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Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843

Source Note

[, (Viator, pseud.)], Letter, , Hancock Co., IL, to the Editor of Boston Daily Bee, , Suffolk Co., MA, [22–ca. 27 Apr. 1843]. Featured version published in Boston Daily Bee, 22 May 1843, vol. 3, no. 24, [2]; edited by C. J. Howland. Transcription from a digital image obtained from Newspaper Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts, in 2024.
Dimensions unknown. The Boston Daily Bee was printed daily, except for Sundays, from 1842 through 1858. Each issue of the Bee contained four pages with six columns on each page.
The custodial history of the Boston Daily Bee at the Boston Public Library is unknown. The newspaper was likely collected by the library at the time of its publication (1842–1858) and later bound into volumes.

Historical Introduction

Between 22 and about 27 April 1843, drafted the sixth installment in a series of nine letters to the editor of the Boston Daily Bee. JS had requested the creation of the letters on 6 March 1843 after reading two letters published in the Bee—one from Latter-day Saint missionary and the other from a recent convert to the —that showed, as expressed in JS’s journal, “the progress of truth in Boston.” On that date he requested that Richards write to the influential newspaper. Richards, JS’s personal secretary and an , was born in and had practiced medicine in the Boston area, making him a natural choice to write letters that could appeal to Boston-area readers. Richards wrote the letters in the style of a traveler who visited and reported his impressions of JS and the church, and he signed the series of letters under the pseudonym “Viator,” a Latin term for traveler or wayfarer. Richards and JS apparently hoped that the letters would have a positive impact on public opinion. The draft versions of the letters include a series title, “Truthiana,” which did not appear in the published versions. The first of the letters in the Truthiana series was written in mid-March 1843 and printed in the 12 April 1843 issue of the Boston Daily Bee.
Outside of directing the creation of the Truthiana series, JS appears to have had little involvement in its production. Nevertheless, JS did play a role in the revision process, hearing drafts of letters read to him on at least three occasions. JS’s journal is silent about his response to the drafts on two of these occasions, but he appears to have actively commented on and requested a major modification to the sixth installment of the series. On 23 April 1843, read his 22 April draft to JS, who “objected to its being printed it was too strong meat.” That draft focused on the , casting and the Saints in a militaristic light; many citizens of both and the eastern would have likely found such a depiction of militarism offensive or troubling. At JS’s request, Richards revised the letter, noting in his journal on 27 April that he “wrote no 6. Truthiana.” During the course of these revisions, Richards wrote at least two more versions. One draft briefly mentioned the legion before describing the legislation incorporating the city of Nauvoo, the commitment of church members to defending the Constitution, and the visit of a delegation of Potawatomi to Nauvoo. The other draft, which was the version that was eventually published by the Bee, also briefly mentioned the Nauvoo Legion but concentrated on the growth of Nauvoo, a description of its buildings and streets, the importance of the , and the potential for investment opportunities in Nauvoo. The text published by the Bee is the version featured here.
Despite the multiday revision process, the date of the original draft, 22 April 1843, remained on the text eventually sent to the Boston Daily Bee. The newspaper’s editor printed the letter in the 22 May 1843 issue.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 6 Mar. 1843. The letters that prompted JS’s request to Richards were reprinted in the Times and Seasons. (“What Do the Mormons Believe,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1843, 4:141–143; “H.R.,” Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1843, 4:143–144.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  2. [2]

    Johnson, “Messaging the Public,” 150.

    Johnson, Jeffery O. “Messaging the Public: Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, W. W. Phelps and the Boston Bee.” John Whitmer Historical Association Journal 37, no. 1 (Spring/ Summer 2017): 147–156.

  3. [3]

    “Viator,” in Lewis and Short, Harper’s Latin Dictionary, 1984. In his first letter to Boston’s Daily Bee, Richards presented the traveler as a visitor to Nauvoo who had previously held a negative view of the Latter-day Saints. Writing under a pseudonym was a common practice of American writers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. For example, Mercy Otis Warren wrote under the pen name “a Columbian Patriot” when she opposed ratification of the Constitution. Women like Warren had to write under gender-neutral names or under masculine names to express political and public opinions during a time when they had very little access to those spheres. Some writers required anonymity to protect their reputations while expressing unpopular opinions, and others remained anonymous to politely promote self-interest. While this practice was common, some Americans found anonymous letters untrustworthy. (Willard Richards [Viator, pseud.], Nauvoo, IL, 17 Mar. 1843, Letter to the Editor, Daily Bee [Boston], 12 Apr. 1843, [2]; Warren, Observations on the New Constitution, 2–22; Warren, “Elbridge Gerry, James Warren, Mercy Warren,” 142–164; Loughran, Republic in Print, 133–136; Grow, “Liberty to the Downtrodden,” 37; see also Pasley, “Tyranny of Printers,” chaps. 1–2.)

