The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-10-07

History Of the Book OF Mormon.
As the Book OF Mormon, Golden Bible Gas il was
originally caed) has excited much attention, and is
deemed by certain sect OF equal authority with the
sacred Scriptures. think it duty which owe to the
public to state what know touching its origin.
Solomon Spauding, TO whom was united in marriage IN
early lie, was graduate OF Dartmouth College, and was
distinguished for lively imag and great fond,
ness Tor history All the time OF marriage he resided
IN Cherry Valley, New York From this place we re-
moved 10 New Salem, Ashtabula county, ONO, sometimes
called Conneau as il is situated on Conneaut creek
shortly alter removal TO this place his health sunk,
and he was ad aside from active abos In the town Of
New Salem there numerous mounds and 1orts sup
posed by many be the dapdated dwellings and orhhca-
lions OF 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 evncng great skill IN The arts
Mr.. Spaulding being educated man and passion
aely fond of history, took lively interest in these
developments OF antiquity and in order 10 begule
the hours OF retirement and furnish employment
for his Imagination, he conceived the idea of giving
historical sketch OF this long lost Their extreme
antiquity led hun to write in the most ancient styles and
the Old Testament the most ancient book IN the
world, he initiated It's style as nearly as possible His
sole object in writing this imaginary history TO
amuse himself and his neighbors. This about the
year 1912 Huls surrender al Detroit occurred the
time, and recoec the date well from that circum
stance AS he progressed in his narrative his neghbos
would come in occasionally TO hear portions read and
great interest in the work excited among them 1t
claimed 10 have been written by 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. Spauldng progressed in decpher
ing the manuscript; and when he had sufficient portion
prepared he would inform them and they would assem-
BILE hear read He enabled from his uaint-
ance with the classics and ancient history, to Introduce
the people, and could be easily recognised by them.
Mr.. Solomon Spauding had brother, MIR. John
Spauldng. residing in the place at the time, who was
perfectly familiar with the work. and repeatedly heard
the whole Of il read From New Salem we removed to
Psburg, in Pennsy vana. Here Mr.. Spauldng found
friend and acquaintance in the person Of Mr. Pa,ter
son, an editor OF a newspaper He exhibited his manu- :
script TO Mr.; Patterson, who was much pleased with it,
and borrowed 1t Tor pernsal He retained It for long
time, and informed Mr.. Spauding that if he would make
out e-page and preface he would publish it, and i
might be of profit This Mr. SpauIding refused
to do Sidney Rgdon, who has figured SO largely IN the
history OF the Mormons was at that time connected with
the printing office OF Mr. Patterson, is well known
in that region. and, as Rigdon himself has frequently
stated became acquainted with Mr. Standings manu-,
script, and copied IT, II was matter Of noorley and in
terest TO all connected with the printing establishment.
AT length the manuscript returned TO It's author and
soon after we removed to Amity, Washington county
&c. where Mr.. Spauding deceased in 1916. The manu-
script then fell into my hands, and carefully pre-
served II has frequently been examined by my daughter
Mrs MKenstry. of Monson, Massachusetts with whom
| now reside and by other friends. Alter the Book OF
Mormon came out copy OF il was taken TO New Sa-
lem, place of Mr. Spauldings former residence, and
the very place where the manuscript found written
4 woman preacher appointed meeting there, and in
the meeting read and repeated copous from the
Book OF Mormon. The historical part Immediately
recognised BY the older inhabitants the identical work
interested years before. Mr. John Spauldng was present
and recognised perfectly the work Of his brother He
was amazed and afflicted that should have been per-
verted to so wicked purpose His grief found vent in
flood OF tears, and he ON the spot and expressed
to the meeting his and regret that the writings OF
his deceased brother should be used for purpose so vile
and shocking. The excitement in New Salem became 40
great that the inhabitants had meeting and depued Dr.
PhiIaslus Hurlbu of their number, repair TO this
place, and to obtain from the original manuscript OF Mr.
Spauldng. for the purpose of comparing it with the Nor
mon Bible, 10 satisfy their minds, and TO prevent the
friends from embracing delusive. This was
in the year 1894. DR.. Hurbut brought with him in
PRODUCTION and request for the manuscript which was
signed by Messrs Henry Lake, Aaron Wright, and
others, with all of whom was acq uained, they
my neighbors when 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 thrown about the CON.
position doubtless suggested The idea OF converting il
to the purposes OF deusloD. Thus historical romance
with the addition OF few pious expressions and ex
from the sacred Scriptures, has been construed into
new Bible, and pamed off upon company of poor de-
uded fanatics as Divne.-Ihe .Mornons or Lattsr-d
SAINTS.