> having given a slight sketch of each individual of my s household preceeding me I take up myself in order I was born in Gilsun <State of New Hampshire> July 8th 1776 Of the friends of my youth witho Schooll mates with <me> in childhood (who will probably r[e]cognize in the author their old associate) theirthere remains the chi[l]dren of one Mr. Harmon John Josiah Martha called patty by her mates also the daughters of Colonel <ebenezer> Bill (whose brother Married my sister Lydia) These were <Rachel> Mahettable Anne From Gilsum moved to Monteque here I became acquainted with the Family of Captain Gun, Thankful Unice Abel <&> Martin <also> Mr Harvey chi[l]dren I mention these as I shall also others as I pass along I<n> hopes that this may reach them for and by this means I shall be able to make myself known to them 2 <years> befor sister lovina’s d[e]ath I visited sister tuttle who was then sick at south Hadly where <here lived one> C<olonel> Woodbridge <who> bought a large Church bell about this time which was hung while I was there and I undersand remains till this day day a company of young folks went to see it when it was first hung I was one of the member and was the first who ever rang the Bell this Colonel W afterwards built a large Establishment for the educaton of poor children before I returned home my moved back to Gilsom where I continued with my parents untill my youngest sisters death Shortly after this my Brother Colonel <right> <Stephen> Mack <came from tunbridge on a visit> persuaded me my parents to let him take me with him to tunbridge in order to divert my mind from the death of my sister as the Grief it occasioned was preying upon my <health> and [p. [1], bk. 2] a was like likly to be a serioius injury to me The For For months after this <I> did not feel as though life was worth seeking after and in my reflections I determined to endeavor to obtain that which was spoken of so frequently from the pulpit namely a change of heart In order to this I perused the Bible and prayed incessantly but one thought interposed itself into all my meditations If I remain out of any church all religious people will say that I am of the world <if> I join any one church the rest will all declare that I am in the wrong no church will say I am right unless I join <unite with> them and this makes them witnesses against each other how shall I decide inasmuch as the Church of Christ was not like any of them.
My Brother frequently spoke to me of one Mr Asael Smith an intimate acquantance of his Whose family I afterwards became acquainted with their names were Jesse [Smith] and <> Samuel [Smith] & stephen [Smith] Prusa [Smith] Mary [Smith] Susan [Smith] & Sarah [Smith] <a> worthy respectable amiable and intelligent Family Here I became Made the acquaintance of It was the second of this Family to whom I was afterwards Married I remained with my brother 1 <year> year after which I made a visit to my Parents in Gilsom and My Uncles and Aunts at in Marlow then my brother came and upon his urgent request I went again to tunbridge and was with him untill the ensueing January when I was married by Colonel [Seth] Austin esquire— we commenced house keeping on a farm which my owned in tunbridge <5 or> 6 years from this time we <rented the farm &> moved with our first 2 children and to Randolf and my embarked in merchandise. 6 m 6 months afterwards I was taken sick, The physician declared my case to be confirmed consumption [p. [2], bk. 2] My Mother attended me day and night I grew so weak that I could not bear the noise of a foot fall except in stocking foot nor a words to be spoken in the room except in whispers one Mr Murksly Methodist exhorter heard of my afflictions and came to visit me when he came to the <door> he knocked at the door in his usual manner not knowing that I was so very weak <&> that the the noise would disturb me, This knocking agitated me so much that it was some time before my nerves were settled again The My Mother stepped to the door and motioned him to a chair informing him of my weakness in whisper he seated himself and for a long time seemed pondering in his mind something he wished to say I thought to myself he will ask me if I am prepared to die I dreaded to have <him> speak to me for said I to myself I am not prepared to die for I do not know the ways of christ and it seemed to me as though there was a dark and lonely chasm between myself and Christ that I dare not attempt to cross then I thought as I stra[i]ned my eyes towards the light (which I knew lay just beyond the Gloomy vale before me) that I could discover a <faint> glimmer of the light Mr M then left— and my came to my bed and caught my hand and exclaimed as as well as he could amid sobs and tears <Oh!> ! My Wife! My wife! you must die the doctors have all given you up they <and> all say you cannot live I looked to the lord and begged and plead with the Lord that he would spare my life that I might bring up my children and comfort the heart of my , thus I lay all night my <mind> at one moment <Time> slowly raising gradually borne away to Heaven above all hight then [p. [3], bk. 2] reverting back again to my babes and my Companion at my side and <I> covenanted with God if he would let me live I would endeavor to get that religion that would enable me to serve him right whether it was in the Bible or where ever it might be found even if it was to be obtained from heaven by prayer and Faith At last a voice spoke to me and said seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you let your heart be comforted ye believe in God beleive also in me My Mother came in and looked upon me and cried out you are better my speech came and I answered yes mother the Lord will let me live and I grew so strong in a week that I sat up and in 3 weeks I went to Deacon Davis’s And if I am faithful I sho to thy the promise which I have made to God he will suffer me Mother to remain to comfort the hearts of my Mother my and my children From this time forward I gained strength continually I said but little upon the subject of religion but although it occupied my <mind> entirely and I thought that I would make all diligence as soon as I was able to seek some pious person who knew the ways of God to instruct me in things of Heaven I was acquainted with one Deacon Davis a man of exceeding piety one who had known my situation and the miraculous man[n]er of my recovery as soon as <when> I had gained strength enough I made him a visit and here I expected the same that I heard from my mother The Lord has done a marvelous work let his name have the praise thereof But no from the time I came in sight I heard [p. [4], bk. 2] nothing for a long while <untill I left the house> <I was there> but Oh is coming run build a fire make the room warm help her in fill the tea kettle Get the great arm chair etc &c <I then> their excessive anxiety as for my physical conveiniance not being tempered with one word of pertaining to Christ or Godliness sickened and disgusted me and I went home disapointed and sorrowful In the anxiety of my soul to abide by the covenant I which I had entered into with the almighty I went from place to place to seek information or find if possible some congenial spirit who might enter into my feelings and sympathize with me at last I heard that one noted for his piety would would preach the ensuing Sabbath in the presbyterian chair church thither also I went in expectation of obtaining that which alone could satisfy my soul the bread of eternal life when the minister I commenced I fixed my mind with br[e]athless attention upon the spirit and matter of the discourse but all was emptiness vanity vexation of spirit and palled upon my heart like the chill night air <untimely blast upon the starting blade ear that else had ripened in a summer sun> upon on the feverish brow of the youthful warrior but it did not fill the aching void within nor satisfy the craving hunger of the soul I was almost in total despair and with a load of grief greaved and troubled spirit I returned saying in my heart there is not on Earth the religion which I seek I must again turn to my bible and take<ing> the Jesus and his deciples for an ensample I will try to obtain from God that which man cannot give nor take away And thus I said in my heart I will settle myself down to this I will hear all that can be said read all that is writen but particularly the [p. [5], bk. 2] word of God shall be my guide to life and salvation which I will endeavor to obtain if it is to <be> had by diligence in prayer This course I pursued for many years till at last I concluded that my mind would be easier if I were baptized and I found a minister who was willing to baptize me and leave me free from any membership in any church after which I pursued the same course untill the a my oldest attained his 22nd year
Now I must return to the earlier part of my life and change the subject from spiritual to temporal things as As I said before; my followed merchandize for a season in Randolf here he he ascertained shortly after he commenced buisness that chrystalized Gin sang bore an immense value in china as it was then the time of <the> plague. there he went into a traffick of this article when <when> He He got a quantity of the same on hand a merchant <of royalton> by the name of Stevens came to him and made him an offer of $3000 for <the> whole lot but it <that> was not more than ⅔ its worth and refused saying he would rather ship it himself than accept the offer then went immediately to the City of and made arrangements to send his Gin sang to China on board a vessel that tha <was> about to set sail Mr Stevens being rather vexed at his failure sent his son to China on the same ship who when he arrived in china sold the Gin sang which my <*> sent and took possesion of the avails and returned to Tunbridge. <here he> hired a house of Maj. [Stephen] Mack my brother as employed a 8 or 10 hands for the purpose of setting up the buisness of Chrystalizing Gin sang [p. [6], bk. 2] When he had fairly set up buisness my Brother went to see him he found him intoxicated well said my brother <Mack> you are doing a fine buisness you will soon be ready for another trip to China. Then turning in a gay sociable maner said Oh Mr stevens how much did s venture bring the man being under the influence of liquor <was off his guard so he> took my brother by the hand and led him to a trunk <of silver and Gold> and archly observed there sir is the avails of s gin sang Maj M was astounded but smothered his feellings talked awhile indiferently and returned home ordered his horse and started at 10 oclock that night for Randolf where we still were living Mr Stevens found upon inquiring of the hostler where my brother had gone When he ascertained that the Maj went started for Randolf he went to his esta buisness establishment dismissed his hands called his carriage and fled cash and all for and has not been heard of in the since
My pursued him awhile but finding that pursuit was vain returned home quite dispirited at state of his affairs. He then overhauled his accoun books and found that in addition to the loss he met with in the Gin sang traffick he had lost more than $2000 more in bad debts and was himself owing $1800 for goods purchased in <the city of> He rturned to Tunbridge sold his farm there for $800 in order to make a speedy payment on his debts in here let me observe that my brother Stephen mack made me a present of $1000 previous to my marriage which I had as yet made no use of I told <desired> that to add this to the sum which he received for his farm [p. [7], bk. 2] and by this means we would be enabled to liquidate all debts that stood against us and although we might be poor we would have the satisfaction of knowing that we had given no man any cause of offence complaint and haveng a conscience void of offence the society of our children and the blessing of health we still might be indeed happy—
He acceeded to my proposition and deposited the whole in the hands of Colonel Mack who took the same to and paid off the demands against us and returned with the receipts which set us free from embarrassment of debt but not from the embarrassment of poverty. <new Chap>
This was considerable of a trial to us for it deprived us at once of <not> only of the comforts and conveiniences of life but also of a home of any discription and we took our 3 oldest children ane went to Sharon and hired a farm of my which My cultivated in the summer season and in the winter he taught school This course we pursued for a few years gaining gradually untill we found ourselvese in quite comfortable circumstances Here
Here it was that My Son Joseph was born one who will act a More conspicuous part in this work than any other individual From this place we went a short distance to Royalton where was born <in 1811> as also one who died in infancy which we named . Thence To <to> Lebanon <1811> here we settled ourse lves down and began to congratulate ourselves upon our prosperity and also to renew our exertions to obtain a greater abundance of this worlds Goods we looked around us and said said to our what do we [p. [8], bk. 2] now lack there is nothing which we have not a sufficiency of to make us per and our children perfectly comfortable both for food and raiment as well as that which <is> necessary to a respectable appearance in society <both> at home and abroad taking this view of the subject we thought it time to begin to provide for the future wants of our family and ourselves when the decline of life should come upon us: This raised our ambition much and I commenced by laying in for the ensueing winter 100 lbs of candles that we might the better pursue our labors a 200 yds of cloth for a stock of chothing <for> my family and as my children had been deprived of school we made every arrangement to suply that deficency our second son <> we sent to <established in> the accademy in Hanover the remmainder who were old enough attended a school near by whilst while The their and were industriously laboring late and early to do all in our power for their future wellfare We met with success on every hand
But the scene Soon changed When we had been in this place for the space of 2 years <in 1813> the typhus fever came into Lebanon and raged there horribly among the rest who were seized with this comppaint complaint were was my my oldest daughter who was sick 4 weeks next came from Hanover <sick> with the same disease then my oldest and so on till there was not one of my Family left well save and myself here I must request my readers to bear with me for I shall probably detain them some time
My was very low She was and remained so— 89 days On the 90th day the attendant physician declared she was so far gone that it was imposs [p. [9], bk. 2] for her ever to receive any benefit from the effects of medicine and discontinued their his attendance upon her <on> the night of the 90th day She lay utterly motionless with her eyes hal wide open with that peculiar set which most strikingly exhibits the hue of Death in I gazed upon my child as a mother looks on the last moments shade of life in a <darling> child of her bo in the distraction of the moment (<for> Her was with me) we clasped our hands togather and fell upon our knees by the bed side and poured our grief and suplications into the His ears who hath numbered the hair upon our heads then think if not strange if he heard us— he did hear us and I felt assured that he would answer our prayers but when we rose to our feet the appearance was far otherwise my child had apparently ceased to breathe I seized a blanket threw it round her and caught her in my arms and commenced pacing the floor those present remonstrated with me saying it all of no use you are certainly crazy Your child is dead but I would not for one instant relinquish the hope of seeing her breathe again and live Now my reader are you a parent place yourself in the same situation are you a Mother that has ever been in like circumstances feel for your heart strings can you tell me how I felt with my expiring child strained to my heart <bosom> with all which thrilled with all a mothers love a mothers tender yearnings for her own offspring. At last She sobbed would you then feel to deny that God had power to save to the uttermost— all who call on him I did not then and I do not now at last She sobbed I still pressed her to my breast [p. [10], bk. 2] and walked the floor she sobbed again and then looked up into my face with an appearance of natural life breathing freely. My soul was satisfied but my strength was gone I laid her on the bed and sank beside <by her side> her overpowered by excess of feeling you will anticipate me in the fact of her <final> recoverey so and I shall here be under the necessity of turning the subject to my 3 son Joseph who had so far recovered that he sat up when he <one day> sudenly screamed out with a severe pain in his shoulder and seemed in Such e[x]treme distress that we were fearful that something dreadful was about to ensue and sent immediately for the Doctor who said he was of the opinion it was a sprain but the child said this could not be the case as he had not been hurt but that a sharp pain took him very suddenly that he had not been hurt and <he> knew [no] cause for it. The physician insisted upon <the truth of> his first opinion and anointed his the shou[lder] with bone linament but the pain remmained as severe as ever for 2 weeks when the Doctor made a close examination and found that a very large fever sore had gathered between the breast and shoulder which when it was lanced discharged a full quart of of Matter As soon as this sore had discharged itself the pain left it and Shot shooting like ligh[t]ning as he said down his side into the marrow of his leg on the same side, The boy was almost in total despair Oh said he the pain is so severe how can I bear it His leg immediately began to swell and he continued in the most excutiating pain for 2 weeks longer during this time I carried him in my arms continually sootheing him and doing all that my utmost ingenuity could suggest untill to ease his sufferrings until [p. [11], bk. 2] nature was exhausted and I was taken severly ill myself Then who has always been remarkable for the tenderness and sympathy desired that he might take my place accordingly Joseph was laid upon a low bed and sat beside him almost incessantly day and night grasping the most painful part of the affected leg between his hands and by pressing it closely in this maner the little sufferer was enabled the better to bear the pain which otherwise seemed almost ready to take his life at the end of 3 weeks he became so bad that we sent again for the doctor Surgeon who, when he came <made> cut his leg open <an incision of 8 inches> on the front side of the leg between the <knee> and ancle the distance of 8 inches and by continual dressing his leg was somewhat releived untill the wound commenced healing when the pain became as violent as ever the surgeon again renewed the wound by cutting to the bone the second time shortly it commenced healing the second time and as the healing progressed the swelling rose at last a councill of surgeons was called it was decided that there was no remedy but amputation When they rode up I went to the door & invited them into another room apart from the one where Joseph lay Now said <I> gentlemen (for there were 7 of them) what can you do to save my boys leg They answered we can do nothing we have cut it open to the bone 2 [times?] and find the bone so affected that it is incurable but this was like a thunderbolt to me. I appealed to the principle Surgeon <present> said I Doctor Stone can you not try once more by cutting round the bone and taking out the affected part there may be a part of the bone that is sound which will heal over and thus you may save the leg you will you must [not] take off the leg till you try once more to save it I will not consent to your entering his room till you promise this [p. [12], bk. 2]
This they agreed to <this> after a short consulting consultation; then we went to the invalid the Doctor Said, My poor boy, we have come again. “Yes,” said Joseph, “I see you have; but you have not come to take off my leg, have <you sir?”> Th No, Said the surgeon, “we it is your s request, that we should make one more <more> effort; and that is what we <have now> come for now. My , look <who was constantly with the child,> seemed <for a moment> to contemplate my countenance; [illegible] and then turning his eyes upon his boy, <at once,> all his sufferings, <together with> and my <intense> anxiety, seemed to rush<ed> upon his mind; [illegible] & he burst into <a flood of> tears, and sobbed like a child.
