Receiving the Golden Plates and Palmyra Persecution

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Receiving the Golden Plates and Palmyra Persecution

Joseph went one year from that day, to demand the book, and the spirit enquired for his brother, and he said that he was dead. The spirit then commanded him to come again, in just one year, and bring a man with him. On asking who might be the man, he was answered that he would know him when he saw him.<br>
   Joseph believed that one Samuel T. Lawrence was the man alluded to by the spirit, and went with him to a singular looking hill, in Manchester, and shewed him where the treasure was. Lawrence asked him if he had ever discovered any thing with the plates of gold; he said no: he then asked him to look in his stone, to see if there was any thing with them. He looked, and said there was nothing; he told him to look again, and see if there was not a large pair of specks with the plates; he looked and soon saw a pair of spectacles, the same with which Joseph says he translated the Book of Mormon. Lawrence told him it would not be prudent to let these plates be seen for about two years, as it would make a great disturbance in the neighborhood. Not long after this, Joseph altered his mind, and said L. was not the right man, nor had he told him the right place...<br>
   ...In the fore part of September, (I believe,) 1827, the Prophet requested me to make him a chest, informing me that he designed to move back to Pennsylvania, and expecting soon to get his gold book, he wanted a chest to lock it up, giving me to understand at the same time, that if I would make the chest he would give me a share in the book. I told him my business was such that I could not make it: but if he would bring the book to me, I would lock it up for him. He said that would not do, as he was commanded to keep it two years, without letting it come to the eye of any one but himself. This commandment, however, he did not keep, for in less than two years, twelve men said they had seen it. I told him to get it and convince me of its existence, and I would make him a chest; but he said, that would not do, as he must have a chest to lock the book in, as soon as he took it out of the ground. I saw him a few days after, when he told me that I must make the chest. I told him plainly that I could not, upon which he told me that I could have no share in the book.<br>
   A few weeks after this conversation, he came to my house, and related the following story: That on the 22d of September, he arose early in the morning, and took a one horse wagon, of some one that had stayed over night at their house, without leave or license; and, together with his wife, repaired to the hill which contained the book. He left his wife in the wagon, by the road, and went alone to the hill, a distance of thirty or forty rods from the road; he said he then took the book out of the ground and hid it in a tree top, and returned home. He then went to the town of Macedon to work. After about ten days, it having been suggested that some one had got his book, his wife went after him; he hired a horse, and went home in the afternoon, staid long enough to drink one cup of tea, and then went for his book, found it safe, took off his frock, wrapt it round it, put it under his arm and run all the way home, a distance of about two miles. He said he should think it would weigh sixty pounds, and was sure it would weigh forty. On his return home, he said he was attacked by two men in the woods, and knocked them both down and made his escape, arrived safe and secured his treasure. He then observed that if it had not been for that stone, (which he acknowledged belonged to me,) he would not have obtained the book. A few days afterwards, he told one of my neighbors that he had not got any such book, nor never had such an one; but that he had told the story to deceive the d----d fool, (meaning me,) to get him to make a chest. His neighbors having become disgusted with his foolish stories, he determined to go back to Pennsylvania, to avoid what he called persecution.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 243, 245-46

Willard Chase account

Willard Chase, witnessed by Fred'k Smith

11 Dec, 1833

   Joseph went one year from that day, to demand the book, and the spirit enquired for his brother, and he said that he was dead. The spirit then commanded him to come again, in just one year, and bring a man with him. On asking who might be the man, he was answered that he would know him when he saw him.
   Joseph believed that one Samuel T. Lawrence was the man alluded to by the spirit, and went with him to a singular looking hill, in Manchester, and shewed him where the treasure was. Lawrence asked him if he had ever discovered any thing with the plates of gold; he said no: he then asked him to look in his stone, to see if there was any thing with them. He looked, and said there was nothing; he told him to look again, and see if there was not a large pair of specks with the plates; he looked and soon saw a pair of spectacles, the same with which Joseph says he translated the Book of Mormon. Lawrence told him it would not be prudent to let these plates be seen for about two years, as it would make a great disturbance in the neighborhood. Not long after this, Joseph altered his mind, and said L. was not the right man, nor had he told him the right place...
   ...In the fore part of September, (I believe,) 1827, the Prophet requested me to make him a chest, informing me that he designed to move back to Pennsylvania, and expecting soon to get his gold book, he wanted a chest to lock it up, giving me to understand at the same time, that if I would make the chest he would give me a share in the book. I told him my business was such that I could not make it: but if he would bring the book to me, I would lock it up for him. He said that would not do, as he was commanded to keep it two years, without letting it come to the eye of any one but himself. This commandment, however, he did not keep, for in less than two years, twelve men said they had seen it. I told him to get it and convince me of its existence, and I would make him a chest; but he said, that would not do, as he must have a chest to lock the book in, as soon as he took it out of the ground. I saw him a few days after, when he told me that I must make the chest. I told him plainly that I could not, upon which he told me that I could have no share in the book.
   A few weeks after this conversation, he came to my house, and related the following story: That on the 22d of September, he arose early in the morning, and took a one horse wagon, of some one that had stayed over night at their house, without leave or license; and, together with his wife, repaired to the hill which contained the book. He left his wife in the wagon, by the road, and went alone to the hill, a distance of thirty or forty rods from the road; he said he then took the book out of the ground and hid it in a tree top, and returned home. He then went to the town of Macedon to work. After about ten days, it having been suggested that some one had got his book, his wife went after him; he hired a horse, and went home in the afternoon, staid long enough to drink one cup of tea, and then went for his book, found it safe, took off his frock, wrapt it round it, put it under his arm and run all the way home, a distance of about two miles. He said he should think it would weigh sixty pounds, and was sure it would weigh forty. On his return home, he said he was attacked by two men in the woods, and knocked them both down and made his escape, arrived safe and secured his treasure. He then observed that if it had not been for that stone, (which he acknowledged belonged to me,) he would not have obtained the book. A few days afterwards, he told one of my neighbors that he had not got any such book, nor never had such an one; but that he had told the story to deceive the d----d fool, (meaning me,) to get him to make a chest. His neighbors having become disgusted with his foolish stories, he determined to go back to Pennsylvania, to avoid what he called persecution.

