Saints Without Halos: A Mormon History Website

Mormon History 1830-1844

William and Joseph Smith's Apologies, 1835

Text of William Smith's letter of apology and Joseph Smith's response. For background, see Debating School Incident, 1835.
		Joseph Smith Diary, 1835 Diary-2, 77–79		Manuscript History, 1834–1836 1834�1836 history, 155–157	Other departures from Diary , 667–668 HC 2:338–340
	¶	18th Inst	¶	December 18th 1836 [1835]	This day received the following Letter from Bro Wm Smith: MS history 667. This day I received the following letter from Brother William Smith: HC 2:338.
	¶	Copy of a letter from Br. William Smith			William Smith's Letter to the Prophet. HC
William contrite	¶	Br. Joseph—Though I do not know but I have forfeited all right and title to the word brother, in consequence of what I have done, for I consider myself that I am unworthy to be called one, after coming to myself, and concidering upon what I have done I feel as though it was a duty, to make a humble confession to you for what I have done or what took place the other evening—but leave this part of the Subject at present.—	¶	Br Joseph—Though I do not know but I have forfeited all right and title to the word brother in consequence of what I have done, for I consider myself, that I am unworthy to be called one, after coming to myself, and reflecting upon what I have been doing, I feel as though it was my duty, to make an humble confession to you. on account of what took place at my house the other evening but I shall leave this part of the subject for the present.	considering what HC 2:339.
Twelve called William to account, disgraced Sick Ready to give up apostleship		I was called to an account, by the 12, yesterday for my conduct; or they desired to know my mind or determination, and what I was going to do I told them that on reflection upon the many difficulties that I had had with the church and the much disgrace I had brought upon my Self in concequence of these things and also that my health would not permit me to go to school to <make> any preperations for the endument and that my health was Such that I was not able to travel, ~~I told them~~ that it would be better for them to appoint one in the office that would be better able to fill it, and by doing this they would throw me into the hands of the church, and leave me where I was before I was chosen—		I was called to an account yesterday by the quorum of the 12. for my conduct; or in other words they desired to know my mind and determinations and what I intended to do. I told them that on reflection upon the many difficulties that I had, had, with the church & the much disgrace I had brought upon myself in consequence of my bad conduct; and also that my health would not admit of my going to school, to make any preperation for the inducement, and that I was not able to travel, therefore it would be better for them to appoint one in my stead. that would be better able to fill that important station than myself and by doing [156] this they would throw me into the hands of the church. and leave me where I was before I was chosen among the twelve.
Danger of falling from high position	¶	Then I would not be in a situation [78] to bring so much disgrace upon the cause, when I fell into temptation, and perhaps by this I might obtain Salvation you know my passions and the danger of falling from so high a Station, and thus by withdrawing from the office of the apostleship, while there is Salvation for me, and remaining a member of the church; I feel a fraid if I do'nt do this it will be worse for me, Some other day	¶	Then I would not be in a situation to bring so much disgrace upon the casuse [sic]. when I fell into temptations, and perhaps by this I might obtain salvation. You know dear brother my passions and the danger of falling from so high a Station: and therefore I chose to withdraw from the office of the Apostleship, while there is salvation for me, and remain a member in the church. I feel afraid if I do not, it will be worse for me some other day.	I fall MS history and HC the worse MS history and HC
Poor health Passions may make it worse later	¶	And again my health is poor and I am not able to travel and it is necessary that the office Should not be idle—and again I Say you know my passions and I am a fraid it will be worse for me, by and by	¶	and again my health is poor and it is necessary that the office should not be idle. and again I say, you know my passions and I am fearful that it will be worse for me by, and by:	necessary the office MS history
	¶	do So if the Lord will have mercy on me and let me remain as a member in the church, and then I can travel and preach, when I am able—do not think that I am your enemy for what I have done, perhaps you may say or ask why I have not remembered the good that you have done to me—	¶	do so if the Lord will have mercy on me, and let me remain a member in the church, and travel and preach, when I am able. do not think that I am your enemy. for what I have done. perhaps the inquiry may arise in your mind, why I do not rem[em]ber the good that you have done to me; or if I do remember them, why it is that I should treat you so basely.—	think I am HC
I do not know what I have been about		When I reflect upon the injury I have done you, I must confess that I do not know what I have been ~~doing~~ about—I feel sorry for what I have done and humbly ask your forgiveness—I have not confidence as yet to come and see you for I feel ashamed of what I have done, and as I feel now I feel as thou-[79]gh all the confessions that I could make verbally or by writing would not be sufficient to atone for the transgression—be this as it may I am willing to make all the restitution you Shall require, If I can Stay in the church as a member—I will try to make all the Satisfaction possible—		when I reflect upon the injuries I have done you. I must confess that I cannot account for my conduct. I feel truly sorry for what I have done and humbly ask your forgiveness. I have not confidence as yet, to come and see you. for I feel ashamed of what I have been doing; and as I feel now I feel as though all the confession that I could make verbally, or by writing. would not be sufficient to atone for my transgression. Be this as it may, I am willing to make all the restitution you shall require, if I can Stay in the church as a member, I will try to make all the satisfaction I possibly can.