The Surgeons now <immediately> ordered cords to be brought, and to bind the patient <him> fast to the bedstead; But Joseph <the <he> Subject child> objected. and When the doctor insisted that he must be bound <confined,> the he said decidedly; “No, Doctor; I will not be bound, I can have endure <bear> the process better to be unconfined.” Then,” said Dr Stone, “will you drink some brandy.” No” said the child, “not one drop”. even Then said the Dr, “will you take some wine?” for You must take something, or you never can <never> endure <the severe> operation to which you must be subjected. No answered <No, answered> the the boy, I will not touch one particle of liquor; neither will I be tied down: but I will tell you what I will do, I will have my sit on the bed close by me; and then I will bear do anything <whatever> that is necessary to be done, <in order> to have the bone taken out. But , I want you to leave the room, I know that you cannot stand it endure to see me suffer so. can bear it. But you have carr[i]ed me so much, and watched over me so long, you are almost worn out. Then looking up <with his eyes swiming with tears> into with he for my face his, <eyes> swim[m]ing with tears, he said beseechingly; Now promise [p. [1], bk. 3] me you will not stay, will you? The Lord will will help me, to <therefore> <So> & I shall get through with it; so do you leave me, and go away off till they get through with it. I consented to do so; <To this I consented; So,> and after bringing a number of <folded> Sheets to fold <lay> under the <his> leg, I left and <him,> went <going> some 100 <hundred> yards from the house. The surgeons began by boring into the bone, first on one side of the affected part, then on the other, after which, they broke it loose with a pair of forceps or pincers: thus, they took away, 9 large pieces of the bone. When they broke off the first piece, he screamed so loud with the pain <of his legs,> that I could not repress my desire of <to> go<ing> to to him but as soon as I entered the room <he cried out> Oh go back! go back! I do not want you to come in I will tough it if you will go when the 3 fracture was was taken away I burst into the room again and Oh! My God what a spectacle for a Mothers eye the <wound> torn open to view my boy and the bed on which he covered with the blood which that was still gushing from the wound he was pale as a corpse and the big drops of sweat were rolling down his face every feature of which depicted agony that cannot be described I was forced from the room and detained till they finished the opperation and <after> placed placing him upon a clean bed with fresh clothing clearing the room from every appearance of blood and any apparatus used in the extraction I was permite [permitted] to enter he now began to recover and when go he was able to travel his own he went with his uncl Jesse Smith to Salem for the benefit of his health hoping that the Sea breezes might help him in this we were not disapointed for he soon became Strong and healthy [p. [2], bk. 3]
After one whole year of affliction dis we were able once more to look upon our children and each other in health, and I assure you my gentle reader we realized the blessing for I believe <we> felt more to acknowlege the hand of God in preserving our lives through such a desperate siege of disease pain and trouble than if we had enjoyed health and prosperity during the interim When health returned to us it found us as may well be supposed in very low circumstances as we had hired nurses all the time and been upon continual expense Sickness with all its attendant expenses of nurses medical attendance and other necessary articles It Reduced us so that we were now compelled to make arrangements for going into some kind of buisness to provide for present wants rather than future prospects as we had previously contemplated.
My now determined to change his residence accordingly we moved to Norrige in New Hampshire <> and established ourselves on <a> farm belonging to Squire Moredock, The first year our crops failed and we bought our bread with the proceeds of the orchard and our own industry the 2nd year they failed again In the ensuing Spring said if that he would plant once more on this farm and if he did not succeed better he would go to where they farmers raised wheat in abundance This year was like the preceeding seasons blig vegetation was blighted by untimely frost and which well nigh produced a famine, My now decided upon going to and one day he came to <the> house and sat down and after meditating sometime he said if he could so arrange his buisness he would be Glad to set out shortly for <with> one Mr. Howard who was going to and [p. [3], bk. 3] but said he I cannot leave for you could not get along without me besides I am owing some debts that I must pay I told <him> I thought I that he might call upon both his debtors and creditors by so doing make an arrangement between them that would be satisfactory to all parties and As for the rest I thought I could prepare myself and my Family to follow him by the time he might be ready for us He called upon <all> those with whom he had any dealings and settled up his accounts but there were some who neglected to bring their books but however wittesses [witnesses] were called in order that there might be evidence of the settlement— having done this left Norrige for New York with Mr. Howard my sons & followed their with a heavy heart some distance After the departure of my we toiled faithfully untill we considered that we were fully prepared to leave at a moments warning we soon received a letter from requesting <us> to make <ourselves> ready to take up a journey for immediately And a messenger soon arrived with a team conveyance for myself and family totake us to him As we were near setting out <several of> those gentlemen who had demands against him us and who settled with my pre before he left now visited me bringing the accounts that had been withheld heretofore. Thus I was compelled to pay out $150 out of the means reserved for bearing our expenses in traveling this I made shift to do and saved 60— or $80 for the Journey We set out with Mr. Howard a cousin of the Gentleman who went with Mr. <traveled to > on his journey I had prepared a great quantity of woolen Clothing for my Children besides I had on hand a great deal of diaper and pulled cloth in the web. [p. [4], bk. 3]
My Mother was with me and as She she had been assisting in my preparations for traveling She was now returning to her home when we arrived there I had a task to perform which was a severe trial to my feelings one to which I shall ever look back with peculiar sensations that can never be obliterated I was here to take leave of that pious and affectionate parent to whom I was a indebted for all the religious instructions as well as most of the educational priviledges which I had ever received The parting hour came My Mother wept over me long and heartily <bitterly> She told me that it was not probable She should ever behold my face again but My Dear said She I have lived long my days are nearly numbered I must soon exchange the things of Earth for another state of existence where I hope to enjoy the society of the Blessed And now as my last admonition I beseech <you> to continue faithful in the exercise of every religious duty to the end of your days that I may have the pleasure of embracing you in another fairer World above— After this I pur[s]ued my Journey but a short time untill I discovered that the man who drove the team in which we rode was an unprincipled unfeeling wretch by the manner in which he handled my Goods & money as well as his treatment to my children, especially Joseph who was Still somewhat lame <this child was compelled by M. H to travel for miles to time <on> of foot> but we bore patiently with repeated aggravations untill we came 20 miles west of Utica when the was one Morning we were preparing as usual for starting on the days journey my oldest came to me said he Mr. Howard has thrown the goods out of the waggon and is about Setting off with the team I told him to call the man in [p. [5], bk. 3] I met him in the bar room where there was a large company of travellers male and female I demanded of the man his reason for such procedure. he answered that the money which I gave him was all exhausted and he could go no farther I turned to those present said I Gentlemen and ladies Please give me your attention for a moment As Now as there is a God in Heaven that Waggon and those horses as well as the goods accompanying them are mine And here I declare that they Shall go This man is determined to take away from me every means of proceeding on my journey leaving me with 8 little children utterly destitute but I forbid you Mr. Howard from stiring one step with my Wagon or horses but for I here I declare that the team Goods and children with shall go together to my and the Father of my children as for you sir I has no use for you and <you> can ride or walk the rest of the way as you please but I shall take charge of my own affairs. I then proceeded on my way and in a short time I arrived in with a small portion of my effects my babes <&> & 0 cents in money but perfectly happy in the society of my family. The joy I felt in seeing throwing myself and my children upon the care and affection of a tender and Father doubly paid me for all I had suffered for when I saw The children surrounded their clinging to his neck an covering his face with tears and kisses that were heartily reciprocated by him—
We <all> now Sat down and maturely councilled togather as to what course it was best to take how we shold proceed to busness in our then destitute circumstances [p. [6], bk. 3] It was agreed by each one of us that it was <most> advisable to aply all our energies together and endeavor to obtain a Piece of land as this was then a new country and land was low being in its rude state but it was almost a time of famine wheat was $2.50 per bushel and other things in proportion how Shall we said My be able to sustain ourselves and have anything left to buy land As I had done considerable at painting oil cloth coverings for tables stands &c it I concluded to set up the buisness and if prospered I would try to supply the wants of the family. In this I succeeded so well that it was not long till we not only had an abundance of good and wholesome provision but I soon began to replenish my household furniture a fine stock of which I had sacraficed entirely in moving My and 2 oldest sons set themselves about raising the means of paying for 100 Acers of land for which contracted and which was then in the hands of a land agent Mr [blank]. In one years time we made nearly all of the first payment The Agent Agent adivised us to build a log house on the land and commence clearing it we did so; It was not long till we had 30 acres ready for cultivation But the second payment was now coming due and no means as yet of meeting it accordingly proposed to his that he should take the buisness at home in his entire charge whilst I said <he> will go abroad and <to> see if I cannot make the second payment and the remmander of the first By the dilligence industry of my By my ’s persevering industry he was able to return to us after much labor Suffering and fatigue with the necessary amount for of money for all except the last payment [p. [7], bk. 3] So that in 2 years from the time we entered strangers destitute of friends or home or employment. We were able to settle ourselves upon our own land a a snug comfortable though humble habitatino built and neatly furnished by our own industry And if we might judege by any external manifestation we had every reason to believe that we had many Good and affectionate friends for never have I seen more kindness or attention shown to any person or family than we received from those around us Again we began to rejoice in our prosperity and our hearts glowed with gratitude to God for the manifestations of his favor that surrounded us Permit me here to relate a little circumstance by way of illustration A friend of mine having invited several of her associates to take tea with her one afternoon sent an urgeant request for me also to call on her with the rest <the ladys invited were some wealthy merchants Wives and the minister’s lady> we spent the time quite pleasantly each seeming to enjoy those reciprocal feelings which renders the society of our friends delightful to us— when tea was served up we were passing some good natured remarks upon each other when one lady observed Well I declare ought not to live in that log house of her’s any longer She deserves a better fate and I say She must have a new house, so She should says another for she is so kind to every one She ought to have the best of every thing Now Ladies said I thank you for your compliments but you are quite mistaken I will show you that I am the wealthiest woman who that sits at this table Well said they now make those appear— I Now mark answered I to them I have never prayed for riches <of this world> as perhaps you have but I have always desired that God would enable me to use enough wisdom and forbearance in my family to set good precepts [p. [8], bk. 3] & examples before my children <whose lives I always besought the lord to spare> as also to secure the confidence and affection of my that we acting togather in the education and instruction of our children that we might in our old age reap the reward of circumspection joined with parental tenderness viz the Pleasure of seeing our children dignify the thier s name by an upright and honorable course of conduct in after life I have been gratified so far in all this and more I have tis true been suffered many disagreable disapointments in life with regard to property but I now find myself very comfortably situated to what any of you are what we have has not been obtained at the expense of the comfort of any human being we owe no man anything we he never distressed any man this <which> circumstance almost invaribly attends the Mercantile life of a so I have no reason to envy those who are engaged. beside there is none present who have this kind of wea[l]th that have not lately met with a loss of chidren or othe[r] friends (which really was the case) and now as for Mr Mrs. the minister’s lady I ask you how many nights of the week you are kept awake with anxiety about your Sons who are in habitual attendance on the Grog Shop & gambling house— they all said with a melancholly look that showed conviction you have established the fact <>reader> I merely relate this that you may draw a moral therefrom that may be useful to you
We still continued felling timber and clearing land and about this time we began to make preparations for building a house—
In the spring after we moved onto the farm we commenced making mapel sugar of which we averaged each season 1000 lbs per year. we then began to make preparations for building a house as the Land Agent of whom we purchased our farm was [p. [9], bk. 3] dead and we could not make the last payment we also planted a large orchard and made every possible preparation for ease to when advanced age should deprive us of the ability to make those p[h]ysical exertions <of> which we were then capable of.
Now I shall change my theme for the present but let not my reader suppose that because I shall pursue another topic for a season that we stopt our labor and went <at> trying to win the faculty of Abrac drawing Magic circles or sooth saying to the neglect of all kinds of buisness we never during our lives suffered one important interest to swallow up every other obligation but whilst we worked with our hands we endeavored to remmember the service of & the welfare of our souls.
