# Letter to Emma Smith, 20–25 January 1840
# Date: January 20, 1840 | Source: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-emma-smith-20-25-january-1840/1
# Scribal status: holograph (JSP source note: 'handwriting of JS')
# Spelling: original (Joseph Smith Papers verbatim transcript); deletions, editorial glosses/footnotes, and address panels removed

Chester Co Pa January 20th 1840
My Dear and beloved Wife
I recieved a letter from Hyram which cheared my heart to learn that my Family was all alive yet my heart mourns for those who have been taken from us but not without hope for I shall see them again and be with them therefore we can be more reconciled to the dealings of God I am now makeing all haste to arange my business to start for home I feel very anxious to see you all once more in this world the time seems long that I am deprived of your sosiety but the lord being my helper I will not be much longer I am determined to start for home in a few dayes our business I expect is before the house of congress now and I shall start for Washington in a few days and from there home as soon as posible I am filled with constant anxiety and shall be until I git home I pray God to spare you all untill I git home my dear Emma my heart is intwined arround you and those little ones I want you to remember me tell all children that I love them and will come home as soon as soon as I can yours in the bonds of love your Husband utill Death &c—
Joseph Smith Jr
