Skip to main content

Collection of suspected forgeries

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 8048

Scope and Contents

A small collection of copies of items found in Special Collections that are suspected to be forgeries. Includes two possible Hoffman forgeries: an 1829 letter from Lucy Mack Smith to her sister-in-law Mary Pierce, and an 1831 letter from John Webster that mentions Joseph Smith. Also includes two copies of "Reminiscences of Mary Bailey Smith," wife of Samuel H. Smith and Joseph Smith, Jr. letter to Amos Peterson, 1842. Each photocopy include additional correspondence, notes, and documentation related to the allegations of their forgeries, dated 1976 to 2012.

Dates

  • Creation: 1976-2012

Conditions Governing Access

Restricted until 2050. Permission to use materials must obtained from Special Collections reference services at specialcollections.byu.edu.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Please direct any questions to Reference Services at specialcollections@byu.edu.

Extent

5 folders (0.05 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

Mary Bailey Smith reminiscences donated in 1976, originally part of MSS SC 870. John Webster letter (originally MSS SC 2278) and Lucy Mack Smith letters donated by Brent Ashworth in 1985. Joseph Smith, Jr. letter was originally MSS 1332.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Brent Ashworth; 1985.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; 1976.

Appraisal

LDS and Utah and the American West cultural, social, and religious history (19th Century Mormon and Western Manuscripts collection development policy IV.a.i.1 and 4, November 2013).

Processing Information

Processed; Blaise Myers; 2021.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Register of Collection of suspected forgeries
Subtitle
Collection of suspected forgeries
Status
Completed
Author
Blaise Myers
Date
2021 June 25
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script

Physical Storage Information

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

http://sc.lib.byu.edu/
Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.