New York, Aug. 29th, 1883.
Editor Democrat:
I spent one day in Richmond, Mo., and had an interesting interview with David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He reiterated his testimony of the visitation of the Angel, and his presentation of the plates of brass and gold, and showing the engraving on said plates, and told it with an earnestness and with a bold assurance that was peculiarly interesting. I have had no doubt for the last 35 years but that the witnesses saw and heard all they have testified. It was, however, intensely interesting to hear this veteran of over seventy years, who has been retired from the Church since the fiendish persecutions by Missouri mobs in 1838. It was I say intensely interesting, to hear him say, "I saw the heavenly messenger, and I heard his voice, and he brought the plates and laid them before us, and showed us the engravings on them and commanded us to bear testimony to all the world, and our testimony is true."
Editorial note. Cook reproduces the substantive paragraph of the letter; no closing salutation or signature is printed in the transcription. Hart's authorship is established by the New York dateline (he was the LDS Church's NYC-based immigration agent in 1883) and by his self-reference ("I have had no doubt for the last 35 years"). Hart had served as a missionary in 1848, making 1883 his 35th year of personal conviction about the Book of Mormon witnesses.