The following are transcriptions of Don Carlos Smith letters, Nauvoo, Illinois, to Oliver Granger, Kirtland, Ohio, 1841 (CHL call no.: MS 7043)
Letter 1:
Nauvoo city July 11th 1841
Mr O. Granger
Sir I sit down to improve a few
moments this morning, having an opportunity to send by Elder Babbit, in
addressing an old friend. I am in tolerable health, but the health of my wife
is very poor, Joseph is in good health, but his wife has been very sick, Mother
has been sick ever since Father died but I think she is improving; Hiram [illegible]
is in the east his family are well. There is some sickness here now but not
many deaths. Persecution is kindling up again against the saints. The devil
cant let us alone, he seems to be our perpetual enemy. I learn by Elder Babbit
that you are getting your health again, this I am glad to hear. I hope you will
get sufficient health to visit Nauvoo again, I should be pleased to see you.
I understand that you are the
owner of the house and lot that was to be mine. I am glad the property is [illegible].
I hope that you will consider it my circumstances and let me have the property
by paying you back the money that I have paid. The claim I have on that
property is all my dependence. They say I have that property by paying you the
amount you had. Will you write me and let me know? Will you give my wife the
deed and take my notes, payable in six months and one year? Or, will you take
land here if I will procure it for you? Will you write me in respect of this
and let me know all about the matter.
I am with respect
your friend
Don G. Smith
Letter 2:
Nauvoo, Feb 14th 1841
To Brother Granger:-
Dear Sir,
Having an opportunity to send you
a line by the hand of Hyrum who leaves here tomorrow for your place, I gladly
improve the opportunity. I am in tolerable health, my wife has poor health at
present; father’s family are all well except my mother her health is poor.
Samuel has lost his wife which was very unexpected she left a small babe about
a week old. This place is growing very rapidly, a general account of which
Hyrum will give you. Some time since I received a letter from Bro. Brundick by
which I learned that you had bid off my house at $12.00. I was glad to learn
that it had been saved from our enemies and that you had got it in your
possession. Now Dear Brother & friend, you know my circumstances, &
that I am struggling in poverty to sustain the hopes &c. & if an
arrangement can be made with Hyrum so as to secure that house to me it would be
a matter of satisfaction I feel anxious to have the house finished off & if
you could make an arrangement to finish it off as my dame of your business
arrangements I will be responsible to you and then I would like to have it
rented so that it might be preserved and not go to destruction for the want of
repair. I intend if the Lord will, to occupy it myself one these days. I know
not Brother Granger there are some demands against me in Kirtland which if you
could purchase in some of your trade I would see that you had your pay. There
is also one more which never was due $400 I think is the principal; it was
given to Bankhock & King of Painesville. I think these could all be
purchased under price. Can you, or will you see to it if I will satisfy you for
it? I send you the same 2 seasons regularly. I am, as usual,
Don G. Smith
