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Letters from Liberty Jail Letters from Liberty Jail Dec. 1, 1838 Joseph Smith writes to Emma to tell her they have arrived at Liberty Jail. (1 page) Dec. 16, 1838 Joseph Smith writes to the Church, condemning those that persecuted the members of the church. Apos- tates of the church are named … “whose hearts are full of corruption…” The prophet tells the members of the Church to ….”let truth and righteousness prevail…” (7 pages) Jan. 16, 1839 Joseph Smith writes to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young. “It is not wisdom for you to go out of Caldwell with your Families yet for a little season until we are out of Prison after which time you may act your pleasure, but though you take your Families out of the state yet it will be necessary for you to Return and leave as before designed on the 26th of April.”* “We nominate George A. Smith and Lyman Sherman to take the place of Orson Hyde and Thomas B. Marsh.” They are instructed that the oldest of the twelve shall be President of the Quorum – Brigham Young. “Brethren fear not, but be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” (2 pages) *Note D&C 118:1, 4 & 5 “...let the Twelve be organized... And next spring let them depart to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name. Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-six day of April next, on the build- ing-spot of my house, saith the Lord.” (This was the only revelation received by the Prophet with a specific date and location.) For more information go to: www.MissouriMormonHistory.org Click on the GOLD PLATES, then click on: Fulfilling the Far West Prophecy.pdf Jan. 24, 1839 Petition to the Missouri State Legislature sent to Representative James H. Hughes Esqr. The prisoners ask for justice and informs the legislature that Judge Austin King’s son-in-law (Hugh Breazeale) was killed while fighting with the Mormons in Jackson County in 1833. They therefore ask for a change of venue out of the “upper counties” of Missouri. (2 pages) Jan. 26, 1839 At a conference at Far West, Brigham Young asks for volunteers to assist the poor and the widows as they flee Missouri. Seven men volunteer. Jan. 29, 1839 A Committe of Removal is organized and adopts a covenant that is signed by 380 men. Feb. 1, 1839 Four more men volunteer to assist the Committee of Removal , one of which is Stephen Markham. Stephen loads Emma and her children in his wagon and takes them to Quincy, Illinois. Mar. 20, 1839 Letter to the Church, Joseph Smith dictates as Alexander McRae scribes (80%) and Caleb Baldwin scribes (20%), parts of which are later canonized as D&C 121-123. (26 pages) Blessings are promised to “all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (D&C 121:29) Mar. 21, 1839 Joseph Smith writes to Emma advising of the Epistle to the Church. He asks that members of the Church compile a “bill of damages” that they may apply to the United States Court. He says he feels like “Joseph in Egypt” being “cast into prison by the mob.” (2 pages) Apr. 4, 1839 Joseph Smith writes to Emma. They expect to leave for Daviess County for trial tomorrow. They expect “a change of venue to some of the lower counties, for the final trial…” adding “We lean of on the arm of Jehovah, and none else, for our deliverance…” “So the mob party have sworn, to have our lives, at all hazards, but God will disappoint them we t r u s t ,” “I want to see little Frederick, Joseph, Julia, and Alexander, Joana and old major.” Note: Old Major is the family dog. (3 pages) 1 Letters from Liberty Jail December 1st 1838 My Dear companion I take this oppertunity to inform you that I we arrived in Liberty and commited to Joal [jail] this Evening but we are all in good spirits Captain bogard [Samuel Bogart] will hand you this line my respects to all remain where you are at preasant yours &c Joseph Smith Jr Liberty Jail was a “refiners fire” for members of the Church and for the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through this ex- perience the Prophet learned obedience, patience, humility and compassion. Elder Neal A. Maxwell wrote, “Jesus’ obedience was perfected by his suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9). For Joseph Smith, suffering increased his obedience.” 2.
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