TO JENNETT A RICHARDS
1842 JUNE 23

Ls. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois, to Jennetta Richards, Richmond, Massachusetts, 23 June 1842, 2 pp., in hand of William Clayton, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives.

Perhaps Willard Richards's major contribution to the Church was the clerical assistance he gave Joseph Smith as Willard kept the Prophet's diary during the last two years of his life and the role Willard played in compiling Joseph's history. Born in 1804 in Massachusetts, Willard was baptized on the last day of 1836 by Brigham Young in Kirtland, Ohio. Six months later, he left with members of the Twelve on a proselyting mission to England. During the next four years, he labored as a missionary, published the Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, was ordained an apostle, and met and married Jennetta Richards. While in England, Jennetta bore two sons, one of whom died there.642

Returning to America in summer 1841, Willard left his family with relatives in Richmond, Massachusetts, and continued alone to Nauvoo, expecting to return for them after he was settled. But heavy ecclesiastical, civic, and clerical responsibilities delayed his return for nearly a year. His departure on 1 July 1842 was probably motivated by a letter from Jennetta to Joseph Smith. The Prophet's response was written on 23 June 1842.

Nauvoo June 23rd 1842

Sister Jennetta Richards;

Agreabley to your request, in the midst of all the bustle, and buisness of the day, and the care of all the Churches boath at home and abroad, I now imbrace a moment to adress a few words to you thinking peradventure it may be a consolation to you to know that you too are remembered by me as well as all the saints. my hearts desire and prayr to God is all the day long for all the saints and in an especial and poticular manner for those whom he hath chosen and anointed to bear the heaviest burthens in the heat of the day among which number is your husband received a man in whom I have the most implicit confidence and trust you say I have got him so I have in the which I rejoice, for he has done me great good and taken a great burden off my shoulders since his arrival in Nauvoo never did I have greater intimacy with any man than with him may the blessings of Elijah crown his head forever and ever. we are about to send him in a few days after his dear familyy he shall have our pray'rs fervently for his safe arrival to their imbraces and may God speed his Journey and return him quickly to our society, and I want you beloved Sister, to be a Genral in this matter, in helping him along, which I know you will he will be able to teach you many things which you never have heard you may have implicit confidence in the same. I have heard much about you by the twelve and in consequence of the great friendship that exists between your husband and me and the information they all have given me of your virtue and strong attachment to the truth of the work of God in the Last Days I have formed a very strong Brotherly friendship and attachment for you in the bonds of the Gosple, Although I never saw you I shall be exceedingly glad to see you face to face and be able to administer in the name of the Lord some of the words of Life to your consolation and I hope that you may be kept steadfast in the faith even unto the end, I want you should give my love and tender reguard to Br Richards familey and those who are friendly enough to me to enquire after me in that region of Country, not having but little time to apportion to anyone & having stolen this oppertunity I therefore subscribe myself in haste your most obedient Brother in the fulness of the Gosple

Joseph Smith

P. S. Bro Richards having been with me for [p. 1] a long time can give you any information which you need and will tell you all about me. I shall be very anxious for his return he is a grate prop to me in my Labours.

Mrs. Jennetta Richards

Richmond
Massachusetts