“During my stay I had an​ interview with Martin Van Buren, the President who treated me very insolently, and it was with great reluctance he listened to our message, which when he had heard, he said “Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you,” and “If I take up for you, I shall lose the Vote of Missouri,” His whole course went to shew that he was an office seeker, that self aggrandisement was his ruling passion, and that justice and righteousness were no part of his composition. I found him such a man as I could not conscientiously support at the head of our noble republic— I also had an interview with Mr. John C. Calhoun whose conduct towards me very ill became his station.” — Joseph Smith¹

Martin Van Buren was the President of the United States from 1837 to 1841.² On November 29, 1839, Joseph Smith met with President Martin Van Buren at the White House in Washington, D.C., seeking redress for the suffering and losses the Saints had endured in Missouri. Joseph was accompanied by Elias Higbee and Illinois Congressman John Reynolds. The Saints had been forced to flee Missouri due to violent persecution, and Joseph believed that President Van Buren would be sympathetic to their plight. Joseph had hoped in vain, as Van Buren was dismissive of their petition. Concerned about potential political backlash from Missouri, Van Buren stated he would not help the Saints. With their plea rejected, Joseph and Elias left the White House and submitted their petition to Congress instead.³

1. History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842], josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Van Buren, Martin,” josephsmithpapers.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 34, 406-408