After he pretended to have found the gold plates, I had a conversation with him, and asked him where he found them and how he come to know where they were. He said he had a revelation from God that told him they were hid in a certain hill and he looked in his stone and saw them in the place of deposit; that an angel appeared, and told him he could not get the plates until he was married, and that when he saw the woman that was to be his wife, he should know her, and she would know him. He then went to Pennsylvania, got his wife, and they both went together and got the gold plates - he said it was revealed to him, that no one must see the plates but himself and wife.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 252

Henry Harris account

Henry Harris, witnessed by Jonathan Lapham

After he pretended to have found the gold plates, I had a conversation with him, and asked him where he found them and how he come to know where they were. He said he had a revelation from God that told him they were hid in a certain hill and he looked in his stone and saw them in the place of deposit; that an angel appeared, and told him he could not get the plates until he was married, and that when he saw the woman that was to be his wife, he should know her, and she would know him. He then went to Pennsylvania, got his wife, and they both went together and got the gold plates - he said it was revealed to him, that no one must see the plates but himself and wife.

In the month of August, 1827, I was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr. to go to Pennsylvania...<br>
Joseph told me on his return, that he intended to keep the promise which he had made to his father-in-law; but, said he, it will be hard for me, for they will all oppose, as they want me to look in the stone for them to dig money: and in fact it was as he predicted. They urged him, day after day, to resume his old practice of looking in the stone. He seemed much perplexed as to the course he should pursue. In this dilemma, he made me his confident and told me what daily transpired in the family of Smiths. One day he came, and greeted me with a joyful countenance. Upon asking the cause of his unusual happiness, he replied in the following language: As I was passing, yesterday, across the woods, after a heavy shower of rain, I found, in a hollow, some beautiful white sand, that had been washed up by the water. I took off my frock, and tied up several quarts of it, and then went home. On my entering the house, I found the family at the table eating dinner. They were all anxious to know the contents of my frock. At that moment, I happened to think of what I had heard about a history found in Canada, called the golden Bible; so I very gravely told them it was the golden Bible. To my surprise, they were credulous enough to believe what I said. Accordingly I told them that I had received a commandment to let no one see it, for, says I, no man can see it with the naked eye and live. However, I offered to take out the book and show it to them, but they refuse to see it, and left the room. Now, said Jo, I have got the damned fools fixed, and will carry out the fun. Notwithstanding, he told me he had no such book, and believed there never was any such book, yet, he told me that he actually went to Willard Chase, to get him to make a chest, in which he might deposit his golden Bible. But, as Chase would not do it, he made a box himself, of clap-boards, and put it into a pillow case, and allowed people only to lift it, and feel of it through the case.

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pgs 234-36

Testimony of Peter Ingersoll

Peter Ingersoll, witnessed by Th. P. Baldwin

9 Dec, 1833

In the month of August, 1827, I was hired by Joseph Smith, Jr. to go to Pennsylvania...
Joseph told me on his return, that he intended to keep the promise which he had made to his father-in-law; but, said he, it will be hard for me, for they will all oppose, as they want me to look in the stone for them to dig money: and in fact it was as he predicted. They urged him, day after day, to resume his old practice of looking in the stone. He seemed much perplexed as to the course he should pursue. In this dilemma, he made me his confident and told me what daily transpired in the family of Smiths. One day he came, and greeted me with a joyful countenance. Upon asking the cause of his unusual happiness, he replied in the following language: "As I was passing, yesterday, across the woods, after a heavy shower of rain, I found, in a hollow, some beautiful white sand, that had been washed up by the water. I took off my frock, and tied up several quarts of it, and then went home. On my entering the house, I found the family at the table eating dinner. They were all anxious to know the contents of my frock. At that moment, I happened to think of what I had heard about a history found in Canada, called the golden Bible; so I very gravely told them it was the golden Bible. To my surprise, they were credulous enough to believe what I said. Accordingly I told them that I had received a commandment to let no one see it, for, says I, no man can see it with the naked eye and live. However, I offered to take out the book and show it to them, but they refuse to see it, and left the room." Now, said Jo, "I have got the damned fools fixed, and will carry out the fun." Notwithstanding, he told me he had no such book, and believed there never was any such book, yet, he told me that he actually went to Willard Chase, to get him to make a chest, in which he might deposit his golden Bible. But, as Chase would not do it, he made a box himself, of clap-boards, and put it into a pillow case, and allowed people only to lift it, and feel of it through the case.

I well remember the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he had the vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning would tell us, 'I have seen the records, also the brass plates and the sword of Laban with the breast plate and interpreters.' He would ask father why he could not get them? The time had not yet come, but when it did arrive he was commanded to go on the 22d day of September 1827 at 2 o'clock. We had supposed that when he should bring them home, the whole family would be allowed to see them, but he said it was forbidden of the Lord. They could be seen only by those who were chosen to bear their testimony to the world.

Dear Sisters, The Saints' Herald, Vol 33, No 260

Letter from Katharine Smith to Saint's Herald

Katharine Smith Salisbury

10 Mar, 1886

I well remember the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he had the vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning would tell us, 'I have seen the records, also the brass plates and the sword of Laban with the breast plate and interpreters.' He would ask father why he could not get them? The time had not yet come, but when it did arrive he was commanded to go on the 22d day of September 1827 at 2 o'clock. We had supposed that when he should bring them home, the whole family would be allowed to see them, but he said it was forbidden of the Lord. They could be seen only by those who were chosen to bear their testimony to the world.

At length, Joseph pretended to find the Gold plates. This scheme, he believed, would relieve the family from all pecuniary embarrassment. His father told me, that when the book was published, they would be enabled, from the profits of the work, to carry into successful operation the money digging business. He gave me no intimation, at that time that the book was to be of a religious character, or that it had any thing to do with revelation. He declared it to be a speculation, and said he, when it is completed, my family will be placed on a level above the generality of mankind!!

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 260

Joseph Capron testimony

Joseph Capron

8 Nov, 1833

At length, Joseph pretended to find the Gold plates. This scheme, he believed, would relieve the family from all pecuniary embarrassment. His father told me, that when the book was published, they would be enabled, from the profits of the work, to carry into successful operation the money digging business. He gave me no intimation, at that time that the book was to be of a religious character, or that it had any thing to do with revelation. He declared it to be a speculation, and said he, "when it is completed, my family will be placed on a level above the generality of mankind"!!

