Oliver Cowdery says JS used the Urim and Thummim for Newel K. Whitney's patriarchal blessing.

Blessing on Newel K. Whitney by Joseph Smirh Jr. on October 7, 1835, in Michael Marquardt, comp., Early Patriarchal Blessings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: The Smith-Petit Foundation, 2007), 54. Original located in Patriarchal Blessings, 1:33–34, 7 October 1835. CR 500 2, Church History Library

The following blessing was given by president Joseph Smith, Jr. through the Urim and Thummim, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation, on Wednesday, the 7th of October, 1835, and written by president Frederick G. Williams, who acted as clerk.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


Joseph said that he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God and could not translate when he was in transgression.

Joseph Smith, “Journal, 1835–1836,” November 9, 1835, 25-26,  The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

I called on God, the Angel told me, that the reason why I could not obtain the plates at this time [1823], was because I was under transgression, but to come again in one year from that time, I did so, but did not obtain them, also the third and the fourth year, at which time I obtained them, and translated them into the english language; by the gift and power of God and have been preaching it ever since.


John Whitmer testifies of use of physical existence of plates.

John Whitmer, “Address,” Messenger and Advocate 2, no. 6 (March 1836): 286–87

I desire to testify to all that will come to the knowledge of this address; that I have most assuredly seen the plates from whence the book of Mormon is translated, and that I have handled these plates, and know of a surety that Joseph Smith, Jr. has translated the book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and in this thing the wisdom of the wise most assuredly has perished


Truman Coe writes how Joseph used a transparent stone known as the Urim and Thummim to translate the BOM.

Truman Coe, "Mormonism," Cincinnati Journal and Western Luminary, August 25, 1836: [1]

Smith had previously been noted among his acquaintances as a kind of juggler, and had been employed in digging after money. He was believed by the ignorant to possess the power of second sight, by looking through a certain stone in his possession. He relates that when he was 17 years of age, while seeking after the Lord he had a nocturnal vision, and a wonderful display of celestial glory. An angel descended and warned him that God was about to make an astonishing revelation to the world, and then directed him to go to such a place, and after prying up a stone he should find a number of plates of the color of gold inscribed with hieroglyphics, and under them a breastplate, and under that a transparent stone or stones which was the Urim and Thummim mentioned by Moses . . . The manner of translation was as wonderful as the discovery. By putting his finger on one of the characters and imploring divine aid, then looking through the Urim and Thummim, he would see the import written in plain English on a screen placed before him. After delivering this to his emanuensi, he would again proceed in the same manner and obtain the meaning of the next character, and so on till he came to a part of the plates which were sealed up, and there he was commanded to desist; and he says he has a promise from God that in due time he will enable him to translate the remainder.See Full


An unnamed correspondent said that Joseph read the reformed Egyptian by putting a stone in a hat or box.

"History of Mormonism," New York Commercial Advertiser, circa August 1836, in The Ohio Repository [Canton, Ohio], September 1, 1836: 1

The translation was commenced by the prophet himself, who was enabled to read the “reformed Egyptian” by the aid of the “peepstone.” This was done by putting the stone in a hat or box, and then by applying his face, the prophet was enabled to read one word at a time, which he pronounced aloud to an amanuensis.


Eber Howe credits the coming forth of the Book of Mormon to reading stories through stone glasses.

"The Golden Bible," Painesville Telegraph (Painesville, Ohio), May 26, 1837: 1

Twas through the stone glasses those wonderful stories
Were read to the people with sacred renown:
In language unknown by the mysterious glories,
Unfolded by Mormon just raised from the ground
The new Golden Bible, &c.


Alphonso Wetmore writes that Joseph's translation was a farce done with marble spectacles strapped to his head with leather in a closet.

Alphonso Wetmore, Gazeteer of the State of Missouri (St. Louis: C. Keemle, 1837), 94

This book, leaf by leaf, Joe Smith, by aid of inspiration, read to a friend, “who held the pen of a ready writer,” and it was written out in dull, drawling, oriental style. The reader could only translate and read these golden tablets with the aid of a pair of marble spectacles, strapped to his head with thongs of leather; and this part of the solemn farce was performed in a closet, from which much of the light of heaven was excluded.


Joseph says that he translated the BoM with the Urim and Thummim.

Joseph Smith in Elders' Journal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (July 1838): 43, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

I obtained them, and the Urim and Thummim with them; by the means of which, I translated the plates; and thus came the book of Mormon.


John Boswell describes Joseph as finding spectacles and going from being an idiot to having average intelligence through them.

John L. Boswell, "Mormonism," Supplement to the Connecticut Courant (Hartford, Connecticut) 5, no. 22 (December 15, 1838): 175

On arriving at the place in question, the angel commanded the idiot, whose name was Joe Smith, to take up the stone by the ring. Smith, as well he might, hesitated to comply with such an order, when his companion told him to take it up boldly, for, if he had only 'faith,' God would instantly give him strength to perform the herculean task. Having prayed inwardly for some minutes, Joe took off his coat, and was making preparations for the performance; but the angel reproved him for his want of faith, made him replace his coat upon his shoulders, and that even "if the stone weighed ten thousand tons, divine assistance, through saving faith, would enable him to lift it." Joe became passive in the hands of the angel, grasped the ring, and found, to his astonishment, that the stone weighed as nothing in his hands! On removing it, the idiot discovered that it had served as a covering to a box or chest on the same material, under which were deposited 'twelve golden plates or tables," engraven all over with mystical characters. Upon the upper plate lay a 'pair of spectacles' made of freestone, (save the mark,) which the angel commanded Smith to place astride of his nose. On doing so, Joe's 'tongue was loosened,' as he himself states, and his intellect instantly became like those of other men. He saw through the freestone and the engraving on the golden plates became perfectly intelligible to him. The angel then commanded him to associate with himself 'twelve other men,' whom he named as 'Scribes,' and to interpret to them the writing on the plates.See Full


J. Mitchell and John Dickie present a 16th century example of "magical" stones being used in a religious context in England.

J. Mitchell and John Dickie, The Philosophy of Witchcraft (Glasgow: Murray and Stewart, 1839), 392-93

"The village of Mortlake, situated upon the banks of the Thames, is celebrated as having been the residence of one of the most singular characters of the sixteenth century. Dr. John Dee, the astrologer and alchymist, and one of the pioneers of the Rosicrucian philosophy, lived here for many years, and was buried in the chancel of the church. The ancient people of the village more than a century after his death, which took place in 1608, pointed out the exact spot where his ashes lay; but the curious inquirer would now seek in vain to discover it. Queen Elizabeth always treated Dr. Dee with marked consideration; and, when she ascended the throne, sent her favourite Dudley afterwards Earl of Leicester, to consult him as to a lucky day for her coronation. She occasionally visited him at Mortlake, and is once said to have expressed a desire to be instructed by him in the secrets of astrology and alchymy. She devoutly believed that he would one day discover the philosopher's stone,--an object to which all his abilities, and he was not without a good portion, were directed. All the money he gained by telling fortunes, predicting lucky and unlucky days, and casting nativities, was melted away in his furnaces in the futile search for the stone, or the elixir, which was to change pokers and tongs, pots and kettles, and even the pup in his back-yard into pure gold. Thus, though he gained immense sums of money, he was always poor; and when Count Laski, a wealthy Pole, who was travelling in England, desirous of making his acquaintance, sent him word that he would come and dine iwth him. Dee was obliged to apply to Queen Elizabeth to borrow money to treat the stranger with becoming hospitality. Elizbeth sympathized in his distress, and sent him twenty pounds immediately."It was shortly before he received this visit that he made a grand discovery. He firmly believed that by means of a small black stone with a shining surface, and cut in the form of a diamond, which he possessed, he could hold converse with the elementary spirits, and be instructed by them in all the secrets of science, and all the mysteries of nature. He has himself left a most extraordinary narrative of his conversations with the spirits; part of which was published after his death by Dr. Casaubon, and the remainder of which may still be seen among the manuscripts in the British Museum. He says, that was he was one day in November 1852, sitting in his study at Mortlake, engaged in fervent prayer, the angel Uriel appeared at his window, and gave him a translucent stone, into which he might summon the angels, and ask them questions whenever he pleased.See Full


Mulholland records the account of the BOM translation; Joseph used instruments he called U&T.

“History, circa June 1839–circa 1841 [Draft 2],” 5, 9, 11, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 28, 2021

He said there was a book deposited written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it as delivered by the Saviour to the ancient inhabitants. Also that there were two stones in silver bows and these put into a breast plate which constituted what is called the Urim & Thummin deposited with the plates, and that was what constituted seers in ancient or former times and that God <had> prepared them for the purpose of translating the book. . . . immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters of all the plates. I copyed a considerable number of them and by means of the Urim and Thummin I translated some of them which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife’s father in the month of December [1827], and the February following. . . . Mr [Martin] Harris . . . returned again to my house about the twelfth of April, Eighteen hundred and twenty eight, and commenced writing for me while I translated from the plates, which we continued untill the fourteenth of June following, by which time he had written one hundred and sixteen <pages> of manuscript on foolscap paper. . . . I did not however go immediately to translating [in the winter of 1828], but went to laboring with my hands upon a small farm which I had purchased of my wife’s father, in order to provide for my family. . . . See Full


Joseph Smith’s history says Oliver Cowdery began work as his scribe on April 7, 1829.

