My dear Emma. I embrace this opportunity to express to you some of my feelings this morning. First of all, I take the liberty to tender you my sincere thanks for the two interesting and consoling visits that you have made me during my almost exiled situation. Tongue cannot express the gratitude of my heart for the warm and true-hearted friendship you have manifested in these things towards me.
The time has passed away, since you left me, very agreeably thus far; my mind being perfectly reconciled to my fate, let it be what it may. I have been kept from melancholy and dumps, by the kind-heartedness of Brother Derby, and his interesting chit-chat from time to time, which has called my mind from the more strong contemplation of things and subjects that would have preyed more earnestly upon my feelings.
Last night Brothers Hyrum, Miller, Law and others came to see us. They seemed much agitated, and expressed some fears in consequence of some maneuverings and some flying reports which they bad heard in relation to our safety; but after relating what it was, I was able to comprehend the whole matter to my entire satisfaction, and did not feel at all alarmed or uneasy. They think, however, that the militia will be called out to search the city; and if this should be the case, I would be much safer for the time being, at a little distance off, until Governor Carlin could get weary, and be made ashamed of his corrupt and unhallowed proceedings....
Brother Miller again suggested to me the propriety of my accompanying him to the Pine Woods, and then he return, and bring you and the children. My mind will eternally revolt at every suggestion of that kind, more especially since the dream and vision that was manifested to me on the last night. My safety is with you, if you want to have it so....If I go to the Pine country, you shall go along with me, and the children....I do not wish to exile myself for the sake of my own life; I would rather fight it out. It is for your sakes, therefore, that I would do such a thing....
Tell the children it is well with their father as yet; and that he remains in fervent prayer to Almighty God, and for you, and for them.
Tell mother Smith that it shall be well with her son, whether in life or in death; for thus saith the Lord God. Tell her that I remember her all the while, as well as Lucy, and all the rest. They all must be of good cheer.
Tell Hyrum to be sure and not fail to carry out my instructions; but, at the same time, if the militia does not come, and we should get any favorable information, all may be well yet.
Yours in haste, your affectionate husband until death, through all eternity, forevermore.
Joseph Smith.
*Written in hiding. See HC, 5:103.
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