Joshua M'Kune states, that he was acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris, during their residence in Harmony, Pa., and knew them to be artful seducers; That they informed him that Smith had found a sword, breast-plate, and a pair of spectacles, at the time he found the gold plates - that these were to be shewn to all the world as evidence of the truth of what was contained in those plates

Mormonism Unvailed, E.D. Howe, pg 267

Joshua M'Kune testimony

Mormonism Unvailed

Joshua M'Kune states, that he "was acquainted with Joseph Smith Jr. and Martin Harris, during their residence in Harmony, Pa., and knew them to be artful seducers;" That they informed him that "Smith had found a sword, breast-plate, and a pair of spectacles, at the time he found the gold plates" - that these were to be shewn to all the world as evidence of the truth of what was contained in those plates"

Smith awoke from his dream, and, according to Harris, started off towards Pennsylvania, not knowing to what point he should go. But the Lord directed him, and gained him favour in the eyes of just such a person as was described to him. He was married and had returned. His first child had been born, and was now about six months old. But Jo had not been altogether obedient to the heavenly vision. After his marriage and return from Pennsylvania, he became so awfully impressed with the high destiny that awaited him, that he communicated the secret to his father and family. The money-digging propensity of the old man operated so powerfully, that he insisted upon it that hey should go and dig and see if the chest was there - not with any view to remove it till the appointed time, but merely to satisfy themselves. Accordingly they went forth in the stillness of the night with their spades and mattocks to the spot where slumbered this sacred deposit. They had proceeded but a little while in the work of excavation, before the mysterious chest appeared; but lo! instantly it moved and glided along out of their sight. Directed, however, by the clairvoyance of Jo, they again penetrated to the spot where it stood, and succeeded in gaining a partial view of its dimensions. But while they were pressing forward to gaze at it, the thunder of the Almighty shook the spot, and made the earth to tremble - a sheet of vivid lightning swept along over the side of the hill, and burnt terribly around the place where the excavation was going on, and again, with a rumbling noise, the chest moved off out of their sight. They were all terrified and fled towards their home. Jo took his course silently along by himself. On his way homeward, being alone and in the woods, the angel of the Lord met him, clad in terror and wrath. He spoke in a voice of thunder: forked lightnings shot through the trees, and ran along upon the ground. The terror which the appearance of the divine messenger awakened, instantly struck Smith to the earth, and he felt his whole frame convulsed with agony, as though he were stamped upon by the iron hoofs of death himself. In language most terrific did the angel upbraid him for his disobedience, and the disappeared. Smith went home trembling and full of terror. Soon, however, his mind became more composed. Another divine communication was made to him, authorizing him to go alone by himself and bring the chest and deposit it secretly under the hearth of his dwelling, but by no means to attempt to look into it. The reason assigned by the angel for this removal, was that some report in relation to the place where this sacred book was deposited had gone forth, and there was danger of its being disturbed. According to Harris, Smith now scrupulously followed the divine directions. He was already in possession of the two transparent stones laid up with the golden Bible, by looking through which he was enabled to read the golden letters on the plates in the box. How he obtained these spectacles without opening the chest, Harris could not tell. But still he had them; and by means of them he could read all the book contained.

Gleanings by the way, pgs 226-28

John Clark account

24 Aug, 1840

Smith awoke from his dream, and, according to Harris, started off towards Pennsylvania, not knowing to what point he should go. But the Lord directed him, and gained him favour in the eyes of just such a person as was described to him. He was married and had returned. His first child had been born, and was now about six months old. But Jo had not been altogether obedient to the heavenly vision. After his marriage and return from Pennsylvania, he became so awfully impressed with the high destiny that awaited him, that he communicated the secret to his father and family. The money-digging propensity of the old man operated so powerfully, that he insisted upon it that hey should go and dig and see if the chest was there - not with any view to remove it till the appointed time, but merely to satisfy themselves. Accordingly they went forth in the stillness of the night with their spades and mattocks to the spot where slumbered this sacred deposit. They had proceeded but a little while in the work of excavation, before the mysterious chest appeared; but lo! instantly it moved and glided along out of their sight. Directed, however, by the clairvoyance of Jo, they again penetrated to the spot where it stood, and succeeded in gaining a partial view of its dimensions. But while they were pressing forward to gaze at it, the thunder of the Almighty shook the spot, and made the earth to tremble - a sheet of vivid lightning swept along over the side of the hill, and burnt terribly around the place where the excavation was going on, and again, with a rumbling noise, the chest moved off out of their sight. They were all terrified and fled towards their home. Jo took his course silently along by himself. On his way homeward, being alone and in the woods, the angel of the Lord met him, clad in terror and wrath. He spoke in a voice of thunder: forked lightnings shot through the trees, and ran along upon the ground. The terror which the appearance of the divine messenger awakened, instantly struck Smith to the earth, and he felt his whole frame convulsed with agony, as though he were stamped upon by the iron hoofs of death himself. In language most terrific did the angel upbraid him for his disobedience, and the disappeared. Smith went home trembling and full of terror. Soon, however, his mind became more composed. Another divine communication was made to him, authorizing him to go alone by himself and bring the chest and deposit it secretly under the hearth of his dwelling, but by no means to attempt to look into it. The reason assigned by the angel for this removal, was that some report in relation to the place where this sacred book was deposited had gone forth, and there was danger of its being disturbed. According to Harris, Smith now scrupulously followed the divine directions. He was already in possession of the two transparent stones laid up with the golden Bible, by looking through which he was enabled to read the golden letters on the plates in the box. How he obtained these spectacles without opening the chest, Harris could not tell. But still he had them; and by means of them he could read all the book contained.

when he saw Miss Emma Hale he knew that she was the person, and that after they were married she went with him to near the place and stood with her back towards him while he dug after the box, which he rolled up in his frock, and she helped carry it home; that in the same box with the plates were spectacles;

Joseph Smith the Prophet His Family and His Friends, pg 80

Hiel and Joseph Lewis account

Hiel and Joseph Lewis

23 Apr, 1879

when he saw Miss Emma Hale he knew that she was the person, and that after they were married she went with him to near the place and stood with her back towards him while he dug after the box, which he rolled up in his frock, and she helped carry it home; that in the same box with the plates were spectacles;

After having been thrice thus visited, as he states, he proceeded to the spot, and after having penetrating mother earth a short distance, the Bible was found, together with a huge pair of spectacles! He had been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them, under no less penalty than instant death! They were therefore nicely wrapped up, and excluded from the vulgar gaze of poor wicked mortals!