History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834], p. 13, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed October 15, 2025

On the fifth day of Aprile Eighteen hundred and twenty nine Oliver Cowdery came to my house, untill when I had never seen him. He stated to me that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father resided, and my father being one of those who sent to the school, he had went to board for a season at my father’s house, and while there the family related to him the circumstance of my having received the plates, and accordingly he had came to make enquiries of me. Two days after the arrival of Mr Cowdery (being the seventh of April) I commenced to translate the book of Mormon and he commenced to write for me, which having continued for some time I enquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummin and obtained the following revelation.. . .


John Storrs said that Joseph translated the Book of Mormon by using a "peculiar stone."

John Storrs, "'Mormonism,' Letter to the Editor, April 8, 1839," Boston Recorder (Boston, MA) April 19, 1839, p. 1, accessed December 4, 2025

MORMONISM.HOLLISTON, APRIL 8, 1839.To the editor of the Boston Recorder.Dear Sir,—As the Pastor of the Congregational church and society in this town, I have had occasion to come in contact with Mormonism in its grossest forms. Consequently, I have been led to make inquiries relative to its origin, progress, and so far as they have any, the peculiar sentiments of its votaries. My object in this has been, as a faithful pastor, so far as possible to arrest the progress of what I deem to be one of the rankest delusions ever palmed on poor human nature. However, not supposing that the readers of the Recorder would be interested in the details of Mormonism in general, I send you for publication in your valuable periodical the following communication, as a paper of unusual importance, giving a certified, sufficiently well attested and true account of the origin of the "Book of Mormon" or "Golden Bible," as it is sometimes called; on which the whole system mainly depends. And here perhaps it should be said, that the leaders of the delusion, pretend that the book was dug out of the ground, where it had been deposited for many centuries; that it was written on certain metallic plates, in a peculiar character hieroglyphic; that the finder, a man of money-digging memory who was accustomed to look into the ground by the aid of a peculiar stone, was in a similar manner enabled to read and translate it! Hence what is sometimes called the Mormon Bible. But not such its origin, according to the following communication. The occasion of the communication coming into my hands, is as follows. Having heard incidentally that there was a lady in Monson, Ma., whose husband now dead was the author of the book, I requested in a note, Rev. D. R. Austin, Principal of Monson Academy, to obtain of her, for my benefit, and to be used as I should think proper, a certified account of its origin with her husband; for the character of which lady I wished the venerable Dr. Ely and himself to avouch. The following highly satisfactory document came in reply.You are requested to insert it in the Recorder, not so much because it will interest the majority of your readers, but that the facts well attested may be laid up in memory, and the number of your paper containing them being kept, may afford the means to an enlightened community, to refute so great an imposition on the world. I would not only respectfully bespeak its publication in the Recorder, but in other papers; I would it were published throughout the land. For many Mormons are straggling throughout the country endeavoring to propagate their notions; and with some success, with a peculiar class of people. The origin of this pretended revelation being thus completely authenticated, may save many minds from delusion, fanaticism and ruin.Yours respectfully, JOHN STORRS.——Origin of the "Book of Mormon," or "golden Bible."As this book has excited much attention and has been put by a certain new sect, in the place of the sacred Scriptures, I deem it a duty which I owe to the public, to state what I know touching its origin. That its claims to divine origin are wholly unfounded, needs no proof to a mind unperverted by the grossest delusions. That any sane person should rank it higher than any other merely human composition, is a matter of the greatest astonishment; yet it is received as divine by some who dwell in enlightened New England, and even by those who have sustained the character of devoted Christians. Learning recently, that Mormonism has founded its way into a church in Massachusetts, and has impregnated some of its members with its gross delusions, so that excommunication has become necessary, I am determined to delay no longer doing what I can to strip the mask from this monster of sin and to lay open this pit of abominations.Rev. Solomon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for a lively imagination and a great fondness for history. At the time of our marriage, he resided in Cherry Valley, N. Y. From this place we removed to New Salem, Ashtabula county, Ohio; sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated upon Conneaut Creek. Shortly after our removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside from active labors. In the town of New Salem, there are numerous mounds and forts, supposed by many to be dilapidated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics arrest the attention of the new settlers and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous implements were found and other articles evincing great skill in the arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man and passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement and furnish employment for his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an historical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity of course would lead him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he imitated its style as nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself and his neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's surrender at Detroit, occurred near the same time, and I recollect the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his narrative, the neighbors would come in from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed to have been written by one of the lost nation, and to have been recovered from the earth and, assumed the title of "Manuscript Found." The neighbors would often inquire how Mr. S. progressed in deciphering "the manuscript," and when he had a sufficient portion prepared he would inform them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He was enabled from his acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many singular names, which were particularly noticed by the people and could be easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon Spaulding had a brother, Mr. John Spaulding residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar with this work and repeatedly heard the whole of it read.From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Here Mr. S. found an acquaintance and friend, in the person of Mr. Patterson, and editor of a newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. P. who was very much pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal. He retained it a long time and informed Mr. S. that if he would make out a title page and preface, he would publish it and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. S. refused to do for reasons which I cannot now state.—Sidney Rigdon,* who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at this time connected with the printing office of Mr. Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated. Here he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript and to copy it if he chose. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all who were connected with the printing establishment. At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. S. deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my hands and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. McKenstry, of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and by other friends.—After the "Book of Mormon" came out, a copy of it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former residence and the very place where the "Manuscript Found" was written. A woman preacher appointed a meeting there, and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the "Book of Mormon." The historical part was immediately recognized by all the older inhabitants, as the identical work of Mr. S., in which they had been so deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present, who is an eminently pious man, and recognized perfectly the work of his brother. He was amazed and afflicted, that it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of tears, and he arose on the spot and expressed in the meeting his deep sorrow and regret, that the writings of his sainted brother should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became so great, that the inhabitants had a meeting and deputed Dr. Philastus Hurlbut, one of their number to repair to this place and to obtain from me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, for the purpose of comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds and to prevent their friends from embracing an error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction and request for the manuscript, signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright and others, with all whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided in New Salem.I am sure that nothing could grieve my husband more, were he living, than the use of which has been made of his work. The air of antiquity which has thrown about the composition, doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to purposes of delusion. Thus an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious expressions and extracts from the sacred Scriptures, has been construed into a new Bible and palmed off upon a company of poor deluded fanatics, as divine. I have given the previous brief narration, that this work of deep deception and wickedness may be searched to the foundation, and its author exposed to the contempt and execration he so justly deserves.MATILDA DAVISON.Rev. Solomon Spaulding was the first husband of the narrator of the above history. Since his decease, she has been married to a second husband by the name of Davison. She is now residing in this place; is a woman or irreproachable character and an humble Christian, and her testimony is worthy of implicit confidence.A. Ely, D. D. Pastor Cong. Church in Monson.D. R. Austin, Principal of Monson Academy.Monson, Mass, April 1st, 1839.——*One of the leaders and founders of the sect. J.S. [John Storrs]See Full


John Whitmer said that he handled the plates and they were shown to him by a supernatural power.

History, 1838-1856, Volume C-1 [2 November 1838 - July 1842], 913, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

[Theodore] Turley said, “Gentlemen, I presume there are men here who have heard [John] Corrill say, that ‘Mormonism’ was true, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and inspired of God. I now call upon you, John Whitmer: you say Corrill is a moral and a good man; do you believe him when he says the Book of Mormon is true, or when he says it is not true? There are many things published that they say are true, and again turn around and say they are false?” Whitmer asked, “Do you hint at me?” Turley replied, “If the cap fits you, wear it; all I know is that you have published to the world that an angel did present those plates to Joseph Smith.” Whitmer replied: “I now say, I handled those plates; there were fine  engravings on both sides. I handled them;” and he described how they were hung, and “they were shown to me by a supernatural power;” he acknowledged all. Turley asked him, “Why is not the translation now true?” He said, “I could not read it [in the original] and I do not know whether it [i.e., the translation] is true or not.” Whitmer testified all this in the presence of eight men.See Full


James M'Chesney writes that Joseph found a book hidden in the woods and uses an enchanted stone to translate it.

James M'Chesney, Supplement to an Antidote to Mormonism, &c. (Brooklyn, 1839), 2-3

This translation was made by Joseph Smith, Jr., it is said, while this book was hid in the woods, part of the time, where he could see as well to translate as if he had it by him—by means of an enchanted stone placed  in a hat put over his face, as we have been informed he done formerly in fortune-telling, &c.


John Corrill describes how Martin Harris took characters to NY to be translated, but that Joseph translated the BOM using two stones set in a box.

