Oliver's description of the stone box

Oliver Cowdery explained in Letter VII that is is a fact that the final battles of the Nephites and Jaredites took place in the mile-wide valley west of the Hill Cumorah in New York state. This is corroborated by what Moroni told Joseph the first night they met, when he said the history was "written and deposited not far from" Joseph's home, and that it was in the "hill of Cumorah."

In Letter VIII, Oliver provided more descriptions of the stone box and the hill.

[As a reminder, during Joseph Smith lifetime Church members were familiar with Oliver's eight letters because they were published and republished in the Church official newspapers, including the Messenger and Advocate (Kirtland), the Millennial Star (England), the Gospel Reflector (Pennsylvania), the Times and Seasons (Nauvoo) and The Prophet (New York City).]

All eight letters were also copied into Joseph Smith's own journal, where you can read Letter VIII here:

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1834-1836/93

Oliver wrote Letter VIII in his capacity as Assistant President of the Church. It was first published in the 1835 Messenger and Advocate.

The second part of Letter VIII discusses the ad hominem attacks made against JOseph Smith, which I discussed on the setting blog. 

Here is an outline of the first part of Letter VIII.

1. Introduction to the Narrative
• Recap of promise to describe the place and manner of the Book of Mormon plates’ deposition.
• Commitment to provide details about the hill Cumorah and the discovery process.
2. Description of Hill Cumorah
• Physical characteristics: north end as a grassy promontory, south with scattering timber, and forested areas.
• Specific location of the plates: west side, near the top, in a grassy area with some trees.
3. Reflections on the Sacred Site
• Comparison to biblical holy grounds (e.g., Moses at Horeb, Joshua at Jericho).
• Personal reflections on visiting the site in 1830, expressing gratitude and awe at God’s works.
4. Details of the Plates’ Deposition
• Construction of the stone box: a flat stone base, cemented edges, four erect stones forming a box, and a crowning stone.
• Internal structure: three cement pillars supporting the plates, with a breastplate at the bottom.
• Condition in 1823: crowning stone partially visible, edges concealed by soil and grass.
5. Joseph Smith’s Initial Attempts to Retrieve the Plates
• Context: Joseph’s mind distracted by worldly wealth after a divine vision on September 22, 1823.
• Three failed attempts to take the plates, each met with a supernatural shock.
• Angelic intervention: reminder of the plates’ sacred purpose and the need for purity and obedience.

_____

I've bolded some of the more significant parts of Letter VIII below.

Letter VIII.

Dear Brother,—

In my last I said I should give, partially, a “description of the place where, and the manner in which these records were deposited:” the first promise I have fulfilled, and must proceed to the latter:

The hill of which I have been speaking, at the time mentioned, presented a varied appearance: the north end rose suddenly from the plain, forming a promontory without timber, but covered with grass. As you passed to the south you soon came to scattering timber, the surface having been cleared by art or by wind; and a short distance further left, you are surrounded with the common forest of the country. It is necessary to observe, that even the part cleared was only occupied for pasturage, its steep ascent and narrow summit not admitting the plow of the husbandman, with any degree of [p. 89] ease or profit. It was at the second mentioned place where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill, not far from the top down its side; and when myself visited the place in the year 1830, there were several trees standing: enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass—which was also the case when the record was first found.

Whatever may be the feeling of men on the reflection of past acts which have been performed on certain portions or spots of this earth, I know not, neither does it add or diminish to nor from the reality of my subject. When Moses heard the voice of God, at the foot of Horeb, out of the burning bush, he was commanded to take his shoes off his feet, for the ground on which he stood was holy. The same may be observed when Joshua beheld the “Captain of the Lord’s host” by Jericho— And I confess that my mind was filled with many reflections; and though I did not then loose my shoe, yet with gratitude to God did I offer up the sacrifice of my heart.

How far below the surface these records were placed by Moroni, I am unable to say; but from the fact they had been some fourteen hundred years buried, and that too on the side of a hill so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feet below, as the earth would naturally wear more or less in that length of time. 

But they being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another circumstance would prevent a wearing away of the earth: in all probibility, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered, after the Nephites were destroyed, and the roots of the same would hold the surface. 

However, on this point I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form his own speculation, as I only promised to give a description of the place at the time the records were found [p. 90] in 1823.— It is sufficient for my present purpose, to know, that such is the fact: that in 1823, yes, 1823, a man with whom I have had the most intimate and personal acquaintance, for almost seven years, actually discovered by the vision of God, the plates from which the book of Mormon, as much as much as it is disbelieved, was translated! 

Such is the case, though men rack their verry brains to invent falsehood, and then waft them upon every breeze, to the contrary notwithstanding.

I have now given sufficient on the subject of the hill Cumorah—it has a singular and imposing appearance for that country, and must excite the curiosity curious enquiry of every lover of the book of Mormon: though I hope never like Jerusalem and the sepulcher of our Lord, the pilgrims. In my estimation, certain places are dearer to me for what they now contain than for what they have contained. 

For the satisfaction of such as believe I have been thus particular, and to avoid the question being a thousand times asked, more than any other cause, shall procede and be as particular as heretofore. The manner in which the plates were deposited:

First, a hole of sufficient depth, (how deep I know not) was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. At each edge was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stone, were placed, erect, four others, their bottom edges resting in the cement at the outer edges of the first stone. 

The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box, the corners, or where the edges of the four came in contact, were also cemented so firmly that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. 

It is to be observed, also, that the inner surface of the four erect, or side stones was smoothe. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breast-plate, such as was used by the ancients to defend the chest, &c. from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breast-plate, arose three small pillars composed of the same description of cement used on the edges; and upon these three pillars was [p. 91] placed the record of the children of Joseph, and of a people who left the tower far, far before the days of Joseph, or a sketch of each, which had it not been for this, and the never failing goodness of God, we might have perished in our sins, having been left to bow down before the altars of the Gentiles and to have paid homage to the priests of Baal! 

I must not forget to say that this box, containing the record was covered with another stone, the bottom surface being flat and the upper, crowning. But those three pillars were not so lengthy as to cause the plates and the crowning stone to come in contact. 

I have now given you, according to my promise, the manner in which this record was deposited; though when it was first visited by our brother, in 1823, a part of the crowning stone was visible above the surface while the edges were concealed by the soil and grass, from which circumstances you will see, that however deep this box might have been placed by Moroni at first, the time had been sufficient to wear the earth so that it was easily discovered when once directed, and yet not enough to make a perceivable difference to the passer-by. 

So wonderful are the works of the Almighty, and so far from our finding out are his ways, that one who trembles to take his holy name into his lips, is left to wonder at his exact providences, and the fulfilment of his purposes in the event of times and seasons.

A few years sooner might have found even the top stone concealed, and discouraged our brother from attempting to make a further trial to obtain this rich treasure, for fear of discovery; and a few latter might have left the small box uncovered, and exposed its valuable contents to the rude calculations and vain speculations of those who neither understand common language nor fear God.

But such would have been contrary to the words of the ancients and the promises made to them: and this is why I am left to admire the works and see the wisdom in the designs of the Lord [p. 92] in all things manifested to the eyes of the world: they show that all human inventions are like the vapors, while his word endures forever and his promises to the last generation.

Having thus digressed from my main subject to give a few items for the special benefit of all, it will be necessary to return, and proceed as formerly.—

And if any suppose I have indulged too freely in reflections, I will only say that it is my opinion, were one to have a view of the glory of God which is to cover Israel in the last days, and know that these, though they may be thought small things, were the beginning to effect the same, they would be at a loss where to close, should they give a moment’s vent to the imaginations of the heart

You will have woundered, perhaps, that the mind of our brother should be occupied with the thoughts of the goods of this world, at the time of arriving at Cumorah, on the morning of the 22nd of September, 1823, after having been rapt in the visions of heaven during the night, and also seeing and hearing in open day; but the mind of man is easily turned, if it is not held by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and you will remember that I have said that two invisible powers were operating upon his mind during his walk from his residence to Cumorah, and that the one urging the certainty of wealth and ease in this life, had so powerfully wrought upon him, that the great object so carefully and impressively <​named by the angel had entirely​> gone from his recollection that only a fixed determination to obtain now urged him forward. 