	¶	yours with respect	¶	Yours with respect
	¶	William Smith	¶	William Smith
Do not cast me off You are merciful	¶	do not cast me off for what I have done but Strive to Save me in the church as a member I do repent of what I have done to you and ask your forgiveness—I concider the transgression the other evening of no Small magnitude, —but it is done and I cannot help it now—I know brother Joseph you are always willing to forgive.	¶	P. S. do not cast me off. but strive to save me in the church as a member. I do heartily repent of what I have done to you, and ask your forgiveness. I consider my transgression the other evening. of no small magnitude. But it is done and I cannot help it now—I know brother Joseph you are always willing to forgive;	P. S. MS history, 668 and HC.
I have hurt you often	¶	But I Sometimes think when I reflect upon the many injuries I have done you I feel as though a confession was not hardly sufficient—but have mercy on me this once and I will try to do so no more—		but I sometimes think when I reflect upon the many injuries I have done you [157] I feel as though a confession was not sufficient, but have mercy on me this once. and I will try to do so no more.	confession was hardly MS history and HC 2:340.
I met with Twelve	¶	The 12. called a council yesterday and sent over after me and I went over	¶	The quorum of the 12. called a council yesterday and sent for me. and I went over.
At their request	¶	This council re[me]mber was called together by themselves and not by me		This council was called together without my knowledge, or concent.—Yours
		Wm. S		Wm. S.	W. S.. HC 2:340.

		Joseph Smith Diary, 1835 Diary-2, 80–87		Manuscript History, 1834–1836 1834�1836 history, 157–162	Other departures from 1835 diary Manuscript History, 1838–1839 MS history 668–672 History of the Church HC 2:340–343
	¶	[80] Kirtland Friday Dec 18th 1835	¶	Kirtland. Friday December 18th 1836 [sic]	Omitted by MS history, 668 and HC 2:340.
	¶	Answer to the foregoing Letter from Br. William Smith a Copy	¶	Answer to the foregoing letter. A Copy	Replaced by To the foregoing I gave the following answer the same day. MS history and HC
					Letter of the Prophet to his Brother William. HC
	¶	Br William	¶	Br William
	¶	having recived your letter I now procede to answer it,	¶	Having received your letter I now procede to answer it.
First learned of school		and shall first procede, to give a brief naration of my feelings and emotions, since the night I first came to the knowledge, of your having a debating School, which was at the time I happened, in with, Bishop Whitney his Father and Mother &c—		I shall first proceed to give a brief narration of my feelings and emotions. since the night I first came to the knowledge of your having a debating School at your house; which was at the time I called with Bishop Whitney & family—
		which was the first that I knew any thing about it,		This was the first that I knew any thing about it,	Omitted by MS history
Pleased with idea		and from that time I took an interest in them, and was delighted with it, and formed a determination, to attend the School for the purpose of obtaining information, and with the idea of imparting the Same, through the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, if by any means I should have faith to do so;		and from that time I took an interest in them; and was delighted with it, and formed a determination to attend the school for the purpose of obtaining [information], and with the idea of imprarting [sic] the same. through the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord; if by any means I should have faith to do so,	and so from MS history interest in it HC
Didn't intend to break it up		and with this intent, I went to the School on <last> Wednesday night, not with the idea of braking up the School; neither did it enter into my heart, that there was any wrangling or jealousy's in your heart, against me;		and with this intent I went to the School on Wednesday night. not with the idea of breaking up the school; neither did it enter into my heart that there was any wrangling or jealousy's in your heart. against me.	Joseph's journal indicates he went "to take part in the debate." ¶ Debating School Incident, 1835 Almon Babbit claimed Joseph "got mad because he was overpowered in argument." ¶ Minutes of December 28, 1835
Premonitions	¶	Notwithstanding previous to my leaving home there were feelings of solemnity, rolling across my breast, which were unaccountable to me, and also these feelings continued by spells to depress my ~~feelings~~ <Spirits> and seemed to manifest that all was not right, even after the ~~debate~~ School commenced, and during the debate, yet I Strove to believe that all would work together for good;	¶	However previous to my leaving home there were feelings of solemnity rolling across my heart. which were unaccountable to me. These feelings continued by times to depress my spirits. and seemed to manifest that all was not right. even after the school commenced. and during the debate. Yet I strove to believe that all would work together for good.