John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints (Commonly Called Mormons;) Including an Account of Their Doctrine and Discipline; with the Reasons of the Author for Leaving the Church (St. Louis: By the author, 1839), 7, 12, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

Sometime in the fall of 1830, Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer and Tiba [Ziba] Peterson, came through the county of Ashtabula, Ohio, where I then resided, on their way westward. They professed to be special messengers of the Living God, sent to preach the Gospel in its purity, as it was anciently preached by the Apostles. They had with them a new revelation, which they said had been translated from certain golden plates that had been deposited in a hill, (anciently called Camorah,) in the township of Manchester, Ontario county, New York. . . . . . . through much difficulty, on account of persecution and poverty, he [Joseph Smith] translated it by degrees, with the assistance of Oliver Cowdery and others, who wrote as he dictated. If I remember right, the language in which it was written on the plates, was the reformed Egyptian. And Martin Harris, who contributed much towards the publication of the Book, drew off several of the characters on paper, took them to the learned in New York, to see if they could be translated, but was requested to bring them the plates, which Smith was forbidden to do of the Lord, but was commanded to translate them himself, which he did, by the help of what he calls the Urim and Thummim, two stones set in a bow, and furnished by an Angel for that purpose. After finishing the translation, the plates and stones of Urim and Thummim were again taken and concealed by the Angel for a wise purpose, and the translation published to the world in the winter of A. D. 1829 and ’30.See Full


Orson Pratt references use of Urim and Thummim in the translation process.

Orson Pratt, A[n] Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions (Edinburgh, Scotland: Ballantyne and Hughes, 1840), 13, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

With the records was found “a curious instrument, called by the ancients the Urim and Thummim, which consisted of two transparent stones, clear as crystal, set in the two rims of a bow. This was in use, in ancient times, by persons called seers. It was an instrument, by the use of which, they received revelation of things distant, or of things past or future."


Matthew Davis says that Joseph emphasized that the BOM was direct revelation from heaven.

Joseph Smith, Discourse, February 5, 1840: [3], The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed February 5, 2021

He closed by referring to the Mormon Bible, which, he said, contained nothing inconsistent or conflicting with the Christian Bible. And he again repeated, that all who would follow the precepts of the Bible whether Mormon or not, would assuredly be saved. Throughout his whole address, he displayed, strongly, a spirit of Charity and Forbearance The Mormon Bible, he said, was communicated to him, direct from Heaven. If there was such a thing on Earth, as the Author of it, then he (Smith) was the Author; but the idea that he wished to impress was, that he had penned it as dictated by God.


Parley Pratt described Joseph translating the BOM with "two transparent stones, clear as chrystal."

Parley P. Pratt, "Discovery of an Ancient Record in America," Millennial Star 1 no. 2 (June 1840): 30

With this record was found a large breastplate, apparently of copper, such as had been worn for defence; and also a curious instrument, called by the ancients the Urim and Thummim, which consisted of two transparent stones, clear as chrystal, set in the rims of a bow of silver. This was in use, in ancient times, by persons called seers; it was an instrument by the use of which they received revelation of things distant, or of things past or future. By this means, and by this gift of the Almighty, Mr. Smith was enabled to translate the record into the English language, and it was first printed and published in 1830.


John Clark (based on discussion with Martin Harris) describes the translation process as occurring with a curtain and a seer stone, but favors the Spaulding theory.

John A. Clark, "Gleanings by the way. No. VI," Episcopal Recorder [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] (September 5, 1840): 94

Smith was to prepare the way for the conversion of the world to a new system of faith, by transcribing the characters from the plates and giving translations of the same. This was the substance of Martin Harris’ communication to me upon our first interview. He then carefully unfolded a slip of paper, which contained three or four lines of characters, as unlike letters or hieroglyphics of any sort, as well could be produced were one, to shut up his eyes and play off the most antic movements with his pen upon paper. The only thing that bore the slightest resemblance to the letter of any language that I had ever seen was two upright marks joined by a horizontal line, that might have been taken for the Hebrew character ה My ignorance of the characters in which this pretended ancient record was written, was to Martin Harris new proof that Smith’s whole account of the divine revelation made to him was entirely to be relied on . . . Even after Cowdery and Rigdon were bending the whole force of their minds to the carrying out of this imposture, Jo Smith continued to be ostensible prominent actor in the drama. The way that Smith made his transcripts and translations for Harris was the following; Although as the same room, a thick curtain or blanket was suspended between them, and Smith concealed behind the blanket, pretend to look through his spectacles, or transparent stones, and would then write down or repeat what he saw, which, when repeated aloud, was written down by Harris, who sat on the other side of the suspended blanket. Harris was told, that it would arouse the most terrible divine displeasure, if he should attempt to drawn near the sacred chest or look at Smith while in the work of deciphering the mysterious characters. This was Harris’ own account of the matter to me. What other measures they afterwards took to transcribe or translate from these metallic plates, I cannot say, as I very soon after this removed to another field of labour where I heard no more on this matter till I learned the BOOK of MORMON was about to be published. It was not till after the discovery of the manuscript of Spaulding, on which I shall subsequently give some account, that the actors in this imposture thought of calling the pretended revelation in the BOOK of MORMON. This book, which professed to be a translation of the golden Bible brought to light by Joseph Smith was published in 1830- to accomplish which Martin Harris actually mortgaged his farm.See Full


Haining reports that Joseph was directed to find the place where the plates were and to translate those by the the biblical Aaron's U&T.

Samuel Haining, Mormonism Weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary, and Found Wanting: The Substance of Four Lectures (Douglas: Robert Fargher, 1840), 22, 29

He did as was commanded; found the plates, and, by the aid of Aaron's urim and thummim, deciphered, translated, and published them as a new revealation from God, of equal authority with the Old and New Testaments. . . . Joseph Smith was directed by an angel to the place, and, by the aid of his glasses, and the urim and thummim, was enabled to decipher the plates and to write the book.


W. White provides description of the translation  from characters engraved in Egyptian by Urim and Thummim.

W. White, A Little Talk, Between John Robinson and his Master about Mormonism, Shewing its Origin, Absurdity, and Impiety (Bedford: W. White, 1840), 3

It is said, these plates contained the Book of Mormon engraven in the Egyptian language, and that Joseph Smith translated them into English by the help of the Urim and Thummim, which the angel gave him with the plates, and that the Book of Mormon is as much the Word of God as the Bible, and contains “the fulness of the Gospel of Christ”.


D&C 124 mentions Joseph as a translator when describing the officers of the Church.

Section 124:123-127, Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed November 15, 2021

123 Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging to my Priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the Priesthood which is after the order of Melchizedek, which is after the order of mine Only Begotten Son.124 First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch unto you, to hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye may not fall notwithstanding the hour of temptation that may come upon you.125 I give unto you my servant Joseph to be a presiding elder over all my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet.126 I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole church.127 I give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve traveling council;See Full


Charles Anthon tells T.W. Coit that Martin Harris told him that Joseph translated the plates with "a very large pair of spectacles."

Charles Anthon to Reverend T. W. Coit, April 3, 1841, in John A. Clark, Gleanings By the Way (Philadelphia: W. J. & J. K. Simon, 1842), 234–35

On my asking him by whom the copy was made, he gravely stated, that along with the golden book there had been dug up a very large pair of spectacles! so large in fact that if a man were to hold them in front of his face, his two eyes would merely look through one of the glasses, and the remaining part of the spectacles would project a considerable distance sideways! These spectacles possessed, it seems a very valuable property, of enabling any one who looked through them, (or rather through one of the lenses,) not only to decypher the characters on the plates, but also to comprehend their exact meaning, and be able to translate them!! My informant assured me that this curious property of the spectacles had been actually tested, and found to be true. A young man, it seems, had been placed in the garret of a farmhouse, with a curtain before him, and having fastened the spectacles to his head, had read several pages in the golden book, and communicated their contents in writing to certain persons stationed on the outside of the curtain. He had also copied off one page of the book in the original character, which he had in like manner handed over to those who were separated from him by the curtain, and this copy was the paper which the countryman had brought with him.See Full


Walter Scott said that Oliver Cowdery described Joseph as translating the plates with transparent stones.

Josiah Jones, “History of the Mormonites,” Evangelist 9, no. 6 (June 1, 1841): 132–134

In the last part of October, 1830, four men appeared here by the names of [Oliver] Cowdery, [Parley P.] Pratt, [Peter] Whitmar and [Ziba] Peterson; they stated they were from Palmyra, Ontario county, N.Y. with a book, which they said contained what was engraven on gold plates found in a stone box, in the ground . . . and was found about three years ago by a man named Joseph Smith Jr. who had translated it by looking into a stone or two stones, when put into a dark place, which stones he said were found in the box with the plates. They affirmed while he looked through the stone spectacles another sat by and wrote what he told them, and thus the book was all written. . . .He [Cowdery] stated that Smith looked into or through the transparent stones to translate what was on the plates. I then asked him if he had ever looked through the stones to see what he could see in them; his reply was that he was not permitted to look into them. I asked him who debarred him from looking into them; he remained sometime in silence; then said that he had so much confidence in his friend Smith, who told him that he must not look into them, that he did not presume to do so lest he should tempt God and be struck dead.See Full


William Smith tells James Murdock that Joseph could not translate a sealed portion, testifies that Joseph was divinely assisted.

