“We arrived in Liberty and committed to jail this evening but we are all in good spirits.” — Joseph Smith¹

Joseph Smith was held in Richmond, Missouri, in November 1838 and then imprisoned in Liberty, Missouri, in December 1839 for about four months.² While imprisoned, he experienced both betrayals, such as William McLellin’s theft of his home, and mercies, such as Alexander Doniphan’s refusal to execute him.³ Amidst these trials, Joseph communicated with Church members through letters, some of which are now part of the Doctrine and Covenants.⁴

1. Joseph Smith letter to Emma Smith, 1 December 1838, josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Richmond, Missouri,” josephsmithpapers.org; “Liberty, Missouri,” josephsmithpapers.org

3. John L. Butler autobiography, circa 1859, 20, MS 2952, Church History Library; Millennial Star Vol 26, 808; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 31, 365-366

4. “Liberty, Missouri,” josephsmithpapers.org