February 23, 1923

Elder Wean R. Driggs

Helper, Utah

Dear Brother Driggs:

For your letter of February 17th, with enclosure of list of Book of Mormon passages bearing on the subject of Book of Mormon geography, please accept my thanks. As you say President Grant has already informed you, he handed me the extra copy of your paper together with the map that you sent him. It is very pleasing to know that you are turning your careful attention to this very important subject; and I hope that an examination of the data you present will disclose consistent facts, as you feel assured that your study has already demonstrated such to yourself.

I shall hope for an early opportunity of reading your paper, examining the references and map, and otherwise considering the whole subject; though, it is but fair to say to you, that just now I have so many manuscripts awaiting my examination that I do not know when I shall have opportunity to give your presentation the attention it deserves.

The more capable workers we have in this field the better. Somewhat over a year ago a committee of the Council of Twelve sat for days listening to the presentation of the subject of Book of Mormon geography by several of our brethren who have given particular study to the subject, and we found that their views differed as widely as the continent. It was there and then decided that until we have clearer knowledge in the matter, the Church could not authorize or approve the issuance of any map, chart, or text, purporting to set forth demonstrated facts relating to Book of Mormon lands.

You say that nearly every person you have talked with appears to have the idea that Lehi and his colony landed on the coast of Chile, South America. This general assumption is in part due to a publication In some of the earlier issues of the Compendium, of statement purporting to be the embodiment of a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith to that effect. It is true that in the archives of the Historian's Office there is a sheet of paper bearing the statement that Lehi landed as indicated; but it is unsigned and unauthenticated, and the statement has been excluded from the Compendium.

We must bear in mind that with exception of the first six books, from First Nephi to Omni, inclusive, and The Words of Mormon, the Book of Mormon, as we have it, is an abridgement of a far more extended record. It is possible, even probable, that had we the full record we would be more definite respecting Lehi's landing place, and the Book of Mormon lands in general. Undoubtedly the Prophet Joseph Smith had the best knowledge of these matters in this dispensation, but we have no authenticated record of his having stated that Lehi's colony landed in Chile.

Moreover, there may have been something more definite in the 116 pages of lost manuscript, which contained the translation from the Larger Plates. In one particular matter on which the Book of Mormon, as we have it, is silent, we have the unqualified statement of Joseph Smith the Prophet, that the information was given in the manuscript lost through the perfidy of Martin Harris. This point is as to Ishmael, who was one of Lehi's company, being of the tribe of Ephraim. The Prophet Joseph stated that this was set forth in the translation that was lost. I cite this as illustrative only.

I trust that you will continue in your work of research and investigation, and I pray that you may be divinely assisted in this worthy undertaking.

With beat wishes for your continued welfare,

I remain

Very truly your brother in the gospel,

JAMES E. TALMAGE