About this The 3 harvest time had now arrived since we opened our new farm and all the our sons were actively employed in assisting their to cut down the grain and storing it away in order, for winter One evening we were sitting till quite late conversing upon the subject of the diversity of churches that had risen up in the world and the many thousand opinions in existence as to the truths contained in scripture Joseph who never said many words upon any subject but always seemed to reflect more deeply than common persons of his age upon everything of a religious nature This After we ceased conversation he went to bed <and was pondering in his mind which of the churches were the true one.> an but he had not laid there long till <he saw> a bright <light> entered the room where he lay he looked up and saw an angel of the Lord stood <standing> by him The angel spoke I perceive that you are enquiring in your mind which is the true church there is not a true church on Earth No not one Nor <and> has not been since Peter took the Keys <of the Melchesidec priesthood after the order of God> into the Kingdom of Heaven the churches that are now upon the Earth are all man made churches. Joseph there is a record for you and you must get it one day get it There is a record for [p. [10], bk. 3] you and Joseph when you have learned to keep the commandments of God but you cannot get it untill you learn to keep the commandments of God <For it is not to get gain.> For But it is to bring forth that light and intelligence which has been long lost in the Earth Now Joseph <or> beware <or> when you go to get the plates your mind will be filld with darkness and all man[n]er of evil will rush into your mind. To keep <prevent> you from keeping the commandments of God <that you migh may not suceced in doing his work> and you must tell your of this for he will believe every word you say the record is on a side hill on the Hill of Cumorah 3 miles from this place remove the Grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars <of cement>— then the angel left him
The next <day> he <and his and> his brother were reaping in the field togather when <sudenly> Joseph stopped and seemed to be in a deep Study for some time hurried <him> saying Joseph we will must keep to work or we shall not get our store task done Joseph worked again dilligently then stopped in the same way again <a second time> when <his > Saw that he look was very pale and urged him to go to the house to and tell his that he was sick he went a short distance till he came to a green sward under an apple tree here he lay down <on his face> for he was so weak he could go no farther. <*>
The personage whom he saw the night before came to him again and said why did you not tell your what I told you Joseph said he was affraid his would not believe him he will said the angel believe every word you say to him <he then told you> when you get the record take it immediately into the house and lock it up as soon as possible and let no one see it till it is translated and then show it to such as the Lord chooses as a witness to the world now I will show you the difference between light and darkness and the operation of a <good> Spirit and an evil one an evil Spirit will try to crowd your mind with every evil and wicked thing to keep every good thought and feeling out of you [p. [11], bk. 3] your mind <but you must keep your mind always staid upon God that that no evil may come into your heart> Joseph then promised to do as he was told by the angel and rose up and went to his brother and requested to go <-[> to the house and ask his to come to the field for Said he I have something to tell him when his went to him Joseph rehearsed to him all that he had and seen and heard When they came into the house in the evening <> They told made known to the whole family the wonderful things which Joseph had made known to him They Joseph told the whole family the wonderful things which had had been made known to Joseph When Joseph came in the evening he told all the <whole> family all that he had made known to his in the field. we sat up up very late and listened attentively to all that he had to say to us but his mind had been so exercised that he became very much fatigued When saw this he said now brother let us go to bed and we will get up early in the morning and go to work so as to finish our days labor by an an hour before sunset & if will get our suppers early we will then have a fine long evening to <and> all set down and hear you talk The next day they <we> worked with great ambition <*> <by sunset were ready to be seated and give our atten undivide[d] to Josephs recitals. and this pro before he began to explain to us the instructions which he had received he told charged us <not> to not to mention what he told us out of the family as the world was so wicked that if they when they did come to a knowledge of these things they would try to take our lives and as soon as we obtained the plates our names would be cast out as evil by all people> and were ready by sunset to give our whole attention to the discoursing discourse of my son pertaining the obtaining of the plates the goodness of God his knowledge and power our a own liabillity to error and transgression and the great salvation that lay before the faithful Now said he and the angel of the Lord says that we must be careful not to proclaim these things or to mention them abroad For we do not any of us know the wickedness of the world which is so sinful and that where when we get the plates they will want to kill us for the sake of the gold if they know we had <have> them and as soon as they do find that we pretend to have any such thing our names will be cast out as evil and we shall be scoffed at and I and all maner of evil spoken [p. [12], bk. 3]
Concerning us This astonished us very much <-[>and we wondered in our hearts how these things could be so why any one could have a disposition to take our lives merely for a thing like this. The He then said But <he continued> if we are wise and prudent in all things <that> which <are> is revealed to <us> God is able to make all things known to us do you believe it Said he to his why yes certainly answered he has all power and wisdom Knowledge and understanding and of course can teach us all things if we are worthy and we will try to live in such a [way?] as to deserve the fa The favor of God that he may be pleased to instruct from day to day— From this time forth Joseph continued to receive instructions from time to time and every evening we gathered our children togather And gave our our time up to the discussion of those things which he imparted <un> to us I think that <we> presented the most peculiar aspect of any family that ever lived upon the Earth all seated round in a circle sons and Daughters listening in breathless anxiety to the <religious> teachings of a boy 16 <19> yars of age who had never read the Bible through by course in his life for Joseph was less inclined to the study of books than any child we had but much more given to reflection and deep study We were convinced that God was about to bring to light something that we might stay our minds upon some thing that we could get a more definite idea of than anything which had been taught us heretofore and we rejoiced in it with exceeding great joy Uni the sweetest union and happiness pervaded our house no jar nor discord disturbed our peace and tranquility reigned in our midst In the course of our evening conversations Joseph would give us some of the most ammusing recitals which could be immagined he would de[s]cribe the ancient inhabitants [p. [1], bk. 4] of this continent their dress thier maner of traveling the animals which they rode The cities that were built by them the structure of their buildings with every particular of their mode of warfare their religious worship as particularly as though he had Spent his life with them it will be recollected by the reader that all that I mentioned and much more took place within the compass of one short year
The angel informed him at one time that he might make an effort to obtain the plates <on> the <22nd of the> ensueing September and if <he visited the place where the plates were laid and> <thinking> he could keep every commmandment given him <supposed> that it would be possible for him to take them from their place and carry them home<)> but said the divine messenger you must take them into your hands and go straight to the house without delay not and not stopping <and put them in immediately and lock them up> Accordingly when the time arrived he went to the place appointed and removed the moss and grass from the surface of the rock and then pryed up the flat stone according to the directions which he had received he then discovered the plates laying on on 4 pillars in the inside of the box <*> he put forth his hand <and> took them up <but> when he lifted them from their place the thought flashed across his mind that there might be something more in the box that might would be a benefit to him in a pecuniary point of view in the excitement of the moment he laid the record down in order to cover up the box least some one should come along and take away whatever else might be deposited there When he turned again to take up the record it was gone but where he knew not nor did he know by what means it was taken away he was much alarmed at this tha and <he and> kneeled down <&> asked the Lord why it was that the record was taken from him The angel appeared to him and told him that he had not done as he was commanded in that he laid down the record and in order to to secure some imaginary treasure that rema [p. [2], bk. 4]ined <x> <x after some further conversation Joseph> Joseph was then permitted to open th raise the stone again and there he beheld the plates the the same as before He reached forth his hand to take them but was hurled back <thrown (the angel gone—> to the ground— <*> <when he recovered he went ered was the angel was gone and he arose and went to the house.> We were much disturbed by this as it showed to us more strikingly than anything which had previously come to our understanding. the insinuations & power of the adversary. And we doubled our diligence in prayer before God that Joseph might be more fully instructed and preserved from all the wiles and machinations of the Power of the Him who lieth in wait to deceive.
We were still making arrangements for building my oldest took principle Charge of this and when the month of November 1822 arrived the House was raised and all the materials procured for completing the building. was very much animated by <the> Idea as he said of making & so comfortable, he <would> say Now I am going to have a nice pleasant ro[o]m for them to sit in & everything arranged to their for thier comfort and they shall not work as they have done any more.
On the 15th. of this month came in to the and said to me I am very sick
On the 15 of Nov was taken very sick with biwith about 10 oclock in the day with the bilious cholick and came to <the> house in great distress and requested his to go for a p[h]ysician which he accordingly did but as the whom generally attended upon our family being absent he was compelled to go farther than he expected however he found in the next village one Dr. Greenwood who when he came immediately administered to him although the patient objected much against it a heavy dose of Calomel this lodged in his stomach and all the power [p. [3], bk. 4] medicine which was afterwards prescribed by 4 skillful phycians could never <not> remove it on the 3rd day Doc the favorite of the family a man of Great skill and exprience was brought and with him 4 others proffessors of Medicine but all their exertions were of no avail as declared to them and us For said <he> the calomel is still lodged in same place and you cannot move it consequently it must take my life. He then called to him and said I must die and now I want to say a few things to you that you you must remember I have done all that I could do to make our dear Parents comfortable I now want you to go on and finish the House take <of> care them in their old age and do not let ever let them work hard any more. he then called he said You must be a good Girl and do all that lays in your power for mother & never forsake them they have worked hard and they are now getting old be kind to them and remmember what they have done for us When in the later part of the 4 night he called for all the children and again exhorted them separately to the same effect as before but to Joseph I he said Joseph I am going to die now the distress which I suffer and the sensations that I have tell me my time is very short I want you to be a good boy & do everything that lays in your power to obtain the records be faithful in receiving instruction and keeping a every commandment that is given you Your brother is must now leave you but he remmember the example which he has set for you and set a good example for the children that are younger than you & always be kind to & he then asked me to take his <up> little sister up this child was the youngest of the Family and he was extremely fond of her which naturally attached her [p. [4], bk. 4] to him She could not then talk plain and always called her brother I went to her and said wa[n]ts to see you she started out of her sleep & screamed out Oh! We took her to him & <when> she sprang from my arms and caught him round the neck & cried out Oh My a[nd] kissed him again and again said <he> you must be the best girl in the world and take care of you cant have your any more is going away he must leave little he then Kissed her and Said take her away I think my breath offends her we took hold of the child but she clenched hold of him with such a desperate Grasp that it was was very difficult to disengage her hands as I turned he said brothers sisters farewell I can now brathe out my life as calm as a clock and immediately closed his eyes in death just the still cried to go back to . One present said he is gone an angel has taken his spirit to Heaven when the babe heard this She renewed her cries and as I bent over his corpse she again threw her arms round it and kissed him repeatedly screaming as before— and untill the Body was taken from the House she continued constantly crying and showing such manifestation of affection & terror at the scene she presented before <her> as is seldom witnessed in a child and She would run out of the house and drag in a board and lay beside the corpse then take a white cloth and wrap herself in it and lay down on the board by his side. this harrowed up our feelings almost to distraction for he was a youth of such singular goodness of disposition and Moral character Kind and amiable maners <so much so> that lamentation and Mourning <filled> the whole neighborhood where we lived then it is not to be wondered at if <and of course> more than usual Grief filled the hearts of those from whose immediate [p. [5], bk. 4] circle he was taken those who felt as & saw the effects of His nobleness and generosity every hour of his existence It was the wish of the principle physician that he should be opened to ascertain the cause if possible of his disease and death when this was done they found the calomel lodged in <the> upper bowels & untouched by anything which he had taken to carry it off, as near in its natural State as it could be surrounded as it was with by the highest gangrene & Dr. Robinson performed the operation the last named Dr. was 70 years old of age he Spoke long and earnestly to the younger physicians upon the danger of administering powerful Medicines without a thorough knowledge of <the practice of> physick here said he is one of the loveliest youths that ever trod the streets of destroyed Murdered as it were by the hand him at whose hand relief was expected. cast off from the face of Earth by a careless quack who even dared to trifle with the life of a fellow mortal. When the time for interment arrived the inhabitants of the surrounding country gathered to gather and during the funeral obsequies they the gave the most affectionate manifestations of thier sympathy but there was one that felt our grief more deeply than the rest a lovel[y] young woman who was engaged to him be married to my shortly after the time in which he died the disconsolate girl was rendered most desolate by his unexpected Death and as long as we knew her she never recovered her wonted animation and Good spirits
The circumstances of this Death aroused the neighborhood to the subject of religion
Now will the reader indulge me in a few reflections Thus was our happiness blasted in a moment when we least expected the blow it came upon us the poi [p. [6], bk. 4]soned shaft entered our very hearts core and diffused its deadly effect throughout our veins we were for a time almost swallowed up in grief so much so that it seemed impossible for us to interest ourselves at all about the concerns of life the feeling of every heart was to make speedy preparation to follow him who had been too much the Idol of our heart<s> and then if it pleased God to take us also we would receive the call as a favor at his hands from whom it came
had ever manifested a greater zeal and anxiety if it were possible than any of the rest with regard to the plates record which had been shown to Joseph and he always showed the most intense interest concerning the matter With this before our minds we could not endure to hear or say one word upon that subject for the moment that Joseph spoke of the record it would immediately bring to their <our> minds with all his kindness his affection his zeal and piety and when we looked to his place and realized that he was gone from it to return no more in this life we wep <all> wept with one accord our irretrievable loss and it seemed as though we could not be comforted because he was not about About this time their was a great revival in religion and the whole neighborhood was very much aroused to the subject and we among the rest flocked to the meeting house to see if their was a word of comfort for us that might releive our overcharged feelings but as there was <at this time> a man then laboring in that place to effect a union of all the churches that all denominations might be agreed to worship God with one mind and one heart This I thought looked right and tried to persuade My to join with them as I wished to do so myself and it was the inclination of them all except Joseph he refused from the first to attend the meeting [p. [7], bk. 4] with us The He would say I do not wish to prevent you from going to meeting or joining any church you like or any of the Family who desire the like only do not ask me to go <do so> for I do not wish to go But I will take my Bible and go out into the woods and learn more in two hours than you could if you were to go to meeting two years
My also declined go attending the meetings after the first but did not object to myself and such of the children as chose to go or to become <going or becoming> church members doing as <if the> suited us <if we wished> Joseph also said I do not want to to keep any of you from joining any church you <if y> like but <it will do you no hurt to join them but> you will not Stay with them long for you are mistaken in them you do not know the wickedness of their hearts I will said he one day give you an example and you may set it down as a prophecy Now you look at deacon Joseph <Jessup> & you heart heare him talk very piously well you think he is a very good man but suppose that Mr. (one of his poor neighbors) <who had 8 children)> owed him the value of one cow well this man has eight small children suppose the poor man should be taken sick & die leaving his wife with one cow but destitute of every means of support for herself and family Now I tell you that deacon Joseph Jessup good <religious> as he is would not hesitate to take the last cow from the widow and orphans rather than loose the debts although he has an abundance of everything This seemed to us at that time impossible but it was not one year from the time in which it was spoken when we saw the very act <thing> that was told transpire before our eyes After a short time however the first Shock <occasioned by s death> passed off and we began to resume our usual avocations [p. [8], bk. 4] and having the building of the house already paid for we thought it would be well to set the workmen <mechanics> at the building <work> and have it completed We accordingly did so and ere long we had the a plasant commodious habitation ready to receive us and the Mr. Stoddard the principle workman on the house would have been very glad to have purchased it for $1500 But that was no temptation nothing could persuade to abandon the scene of his labor and the toiling of of his family for here they had borne the burden and heat of the day and we contemplated much happiness and great enjoyment with the fruit of our labors.
A little previous to the completion of the house <at this time> we received intelligence of the arrival of a new agent for the Everson Land of which our farm was a portion this caused us to bethink ourselves of the remmaining payment which was still due and which we would be under the necessity of making previous <prior> to obtaining the deed that <which> our bonds called for. Having just made the acquaintance of a couple of gentlemen from who were desirous of purchasing a quantity of wheat which we had sown on the place the We agreed with them that if they would furnish us with the sum of money requisite for the liquidation of this debt that the wheat should be carried to them the ensueing season in flour having made this arrangment sent to the new Agent at to inform him that the money should be forthcoming as soon as the 25th. of September <December> which the Agent said would answer every purpose and agreed to wa retain the land untill that time thus assured that all was safe we gave ourselves no <further> uneasiness about the matter.