Pleased with arguments		I was pleased with the power of the arguments, that were aduced, and did [81] not feel to cast any reflections, upon any one that had spoken;		I was pleased with the argument. & ingenuity manifested and did not feel to cast any reflections, upon any one that had spoken	that were used MS history and HC
Body language of those who preside		but I felt it was my <the> duty of old men that set as presidents, to be as grave, at least as young men, and that it was our duty to Smile at Solid arguments, and sound reasonings and be impressed, with solemnity, which should be manifested in our countenance, when folly and that which militates against truth and righteousness, rears its head		But I felt it was the duty of old men that set as presidents, to be as grave at least as young men. And that it was our duty to smile at solid arguments, and sound reasoning; and be impressed, with Solemnity, which should be manifested in our countenances [158] when folly and that which militates against truth and righteousness. rears its deformed head	that sat HC smile (not) at HC countenances HC folly which HC
Joseph's duty to reprove	¶	Therefore, in the spirit of my calling, and in view of the authority of the priesthood that has been confered upon me, it would be my duty to reprove whatever I esteemed to be wrong fondly hoping in my heart that all parties, would consider it right, and therefore humble themselves, that satan might not take the advantage of us, and hinder the progress of our School.	¶	Therefore in the spirit of my calling, and in view of the authority of the priesthood which has been confered upon me, it was my duty to reprove whatever I considered to be wrong; fondly hoping in my heart, that all parties. would think it right; and therefore humble themselves, that satan might not take the advantage of us, and hinder the progress of our School.	¶ D&C 43:21
	¶	Now Br. William I want you should bear with me, notwithstanding my plainness—		Now brother William I want you should bear with me, notwithstanding my plainness.
William shouldn't have interrupted McLellin	¶	I would say to you that my feelings, were grieved at the interuption you made upon Elder McLellin. I thought, you should have considered your situation, with him, in your apostle ship, and not manifest any division of sentiment, between you, and him, for a surrounding multitude to take the advantage of you.—	¶	I would say to you then, that my feeling[s] were grieved when you interupted Elder McLellen in his speech. I thought that you should have considered your situation, with him in your Apostleship: and not have manifested any divission of sentiment, between you & him, for the surrounding multitude to take the advantage of you.	M'Lellin MS history, 669 and HC should consider HC your relation with him MS history
		Therefor[e] by way of entreaty, on account of the anxiety I had for your influence and wellfare, I said, unto you, do not have any feelings, or something to that amount. why I am thus particular, is that if You, have misconstrued, my feelings, toward you, you may be corrected.—	¶	Therefore by way of entreaty, on account of the anxiety I had for you, & your influence <& welfare> in society, I said unto you do not have any feeling. or something to that amount.—Why I am thus particular, is that if you have misunderstood my feelings or motives toward you; you may be corrected.—
Hyrum tries to discuss it with William William defensive	¶	But to procede—after the school was closed Bro Hyrum requested, the privilege, of speaking, you objected, however you said if he would not abuse the school, he might speak, and that you would not allow any man to abuse the school in your house.—		But to procede.—After the school was ~~commenced~~ closed brother Hyrum requested the privilege, of speaking; you. objected. However you said if he would not abuse the school. he might speak. observing at the same time that you would not allow any man to abuse the school in your house.—
No reason to suspect Hyrum	¶	Now you had no reason to suspect that Hyrum, would abuse the School,		You had no reason dear brother to suspect that Hyrum, would abuse the School.