In this, which occasioned a failure to obtain, at that time, the record, do not understand me to attach blame to our brother: he was young, and his mind easily turned from correct principles, unless he could be favoured with a certain round of experience. And yet, while young, untraditionated and <​un​>taught in the systems of the world, he was in a situation to be lead into the great work of God, and be qualified to [p. 93] perform it in due time.

After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil from the edges of the top of the box, and a light pry, brought to his natural vision its contents. No sooner did he behold this sacred treasure than his hopes were renewed, and he supposed his success certain; and without first attempting to take it from its long place of deposit, he thought, perhaps, there might be something more, equally as valuable, and to take only the plates, might give others an opertunity of obtaining the remainder, which could he secure, would still add to his store of wealth. These, in short, were his reflections, without once thinking of the solemn instruction of the heavenly messenger, that all must be done with an express view of glorifying God.

On attempting to take possession of the records a shock was produced upon his system, by an invisible power, which deprived him in a measure, of his natural strength. He desisted for an instant, and then made another attempt, but was more sensibly shocked than before. What was the occasion of this he knew not—there was the pure unsulied record, as had been described—he had heard of the power, of enchantment, and a thousand like stories, which held the hidden treasures of the earth, and suposed that physical exertion and personal strength was only necessary to enable him to yet obtain the object of his wish. 

He therefore made the third attempt with an increased exertion, when his strength failed him more than at either of the former times, and without premeditation he exclaimed, “why can I not obtained this book?” “because you have not kept the commandments of the Lord”, answered a voice, within a seeming short distance. He looked, and to his astonishment, there stood the angel who had previously given him the directions concerning this matter. [p. 94] 

In an instant, all the former instructions, the great intelligence concerning Israel and the last days, were brought to his mind: he thought of the time when his heart was fervently engaged in prayer to the Lord, when his spirit was contrite, and when his holy message messenger, from the skies unfolded the wonderful things connected with this record. He had come, to be sure, and found the word of the angel fully fulfilled concerning the reality of the record but he had failed to remember the great end for which they had been kept, and in consequence could not have power to take them into his possession and bear them away.

At that instant he looked to the Lord in prayer, and as he prayed darkness began to disperse from his mind and his soul was lit up as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit; and again did the Lord manifest his condescension and mercy: the heavens were opened and the glory of the Lord shone round about and rested upon him. While he thus stood gazing and admiring, the angel said, “Look!” and as he thus spake he beheld the prince of darkness, surrounded by his innumerable train of associates.

All this passed before him, and the heavenly messenger said, “All this is shown, the good and the evil, the holy and impure, the glory of God and the power of darkness, that you may know hereafter the two powers and never be influenced or overcome by that wicked one 

Behold, whatever entices and leads to good and to do good, is of God, and whatever does not is of that wicked one,129 It is he that fills the hearts of men with evil, to walk in darkness and blaspheme God; and you may learn from henceforth, that his ways are to destruction, but the way of holiness is peace and rest. 

You now see why you could not obtain this record; that the commandment was strict, and that if ever these sacred things are obtained they must be by prayer and faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for [p. 95] the sake of accumulating gain and wealth for the glory of this world: they were sealed by the prayer of faith, and because of the knowledge which they contain they are of no worth among the children of men, only for their knowledge. 

On them is contained the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as it was given to his people on this land, and when it shall be brought forth by the power of God it shall be carried to the Gentiles, of whom many will receive it, and after will the seed of Israel be brought into the fold of their Redeemer by obeying it also. 

Those who kept the commandments of the Lord on this land, desired this at his hand, and through the prayer of faith obtained the promise, that if their descendants should transgress and fall away, that a record might be kept and in the last days come to their children. These things are sacred, and must be kept so, for the promise of the Lord concerning them must be fulfilled. No man can obtain them if his heart is impure, because they​ contain that which is sacred; and besides, should they be entrusted in unholy hands the knowledge could not come to the world, because they cannot be interpreted by the learning of this generation; consequently, they would be considered of no worth, only as precious metal. 

Therefore, remember, that they are to be translated by the gift and power of God. By them will the Lord work a great and a marvelous work: the wisdom of the wise shall become as nought, and the understanding of the prudent shall be hid,130 and because the power of God shall be displayed those who profess to know the truth but walk in deceit, shall tremble with anger; but with signs and with wonders, with gifts and with healings, with the manifestations of the power of God, and with the Holy Ghost, shall the hearts of the faithful be comforted. 

You have now beheld the power of God manifested and the power of Satan: you see that there is nothing that is desirable in the works of darkness; that they cannot [p. 96] bring happiness; that those who are overcome therewith are miserable, while on the other hand the righteous are blessed with a place in the kingdom of God where joy unspeakable surrounds them. 

There they rest beyond the power of the enemy of truth, where no evil can disturb them. The glory of God crowns them, and they continually feast upon his goodness and enjoy his smiles. Behold, notwithstanding you have seen this great display of power, by which you may ever be able to detect the evil one, yet I give unto you another sign, and when it comes to pass then know that the Lord is God and that he will fulfil his purposes, and that the knowledge which this record contains will go to every nation, and kindred and tongue, and people under the whole heaven.— 

This is the sign: When these things begin to be known, that is, when it is known that the Lord has shown you these things, the workers of iniquity will seek your overthrow: they will circulate falsehoods to destroy your reputation, and also will seek to take your life; but remember this, if you are faithful, and shall hereafter continue to keep the commandments of the Lord, you shall be preserved to bring these things forth; for in due time he will again give you a commandment to come and take them. 

When they are interpreted the Lord will give the holy priesthood to some, and they shall begin to proclaim this gospel and baptize by water, and after that they shall have power to give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of their hands. Then will persecution rage more and more; for the iniquities of men shall be revealed, and those who are not built upon the Rock will seek to overthrow this church; but it will increase the more opposed, and spread farther and farther, increasing in knowledge till they shall be sanctified and receive an inheritance where the glory of God will rest upon them; and when this takes place, and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long season; and when this is fulfilled will be brought to pass that saying of the prophets—‘And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in [p. 97] Jacob, saith the Lord’132— 

But, notwithstanding the workers of iniquity shall seek your destruction the arm of the Lord will be extended, and you will be borne off conqueror if you keep all his commandments. Your name shall be known among the nations, for the work which the Lord will perform by your hands shall cause the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to rage: with the one it shall be had in honor, and with the other in reproach; yet, with these it shall be a terror because of the great and marvelous work which shall follow the coming forth of this fulness of the gospel. 

Now, go thy way, remembering what the Lord has done for thee, and be diligent in keeping his commandments, and he will deliver thee from temptations and all the arts and devises of the wicked one.— 

Forget not to pray, that thy mind may become strong, that when he shall manifest unto thee, thou mayest have power to escape the evil, and obtain these precious things.” 

Though I am unable to paint before the mind, a perfect description of the scenery which passed before our brother, I think I have said enough to give you a field for reflection which may not be unprofitable. You see the great wisdom in God in leading him thus far, that his mind might begin to be more matured, and thereby be able to judge correctly, the spirits. 

I do not say that he would not have obtained the record had he went according to the direction of the angel—I say that he would; but God knowing all things from the beginning, began thus to instruct his servant. And in this it is plainly to be seen that the adversary of truth is not sufficient to overthrow the work of God. 