William Smith, interview by James Murdock, "The Mormons and Their Prophet," Connecticut Congregational Observer, July 3, 1841: 1

After this Joseph Smith was supernaturally assisted to read and to understand the inscription; and he was directed to translate a great part of it. The pages which he was not to translate were found to be sealed together, so that he did not even read them and learn their contents. With an assistant to correct his English, he translated so much of the inscription as now makes the book of Mormon.


R., L. H. reports that Joseph engaged in peeping and spectacle use, which led to him doing that with the BOM.

R., L. H., "Prevalence of Mormonism," Christian Advocate and Journal (New York) 16, no. 17 (December 8, 1841): 8

Little enough did "Joseph Smith, jr., author and proprietor" of said book, imagine such events, and yet such have taken place! Gladly would he while engaged in "peeping," sometimes into an old hat, and at others into the spectacles, "called Urim and Thummim," through which he was enabled to read "the plates," and dictate to Oliver Cowdery, his amanuensis; gladly, no doubt, would he then have swapped his whole interest in the concern for a fifty acre farm in Michigan.


Joseph showed Brigham and the other 12 Apostles the U&T  which was also called a "seer stone."

Tagged 'Scribed Verbatim Direct Reprint'

“History of Brigham Young,” December 27, 1841, in Millennial Star 26 no. 8 (February 20, 1864): 118–119

I met with the Twelve at brother Joseph’s. He conversed with us in a familiar manner on a variety of subjects, and explained to us the Urim and Thummim which he found with the plates, called in the Book of Mormon the Interpreters. He said that every man who lived on the earth was entitled to a seer stone, and should have one, but they are kept from them in consequence of their wickedness, and most of those who do find one make an evil use of it; he showed us his seer stone.


Henry Caswell reports Lucy Mack as describing Joseph translating the BOM through using the Urim and Thummim resembling two large diamonds in a pair of spectacles.

Henry Caswall, The City of the Mormons; or, Three Days at Nauvoo, in 1842 (London: J. G. F. & J. Rivington, 1842) 26-27

"The angel of the Lord appeared to him fifteen years since, and shewed him the cave where the original golden plates of the book of Mormon were deposited. He shewed him also the Urim and Thummim, by which he might understand the meaning of the inscriptions on the plates, and he shewed him the golden breastplate of the high priesthood. My son received these precious gifts, he interpreted the holy record, and now the believers in that revelation are more than a hundred thousand in number. I have myself seen and handled the golden plates; they are about eight inches long, and six wide; some of them are sealed together and are not to be opened, and some of them are loose. They are all connected by a ring which passes through a hole at the end of each plate, and are covered with letters beautifully engraved. I have seen and felt also the Urim and Thummim. They resemble two large bright diamonds set in a bow like a pair of spectacles. My son puts these over his eyes when he reads unknown languages, and they enable him to interpret them in English. I have likewise carried in my hands the sacred breastplate. It is composed of pure gold, and is made to fit the breast very exactly."See Full


George Moore comments on BOM translation, gold plates, and hieroglyphics.

Excerpts from the diary of Reverend George Moore (c. 1842), in Donald Q. Cannon, "Reverend George Moore Comments on Nauvoo, the Mormons, and Joseph Smith,” Western Illinois Regional Studies 5 (Spring 1982): 11

Called on the “Prophet Jo Smith.” His carriage was at the door, and he was about going away, but he received me very kindly, and asked me into his house. I remained about 10 minutes. He was very communicative. We conversed about the golden plates, which he professes to have dug up and translated into the Book of Mormon. “Those plates are not now in this country,” he said—“they were exhibited to a few at first for the sake of obtainng their testimony—no others have ever seen them—and they will never again be exhibited.” He showed me some specimens of the heiroglyphics, such as, he says, were on the gold plates. He asked me if I was a Clergyman—and of what denomination—and what were the fundamental doctrines of our faith.. . . Our interview was short, but pleasantBHR Staff Commentary


Joseph in Times and Seasons reports translated the Book of Mormon through the U&T.

"Church History," Times and Seasons 3, no. 9 (March 1, 1842): 707

These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and on tin. They were filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate.

Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, and power of God.


Joseph Smith recorded a revelation where he stated how important it was to keep records.

Section 128:3-4, Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, accessed January 19, 2022

3 Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obviate this difficulty, there can be a recorder appointed in each ward of the city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; and let him be very particular and precise in taking the whole proceedings, certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, and heard with his ears, giving the date, and names, and so forth, and the history of the whole transaction; naming also some three individuals that are present, if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon certify to the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.4 Then, let there be a general recorder, to whom these other records can be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signatures, certifying that the record they have made is true. Then the general church recorder can enter the record on the general church book, with the certificates and all the attending witnesses, with his own statement that he verily believes the above statement and records to be true, from his knowledge of the general character and appointment of those men by the church. And when this is done on the general church book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the general church book.See Full


Revelation (now D&C 3) printed in T&S: God will see that the BOM is delivered despite the errancy of men around it.

“History of Joseph Smith,” Times and Seasons 3, no. 14 (May 16, 1842): 785-86

Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr. given July, 1828, concerning certain manuscripts on the first part of the book of Mormon of Martin Harris.

1. The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God, cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to nought, for God doth not walk in crooked paths; neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; therefore his paths are strait and his course is one eternal round.

2. Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men: for although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will, and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.

3. Behold, you have been intrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember, also, the promises which were made to you, if you do not transgress them; and behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men; for behold, you should not have feared man more than God, although men set at nought the counsels of God, and despise his words, yet you should have been faithful and he would have extended his arm, and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

4. Behold thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall, but remember God is merciful: therefore repent of that which thou hast done, which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work; except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.

5. And when to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred, into the hands of and has broken the most sacred promises, which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment, and boasted in his own wisdom, and this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season, for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning.

6. Nevertheless my work shall go forth, for, inasmuch as the knowledge of a Saviour has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Saviour come unto my people; and to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathers; and this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations; and for this very purpose are these plates preserved which contain these records, that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified though faith in his name; and that through their repentance they might be saved: Amen. See Full


Times and Seasons reprints revelation of Joseph's where it is said Joseph translated the BOM through the Urim and Thummim.

"History of Joseph Smith," Times and Seasons 3, no. 15 (June 1, 1842): 801.

After I had obtained the above revelation, both the plates and the Urim and Thummim were taken from me again; but in a few days they were returned to me, when I enquired of the
Lord, and the Lord said thus unto me.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith. jr. May 1829, informing him of the alteration of the Manuscript of the
fore part of the Book of Mormon.

1. Now behold I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate, by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them: and you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened


Joseph wrote that he translated the BOM from hieroglyphs.

Times and Seasons 4, no. 24 (November 1, 1843): 373

The fact is, that by the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics; the knowledge of which was lost to the world: in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom, and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries


Lucy Smith offers account of BOM translation.

Lucy Mack Smith, "History 1844–1845,” book 6, 3-book 8, 10, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed July 8, 2021

It soon became necessary to take some measures to accomplish the translation of the record into English but he was instructed to take off a fac simile of the alphabet Egyptian characters <composing the alphabet which were called reformed egyptian> Alphabetically and send them to all the learned men that he could find and ask them for the translation of the same. Joseph was very solicitous about the work but as yet no means had come into his hands of accomplishing the same it. . . .when she [Lucy Harris] returned home which was in about 2 weeks from the time she arrived there in Harmony she endeavored to disuade Mr H[arris] from having any thing farther to do with writing or translating the record but Martin he paid but little attention to her and as he agreed to go back and write for a season at least he did so— . . . I then continued[,] <said> Joseph[,] my suplications to God without cessation that his mercy might again be exercised towards me and on the 22 of september I had the joy and satisfaction of again receiving the record <urim and Thummin> into my possession and I have commenced translating and Emma writes for me now but the angel said that if I get the plates again that the Lord would send some one to write for me and I trust that it will be so—he also said that the angel seemed <he was> rejoiced when he gave him <me> back the plates <urim and Thummin> and said that he <God> was pleased with his <my> faithfulness and humility also that the Lord was pleased with him and loved him <me> for his <my> penitence and dilligence in prayer in the which he <I> had performed his duty so well as to receive the record <urim and Thummin> and he <was> able to enter upon the work of translation again. . . .Emma had so much of her time taken up with her work that she
could not write but little for him[.] accordingly 2 or 3 days before the arrival of Oliver and Samuel he feeling it his priviledge to lay hold of the promise of the angel that the Lord would send him a scribe he called upon the His Heavenly Father for the promised assistance and was informed that the same should be forthcoming in a few days as soon <after> Oliver was introduced to him he said Mr Smi<th> I have come for the purpose of writing for you. This was not at all unexpected to Joseph for although he had never seen Mr Cowdray before he knew that the Lord was able to perform and that he had been faithful to fulfull all his promises <informed Joseph what his business <was> They then sat down and conversed togather untill late bed time and Joseph told Oliver His entire history as far as it was necessary for his information in those things which concerned him. They <were> soon deeply
engaged in the work of writing and translation and pr[o]gressed rapidly. one morning however they sat down to their usual work when the first thing that presented itself to Joseph was a commandment from God that he and Oliver should repair to the water each of them be baptized they immediately went down to the susquehanah river and obeyed the comm mandate given them through the urim and Thumim. . . .In the mean time Joseph was 150 miles distant and knew naught of the matter except an intimation that was given through the urim and thumim for as he one morning applied the latter to his eyes to look upon the record instead of the words of the book being given him he was commanded to write a letter to one David Whitmore[.] this man Joseph had never seen but he was instructed to say [to] him that he must come with his team immediately in order to convey Josep<h> and his family <Oliver> back to His house which was 135 miles that they might remain with him there untill the translation should be completed for that an evil designing people were seeking to take away Joseph’s life in order to prevent the work of God from going forth among the world. . . . The Trio viz Joseph, Oliver, and David whitmore started for Waterloo where they arived after a short and plasant Journey in health and fine spirits for commencing anew on their labors[.] here they continued translating untill the whole work was completed.

