John C. Calhoun responds to Joseph Smith, denies to promise to aid the Saints if he is elected president.

Date
Dec 2, 1843
Type
Letter
Source
John C. Calhoun
Non-LDS
Hearsay
Scribed Verbatim
Direct
Reprint
Reference

John C. Calhoun Letter to Joseph Smith, December 2, 1843, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed August 11, 2021

Scribe/Publisher
Willard Richards
People
John C. Calhoun, Joseph Smith, Jr.
Audience
Joseph Smith, Jr.
Transcription

Sir

You ask me what would be my rule of action, relative to the Mormons, or Latter day Saints, should I be elected President, to which I answer; that, if I should be elected, I would strive to administer the Government. according to the Constitution and the laws of the Union; and that, as they make no distinction between citizens of different religion creeds, I should make none. As far as it depends on the Executive Department, all should have the full benefit of both, and none should be exempt from their operation.

But, as you refer to the case of Missouri, candour compels me to repeat, what I said to you at Washington; that according to my views, the case does not come within the Jurisdiction of the Federal government, which is one of limited and specific powers.

With respect I am &c &c J. C. Calhoun

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