You will remember that I said, two invisible powers were operating upon the mind of our brother while going to Cumorah. In this, then, I discover wisdom in the dealings of the Lord: it was impossible for any man to translate the book of Mormon by the gift of God, and endure the afflictions, and [p. 98] temptations, and devices133 of satan, without being overthrown unless he had been previously benefited with a certain round of experience: and had our brother obtained the record the first time, not knowing how to detect the works of darkness, he might have been deprived of the blessings of sending forth the word of truth to this generation. 

Therefore, God knowing that satan would thus lead his mind astray, began at that early hour, that when the full time should arrive, he might have a servant prepared to fulfill his purpose. So, however afflicting to his feelings this repulse might have been, he had reason to rejoice before the Lord and be thankful for the favors and mercies shown; that whatever other instruction was necessary to the accomplishing this great work, he had learned, by experience, how to discern between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of the devil.

Why were the plates preserved?

Why were the golden plates preserved?

In our day (2025), this is an important question because many Latter-day Saints do not believe Joseph Smith translated the plates. Many do not believe Joseph used the Urim and Thummim that came with the plates. 

Prominent scholars such as Royal Skousen and his followers claim Joseph and Oliver "intentionally misled" everyone about the translation because, according to them, Joseph merely read words that appeared on the stone-in-the-hat (SITH).

One of the reasons for this belief is the Gospel Topics Essay on Book of Mormon Translation, which does not even quote or cite what Joseph and Oliver said about the translation, but instead focuses on the theories of the scholars who wrote the essay. 

The Gospel Topics Essays were never intended to replace the scriptures, the teachings of the prophets, or authentic documents from Church history. 

Let's see what we know about why the plates were preserved.

_____

In July 1828 the Lord explained why the plates were preserved:

And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;

And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.

(Doctrine and Covenants 3:19–20)

When he first appeared to Joseph Smith, Moroni explained that

He [Moroni] said this history was written and deposited not far from that place [Joseph's home near Palmyra], and that it was our brother’s privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record.

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1834-1836/68 

[Note: This passage also explains one reason why we know the hill Cumorah/Ramah is in western New York. Mormon and Moroni lived "not far from" Palmyra when they wrote and deposited the record.]

Joseph Smith explained to Noah Saxton that:

The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western Tribes of Indians, having been found through the ministration of an holy Angel translated into our own Language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years containing the word of God, which was delivered unto them, By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are descendants from that Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come. with as many of the gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant.

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letterbook-1/29

See Historical Introduction: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-noah-c-saxton-4-january-1833/2#historical-intro

The month before he was murdered, Joseph Smith met with the local Indians and said

“The Great Spirit has enabled me to find a book, (shewing them the book of Mormon) which told me about your fathers, and the Great Spirit told me, ‘you must send to all the tribes that you can, and tell them to live in peace’; and when any of our people come to see you, I want you to treat them as we treat you.”

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-f-1-1-may-1844-8-august-1844/58

The Lord sent Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Parley P. Pratt to go "into the wilderness among the Lamanites." (D&C 32:2; 28:8) The "wilderness" at that time was western New York, Ohio, Missouri, etc. 

Parley P. Pratt "described the visit: “We called on an Indian nation at or near Buffalo; and spent part of a day with them, instructing them in the knowledge of the record of their forefathers. We were kindly received, and much interest was manifested by them on hearing this news. We made a present of two copies of the Book of Mormon to certain of them who could read"

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-from-oliver-cowdery-12-november-1830/1 note 1.

This is why the plates were preserved.

_____

What did Joseph and Oliver teach about the translation?

They never said or implied that Joseph did not use the plates or that he used a "seer stone" he found in a well years before Moroni's visit. 

The SITH narrative was published in the 1834 book Mormonism Unvailed, here. But Joseph and Oliver formally refuted that narrative, in print, several times.

The teachings of Joseph and Oliver were repeated frequently in General Conference:

https://www.mobom.org/urim-and-thummim-in-lds-general-conference

In recent years, certain LDS scholars have revived the SITH narrative from Mormonism Unvailed and then rationalized away what Joseph and Oliver taught.

But we can all read the original sources.

Here are some examples:

Responding to ongoing confusion about the translation, Joseph Smith answered the question  in the Elders Journal in 1838.

Question 4th. How, and where did you obtain the Book of Mormon?

Answer. Moroni, the person who deposited the plates, from whence the Book of Mormon   was translated, in a hill in Manchester, Ontario County, New York, being dead, and raised again therefrom, appeared unto me and told me where they were and gave me directions how to obtain them. I obtained them and the Urim and Thummim with them, by the means of which I translated the plates and thus came the Book of Mormon.

(Elders’ Journal I.3:42 ¶20–43 ¶1)

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/elders-journal-july-1838/11 

In 1842, the question persisted so Joseph explained it again in the Wentworth letter, published as "Church History" in the Times and Seasons.

These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called “Urim and Thummim,” which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate.

Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, and power of God.

(Times and Seasons III.9:707 ¶5–6)

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/times-and-seasons-1-march-1842/5

Joseph reiterated this statement in 1844.

These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book with three rings running through the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called “Urim and Thummim,” which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate.

Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the record by the gift, and power of God.

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/latter-day-saints-1844/3

For more, see https://www.mobom.org/translation-references

Moroni's Easter Egg

Moroni wrote, "Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." (Mormon 8:34–35)

Part of "our doing" in the Church today is having different opinions about the setting of the Book of Mormon. Which is fine, of course. But presumably Moroni was incredulous when he observed this.

Maybe that's why he left an "Easter egg" in the annals of Church history.

_____

Definition: Easter eggs in movies are hidden references, cameos, or subtle nods to other works, pop culture, or inside jokes. For example, in Pixar Films, the Pizza Planet truck from the first Toy Story (1995) appears in nearly every Pixar film, like Finding Nemo (2003) during a street scene or Inside Out (2015) in a memory orb. Nemo shows up as a toy in Monsters, Inc.

_____

What "Easter egg" did Moroni leave for us to discover?

In 1835, when Oliver Cowdery wrote the first and most detailed account of Moroni's visit, he left a clue that few people noticed.

Joseph Smith's history later summarized what Oliver had written:

33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.

34 He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;

35 Also, that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted “seers” in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book.

(Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35)

When we see how much Oliver wrote, we can see why the scribes who compiled Joseph Smith-History abbreviated the account. The also added details, such as the name of the messenger (although when first written and published in the Times and Seasons, the scribes had written "his name was Nephi." See https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-circa-1841-draft-draft-3/6 and the discussion here: https://www.mobom.org/moroni-and-nephi)

But Moroni told Joseph something important that has long been overlooked. I bolded it at the end of this passage, which is from Joseph's own history from 1834-36. As you read this, notice the way Oliver pointed out how he learned this account directly from Joseph Smith.

In this situation hours passed unnumbered—how many or how few I know not, neither is he able to inform me; but supposes it must have been eleven or twelve, and perhaps later, as the noise and bustle of the family, in retiring, had long since ceased.— While continueing in prayer for a manifestation in some way that his sins were forgiven; endeavouring to exercise faith in the scriptures, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room.— Indeed to use his own description, the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming and unquenchable fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected, occasioned a shock or sensation, visible to the extremities of the body. It was, however, followed with a calmness and serenity of mind, and an overwhelming rapture of Joy that surpassed understanding, and in a moment a personage stood before him.

Notwithstanding the room was previously filled with light above the brightness of the sun, as I before describe​d,​ yet there seemed to be an additional glory surrounding or accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased degree of brilliancy, of which he was in the midst; and though his countenance was as lightning, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent and glorious appearance, so much so, that every fear was banished from the heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul.

