TO EMMA SMITH
1838 NOVEMBER 12

ALS. Joseph Smith, Richmond, Missouri, to Emma Smith, Far West, Missouri, 12 November 1838, 2 pp., RLDS Church Archives, Independence, Missouri.

Four days after Joseph Smith and his associates were brought to Independence, an order came from General John B. Clark to move them to Richmond, Ray County. In the absence of a sufficiently large jail there, the men were thrust into an old log house, chained together, and placed under heavy guard.542 On 12 November a court of inquiry, presided over by Judge Austin A. King of the Missouri Fifth Judicial Circuit, convened in the Richmond courthouse to consider charges of "treason, murder, arson, burglary, larceny, and stealing" against the Mormon prisoners. Anticipating a just and speedy hearing, Joseph wrote this letter to his wife on the day the court opened.

November 12th, 1838, Richmond
My Dear Emma,

we are pr prisoners in chains, and under strong guards, for Christ sake and for no other cause, although there has been things that were unbeknown to us, and altogether beyond our controal, that might seem, to the mob to be a pretext, for them to persacute us, but on examination, I think that the authorities, will discover our inocence, and set us free, but if this blessing cannot be done obtained, I have this consolation that I am an innocent man, let what will befall me, I recieved your letter which I read over and over again, it was a sweet morsal to me. Oh God grant that I may have the privaliege of seeing once more my lovely Family, in the injoyment, of the sweets of liberty, and sotiaial life, to press them to my bosam and kissng their lovely cheeks would fill my heart with unspeakable great grattitude, tell the chilldren that I am alive and trust I shall come and see them before long, comfort their hearts all you can, and try to be comforted yourself, all you can, the[re] is no possible dainger but what we shall be set at Liberty if Justice can be done <and and> that you know as well as myself, the tryal will begin to day for some of us, Lawyer Rice [Amos Rees] and we expect [Alexander] Doniphan, will plead our cause, we could <git> no others in time for the tryal, they are able men and <will> do well no doubt, Brother Robison543 is chained next to me he he has a true heart and a firm mind, Brother Whight [Lyman Wight], is next, Br. Rigdon, next, Hyram, next, Parely [Pratt], next Amasa [Lyman], next, and thus we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love, we are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for christ sake, tell little Joseph, he must be a good boy, Father loves him <with> a perfect llove, he is the Eldest must not hurt those that <are> smaller then him, but cumfor<t> them tell little Frederick, Father, loves him, with all his heart, he is a lovely boy. [p. 1] Julia is a lovely little girl, I love hir also She is a promising child, tell her Father wants her to remember him and be a good girl, tell all the rest that I think of them and pray for them all, Br [Almon] Babbit is waitting to carry our letters for us the colonal <price> [Sterling Price] is wa inspecting them therefore my time is short <the> little baby Elexander is on my mind continuly Oh my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember that I am <a> true and faithful friend, to you and the chilldren, forever, my heart is intwined around you[r]s forever and ever, oh may God bless you all amen you I am your husband and am in bands and tribulation &c

Joseph Smith Jr

to Emma Smith

P S write as often as you can, and if possible come and see me, and bring the chilldren if possible, act according to your own feelings, <and> best Judgement, and indeavour to be comforted, if possible, and I trust that all will turn out for the best. yours,

J. S. [p. 2]

Mrs Emma Smith
Far West

Dear Affectionate Affectation