Joseph mortified, tries to intervene William as ugly as devil		therefore my feelings were mortifyed, at those unnecessary observations. I undertook to reason, with you but you manifisted, an inconciderate and stubborn spirit, I then dispared of benefiting you, on account of the spirit you manifested, which dr[e]w from me, the expression that you was as ugly as the Devil.	¶	Therefore my feelings were mortified, at those unnecessary observations. I undertook to reason with you; but you manifisted an inconsiderate and Stubborn Spirit. I then dispared of benefiting you on account of the spirit you manifested; which drew from me the expression that you was as ugly as the devil.
Joseph Sr. commands silence William refuses	¶	Father then commanded silence, and I formed a determination to obey his mandate, and was about to leave the house, with the impression that You was under the influence of a wicked spirit, you replyed that you, would say what you pleased in your own house.	¶	Father then commanded silence and I formed a determination to obey his mandate, and was about to leave the house, with the impression that You was under the influence of a wicked spirit, [159] you replyed that you, would say what you pleased. in your own house.
Joseph Sr. urges others to be still		Father replyed, say what you please, but let the rest hold their, tongues,		Father replyed say what you please; but let the rest hold their toungs.	Father said HC
Joseph Jr. helped build the house		then a reflection, rushed through my mind, of the, anxiety, and care I ha[v]e had for you and your family, in doing what I did, in finishing your house and providing flour for your family &c		Then a reflection rushed through my mind, of the anxiety and care I had for you and your family, in doing what I did in finishing your house and providing flower for your family &c.
Joseph's right to speak out Reprove younger brother		and also father had possession in the house, as well, as your self; and When at any time have I transgressed, the commandments of my father? or sold my birthright, that I should not have the privilege of speaking in my fathers house, or in words in my fathers family, or in your house, [83] (for so we will call it, and so it shall be,) that I should not have the privilege of reproving a younger brother?		And also father had possession in the house as well as yourself. and when at any time have I transgressed the commandments of my father. or sold my birthright? that I should not have <the> privilege of speaking in my fathers house, or in words in my fathers family, or in your house. (for so we will call it; and so it shall be) that I should not have the privilege of reproving a younger brother?
Right to speak		therefore I said I will speak, for I built the house, and it is as much mine as yours, or something, to that effect. (I should have said that I helped to finish the house,) I said it merely to show that it could not be, the right spirit, that would rise up for trifling matters, and undertake to put me to silence,	¶	Therefore I said I will speak, for I built the house. and it is as much mine as yours, or something to that effect, (I should have said that I helped to finish the house.) I said it merely to show that it was not the right spirit. that would rise up for trifling matters, and undertake to put me to silence	helped finish MS history, 670.
William assaults Joseph		I saw that your indignation was kindled against me, and you made towards me, I was not then to be moved, and I thought to pull off my loose coat, least it should tangle me, and you be left to hurt me, but not with the intention, of hurting You,	¶	I saw that your indignation was kindled against me, and you made towards me; I was not then to be moved, and I thought to pull off my loose coat. least it should tangle me. and you be left to hurt me. But not with the intention of hurting you.
Old injuries, side gives way		but you was to soon for me, and having once fallen into the hands of a mob, and ~~now~~ been wounded in my side, and now into the hands of a brother, my side gave way,		But you was to soon for me; and having once fallen into the hands of a mob, and been wounded in my side, and now into the hands of a brother, my side gave way:
Joseph's indescribable feelings		and after having been rescued, from your grasp, I left your house, with feelings that were indescriba[b]le, the scenery had changed, and all those expectations, that I had cherished, when going to your house. and brotherly kindness, charity forbearance and natural affection, that in duty binds us not to make each other offenders for a word		and after having been rescued from your grasp, I left your house, with feelings that were indiscribable. The scenery had now changed, and all those fond expectations, that I had cherished (when going to your house,) of brotherly kindness. charity forbearance, and natural affection, that binds us in duty, not to make each other an offender for a word.	feelings indescribable MS history and HC each others MS history
Abused, injured	¶	But alass! abuse, anger, malice, hatred, and rage <with a lame side> with marks, of violence <heaped> upon ~~my body~~ me by a brother,	¶	But alas! abuse, anger, malice, hatred, and rage, are heaped upon me, by a brother; and with marks of violence upon my body, with a lame side, I left your habitation bruised. and wounded; and not only oppressed with these, but more severely so in mind being born down under