It is no easy task to describe the appearance of a messenger from the skies—indeed, I doubt their being an individual clothed with perishable clay, who is capable to do this work. To be sure, the Lord appeared to his apostles after his resurrection, and we do not learn as they were in the least difficultied to look upon him; but from John’s description upon Patmos, we learn that he is there represented as most glorious in appearance; and from other items in the sacred scriptures we have the fact recorded where angels appeared and conversed with men, and there was no difficulty on the part of the individuals, to endure their presence; and others where their glory was so conspicuous that they could not endure. The last description or appearance is the one to which I refer, when I say that it is no easy task to describe their glory.

But it may be well to relate the particulars as far as given. The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam. 

Though fear was banished from his heart, yet his surprise was no less when he heard him declare himself to be a messenger sent by commandment of the Lord, to deliver a special message and to witness to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard; and that the scriptures might be fulfilled, which say— “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are that no flesh should glory in his presence. Therefore, says the Lord, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; the wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid; for according to his covenant which he made with his ancient saints, his people, the house of Israel must come to a knowledge of the gospel, and own that Messiah whom their fathers rejected, and with them the fulness of the Gentiles be gathered in, to rejoice in one fold under one Shepherd”.

“This cannot be brought about until first certain preparatory things are accomplished, for so has the Lord purposed in his own mind. He has therefore chosen you as an instrument in his hand to bring to light that which shall perform his act, his strange act, and bring to pass a marvelous work and a wonder. Wherever the sound shall go it shall cause the ears of men to tingle, and wherever it shall be proclaimed, the pure in heart shall rejoice, while those who draw near to God with their mouths, and honor him with their lips, while their hearts are far from him, will seek its overthrow, and the destruction of those by whose hands it is carried. Therefore, marvel not if your name is made a derission, and had as a by-word among such, if you are the instrument in bringing it, by the gift of God, to the knowledge of the people.”

He then proceeded and gave a general account of the promises made to the fathers, and also gave a history of the aborigenes of this country, and said they were literal descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once being an enlightned and intelligent people, possessing a correct knowledge of the gospel, and the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this history was written and deposited not far from that place, and that it was our brother’s privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record.

“Yet,” said he, “the scriptures must be fulfilled before it is translated, which says that the words of a book, which were sealed, were presented to the learned; for thus has God determined to leave men without excuse, and show to the meek that his arm is <​not​> shortened that it cannot save.”

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1834-1836/66

The "Easter egg" is Moroni's explanation that the history was "written and deposited not far from" Joseph's home near Palmyra, NY. 

_____

Mormon explained that he wrote the abridgment after he had removed the Nephite records from the hill Shim and had taken them to the repository in Cumorah. (Presumably he knew the Jaredites had built a repository there, in the hill they called Ramah, centuries earlier.) 

And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni. (Mormon 6:6)

When Moroni first appeared to Joseph, he told him "the record is on a side hill on the Hill of Cumorah 3 miles from this place remove the Grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars."

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/lucy-mack-smith-history-1844-1845/41

When Moroni told Joseph the record was "written and deposited not far from" Joseph's home, he corroborated what his father had said; i.e., the abridged record was written at Cumorah, just three miles from Joseph's home.*

This is the other aspect of the Easter egg. This is the clue Moroni gave us from the outset, so we would understand that he and his father Mormon lived in what is now western New York.

Understanding and accepting this unites Latter-day Saints today, just as it did during Joseph Smith's lifetime when Oliver's account was published and republished in all the Church newspapers.

_____

*As Orson Pratt explained, there were two departments in the hill Cumorah. One was the repository of Nephite records. The other was Moroni's stone box. This made sense because it took Joseph four years of preparation to overcome the temptation to sell Nephite artifacts, just from seeing the plates, breastplate, and Urim and Thummim in the stone box. It wasn't until later that he realized the entire Nephite repository was in the same hill. See https://www.mobom.org/two-departments-in-cumorah

Ocean currents and settings

The following is an excerpt from a post on one of my other blogs, but it is appropriate for this blog. 

There are lots of ideas about the setting of the Book of Mormon, and they are all based on interpretations of the text combined with extrinsic evidence (archaeology, anthropology, geology, geography, etc.). Everyone who creates or endorses one of these scenarios (multiple working hypotheses) naturally thinks that scenario best fits the text and the extrinsic evidence. 

Otherwise they would change their minds. 

Which is what I did, having accepted M2C (the Mesoamerican/two-Cumorahs theory) for decades until I learned more about Church history and the relevant extrinsic evidence that, in my view, corroborates the teachings of the prophets.

The multiple working hypotheses can be categorized into two groups: those that accept the teachings of the prophets about the New York Cumorah, and those that reject those teachings in favor of another location of Cumorah.

The various hypotheses also rely on different assumptions about how Lehi, Mulek and Jared crossed the oceans (or "the great deep"), given the various ocean currents.

At the end of this post I show the map of the scenario that makes the most sense to me. Reasonable people can differ, of course.

_____

A basic premise of M2C is that Lehi landed on the west coast of Mesoamerica in the midst of an extensive Mayan civilization. Some M2Cers also believe the Mulekites landed in Mesoamericn in the midst of an Olmec (Jaredite) civilization.

These theoretical voyages were shown on the map that RLDS scholar L.E. Hills proposed over 100 years ago. 

1917 map published by RLDS scholar L.E. Hills

To make his theory work, Hills put Cumorah in southern Mexico. He specifically rejected what Oliver Cowdery, Joseph Smith, David Whitmer, Brigham Young and everyone else said about Cumorah in New York.

"Cumorah" in Mexico, according to L.E. Hills

LDS leaders specifically rejected what Hills taught and reaffirmed the New York Cumorah, but gradually LDS scholars adopted the Hills theory instead. 

John Sorenson, Jack Welch, Kirk Magleby, Brant Gardner, and all their followers preferred Hills' theory about Cumorah over the teachings of the prophets.

BYU Studies map of Cumorah, based on L.E. Hills, as
adapted by Sorenson/Welch.

Next, Tyler Griffin, who is a great guy, an effective teacher, a faithful Latter-day Saint, etc., created a fictional map to represent the Hills/Sorenson/Welch theory for new generations. (Somehow he and his followers think it's a good idea to teach the Book of Mormon using a fictional map more akin to Lord of the Rings than to any real-world setting.)  

Obviously, placing the Nephites and Mulekites in the midst of these Mesoamerican civilizations contradicts Lehi's declarations in verse 8-9. Mesoamerica was the opposite of what Lehi described. Again,

8 And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance.

9 Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. 

(2 Nephi 1:8–9)

We can all see that the Mayans (and Olmecs) were well established nations. Naturally, the M2Cers have a variety of ways to rationalize the incongruity, but the plain language is there for everyone to read.

An alternative to M2C is the idea that Lehi followed ocean and wind currents, crossed the Atlantic, and actually landed in an area that was occupied only by unorganized hunter/gatherers in what is now the southeastern United States, circa 600 BC. 

Book of Mormon voyages and ocean currents
(click to enlarge)

Then, after King Mosiah led the Nephites to Bountiful, the division of the Lamanites and Nephites looked something such as this, which explains why Cumorah is in New York.

This map also shows Zarahemla across from Nauvoo, pursuant to D&C 125.

There are lots of other ideas about the setting of the Book of Mormon, but this one makes the most sense to me. Reasonable people can differ, of course.

_____

2 sets of plates: 1981 vs 2025

The heading to Words of Mormon gives us another example of the FAITH model (Facts, Assumptions, Inferences, Theories and Hypotheses).

Back in the 1981 edition of the scriptures, the heading to Words of Mormon added something to the text that is not actually in the text. It was an assumption that led to widespread misunderstanding.