    Lewis, Charlton T., and Charles Short. Harper’s Latin Dictionary: A New Latin Dictionary, Founded on the Translation of Freund’s Latin-German Lexicon, Edited by E. A. Andrews, LL.D. Rev. and enl. ed. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1879.

    Warren, Mercy Otis [A Columbian Patriot, pseud.]. Observations on the New Constitution, and on the Foederal and State Conventions. Boston: No publisher, 1788.

    Warren, Charles. “Elbridge Gerry, James Warren, Mercy Warren, and the Ratification of the Federal Constitution in Massachusetts.” Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society 64 (Mar. 1931): 142–164.

    Loughran, Trish. The Republic in Print: Print Culture in the Age of U.S. Nation Building, 1770–1870. New York: Columbia University Press, 2007.

    Grow, Matthew J. “Liberty to the Downtrodden”: Thomas L. Kane, Romantic Reformer. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2009.

    Pasley, Jeffrey L. “The Tyranny of Printers”: Newspaper Politics in the Early American Republic. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 2001.

  4. [4]

    Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL; Willard Richards, Journal, 19 and 26 Mar. 1843; 1, 9, 15, and 27 Apr. 1843.

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

  5. [5]

    JS, Journal, 17 Mar. 1843; Willard Richards [Viator, pseud.], Nauvoo, IL, 17 Mar. 1843, Letter to the Editor, Daily Bee (Boston), 12 Apr. 1843, [2].

  6. [6]

    JS, Journal, 17 Mar. 1843; 1 and 23 Apr. 1843.

  7. [7]

    JS, Journal, 23 Apr. 1843.

  8. [8]

    As early as spring 1841, Thomas Sharp, the editor of the Illinois newspaper Warsaw Signal, questioned the necessity of Nauvoo’s military force. He wrote, “Ask yourselves what means this array of military force which is paraded under the direction of this church. Is an army necessary to propagate religion?” The New-York Tribune similarly reported: “What appears to excite particular aversion or alarm, is the organization of what is called the Nuuvoo Legion—who muster every few days, ‘all harnessed for war.’ . . . Our belief has been, that the Mormon Legion has been organized for defence, as in case of an attack, as in Missouri.” ([Thomas Sharp], “The Mormons,” Warsaw [IL] Signal, 9 June 1841, [2]; “The Mormons,” New-York Tribune [New York City], 15 July 1841, [1]; see also “The Mormons,” Western World [Warsaw, IL], 24 Feb. 1841, [2].)

    Warsaw Signal. Warsaw, IL. 1841–1853.

    New-York Tribune. New York City. 1841–1842.

    Western World. Warsaw, IL. 1840–1841.

  9. [9]

    Willard Richards, Journal, 27 Apr. 1843; “Truthiana No. 6,” Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL.

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

  10. [10]

    There are five extant contemporary versions of Truthiana No. 6 and two copies of the three main versions described. (“Truthiana No. 6,” Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL.)

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

  11. [11]

    “Truthiana No. 6,” Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL; see also Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840. This draft was written on the verso of Book of Abraham facsimiles. On 18 April 1843, a delegation of three “Indian Chiefs” of the Potawatomi visited JS in Nauvoo. The Potawatomi visitors sought assistance from JS after they described “having th[e]ir cattle & horses &c stolen” and indicated that “they were much troubled” by the white people living around them. (Clayton, Journal, 18 Apr. 1843; JS, Journal, 18 Apr. 1843; see also Henry King, Keokuk, Iowa Territory, to John Chambers, Burlington, Iowa Territory, 14 July 1843, in Territorial Papers of the United States, the Territory of Iowa, reel 56.)