See Full


Joseph comments on translation process: he used the Urim and Thummim by the power of God.

Joseph Smith, “Latter Day Saints,” in Israel Rupp, He Pasa Ekklesia. An Original History of the Religious Denominations at Present Existing in the United States. Containing Authentic Accounts of Their Rise, Progress, Statistics and Doctrines. Written Expressly for the Work by Eminent Theological Professors, Ministers, and Lay-Members, of the Respective Denominations (Philadelphia: James Y. Humphreys, 1844), 406, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called “Urim and Thummim,” which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim on a bow fastened to a breastplate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record, by the gift and power of God.


James Hunt says that Joseph translated the BOM with "the big spectacles," the biblical Urim and Thummim, and by looking into his hat.

James Henry Hunt, Mormonism: Embracing the Origin, Rise and Progress of the Sect (St. Louis: UStick & Davies 1844), 13-14

Another account given of the transactions is, it was translated with the big spectacles, before mentioned, which were in fact the identical Urim and Thummim mentioned in Exodus xxviii. 30, which were brought away by the heroes of the book from Jerusalem, handed down from one generation to another, and finally "hid up unto the Lord," in Ontario county, New York, some fifteen centuries since, to enable Joe to translate the plates without looking at them! . . . [I]n a few weeks, Harris made his appearance, and soon Cowdery was in attendance, and Joe again commenced looking into his hat and telling of his bible.


Robert Baird says that Joseph read off the translation to Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery with a partition in the room.

Robert Baird, Religion in the United States of America: Or, An Account of the Origin, Progress, Relations to the State, and Present Condition of the Evangelical Churches in the United States, with Notices of Unevangelical Denominations (Glasgow: Blackie and Son, 1844), 647

. . . the plates having of course been found as described, the impostor set about the writing out of this revelation, and pretended, with the aid of a pair of stone spectacles found also in the box, to read it off to a man of the name of Harris, and afterwards to one called Cowdery, these acting as his amanuenses. The “ prophet,” as he is now called, took care, of course, that neither of them, nor any one else, should see the plates, the part of the room he occupied having been partitioned off from where they sat by a blanket.


William Appleby writes that Joseph found the Urim and Thummim with the plates of the BOM.

W. I. Appleby, A Dissertation of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Recklesstown, Burlington Co., New Jersey, 1844), 23

[T]his record was deposited in a hill called by the Nephites Cumorah, not far from this place ; that the Record was wrote in the reformed Egyptian, and that they could not be translated by the wisdom of this generation, but if he was faithful he should be the honored instrument in bringing it forth, and translating the same by the "Urim and Thummim" that was deposited with the Records


Lucy Mack Smith describes the Urim and Thummim as having two smooth, three cornered diamonds set in silver bows.

Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, [7]–[8], bk. 5, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed January 3, 2023

Joseph saw this and followed me Mother said he do not be uneasy all is right see here Said he I have got the key I knew not what he meant but took the article in my hands and upon after examing it <*> <(*with no covering but a silk handkerchief)> <found> that it consisted of 2 smooth <3 cornered diamonds set in glass and the glass was set in silver bows stones con[n]ected with each other in the same way that old fashioned spectacles are made


Joseph Knight recalls Joseph describing the plates and Urim & Thummim.

Joseph Knight Sr., Reminiscence, Circa 1835-1847: [3-4],  MS 3470, Church History Library

after Brackfist Joseph Cald me in to the other Room and he set his foot on the Bed and leaned his head on his hand and says well I am Dissop[o]inted. well, say I[,] I am sorrey[.] Well, says he[,] I am grateley Dissop[o]inted, it is ten times Better then I expected. Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness of the plates[,] and[,] said he[,] they appear to be Gold But he seamed to think more of the glasses or the urim and thummem then [than] he Did of the Plates for[,] says he[,] I can see any thing[.] They are Marvelus[.] Now they are written in Caracters and I want them translated[.]


Hiriam Page said that it would be impossible for Joseph to write the BOM without supernatural power.

Hiram Page, Letter, May 30, 1847 in The Ensign of Liberty of the Church of Christ (Kirtland, Ohio) January 1, 1848, 63

To say my mind was so treacherous that I had forgotten what I saw. To say that a man of Joseph’s ability, who at that time did not know how to pronounce the word Nephi, could write a book of six hundred pages, as correct as the book of Mormon, without supernatural power. . . . [I]t would be treating the God of heaven with contempt, to deny these testimonies, with too many others to mention here.


Joseph Knight said that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim in a hat to translate the plates.

Joseph Knight Sr., Reminiscence, Circa 1835-1847, MS 3470, Church History Library

Now the way he translated was he put the urim and thummim into his hat and Darkned his Eyes then he would take a sentance and it would apper in Brite Roman Letters. Then he would tell the writer and he would write it. Then <that would go away> the next sentance would Come and so on. But if it was not Spelt rite it would not go away till it was rite, so we see it was marvelous. Thus was the hol [whole] translated.


Reuben Miller records Oliver Cowdery stating how Joseph translated the BOM and Rigdon did not make it up.

Reuben Miller, Journal, October 21, 1848, microfilm of holograph, MS 1392, Church History Library

Friends and brethren my name is Cowdrey, Oliver Cowdrey, In the early history of this church I stood Identified with her. And [was] one in her councils. . . .I wrote with my own pen the intire book of mormon (Save a few pages) as it fell from the Lips of the prophet [Joseph Smith]. As he translated <it> by the gift and power of god, By [the] means of the urum and thummim, or as it is called by that book holy Interperters. I beheld with my eyes. And handled with my hands the gold plates from which it was translated. I also beheld the Interperters. That book is true. Sidney Rigdon did not write it. Mr [Solomon] Spaulding did not write it. I wrote it myself as it fell from the Lips of the prophet.


Brigham said that Joseph had the gift of seeing.

Brigham Young, “May 6, 1849,” in Manuscript History of Brigham Young 1847–1850, ed. William  S.  Harwell (Salt Lake City: Collier’s Publishing, 1997), 200

We spent the time in interesting conversation upon old times, Joseph, the plates, Mount Cumorah, treasures and records known to be hid in the earth, the gift of seeing, and how Joseph obtained his first seer stone


Orasmus Turner said that Joseph was separated from his scribes by a curtain and translated using "spectacles."

Orsamus Turner, History of the Pioneer Settlement of Phelps and Gorham’s Purchase, and Morris’ Reserve: Embracing the Counties of Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Yates, Steuben, Most of Wayne and Allegany, And Parts of Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming. To Which Is Added, A Supplement or Extension of the Pioneer History of Monroe County (Rochester, NY: William Alling, 1851), 215

The Prophet Joseph, was directed by an angel where to find, by excavation, at the place afterwards called Mormon Hill, the gold plates; and was compelled by the angel, much against his will, to be the interpreter of the sacred record they contained, and publish it to the world. That the plates contained a record of the ancient inhabitants of this country, "engraved by Mormon, the son of Nephi." That on the top of the box containing the plates, "a pair of large spectacles were found, the stones or glass set in which were opaque to all but the Prophet," that "these belonged to Mormon, the engraver of the plates, and without them, the plates could not be read." Harris assumed, that himself and Cowdery were the chosen amanuenses, and that the Prophet Joseph, curtained from the world and them, with his spectacles, read from the gold plates what they committed to paper. Harris exhibited to an informant of the author, the manuscript title page. On it were drawn, rudely and bunglingly, the concentric circles, between and above and below which were characters, with little resemblance to letters; apparently a miserable imitation of hieroglyphics, the writer may have somewhere seen.See Full


Emma Smith described how Joseph would correct mistakes in her scribing of the translation.

Edmund C. Briggs, “A Visit to Nauvoo in 1856,” Journal of History 9 (October 1916): 454

"When my husband was translating the Book of Mormon, I wrote a part of it, as he dictated each sentence, word for word, and when he came to proper names he could not pronounce, or long words, he spelled them out, and while I was writing them, if I made any mistake in spelling, he would stop me and correct my spelling, although it was impossible for him to see how I was writing them down at the time. Even the word Sarah he could not pronounce at first, but had to spell it, and I would pronounce it for him. When he stopped for any purpose at any time he would, when he commenced again, begin where he left off without any hesitation, and one time while he was translating he stopped suddenly, pale as a sheet, and said, 'Emma, did Jerusalem have walls around it?' When I answered 'Yes,' he replied 'Oh! I was afraid I had been deceived.' He had such a limited knowledge of history at that time that he did not even know that Jerusalem was surrounded by walls."


