March 13, 1838
Joseph Smith dictated a journal entry that was included with his "Scriptory Book," which described his various activities.
Writings
March 16, 1838
At about this time, Joseph Smith composed what later became known as "The Political Motto of the Church of Latter-day Saints," proclaiming a love of "peace and good order in society."
March 29, 1838
Joseph Smith dictated a letter to the Presidency of the Church in Kirtland, giving them news about the Church in Far West.
April 27, 1838
Joseph Smith spent the day working on a history of the Church from its beginnings, which would eventually be published as History of the Church.
August 6, 1838
Joseph Smith met with the citizens of Far West in the schoolhouse, where his suggestion that they start a weekly newspaper was welcomed.
November 4, 1838
From a house in Independence where the prisoners stayed before being moved to Richmond, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife Emma at Far West. "I have great anxiety about you, and my lovely children, my heart morns bleeds for the brotheren, and sisters, and for the slain people of God," he wrote.
November 12, 1838
Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma. "Oh God grant that I may have the privaliege of seeing once more my lovely Family . . . tell the children that I am alive and trust I shall come and see them before long," he assured.
December 1, 1838
Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Emma announcing that he and his fellow prisoners were admitted to Liberty Jail.
December 16, 1838
Joseph Smith dictated a letter of comfort to the Saints from Liberty Jail.
January 16, 1839
From Liberty Jail Joseph Smith dictated a letter signed by himself, Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young. The letter counseled them that even if they took their families out of the state of Missouri, they must return "and leave as before designed on the 26 of Apriel" on a mission to England. In the letter, Joseph, Sidney, and Hyrum also nominated George A. Smith and Lyman Sherman to replace Orson Hyde and Thomas B. Marsh in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Hyde and Marsh had left the Church during the Missouri difficulties. George A.
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