TO WASHINGTON TUCKER
1844 JUNE 12

FC. Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois, to Washington Tucker, Eldorado, Arkansas, 12 June 1844, 1 p., in hand of John McEwan, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives.

In the midst of the furor brought on by the Expositor affair,672 Joseph Smith paused briefly on 12 June to answer a letter from an inquirer in Eldorado, Union County, Arkansas. On 4 May Washington Tucker had written of his interest in the Church after talking with a missionary and reading some Church literature. Mr. Tucker reported that "hundreds who never before heard of the new revelation are opening their eyes and staring and gaping to know more about it" and that it was the general wish of a great many in Union County to have a minister sent who could instruct them more fully.673 Joseph Smith responded.

Nauvoo Ill. June 12, 1844.

Sir:

Your letter dated May 4, has reached me, and its contents duly considered. A multiplicity of business keeps me from writing as freely to correspondents as I could wish, still my heart is large enough for all men and my sensibilities keen enough to have compassion for every case when justice mercy virtue, or humanity requires it, be pleased to accept my thanks for your very kind letter; study the bible; as many of our books as you can get; pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, have faith on the promises made to the fathers, and your mind will be guided to the truth, An Elder shall be sent as soon as the "Twelve" can make the necessary arrangements. In the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ I am your obdt Sevt

Joseph Smith

Washington Tucker

Edward Ark