The following is a transcription of Orson Pratt, Letter to Marian Pratt, September 18, 1878 (CHL call no.: MS 935):
For the present Address care of
G. Staines Box 3957. New York city.
Stevens House, New York city,
Sept. 18th, 1878.
My Dear Marian:
It is over two weeks since we
parted for a short time, at Ogden City. Three days brought us to Independence,
Jackson county, Missouri, where we visited the temple block. Forty-seven
years had passed away, since I was favored with the privilege of standing
upon that consecrated spot. The ground, then, was covered with the common trees
of the forest. But now there are no trees standing, not even a stump. There is
a triangular space, of a few acres, thrown open to the street or road passing
to the east and west, about one mile west of Independence; on this, a future
temple will be erected, and a cloud of glory will rest upon it. There are
several houses built, facing the spot, on the three sides of the triangle.
There are about 3000 inhabitants in the village of Independence, about fifty
thousand in Kansas city, Jackson county, where you will recollect, we stopped
several days, and where little Marinda Althera was buried; and about seventy
thousand inhabitants in Jackson County. We had two or three hours chat with
William E. McLelin, who formerly was one of the first Twelve, but was cut off
the church about forty-two years ago: he now lives at Independence: his mind is
full of self conceit and darkness; but he treated us very kindly, and seemed to
feel bad when we left him: he does not belong to any church, but professes to
believe in the Book of Mormon and Bible, he rejects all other revelations. We
next went to Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, tarried at the Hotel two days; had
several interviews with David Whitmer—one of the three witnesses of the plates
of the Book of Mormon. He showed us the original manuscripts of the Book of
Mormon in Oliver Cowdery’s hand-writing. Oliver lived at Richmond, the last
year of his life, and at his death gave the manuscripts into David’s
possession. David would not sell the manuscripts for any price; he esteems them
very sacredly, and would for no earthly consideration part with them. David
gives the same solemn testimony that he did 48 years ago, but he has not
progressed in spiritual things since he was dropped from the church. He has
lately organized a church or society of his own, of about 30 members; they
profess to believe the Bible and Book of Mormon, but reject all other
revelations; this is rather slow progress for the great work of the last
dispensation. Joseph F. Smith will start for home in a day or two. We visited
the hill Cumorah, about which I will write more fully hereafter. Give my love
to all. I am well.
God bless you all. O. Pratt, Sen.
