Isaac Hale Statement on Joseph Smith, Jr.
Harmony, Pa. Mar. 20th, 1834.
I first became acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr. in November,
1825. He was at that time in the employ of a set of men who were called "money
diggers;" and his occupation was that of seeing, or pretending to see by means
of a stone placed in his hat, and his hat closed over his face. In this way he
pretended to discover minerals and hidden treasure. His appearance at this time,
was that of a careless young man -- not very well educated, and very saucy and
insolent to his father. Smith, and his father, with
several other "money-diggers" boarded at my house while they were employed in
digging for a mine that they supposed had been opened and worked by the
Spaniards, many years since. Young Smith gave the "money-diggers" great
encouragement, at first, but when they had arrived in digging, to near the place
where he had stated an immense treasure would be found -- he said the
enchantment was so powerful that he could not see. They then became discouraged,
and soon after dispersed. This took place about the 17th of November, 1825; and
one of the company gave me his note for $12.68 for his board, which is still
unpaid.
After these occurrences, young Smith made several visits at my house, and at
length asked my consent to his marrying my daughter Emma. This I refused, and
gave my reasons for so doing; some of which were, that he was a stranger, and
followed a business that I could not approve; he then left the place. Not long
after this, he returned, and while I was absent from home, carried off my
daughter, into the state of New York, where they were married without my
approbation or consent. After they had arrived at Palmyra
N.Y., Emma wrote to me enquiring whether she could take her property, consisting
of clothing, furniture, cows, &c. I replied that her property was safe, and at
her disposal. In a short time they returned, bringing with them a Peter Ingersol,
and subsequently came to the conclusion that they would move out, and reside
upon a place near my residence. Smith stated to me, that he had given up what he
called "glass-looking," and that he expected to work hard for a living, and was
willing to do so. He also made arrangements with my son Alva Hale, to go to
Palmyra, and move his (Smith's) furniture &c. to this place. He then returned to
Palmyra, and soon after, Alva, agreeable to the arrangement, went up and
returned with Smith and his family. Soon after this, I was informed they had
brought a wonderful book of Plates down with them. I was shown a box in which it
is said they were contained, which had to all appearances, been used as a glass
box of the common window glass. I was allowed to feel the weight of the box, and
they gave me to understand, that the book of plates was then in the box -- into
which, however, I was not allowed to look.
I inquired of Joseph Smith Jr., who was to be the first who would be allowed to
see the Book of Plates? He said it was a young child. After this, I became
dissatisfied, and informed him that if there was any thing in my house of that
description, which I could not be allowed to see, he must take it away; if he
did not, I was determined to see it. After that, the Plates were said to be hid
in the woods.
About this time, Martin Harris made his appearance upon the stage; and Smith
began to interpret the characters or hieroglyphics which he said were engraven
upon the plates, while Harris wrote down the interpretation. It was said, that
Harris wrote down one hundred and sixteen pages, and lost them. Soon after this
happened, Martin Harris informed me that he must have a greater witness,
and said that he had talked with Joseph about it -- Joseph informed him that he
could not, or durst not show him the plates, but that he (Joseph) would go into
the woods where the Book of Plates was, and that after he came back, Harris
should follow his track in the snow, and find the Book, and examine it for
himself. Harris informed me afterwards, that he followed Smith's directions, and
could not find the Plates, and was still dissatisfied.
The next day after this happened, I went to the house where Joseph Smith Jr.,
lived, and where he and Harris were engaged in their translation of the Book.
Each of them had a written piece of paper which they were comparing, and some of
the words were "my servant seeketh a greater witness, but no greater witness
can be given him." There was also something said about "three that were
to see the thing" -- meaning I supposed, the Book of Plates, and that "if
the three did not go exactly according to the orders, the thing would be taken
from them." I enquired whose words they were, and was informed by Joseph or
Emma, (I rather think it was the former) that they were the words of Jesus
Christ. I told them, that I considered the whole of it a delusion, and advised
them to abandon it. The manner in which he pretended to read and interpret, was
the same as when he looked for the money-diggers, with the stone in his hat, and
his hat over his face, while the Book of Plates were at the same time hid in the
woods!
After this, Martin Harris went away, and Oliver Cowdery came and wrote for
Smith, while he interpreted as above described. This is the same Oliver Cowdery,
whose name may be found in the Book of Mormon. Cowdery continued a scribe for
Smith until the Book of Mormon was completed as I supposed and understood.
Joseph Smith Jr. resided near me for some time after this, and I had a good
opportunity of becoming acquainted with him, and somewhat acquainted with his
associates, and I conscientiously believe from the facts I have detailed, and
from many other circumstances, which I do not deem it necessary to relate, that
the whole "Book of Mormon" (so called) is a silly fabrication of falsehood and
wickedness, got up for speculation, and with a design to dupe the credulous and
unwary -- and in order that its fabricators may live upon the spoils of those
who swallow the deception.
ISAAC HALE.
Affirmed to and subscribed before me, March 20th, 1834.
CHARLES DIMON, J. Peace.
State of Pennsylvania, Susquehana County, ss.
We, the subscribers, associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for
said county, do certify that we have been many years personally acquainted with
Isaac Hale, of Harmony township in this county, who has attested the foregoing
statement; and that he is a man of excellent moral character, and of undoubted
veracity. Witness our hands.
WILLIAM THOMPSON.
DAVIS DIMOCK.