January 16, 1839

Liberty, Missouri

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. Smith was ordained an Apostle in April 1839, but Lyman Sherman died eleven days after this letter was written.