# Letter to Emma Smith, 4 November 1838
# Date: November 4, 1838 | Source: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-emma-smith-4-november-1838/1
# Scribal status: holograph (JSP source note: 'handwriting of JS (signature now missing)')
# Spelling: original (Joseph Smith Papers verbatim transcript); deletions, editorial glosses/footnotes, and address panels removed

November 4th 1838
Indipendace Jackson Co— Mo—
My dear and beloved companion, of my bosam, in tribulation, and affliction, I woud inform you that I am well, and that we are all of us in good spirits as regards our own fate, we have been protected by the Jackson County boys, in the most genteel manner, and arrived here in the midst of a splended perade, a little after noon, instead of going to goal we have a good house provided for us and the kindest treatment, I have great anxiety about you, and my lovely children, my heart morns and bleeds for the brotheren, and sisters, and for the slain of the people of God, Colonal, Hinkle, proved to be a trator, to the Church, he is worse than a hull who betraid the army at detroit, he decoyed us unawares God reward him, Johon Carl told general, Wilson, that he was a going to leave the Church, general Willson says he thinks much less of him now then before, why I mention this is to have you careful not to trust them, if we are permited to stay any time here, we have obtained a promice that we may have our families brought to us, what God may do for us I do not know but I hope for the best always in all circumstances although I go unto death, I will trust in God, what outrages may be committed by the mob I know not, but expect there will be but little or no restraint Oh may God have mercy on us,

when we arrived at the river last night an express came to gene al Willson from geneal Clark of Howard County claiming the right of command ordering us back where or what place God only knows, and there is some feelings betwen the offercers, I do not know where it will end, it is said by some that general Clark, is determined to exterminate God has spared some of us thus far perhaps he will extend mercy in some degree toward us yet some of the people of this place have told me that some of the mormans may settle in this county as others men do I have some hopes that something may turn out for good to the afflicted saints, I want you to stay where you are untill you here from me again, I may send for you to bring you to me, I cannot learn much for certainty in the situation that I am in, and can only pray for deliverance, untill it is meeted out, and take every thing as it comes, with patience and fortitude, I hope you will be faithful and true to every trust, I cant write much in my situation, conduct all matters as your circumstances and necesities require, may God give you wisdom and prudance and sobriety which I have every reason to believe you will, those little childrens are subjects of my meditation continually, tell them that Father is yet alive, God grant that he may see them again Oh Emma for God sake

do not forsake me nor the truth but remember, if I do not meet you again in this life may God grant that we may may we meet in heaven, I cannot express my feelings, my heart is full, Farewell Oh my kind and affectionate Emma I am yours forever your Husband and true friend