When the time <had nearly> come that rendered it necessary for my [p. [9], bk. 4] to set out for to get the money Joseph one day called and aside and told us that he had felt so lonely ever since ’s death that he had come to the conclusion of getting married if we had no objections his and he though[t] that no young woman that he ever saw was acquainted with was better calculated to render the man of her choice happy than Miss a young lady to of whom he had been extremely fond <of> since his first introduction to her His was highly pleased with this the choice which Joseph made in <a> wife and told <him> he would willi was not only willing that he should marry her but desired him to bring her home with him that we might have the comfort <and pleasure> of her society this was a resident in the state of and vicinity of and from whom we expected the money that was going for <after> to bring up the arrearages on the farm They then concluded to set off together one for money the other for a wife and they did so as soon as the necessary preparations could be made Immediately after my ’s departure I set myself to work te put my House in order throughout and afterwards <as I must now> make <some arran> arrangements for <to make> the reception of my sons I felt that for pride and Ambition in doing this that is common to Mothers upon such occasions and My oldest had a previous to this Married him a that was one of the most excellent of Women I anticipated, much <as> happiness with my second daughter in law <&> as I had received great pleasure from the society of the first It <and> there was nothing in my heart which could give rise to any forebodings as to an unhappy connection which might have been the case had it been otherwise
one <very pleasant> afternoon immediately subsequent to this <being> I was by myself <ironing> in a fine room of <that overlooked> calculculated for a common setting room and as I looked around me upon the various comforts that we <by myself and some what at leisure having just <finished> arranged my house for the reception of My Son and his [p. [10], bk. 4]>< and contemplating the various comforts with which I found myself surrounded—> were surrounded with that seemed to surpass our most flattering expectations I fell into an very agreeable train of reflections and I poured out my soul to God in thanks & praise for the many blessings which he had conferred upon us as a family the The day was e[x]ceeding fine and would of itself produce fine feelings but every thing seemed to contribute to raise in the heart those warm soothing and grateful emmotions that that we all have seasons of enjoying when the mind is at rest and the circumstances favorable. As I stood musing upon the busy bustling life we had led and the apparent prospect of quiet and comfortable old age my attention was suddenly attracted across the yard to a a trio of strangers who were entering upon nearer approach I recognized Mr. Stodard the man who took charge of the building this the house that we now occupied. When they <they> entered I seated them and we commenced commonplace conversation but one of them soon began to ask impertinent questions as to our making the last payment on the place and if we did not want to sell the house. where & my son had gone &c. &c. Sell the House I replied No— sir we have no occasion to sell the house we have made every necessary arrangement for getting the deed and have an understanding with the agent so we are quite secure about the matter— They made no answer but went out to meet who was then coming in & propounded the same questions to him and received the same answers when they had experimented in this way to their satisfaction they proceeded to inform my that he need not put himself to any unnecessary trouble for said they we have bought the place and paid for it and we forbid you touching anything on the farm and moreover we warn you to leave forthwith and give possession to the lawful owners as we have got the <deed> in our possesion We were thunderstruck [p. [11], bk. 4] why said I what can this mean <said I> do you know them how this is that all which we have earned in the last 10 years is taken away from us in one instant and when we least expected it <what does this mean> Is this a reality or is it but a sham to startle and deceive us <me> but one collected look at these men convinced me of their purpose. I was overcome and fell back into a chair almost deprived of sensibility when I recovered from I talked to them a length of time to reason them out of what they seemed determined to do viz. to rush us out if off of our premises straightway into the common air like the beasts of the field or the fowls of Heaven with naught but <the> earth for a resting place and the canopy of He the skies for a covering But our only answer was well we’ve got the place and d—m you help ourselves if you can. went straightway to Dr Robinson (an old Friend <of ours who lived in )> of whom I spoke on the detail of s’ death) a man of influence and notoriety as to him he told the whole story this gentleman sat down and wrote the charecter of <my> family our industry and faithful exertion’s to obtain a home in <the> forest where we had setled ourselves with many commendations caculated to beget confidence in us as to buisness transactions— This he took in his own hands and went through the and in an hour there was attached to the paper the names of 60 subscribers He then sent the same by the hand of to the land Agent in . The Agent was enraged when he found out the facts of the case he said the men told him that & his son <Joseph> had run away and was cutting down the sugar orchard and haleing off the rails burning them and doing all possible manner of mischief to every thing on the farm that beleiving this he had sold them the place got his money and given them a deed of the premises [p. [12], bk. 4]
After related the circumstances under which his left home and informed him also that there was a probability of his being detained on the road on buisness— The Agent directed him to write to his by the first mail and have letters deposited in every public house on the road which travelled & it if might be that these letters would some of them meet his eye before he arrived at the end of his journey and cause him to return more speedily this being done he dispatched a messenger to bring the men who had taken the deed of our farm <&> in order to make some compromise with them if possible get them to relinquish their claim on the place But they refused to come The Agent then sent an officer after them another message to them that if they did not make their appearance forthwith he would fetch them with a warrant The gentlemen came with the return of the despatch. The agent used all the persuasion possible to convince them of the injustice <&> bad policy of the disgraceful measures which they had taken and ureged them to retract from what they had done and let the land go back into ’s hands But they were for a long time inexorable aswering every argument with taunting sneers like the following We’ve got the land sir & we’ve got the deed So just let help himself. Oh no matter about he has gold plates gold money and Gold Bibles he’s rich he do’nt want any thing— At lenght however they agreed that if could raise $1000 by saturday at 10 OClock in the evening they would give up the deed It was now Thursday near noon & he was at from here he must ride Home the distance of 9 miles before he could make the first move towards it [p. [1], bk. 5] he went home with a heavy heart suposing it impossible to effect anything towards redeeming the land but when he arrived there he found his There as he had found one of the letters within fifty miles of home The next day requested me to go to one Mr [blank] an old Gentleman who was a quaker a man with whom we had been intimate since our first commencement on the farm now in question and who always seeme admired the neatness and arrangement of the same besides he manifested a great friendship for us from our first acquaintance with him. We hoped that he would be able to furnish the requisite Sum and by his purchasing the Place we thought we might reap the benefit at least of the crops which were then sown on the farm. But in this we were disapointed This man had just paid <out to the Land Agent> all the money he could spare & within $5 of his last farthing in order to redeem a piece of Land belonging to a friend in his immediate neighborhood had I arrived at his house 30 minutes earlier I sho would have found him with $1500 in his pocket When I told him what had occurred he was much distressed for us & regretted having no means of releiving our necessity— But said he if I have no money I will try to do something for you so say to your that I will see him as soon as I can & let him know what the prospects are it was near nightfall and the country new and my road lay through a dense forrest & I had 10 miles to ride alone however I hastened to inform of my disapointment Mr [blank] came that night and told directed us to go to one Mr. Durfy who lived 4 miles distant a Quaker also and see what he could devise for our benefit
went immediately and found Mr. D. still [p. [2], bk. 5] in his bed as it was not light but he sent still 3 miles farther to a son who was high Sherif and bid him say to the young man that his Father wished to seem him as soon as possible Mr. Durfy the younger came without delay After breakfasting the 3 proceeded togetter to the farm when they ca It was now saturday 10 oclock A M they dined and rode on to meet the Agent and our competitors— What I felt and suffered in that short day no one can imagine who has not experienced the same I did not feel our early losses so much for I realized that we were young and might by exertion better our situation and I furthermore had not felt the inconveinence of poverty so much as I had now done and consequently did not appreciate the value of property justly <but at this time> I now felt that all must go at one fell swoop if this last resort failed and we be left in the decline of life destitute a burden upon our childrens hands And <I> looked upon the proceeds of our industry which smiled on every side of me with a yearning attachment that I had never felt before
and the Messrs. Durfy arrived at at ½ past 9 oclock in night the Agent sent for Mr. Stoddard and his friends who when they came averrred that the clock was too slow that it was really past 10 but being overcome in this the Money was paid over to them and they gave up the deed to Mr Durfy the high Sheriff who now came into possession of the Farm With this Gentleman we were now to sipulate as renters upon premises which one week before we considered ourselves as much the entire possessors as did Adam and Eve the garden of Eden before satan entered it but Mr Durfy gave us the priviledge of the place one year with this [p. [3], bk. 5] provision that our 4th son was to labor for him 6 months
A short time subsequent to this sent
These things were all settled upon and The conclusion was that if after we had kept the place in this way one year we still chose to remain we could have the priviledge Now Joseph who returned from his journey with his began to <turn his mind to> the same object again which occupied his attention previous to our disaster And he set out for a second time and had such fine success that he returned with his in january in fine health & spirits
When heard of the movement which Mr. Stoddrd and his associates had made with regard to the Place they came up immediately to see how the affair had terminated
But just before <Soon after> this had occasion to send Joseph to on buisness he set out in good season And we expected him <to be> at home as soon as 6 oclock but he did not arrive We had always had a peculiar anxiety about this child for it seemed as though something was always occurring to place his life in jeopardy <*> and if he was absent one ½ <an> hour unexpectedly we were always apprehensive of some evil befalling him. one instance occurred when this child <he> was 14 years old which alarmed us very much he was out at play <on an errand> one evening about twilight When he was returning through <the> door yard a gun was fired across the pathway in which was walking with evident intention of hitting Joseph he sprang to door threw it open and fell upon the floor with fright we went in search of the person who fired the gun but found no trace of him untill the next morning when we tracked him from under a waggon where he lay when he fired the gun <but> we never found the <out> man out nor ever suspected the cause of the act [p. [4], bk. 5] <but we found the balls that were discharged from his piece the next day in the head & neck of a cow that stood opposite the wagon in a dark corner> This is but one of many instances which I have passed over in order to be brief in my recital
It is true he was now a man grown and capable of using suficient judgment to keep out of common difficulties but we were now aware that God intended him for a Good and and important work consequently we expected that the powers of darkness would strive with him on this account more than any other to overthrow him—. But to return to the <first> circumstance which I commenced relating he did not return home till the night was considerably advanced his and were together I no one else was present when he entered the house he seemed threw himself into a chair seemingly much exhausted he was <as> pale as ashes his exclaimed Joseph why have <you> staid so late has anything happened you we have been in distress about you these 3 hours after Joseph recovered himself a little he said I have had the severest chastisement that I ever had in my life Chastisement indeed! said Well upon my word I would like to [know?] who has been takeing you to task and what their pretext was its pretty well too if you are to be detained till this time of night to take lectures for your bad practises— Joseph smiled to see his so hasty and indignant. said he it was the angel of the Lord. he says I have been negligent that the time has now come when the record should be brought forth and that I must be up and doing that I must set myself about the things which God has commanded me to do but give yourself no uneasiness as to this [p. [5], bk. 5] reprimand <for> I know what course I am to pursue an[d] all will be well.” It <was> signified to him when he should make annother effort to obtain the plates which was september 22 but at this time he did not make this known to us On the 20th of Sept came with his friend to see how we were managing matters with Mr Stodard and company they remained with us untill the 22 On the night of the 21st I sat up very late as my buisness pressed upon my hands & I did not retire untill past 12 about 12 Joseph came to me and asked me if I had a chest with a lock and key I knew in a moment what it was wanted for and was frightened for the isue as I had broken every lock in the house in moving <not having a lock but what was broken I was alarmed fearing that this might be a matter of great importance to him at that time> I told him this but he replied never mind <But Joseph replied be> I can do very well just now without it and bid me be Calm all was <is> right but I found it very difficult to do so for I had not forgotten the first failure he left soon after with his taking s horse and wagon I spent the night in prayer and at reasonable time for rising I went to preparing breakfast my heart fluttering at every footfall for I now expected Joseph & every moment and was in dread of a second disapointment in his obtaining the plates When the male part of the family sat down to breakfast enquired for Joseph <for no one but knew where he was> (as no one knew where he had gone but ) I told him that I thought I would not call Joseph that I would have him set down with his to No. No, said My I must have Joseph come and eat with me. Well now says I do let him eat with his new [p. [6], bk. 5] this morning he most always takes breakfast at the first table <with you> just indulge him a little this time His at last <finally> consented to eat without Jos him and I thought that there would [be?] no danger of any farther inquiry as to Joseph or his busy any thing else ca[l]culated to lead to an exposure of the cause of his abscence but in a few minutes came in quite disturbed Why said he my horse is gone I cant find him in on any part of the premises and I want to start home in half an hour why never mind the horse said I does not know all the nooks and corners in the pasture I will call (this <was> my 5th son) he will soon bring him this satisfied him for a little while but he Soon made another discovery his waggon was gone & now he concluded that the Horse and waggon had gone together and some rogue had gone with them both Well now said I do at be quiet I would be ashemed to have you go about gearing your own horse and waiting upon yourself just go out and talk with till comes & if you really must go home you shall be attended upon like a gentleman— he went and while he was absent Joseph returned I was trembled so much with fear lest all might be lost aging [again?] by some small failure in keeping the commandments that I was under the necessity of l[e]aving the room to conceal my feelings Joseph saw this and followed me said he do not be uneasy all is right see here Said he I have got the key I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon after examing it <*> <(*with no covering but a silk handkerchief)> <found> that it consisted of 2 smooth <3 cornered diamonds set in glass and the glass was set in silver bows> [p. [7], bk. 5] stones con[n]ected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made
He took them again and left me but did not tell me anything of the record Soon after he came again and asked my advice what it was best to do about getting a chest made I told him to go to a cabbinet maker who had been making some furniture for my oldest and tell the man we would pay him for making a chest as we did for the others things viz half money and half produce he said he would but did not know where the money would come from for there was not a shilling in the house. The next day a one man <Mr Warner> came to him from Macedon and requested <Joseph> to go with him to a widow & house <in Macedon by the name of Wells> in that place as She had sent for him to do some work that She wanted done and She <a wall of a well taken up and as she wanted some labor done in a well> would pay him the money for it he put on his linen frock and started went with the <he accompanied> Mr Warner to Macedon and went to <according to> work for Mrs Wells <request> a <this> woman whom not <had never seen> one of the family had ever seen or heard of before although She sent purposely for Joseph we considered it a provision of Providence to enable us to pay the money we were owing the cabinet maker Joseph had been absent but a little while when one of the neighbor began to ask many questions about the plates. here let me mention that no one knew anything of the this buisness <from us> except one confidential friend of My ’s to whom he named it some 2 or 3 years before. It now seemed that satan had stirred up the hearts of those who had in any way got a hint of the Matter to search into it and make every possible move towards preventing the work was soon informed that 10— or 12 men were clu [p. [8], bk. 5]bed together with one willard chase a Methodist class leader at their head and what was most rediculous they had sent for a conjuror to come 60 miles to divine the place where the record was deposited by magic art we were apprehensive that the p[l]ates were taken out and secreted some where and <we> were somwhat uneasy least they might like Moses who was hid in the bulrushes be discovered by our enemies— accordingly the morning after we heard of their plans went over a hill that <lay> east of <us> to see what he could discover among the neighbors there there at the first house he came to he found the conjuror Willard chase and the company all together this was the house of one Mr Laurence he made an errand and went in and sat down near the door leaving the door ajar for the men were so near that he could hear their conversation they were devising many plans and schemes to find th Joe Smiths gold bible as they termed it the conjurer was really animated although <he> had travelled 60 miles during the latter part of the day and the night before. The woman was uneasy at the exposures they were making— so she stepped through a back door into the yard and called to her husband in a suppressed voice (but so loud that heard every word distinctly) Sam, Sam said she you are cutting your own throat— the <conjurer> baweled out again at the top of his voice I am not afraid of any body we will have the plates in spite of Joe Smith or all the Devils in Hell. <when> the woman came in again laid aside a paper which he been holding in his hand with the pretence of reading and coolly remarked that he beleived he could not then finish the article which he was reading and returned home we went to Joseph’s wife and asked her if she knew ought of the [p. [9], bk. 5] record whether Joseph had taken them out or where they were She said She did not know he then related what he had seen and heard said She did not know what to do but she thought Joseph was to have the record he would have <get it> yes said he will if he is watchful and obeidient but remmember that for a small thing Esau lost his blessing and birthright it may be so with Joseph Well said if I had a horse I would go and see him about it— said she should have one in 15 minutes— as there had been a stray horse on the premises 2 days so he sent for the Horse who brought him up with a large hickory withe around his neck as it was necessary acording to law to put a withe round the neck of a stray horse before turning him into an inclosure— and was soon on her way to her <husband> husband <he was in the well when she arrived but having a sudden impression of to get out of the well he came up and met her> when She found him She informed of the situation of affairs at home and he <went> immediately inform to Mrs. Wells and told her that he must return home to attend to some important buisness She was not willing for him to leave but upon his promising to come back when he was at liberty again She consented and sent a boy to bring him a horse Which he mounted in his linen frock with his by his side with the <her> horse in d[e]corated as before with a green hickory withe on his neck and thus they rode through the village of when he came he met his a mile from the house pacing back and forth in great anxiety of mind said he there is no danger all is perfectly safe there is no cause of alarm when he had refreshed himself a little he sent my younger son to his brother and told him to ask to come up <as> he wished to see [p. [10], bk 5]
[paper fragment inserted after page [10] of book 5]<Joseph kept the urim and thumim constantly about his person an[d] he could by this means ascertain at any moment whether <if> the plates were in danger or having just looked into them before got there he perceived her coming and came up out of the well and met her. When she informed him of the situ what had occurred he told her that the record was perfectly safe for the pre[s]ent. but he <however> concluded to go home with her and told Wells that his buisness at home made it necessary for him to return>
[blank]
him when came Joseph requested he him to bring a chest that had a good lock and Key and have it <here immediately so that it may be ready> there here said Joseph by the time I get home having left these directions he went to bring the record which he had deposited in a cavity in a birch log 3 miles distant he too and covered it with the bark of the same he took the plates from their place and wrapping them in his linen frock put them under his arm and started for home the house after walking a short distance in the rad road he concluded it would be safer to go across through the woods accor in a moment he struck through the timber where there was a large windfall to cross he had not proceeded far in this direction till upon as he was jumping over a log a man spran[g] up and gave him a heavy blow with a gun Joseph struck <leveled> him to the ground and ran at the top of his speed about ½ a mile farther he was met again in precisely the same way he soon brought this one down also and ran <on> again— but before he got home he was accosted the 3 time in with a severe stroke with a gun when he struck the last one he dislocated his thumb which however he did not notice till he came in sight of the house where he threw himself down in the the a corner of the fence to recover his breath and as soon as he could get go on he rose and finished his race for the house— where he arrived altogether speechless from fright and exhaustion after a moment’s rest he said tell Send for and and his friend and tell them to go and see if they can find those <some> men who have been pursueing me then let go tell to bring his chest this was done and [p. [11], bk. 5] when went into ’s house he found him at tea with 2 of his ’s sisters touched his his ’s shoulder just as he was raising his cup to his mouth without waiting to hear a word of the s errand sprang dropped his cup & sprang from the table and ketched up the chest turnend it upside down and leaving the contents on the [table?] left the House in an instant with the chest on his shoulder the young ladies were much surprized at his singular behaviour and protested to his (who was bedfast her oldest daughter Lovina being but 4 days) that her was positively crazy She laughed heartily O! not in the least said he has just thought of something that he has neglected and its just like him to fly off in a tangent when he thinks of anything that way When the chest came Joseph locked up the record and threw himself on the bed after resting himself so a little so that he could converse he went out & related his adventure to his and who had come back from their scouting expedition without seeing any one— he Showed his thumb saying I must stop talking and get you to put my thumb in place for it is very painful when this was done He related to our guests the whole history of the record which interested them very much and listened and beleived all that was told them[7 lines blank] [p. [12], bk. 5]
up to the time when he took <it> out of the stone <cement> b0x in the hill of cumorah which took place the mor[n]ing that missed his horse and waggon when <Joseph> he took the plates into his hands at this time the angel of the Lord stood by and said now you have got the record into your own hands and you are but a man therefore you will have to be watchful and faithful to your trust or you will be overpowered by wicked men for they will lay every plan and scheme that is possible to get them away from you and if you do not take heed continually they will suceed while they were in my hands I could keep them and no man had power <to take> them away but now I give them up to you beware and look well to your ways— <and you shall have power to keep <retain> them untill the time for them to be translated> The thing which spoke of it had that Joseph termed a Key was indeed nothing more nor less than the a urim and Thummim by which the angel manifested those things to <him> that were shown him in vision by the which also he could at any time ascertain the approach of danger Either to himself or the record and for this cause he kept these things constantly about his person <new Chapter> he now commenced work with his on the farm in order to be near the treasure that was commited to his cares one day he came to the house in haste and inquired if there had been <a> company of men there I told him there had no one came to the house since he left it he said that there would be a mob there that night if not before to search for the records and that it must be removed Soon after one came from the neghboring village <of > a man of in whom we reposed much confidence and who was well worthy of the same to him Joseph told his apprehension of a mob and says he we must drive them away [p. [1], bk. 6] but the first thing to be attended to was to secreet the record and <breastplate> it was resolved that a portion of the hearth should be taken up and the plates buried under the same and the hearth relaid to prevent suspicion this was carefully and speedily done and the hearth was scarcely laid down when a large company of men came rushing up to the house armed with guns. Joseph threw the door open and taking a hint from the sratigem [strategem] of his he halooed to the as if he had a legion at his command hand giving the word of command with great immportance and in a tone like stentor at the same time the males that belonged to the house from the down to little ran out to with such vehemence upon the men that they thought it best to give leg bail while they were able and fled <and were> pursued by our little spartan band away into the woods and dispersed themselves to their several homes
We had but a few days rest however for Joseph soon received another intimation of the approach of a mob and the necessity of removing the record & breasplate again from its hiding place he took it<them> up and carried it them out to a cooper Shop across the road and took them out of the box and after wrapping them carefully in cloths laid them away in the m[i]dst of a quantity of flax which was stowed in the shop lof loft he then nailed up the box as before and tore up the floor and put the box under it— As soon as it was dark the mob came on and ransacked the place but did come into the house after mak a satisfactory research they went away the next morning we found the floor of the cooper shop taken <up> and the wooden box which was put under it Split to peices and in a few days we learned the cause of this <last> move and why their curiosity led them in [p. [2], bk. 6] this direction a young woman who was sister to willard chase had found an a green glass that <&> by looking thrugh the it she could see many wonderful things and among the rest of her discoveries She said she had found out the exact place where Joe smith kept his gold bible hid so in pursuance to her directions they gathered their forces and laid siege to the cooper shop but went away disapointed But this did not shake their confidence in Miss Chase for they still went from place to place by her suggestion determined to get possession of the object of their research
soon It soon became necessary to take some measures to accomplish the translation of the record into English but he was instructed to take off a fac simile of the alphabet Egyptian charecters <composing the alphabet> <which were called reformed egyptian> Alphabetically and send them to all the learned men that he could find and ask them for the translation of the same. Joseph was very solicitous about the work but as yet no means had come into his hands of accomplishing the same it.
