Mormon Literature Sampler:
To Emma Smith
Joseph Smith
My dear Emma. I embrace this opportunity to express to you some of
my feelings this morning. First of all, I take the liberty to tender
you my sincere thanks for the two interesting and consoling visits
that you have made me during my almost exiled situation. Tongue cannot
express the gratitude of my heart for the warm and true-hearted
friendship you have manifested in these things towards me.
The time has passed away, since you left me, very agreeably thus
far; my mind being perfectly reconciled to my fate, let it be what it
may. I have been kept from melancholy and dumps, by the
kind-heartedness of Brother Derby, and his interesting chit-chat from
time to time, which has called my mind from the more strong
contemplation of things and subjects that would have preyed more
earnestly upon my feelings.
Last night Brothers Hyrum, Miller, Law and others came to see us.
They seemed much agitated, and expressed some fears in consequence of
some maneuverings and some flying reports which they bad heard in
relation to our safety; but after relating what it was, I was able to
comprehend the whole matter to my entire satisfaction, and did not
feel at all alarmed or uneasy. They think, however, that the militia
will be called out to search the city; and if this should be the case,
I would be much safer for the time being, at a little distance off,
until Governor Carlin could get weary, and be made ashamed of his
corrupt and unhallowed proceedings....
Brother Miller again suggested to me the propriety of my
accompanying him to the Pine Woods, and then he return, and bring you
and the children. My mind will eternally revolt at every suggestion of
that kind, more especially since the dream and vision that was
manifested to me on the last night. My safety is with you, if you want
to have it so....If I go to the Pine country, you shall go along with
me, and the children....I do not wish to exile myself for the sake of
my own life; I would rather fight it out. It is for your sakes,
therefore, that I would do such a thing....
Tell the children it is well with their father as yet; and that he
remains in fervent prayer to Almighty God, and for you, and for them.
Tell mother Smith that it shall be well with her son, whether in
life or in death; for thus saith the Lord God. Tell her that I
remember her all the while, as well as Lucy, and all the rest. They
all must be of good cheer.
Tell Hyrum to be sure and not fail to carry out my instructions;
but, at the same time, if the militia does not come, and we should get
any favorable information, all may be well yet.
Yours in haste, your affectionate husband until death, through all
eternity, forevermore.
Joseph Smith.
*Written in hiding. See HC, 5:103.
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