Palmyra Freeman, August 11, 1829

Palmyra newspaper article

Palmyra Freeman

11 Aug, 1829

After having been thrice thus visited, as he states, he proceeded to the spot, and after having penetrating "mother earth" a short distance, the Bible was found, together with a huge pair of spectacles! He had been directed, however, not to let any mortal being examine them, "under no less penalty" than instant death! They were therefore nicely wrapped up, and excluded from the "vulgar gaze of poor wicked mortals!"

(Note: No images of the original are available online. This article was reprinted in the August 27, 1829 issue of the Niagara Courier and the August 31, 1829 issue of the Rochester Daily Advertiser and Telegraph, which can be read here.)

...at the house of Peter Whitmer, in the town of Fayette, Seneca County, state of New York, in October, 1830... (Joseph Smith) told me... He went, and after the third or fourth time, which was repeated once a year, he obtained a parcel of plate resembling gold, on which were engraved what he did not understand, only by the aid of a glass which he also obtained with the plate

Peter Bauder, The Kingdom and Gospel of Jesus Christ, pgs 36-37

Peter Bauder interview

Peter Bauder

...at the house of Peter Whitmer, in the town of Fayette, Seneca County, state of New York, in October, 1830... (Joseph Smith) told me... He went, and after the third or fourth time, which was repeated once a year, he obtained a parcel of plate resembling gold, on which were engraved what he did not understand, only by the aid of a glass which he also obtained with the plate

At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummin and the breastplate, On the twenty second day of September, One thousand Eight hundred and twenty seven, having went as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge that I should be responsible for them. That if I should let them go carelessly or through any neglect of mine I should be cut off, but that if I would use all my endeavours to preserve them untill he (the messenger) should call for them, they should be protected.<br>
I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them, for no sooner was it known that I had them than the most strenious exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continualy to get them from me if possible but by the wisdom of God they remained safe in my hands untill I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand

The Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838-1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805-30 August 1834], pg 10

1838 canonized account

Joseph Smith Jr.

At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummin and the breastplate, On the twenty second day of September, One thousand Eight hundred and twenty seven, having went as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge that I should be responsible for them. That if I should let them go carelessly or through any neglect of mine I should be cut off, but that if I would use all my endeavours to preserve them untill he (the messenger) should call for them, they should be protected.
I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them, for no sooner was it known that I had them than the most strenious exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continualy to get them from me if possible but by the wisdom of God they remained safe in my hands untill I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand

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Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 1, pg 2, col 3

Lorenzo Saunders' Search

Lorenzo Saunders, witnessed by Linus S. Parmelee

21 Jul, 1887

Lorenzo Saunders being duly sworn deposes and says: That I reside in Reading, Hillsdale County, State of Michigan; that I was born in the town of Palmyra, Wayne County, State of New York, on June 7, A. D. 1811, and am now seventy-six years of age. That I lived in said town of Palmyra until I was forty-three years of age. That I lived within one mile of Joseph Smith at the time said Joseph Smith claimed that he found the "tablets" on which the "Book of Mormon" was revealed. That I went to the "Hill Cumorah" on the Sunday following the date that Joseph Smith claimed he found the plates, it being three miles from my home, and I tried to find the place where the earth had been broken by being dug up, but was unable to find any place where the ground had been disturbed.

(Note: No images of this manuscript are available. Please contact me if you have any information regarding it.)

Soon after this Mr Smith had occasion to send Joseph to Manchester on buisness he set out in good season and we expected him to be at home as soon as 6 oclock but he did not arrive...<br>
   ...he did not return home till the night was considerably advanced his Father and myself were together no one else was present when he entered the house he threw himself into a chair seemingly much exhausted he was as pale as ashes his Father exclaimed Joseph why have you staid so late has anything happened you we have been in distress about you these 3 hours<br>
   after Joseph recovered himself a little he said Father I have had the severest chastisement that I ever had in my life<br>
   Chastisement indeed! said Mr Smith Well upon my word I would like to who has been takeing you to task and what their pretext was its pretty well too, if you are to be detained till this time of night to take lectures for your bad practises.<br>
   Joseph smiled to see his Father so hasty and indignant. Father said he it was the angel of the Lord. he says I have been negligent that the time has now come when the record should be brought forth and that I must be up and doing that I must set myself about the things which God has commanded me to do but Father give yourself no uneasiness as to this reprimand for I know that course I am to pursue an all will be well.<br>
   It was signified to him when he should make annother effort to obtain the plates which was september 22 but at this time he did not make this known to us<br>
   On the night of the 21st I sat up very late as my buisness pressed upon my hands. & I did not retire untill past 12 about 12 Joseph came to me and asked me if I had a chest with a lock and key I knew in a moment what it was wanted for and not was moving having a lock but what was broken I was alarmed fearing that this might be a matter of great importance to him at that time I told him this but he replied But Joseph replied never mind I can do very well just now without it be Calm all is right<br>
   but I found it very difficult to do so for I had not forgotten the first failure he left soon after with his wife taking Mr. Knights horse and wagon I spent the night in prayer and at reasonable time for rising I went to preparing breakfast my heart fluttering at every footfall for I now expected Joseph & Emma every moment and was in dread of a second disapointment in his obtaining the plates...<br>
...Joseph returned<br>
I trembled so much with fear lest all might be lost aging by some small failure in keeping the commandments that I was under the necessity of laving the room to conceal my feelings Joseph saw this and followed me Mother said he do not be uneasy all is right see here said he I have got the key<br>
I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon examining it found with no covering but a silk handkerchief that it consisted of 2 smooth 3 cornered diamonds set in glass and the glass was set in silver bows stones conected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made He took them again and left me but did not tell me anything of the record<br>
soon after he came again and asked my advice what it was best to do about getting a chest made I told him to go to a cabbinet maker who had been making some furniture for my oldest daughter

