The sister post to this article about Mary Fielding Smith’s experience at the martyrdom of her husband Hyrum can be found at Pioneering Sisterhood here.
P.S. Dear Emma,
I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified and have done the best that could be done. Give my love to the children.1
Those were the Prophet Joseph Smith’s final words written to his “kind and affectionate Emma” on the morning of June 27, 1844.2
Before the sun would set, he and his brother would be murdered in Carthage Jail.
Emma’s Last Blessing
Shortly before her husband was killed, Emma penned herself a blessing that Joseph intended to sign upon his return.
Emma wrote: “I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, to ever live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him to retain the place which God has given me by his side… Finally, I desire that whatever may be my lot through life I may be enabled to acknowledge the hand of God in all things.”3
I wonder if Emma already knew in her heart what would come to pass. I wonder if she knew how severely her faithful desires were about to be tested.
The Day After the Martyrdom
Emma did not learn of her husband’s death until early the next morning. After she received the news:
“Emma sat alone, grieving silently. After a while, she buried her face in her hands and cried, ‘Why am I a widow and my children orphans?’
Hearing her sobs, John Greene, the Nauvoo city marshal, entered the room. Trying to comfort her, he said her affliction would be a crown of life to her.
‘My husband was my crown,’ she said sharply. ‘Why, O God, am I thus deserted?’ “4
I am Strong Now
Lucy Mack Smith was the mother of the prophet and patriarch. She was an incredible matriarch, leader, orator, and writer. In her later years she authored the book, “Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith” (1853) which has been an invaluable resource for study of Joseph Smith and the early church.
Lucy recorded the family’s reaction when they saw the remains.
“When the bodies were ready, Emma went in first but quickly sank to the floor and had to be carried from the room…
With the help of friends, Emma soon returned to the room and joined Mary at Hyrum’s side. She placed her hand on her brother-in-law’s cold forehead and spoke softly to him. She then turned to her friends and said, ‘Now I can see him. I am strong now.‘ “
Emma stood and walked unassisted to Joseph’s body. She knelt beside him and placed her hand on his cheek. ‘Oh, Joseph, Joseph!’ she said. ‘Have they taken you from me at last!’ ”5
Emma and Joseph Reunited
I love Emma Smith. I never met her. I don’t know everything about her. What I know is that she was a brave woman. She was faithful, intelligent, and accomplished.
It was her greatest desire to acknowledge God’s Will in all things. She was tested and tried throughout her life. In the end, she never gave up hope.
Her Last words were, “Joseph! Joseph! Joseph! … Joseph, I am Coming!”6
On this Day of Church History, the day of the martyrdom, I imagine Joseph and Emma reunited in heaven. Everything they suffered is now so far behind them. They are together now. Reunited eternally, with smiles on their faces.
Sincerely yours,
Justina #NauvooBlogger
The sister post to this article about Mary Fielding Smith’s experience at the martyrdom of her husband Hyrum can be found at Pioneering Sisterhood here.
Citations
- Letter to Emma Smith, 27 June 1844: Joseph Smith Papers.
- Jones, Gracia. My Dear and Beloved Companion – Letters of Joseph and Emma: The Joseph Smith & Emma Hale Smith Historical Society.
- Church History Catalog: Emma Smith Blessing.
- Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], Chapter 45: An Almighty Foundation, 554.
- Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], Chapter 45: An Almighty Foundation, 556.
- Emma’s Last Blessing: The Joseph Smith & Emma Hale Smith Historical Society. See footnotes.
