<​Hon​> Martin Van Buren— ex prest.)

Hon Lewis Cass)

Hon Richard M. Johnson)

<​Hon​> John C. Calhoun

Honorable Henry Clay.

Nauvoo, Ill. Nov 4th 1843.

Dear Sir,

As we understand that you are a candidate for the Presidency at the ensuing Election; and as the Latter Day Saints, (some times called Mormons, who now constitute a numerous class in the school politic of this vast republic,) have been robbed of an immense amou[n]t of property, and endured nameless sufferings by the State of Missouri, and from her borders have been driven by force of arms, contrary to our National Covenants; and as in vain, we have have sought redress by all Constitutional, legal and honorable means, in her Courts, of her Executive councils, and her Legislitive Halls; and as we have petitioned Congress to take cognizance of our sufferings without effect; we have judged it wisdom to address you this communication, and Respectfully solicit an immediate, specific & candid reply To what will be your rule of action relative to us, as a people, should fortune favor your ascension to the Chief Magisterey,

Most Respectfully, Sir,

Your Friend’s, and The Fri[en]d of peace, & good order and constitutional Rights

Joseph Smith— In behalf of the church of Jesus christ of Latter Day Saints

Hon. H. Clay & the others as above)

the following was added to Martin Van Buren as above)

Also whether your views or feelings have changed, since the subject matter of this communication was presented you, in your then official capacity, at Washington, in the year— 41. & by you treated with a coldness, indeferece [indifference], and neglect boding [bordering] on contempt.