The reader will notice that on a preceeding page I spoke of a confidential friend to whom mentioned the existence of the record 2 or 3 years before it came forth. This was no other than one of the Witnesses to the book of Mormon after it was translated To him Joseph desired me to go and one afternoon as he wished to see him But this was an errand that I somewhat disliked for his was a peculiar sort of a woman one that was habitaully of an a very jealous temperment and being hard of hearing She was always suspicious of some secret being in agitation that was designedly kept from her hearing on this account I would rather not go unless I could approach her upon the subject before I spoke to him about it Jos Joseph consented to this and I went to away according to his request [p. [3], bk. 6]
When I arrived there I carefully detailed the particulars of the finding record as far as wisdom dictated and necessity demanded in order to satisfy the ’s mind but she did not wait for me to get through with my story till she commenced urging me to receive a considerable amount of money which she had at her own command a kind of private purse which her permited her to keep to satisfy her peculiar disposition— She also had a sister in the house who was extremely anxious to help me to r[aise?] 5 dollars in money I told her I came on no such buisness that I did not want her money that Joseph would attend to his own affairs that I would like to speak to <with> a moment and then I would return home as my family would soon be expecting me back She said that she was determined to assist in the buisness and <for> she knew that he would want money and she could spare $200 as well as not but finally she went with me to her & told him I wanted to speak to him he said he was not going to stop his work for said he I am now just laying the last brick of this hearth you see this is the last work that I have to do for one year on the House or about the house or on the farm and when this is done I am going away to hire a hand to work a year for me as I shall travel 12 month before I settle myself at home again he soon left and after being gone a short time he came and told me that he was now a free man his hands were altogether untied to go and come and do as he pleased. I told him in short the errand on which I had come— he said he would see Joseph in in a few days— Yes said and I am coming to see him too and I will be there tuesday afternoon and stop over night accordingly She came as soon <as> she came in and was well seated She began to importune My Son as to the [p. [4], bk. 6] truth of what he said now declaring that she would see the Gold plates if he really had any and she was resolv resolved to help him in publishing them.
he told her that She was mistaken that She could not see them and as he was not permitted to exhibit them to any one except those whom the Lord will appoint to testify of them and as to assistance I always prefer dealing with men rather than their wives This highly displeased for She was a woman who piqued herself upon her superiority to her — well now Joseph said She are you not telling me a lie can you look full in my eye and say before God that you have in reality found that record as you pretend he told said indifferently why yes I would as soon look into your face and say so as ano not if you would be at all gratified by it
well Now Joseph said She I will tell what I will do If I can get a witness that you do speak the truth I will beleive it and I want to do something about the translation and I mean to help you any way She went to bed and in the morning told us a very remarkable dream She said that a personage had appeared to her the night before and said to her that inasmuch as she had disputed the servant of the Lord and said that his word was not to be believed and asked him many improper questions that she had done that which was not right in the sight of God Now said behold here are the plates look upon them and believe she then described them record minutely and again said that She had made up her mind as to what she would do that She had in her possession 28 dollars that her mother gave her an just before she died when She was on her death bed Joseph should take that and if he would he might give his note but he should certainly accept of it on sone terms this last proposition he acceeded to in order [p. [5], bk. 6] get rid of her importunities Shortly after this Alvin Hale Joseph’s brotherinlaw came to our house from for the purpose of moving my son and his to his Father’s house as word had been sent to them that it was their wish to go to her ’s as soon as my son could settle <up> his buisness in They were Alvin and Joseph were one day in at a public house doing some buisness with the landlord When entered the room there was many strangers present when he came in he walked up to My Son giving his said how do you do Mr Smith then taking a bag of silver from his pocket Said here Mr Smith is $50 I give it to you to do the Lords work with. “No said he I give it to the Lord for his own work No said Joseph we will give you a note and Mr Hale I presume will sign it with we me yes replied Alva I will but presisted that he would give the money to the Lord and called upon all present to witness to the fact that he gave it freely and did not demand any compensation or return for the same that it was for the purpose of helping Mr Smith to do the Lord’s work It was soon arranged so that Joseph was ready to set out for with the Breasplate and record these were securely nailed up in a box and the box put into a strong cask made for the purpose the cask was then filled with beans and headed up as soon as it was ascertained that this removal of My son and family was in contemplation— there was a mob of 50 men collected who went to Dr Mc intire and requested him to take the command of the company that their object was to follow Joe Smith and take his Gold Bible away from him Dr Mc intire told them they must be a pack of devilish fools and bid them go home and mind their own tho buisness that [p. [6], bk. 6] if Smith had and any thing of that sort to attend to he was capable of doing it and they would do better to busy themse[l]ves about that which concerned them more. A quarrel then arose as to who should be captain and ran so high that it bro broke up the expedition— Joseph started Dec for ano [blank]
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[blank] it was agreed that should follow him as soon as he <Joseph> should have sufficient time to transcribe the Egyptian alphabet which was to take to the east and through the country in every direction to all who were professed linguists to give them an opertunity of showing their talents— as soon as Heard this she declared her intention of accompnying her but he concluded that it would be better to go without her and left sudenly not giving her any intimation of his intention. went with him. soon missed her and came to me to find out whether I knew where he was I told her what he had said to me of about leaving supressing however his remarks pertaining <to> herself She was highly enraged and accused me of p[l]anning the whole affair I told her I had nothing to do with the plan nor the execution of it that the buisness of the House which were the natural cares of a woman were all that I atempted to dictate or interfere with unless by my s or sons request said she had property & she knew how to take care of it and she show me that Now stop replied I do you not know that we never asked you for money or property. had we been disposed to take advantage of your liberality might we not have gotten possession of at least $270 of your money [p. [7], bk. 6] she answered in the affirmative but went home in anger determined to have satisfaction in some way for the slight which she had received
When a short space of time had elapsed returned but his s anger kindled afresh at her s presence so much so that she prepared a bed and room for him alone which she refused to enter— A young man had been adre paying his addresses to Lucy Har[r]is s oldest daughter of this by the name of Dikes <of> this young Gentlemen the of <the> Girl was very fond and the young Lady was not at all averse to him but of course was decidedly upon the negative. But just at this juncture a scheme entered her brain that changed her deportment to Mr Dikes very materially— She told Mr Dikes that if he would contrive to get the egyptian characters out of s possession of and hire a room in & take transcribe them accurately and bring her the transcripts that she would give him her daug[h]ter Lucy to wife Mr Dikes readily agreed to this and sufice it to say he succeeded to the ’s satisfaction and received the promised reward. When began again to prepare to set out for again in order to set himself about the writing of the translation of the plates His told <him> that she fully decreed in her heart to go also He proposed to her that she should go with him and stay a week or two on a visit and then he would take her home and go again to do the work of writing the Book She acceeded to this very cheerfully— But her did suspect what he was to encounter The first time he exhibited the egyptian charecters She took out of her pocket an exact copy of them and informed those present that Joe [p. [8], bk. 6] smith was not the only one that was in possesion of this great curiosity that she herself had as the same characters and they were quite as genuine as those displayed <to> them by she pursued this course wherevers she went untill she reached my sons house when arrived there she said she had come to see the plates and would never leave untill She attained her object <&> The next day Joseph was compelled to take them out of the house and bury both the breast plate & the record for she began to by ransack<ing> every nook & corner of the house chest cupboard trunk &c the day after she went out and hunted the ground over ajacent to the house she kept up the search till 2 oclock in <the> afternoon when she came in very ill natured and after warming herself a little enqired of if they had snakes there in the Winter time I was walking around in the woods said she to look at situation of your place &c & as I turned round to come home a tremendous great black snake stuck up its head before me and commenced hissing at me— She The was so disapointed and perplexed in everything she undertook that left the house and took lodgings at the nearest tavern <the house of a near neighbor> here She stated to the Landlady <hostess> that She was in search of the plates that <when> shee came to a place where she thought they must be buried that upon stooping down to rem scrape away the snow and leaves in order to examine the spot she encounted a horrible black snake which frightened her so sadly that she ran to the house as fast as possible She continued her opperations while she remained in doing all that her ingenuity could contrive to injure Joseph in the estimation of his neighbors She told them that he was a grand impostor that he [p. [9], bk. 6] had deceived her < with his> Specious pretentions and was exerting all his deceptive powers in order to induce is to give him his property into Joseph’s hands that he might by robbing her make himself rich when she returned home which was in about 2 weeks from the time she arrived there in She endeavored to disuade from having anything farther to do with writing or translating the record but he paid but little attention to her and as he agreed to go back and write for a season at least he did so— After left his house went from place telling her grievances to everyone she met but particularly bewailing he that he the deception which Joe smith was practiceing upon the people was about to strip her of all that she possessed. but said the woman I know how to take care of my property & I’ll let them see that pretty shortly. So She carried away her furniture her linen and bedding and other movable articles till she well nigh divested the premises of everything which could conduce to comfort or conveiniance These things She deposited with her friends where She reposed suficient confidence to assure her of this their the safety of her property. <New chap>
remained with my son and wrote dilligently untill he had transcribed nearly 116 pages of the record when it <then> became necessary for him to return home— he now began to requested Joseph to permit him to look upon the plates for he desired a further witness that of their work <actual existance and> that he might be better able to give a reason for The hope that was within <him> of seeing great things come to pass in the last days— Joseph was very partial to on account of the friendship which he had manifested for in an hour when there [p. [10], bk. 6] seemed to be no earthly freind to succoror or to sympathize.
Under these circumstances Joseph felt a great desire to gratify the man’s feelings as far as it was justifiable to do so accordingly he enquired at the hand of the Lord concerning the Matter when he received a revelation which is contained in the book of doctrine and covenants Sec 33. Revelation given March 1829 Sec. 33— Revelation given March 1829.
