TO BRETHREN IN THE LORD
1835 JUNE 15

FC. Joseph Smith, Kirtland, Ohio, to Brethren in the Lord, 15 June 1835, 1 p., photocopy of MS in the handwriting of William W. Phelps, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives.

Shortly after the Church's organization in 1830, Joseph Smith commenced what he called a "new translation" of the Bible. By 1833 the work had progressed to the point that extracts were printed in The Evening and the Morning Star in Missouri, and plans were announced to publish the completed translation simultaneously in Independence, Missouri, and in Kirtland, Ohio. However, the expulsion of the Saints from Jackson County interrupted this. An April 1834 revelation urged that Martin Harris contribute money for the printing of the scriptures and that a copyright be secured for the publication.522

It is not clear what Harris's circumstances were, but this letter of the Prophet to brethren of the Church on 15 June 1835 indicates that other sources of funding for the publication were necessary.

Kirtland June 15, 1835
Dear brethren in the Lord,

I send you my love and warmest wishes for your prosperity in the great cause of our Redeemer.

We are now commencing to prepare and print the New Translation, together with all the revelations which God has been pleased to give us in these last days, and as we are in want of funds to go on with so great and glorious a work, brethren <we> want you should donate and loan us all the means or money you can that we may be enable to accomplish the work as a great means towards the salvation of men. My love to my relatives &c your brother in the bonds of the New Covenant

Joseph Smith Jr