Requires help to sit or stand		were the reflections of my disapointment, and with these I returned home, not able to sit down or rise up, without help, but, through the blessings of God, I am now better.—		the reflection of my disapointment. I returned home, not able to sit down or rise up without help. But through the blessing of God I am [160] now better.—	reflection MS history blessing MS history and HC
Old debilitating injuries		[84] I have received your letter and purused it with care, I have not entertained a feeling of malice, against you, I am, older than you and have endured, more suffering, having been marred by mobs, the labors of my calling, a series of persecutions, and injuries, continually heaped upon me, all serve to debilitate, my body,		I have received your letter and purused it with care; I have not entertained a feeling of malice, against you: I am older than yourself, and have endured, more suffering, having been mar<r>ed by mobs. with the labour's of my calling, with a series of persecution and injuries, continually heaped upon me, all serve to debiletate my system.	I received MS history and HC
Honor in strength or debate		and it may <be> that I cannot boast of being stronger, than you. if I could, or could not, would this be an honor. or dishonor to me, if I could boast like David of slaying a Goliath, who defied the armies of the living God, or like Paul, of contending with Peter face to face, with sound arguments, it might be an honor,		And it may be that I cannot boast of being stronger than you: If I could, or could not, would this be an honour, or dishonour to me? If I like David could boast of slaying a Goliath, who defied the armies of the living God; or like Paul, of contending with a Peter face to face, with sound and iresistable arguments, it might be an honour.
Against an innocent?		But to mangle the flesh or seek revenge upon one who never did you any wrong, can not be a source of sweet reflection to you, nor to me, neither to an honorable father & mother, brothers, and sisters,		But to mangle the flesh or seek revenge upon one who never done you any wrong, cannot be a source of sweet reflection to you, nor me, neither to our honerable father & mother. brothers & sisters.	never done MS history
Parents deserve better		and when we reflect with what care ~~our parents~~ and with what unremiting diligence our parents, have strove to watch over us, and how many hours, of sorrow, and anxiety, they have spent, over our cradles and, bedsides, in times of sickness, how careful we ought to be of their feelings in their old age, it cannot be a source of swe[e]t reflection to us to say or do any thing, that will bring their gray hairs down with sorrow to the grave	¶	And when we reflect upon the care and unremitting diligence our parents have wa[t]ched over us by night, & by day, and how many hours of sorrow and painful anxiety they have spent over our cradles and by our bedsides. in sickness and in health. How careful ought we to be of their feelings in their old age? It surely cannot be a source of sweet reflection to us, to say or do any thing that would bring down their gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.	striven HC
Forgives, but …	¶	In your letter you asked my forgivness, which I readily grant, but it seems to me, that you still retain an idea, that I have given you reasons to be angry or disaffected with me.		In your letter you asked my forgivness, which I readily grant: but it seems to me that you still retain an idea that I have ~~done~~ given you reason to be angry, or dissatisfied with me.	you ask HC
Only admonishes to rescue	¶	Grant me the privilege of saying then, [85] that however hasty, or harsh, I may have spoken, at any time to you, it has been done for the express purpose of endeavouring, to warn exhort, admonish, and rescue you, from falling into difficulties, and sorrows which I foresaw you plunging into, by giving way to that wicked spirit, which you call your passions,	¶	Grant me the privilege then of saying, that however hasty. or harsh. I might have spoken at any time to you, it has been done for the express purpose of endeavouring to warn exhort, admonish & rescue you from falling into difficulties & sorrows which I foresaw you were plunging yourself, by giving way to that wicked spirit. which you call your passion's.
Curb passions or never be saved		which you should curb and break down, and put under your feet; which if you do not you, never can be saved, in my view, in the kingdom of God.		which you should curb and break down, and put under your feet, which if you do not, you never can be saved, (in my view) in the Kingdom of God.
God requires his will be done	¶	God requires the will of His creatures to be swallowed up in His will.	¶	The Lord requires the will of his creatures to be swallowed up in his will.
Remain a member, not an apostle		You desire to remain in the church, but forsake your apostleship,		[161] you desire to remain in the church. but to forsake your apostleship
Idea from the devil		this is a stratagem of the evil one; when he has gained one advantage, ~~your~~ he lays a plan for another,	¶	This permit me to tell you is a stratagem of the evil one. When he has gained one advantage, he lays a plan for another;	the strategem MS history and HC
Make the effort to overcome		but by maintaining your apostleship, in rising up and making one tremendious effort, you may over come your passions and please God		but by rising up and maintaining your apostleship and by making one tremendious effort, you may overcome your passions and please God.
