North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-10-15
HISTORY OF THE BOOK OF MORMON.

As the Book of Mormon, or Golden Bible, as 1t
was originally called,) has excited much attention,
and is deemed by a certain sect of equal dntho-
rity with the sacred Scriptures, think 1t duty
which owe to the public to state what know
touching its origin.
rage in early life, graduate of Dartmouth Col
lege, and distinguished for lively imagination
and great fondness for history. At the time OF our
marriage he resided in Cherry Valley, New York.
From this place removed to New Salem, Ashta-
bua county, Ohio, sometimes called Conneaut, as 1t
is situated on Conneaut creek. Shortly after
moval 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 be the dilapdated dwellings and Qualifications
of a race extinct These ancient relics arrest
the attention of the settlers and become objects
of research for the curious. Numerous implements
found and other articles evincng great skill in
the arts. Mr.. Spaulding being an educated man and
passionatey fond of history took lively interest in
these developments of antiquity and in order to be-
guile the hours of retirement and furnish employ
mentfor his imagination, he conceived the idea of
giving a historical sketch of this long-lost race.
Their extreme antiquity led him write in the most
ancient style; and the Old Testament is the most
ancient book in the world, he initiated its style as
nearly possible. His sole object in writing this
imaginary history was to amuse himself and his
neighbors. This was in the year 1919. Hull's sur
render at Detroit occurred and the time
and recoect the date we'll from that circumstance
As he progressed in his narrative his neghbors would
come in occasionally to hear portions read, and a
1t claimed TO have been written by of the lost
nation, and have been recovered from the earth,
and assumed the title Of" Mani script Found.'' The
neighbors would often inquire how Mr.. Spaulding
progressed in deciphering the manuscript; and when
he had sufficient portion prepared he would inform
them, and they would assemble to hear it read. He
enabled, from his acquaintance with the classics
and ancient history introduce many singular Names
which particularly noticed by the people and
could be easily recognised by them. Mr.. Solomon
Spaulding had brother, Mr.. John Spaulding, resid
ing in the place at the time, who perfectly fam
lar with the work, and repeatedly heard the whole of
it read. From New Salem removed to Pittsburg,
in Pennsylvania.
Here Mr.. Spaulding found a friend and acquain-
lance in the person of Mr. Patterson, editor of
newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to Mr..
Patterson. who was much pleased with it, and Dor
rowed it for perusal. He retained it for long time
and informed MIR. Spaulding that if he would make
it might he source of profit. This Mr.. Spaulding
refused to do. Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so
largely in the history of the Mormons. at that
time connected with the printing Office Of Mr.. Pat
terson, as IS well known in that region, and Rig
don himself has frequently stated, became acquaint-
ed with MIR. Spaulding's manuscript, and copied it.
II was matter of noorety and interest to all
nected with the printing establishment. At length
the manuscript was returned to its author, and
after we removed to Anity, Washington county, &c..
where Mr.. Spaulding deceased in 1916. The man.
uscriPt then fell into my hands, and care
fully preserved. Il has frequently been examin-
ed by my daughter, Mrs. M'Kenstry, of Monson,
Massachusetts,, with whom l reside, and bv
other friends. After the Book of Mormon came
out copy of it was taken to New Salem, the
place Of MIR. Spauldings former residence, and
the very place where the manuscript found was
written. woman preacher appointed meeting
there, and In the meeting read and repeated copous
extracts from the Book of Mormon. The historical
part was Immediately recognised by the older inlab-
anis as the Identical work of Mr. Spauding in which
they had all been deeply interested years before.
Mr.. John Spauding present, and recognised per-
ectly the work of his brother. He amazed and
afflicted that should have been perverted wick
ed purpose His grief found vent in flood oftears
and he arose on the spot and expressed the meet
ing his sorrow and regret that the writings of his
deceased brother should be used for purpose so vile
and shocking. The excitement in New Salem be-
came so great that the inhabitants had meeting and
depued DR.. Phastus Hurlbut, one of their number,
nal manuscript of Mr. SpauIding for the purpose of
comparing it with the Mormon Bible, to satisfy their
own minds, and to prevent their friends from embrac-
ing an error so delusve. This in the year 1884.
DIR. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction and
request tor the manuscript, which was signed by
Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright, and others,
with all of whom l acquainted, as they were
my nelghbors, when l resided at New Salem. am
sure that nothing would grieve my husband more,
were he living. than the which has been made
OF his work. The air of antiquity which was thrown
of converting ii to the purposes of deusion. Thus
historical romance, with the addition ofa few pious
expressions and extracts from the sacred Scriptures
has been construed into a new Bible and pamed off
upon company of poor deluded fanatics as Divine.
The Morn'Ons, Latter-day Saints.