<1st. paragraph> Behold I say unto you, that as my servant has desired a witness at my hand that you my servant Joseph Smith junior have got the plates of which I <you> have testified and borne record that you have received of me: and now behold, this shall you say unto him, He who spake unto you said unto you, I the Lord am God, and have given these things unto you, my servant joseph Smith Junior and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things, and I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me that you should not show these them except to those persons to whom I command you and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you. And you have a gift to translate the plates and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift untill my purpose is fulfilled in this for I will grant unto you no other gift untill this <it> is finished— again paragraph 5 a And now <again> I speak unto you concerning the my servant Joseph concerning the that desires the witness Behold I say unto you concerning he exhalts himself and does not humble humble himself sufficiently before me but if he will bow down before me and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith in the sincerity of his heart then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see And then he shall say unto the people of this generation behold I have seen the things which the Lord has shown [p. [11], bk. 6] unto Joseph Smith Jr. and I know of a surety that they are true for I have seen them: for they have been shown to me by the power of God and not of man and I the Lord command him my servant and that he shall say no more unto them except he shall say I have seen them and they have been shown unto me by the power of God and these are the words which he shall say But if he deny this he will break his the covenant which he has before covenanted with me and behold he is condemned And now except he humble himself before me and acknowledge the things which he has done which are wrong and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments and exercise faith in me behold I say unto him he shall have no such views for I will grant unto him not views of the things of which I have spoken And if this be the case I command you my servant Joseph that you shall say unto him that he shall do no more nor trouble me any more concerning this matter—
paragraph 6th. And if this be the case behold I say unto thee Joseph when thou has translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season even untill I command thee again then thou mayest translate again And except thou do this behold thou shalt have no more gift & I will take away the things which I have intrusted to <with> thee And now because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee yea I foresee that if my servant humbleth not himself and receive a witness at <from> my hand that he will fall into transgression and there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the Earth and for this cause that thy days may be prolonged I have given unto thee these commandments yea for this cause I have said stop and stand still till I command thee & I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee and if thou art faithful in keeping my [p. [12], bk. 6]
commandments thou shalt be lifted up at the last day Amen— This discouraged from saying much more about the plates but he insisted upon taking that which he had writen home with him that he might show his family what he had been employed in during his abscence from them he also hoped that it might have a salutary effect upon his s feelings to read what was writen— Joseph for a long time resisted every entreaty of this kind at last however he begged the priviledge of obliging by allowing his last request this priviledge was given with the condition that my son was responsible for their safety. This my son was willing to to do as he could not conceive it possible for so kind a friend to betray the trust reposed in him. but there is no doubt of this indulgence being given to Joseph in order to show him by another lesson of bitter experiance how vain are all human calculations— and also to learn him not to put his trust in man nor make flesh his arm now took the most solemn oath that he would not show the writing manuscript to any save 5 individuals who belonged his family household for the hoped that it might be the means of carrying the truth truth home to their hearts and affecting a union of sentiment <in his family> animated him very much. & his anxious desires were now gratified as to the means which he wished to make use of as an instrument to effect this much wished for object. Accordingly he was now fully prepared to set out for home which he did carrying with him 116 pages of the record in manuscript this was in july immediately after his departure was confined became the Mother of a but she had but little <small> comfort from the society of the dear little stranger for he was very soon snatched from her arms and borne aloft to the world of spirits before it had time learn good or evil and for some time its seemed to tremble upon the verge of the [p. [1], bk. 7] silent home of her . so uncertain seemed her fate for a season that in the space of 2 weeks her husband never slept one hour in undisturbed quiet— at the end of this time His anxiety became so great about the manuscript that <he> determined as his was now some better that as soon as she had gained a little more strength he would make a trip to and see after the same but he did not mention the subject to for fear of agitating her mind to[o] much for the health of her body— however she soon manifested that she was not without her thoughts upon the subject not withstanding the debilitated state which she was in for she called her husband to her and asked him what he thought about the manuscript I feel so uneasy said she that I cannot and rest and shall not be at rest ease untill I know something about what is doing with it do you not think it would be advisable for you to go and enquire into the reason of his not writing or sending any word back to you since he left us— Joseph begged her to be quiet and not worry herself as he could not leave her just then as he should not dare to be absent from her only even one hour while her situation was so precarious—. I will said send for my and She shall stay with me while you are gone After much persuasion he concluded to leave his in the care of her for a few days and set out on the before mentioned journey. But the sensations which he experienced when he found himself well seated in the stage coach with left to the Solitude of his own imagination (as there was but one passenger beside himself inside the vehicle and this individual did not seem inclined to urge conversation) cannot be imagined by any one who reads this for they have not been in like circumstances. and of course they cannot be correctly described. there were various causes acting upon his mind which [p. [2], bk. 7] were calculated to have a very peculiar effect upon him in the first place was the consideration of the calling which he had received at the hand of God many years previous to <as> a thing unlooked for by the people of the generation in which he lived he cast his eyes abroad upon the age present <now> upon the earth and reflected that he stood alone an unlearned youth opposed to all the casuistry and learning and ingenuity of the combined world. Whose buisness was to tear open the bowels of the Earth and drag to light the precious things of the Earth beneath and then extend his search up to the throne of God and bring down the precious of Heaven above into the midst of the sons of men despite all their preconceived opinions and prejudices’s which were so great that in order to gratify a pride of popularity and sustain a fashionable religion they would and did <strive> and even before this had sought <used all their ingenuinity> to take away his life to prevent the truth from coming forth and <least> their own opinions receive injury thereby— But this he did not regard this & while he was sure of the strongs support of ofthe Omnipotent arm arm of the Almighty ruler of men and every other power which was and is and is to come— there remained another Item of consideration of tenfold weight and more vital importance than any of these— He had not now that feeling of justification which assured him of the especial favor of God for he awfully feared that he had ventured too far in vouching for the safety of the manuscript after it was out of his possession and should this be the case the consequence which must ensue was inevitable that which was he would not be permitted to retain the plates untill he should be able to translate them and perhaps he might never have the priviledge of touching a finger to the work which untill now he had been the blessed instrument in the hands of God of bring[ing] to the knowledge of mankind nor was this the worst [p. [3], bk. 7] apprehension that disturbed his mind the hot displeasure of the Almighty would be kindled against him for turning aside from the injuctions which was laid upon him and and calling upon his heavenly Father to grant him an indulgence that was not according to instructions of the Angel of the Lord. for it now appeared to him upon reflection that he had acted hastily & in an inconsiderate manner and that he had regarded man more than his maker. Whilst these thoughts accompanied by ten thousand others which naturally fell into their train passed in rapid succession through his brain there was but small opportunity of rest and little relish for refreshment consequently he neither ate nor sleeped while on the rout this was observed by his fellow traveller so much so that when Joseph remarked as he descended from the stage <*> that he had still twenty miles to travel on foot the stranger objected <saying> I have watched you since you first entered the stage & I know that you have not slept nor eaten since you commenced your journey and you shall not go on foot 20 miles alone this night for I if you must and will go I will be your company— and now tell me what it is or can be the trouble which makes you thus desperate and also weighs down your spirits to such an extent that you refuse every proffered comfort and conveinianse— Joseph told the gentleman that he had left his in so low a state of health that he had reason to fear that he would not find her alive when he returned also he had buried his first and only but a few days previous to leaving home
This explanation was given in truth and sincerity although there was heavy trouble laying at his heart that he did not dare to mention—. I feel said the kind stranger to sympathize with you and I will go with you for I fear that your constitution which is evidently not strong will not <insuficient to> support you and you will be [p. [4], bk. 7] in danger of falling asleep in the forrest and some accident befall you— Joseph thanked him and they proceeded together— When they arrived at our house it was nearly daylight 4 miles of distance the stranger was under the necessity of leading Joseph by his arm for nature was too much exhausted to suport him any longer and he would fall asleep on as he stood upon his feet as often as once in a few minutes— When they came in the stranger said I have brought your son through the forrest because he insisted on coming but he is sick and wants rest and refreshment he ought to have some pepper immediately to warm his stomach— After you have prepared that I will thank you for a little breakfast as I am in haste to be on my journey again— When the first direction was complied with Joseph requested us to send with all possible speed for we did so and after the stranger left (whose name we never knew) we prepared breakfast as soon as we could conveiniently for always came in such haste when sent for that we supposed he would be there and ready to take breakfast before with us before we could pre be ready to eat— & it was now near 6 oclock at and he lived 3 miles distant. At 8 oclock we sat the victuals on the table as we as we were looking for him every moment, we waited till 9 and he came not till 10 and he was not there till 11 still he did not make his appearance at ½ past 12 we saw him walking with a slow and measured pac tread toward the house his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the ground when he came to the gate he did not open it but got upon the fence and sat some time with his hat at the drawn over his eyes— at last he entered the house after we sat down and were ready to commence eating too with the rest— he took up his knife and fork as if to use them but dropped them from his hands said why do you not eat are you sick [p. [5], bk. 7] pressed his hands upon his temples and cried out in a tone of anguish Oh! I have lost my soul I have lost my soul. Joseph who had smothered his fears till now sprang from the table exclaiming Oh! have you lost that manuscript! have you broken your oath and brought down condemnation upon my head as well as your own yes replied it is gone and I know not where— Oh! My God My God said Joseph clenching his hands together all is lost is lost what shall I do I have sinned it is me that tempted the wrath God by asking him to that which I had no right to do ask as I was differently instructed by the angel— and he wept to like and groaned walking the floor continualy at last he told to go back to his house and search again— No said it is all in vain for I have looked in every place in the house I have even ripped open beds and pillows and I know it is not there Then must I said Joseph return to my with such a tale as this I dare not do it least I should kill her at once and how shall I appear before the Lord of what rebuke am I not worthy from the the Angel of the most high I besought him not to mourn so that it might be that the Lord would forgive him after a short season of humiliation and repentance on his part, but what could I say to comfort him when he saw the family all in the same state of mind that he was nothing could be more affecting than the appearance which we presented <or> sobs and groans and the most bitter lamentations filled the house Joseph <in> particularly was more distressed than the rest for he knew definitely and by sorrowful experience the consequence of the what would seem to others to be a very trifling neglect of duty he continued walking the <tracing back> [p. [6], bk. 7] floor <wards> and forwards and weeping and grieving like a tender infant untill about sunset we persuaded him to take a little nourishment. aft the next morning he went home we parted with heavy hearts for it seemed as though all our fond anticipations which we had fed upon <and> which had been the source of so much secret gratification to us all was in moment fled and fled forever—
I will now return and trace and give a sketch of his proceedings through the fortnight’s time that had brought to pass a train of circumstances that had swept over us like a the simoon blast— and seared our bright hopes in the tender bud ere we were granted the priviledge beholding even the opening leaf.
When he arrived at home he was not slow to exhibit the manuscript to his and family thus far he was under no condemnation his seemed highly pleased with what she heard and entered into the spirit of it so much that she gave her the priviledge of locking it up in a set of drawers which she had never <before> permited him to look into after he had shown the transcript to those who were priviledged to see it by his oath he laid it aside and went with to visit a relative of her’s who lived miles distant, and as his declined returning with him he left her with her friends and went home alone— shortly after he got there a very particular friend made him a visit to whom he related all he knew concerning the record The man’s curiosity was much excited and he earnestly desired to see the transcript was anxious to gratify his friend although it was contrary to his obligation, but when he went to seek for it he found that key could not be found but he soon resolved to carry his design into execution and to do this he picked the lock and in so doing he injured his lady’s beaureau considerably [p. [7], bk. 7]
he now removed the manuscript to his own set off drawers here he had the it at his command and passing by his oath he showed them <it to> any good friend that happened to call on him when returned and beheld the marred and injured state of her beaureau her irracible temper knew no bounds and an intolerable storm ensued throughout the house which descended with greatest force upon the head of the devoted , and when Joseph arrived <X> peace was not yet restored and because of this she was accused of having taken the transcript by Stealth and secreted it for when <although but> Joseph sent for him he went imm immediately to his drawer— but the manuscript was gone— he asked his where it was— she solemnly averred that she did not know anything about it whatever— not regarding what she said he went through the house and made a faithful search, but it was more vain than Esau’s seeking his blessing <after Joseph returned, we co> <for he not only lost his spiritual blessing but a great temporal blessing also— for there was a heavy fog which swept over the His fields and caused his wheat to blighted, all his wheat while that on the opposite of the r[o]ad remained untouched by the mildew which spoiled his grain>
We never heard from our unfortunate son untill 2 months after when being uneasy as to the consequences of his distress of mind. We (that is and ) went down to to make him a visit when we came wi[t]hin ¾ of a mile of the House Joseph started off to meet us telling his that and were coming although he could not see us— he met us with a countinance blazing with delight and it was very evident that his joy did not arise wholely from seeing us a while a great and real trouble was seated at heart <he said> very little passed concerning this subject <of his trouble> untill evening & he then related what had taken place since he was in with Great minute precision as follows
I returned home immediately after I left you without accident after I arrived here I commenced humbling myself in mighty prayer before the Lord and <as> I poured [p. [8], bk. 7] out my soul bef in supplication to him that if possible I might obtain mercy at hands and be forgiven of all that I had done which was contrary to his will. As I was doing this an Angel stood before me and answered me saying that I had sinned in that he had delivered the manuscript into the hands of a wicked man and as he had ventured to become responsible for this man’s faithfulness he would of necessity suffer the consequence’s of his indiscretion that he must now give back the plates into the hands of the angel from he had received them but said he it may be if you are sufficiently humble and penitent that you will receive them again on the 22 of september— Soon after this the I received the <a following> revelation from the Lord— The works and <the> designs and <the> purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught, for God doth not walk in crooked paths: neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left neither doth he turn vary from that which he hath said: therefore his course is one paths are straight and his course is one eternal round. Remmember, Remmember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated but the work of men: for although a man may have many revelations and have power to do many mighty works yet if he boasts himself in his own strength and sets at naught the counsels of God and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him
Behold I you have <been> intrusted you with these things but how strict were your commandments and remmember also the promises which were made to you if you did not transgress them and behold how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God and have have gone on in the persuasions of men for behold you should not have feared man more than God although men set at naught the counsels of God and despise his words yet you should have been faithful and he would [p. [9], bk. 7] have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary and he would have been with you in every time of trouble
Behold thou art Joseph and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord but because of transgression if thou art not aware thou wilt fall but remmember God is merciful therefore repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you and thou art still chosen and art again called to the work except thou do this thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men and have no more gift
And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man who has set at naught the counsel of God and has broken the most sacred promises which were made before God and has depended upon his own strength judgment and boasted in his own wisdom and this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the begining
Nevertheless my work shall go forth for inasmuch as the knowledge of a saviour has come unto the world through the testimony of the Jews even so shall the knowledge of a saviour come unto my people and to the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites throug[h] the testimony their fathers and this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites and Lemuelites and Ishmaelites who dwindled in unbeleif because of the iniquity of their Father’s whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites because of their iniquities and their abominations and for this purpose are these plates preserved which contain these records that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled which he made to his people and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their Fathers and that they might know the promises of the Lord and that they [p. [10], bk. 7] may believe the Gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus christ and be glorified through faith in his and that through their repentance they might be saved: Amen
I then continued <said> Joseph my suplications to God without cessation that his mercy might again be exercised towards me and on the 22 of september I had the Joy and satisfaction of again receiving the record <urim and Thummin> into my possession and I have commenced translating and writes for me now but the angel said that if I got the plates again that the Lord woul[d] send some one to write for me and I trust that if it will be so. he also said that the <he> angel seemed <was> rejoiced when he gave him <me> back the plates <urim and Thummim> and said that he <God> was pleased with his <my> faithfulness and humility also that the Lord was pleased with him and loved him <me> for his <my> penitence and dilligence in prayer in the which he <I> had performed his duty so well as to receive the record <urim and Thummin> and be <was> able to enter upon the work of translation again— <See s paper names>
While on ths visit we became acquainted with the family of Joseph’s Fatherinlaw whose name was his Family consisted of his wife and Jesse, David, Alva, Isaac Ward, & Reuben his sons also his Phebe Elizabeth & Ar[blank] his daughters they were a lovely inteligent and and higly respectable Family. They were pleasantly situated living in fine circumstances in the county of susquehanah town of on an elegant farm lying a short distance from the foot of a splendid range of Mountains that ran north and south on the east <south> <East> of them between which and the farm the susquehanah [Susquehanna River] poured its chrystal floods in full view of the Ma[n]sion in which they lived a large neatly finished frame with <every> convenient appendage necessary on an extensive and well cultivated farm— it was most deligtful situation and did honor to the good taste of the inteligent proprietor [p. [11], bk. 7]
We spent the time very agreeably and returned home relieved of a burden which had seemed too heavy to be borne the joy we had over the present prosper[i]ty of our son with regard to his spiritual concerns far outweighed anything of the kind which we had before experienced for we now had learned to appreciate the sweet from having drank deeply of the bitter for a season— But as had <it> always <had> been the case our seasons of rejoicing was soon mingled with the anxiety and distress
When we arrived at home we found & lying at the point of Death had shut up his own house and left it to take care of the children during our abscence lay very sick for 2 months in which time she was dreadfully salivated by the Dr. who attended her— Soon after we returned there came a man into our neighborhood by the name of he went to (as he was one of the principle trustees) and applied for the school. It was settled that he should have it and the terms were agreed upon— But the next day he brought his brother and requested them to receive him in the place of himself as buisness had arisen that would oblige him to disapoint them but he would warrant the prosperity of and Good conduct of the school in ’s hands if the trustees would accept of his services—. All parties were satisfied and requested my to take him as a boarder at least for a little while untill he should become acquainted with his patrons in the school. He had not been in the place long till he began to hear about the plates from all quarters and immediately he commenced importuneing upon the subject. but he did not succeed in eliciting any information from him for a long time— At length however he gained My s confidence so far as to get a sketch of the facts which related to the plates [p. [12], bk 7]
one day, came home from school in quite a lively mood and; as soon as he had on an oppertunity of conversing with he told him that he () had been in a deep study all day and it had been put into his heart that he would have the priviledge of writing for Joseph. and he had concluded that when the term of school which he was then teaching was closed, he could hit upon some plan that would be enable him to <he would> <and that he would> go and pay Joseph a visit after he should mature the matter more fully in his own mind— < said but little to this and Still continued> The next day was so very stormy as to render it almost impossible to travel the road between the school house and our place and I the rain fell in torrents all the evening so I suposed that would certainly stop with some neighbor that lived nearer the school house than we did but he was not to be deterred from coming, by any common dificulty for his mind was now fully set upon a subject which he could not converse upon anywhere else. When he came <in> he said that I have now resolved what I will do for the thing which I told you seems working in my very bones insomuch that I cannot for a moment get rid of it— My plan is this:— My term of school will be out in march and I want as he is one of the trustees to manage to have my school money ready for me as soon as the school closes that I may be able to set off for immediately upon making the necessary preparations. And as I understand that is going to stay with Joseph through the spring I will endeaver to be ready to start by the time he recovers his health again. I have made it a subject of prayer I and I firmly believe that it is the will of the Lord that I should go and that there is a work for me to do in this thing and I am determined to if there is to attend to it We told him that we thought it was his priviledge to know whether this was the case and advised him to seek for a testimony concerning it <for himself.> he did so and received the wittness spoken of in the book of doctrine and covenants
<x told me <says> that he is going down to help Joseph next Spring, then the school will be out and I will manag[e] to has have my money collcted for me so that I can go with> [p. [1], bk. 8]
from this time was so entirely absorbed in the subject of the record that it seemed impossible for him to think or converse about anything else We had agreed for the place years The time was now drawing to a close. We now began to make preparations to remove our family and effects back to the log house we had formerly lived in; but <That Which occupied.> <which> was now occupied by . Now we began to feel more seriously than we had ever done the effects of the blast that swept all our property and every comfort and conveinence of this nature from our hands at once <our loss to> before this we had the use of our effects property although it was not nominally ours but the time of course for us to feel the stroke most sensibly was when we gave them up to the last New landlord full and entire possession of the last vestige of real estate which we could call our own now no longer ours.