Brigham, as recorded by Phineas Young, said that the BOM was translated from Reformed Egyptian by the gift and power of God.

"The History of Brigham Young," Deseret News 7, no. 48 (February 3, 1858): 1

This seemed to take the attention of the whole assembly, consisting of more than one hundred; a gentleman requested me in behalf of the people present to give them some account of the book. I commenced by telling them that it was a revelation from God, translated from the Reformed Egyptian language by Joseph Smith, jun., by the gift and power of God, and gave a full account of the aborigines of our country, and agreed with many of their traditions, of which we had been hearing this evening, and that it was destined to overthrow all false religions, and finally to bring in the peaceful reign of the Messiah.


Joel Tiffany records Martin Harris as giving vivid descriptions of the seer stones that Joseph used to translate the BOM.

Joel Tiffany, "MORMONISM—No. II"  in Tiffany's Monthly 5 (August 1859): 163, 165–66

The following narration we took down from the lips of Martin Harris, and read the same to him after it was written, that we might be certain of giving his statement to the world. . . . “The two stones set in a bow of silver were about two inches in diameter, perfectly round, and about five-eighths of an inch thick at the centre; but not so thick at the edges where they came into the bow. They were joined by a round bar of silver, about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and about four inches long, which, with the two stones, would make eight inches.” “The stones were white, like polished marble, with a few gray streaks. I never dared to look into them by placing them in the hat, because Moses said that ‘no man could see God and live,’ and we could see anything we wished by looking into them; and I could not keep the desire to see God out of my mind. And beside, we had a command to let no man look into them, except by the command of God, lest he should ‘look aught and perish.’”See Full


David Dille reports Martin Harris affirming that Joseph translated with the gift and power of the BOM.

D.B. Dille, “Additional Testimony of Martin Harris (One of the Three Witnesses) to the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon,” Millennial Star 21, no. 34 (August 20, 1859): 545, interview conducted in September 15, 1853

I know that the plates have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice declared it unto us; therefore I know of a surety that the work is true. For,” continued Mr. Harris, “did I not at one time hold the plates on my knee an hour-and-a-half, whilst in conversation with Joseph, when we went to bury them in the woods, that the enemy might not obtain them? Yes, I did. And as many of the plates as Joseph Smith translated I handled with my hands, plate after plate.[”]


Pomeroy Tucker relates that Joseph translated the BOM using the Urim and Thummim as well as having a sheet between him and the scribe.

Pomeroy Tucker, Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormonism (New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1867), 29-49

He [Joseph Smith] was “commanded” . . . [to] take out of the earth a metallic book of great antiquity in its origin . . . which was a record, in mystic letters or characters, of the long-lost tribes of Israel . . . and the power to translate which to the nations of the earth was also given to him only, as the chosen servant of God! . . . . . . It was understood, however, that the custodian of the precious treasure afterward in some way procured a chest for his purpose, which, with its sacred deposit, was kept in a dark garret of his father’s house, where the translations were subsequently made, as will be explained. . . . With the book was also found, or so pretended, a huge pair of spectacles in a perfect state of preservation, or the Urim and Thummim, as afterward interpreted, whereby the mystic record was to be translated and the wonderful dealings of God revealed to man, by the superhuman power of Joe Smith. This spectacle pretension, however, is believed to have been purely an after-thought, for it was not heard of outside of the Smith family for a considerable period subsequent to the first story. . . . . . . The Urim and Thummim, found with the records, were two transparent crystals set in the rims of a bow, in the form of spectacles of enormous size. This constituted the seer’s instrument whereby the records were to be translated and the mysteries of hidden things revealed, and it was to supersede the further use of the magic stone. . . . Translations and interpretations were now entered upon by the prophet, and manuscript specimens of these, with some of the literally transcribed characters, were shown to people, including ministers and other gentlemen of learning and influence. . . . The manuscripts were in the handwriting of one Oliver Cowdery, which had been written down by him, as he and Smith declared, from the translations, word for word, as made by the latter with the aid of the mammoth spectacles or Urim and Thummim, and verbally announced by him from behind a blanket-screen drawn across a dark corner of a room at his residence—for at this time the original revelation, limiting to the prophet the right of seeing the sacred plates, had not yet been changed, and the view with the instrument used was even too brilliant for his own spiritualized eyes in the light! This was the story of the first series of translations, which was always persisted in by the few persons connected with the business at this early period of its progress. The single significance of this theory will doubtless be manifest, when the facts are stated in explanation, that Smith could not write in a legible hand, and hence an amanuensis or scribe was necessary. Cowdery had been a schoolmaster, and was the only man in the band who could make a copy for the printer. . . . Among others, Mr. George Crane, of the adjoining town of Macedon, a Quaker of intelligence, property, and high respectability (now deceased), was called upon by Smith with several foolscap quires of these so-called translations, for his perusal and opinion, and also for his pecuniary aid to get the work through the press. . . . The work of translation this time [after the loss of the 116 pages] had been done in the recess of a dark artificial cave, which Smith had caused to be dug in the east side of the forest-hill near his residence. . . . [T]hough another version was, that the prophet continued to pursue his former mode of translating behind the curtain at his house, and only went into the cave to pay his spiritual devotions.See Full


William McLellin said that Joseph did not have a curtain between him and the scribe and used the 'director' in a hat to translate.

William E. McLellin to “My Dear Friends,” February 1870, Community of Christ Library-Archives

I staid in Richmond two days and nights. I had a great deal of talk with widow Cowdry, and her amiable daughter. She is married to a Dr Johnson, but has no children. She gave me a certificate, And this is the copy. “Richmond, Ray Co., Mo. Feb 15, 1870———I cheerfully certify that I was familiar with the manner of Joseph Smith’s translating the book of Mormon. He translated the most of it at my Father’s house. And I often sat by and saw and heard them translate and write for hours together. Joseph never had a curtain drawn between him and his scribe while he was translating. He would place the director in his hat, and then place his face in his hat, so as to exclude the light, and then [read the words?] as they appeared before him.BHR Staff Commentary


Elizabeth Whitmer Cowdery describes Joseph as translating with his face in a hat.

Tagged 'Scribed Verbatim Reprint 3rd Hand Late'

Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, "Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery Affidavit, 15 February 1870,"  in William E. McLellin, Letter to "My Dear Friends," February 1870, Miscellaneous Letters and Papers, Community of Christ Library—Archives, Independence, Missouri, in Dan Vogel, ed., Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2003), 5:260

I staid in Richmond two days and nights. I had a great deal of talk with widow Cowdry, and her amiable daughter. She is married to a Dr Johnson, but has no children. She gave me a certificate, And this is the copy. “Richmond, Ray Co., Mo. Feb 15, 1870—I cheerfully certify that I was familiar with the manner of Joseph Smith's translating the book of Mormon. He translated the most of it at my Father's house. And I often sat by and saw and heard them translate and write for hours together. Joseph never had a curtain drawn between him and his scribes while he was translating. He would place the director in his hat, and then place [-] his <face in his> hat, so as to exclude the light, and then [read?] to his scribe the words (he said) as they appeared before him. . . .


Emma Smith reports that Joseph used the Urim and Thummim before the lost pages and a dark seer stone afterwards.

Letter from Emma Smith to Emma Pilgrim, March 27, 1870, in the Emma Smith Papers, Library-Archives, Community of Christ, Independence, Mo

Now the first that my <husband> translated, [the book] was translated by the use of the Urim and Thummim, and that was the part that Martin Harris lost, after that he used a small stone, not exactly, black, but rather a dark color. I can not tell whether that account in the Times and Seasons is correct or not because some one stole <all> my books and I have none to refer to at present, if I can find one that has the account I will tell you what is true and what is not.BHR Staff Commentary


Fayette Lapham wrote that Joseph used 'spectacles' to translate and to see the past, present, and future.

Fayette Lapham, "The Mormons," Historical Magazine, 2d ser., 7 (May 1870), 307-8

Under the first plate, or lid, he found a pair of spectacles, about one and a half inches longer than those used at the present day, the eyes not of glass, but of diamond. On the next page were representations of all the masonic implements, as used by masons at the present day. The remaining pages were closely written over in characters of some unknown tongue, the last containing the alphabet of this unknown language. Joseph, not being able to read the characters, made a copy of some of them, which he showed to some of the most learned men of the vicinity. . . . Returning home, he one day tried the spectacles, and found that, by looking through them, he could see everything—past, present, and future—and could also read and understand the characters written on the plates. Before proceeding to translate the characters, Joseph was directed to choose twelve Apostles, who must be men who believed in the supernatural. . . . Joseph succeeded in finding the requisite number of believers, among them Martin Harris, who was chosen Scribe. . . . [H]e and Martin went to Harmony, in Pennsylvania, where they would be less persecuted, and where Joseph, with spectacles on, translated the characters on the gold plates, and Harris recorded the result.After thus translating a number of plates, Harris wanted to return to Palmyra, taking a part of the writings with him; but the Lord objected, for fear that Harris would show them to unbelievers, who would make sport and derision of them. But Harris finally obtained leave to take them, on condition that he should let no one see them, except those who believed in them: in this he was indiscreet, and showed them to some one that he ought not to. When he next went to his drawer to get them, behold! they were not there; the Lord had taken them away. Joseph and Harris returned to Harmony, and found the plates missing—the Lord had taken them also. Then Joseph put on the spectacles, and saw where the Lord had hid them, among the rocks, in the mountains. Though not allowed to get them, he could, by the help of the spectacles, read them where they were, as well as if they were before him. They were directed not to re-translate the part already gone over, for fear the new work would not correspond, in every particular, with the old; their enemies might take advantage of that circumstance, and condemn the whole. But they could begin where they left off, and translate until they were directed to stop; for, in consequence of their indiscretion, they would not be allowed to translate the whole, at present. At some future time, they would be allowed to translate the whole; and then their translation, the gold plates, the gold hilt, ball and pointers could all be circulated together, each a witness of the others.See Full


Iowa State Register reports that Martin Harris said that Joseph was given the Urim and Thummim to translate the BOM.