Anyone can read the text and see that Mormon did not say he inserted the plates of Nephi into the abridgment. Yet this assumption became a widespread belief.

The current edition of the scriptures (2013) and the online edition has corrected this heading to more accurately reflect what the text says. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/w-of-m/1?lang=eng 

It is good to see these incremental improvements.

Narrow necks, etc.

M2Cers seem to think there is only one "narrow neck of land" in the entire Book of Mormon. That's what drives their "hourglass" theory of geography.

It is a strange interpretation for several reasons. 

For example, the phrase "narrow neck of land" occurs only once in the text, in Ether 10:20. This a Jaredite reference.

A Nephite passage refers to a "narrow neck" without the limiting qualifier "of land." Normally, that omission would be considered significant because a "narrow neck" can be a waterway or a land mass. Omitting the "of land" qualifier suggests a waterway.  

Other verses refer to a "narrow pass" a "small neck" and a "narrow passage." These different terms could refer to land or water and would normally be interpreted to refer to different geological features, but M2Cers conflate all these different terms to make their model fit.

_____

a "narrow neck" that is not
a "narrow neck of land"

An unstated premise by the M2Cers is that there can be only one "narrow neck" in the 1,000-year history of the Nephites, on top of the 33+ generations of Jaredite history.

Yet in America in the 1700s and 1800s, people referred to innumerable different places as a "neck of land" and even a "narrow neck of land." A "narrow passage" was defined as a "strait," which make sense anyway. 

I discussed some examples from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson here: https://www.lettervii.com/p/narrow-and-small-necks-and-other.html

But the M2Cers rationalize away those examples, apparently because they don't believe Joseph Smith actually translated the plates, and so he wouldn't have used the ordinary language he grew up with (thanks to Royal Skousen and his followers). 

So let's look at a few more.

The phrase "neck of land" was a common descriptor used in land deeds. Litigation over the meaning of "neck of land" was even a thing. 

In the case quoted at the end of this post, a lawyer wrote, "The Almighty made every thing that is upon the face of the Earth, but did not assign Names to them, but left that to Man to do, and that some Men assign one, and others another Name to the same thing; and some by one Name understand one thing, others by the same Name understand another thing."

Everyone interested in the setting of the Book of Mormon should keep that observation in mind.

_____

A description of Boston in 1769 referred to "a small neck of land of 100 rods at low water, but not 20 at high." 100 rods = 1650 feet. 20 rods = 330 feet. That would qualify as a "small neck of land" far better than what the M2Cers propose.

Captain Cook's journal refers to a "narrow neck of land" on one of his voyages:

the land of the cape, from several situations, has the appearance of an island. It is still more remarkable when it is seen from the southward, by the appearance of a high round island at the S. E. point of the cape; but this also is a deception; for what appears to be an island is a round hill, joined to the cape, by a low narrow neck of land. Upon the cape we saw a hippah, or village, and a few inhabitants; and on the south east side of it there appears to be anchorage, and good shelter from the south west and north west winds

In 1775, the debates between the colonists and the royalists discussed the "neck of land" in Boston: 

In pursuance of this part of their plan, the Congress remonstrate to the King’s Governor and General, acting by his immediate authority, against his fortifying the neck of land that leads into Boston, and magisterially require him to desist: Whereas the King has as unquestionable a right to erect fortresses in any part of his dominions, as to erect Beacons, &c.

Thomas Paine described his participation in the conflict:

THESE are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:— It is dearness only that gives every thing its value....

As I was with the troops at fort Lee, and marched with them to the edge of Pennsylvania, I am well acquainted with many circumstances, which those, who lived at a distance, know but little or nothing of. Our situation there was exceedingly cramped, the place being on a narrow neck of land between the North river and the Hackensack.

A 1784 history of New Hampshire includes this passage about "Blind Will."

Major Waldron sent out eight of his Indians whereof Blind Will was one, for farther information. They were all surprized together by a company of the Mohawks; two or three escaped, the others were either killed or taken: Will was dragged away by his hair; and being wounded, perished in the woods, on a neck of land, formed by the confluence of Cochecho and Isingglass rivers, which still bears the name of Blind Will’s Neck.

Jonathan Carver, writing about his travels among the Indians, described a "narrow neck of land."

Not far from the place where they then happened to be, stood two small lakes, between which ran a narrow neck of land about a mile in length, and only from twenty to forty yards in breadth.

A 1791 geography text explains the terms "narrow neck of land" as joining a peninsula to a continent or other land (not two continents) and a "narrow passage" as a strait (waterway). 

A peninsula is a piece of land encompassed by water, except on one side where it is joined to the continent, or other land.—An isthmus is a narrow neck of land, which joins a peninsula to the continent or other land.—A promontory is a point of land running out into the sea, the extremity of which is called a cape.—An ocean is a vast body of water; a sea or gulph, a smaller one.—A lake is a body of fresh water, surrounded by land.—A bay is a part of the sea, contained between two shores.—A strait is a narrow passage, whereby seas, gulphs, &c. communicate with the ocean.

William Bartram, describing his travels through North and South Carolina in 1781, used "narrow pass" to describe a waterway.

Should I say, that the river (in this place) from shore to shore, and perhaps near half a mile above and below me, appeared to be one solid bank of fish, of various kinds, pushing through this narrow pass of St. Juans into the little lake, on their return down the river, and that the alligators were in such incredible numbers, and so close together from shore to shore, that it would have been easy to have walked across on their heads, had the animals been harmless.

I could give many more examples, as could any of the M2C scholars who nevertheless insist that these different terms in the Book of Mormon all refer to only one geographical feature.

Because we pursue charity along with clarity, we assume the M2Cers are sincere. They are certainly earnest. 

But anyone can see that these terms have long been used to describe common geographical features that make far more sense when interpreting the Book of Mormon than the conflated interpretation that M2C depends upon. 

_____

APPENDIX To the DECREE in the Suit of Palmers, & others, COMPLAINANTS Against Philipse, and others, DEFENDANTS. In Cancellaria Nova-Eborac.

THe generality of the People of this Province, are not unacquainted how much Noise the above Decree has made; tho’ few but the Contrivers of the present Clamours, know the secret Arts and Managery that have been made use of to procure them; and the Ends intended by them are not difficult to guess.

Whether the Court of Chancery be, or be not, rightly founded; or whether the Expence of Prosecuting a Suit in that Court, be too great, or not, cannot affect the merits of this Cause: But the sole Question is, Whether Mr. Philipse or the Complainants be in the Right? And whether the Decree given by the Governour be just, or not?

...

Observations on Charge 4 th.

ITs to be Observed, That in fol. 145. of the Answer, the Defendant Philipse says, That Nature makes a NECK, and that the same cannot go further than the Water makes it so. Which, by what appears in the First Charge, under the Letters (b) (i) (k) (l) and (m) confines the Great Neck to the Markt Trees at Westchester-Path; And in fol. 106, he Swears, He always was, and still is of Opinion, that neither of the Necks extend further than Nature makes them so; Upon which no small stress has been laid. But, with all due Deference to that his OATH, the Complainants will beg leave to assign a few Instances, wherein he either understood the Necks to go further, or his Actions did not square with his Opinion or Understanding of the Necks, or, in plain English, meant one thing, and said, acted and transacted another.