I thought that it would not be possible in the crowded situation in which we would have to live in the house to which we were soon to convey our family for us to make comfortable and mentioned the to him the necessity of seeking another boarding place I also thought this would be a good occasion to bring to his mind the cause of all our present privation as well as the misfortune that he himself was liable to if he turned his back upon the world and set out in the service of God regardless of consequences. Now said I just look upon this thing as it is see what a comfortable home we have had here and what pains every child that we have has taken to provide for us everything nescessary to make our old age comfortable and long life desirable. Especially here I have to look upon the handiwork of that dear whom death has removed from our sight an everything which meets my eyes reminds me of my beloved Even upon <his> death bed in last moments his dying injunction <was> to his brothers, was that they should not by any means neglect to finish his work of preparing a place of earthly rest for us that if possible through the exertions of our children our last might be our best days and there is scarcely anything that I see which has not passed through [p. [2], bk. 8] hands of that faithful boy and afterwards been carefully man[a]ged as precisely according to this every plan by his brothers wh[o] survived him showing to me in every particular their faithful and affectionate remmembrance both of their Parents and the whom they loved. From all these tender recolections render our present trial doubly severe for these relies (which even were they without other value othe than that which is attached to them by these recollections are to me most precious) must now pass into the hands of wicked men who fear not God neither do they regard man, and by what right or upon what righteous principle. They never have raised a hand to earn any part of that <of> which they are now to reap the benefit of In consequence of these things; , we cannot make you comfortable any longer and you will be under the nescessity of taking board somewhere else for we shall have to crowd ourselves ourselves together in a log house where we shall have none of the conveinance that we have here exclaimed the young man with much feeling only let me stay with you and I can live in any log hut where you and lives but I cannot go away from you so say no more about conveinience I care not for it I can do well enough Well continued I now look around me upon all these things that have been gathered for my happiness which has cost the toil of years and <said I now mark> I now give it all <this> up for the sake of Christ and salvation and I pray God to help me to do so without one murmur or a tear and in the s[t]rength of God I give the<m> up from this time and I will not cast one longing look upon anything which I leave behind me
In april all ’s affairs being arranged according to his mind he and set out for The weather had for some time previous been very wet and disagreeable occasionally freezing nights this made the roads almost impassible particularly in the middle of the day but was determined not be detained by wind or weather and persvered untill they arrived at Joseph’s house although <> frozes his feet <one of [his] toes> and suffered much on the road from fatigue as well as <> the inclemency of the weather [p. [3], bk. 8]
When they arived there Joseph was not at home wh as he had been so hurried with buisnes and writing &c that he could not proceed with the work as fast as it was necsary for him to do and <there was also another disadvantage under which he had to labor> had so much of her time taken up with her work that she could not write but little for him accordingly 2 or 3 days before the arrival of and he feeling it his priviledge to lay hold of the promise of the angel that the Lord would send him a scribe he called upon the His Heavenly Father for the promised assistance and was informed that the same should be forthcoming in a few days. As soon <after> was introduced to him he <informed Joseph what his business was> said Mr Smith I have come for the purpose of writing for you This was not at all expected to Joseph for although he had never seen before he knew that the Lord was able to perform and that he had been faithful to fulfill all his promises.) They then sat down and conversed togather untill late bed time and Joseph told His entire history as far as it was necessary for his information in those things which concerned him. They <were> soon deeply engaged in the work of writing and translation, and progressed rapidly; one morning however they sat down to their usual work when the first thing that presented itself to Joseph was a commandment from God that he and should repair to the water each of them be baptized they immediately went down to the susquehanah river and obeyed the comn mandate given them through the urim and Thumim as they were on their return to the house they oveheard in a secluded spot engaged in secret prayer They had now received authority to baptize and Joseph said that he considered it a sufficient testimony of th ’s honesty of heart and zeal for religion that they had found him privately bowing before the Lord in praye[r] that for himself he thought it was an evidence readiness for baptism was of the same opinion and they spoke to who went with them straightway to the water and was baptized After this they again went on with the translation as before. remained with his brother untill July or August whe he then went back to the state of and brought us news of their success and prosperity [p. [4], bk. 8]
This roused in the a great desire to go down to to see how they were prospering for himself as he was more than commonly interested in the matter his <> soon came to the knowlege of his intention and fixed in her mind a determination to prevent him from going also to bring Joseph into a difficulty that would be the means of stopping hindering him perhaps entirely from accomplishing the work which he was about
Accordingly she mounted her horse flew through the neighborhood like a dark spirit, from house to house making diligent enquiry at every house for miles where She had the least hope of gleaning anything that would subserve her purpose which was to prove that Joseph had not the record which he pretended to have that he pretended to be in possession of certain Gold plates for the express purpose of obtaining money from those who might be so credulous as to believe him after she had ascertained the strength of her adherents she entered a complaint before grand befor a magistrate at lyons she then sent word to requesting him to Come to Lyons prepared to with a good horse to travel post haste to after the descision was given in case the suit went in it was agains[t] Joseph Smith that he might go with the officers to assisted them in securing him and confining him in prison. was very obeidient to her suggestion and it seemed to be going on prosperously with her She made affidavit to many things and directed the officers who to Subpoena, among the rest her was a principle witness. When the day of trial came the neig[h]bors who felt friendly to us informed us that the witnesses were gone to Lyons and were determined to obtain a verdict against Joseph if it could be done by swearing It
This very naturally gave me great anxiety for my Son came in and asked him what could be done Why said he we can do nothing look to the Lord for in him is all help and strength and he can deliver from every trouble.— I had never neglected this all important duty but seeing this confidence in my stren [p. [5], bk. 8] strengthened me in this hour of trial for I was not then so much accostomed to such things as I was afterwards firs this was the first time that a suit was ever brought before any court which affected any of my Children and I trembled for the is[s]ue but I retired by myself and bowed to a secluded place and bowed myself before God and poured out my whole soul in impassioned entreaties for the safety of my son I continued my suplication for some time at length the spirit fell upon me so powerfully that every feeling of foreboding or distress was entirely removed and and a voice spoke to me saying not one hair of his head shall be harmed. I was satisfied and rose up and went into the house I never had felt as happy in my life as I did then I sat down and began to read but my feelings were to[o] intense to permit me to do so My daughterinlaw came into the room soon after as She turned her eyes upon me she stopped short saying why what is the Matter I never saw you look so strange in my life I told her I never had been so happy before indeed said <I> my heart was <is> so light and my mind so completely at rest that it did <does> not seem to me as though I should ever have any more trouble while I lived and I have got a witness from the Lord that Joseph’[s] enemies would <will> have no power over him for I have received a promise that he shall be protected Overpowered by the strength of my feelings I burst into tears and sobbed aloud
I will now relate the proceedings of the court after the setting of the same the witness were sworn The 1st. Witness testified that Joseph Smith told him that the box which he had contained nothing but sand and he only said it was gold plates to deceive the people 2nd. Witness Swore that Joseph Smith told upon a certain occasion that it was nothing but a box of lead and he was determined to use it as he saw fit
3rd. Witness declared under oath that he enquired of Joseph Smith what he had in that box and Joseph [said?] to him that there was [p. [6], bk. 8] nothing in the box saying I have made fools of the whole of you and I all I want is to get ’s money away from him Witness also stated that Joseph had already got $200 or $300 from by his persuasion
Next came ’s affidavit in which she stated that she believed that Joseph Smith had but one principle object in view and that was to defraud her in such a way as to induce him to give up all his property into his (said Smiths) hands that she did not believe that Joseph Smith had ever been in possession of the Gold plates which he talked so much about and that his prete[n]sions were altogather unreal—
The Esq. then forbid the introduction of any more witnesses on untill he heard ’s testimony
being duly sworn testified <with> boldness decision and energy to a few simple facts when he rose he raised his hand to Heaven and said I can swear,— that Joseph Smith never got one dollar from me since God made I did once voluntarily of my own free will and accord put $50 into his hands before many witnesses for the purpose of doing the work of the Lord. This I can pointedly prove and I can tell you furthermore that Joseph Smith has certainly got never shown any disposition to get any man’s money and as to the plates which he professes to have and if you gentlemen do not believe it but continue to resist the truth it one day be the means of damning your souls. The Judge then told them that they need not call any more of their witnesses but to bring that which had been recorded of the testimony that had been given. This he tore in pieces before their eyes and told them to go home about their buisness and trouble him no more with such ridiculous folly. They returned home abashed and confounded hanging down their heads with shame and confusion.
<Chapter> [p. [7], bk. 8]
In the mean time Joseph was 150 miles distant and knew naught of the matter e[x]cept an intimation that was given through the urim and thumim for as he one morning applied the<m> latter to his eyes to look upon the record instead of the words of the book being given him he was commanded to write a letter to one this man Joseph had never seen but he was instructed to say him that he must come with his team immediately in order to convey Joseph and his family <> back to his house which was 135 miles that they might remain with him there untill the translation should be completed for that an evil designing people were seeking to take away Joseph’s life in order to prevent the work of God from going forth among the world This was accordingly done and the letter received and showed it to his sisters and brothers and asked their advice as to what it would be best for him to do his said why know you have sowed as much wheat as you can harrow in tomorrow and next day and then you have a quantity of plaster to spread that is much needed on your land and you cannot go unless you get an evidence from God that it is very necessary. This suggestion pleased and he asked the Lord for a testimony of the fact if it was his will that he should go he was told by the voice of the spirit to (sow) <(har) inn his wheat> his wheat and then go straightway to In the morning he went to the field and found that he had 2 heavy days work before him He then asked the lord to enable him to do this work sooner than the same work had ever been done on the farm before and he would receive it as an evidence that it was the will of God for him to engage in forwarding the work which was begun by Joseph Smith. he then fastened his horses to the harrow and drove round the whole field he continued on till noon driving all the way round at every circuit but when it came to be time to eat dinner he discovered to his surprize that he had harrowed in full half the wheat. after dinner he again went on as before and by evening he finnished the whole 2 days work [p. [8], bk. 8] <When he informed his of the fact> but his could not believe it till he examined for himself and ascertained that it was actually the fact now Well said his there must be some overruling power in this thing and I think you had better go as soon as you get your plaster paris sown and bring up the man with his family <with his scribe> To this also agreed and The next morning as soon as breakfast was over he took the half bushel measure under his arm and went out to the place where he supposed the plaster to be as he knew exactly where he had left it 24 hours previous but when he came to look for it behold it had entirely disappeared every vestige of it was gone from the spot where he left it he ran to his sisters house a few yards distant and enquired if she knew anything of what had become of the plaster paris which had deposited near there Why said she in surprise you sowed it all yesterday at it was all sown by some one for the the children came and begged me to go out and look at some men that were sowing plaster in the field for said they Mother you never saw anybody sow plaster as fast as they do in your life I went and I I did see three men to work in the field as the children said but suposing that you had employed some assistance and because of your hurry to get your work done I passed into the house without giving any further attention to the subject. Sh made considerable enquiry but not being able to ascertain who had done it he related the circumstance to his who was quite as much at a loss to determine how the thing was brought about as he was but there was not a doubt upon the minds one of the family of there being an exertion of supernatural power connected with the operation and all hands went about preparing for his Journey a he was soon on his way and in 2 days he arrived there without injuring his horses in the least although the distance was 135 miles [p. [9], bk. 8]
Joseph concluded to go himself with but leave in in order to set off more speedily than would be possible in case he took his along with him. When he commenced making preparations for his journey he enquired of the Lord in what manner the plates should be conveyed to their point of destination. His answer was that he should give himself no trouble about but hasten her to waterloo and after he arrived a[t] ’s house if he would repair immediately to the garden he would receive the plates from the hand of an angel to to whose charge they must be committed for their safety. The Trio viz Joseph, , and started for Waterloo where they arived after a short and pl[e]asant Journey in health and fine spirits for commencing anew on their labors here they continued translating untill the whole work was completed. They then lost no time in informing us that is his ’s family of the acomplishment of this very important undertaking duty.
We communicated this intelligence to the same evening for we loved the man although his weakness had cost us much unnecessary trouble still he seemed to have a heart that designed no evill and we felt a commiseration for this disappointment which his misguided zeal had brought upon him <he had brought upon himself in an evil hour.> When we he heard that the translation was finaly completed he seemed as greatly rejoiced as if he knew that it had effected his salvation and determined to go straightway to waterloo as soon soon as he could get away the next morning. We accordingly set off together and before sunset we met Joseph and and at waterloo the evening was spent in reading the manuscript and I it would be imperfluous for me to say to any one who has read these pages that we were greatly rejoiced for it then appeared to us who did not realize the magnitude of the work which was <could> hardly be said at that time to have begining; as though the greatest difficulty was then surmounted— [p. [10], bk. 8]
But with Joseph it was not so for he hear knew that a dispensation of the Gospel was committed to him of which the starting bud had Scarsely yet made it appearance The next morning after breakfast was over we repaired to the setting room and after attending the morning service Joseph approached with a solemnity which I thrills th[r]ough my veins to this day whenever I it comes to my recollection. said he you have got to humble yourself before your God this day and obtain if possible a forgiveness of your sins for <and> if you will do this it is his will that you and and should look upon the plates, soon after this these three <four> left the house and went into a grove a short distance from the house— here they continued in earnest supplication to God untill he permitted an angel from his presence to bear to them a message declaring the truth and verity of the pretensions which Joseph made with regard to the plates which were at the same time shown to them by the angel. They returned to the house wi it was betweeen 3 & 4 o’clock & and were sitting in a bedroom I sat on the bedside when Joseph came in he threw himself <down> beside me !— !— said he you do not know how happy I am The Lord has caused the plates to be shown to 3 more besides me who have also seen an angel and will have to testify to the thuth [truth] of what I have said for they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people and I do feel as though I was relieved of a dreadful burden which was almost too much for me to endure, but they will now have to bear a part and it does rejoice my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world. then came in he seemed almost overcome with excess of Joy He then testified to what he had seen and heard as did also the others and a their testimony was the same <in substance as that> contained in the book of Mormon which was as follows [p. [11], bk. 8]
The Testimony of Three Witnesses
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, his brethren, and also of the people of Jared, which came from the tower of which hath been spoken; and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we do know of a surety, that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shewn unto us by the gift and power of God, and not of man, and we declare with words of truth and soberness, that an Angel of God came down out of <from> Heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true; and it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obeidient to the commandments of the Lord God we bear testimony of these things,— And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgement seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the H[e]avens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, Amen. Which is one God. Amen.