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 58-62

Lucy's account leading up to receiving the plates

Lucy Mack Smith

   Soon after this Mr Smith had occasion to send Joseph to Manchester on buisness he set out in good season and we expected him to be at home as soon as 6 oclock but he did not arrive...
   ...he did not return home till the night was considerably advanced his Father and myself were together no one else was present when he entered the house he threw himself into a chair seemingly much exhausted he was as pale as ashes his Father exclaimed "Joseph why have you staid so late has anything happened you we have been in distress about you these 3 hours
   after Joseph recovered himself a little he said Father I have had the severest chastisement that I ever had in my life
   Chastisement indeed! said Mr Smith Well upon my word I would like to who has been takeing you to task and what their pretext was its pretty well too, if you are to be detained till this time of night to take lectures for your bad practises.
   Joseph smiled to see his Father so hasty and indignant. Father said he it was the angel of the Lord. he says I have been negligent that the time has now come when the record should be brought forth and that I must be up and doing that I must set myself about the things which God has commanded me to do but Father give yourself no uneasiness as to this reprimand for I know that course I am to pursue an all will be well".
   It was signified to him when he should make annother effort to obtain the plates which was september 22 but at this time he did not make this known to us
   On the night of the 21st I sat up very late as my buisness pressed upon my hands. & I did not retire untill past 12 about 12 Joseph came to me and asked me if I had a chest with a lock and key I knew in a moment what it was wanted for and not was moving having a lock but what was broken I was alarmed fearing that this might be a matter of great importance to him at that time I told him this but he replied But Joseph replied never mind I can do very well just now without it be Calm all is right
   but I found it very difficult to do so for I had not forgotten the first failure he left soon after with his wife taking Mr. Knights horse and wagon I spent the night in prayer and at reasonable time for rising I went to preparing breakfast my heart fluttering at every footfall for I now expected Joseph & Emma every moment and was in dread of a second disapointment in his obtaining the plates...
...Joseph returned
I trembled so much with fear lest all might be lost aging by some small failure in keeping the commandments that I was under the necessity of laving the room to conceal my feelings Joseph saw this and followed me Mother said he do not be uneasy all is right see here said he I have got the key
I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon examining it found with no covering but a silk handkerchief that it consisted of 2 smooth 3 cornered diamonds set in glass and the glass was set in silver bows stones conected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made He took them again and left me but did not tell me anything of the record
soon after he came again and asked my advice what it was best to do about getting a chest made I told him to go to a cabbinet maker who had been making some furniture for my oldest daughter

At the end of the appointed time he went and obtained the plates which were pointed out to him by the angel. The story being noised abroad, he was pursued while on his way home with the plates, by two persons who desired to obtain the possession of the plates to convert them into money. However, he escaped to the house and brought the plates with him, wrapped up in a tow frock. He could not permit us to see them, because he said the angel told him not to do so, and he was determined to obey strictly this time; for he had disobeyed before and was compelled to wait four years before he could come into possession of the plates.<br>
In consequence of his vision, and his having golden plates and refusing to show them, a great persecution arose against the whole family, and he was compelled to remove into Pennsylvania with the plates, where he translated them by means of the Urim and Thummim, (which he obtained with the plates), and the power of God.

William Smith on Mormonism, pgs 10-11

William Smith account

William Smith

At the end of the appointed time he went and obtained the plates which were pointed out to him by the angel. The story being noised abroad, he was pursued while on his way home with the plates, by two persons who desired to obtain the possession of the plates to convert them into money. However, he escaped to the house and brought the plates with him, wrapped up in a tow frock. He could not permit us to see them, because he said the angel told him not to do so, and he was determined to obey strictly this time; for he had disobeyed before and was compelled to wait four years before he could come into possession of the plates.
In consequence of his vision, and his having golden plates and refusing to show them, a great persecution arose against the whole family, and he was compelled to remove into Pennsylvania with the plates, where he translated them by means of the Urim and Thummim, (which he obtained with the plates), and the power of God.

one of the neighbor began to ask Mr Smith many questions about the plates. here let me mention that no one knew anything of this business from us except one confidential friend of My Husband's to whom he named it some 2 or 3 years before. It now seemed that satan had stirred up the hearts of those who had in any way got a hint of the matter to search into it and make every possible move towards preventing the work<br>
   Mr. Smith was soon informed that 10 or 12 men were clubed together with one willard chase a Methodist class leader at their head and what was most rediculous they had sent for a conjuror to come 60 miles to divine the place where the record was deposited by magic art<br>
   we were apprehensive that the pates were taken out and secreted some where and we were somwhat uneasy least they might like Moses who was hid in the bulrushes be discovered by our enemies-accordingly the morning after we heard of their plans Mr Smith went over a hill that lay east of us to see what he could discover among the neighbors there at the first house he came to he found the conjuror Willard chase and the company all together this was the house of one Mr Laurence he made an errand and went in and sat down near the door leaving the door ajar for the men were so near that he could hear their conversation they were devising many plans and schemes to find Joe Smiths gold bible as they termed it the conjurer was really animated although he had travelled 60 miles during the latter part of the day and the night before.<br>
   the woman was uneasy at the exposures they were making she stepped through a back door into the yard and called to her husband in a suppressed voice (but so loud that Mr. Smith heard every word distinctly) Sam, Sam said she you are cutting your own throat-the conjuror bawlled out again at the top of his voice I am not afraid of any body we will have the plates in spite of Joe Smith or all the Devils in Hell-<br>
   ...we went to Emma Joseph's wife and asked her if she knew aught of the record whether Joseph had taken them out or where they were She said she did not know he then related what he had seen and heard<br>
   Emma said she did not know what to do but she thought if Joseph was to have the record he would get it yes said Mr Smith he will if he is watchful and obeidient but remmember that for a small thing Esau lost his blessing and birthright it may be so with Joseph<br>
   Well said Emma if I had a horse I would go and see him Mr Smith said she should have one in 15 minutes...<br>
   ...Emma was soon on her way to her husband...<br>
   Joseph kept the urim and thumim constantly about his person as he could by this means ascertain at any moment if the plates were in danger & having just looked into them before Emma got there he perceived her coming and came up out of the well and met her - When she informed him of what had occurred he told her that the record was perfectly safe for the present. he however concluded to go home with her and told Wells that his buisness at home made it necessary for him to return...<br>
   when Hyrum came Joseph requested him to bring a chest that had a good lock and Key and have it here immediately so that it may be ready there said Joseph by the time I get home<br>
   having left these directions he went to bring the record which he had deposited in a cavity in a birch log 3 miles distant and covered it with the bark of the same he took the plates from their place and wrapping them in his linen frock put them under his arm and started for the house<br>
   after walking a short distance in the road he concluded it would be safer to go across through the woods in a moment he struck through the timber where there was a large windfall to cross he had not proceeded far in this direction till as he was jumping over a log a man spran up and gave him a heavy blow with a gun Joseph leveled him to the ground and ran at the top of his speed about 1/2 a mile farther he was met again in precisely the same way he soon brought this one down also and ran on again - but before he got home he was accosted the 3 time with a severe stroke with a gun when he struck the last one he dislocated his thumb which however he did not notice till he came in sight of the house where he threw himself down in the a corner of the fence to recover his breath and as soon as he could get on he rose and finished his race for the house- where he arrived altogether speechless from fright and exhaustion<br>
   after a moment's rest he said mother send carlos for father and Mr. Knight and his friend and tell them to go and see if they can find some men who have been pursueing me then let carlos go tell Hyrum to bring his chest...<br>
   When the chest came Joseph locked up the record and threw himself on the bed after resting himself so a little so that he could converse he went out & related his adventure to his father and Mr Knight who had come back from their scouting expedition without seeing any one - he showed his thumb saying I must stop talking Father and get you to put my thumb in place for it is very painful<br>
   when this was done he related to our guests the whole history of the record which interested them very much and listened and beleived all that was told them up to the time when he took it out of stone box in the hill of cumorah which took place the moring that Mr Knight missed his horse and waggon<br>
   When Joseph took the plates into his hands at this time the angel of the Lord stood by and said now you have have got the record into your own hands and you are but a man therefore you will have to be watchful and faithful to your trust or you will be overpowered by wicked men for they will lay every plan and scheme that is possible to get them away from you and if you do not take heed continually they will suceed while they were in my hands I could keep them and no man had power to take them away but now I give them up to you beware and look well to your ways- and you shall have power to retain them untill the time for them to be translated<br>
   The thing which spoke of that Joseph termed a Key was indeed nothing more nor less than a urim and Thummim by which the angel manifested those things to him that were shown him in vision by the which also he could at any time ascertain the approach of danger either to himself or the record and for this cause he kept these things constantly about his person.<br>
   he now commenced work with his Father on the farm in order to be near the treasure that was committed to his care