First Instance. Let the Reader turn back to pag. 10. of the Decree, where he will find this Clause in the Articles of Agreement, Ask whereas it does not appear that the LINE running into the Woods, between the said GREAT NECK and the said WESTERMOST NECK, has ever been settled, run [Page 42]or markt out, or own the Course that it ought to run, appointed or limited, which may occasion Differences between tix Parties aforesaid, if the said Jacobus van Courtland should purchase the Reversion of the saide WESTERMOST NECK. It appears in the 2 d Charge, No. 2. that Mr. Philipse transacted that Agreement for Mr. Courtland; Then, the Candid Reader, and all the World besides Mr Philipse, will understand by that Clause, That the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, were such things, as were capable of having a LINE between them, running into the Woods. And Mr. Philipse knows b _t whether he did not understand so too, by the words GREAT NECK and WEST NECK there, and LINE between them; And if he did not, he can best tell what he meant by them there; 

For sure it is, if the GREAT NECK extended no further than where the Water comes up, (as he Swears, he always understood) it could not be divided by a LINE from the WEST NECK, it being already seperated from it by the Water; and if it was such a thing as was to be seperated by a LINE, from the WEST NECK, Undoubtedly, that LINE must begin where the Water ceased to seperate them, and from thence to run into the Woods; and on the one side of that LINE, (by that Clause) was the GREAT NECK understood to run, and on the other, the WEST NECK; which is further than what the Water, or Nature makes to be a Neck.

The Complainants say, The Almighty made every thing that is upon the face of the Earth, but did not assign Names to them, but left that to Man to do, and that some Men assign one, and others another Name to the same thing; and some by one Name understand one thing, others by the same Name understand another thing. 

For Exemple, The Geographers and the Learned World, understand by a Neck of Land, that which joyns a Peninsula (or what’s almost an Island) to the Continent or Main Land; and the similitude seemeth to be drawn from the human Body; for as the Neck there joyns the Head to the Body, so a Neck of Land joyns a Peninsula to a Continent; and there, neither the Peninsula nor the Continent are understood to be included in the Neck, no more than the Head or Body of a Man are included in his Neck. Mr. Philipse again, being a little more favourable to the Complainants, than the learned World, in the meaning of a Neck of Land, allows it to contain, not only what the Learned World understand by a Neck of Land, but also the Peninsula it self, or something in a gross way, allows the Head to be part of the Neck: This certainly is favourable! seeing the Complainants can show no Title to the Peninsula, more than to the part of the Main Land they claim; and of Consequence, had he dealt with them so hard as the Learned World, (it seems) would do, instead of 320 Acres, that he allows them, the learned World would not have left them, perhaps, the 20 Acres; so the 300 is a piece of meer Favour and Grace.

But others again, (in still a more gross and vulgar way) such as Governour Lovelace, John Richbell, John Rider, Robert Richbell, Steenwick, Kelland, Edward Richbell, and the Complainants, by the Patent and Deeds before Printed, tell you plainly, that they understand, that a Neck of Land contains, not only the Neck, (as the Learned World understand it) and the whole Peninsula, (as Mr. Philipse is so favourable to understand it) but also a part of the Main Land besides; and even Mr. Philipse by his Words and Actions, for near one year (as by this and the eleven following Instances will appear) had the same way of Thinking of a Neck too. The Complainants [Page 43]don’t deny that the Name is gross, and far from being accurate and expressive the thing meant; but its s _me Excuse, that the whole Herd of Statuaries and Painters have given as gross and unapt Names from things meant by them; As, By what they call a Head, they mean Head, Neck and Shoulders. Our Fore-Fathers, (whom we ought not to despise) have by a Yard of Land, meant often, many Acres, whereas the Learned World, by A Yard of Land, don’t mean so much as the Four hundreath part o […]​ one Acre. Nay, for one Name that’s accurately Expressive, of the thing meant by it, the Complainants will be at no great loss to assign ten Names that are not. But had the Complainants no such Presidents of Vulgar Conceptions to cite, they think its a sufficient Excuse, that its the Liberty and Priviledge of Mankind to assign such Names as they think proper to Things, and also to assign such Meanings as they think proper to Names; and if a Man will call his Land, or any part of it, a Head, a Neck, a Shoulder, a Hand, a Finger, or a Toe, &c. who can hinder him? And if he tells you, that by the Name of Head, Neck, Shoulder, &c. of Land, he means a Tract bounded so and so, what reason can there be to mis-believe him? for he certainly best knows what he means by the Names he uses. What right has the Learned World, or Mr. Philipse, to say to the Parties to all the before Deeds, We understand so and so by the word NECK, and you shall not have the Liberty of understanding otherwise? The Complainants say, the Learn _d World have no such Right, and far le _s Mr. Philipse; and that neither have _ight to impose Names or Meanings on any Body, but as the Liberty of every ones Meaning and Naming for himself, has hitherto existed, _oth _y hope that Liberty will continue, notwithstanding all the Efforts of Mr. Philipse to the contrary.

Second Instance. Let the Reader turn to the 3 d Clause of the Agreement, in pag. 10 […]​ 11, which has these Words, And shall proceed from thence to take a View of the said Great Neck and the Westermost Neck, and after they have so viewed the […]​, will endeavour amicably, betwixt themselves, to settle the Line […]​ into the Woods, betwixt the same Necks. We shall suppose the Words Twenty Miles had not been there, and the Articles always to have been as Mr. Philipse has taken upon himself to alter them, as appears in the 3 d Charge; and were they even so, Can any man who reads that Clause, think it was the understanding of the Parties, who transacted that Agreement, that the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK were such Things as were not capable of […]​ a LINE between them? But if what Mr. Philipse Swears be […]​ understood so there: How consistent his understanding will be […]​ Readers, is left to be judged of.

