Review
———
Title: The Joseph Smith Papers: Documents, Volume 13, August – December 1843
Editors: Christian K. Heimburger, Jeffrey D. Mahas, Brent M. Rogers, Mason K. Allred, J. Chase Kirkham, Matthew S. McBride
Publisher: The Church Historian’s Press
Genre: Religious Non-Fiction
Year Published: 2022
Number of Pages: 672
Binding: Hardbound: alk. paper
ISBN: 978-1-62972-888-9
Price: $54.95
Reviewed by Cheryl Bruno for the Association for Mormon Letters
The number thirteen certainly isn’t unlucky when it comes to this volume of the Joseph Smith Papers documents series! Volume 13 includes 98 of the known and available documents created or directed by Joseph Smith from August to December of 1843. The fabulous work that we’ve seen in the previous twelve volumes just keeps getting better and better. I’ve never before seen such a comprehensive study of a historical figure’s papers as I have in these volumes. The editors are making history as they write about history.
The final five months of the penultimate year of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith’s life show him as a maturing religious leader. During these months, he is perfecting his unique doctrinal teachings, tightening church organization, guiding city affairs in Nauvoo, and tweaking local politics. As the religious, civic, and political edifice he has been building for the past thirteen years rises into the national and to some extent, the world’s gaze, its foundations begin to crumble. By reading his papers of these months, the armchair historian is given insight both into what made Smith such a charismatic leader, what difficulties he faced, and what led to his eventual downfall.
As in other volumes in this series, the editors are unmatched in providing background and analysis of the documents. Volume 13’s nineteen-page introduction delivers a well-written and thorough summary of this important five-month period which sets the stage for an in-depth study. It places the documents within their context in antebellum America, pointing out the larger themes they cover, “including the role of government in protecting civil rights, the effect of foreign immigration on American society, and the development of the western frontier” (xx). This introduction, though concise, is so thorough that one can gain a better picture of what occurred in Joseph Smith’s sphere of influence during these three months than from reading many of his biographies!
Joseph Smith was sealed to what were likely his final two plural wives during the period covered by this volume. Additionally, the plural marriage revelation of July 12, 1843, was circulated during this time. I very much appreciated the respectful, professional, and scholarly way this subject was treated in the volume. Each statement concerning this controversial practice was carefully worded, backed up by solid evidence, and footnoted. Considering that currently there are several debated opinions regarding Joseph Smith’s polygamy, including the belief that he never taught or practiced it, the judicious and meticulous way it is presented in this volume is much appreciated. This is especially true in the discussion of charges Joseph Smith made against Harrison Sagers to the Nauvoo Stake High Council in November 1843. Sagers was charged with “trying to Seduce a yo[u]ng girl living at his house” and using Smith’s name “in a blasphemous manner by Saying that I tolerated Such things” (279). The historical introduction and footnotes to this document state that Sagers’ actions were “likely associated with the doctrine of plural marriage” and fairly and objectively consider the possibilities why Joseph might have preferred charges against him (278-79, 284-85, see also footnotes 231, 233 and 234).
Sections in the book are divided according to month. Each is headed by its own historical introduction which details the events of the month in light of the documents included. In August 1843, for example, Smith engaged in regional and national politics. He authorized a public history of the Latter-day Saints. His sermons discussed the temple doctrines of priesthood and sealing. Smith’s public disagreement with his first counselor Sidney Rigdon is discussed, as well as the role the Nauvoo House played in his personal life and public ministry.
Although the introduction to the September section doesn’t mention this, it seems from the letters included that Joseph was faced with decisions regarding dissenters and discontents, including George J. Adams, Francis M. Higbee, Francis Gladden Bishop, and others.
Documents included in the October section detail the infamous conference in which Joseph formally charged Sidney Rigdon with disloyalty but the conference voted to retain him as a counselor in the First Presidency. Other letters demonstrate the deterioration of the Prophet’s relationships with members who nevertheless wished to continue their relationships with the Church. For example, Jared Carter “asked to join the Nauvoo temple committee, hoping to reprise the role that he played in building the Kirtland temple” (183). When this request was refused—Hyrum Smith calling him “insane”—he wrote a proposal for a business manufacturing shoes and boots and asked for Smith’s endorsement, wishing to “get on top of the hill…for my feet are quite wet in this down the hill place” (184).
November documents highlight the political activities of Joseph Smith. Letters inscribed by Willard Richards to the United States presidential candidates inquired about their policies regarding the Latter-day Saints and set up the situation where a frustrated Smith would decide to run for President himself.
Many of the documents for the month of December respond to the kidnapping of a church member and his son which became a source of great political tension for the church. Here also is found General Joseph Smith’s “Appeal to the Green Mountain Boys,” or citizens of Vermont, calling for assistance because the Latter-day Saints had not been awarded their long-requested redress by the Missouri courts and federal government for their lost property. This document is, I believe, one of the most interesting letters sent from Joseph Smith’s office. Written by W.W. Phelps at the request of Joseph, it nevertheless includes personal details and employs language and interests peculiar to the prophet.
In addition to this wonderful collection of documents, analysis, historical background, source notes, chronologies, and maps, there are two additional inclusions that bear mention. First, the collection of pictures included in this volume are outstanding. They are well-chosen, interesting, and visually appealing. Second, the reference material in the back of the book includes a geographical directory and a biographical directory which are extremely helpful. I urge readers to avail themselves of these excellent resources while using the book.
Once again, I say “Bravo” to the editors of Volume 13 of the Joseph Smith papers for their outstanding scholarship.