“A Witness to the Book of Mormon,” Iowa State Register (Des Moines), August 28, 1870, in Dan Vogel, ed., Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1998), 2:330

There was also found in the chest, the urim and thummim, by means of which the writing upon the plates was translated, but not until after the most learned men had exhausted their knowledge of letters in the vain effort to decipher the characters. It had been revealed to Joseph Smith that the writing upon the tablets contained a history of the aborigines of this country down to the time of Columbus’ discovery, and after, all human means had failed to secure a translation, Smith was commissioned to undertake the task. By means of the urim and thummim “a pair of large spectacles,” as Mr. Harris termed them, the translation was made, and Mr. Harris claims to have written, of the translations as they were given by Smith, “116 solid pages of cap [foolscap].” The remainder was written by others.


William McLellin attested that there is "a cloud of faithful witnesses" of the plates.

William E. McLellin as found in Mitchell K. Schaefer, ed., The Lost Manuscript, 167, reproduced in Mitchell K. Schaefer, "'The Testimony of Men': William E. McLellin and the Book of Mormon Witnesses," BYU Studies 50, no. 1 (2011): 107

14. I [W. E. McLellin] in company with <a> friend, <I> visited one of the eight witnesses [John Whitmer] <in 1869>—the only one who is now alive, and he bore a very lucid and rational testimony, and gave us many interesting particulars. He was a young man when he had those testimonies. He is now <was then> sixty eight years old, and still he is firm in his faith. Now I would ask what will I do with such a cloud of faithful witnesses, bearing such a rational and yet solemn testimony? These men while in the prime of life, saw the vision of the angel, and bore their testimony to all people. And eight men saw the plates, and handled them. Hence these men all knew the things they declared to be positively true. And that too while they were young, and now when old they declare the same things.


William McLellin recounts an experience where God declared the truth of the translation to the BOM Witnesses.

William E. McLellin, "W.  E.  McLellan’s  Book" (c. 1871), as reproduced in Mitchell K. Schaefer, "'The Testimony of Men': William E. McLellin and the Book of Mormon Witnesses," BYU Studies 50, no. 1 (2001): 106-7

In 1833, when mobbing reigned triumphant in Jackson Co. Mo. I and O. Cowdery fled from our homes, for fear of personal violence on Saturday the 20th day of July. The mob dispersed, agreeing to meet again on the next Tuesday. They offered eighty dollars reward for any one who would deliver Cowdery or McLellan in Independence on Tuesday. On Mond[a]y I slipped down into the Whitmer’s settlement, and there in the lonely woods I met with David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery. I said to them, “brethren I never have seen an open vision in my life, but you men say you have, and therefore you positively know. Now you know that our lives are in danger every hour, if the mob can only catch us. Tell me in the fear of God, is that book of Mormon true?” Cowdery looked at me with solemnity depicted in his face, and said, “Brother William, God sent his holy angel to declare the truth of the translation of it to us, and therefore we know. And though the mob kill us, yet we must die declaring its truth.” David said, “Oliver has told you the solemn truth, for we could not be deceived. I most truly declare to you its truth”!! Said I, boys I believe you. I can see no object for you to tell me false <hood> now, when our lives are endangered. Eight men testify also to handling that sacred pile of plates, from which Joseph Smith <read off the> translation [of] that heavenly Book.See Full


William McLellin wrote that Joseph translated the leaves of the plates and 3 Witnesses still testify to truth of their experience with plates and angel.

“The Testimony of Men,” an excerpt from W. E. McLellan’s Book, 165-166, circa 1871,  in Mitchell K. Schaefer, "The Testimony of Men': William E. McLellin and the Book of Mormon Witnesses," BYU Studies 50, no. 1 (2011): 105-106

In open day light, in an open wood lot, with their sensitive powers all calm and serene, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris testify that an angel of glorified appearance and countenance came down from heaven, and stood before them, and took the the plates which Joseph Smith had possessed, from which he had translated <read <off> the translation of the book> the Book, and held them in his hand, and showed as many of <the> leaves or plates as Joseph had translated <completed>, to them. So that they saw, and looked upon them until they were entirely satisfied. And he <the angel> spoke to David Whitmer and said, “David, blessed is the Lord, and he that keepeth his commandments.” These men saw his form, saw his glorified appearance, heard his words, saw all that he showed them, and then saw him ascend to heaven again. This was no collusion. These men could not be mistaken. They either told the truth, or they wilfully lied. How shall we tell which, how shall we know? This vision was in 1829. More than forty years ago, and what has been the conduct of those men since that day? Two of them are dead— <and probably> two living. Those who are dead testified to the last hour of their lives of to the truth of their vision. Those who are still living are firm in their testimony. I visited David Whitmer after he was more than 65 years of age, and <he> solemnly declared to me “I saw the angel of God, I heard his voice, hence I know of a truth![”] Martin Harris is some over 89 years of age, and still he carries the book of Mormon under his arm, and testifies to all great and small, “I am Martin Harris in all the world, and I know the book of Mormon to be verily true. And although all men should deny the truth of that book, I dare not do it. My heart is fixed. O God, my heart is fixed! I could not know more truly or certainly than I do.”See Full


According to Martin Harris, Joseph could not translate the BOM without the gift of God.

Martin Harris, letter to Mr. Emerson, January 1871, in Saints’ Herald 22, no. 20 (October 15, 1875): 630, M291.5 S157 v. 1- 1860-, Church History Library

I do say that the angel did show to me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the Professor did testify to it being a correct translation. I do firmly believe and do know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; for without I know he [Joseph Smith] could not had that gift; neither could he have translated the same.


William Homer records Harris testifying of BOM's divine translation.

Tagged 'Scribed Paraphrase 2nd Hand Late'

William Harrison Homer, “The Last Testimony of Martin Harris,” 1925, typescript, 5, M270.1 H315ho 1875?, Church History Library

Just as surely as the sun is shining on us by day, just as surely as the breath of life sustains us, so surely do I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God; so surely do I know that the Book of Mormon was divinely translated. I saw the plates, I saw the angel. I heard the voice of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true


John Murdock reports on Sidney Rigdon saying how Joseph was illiterate, but when he puts the spectacles on, he can produce "a literal translation of the writing upon the gold plates."

[John Murdock], “Sidney Rigdon. A Report of a Lecture He Delivered Forty Years Ago in Meadville [Pennsylvania]—Rigdon’s Account of Joe Smith’s Revelation,” Pittsburgh Telegraph, August 24, 1876 in John W. Welch, "Documents of the Translation of the Book of Mormon" in John W. Welch, ed., Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820-1844, 2nd ed. (Provo, UT: BYU Studies, 2011), 218

Joe, he said, was a very illiterate man, was unable either to read or write; but when he put on his nose the prophet’s spectacles, and took the gold plates one by one, letter by letter and word by word presented themselves, and with the aid of an amanuensis the Bible that he held in his hand was a literal translation of the writing upon the gold plates.


Joseph is reported to have translated the BOM with a pair of magic spectacles, dictated to Cowdery behind a curtain.

"The Book of Mormon. Story of the Man who First Printed It," Detroit Post and Tribune, December 3, 1877 in The American Bookseller 4 (December 15, 1877): 617-618

Upon the title page appears the name of Joshua Smith as “Author and Proprietor.” In all subsequent editions he appears simply as “Translator.” This change was rendered necessary to carry out the theory afterward adopted that Smith dug up these writings and translated them from “reformed Egyptian” by means of a pair of supernatural spectacles. . . . As he claimed to be the author of the “Book of Mormon” his story was that by the aid of his wonderful stone he found gold plates on which were inscribed the writings in hieroglyphics. He translated them by means of a pair of magic spectacles which the Lord delivered to him at the same time that the golden tablets were turned up. But nobody but Joe himself ever saw the golden tablets or the far-seeing spectacles. He dictated the book, concealed behind a curtain, and it was written down by Cowdery. This course seemed to be rendered necessary by the fact that Joe did not know how to write.


David Whitmer recounts that one of the BOM translation instruments of the Urim and Thummim were two white stones placed in spectacles.