Third […]​ Let the Reader turn to the Additional Agreement in pag. 11. and […]​ and consider it, which, as appears by Charge 3 d, No. 7. was […]​ Philipse himself, with this, That its confessed by the Answer, pag. 167 […]​ Great Neck, so far as the Water makes it a Neck, is much larger […]​ West-Neck, so understood. And in fol. 159. its admitted, That the Great Neck, so understood, contains only 320 Acres; and of Consequence, the West-Neck contains much less than 320 Acres: And on the whole, let the Reader judge, VVhether by the word NECK, thrice mentioned in that Agreement, there was not more understood, than what he Swears he always understood of the Necks. To lead the Reader the easier to consider [Page 44]this, he finds by that Agreement, it was agreed, That in case the Complainants Agents should _tually have finished a Bargain for the aforesaid Westermost Neck, then the Complainants were to convey one half thereof to Mr. Courtland, _e pa _ing an equal half of the Purchase Money, and bearing likewise a f _ll half of all the Incrumbrances, that are upon the said Neck. Now, Suppose the Complainants had made the Purchase of all the remainder of Richbell’s Right, (as appears by Charge 3 d, No. 5. they were about to have done) and suppose the Defendants then der _an _ed of the Complainants to perform this Additional Agreement, and to that Demand the Complainants had answered, Gentlemen, We agreed with you, ’tis true, to let you into the half of the Purchase of the WEST NECK, bearing _e half of the _ncumbrances upon it, and paying one half of the Purchase Money; but we meant by the WEST NECK only so far as the Water makes it a NECK, which contains much less than 320 Acres; Now, if you’ll discharge one half of the Incumbrances which are upon it (which by Charge 1 st, No. 3. is said by the Defendant, to be as much again as the Incumbrances on the Great Neck, which are Twenty Thousand Pounds) to wit, the half of 40,000 Pounds, We will Convey to you for it, the half of the WEST NECK (which is the half of much less than 320 Acres) and we will not insist upon the half of the Purchase Money. Now, according to Mr. Philipse’s way of understanding the Necks, this would have been a generous Proffer in the Complainants, to have given this Less than 160 Acres, for Twenty Thousand Pounds, when they might have insisted on the half of the Purchase Money besides. That it was Mr. Philipse’s Meaning to accept of this generous Proffer of the Complainants, if this case had happened, who can doubt? seeing he Swears, He always was of Opinion, (or, which is the _ame) understood the NECKS to run Only so far as the Water; and in this Agreement, nothing more than the NECKS is mentioned (Here’s none of his NECKS Running Twenty Miles into the Woods, which he cleverly Distinguishes from NECKS so often, thro’ his Answer) If this was his Meaning, and he thought better to accept than to slight the Proffer of this Agreement, as he says in fol. 100. of his Answer, he did; None can deny but that he was then very moderate in his Demands, for half of the Incumbrances on the West-Neck, to accept of much less than 160 Acres for them, and that of Land too, whereon no Improvement was, as appears in fol. 167. of the Answer. But behold! how variable are Sublunary Things, running from one Extream to its Opposite! The Man who was lately Satisfied, to accept of much less than ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES of Land, whereon no Improvement was, for TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS, so great a Change is wrought on him, that for only FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS, for which he has got the Lands Exchanged by Pell, to which he had no Pretence before, and the Reversion of the WEST-NECK, which are admitted to be of much more Value than Four Hundred Pounds, Now nothing less will serve him, for the same Four Hundred Pounds, than to have, over and above that, ONE HUNDRED TIMES ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES OF SUCH LAND, and that from People too, who, with their Ancestor, have been above Twenty Five Years in Possession of it; People who have Expended a great deal in Improving of it, People who have paid the full Value of it, for it; People whom he had Solemnly agreed with, to have no Difference with them about it. Upon the Whole, the Complainants think, The Candid and Judicious Reader cannot long be at a stand in Determining, That Either Mr. Philipse [Page 45] meant more by the Word NECK, Thrice mentioned in the Additional Articles, than by his Answer, he Swears he always did; Or else He meant to give more than half of the Incumbrances on the WEST NECK, for what’s much less than 160 Acres of Unimproved Land. If he meant the first, the Complainants think the Reader will be at some Difficulty to reconcile it with his Oath; for the Complainants cannot see how to Reconcile them; And if he meant the last, the Reader will be no less at a L _ss to Reconcile his then Moderation, and his now Vast Demands. And the Complainants think, the Man will be of a happy Invention, that can show what else Mr. Philipse meant, if he meant neither of these, barring that of his Meaning as Hackerton did of his Cow, or which is the same, That he meant, that he was to mean by the Word NECK, when the Complainants should Claim; by it, only so far as the Water comes; but when he himself should Claim by it, in that Agreement, then he was to mean all that, and Twenty Miles more. This Third Meaning of Hackerton’s the Complainants allow, he might have, and therefore they must barr the Man of Invention from assigning that as another Meaning.

And now the Complainants will come to the Articles of the 4 th Charge, for some further Instances of Mr. Philipse’s Meaning more by the NECKS than he Swears he ever did. Or, &c.

Fourth Instance. —1— Its confessed, The time appointed by the Articles, for settling the DIVISION LINE, between the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, was put off by the Defendants. Will Mr. Philipse say, he understood here, that the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, were not capable of having ANY LINE run betwixt them? If what he Swears be true, he then so understood. But these words, or that act, of putting off the Time for running the DIVISION LINE, between the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, must with all Men of the common way of Thinking, import, That he understood the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, were then capable of having A LINE run betwixt them. So either he thinks different from the Common way of Thinking, or his Sayings and Actions differ much from his Meaning. Again▪

Fifth Instance. —2— Let the Reader see again the third Clause of the Agreement, in page 10 & 11, for the view that the Parties were to take, in order amicably betwixt themselves to settle the Line (call it as he has made it) to its Extent into the Woods, betwixt the Necks; And in this 2 d Article, Mr. Philipse confesses, he told the Complainants, he designed to come and take a view of the Premisses; the above part of the Articles declares for what purpose; upon this, the same Question may be put as in the last Instance, and the same Resolution must be of it; so that at that time also, it would seem, he understood differently of the Necks, from what he Swears he always did.

Sixth Instance. —2— In February, 1723–4, its confessed, it was proposed to meet, viz. for taking a view in order to settling the Line amicably. Upon this, the same Question and Answer may be as before, so he then understood, that the Necks were capable of having a Line between them, or all the Absurdities before must follow.

Seventh Instance. —2— But being hindered, he sent them word by Letter he could not go. From whence, a Man of the common way of Thinking, will [Page 46]understand, that Mr.Philipse, when he wrote that Letter, intended (had he not been hindered) to have gone, in order to settle the Line amicably, betwixt the Great Neck and West Neck; And if he so intended, the like Question and Answer may be as before.

Eighth Instance. —1— He confesses, He proposed afterwards to meet the letter end of March, viz. in order to settling the Line amicably between the Great Neck and West Neck. Upon this the like Question and Answer may be, and so a further time, when he understood differently of the Necks, or &c.

Ninth Instance. —2— But the Arrival of a Vessel hindered him, and therefore he sent another Letter. The like may be said on this, as on the Seventh Instance.

Tenth Instance. —3— Afterwards, he met the Complainants at New-Rochel, viz. for to endeavour, amicably to settle the LINE between the GREAT NECk and WEST NECk, according to the 3 d Clause of the Articles. Upon which still, the like Question & Resolution therof may be.

Eleventh Instance. —4— Afterwards, ARBITRATORS were appointed, pursuant to the Articles, for determineing, how the DIVISION LINE between THE TWO NECKS, should run into the Woods. Did he then, as before, understand that the NECKS were not capable, of having A LINE run betwixt them? other Folks would think, that when People solemnly enter into an Agreement about A LINE and appoint ARBITRATORS, to settle how the Course of that LINE should run, that these People really understood, there was such a thing as A LINE to be run, which these ARBITRATORS were to determine the Course of; but, if what Mr. Philipse Swears be true, he had no such meaning, had no thoughts, nor did not understand, that the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, were capable of ANY LINE betwixt them, at the same time that he appointed ARBITRATORS to determine the Course of it.

Twelfth Instance. —4— That the 16 th or 17 th of May, 1724. the Arbitrators, Mr. Philipse and the Complainants, came to New-Rochel, &c. viz. For determineing how the LINE OF DIVISION should run into the Woods, between the TWO NECKS pursuant to the Articles, upon which, the like Question and Resolution may be, as in the Eleventh Instance.

Above, the Complainants have assigned a Dozen of Instances, and if a necessity were for it, could assign as many more, wherein, according to the Conception of Men of common Reason, the Defendant Philipse, must have understood more by the NECKS, than to where the Water comes up; and that, he understood where the Water ceased to divide THE NECKS, they were to begin to be divided by A LINE, from thence running into the Woods: And if every Man of common Reason, must so interpret his Words and Actions; Why must all these Clamours be against the Court for so understanding them? when without understanding them so, the grossest Absurdities and Contradictions must of Course follow. But the reason of his Swearing, he always understood so of the Necks, may be guessed at a little; because, if he allows they go beyond the place where the Water divides them, whatever [Page 47]reason will carry them one Foot beyond it, will carry them to the Extent of the Patent; for, let but A LINE be, and he well knows there’s no st _pping it till it come there. But when he Swore so, he must have either Thought his Antagonists so Blind, as not to see thro’ it, or, that if they did, they would not, or durst not _enture to point it out: which _t he conceived not altogether amiss in, for tho’ they very well saw that, and many other things herein set forth, before the hearing, yet they were very loath to Touch upon them, and what they did towards it, was in so tender Touches, as _ew but Mr. Philipse himself could gather much from them; and that because, they thought the Deeds themselves, made all clear enough, without dipping into these things; and so the matter should have remained upon that footing only, if so many vile, false and scandalous Reports. Reproaches and Clamours, had not since the Decree, been invented and spread thro this Province, of this Cause, and of the Complainants, and of most who have dared to do their duty in it, (by whose means the Complainants say not, but leave the Reader to guess) that more than sufficiently, give these Complainants cause, to keep the Truth no longer hid.