[p. [12], bk. 8]
particularly seemed altogather unable to give vent to his feelings in words he said I have now seen an angel from Heaven who has of a surety testified of the truth of all that I have heard concerning the record and my eyes have beheld him I have also looked upon the plates and handled them with my hands and can testify of the same to the whole world. But I have received for myself a witness that words cannot express that no tongue can describe & I bless God in the sincerity of my soul that he has condescended to make me even me a witness of the greatness of his work and designs in behalf the children of men. and . also joined with him in solemn praises to God for his goodness and mercy. We returned home the next day a happy cheerful rejoicing little company In a few days we were follow by Joseph and and the whitmers who came to make us a visit and also to make some arrangements about getting the book printed soon after they came They all that is the male part of the company repaired to a little grove where it was customary for the family to offer up their secret prayers— as Joseph had been instructed that the plates would be carried there by one of the ancient Nephites. Here <it> was that those 8 witnesses recorded in the Book of Mormon looked upon the plates and handled them of which they bear witness in the following words,
“Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom this work shall come that Joseph Smith Jr. the translator of this work has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken which have the appearance of Gold; and as many of the leaves as the said smith has translated we did handle with our hands and we also saw the engravings thereon all of which has the appearance of ancient work and curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of sobernness, that the said Smith has shewn unto us for we have seen and hefted and know of as <a> surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken [p. [1], bk. 9] and we give our names unto the world to witness unto the world that which we have seen and we lie not God bearing witness of it
After the witnesses returned to the house the Angel again made his appearance to Joseph and received the the plates from his hands. <#> We commenced holding meetings that night a in the which we declared those facts that we knew to be true. These meetings were continued from time to time ever afterwards it This was thursday The ensueing Monday the company went to for the purpose of contracting with Mr. for printing of the book after they succeeded well and <here follows a long detail— see notes March 22 1845 Pps #> expected to carry the work Straight forward. without further But A revelation came to Joseph commanding him to see that transcribed the whole work as second time and never take both transcripts to the office but leave one and carry the other so that in case one was destroyed the other would be left furthermore was commanded to remain at our house to assist in guarding the writings and also for the purpose of to accompany to the Office and back when no other person could be spared from the place to go and come with him as it was necessary that should be accompanied by some one for the purpose of protecting him in case of danger. that if this <precaution> was not the case taken his enemies would be likely to to waylay him a in order to get the manuscript away from him— and also the house would be infest[ed] [p. [2], bk. 9] by intrusive persons who was willing to sacrafice their character for the sake of putting a stop the printing of the because they were exceeding mad against the truth and went about to establish their own kind of righteousness This astonished us very much. but we did gainsay the councel of the most high— but di wherefore we did all things according to the pattern that was given. and accordingly the they guarded to his work in the morning and went after him at night and kept a guard over the house all night long although we saw no enemy knew not that there was anyone that designed evil against us. <new Chap> The work went on very well and appearances were qu[i]te promising for a few days— After which, a company of men gathered together in on and held a council in a room adjoining the one wher was a[t] work with a young Mr. Robinson son of our friend Dr. Robinson they suspected that something was agitated among these men that was not right—, and proposed to Mr. Robinson that he should apply his ear to a hole that there was in the partition wall and ascertain why it was that they we are <were> there— which he did <and> by this means overheard the following remarks and resolutions Now gentlemen this Golden bible which the smiths have got is destined to break down everything before it if there is not a stop put to it or an end made of it. for this very thing is going on to be a serious injury to all religious denominations and in a little while many of our excellent minister good men who have no means of obtaining a respectable livelihood except by their ministerial labor will be deprived of their sallaries which is their living. Shall we endure this gentlemen <cries of> No! No! well how should shall put a stop the printing of this thing It was then moved an[d] secon[d]ed and carried without a dissenting voice that the best measure that could be adopted woul[d] be to appoint three of their company to come to our house on the tuesday or wed[nesday] following <when the men were not about the house> and request me to read to them [2 words illegible] [ma]nuscript after and that after I had done [2 words illegible] [p. [3], bk. 9] two of the company should attract my attention towards something foreign from the manuscript and that while they were doing this the third should seize the writing from the drawer and throw the same into the fire and burn them up—
Again said the speaker suppose that we were to fail to succeed in this or any other plan and the book should be published in defiance of all that we can do what is then to be done shall we buy their books and suffer our families to do so They all responded No! They then entered into a solemn oath <covenant> binding themselves bye tremenduous oaths’ that they would never [buy?] one single volume nor ever would they perm[i]t one member of their families do to do so and thus they would nip the dr[e]adful calamity while it was in the bud— O
came home and related the whole affair with great solemnity for he was greatly troubled by it— I told him not to be anxious or uneasy about the manuscript but said I take the whole <of the> manuscri papers and put them into a large Chest which I provided for the purpose and I would find a place for them. When this was done I raised up the head of my bedstead and shoved the chest under it and then <by> letting the bedstead fall it was securely colosed [closed] although it had neither lock or key— They followed up their arrangement and on Wednesday came just after the men had left their dinners At night we all went rest at the usual hour except who kept watch as he spent the night on guard, after As for myself soon after I laid down upon my bed I fell into a train of reflections which occupied my mind untill the day appeared I called to my recoliction the passed past history of my life. And evry interesting scene which I had witnessed from my earliest remmembrance <up> to the present moment [2 words illegible]hing scene wich I had witnesse[d] during [2 words illegible]se of my life seemed to rise in succ [p. [4], bk. 9]ession before from the time The early principles of early piety which were taught me when My Mother called me with my brothers and sisters around her knee and instructed to feel our constant dependance upon God. our liability to transgression and the necessity of prayer and also discoursed to of our accountability to our father in Heaven— of Death and a judgement to come— Then again I seemed to hear the voice of My brother Jason [Mack] declaring to the people that true religion and the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ which he established on the Earth was not now among the christians denominations of the day and with tears streaming beseeching them by the love of God to seek to obtain that faith which was once delivered to the saints.— again I seemed to stand by <at> the bedside of my sister Lovisa [Mack] and see <her> exemplify the power of God in answer to the prayer of faith by an almost entire resusitation; while her livid lips a moved but to express one sentiment which was the knowledge of the power of God over that of disease and death—
The next moment I was conveyed to the Scene the coseing [closing] scene of my sister Lovin[a Mack]’s life and heard her last adminition to her mates and reiterated in my ear<s> and then my soul thrilled to <the high plaintive> clear and beautiful strains of Some favorite notes of some <the> favorite hym which she repeated <in> the last moments of her existence on earth Oh! how often I had listened to the beautiful music of my siste the voices of those to <two> sisters and drank in thier tones <as> of if I near might hear again.— and After <that> I seemed live over again the season of gloominess and of prayers and tears that succeeded my sisters death and <when> my heart was burdened with anxiety and distress and fear least I should by any means fail of that preparation which was needful in order [to?] meet again my sisters in that world for which they had taken their departure. Then I first began to feel most sensibly the want of a living instructor in matters of salvation. But how much intensely I felt this deficiency [p. [5], bk, 9] when (a few years afterwards) I found myself at <on> the very verge of the [e]ternal world and although I had an intense desire to for salvation yet I was totally devoid of any satisfactory Knowledge or understanding of the Laws or requ[i]rements of that being the before whom I expected shortly to appear but I labored faithfully in prayer to God struggling to be freed from the power of death. When I recovered I saught unceasingly for some one to who could impart to my my some deffinite Idea of the requ[i]rements of Heaven with regard to mankind but like Esau seeking his blessing— I found them not. though I saught the same with tears— In this for year for days and months and years I continued asking God continually to reveal to me the hidden treasures of his will; but although I was always [s]trengthened from time still I did not receive a direct to my prayers for the space 20 21 years I had always beleived confidently that God would a some time raise up some one who would be able to effect a reconciliation among those who desired to do his will at the expense of all things else— But what was my joy and astonishment to hear my own son though a boy of 14 <years of age> declare that he had been visited by an angel from Heaven and even nor at the time as I took a retrospective glance at former years when my mind rested upon the hours of deep delight with I had sat in the midst my chidren my oldest son by my side which I had spent <in> listening to the instructions which Joseph had received and <which he faithfully> committed to us a <which> we received with infinite delight but none were more engaged than the one whom we were doomed part with for was never so happy as when he was contemplating the final sucess of his brother in obtaining the record: And now I fancied I could hear him with his parting breath conjureing his brother to continue faithful that he might obtain the prize which the Lord had promised him ever The But when cast in my mind on the disapointment and trouble [p. [6], bk. 9] which we had suffered while the work was in progress the my heart beat quick and my pulse rose high <and> in spite of my best efforts to the contrary my mind was aggitated and I felt every nervous sensation which I experienced at the time it the circumstances took place a
at last as if led by an invisalbe spirit I came to the time in the mesenger from Waterloo informed me that the translation actualy completed my Soul swelled with joy that could scarcly heigtened except by the reflection that the record which had cost so much labor and sufferring and anxiety were now <in reality> being beneath my own head that this identicle work had not only been the object which we as a family had pursued so eagerly but that Prophets of ancient days and angels even the Gr[e]at God had <had> his eye upon it. and said I to myself Shall I fear what man can do will not the angels watch over the precious relict of the worthy dead and the hope of the living and I am I indeed the mother of a prophet of the God of Heaven— the honored instrument in performing so great work— I felt th I was in the purview of angels and my bounded at the thought of the grat condescension of the A[l]mighty— thus I spent the night surrounded by enemies and yet in an extacy of happiness and truly I can say that “my soul did magnify and my spirit rejoiced in God my savior”—
On the fourth day the 3 men appointed <delegated> out <by> the council came to perform the work assigned them they began
we hear you have a gold bible and we came to see you <if> be so kind as to show it to us
No gentlemen said I we have not <got> any <no> gold bible and neither have we ever had any thing of the kind but we have a translation of some gold plates which was sent to the world to bring the plainess of the Gospel to the children of men and also to give a history of the people that used to inhabit this country and I then proceeded to give [p. [7], bk. 9] them the substance of what is contained in the book of Mormon as also particularly the principles of religion which it contains. But added I the Universalists come here wonderfullly affraid that their religion will suffer loss— The Presbyterians are frightened least their salary will come down The Methodist’s come and they rage for they worship a God without body or parts and the doctrine we advocate comes in contact with their views
Well said the foremost gentleman with whom I was acquainted can we see the manuscript,
No sir you cannot see it we have done exhibiting the manuscript altogether I have told you what was in it and that must <suffice> He did not reply to this but said you & and and have belonged to our church a whole year and we respect you very highly but you say a great deal <about the book which your son has found> and believe much of what he tells you but we hate regret loos we cannot beare thoughts of loosing you and they do wish— I wish that if you do believe those things which your son that never would proclaim it or say anything about it I do wish you would not— Deacon Beckwith said even you should stick my body full of faggots and burn me at the stake I would declare that Jose[p]h has that record and that I know it to be true as long as God gave me breath— he then turned to his companions and said you see it is no use to say anything more to her— we cannont chan[g]e he[r] mind & then addressing me I see that it is not possible to persuade you out of your belief and I do not know that it is worth while to say any more about the matter— No sir said I it is <of> no use you cannot effect any thing by all that you can say— he then bid me farewell and went out to see & they asked him if he really did believe that his brother had got the record which he pretended to have— <testified boldly to the truth and> told him that if he would take the book of mormon when it was finished and read it asking God for a witness to the truth of [it] he would receive what he desired and now said he Deacon Beckwith just try it and see if I do <not tell you truth.— They went to who quoted Isa[ia]h.> The bargain which they made with entitled to use of the every day except sunday. [p. [8], bk. 9]
There was one Esqr Cole who living in the village of who about this time became destitute of Money property and
One Su[n]day <afternoon>. became very uneasy he told that his peculiar feellings led him to believe that something <going> was wrong at the printing Office asked if he thought there would be any harm in going to the office notwithstanding it was sunday. They debated some time at last said I shall not stop to consider the matter any longer for I am going you may suit yourself about the matter but I will not suffer such uneasiness any longer without knowing the cause <in a few minutes> They out were out on a few their way to the printing established establishment when that they arrived there they found an <man individual by the name of > very busy at work printing a paper which seemed to be a <weekly> periodical of some description <*> <* said How why you seem to be busy at work how comes it that you work Sunday . Bec I cannot have the press during the week and I am obliged to print nights and sundays> took up one of them and discovered that the man was printing the book of Mormon by picemeal. in the prospectus he agreed to publish one form of Joe smith’s Gold bible each week and thereby furnish his subscribers with the whole bo principle portion of the book for a very small <comparitively small> sum his Paper was entitled Dogberry paper Winter Hill and there <here> he had thrown together the <most> disgusting and insignificant stuff that could be conceived of jou in juxta position with ex the form which of the Book of Mormon which he had pilfered— thus Classing the beautiful <unaffected> simplicity of this inspired writing with the lowest and most contem[p]tible doggerel that ever were <was> imposed upon any community whatever— was indignant <shocked> at this perve[r]sion of common sense and moral feeling as well as indignant at the unfair and dishonest course he took to get possession of the work
said he what right have <you> to print the book of Mormon in this way, do you not know that we have received a copy right— [p. [9], bk. 9]
It is none of your buisness sir said I have hired the press and I will print what I please so help yourself
replied I forbid you printing any more of that book in your paper for that is sacred and you must stop it
<> I dont care a dam for what you say I’m determined to that damned Gold bible is going into my paper and both contended with him a long time to dissuade him from his purpose but finding all they could do nothing with him they returned home and issued his paper as he had done <several other> numbers before that of the same paper pu thus clandestinely publishing the book of mormon and before we could bring it to them in such order to gratify the curiosity <of the people> the whilst they also were more willing to pay <this> arrant knave for their information than to come in possession of it in a more honorable way and in a manner that would help <enable> the proprietors of the work to discharge the obligations they had entered into and its order to its publication we learned that he was <had been> circulating a prospectus of his paper all through the country beginning about 10 miles distant and had agreed to publish one form of the Gold bible every week and when we discovered him he had already isued som[e] six or 8 numbers— <&> returned immediately home and after counciling with it was considered necesary that Joseph should be sent for accordingly My set out as soon as possible for The day that set on which they were expected Home was one of the most blustering cold and disagreable that I ever experinced But they breasted the storm all day long and when they arrived there they were very nearly s[t]iffened with the cold. however they Joseph made himself comfortable as soon as po he could and went the same night to the <printing> office as it was sunday the day in which published his Dogberry Paper. Joseph saluted him very good naturredly with How do you do you seem hard at work and How do you do mr. Smith said drily— Joseph then examined his [p. [10], bk. 9] paper and— said that book and the righ[t of p]ublishing it belongs to me, and I forbid you meddling it in the least degree
threw off his coat and rolling up his Sleeve Sleeves came towards my son in a great rage roaring out at the top of his voice do you want to fight sir do you want to fight. I will publish just as what I’m a mind to and now if you want to fight ju