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

    Carter, Clarence Edward, and John Porter Bloom, comps. Territorial Papers of the United States. 28 vols. Washington DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1934–1975.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843, Initial Draft Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843, Copy of Initial Draft Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843, Second Draft Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843, Final Draft
*Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843

Page [2]

-[correspondence of the “boston bee.”]-
, Ill. April 22, 1843.
To the Editor—Sir—All is life at . Since the frost has given way, a multitude of new houses have been commenced, and many which had been commenced, and were overtaken by the winter, are fast finishing. It seemed impossible that so many new emigrants should be able to procure houses, or any place to lay their heads, as every space appeared full before their arrival; but I hear no complaint; all are accommodated somewhere, and labor is offered in abundance to all who want work, if they don’t get their pay for a thousand years; a long pay day to be sure, but then, they expect principal and interest all together. They are an industrious and obliging people, and will let no one suffer for a shelter, so long as a vacant room remains, or any part thereof is unoccupied. It is quite different here from the Eastern cities. There you have extensive buildings, which will accommodate multitudes; here their buildings are small—they have been reared as by enchantment, so rapid has been the growth of this place.
Their public buildings, the and , are not completed yet, and will not be for some time. There are several small public houses in the , as respectable as Western country houses generally, but not such as the gentry would prefer, could they choose their lodgings. The will be a splendid establishment, when completed, and is much needed, for individuals of great respectability and worth are frequently calling to see the prophet; and many more, doubtless, would call, if there were accommodations equal to their taste.
This subject appears to engross the attention of the Mormons more than any thing else in the , at the present moment, and they have been devising ways and means in their public councils, to carry out the completion of the without delay. This is building by a body corporate, and any individual who becomes a member of that body, has to pay at best $50, which entitles him to a stock certificate, and he can purchase as many of these certificates as he pleases, if he is not too liberal these “hard times.”
The basement story of this edifice is of hewn stone, the four additional stories will be of brick, fronting the , and near the water’s edge, in the healthiest part of the , extending about 120 feet in front, with a right angle of the same length. The prospect of the and rapids will be extensive, and, withal, a delightsome and healthy place. I understand it is their design to finish this buildng in such style as to render it acceptable to the fancy and accommodation of the kings and queens, lords, ladies and nobles of the earth, who, they expect, will favor them with a call, and bring in their gold and silver in abundance. The “ folks are full of notions,” and I am surprised that this splendid establishment has not enlisted some of their endless capital before this; indeed I do not know but it has already, but I think not to a great extent. I consider it one of the best investments there is on foot in the Western country.
Since my last, the “Maid of Iowa” has been up again with another cargo of the Saints of the “” direct from , and they all appear as happy as princes, when they heave to at the . This busy “Maid” has returned after more of the same kind, and appears most thoroughly devoted to her new calling.
The brethren (as they call each other) are very diligent in obeying the laws of the land, attending their military trainings, officer drills, &c., &c., which occur semi-anually, Fall and Spring, and about these days they have fine doings, but I will tell you more about it after the 6th of May, which is their general parade for the whole , and I do not intend to leave, till I have seen the performance.
Now is their time for “mending their ways” in . Their streets are paved with a most excellent soil, instead of flag and flint, so they are obliged to turn out three days each, per annum, to regulate their streets and keep them smooth and clean; and they are as industrious at this, as though they were tending their gardens, and they like good roads as well as any body. It has been reported that the Mormons are going to pave ther streets with gold; but, from present appearances, I think they will pave with stone first, for stones are far more plenty than gold yet, though cash is more abundant and of better quality here, than in any other city in the West.
[p. [2]]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter to Editor, 22–circa 27 April 1843
ID #
12393
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:244–250
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Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Due to the proselytizing of Latter-day Saint missionaries and the dissemination of revelations and other documents calling for church members to gather to the Nauvoo area, the city experienced rapid immigration. (See, for example, Discourse, 13 Apr. 1843.)

  2. [2]

    At an early April 1843 conference, JS authorized the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to collect funds to expedite the building of the temple and the Nauvoo House. (Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.)

  3. [3]

    A January 1841 revelation that included instruction on the Nauvoo House commanded that stock in the Nauvoo House not be sold for less than fifty dollars. In February 1841, the Illinois legislature approved an act to incorporate the Nauvoo House Association, which allowed the association to sell stock to fund the building’s construction. (Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:64, 66, 72]; “An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo House Association,” 23 Feb. 1841, copies certified by Stephen A. Douglas and Lyman Trumbull, CHL; see also Agreement with William Law, 26 Apr. 1841; Authorization for Brigham Young, 1 June 1843; and Smith, “Symbol of Mormonism,” 109–136.)

    Illinois General Assembly. Bills, Resolutions, and Related General Assembly Records, 1st–98th Bienniums, 1819–2015. Illinois State Archives, Springfield.