"Interview with David Whitmer", Deseret Evening News 11, no. 224 (August 16, 1878): 2

I–How did you know Joseph to be at that time? He–As a very humble and meek man, and very simple minded indeed. He did the will of the Lord, and an arduous task it was to translate the Book of Mormon. I–Did Joseph use the Urim and Thummim when he translated? He–The Urim and Thummim were two white stones, each of them cased in as spectacles are, in a kind of silver casing, but the bow between the stones was more heavy, and longer apart between the stones, than we usually find it in spectacles. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, Emma and my brother John each at different times wrote for Joseph as he translated.


William Sayre reports to James Cobb that Joseph used the stone from Palmyra to translate the Book of Mormon.

William S. Sayre to James T. Cobb, 31 August 1878 in Dan Vogel, ed. Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 4:145

He Said Smith was poor & was living in a house which had only one room <in which he could keep [for?]> & Smith had a sheet put up in one corner & went behind it from observation when he was writing the bible. He Said Smith kept the bible hid or covered up & put it in a hat & had the Stone which <he> found in Pal=mira & look[e]d through it Sc then wrote what he read in the bible. He Said <he> would not let him see the bible but let him feel of it when it was covered up. Smith read to him a good deal of the bible & he repeated to those in the Stage verse after verse of what Smith had read to him; & I afterwards remem^bered Some of the names <& language> when I read the Mormon bible.


Thomas Wood Smith heard that David Whitmer frequently saw that Joseph translated the characters on the plates with the Urim and Thummim.

Thomas Wood Smith, Fall River Herald, March 28, 1879: 4

I personally heard him state, in Jan. 1876 in his own house in Richmond, Ray Co. Mo. . . . that he saw Joseph translate, by the aid of the Urim and Thummim, time and again, and he [David] then produced a large pile of foolscap paper closely written in a very fair hand, which he declared was the manuscript written mainly by Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, as the translation was being read by the aid of the Urim and Thummim of the characters on the plates by Joseph Smith, which work of translation and transcription he frequently saw.


Jehiel Lewis said that Joseph translated the BOM using a peep stone with the same inspiration that he used for dog sacrifices.

Hiel Lewis, “Review of Mormonism,” Amboy Journal, June 4, 1879, M209.05 A494 v. 24 1879, Church History Library

Smith translated his book of Mormon mostly with this same peep stone and hat—he, sitting in his house, and the plates hid far away . . . Smith translated the book of Mormon by means of the same peep stone, and under the same inspiration that directed his enchantments and dog sacrifices; it was all by the same spirit


Joseph Lewis stated Joseph translated the Book of Mormon with a stone in a hat.

Joseph Lewis, “Review of Mormonism,” Amboy Journal, June 11, 1879: 2,  M209.05 A494 v. 24 1879, Church History Library

[I]t is a fact that he translated nearly all of it [his “golden bible”] with this same stone and hat.


W.W. Blair relates translation details from Morse; Joseph would place the Seer Stone in the crown of a hat to exclude all light.

W. W. Blair, Letter to the editor, Saints’ Herald 26, no. 12 (June 15, 1879): 191

When Joseph was translating the Book of Mormon, he, (Morse), had occasion more than once to go into his immediate presence, and saw him engaged at his work of translation. The mode of procedure consisted in Joseph’s placing the Seer Stone in the crown of a hat, then putting his face into the hat, so as to entirely cover his face, resting his elbows upon his knees, and then dictating, word after word, while the scribes—Emma, John Whitmer, O. Cowdery, or some other, wrote it down.


Emma in the Saint' Herald (RLDS): Joseph translated the Book of Mormon with his head in a hat.

"Last Testimony of Sister Emma,' Saints' Herald 26, no. 19 (October 1, 1879): 289, M291.5 S157 v. 1- 1860-, Church History Library

Q. Who were scribes for father when translating the Book of Mormon?A. Myself, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and my brother, Reuben Hale.Q. Was Alva Hale one?A. I think not. He may have written some; but if he did, I do not remember it. . . .Q. What of the truth of Mormonism?A. I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the Church to have been established by divine direction. I have complete faith in it. In writing for your father I frequently wrote day after day, often sitting at the table close by him, he sitting with his face buried in his hat, with the stone in it, and dictating hour after hour with nothing between us.Q. Had he not a book or manuscript from which he read, or dictated to you?A. He had neither manuscript nor book to read from.Q. Could he not have had, and you not know it?A. If he had had anything of the kind he could not have concealed it from me.Q. Are you sure that he had the plates at the time you were writing for him?A. The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen table cloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metalic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book.Q. Where did father and Oliver Cowdery write?A. Oliver Cowdery and your father wrote in the room where I was at work.Q. Could not father have dictated the Book of Mormon to you, Oliver Cowdery and the others who wrote for him, after having first written it, or having first read it out of some book?A. Joseph Smith [and for the first time she used his name direct, having usually used the words, “your father,” or “my husband”] could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter; let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, “a marvel and a wonder,” as much so as to any one else.Q. I should suppose that you would have uncovered the plates and examined them?A. I did not attempt to handle the plates, other than I have told you, nor uncover them to look at them. I was satisfied that it was the work of God, and therefore did not feel it to be necessary to do so. Q. Major Bidamon here suggested: Did Mr. Smith forbid your examining the plates?A. I do not think he did. I knew that he had them, and was not specially curious about them. I moved them from place to place on the table, as it was necessary in doing my work.Q. Mother, what is your belief about the authenticity, or origin of the Book of Mormon?A. My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.See Full


David Whitmer tells J.L. Traughber that Joseph used a seer stone in the translation of the Book of Mormon; U&T narrative was introduced later.

J.L. Traughber Jr., "Testimony of David Whitmer," Saints' Herald 26, no. 22 (November 15, 1879): 341, M291.5 S157 v. 1- 1860-, Church History Library

I, too, have seen the "manuscripts" and examined them. I, too, have heard Father [David] Whitmer say that he was present many times while Joseph was translating, but I never heard him say that the translation was made by aid of Urim and Thummim; but in every case, and his testimony is always the same, he declared that Joseph first offered prayer, then took a dark colored, opaque stone, called a "seer-stone," and placed it in the crown of his hat, then put his face into the hat, and read the translation as it appeared before him. This was the daily method of procedure, as I have often heard Father Whitmer declare; and, as it is generally agreed to by parties who know the facts, that a considerable portion of the work of translation was performed in a room of his father's house, where he then resided, there can be no doubt but what Father David Whitmer is a competent witness of the manner of translating . . . With the sanction of David Whitmer, and by his authority, I now state that he does not say that Joseph Smith ever translated in his presence by aid of Urim and Thummim; but by means of one dark colored opaque stone, called a "Seer Stone," which was placed in the crown of a hat, into which Joseph put his face, so as to exclude the external light. Then a spiritual light would shine forth, and parchment would appear before Joseph, upon which was a line of characters from the plates, and under it, the translation in English; at least so Joseph said.See Full


Zenas H. Gurley meets with John Whitmer; Whitmer discusses the Book of Mormon translation process.

S. F. Walker, "Synopsis of a Discourse by Zenas H. Gurley," The Saints Herald 26, no. 24 (December 15, 1879): 370

. . . When the work of translation was going on and he sat at one table with his writing material and Joseph at another with the breastplate and Urim and Thummim. The latter were attached to the breastplate and were two crystals or glasses, into which he looked and saw the words of the book.


Eri Mullin reported that David Whitmer told her that Joseph used both a seer stone and the Urim and Thummim.

Eri B. Mullin, Letter to the editor, Saints' Herald 27, no. 5 (March 1, 1880): 76, M291.5 S157 v. 1- 1860-, Church History Library

Dr. D. Whitmer told me in the year 1874, that Joseph Smith used the Urim and Thummim when he was translating. But now it is said that he lost it when he gave the first part of the book to Martin Harris; after that he used the Stone. Bro. T.W. Smith, I think was right. I for my part know he said that Joseph had the instrument Urim and Thummim. I asked him how they looked. He said they looked like spectacles, and he (Joseph) would put them on and look in a hat, or put his face in the hat and read. Says I, "Did he have the plates in there." "No: the words would appear, and if he failed to spell the word right, it would stay till it was spelled right, then pass away; another come, and so on" . . . Mr. Whitmer carried the idea that the translation was by both, or either Urim and Thummim and the stone.


Frederic Mather interviews various town-folk and produces an account which describes Joseph as nailing blankets to the wall during the translation.

Tagged 'Direct Scribed Summary Reprint Late'

“The Early Mormons. Joe Smith Operates at Susquehanna,” Binghamton Republican, July 29, 1880 in Dan Vogel, ed., Early Mormon Documents, 5 vols.  (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2002), 4:355

Joe Smith would write the translation from his plates upon a slate, or dictate what to write, and others would copy upon paper. His assistants were witness Martin Harris, and brother-in-law Reuben Hale. The translating and writing were done in the little low chamber of Joe Smith’s house. The Prophet and his precious trust were screened even from the sight of his clerks by blankets nailed to the walls. The nails remained for many years just as they were driven by the Prophet, and it was not until some repairing was done a short time ago that they were drawn out. Neighbors were free to call at the house as much as they pleased while the bible was concocting, and the matter of the golden bible would be talked over. Some persons were permitted to lift the pillow case in which it was kept, and feel the thickness of the volume the plates made, but no one was permitted to see them.