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 62-69

Lucy's account of receiving the golden plates

Lucy Mack Smith

   one of the neighbor began to ask Mr Smith many questions about the plates. here let me mention that no one knew anything of this business from us except one confidential friend of My Husband's to whom he named it some 2 or 3 years before. It now seemed that satan had stirred up the hearts of those who had in any way got a hint of the matter to search into it and make every possible move towards preventing the work
   Mr. Smith was soon informed that 10 or 12 men were clubed together with one willard chase a Methodist class leader at their head and what was most rediculous they had sent for a conjuror to come 60 miles to divine the place where the record was deposited by magic art
   we were apprehensive that the pates were taken out and secreted some where and we were somwhat uneasy least they might like Moses who was hid in the bulrushes be discovered by our enemies-accordingly the morning after we heard of their plans Mr Smith went over a hill that lay east of us to see what he could discover among the neighbors there at the first house he came to he found the conjuror Willard chase and the company all together this was the house of one Mr Laurence he made an errand and went in and sat down near the door leaving the door ajar for the men were so near that he could hear their conversation they were devising many plans and schemes to find Joe Smiths gold bible as they termed it the conjurer was really animated although he had travelled 60 miles during the latter part of the day and the night before.
   the woman was uneasy at the exposures they were making she stepped through a back door into the yard and called to her husband in a suppressed voice (but so loud that Mr. Smith heard every word distinctly) Sam, Sam said she you are cutting your own throat-the conjuror bawlled out again at the top of his voice I am not afraid of any body we will have the plates in spite of Joe Smith or all the Devils in Hell-
   ...we went to Emma Joseph's wife and asked her if she knew aught of the record whether Joseph had taken them out or where they were She said she did not know he then related what he had seen and heard
   Emma said she did not know what to do but she thought if Joseph was to have the record he would get it yes said Mr Smith he will if he is watchful and obeidient but remmember that for a small thing Esau lost his blessing and birthright it may be so with Joseph
   Well said Emma if I had a horse I would go and see him Mr Smith said she should have one in 15 minutes...
   ...Emma was soon on her way to her husband...
   Joseph kept the urim and thumim constantly about his person as he could by this means ascertain at any moment if the plates were in danger & having just looked into them before Emma got there he perceived her coming and came up out of the well and met her - When she informed him of what had occurred he told her that the record was perfectly safe for the present. he however concluded to go home with her and told Wells that his buisness at home made it necessary for him to return...
   when Hyrum came Joseph requested him to bring a chest that had a good lock and Key and have it here immediately so that it may be ready there said Joseph by the time I get home
   having left these directions he went to bring the record which he had deposited in a cavity in a birch log 3 miles distant and covered it with the bark of the same he took the plates from their place and wrapping them in his linen frock put them under his arm and started for the house
   after walking a short distance in the road he concluded it would be safer to go across through the woods in a moment he struck through the timber where there was a large windfall to cross he had not proceeded far in this direction till as he was jumping over a log a man spran up and gave him a heavy blow with a gun Joseph leveled him to the ground and ran at the top of his speed about 1/2 a mile farther he was met again in precisely the same way he soon brought this one down also and ran on again - but before he got home he was accosted the 3 time with a severe stroke with a gun when he struck the last one he dislocated his thumb which however he did not notice till he came in sight of the house where he threw himself down in the a corner of the fence to recover his breath and as soon as he could get on he rose and finished his race for the house- where he arrived altogether speechless from fright and exhaustion
   after a moment's rest he said mother send carlos for father and Mr. Knight and his friend and tell them to go and see if they can find some men who have been pursueing me then let carlos go tell Hyrum to bring his chest...
   When the chest came Joseph locked up the record and threw himself on the bed after resting himself so a little so that he could converse he went out & related his adventure to his father and Mr Knight who had come back from their scouting expedition without seeing any one - he showed his thumb saying I must stop talking Father and get you to put my thumb in place for it is very painful
   when this was done he related to our guests the whole history of the record which interested them very much and listened and beleived all that was told them up to the time when he took it out of stone box in the hill of cumorah which took place the moring that Mr Knight missed his horse and waggon
   When Joseph took the plates into his hands at this time the angel of the Lord stood by and said now you have have got the record into your own hands and you are but a man therefore you will have to be watchful and faithful to your trust or you will be overpowered by wicked men for they will lay every plan and scheme that is possible to get them away from you and if you do not take heed continually they will suceed while they were in my hands I could keep them and no man had power to take them away but now I give them up to you beware and look well to your ways- and you shall have power to retain them untill the time for them to be translated
   The thing which spoke of that Joseph termed a Key was indeed nothing more nor less than a urim and Thummim by which the angel manifested those things to him that were shown him in vision by the which also he could at any time ascertain the approach of danger either to himself or the record and for this cause he kept these things constantly about his person.
   he now commenced work with his Father on the farm in order to be near the treasure that was committed to his care