But to proceed,—5—The Complainants shall agree, that Mr. Philipse now began a little nearer to square his Actions and Words, with what he Swears, always was his Meaning of the NECKS. And in order to that, it being, by the 3 d Clause of the Articles of Agreement, in the most Express words agreed, That in case the Parties cannot by themselves agree How the LINE OF DIVISION between the TWO NECKS shall Run TO ITS EXTENT (as Mr. Philipse has made it) into the Woods, Then they have agreed, to leave the Determination thereof to six Indifferent Persons. The first Step that’s taken, is to break th […]​ _hat Solemn, Plain and Express Agreement: That this his Declining to enter into Bo _ds, was a breaking thro’ it, is plain; for when People agree to leave a Thing to the Determination of others, it certainly must be thereby also tacitly agreed, to do every thing that may be necessary to impower these to Determine, and to compel the Performance of what’s determined; and the denying to do these things, (as here to enter into Bonds) is a denying to comply with the Agreement, or in plain terms breaking thro’ it.—6—The Sequel shows, how much of verity there was in this; if he thought that Power from Mr Courtland, and his verbal assent, impowered the Arbitrators, why would not he also give his Bond; Its said AN HONEST MAN, will never Scruple his Bond where he gives his Word; for AN HONEST MAN, values his Word as much as his Bond, and should think it a Dishonour to him, for any one to think it of less force; but it seems Mr. PHILIPSE here, did not put an equal Value on them.—7—The next step Mr. Philipse took, to square his Actions and his Words, with what he Swears always was his meaning; was, that the Defendant Philipse then observed, that the TWENTY MILES INTO THE WOODS, was A SEPARATE GRANT, and that the NECK, cannot go further than the Water makes it so. How much truth was in this Observation, and whether this was not the first time, he had ever opened his RESERVE, by telling the Complainants so; the Reader is referred to the Patent, Deeds and Decree it self, which fully discuss that matter; and to the 6 th Observation on the 3 d Charge, to judge by. And how Just, Equitable and Conscionable, his pretension by Edward Richbell’s Release is, the Reader is referred, to the first Charge and Observations thereon, to judge by.—8—Mr. Philipses denying, that this was the first time, that he had Expressed his Sentiments about the Boundaries; must appear very Evasive and Ambigu _us; when its considered, that a Man may have different [Page 48]Sentiments at different Times, and declaring any of th _se, comes up to all this: and this may as well mean, that he had before declared his Sentiments, that the Boundaries of the GREAT NECK, went to the Extent of the Patent, as that they did not; but when its considered, that Mr. Philipse, for near a years time, viz. From the Executing of the Articles to this time, had different Sentiments, even at the same times, viz. a Set of EXPRESSED SENTIMENTS by his Words and Actions that A LINE was to be run between the GREAT NECK and WEST NECK, as appears from the 12 Instances before, and a Set of RESERVED SENTIMENTS, that NO LINE was to be run at all, seeing _e Swears, he always understood the NECKS to reach no further than the Wat […]​, and of Consequence, not capable of being divided by A LINE. Now his Expressed Sentiments, its agreed, this was not the first time he declared them, but as to the others, he can hardly show a probability, to induce any Man to believe he did declare them to the Complainants before; seeing, his Expressed Sentiments, were so Diametrically opposite thereto. The next Paragraph, viz. And affirms, that he had long before, and at several times, told some of the Complainants, they had a Right to no more than the Middle Neck only; as has been set forth before. When its considered, will appear equally Ambiguous with the last; for, as to what’s before the words, as has been set forth before, its agreed he might tell them so, and the Complainants never pretended to any more than the Middle Neck; but they always understood the Middle Neck, to extend further than what he says he understood it, so that that was just nothing. Then does the words, as has been set forth before determine his meaning here, to be theirs or his? No, for the Complainants set forth before, that the Middle or Great Neck, does extend to the Extent of the Patent, and he otherwise, and which of these is meant, is left Ambiguous. The next Paragraph is, The alteration of the Articles, was declared at first sight thereof. The Complainants need not dispute that, seeing, as before, they were not with him at the first sight thereof, as appears by the 2 d and 6 th Articles, and latter part of the first Article of the 3 d Charge, and the Observations thereon; and of Consequence, that declaration was not to them. The next Paragraph is, And at the time of making the alteration, not objected against by them, as is set forth before. That the alteration was objected to, the Complainants conceive plain, from what appears under the 6 th Article of the 4 th Charge, and Observations thereon. But why did not Mr. Philipse once mention to the Arbitrators, this (so much insisted on) Argument, that he objected to the words TWENTY MILES before hand; it seems very strange, that what he now conceives, so weighty an Argument, should have been intirely forgot by him, and not one word of it thought of, at least Expressed, during all this Arbitration, the Complainants may well say so, seeing thro’ all his Answer he does not say he did; but to make up for it, he here introduces in his Answer, concerning the Transactions before the Arbitrators, a repetition of the old Story, in order probably to induce these who read it unwarily, to think that it was a matter insisted on or mentioned before the Arbitrators: but whoever will but read it, with the least Attention, may easily see, its not pretended to be a matter mentioned to the Arbitrators; tho’ sl _ly so introduced, as to make it seem as if it had. And as its Evident from hence, that this mighty new pretence, of having objected to the TWENTY MILES beforehand, and of having told the Complainants thereof, was not so much as once thought on, or mentioned before the Arbitrators, the Reader is left to judge, whether that gives not a great deal of Ground, to Suspect that to be AN AFTER THOUGHT, as is before hinted, under Charge 3 d, No. 2 and 6; for, had [Page 49]such a thing ever been, its hardly reasonable to be supposed, it would have been then forgot; seeing that time, was within a year of the Transaction. And to suspect that Mr. Philipse finding his GRAND ARGUMENT before the Arbitrators (in the next Article) Defeated, by making it so obvious to his memory, that the Facts then asserted by him were untrue: there was a necessity of thinking, or dreaming of some colour or other, to make an excuse, for that flagrant act, of striking out the word […]​ TWENTY MILES, after the Consideration for the Agreement had been accepted of; and that without Consent of the Parties, as before in the 3 d Charge fully has appeared. And when the several places in the Answer, where this Exception or Objection is _epeated;  are carefully consider’d together, these Suspicions will be not a little encreased. Truth is always the same, but the Contrary varies. But these Suspicions, will be much more encreased, when he means that Mr. Philipse is capable of taking, for to gain his Ends (as in the 2 d Charge) are considered, with his Swearing concerning his Opinion of the Necks, (as in the beginning of the Observations on the 4 th Charge) and concerning the power of Attorney (as in the Observations on the Answer in general.)

And now We come to the GRAND ARGUMENT insisted on before the Arbitrators, —9— which the Reader is desired to turn back to, and carefully to peruse. The GRAND ARGUMENT it may be called, for had it been true, there would have been a great deal of weight in it. As for the other ARGUMENT, That the NECKS are to the Markt Trees, and what’s above them is a seperate Grant, it may well be called the LITTLE ARGUMENT, in respect of the Other; in so far, as any Man of very moderate Capacity, by looking over Lovelace’s Patent (above, Printed in fol. 1 and 2, of the Decree) cannot be long in Determining, that the Facts of that Argument are Untrue; For its plain, there’s not Two Grants, but One Grant, Not Two Tracts, but One Tract, granted thereby. But this Argument appearing so fully Refuted in the Decree, there’s no need here of further showing the Weakness and Littleness of it. But Unluckily the GRAND ARGUMENT falls to the Ground!

(18c: 1720s; 1727, N02480 / 2. APPENDIX To the.12–12,19¶)