Joseph Smith wrote a coherent and well-worded letter in 1829

The most common defense of The Book of Mormon is that Joseph Smith was too “ignorant and unlearned” to be able to write a book that complex, thus it must have been of divine origin. As evidence a quote by Emma Smith:

“Joseph Smith could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter, let alone dictate a book like the Book of Mormon.”

Emma Smith

This is repeated over and over in conference talks, essays, news articles and books. The problem is it is not remotely true. We have a letter dictated by him in 1829 that is both coherent and well-worded.

Here is the letter that Joseph Smith wrote, which can be found at the Joseph Smith Papers project.

Harmony — Oct. 22d— 1829——

Respected sir, I would inform you that I arrived at home on Sunday morning the 4^th. after having a prosperous journey, and found all well. The people are all friendly to us except a few who are in opposition to everything, unless it is something that is exactly like themselves. And two of our most formidable persecutors are now under censure and are cited to a trial in the church for crimes, which if true are worse than all the Gold Book business.

We do not rejoice in the affliction of our enemies but we shall be glad to have truth prevail. There begins to be a great call for our books in this country. The minds of the people are very much excited when they find that there is a copyright obtained and that there is really books about to be printed.

I have bought a horse of Mr. Josiah Stowell and want some one to come after it as soon as convenient. Mr. Stowell has a prospect of getting five or six hundred dollars. He does not know certain that he can get it, but he is a going to try and if he can get the money he wants to pay it in immediately for books.

We want to hear from you and know how you prosper in the good work; give our best respects to Father & Mother, and all our Brothers and Sisters. To Mr. Martin Harris and all the company concerned tell them that our prayers are put up daily for them that they may be prospered in every good word and work, and that they may be preserved from sin here and from the consequence of sin here after. And now dear brother be faithful in the discharge of every duty, looking for the reward of the righteous. And now may God of his infinite mercy keep and preserve us spotless until his coming, and receive us all to rest with him in eternal repose through the atonement of Christ our Lord, Amen.

Joseph Smith Jr

It is absolutely clear that Joseph Smith could dictate a good letter. Several phrases and paragraphs could easily appear in the Book of Mormon. Emma had incentive to paint Joseph Smith as ignorant as possible, and one can hardly blame her. Her son was the new prophet of the Re-organized Church, and it was her opportunity to reframe the history in order to best set up her son for success. As evidence of this, she made the astonishing claim in the same interview that Joseph Smith never practiced polygamy!

Some defenders of the Book of Mormon might not be aware, and could be excused for using the Emma quote. But there are those that know better and still use the Emma quote. This is disingenuous.