Nothing material took place untill toard fall the forepart of September I went to Rochester on Buisness and returnd By Palmyra to be there about the 22nt of September I was there several Days I will say there a man near By the name Samuel Lawrance he was a Seear and he had Bin to the hill and knew about the things in the hill and he was trying to obtain them he had talked with me and told me the Conversation he had with the personage which told him if he would Do right according to the will of God he mite obtain the 22nt Day of September Next and if not he never would have them now Joseph was some affraid of him that he mite be a trouble to him he therefore sint his father up to Sams as he Called him near night to see if there was any signs of his going away that night he told his father to stay till near Dark and if he saw any signs of his going you till if I find him there I will thrash the stumps with him so the old man came a way and saw no thing like it this is to shoe the troubles he had from time to time to obtain the plates so that night we all went to Bed and in the morning I got up and my Horse and Carriage was gone but after a while he Came home and he turned out the Horse all Come into the house to Brackfirst but no thing said about where they had Bin after Brackfirst Joseph Cald me into the other Room and he set his foot on the Bed and leaned his head on his hand and says well I am Dissopinted well say I I am sorrey well says he I am grateley Dissopinted it is ten times Better then I expected Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness I expected. Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness of the plates and said he they appear to be Gold but he seamed to think more of the glasses or the urim and thummem then he Did of the Plates for says he I can see anything they are Marvelus now they are written in Caracters and I want them translated now he was Commanded not to let no one see those things But a few for witness at a given time now it soon got about that Joseph Smith had found the plates and peopel Come in to see them But he told them that they Could not for he must not shoe them but many insisted and oferd money and Property to see them but for keeping them from the Peopel they persecuted and abused them and they ware obliged to hide them and they hid them under a Brick harth in the west Room about this time Came this Samuel Lawrance and one Beeman a grate Rodsman and wanted to talk with him and he went into the west Room and they Proposed to go shares with him and tried every way to Bargain with him But Could not then Beeman took out his Rods and hild them up and they pointed Dow to the harth whare they ware hid there says Beeman it is under that harth so they had to garde the house until some time in November he obtaind fifty Dollars in money and hired a man to move him and his wife to Pensylvany to hir Fathers his wife Being onwell and wanted to go to her Fathers

Joseph Knight reminiscences, Church History Library, pgs 3-4

Joseph Knight Account

Joseph Knight

Nothing material took place untill toard fall the forepart of September I went to Rochester on Buisness and returnd By Palmyra to be there about the 22nt of September I was there several Days I will say there a man near By the name Samuel Lawrance he was a Seear and he had Bin to the hill and knew about the things in the hill and he was trying to obtain them he had talked with me and told me the Conversation he had with the personage which told him if he would Do right according to the will of God he mite obtain the 22nt Day of September Next and if not he never would have them now Joseph was some affraid of him that he mite be a trouble to him he therefore sint his father up to Sams as he Called him near night to see if there was any signs of his going away that night he told his father to stay till near Dark and if he saw any signs of his going you till if I find him there I will thrash the stumps with him so the old man came a way and saw no thing like it this is to shoe the troubles he had from time to time to obtain the plates so that night we all went to Bed and in the morning I got up and my Horse and Carriage was gone but after a while he Came home and he turned out the Horse all Come into the house to Brackfirst but no thing said about where they had Bin after Brackfirst Joseph Cald me into the other Room and he set his foot on the Bed and leaned his head on his hand and says well I am Dissopinted well say I I am sorrey well says he I am grateley Dissopinted it is ten times Better then I expected Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness I expected. Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness of the plates and said he they appear to be Gold but he seamed to think more of the glasses or the urim and thummem then he Did of the Plates for says he I can see anything they are Marvelus now they are written in Caracters and I want them translated now he was Commanded not to let no one see those things But a few for witness at a given time now it soon got about that Joseph Smith had found the plates and peopel Come in to see them But he told them that they Could not for he must not shoe them but many insisted and oferd money and Property to see them but for keeping them from the Peopel they persecuted and abused them and they ware obliged to hide them and they hid them under a Brick harth in the west Room about this time Came this Samuel Lawrance and one Beeman a grate Rodsman and wanted to talk with him and he went into the west Room and they Proposed to go shares with him and tried every way to Bargain with him But Could not then Beeman took out his Rods and hild them up and they pointed Dow to the harth whare they ware hid there says Beeman it is under that harth so they had to garde the house until some time in November he obtaind fifty Dollars in money and hired a man to move him and his wife to Pensylvany to hir Fathers his wife Being onwell and wanted to go to her Fathers

one day he came to the house in haste and inquired if there had been a company of men there I told him there had no one came to the house since he left it he said that there would be a mob there that night if not before to search for the records and that it must be removed<br>
   Soon after one esqur Beaman came from the village of Livonia a man in whom we reposed much confidence and who was well worthy of the same to him Joseph told his apprehension of a mob and says he we must drive them away but the first thing to be attended to was to secrect the record and breastplate it was resolved that a portion of the hearth should be taken up and the plates buried under the same and the hearth relaid to prevent suspicion<br>
   this was carefully and speedily done and the hearth was scarcely laid down when a large company of men came rushing up to the house armed with guns. Joseph threw the door open and taking a hint from the stratagem of his Grandfather Mack he halooed as if he had a legion at hand giving the word of command with great immportance and in a tone like stentor at the same time the males that belonged to the house from the Father down to little carlos ran out to with such vehemence upon the men that they and fled and were pursued by our little spartan band away into the woods and dispersed themselves to their several homes<br>
   We had but a few days rest however for Joseph soon received another intimation of the approach of a mob and the necessity of removing the record & breastplate again from its hiding place he took them up and carried it them out to a cooper shop across the road and took them out of the box and after wrapping them carefully in cloths laid them away in the midst of a quantity of flax which was stowed in the shop loft he then nailed up the box as before and tore up the floor and put the box under it-<br>
   As soon as it was dark the mob came on and ransacked the place but did come into the house after a satisfactory research they went away<br>
   the next morning we found the floor of the cooper shop taken up and the wooden box which was put under it Split to peices<br>
   and in a few days we learned the cause of this last move and why their curiosity led them in this direction a young woman who was sister to willard chase had found an a green glass & by looking thrugh it she could see many wonderful things and among the rest of her discoveries she said she had found out the exact place where Joe Smith kept his gold bible hid so in pursuance to her directions they gathered their forces and laid siege to the cooper shop<br>
   but went away disapointed But this did not shake their confidence in Miss chase for they still went from place to place by her suggestion determined to get possession of the object of their research

