TO THE WHITNEYS
1842 AUGUST 18

ALS. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Whitneys, Nauvoo, 18 August 1842, 2 pp., Photocopy, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives.

Newel K. Whitney had been a close friend to Joseph Smith ever since the Prophet arrived at Kirtland in February 1831. In addition to the community needs provided by the Whitney mercantile firm, Newel had given untiring service as bishop of the Church in Ohio. He had left strife-torn Kirtland with his family to join the Saints in western Missouri in fall 1838; but at St. Louis, after hearing reports of violence against the Church in western Missouri, he did not proceed further. Turning northward, he settled temporarily at Carrolton, Greene County, Illinois, and then at Quincy, in Adams County. In spring 1840 the Whitneys joined the exiled Saints at Commerce (Nauvoo), and later that year Newel was appointed bishop of one of the town's three wards.647

When the practice of plural marriage was introduced at Nauvoo in the early 1840s, the Whitney family were among those involved. Seventeen-year-old Sarah Ann Whitney was sealed648 to Joseph Smith on 27 July 1842, her father performing the ceremony. Three weeks later Joseph wrote the following letter to Newel, Elizabeth Ann, and Sarah Ann. At the time, he was in seclusion at Carlos Granger's on the outskirts of Nauvoo. The letter reflects the crisis atmosphere that had forced him into hiding following the Boggs assassination attempt and the strain of conditions upon his family.

Nauvoo August 18th 1842

Dear, and Beloved, Brother and Sister, Whitney, and &c.

I take this oppertunity to communi[c]ate, some of my feelings, privetely at this time, which I want you three Eternaly to keep in your own bosams; for my feelings are so strong for you since what has pased lately between us, that the time of my abscence from you seems so long, and dreary, that it seems, as if I could not live long in this way: and <if you> three would come and see me in this my lonely retreat, it would afford me great relief, of mind, if those with whom I am alied, do love me, now is the time to afford me succour, in the days of exile, for you know I foretold you of these things. I am now at Carlos Graingers [Granger], Just back of Brother Hyrams farm, it is only one mile from town, the nights are very pleasant indeed, all three of y you come <can> come and See me in the fore part of the night, let Brother Whitney come a little a head, and nock at the south East corner of the house at <the> window; it is next to the cornfield, I have a room intirely by myself, the whole matter can be attended to with most perfect safty, I <know> it is the will of God that you should comfort <me> now in this time of affliction, or not at[ta]1 now is the [p. 1] time or never, but I hav[e] no kneed of saying any such thing, to you, for I know the goodness of your hearts, and that you will do the will of the Lord, when it is made known to you; the only thing to be careful of; is to find out when Emma comes then you cannot be safe, but when she is not here, there is the most perfect safty: only be careful to escape observation, as much as possible, I know it is a heroick undertakeing; but so much the greater frendship, and the more Joy, when I see you I <will> tell you all my plans, I cannot write them on paper, burn this letter as soon as you read it; keep all locked up in your breasts, my life depends upon it. one thing I want to see you for is <to> git the fulness of my blessings sealed upon our heads, &c. you wi will pardon me for my earnestness on <this subject> when you consider how lonesome I must be, your good feelings know how to <make> every allowance for me, I close my letter, I think Emma wont come tonight if she dont dont fail to come to night. I subscribe myself your most obedient, <and> affectionate, companion, and friend.

Joseph Smith