Refuse to pay the price?		and by forsaking your apostleship, is not to be willing, to make that sacrafice that God requires at your hands and is to incur his displeasure,		And by forsakeing your apostleship, you say that you are not willing to make that sacrafice that God requires at your hand. and by so doing you <will> incur his displeasure,
Cannot skip steps		and without pleasing God, do not think, that it will be any better for you, when a man falls one Step, he must regain that step again, or fall another, he has still more to gain, or eventually all is lost.		and without pleasing God, do not think that it will be any better for you. When a man falls one Step he must regain that Step, or fall another, he then has still more to regain or eventually all is lost.	we do not think HC 2:343.
Humble yourself	¶	I desire brother William that you will humble yourself, I freely forgive you and you know, my unshaken and ~~unshaken~~ unchangable disposition I ~~think~~ know in whom I trust, I stand upon [86] the rock, the floods cannot, no, they shall not, overthrow me,	¶	I desire brother William that you will humble yourself, I feel for you and, freely forgive you all; and you know, my unshaken and unchangable disposition, I know in whom I trust, I stand upon the rock, the floods cannot, no they shall not overthrow me.
Teaches true doctrine		you know the doctrine I teach is true, and you know that God has blessed me,		You know the doctrine I teach is true, and you know that God has blessed me,
Joseph brought salvation to family		I brought salvation to my fathers house, as an instrument in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable situation,		I brought salvation to my father's house, as an instrument in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable situation.	hands of God HC
Joseph's duty to admonish		You know that it is my duty to admonish you when you do wrong this liberty I shall always take, and you shall have the same privilege,		You also know that it is my duty to admonish you when you do wrong. This liberty I shall always take, and you shall have the same privilege,—
William's privilege to admonish Joseph		I take the privilege, to admonish you, because of my birthright, and I grant you the privilege because it is my duty, to be humble and receive rebuke, and instruction, from a brother, or a friend.		I take the privilege to admonish you, because of my birthright, and I grant you the privilege because it is my duty to be humble and receive rebuke, and instruction from a brother, or a friend.
Joseph clear of William's sins	¶	As it regards, what course you shall persue hereafter, I do not pretend to say, I leave you in the hands of God and his church. make your own desision. I will do you good, altho you mar me, or slay me, by so doing my garments, shall be clear of your sins,	¶	As it regards, what course you shall persue hereafter I do not pretend to say; I leave you in the hands of God and his church. Make your own decision, I will do you good, although you marr me, or slay me; by so doing my garments shall be clear of your sins.
If you think me an imposter Leave me in God's hands		and if at any time you should concider me to be an imposter, for heavens Sake leave me in the hands of God, and not think to take vengance on me your self.		And if at any time you should consider me to be an impostor, for heavens sake leave me in the hands of God, and not think to take vengance on me your self.—
Not a tyrant	¶	Tyranny usurpation, and to take mens rights ever been and ever shall be banished from my heart.	¶	Tyranny, userpation, and to take mens rights, ever has been, and ever shall be, banished from my heart.—
Like David, not like David	¶	David sought not to kill Saul, although he was guilty of crimes that never entered my heart.			entered into MS history
Prayer for mercy, blessings, etc.	¶	And now may God have mercy upon my fathers house, may God take [87] away enmity, from betwe[e]n me and thee, and may all blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever,	¶	And now may God have mercy upon my fathers house; may God [162] take away enmity, from between me, and them and may all blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever,
Be with family in heaven		may humble repentance bring us both to thee <O God> and to thy power and protection, and a crown, to enjoy the society of father mother Alvin Hyrum Sophron[i]a Samuel Catharine Carloss Lucy the Saints and all the sanctified in peace forever, is the prayer of		may humble repentance bring us both to thee O God, and under thy power and protection, and to a crown to enjoy the society of father, mother, Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Samuel, Catharine, Carloss, Lucy, the Saints and all the sanctified in peace forever, is the prayer of
	¶	~~This from~~ Your brother,	¶	Your brother,
	¶	Joseph Smith, Jun.	¶	Joseph Smith, Jun.
	¶	To Wm. Smith—	¶	To Wm. Smith—
				Debating School Incident, 1835 William Smith Kirtland 1835