It seems as though Joseph had a vivid imagination long before he began to translate the plates, In his mother's book it is noted that he frequently read the Bible, which made him well acquainted with Scriptures.

Ethan Smith wrote a book "View of the Hebrews - Ten Tribes of Israel in America," which was first published in 1823, then enlarged upon and reprinted in 1825, On October 11, 1825, a review of that book appeared in the 'Wayne Sentinel' newspaper in Palmyra, New York. Ten months after the review was printed in that newspaper, JosephSmith, Sr.'s, name appeared in that same paper showing that he was $5.60 delinquent in paying for his subscription to that paper. Therefore, Joseph Smith had access to the review on "View of the Hebrews," which has many parallels to the Book of Mormon. Between Joseph's vivid imagination, his acquaintance with the Bible, and probable exposure to the "View of the Hebrews" he had all the foundation for writing the Book of Mormon.

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The parallels between 'the Book of Mormon' and 'View of the Hebrews' include: Title pages, origin of the American Indians, the hidden-lost book: revealed-found, Inspired prophets, Urim-Thummin, breastplate, Writings of Egyptian Hieroglyphics, different classes of ancient people inhabiting the Americas, destruction of Jerusalem, Israel in the last days, love of riches, polygamy leading to much wickedness, Indian virtues, civilization in America, The Messiah of the Western Continent, had Scriptures but lost them, were guided by God to America and found an abundance of copper.

Both books speak of the migration to the Americas, their eventual division and final annihilation of more civilized people by their savage brethren. Both mention the use of iron, bricks, copper and breastplates. Both books mention the mounds in the New York area as fortifications and bodies were buried in them. Both books claim the ancient records were buried.

I cannot verify when Joseph Smith came in possession of the book "View of the Hebrews" but I do know for a fact that he did have this book in his possession for many years. He quotes from this book numerous times in the Mormon periodical "Times and Seasons."

It is interesting to note that Oliver Cowdery (who was a scribe for Joseph Smith in the writing of the Book of Mormon) grew-up in Poultney, Vermont and lived there until 1825 (which is where Ethan Smith lived and where his book was published). A few years after moving from Poultney, Oliver moved to Palmyra and met Joseph Smith, It is quite likely that Oliver had exposure to Ethan Smith's book, also.