just what you want. His sister is a member of your church. The expense of this seal set in gold will be about $40, and Mr. Brown assures me that if he were not so poor a roan he would present it to you free. You can, however, accept it or not, as he can apply it to another use.—I am, myself short for cash, for although I had sometime since $3000, paid me by the Harpers, publishers, as the first installment on the purchase of my copy right, yet I had got so much behind during the hard times that it all went to clear up old scores. I expect $38,000 more, however, in semi-annual payments from those gentleman, within the limits of ten years, a large portion of which I intend to use in the State of Illinois, in the purchase and conduct of a large tract of land, and therefore should I be compelled to announce, in this quarter that I have no connection with the Nauvoo Legion; you will, of course remain silent, as I shall do it in such a way as will make all things right.
I may yet run for a high office in your state, when you would be sure of my best services in your behalf, therefore a known connection with you would be against our mutual interest. It can be shown that a commission in the legion was a Herald hoax, coined for the fun of it, by me, as it is not believed even now by the public. In short I expect to be yet, through your influence. Governor of the State of Illinois.
My respects to Brother Young, Richards, Mrs. Emma, and all friends.
Yours, most respectfully,
JAS. ARLINGTON BENNETT.
Lieut. Gen. Smith.
P.S. As the office of inspector general confers no command on me, being a mere honorary title, if, therefore, there is any gentleman in Nauvoo who would like to fill it in a practical way, I shall with great pleasure and good will resign it to him, by receiving advice from you to that effect. It is an office that should be filled by some scientific officer.
J. A. B.
~~~~~
Nauvoo, Ill., Nov. 13, 1843.
Dear Sir:—Your letter of the 24th ult. has been regularly received; its contents duly appreciated, and its whole tenor candidly considered; and, according to my manner of judging all things in righteousness, I proceed to answer you; and shall leave you to meditate whether mathematical problems, founded upon the truth of revelation, or religion as
