# Letter to Emma Smith, 12 November 1838
# Date: November 12, 1838 | Source: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-emma-smith-12-november-1838/1
# Scribal status: holograph (JSP source note: 'handwriting of JS')
# Spelling: original (Joseph Smith Papers verbatim transcript); deletions, editorial glosses/footnotes, and address panels removed

November 12th 1838 Richmond
My Dear Emma.
we are prisoners in chains, and under strong guards, for Christ sake and for no other causes although there has been things that were unbeknown to us, and altogether beyond our controal, that might seem, to the mob to be a pretext, for them to persacute us, but on examination, I think that the authorities, will discover our inocence, and set us free, but if this blessing cannot be obtained, I have this consolation that I am an innocent man, let what will befall me, I recieved your letter which I read over and over again, it was a sweet morsal to me, Oh God grant that I may have the privaliege of seeing once more my lovely Family, in the injoyment, of the sweets of liberty, and sotiaial life, to press them to my bosam and kiss their lovely cheeks would fill my heart with unspeakable grattitude, tell the chilldren that I am alive and trust I shall come and see them before long, comfort their hearts all you can, and try to be comforted yourself, all you can, there is no possible dainger but what we shall be set at Liberty if Justice can be done and that you know as well as myself, the tryal will begin today for some of us, Lawyer Rice and we expect Doniphan, will plead our cause, we could git no others in time for the tryal, they are able man and will do well no doubt, Brother Robison is chained next to me he has a true heart and a firm mind, Brother Whight , is next, Br. Rigdon, next, Hyram , next, Parely , next, Amasa , next, and thus we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love, we are in good spirits and rejoice that we are counted worthy to be persicuted for christ sake, tell little Joseph, he must be a good boy, and Father loves him with a perfect love, he is the Eldest must not hurt those that are smaller then him, but cumfort them tell little Frederick, Father, loves him, with all his heart, he is a lovely boy

Julia is a lovely little girl, I love hir also She is a promising child, tell her Father wants her to remember him and be a good girl, tell all the rest that I think of them and pray for them all, Br Babbit is waitting to carry our letters, for us colonal price is inspecting them therefore my time is short little Elexander is on my mind continualy Oh my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember that I am a true and faithful friend, to you and the chilldren, forever, my heart is intwined around yours forever and ever, Oh may God bless you all amen I am your husband and am in bonds and tribulation &c
to Emma Smith}Joseph Smith Jr P S write as often as you can, and if possible come and see me, and bring the chilldren if possible, act according to your own feelings and best Judgement, and indeavour to be comforted, if possible, and I trust that all will turn out for the bist. yours, J.S.
