TO JOHN BERNHISEL
1841 NOVEMBER 16

Ls. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois, to John M. Bernhisel, New York City, 16 November 1841, 1 p., in hand of John Taylor, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives.

John M. Bernhisel, born at Loysville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on 23 June 1799, launched a successful medical career after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1827. He practiced medicine in Philadelphia before moving to New York City in 1832. Five years later, he joined the Latter-day Saints and at a conference on 15 April 1841 was appointed bishop over the Church in New York City. A cordial friendship developed between him and Joseph Smith.625

On 8 September 1841, Bishop Bernhisel wrote the Prophet that he was sending "a copy of Stephen's Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan,626 which I hope you will do me the favor to accept . . . as a token of my regard for you as a Prophet of the Lord."627 The next day, the letter, with Stevens's two-volume work, was given to Wilford Woodruff, who was passing through New York City on the final leg of a European mission, to be delivered to Nauvoo.

On November 16, Joseph acknowledged the gift.

Nauvoo November 16, 1841

Dear Sir

I received your kind present by the hand of Er Woodruff & feel myself under many obligations for this mark of your esteem & friendship which to me is the more interesting as it unfolds & developes many things that are of great importance to this generation & corresponds with & supports the testimony of the Book of Mormon; I have read the volumes with the greatest interest & pleasure & must say that of all histories that have been written pertaining to the antiquities of this country it is the most correct luminous & comprihensive.

In regard to the land referred to by you I would simply state that I have lands both in and out of the City some of which I hold deeds for and others bonds for deeds when you come which I hope will be as soon as convenient you can make such a selection from among those as shall best meet with your needs & feelings. In gratefull remembrance of your kindness I remain your affectionate Brother in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant

Joseph Smith

To Dr Bernhisel [p. 1]

Dr Bernhisel care of Lucian R. Foster

No 13 Oliver St
New York