, Letter, , Lake Co., OH, to JS, , Hancock Co., IL, 1 Jan. 1844; handwriting of ; endorsement in handwriting of ; docket in handwriting of ; three pages; JS Collection, CHL.
Page [1]
Lake Co Ohio Jan. 1st 1844
Mr Joseph Smith
I have for a long time been anxious to receive some communication from you in relation to my interest in the Mummies &c. but having failed hitherto of learning any<thing> Satisfactory on the subject I have thot proper to drop you a line as the most ready means of exchanging sentiments on this subject. Permit me here to sketch the history of the purchase &.c. in order to bring the subject fresh to your recollection. When the subject of purchasing that concern came up I was some-what involved, and unable to sustain a heavier burthen any great length of time. but having all confidence in the utility of the collection, and being assured by yourself that the burthen would be but temporary; that the profits arising from the work when translated would be more than adequate to the defraying all the expence which might accrue by the purchase. I therefore managed the business in relation to the purchase with the same confidence that I had previously done business which I thought would result in the good of the church. Previous to closing the contra[c]t with I made arangements with S[imeon] Andrews for to take one third part and yourself & Co. one third leaving one third to be borne by myself. Andrews soon paid his $800 I took $800 out of which paid a large portion of my share; but yours together with the interes[t] remained until the Spring of 1836 if I mistake not. when by an arangement with he agreed to take 1000 dollars and give up my notes; if the raise could be made on short notice [p. [1]]