    Smith, Alex D. “Symbol of Mormonism: The Nauvoo Boarding House.” John Whitmer Historical Association Journal 35, no. 2 (Fall/Winter 2015): 109–136.

  4. [4]

    In a discourse JS gave earlier in April, he spoke about the health benefits of the Mississippi River. (Discourse, 13 Apr. 1843.)

  5. [5]

    A January 1841 revelation included a proclamation inviting the rulers of the earth to come to the Saints in Nauvoo: “Awake! O Kings of the earth! Come ye, O! come ye with your gold and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughter of Zion.” Lucien Woodworth wrote specifications for the construction of the Nauvoo House and gave dimensions for an L-shaped building with two 120-foot-long wings, each wing being 40 feet wide. The structure was to contain five stories and was intended to be built in the Doric architectural style. Woodworth’s specifications called for shops and offices on the ground floor, as well as elegant parlors, a dining room, and rooms for visitors on the floors above. (Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:11]; Lucien Woodworth, Description of Nauvoo House, ca. 26 Apr. 1841, in Nauvoo House Association, Agreement and Specifications, 26 Apr. 1841, CHL; see also Agreement with William Law, 26 Apr. 1841; and Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:11, 26].)

    Nauvoo House Association. Agreement and Specifications, 26 Apr. 1841. CHL.

  6. [6]

    Whiting, Early American Proverbs, 42.

    Whiting, Bartlett Jere. Early American Proverbs and Proverbial Sayings. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1977.

  7. [7]

    The Maid of Iowa was a steamship that brought immigrants from England up the Mississippi River to Nauvoo. (See Ordinance, 1 June 1843.)

  8. [8]

    Richards was referring to Latter-day Saints immigrating from Great Britain. On 12 April 1843, the Maid of Iowa brought some two hundred British converts to the city’s Nauvoo House Landing. (JS, Journal, 12 Apr. 1843.)

  9. [9]

    This paragraph is the only portion of the letter that closely resembles the treatment Richards gave this topic in his first draft. That version stated that the Maid of Iowa had “on board another cargo of these ‘poor deludded Saints’ of the ‘Mother isle,’ direct from St Louis, whither she had started for at the date of my last.” (“Truthiana, No. 6,” Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL.)

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

  10. [10]

    See Historical Introduction to Discourse, 6 May 1843. In Richards’s first draft of this letter, he wrote in detail about the disciplinary exercise of the Nauvoo Legion, martial music accompanying the legion, the Latter-day Saints as a warlike people, and having a prophet in command of Nauvoo’s troops. Richards’s original draft referenced the Saints’ experiences in Missouri to provide a rationale for the martial mentality he depicted: “They profess a great regard for the constitutions of our country and say they wish to be ‘prepared to defend her rights, should they be invaded by a foreign foe; and for self defence in case of unbearable oppression and Mobocracy.’” (“Truthiana, No. 6,” Truthiana, 1843, drafts, CHL.)

    “Truthiana,” 1843. Draft. CHL. MS 15537.

  11. [11]

    The Nauvoo charter required male inhabitants of the city to devote three days per year to keeping the streets in good repair. The charter also gave the city council power to “open, alter, widen, extend, establish, grade, pave, or otherwise improve and keep in repair streets, avenues, lanes and alleys.” (Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo, 16 Dec. 1840.)

  12. [12]

    The source of this reference is unclear. However, the book of Revelation in the Bible states that the streets of the New Jerusalem would be paved in “pure gold.” The church intended to build the New Jerusalem, which church members also called the “City of Zion.” An 1836 New-York Spectator article about the Latter-day Saint city of Zion stated that it “was to be adorned with temples, its streets were to be paved with gold.” Brigham Young also spoke about an experience in Kirtland with a woman who believed the temple there was too extravagant. Young remarked, “I wonder how she will walk upon the streets when they are paved with gold.” (Revelation 21:2, 10, 21; Revelation, 20 July 1831 [D&C 57:1–2]; “Mormonism,” New-York Spectator [New York City], 28 July 1836, [2]; Brigham Young, “Speech,” 6 Apr. 1845, in Times and Seasons, 1 July 1845, 6:956.)

    New-York Spectator. New York City. 1804–1867.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  13. [13]

    Contrary to this statement, Nauvoo was a cash-poor community. (See Letter from Edward Hunter, 10 May 1842; and Historical Introduction to Nauvoo City Scrip, 14 July 1842.)

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