Joseph Smith in Richmond Jail

The fall of 1838 was a time of severe persecution for the Saints. They had been expelled from Jackson County and had begun to gather in Far West, Missouri. As their numbers grew there, the non-Mormon residents in the area again began to be concerned; what followed, between election day on August 6 and the end of the year, is sometimes called the Mormon War.

Joseph Smith was imprisoned in Richmond during this time. On November 24, 1838, after about a month in jail, he wrote a poignant and touching letter to his family.

"My dear Emma,
We are prisoners in chains, and under strong guards, for Christ['s] sake and for no other causes. Although there have been things that were unbeknown to us and altogether beyond our control, that might seem to the mob to be a pretext for them to persecute us, but on examination I think that the authorities will discover our innocence and set us free. But if this blessing cannot be obtained, I have this consolation that I am an innocent man, let what will befall me.

"I received your letter, which I read over and over again -- it was a sweet morsel to me. Oh God, grant that I may have the privilege of seeing once more my lovely family in the enjoyment of the sweets of liberty and sociable life. To press them to my bosom and kiss their lovely cheeks would fill my heart with unspeakable gratitude. Tell the children that I am alive and trust I shall come and see them before long. Comfort their hearts all you can, and try to be comforted yourself all you can.

"There is no possible danger but what we shall be set at liberty, if justice can be done -- and that you know as well as myself. The trial will begin today for some of us. Lawyer Rice, and we expect Doniphan, will plead our cause. We could get no others in time for the trial. They are able men and will do well, no doubt. Brother [George] Robinson is chained next to me -- he has a true heart and a firm mind; [Brother Robinson's wife was Sidney Rigdon's daughter], Brother Wight, is next; Br. Ridgon next; Hyrum next; Parley next, Amasa [Lyman] next. And thus we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love. We are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persecuted for Christ['s] sake.

"Tell little Joseph he must be a good boy [6 years old]. Father loves him with a perfect love. He is the eldest -- must not hurt those that are smaller than [he] but comfort them. Tell little Frederick [2 1/2] father loves him with all his heart -- he is a lovely boy. Julia is a lovely girl [7 years old] -- I love her also. She is a promising child; tell her father wants her to remember him and be a good girl. Tell all the rest that I think of them and pray for them all. Br. Babbit is waiting to carry our letters for us; Colonel Price is inspecting them. Therefore my time is short. Little Alexander is on my mind continually [1 1/2 years old]. 

"Oh, my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember that I am a true and faithful friend to you and the children forever. My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever. Oh may God bless you all, amen. I am your husband and am in bonds and tribulation etc.,

"Joseph Smith, Jr.

"P.S. Write as often as you can, and if possible come and see me -- and bring the children if possible. Act according to your own feelings and best judgment, and endeavour to be comforted, if possible. And I trust that all will turn out for the best. Yours,
"J.S."

A 13-day trial resulted in the release of many of the Mormon leaders being held because of insufficient evidence. Joseph and four others were sent to Liberty Jail in Clay County, Missouri, where they were held until the following April; then Joseph was finally reunited with his family and the other Saints in Quincy, Illinois.


(Letter transcribed from original held by the RLDS Church, and annotated by Robert J. Matthews; from an address given at the Utah State University South Stake Center, Logan, Utah; December 9, 1973)

Copyright 1998, David Kenison and LDS-Gems

Melvin J. Ballard's Vision of the Savior

[Elder Melvin J. Ballard was once strengthened during a time of need by a remarkable vision:]

"When I was doing missionary work with some of our brethren, laboring among the Indians, seeking the Lord for light to decide certain matters pertaining to our work there, and receiving a witness from Him that we were doing things according to His will, I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night, in that sacred building, the Temple.

"After a season of prayer and rejoicing, I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious Personage, and as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious Being my eyes ever have beheld, or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds. As I approached to be introduced, he arose and stepped towards me with extended arms, and he smiled as he softly spoke my name.

"If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took me in his arms and kissed me, pressed me to His bosom, and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When He had finished, I fell at His feet, and as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world.

"The feeling that I had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His hands, to have His love, His affection, and His blessings was such that if I ever can receive that of which I had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel what I then felt!"

(Bryant S. Hinckley, _Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard, p. 156) 

(Compiled and written by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, dkenison@xmission.com)

"Brother Rosecrans, Remember I love you."

            The last time I saw the Prophet, he was on his way to Carthage jail.  He and his brother Hyrum were on horseback, also Brothers John Taylor and Willard Richards.  They stopped opposite Sister Clawson's house, at the house of Brother Rosecrans.  We were on the porch and could hear every word he said.  He asked for a drink of water. Some few remarks passed between them which I do not remember.  But one sentence I well remember.  After bidding goodbye, he said to Brother Rosecrans, "If I never see you again, or if I never come back, remember that I love you."

            This went through me like electricity.  I went in the house and threw myself on the bed and wept like a whipped child.  And why this grief for a person I had never spoken to in my life, think of the danger he was in, and how deeply he felt it, for I could see that he looked pale.

Mary Ellen Kimball, , 27 (15 August 1892), pp. 490-491; in Helen Mae and Hyrum Andrus, They Knew The Prophet, p. 182.