The Joseph Smith Papers, Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844-1845, pgs 69-71

Lucy's account of Palmyra persecution

Lucy Mack Smith

   one day he came to the house in haste and inquired if there had been a company of men there I told him there had no one came to the house since he left it he said that there would be a mob there that night if not before to search for the records and that it must be removed
   Soon after one esqur Beaman came from the village of Livonia a man in whom we reposed much confidence and who was well worthy of the same to him Joseph told his apprehension of a mob and says he we must drive them away but the first thing to be attended to was to secrect the record and breastplate it was resolved that a portion of the hearth should be taken up and the plates buried under the same and the hearth relaid to prevent suspicion
   this was carefully and speedily done and the hearth was scarcely laid down when a large company of men came rushing up to the house armed with guns. Joseph threw the door open and taking a hint from the stratagem of his Grandfather Mack he halooed as if he had a legion at hand giving the word of command with great immportance and in a tone like stentor at the same time the males that belonged to the house from the Father down to little carlos ran out to with such vehemence upon the men that they and fled and were pursued by our little spartan band away into the woods and dispersed themselves to their several homes
   We had but a few days rest however for Joseph soon received another intimation of the approach of a mob and the necessity of removing the record & breastplate again from its hiding place he took them up and carried it them out to a cooper shop across the road and took them out of the box and after wrapping them carefully in cloths laid them away in the midst of a quantity of flax which was stowed in the shop loft he then nailed up the box as before and tore up the floor and put the box under it-
   As soon as it was dark the mob came on and ransacked the place but did come into the house after a satisfactory research they went away
   the next morning we found the floor of the cooper shop taken up and the wooden box which was put under it Split to peices
   and in a few days we learned the cause of this last move and why their curiosity led them in this direction a young woman who was sister to willard chase had found an a green glass & by looking thrugh it she could see many wonderful things and among the rest of her discoveries she said she had found out the exact place where Joe Smith kept his gold bible hid so in pursuance to her directions they gathered their forces and laid siege to the cooper shop
   but went away disapointed But this did not shake their confidence in Miss chase for they still went from place to place by her suggestion determined to get possession of the object of their research

Catherine Smith, sister of the prophet, showed me in their house a chest with lock where the plates were kept, but they feared they would be stolen, and then she took up four bricks in the hearth and said they had been buried there.

Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vol 1, No 2, pg 1, col 3

Caroline Smith Statement

M. C. R. Smith

25 Mar, 1885

Catherine Smith, sister of the prophet, showed me in their house a chest with lock where the plates were kept, but they feared they would be stolen, and then she took up four bricks in the hearth and said they had been buried there.

(Note: Mrs. Caroline Smith was the sister of the infamous Mormon, Orrin Porter Rockwell.)

When his work was ended at Harmony, he returned with her to his father's, in Wayne county; and, at the expiration of the year, he procured a horse and light wagon, with a small chest and a pillow-case, and proceeded, punctually, with his wife, to find the hidden treasure. When they had gone as far as they could with the wagon, Joseph took the pillow-case and started for the rock. Upon passing a fence, a host of devils began to screech and to scream, and made all sorts of hideous yells, for the purpose of terrifying him and preventing the attainment of his object; but Joseph was courageous, and pursued his way, in spite of them all. Arriving at the stone, he again lifted it, with the aid of superhuman power, as at first, and secured the first, or uppermost article, this time putting it carefully into the pillow-case, before laying it down. He now attempted to secure the remainder; but just then the same old man appeared, and said to him, that the time had not yet arrived for their exhibition to the world; but that when the proper time came he should have them, and exhibit them with the one he had now secured; until that time arrived, no one must be allowed to touch the one he had in his possession; for if they did, they would be knocked down by some superhuman power. Joseph ascertained that the remaining articles were a gold hilt and chain, and a gold ball with two pointers. The hilt and chain had once been part of a sword of unusual size; but the blade had rusted away and become useless. Joseph then turned the rock back, took the article in the pillow-case, and returned to the wagon; the devils, with more hideous yells than before, followed him to the fence; as he was getting over the fence, one of the devils struck him a blow on his side, where a black and blue spot remained three or four days; but Joseph persevered and brought the article safely home.

Historical Magazine (second series),Vol 7, Interview with the Father of Joseph Smith, pg 307

Interview with Joseph Smith Sr.

Fayette Lapham

When his work was ended at Harmony, he returned with her to his father's, in Wayne county; and, at the expiration of the year, he procured a horse and light wagon, with a small chest and a pillow-case, and proceeded, punctually, with his wife, to find the hidden treasure. When they had gone as far as they could with the wagon, Joseph took the pillow-case and started for the rock. Upon passing a fence, a host of devils began to screech and to scream, and made all sorts of hideous yells, for the purpose of terrifying him and preventing the attainment of his object; but Joseph was courageous, and pursued his way, in spite of them all. Arriving at the stone, he again lifted it, with the aid of superhuman power, as at first, and secured the first, or uppermost article, this time putting it carefully into the pillow-case, before laying it down. He now attempted to secure the remainder; but just then the same old man appeared, and said to him, that the time had not yet arrived for their exhibition to the world; but that when the proper time came he should have them, and exhibit them with the one he had now secured; until that time arrived, no one must be allowed to touch the one he had in his possession; for if they did, they would be knocked down by some superhuman power. Joseph ascertained that the remaining articles were a gold hilt and chain, and a gold ball with two pointers. The hilt and chain had once been part of a sword of unusual size; but the blade had rusted away and become useless. Joseph then turned the rock back, took the article in the pillow-case, and returned to the wagon; the devils, with more hideous yells than before, followed him to the fence; as he was getting over the fence, one of the devils struck him a blow on his side, where a black and blue spot remained three or four days; but Joseph persevered and brought the article safely home.

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