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In the D&C we have Joseph Smith writing Emma from jail. Why didn't' he write to his other wives? I asked this on another "LDS Forum" and was kicked off as well as getting some really nice and vicious emails. Not to mention those who posted that Joseph didn't really have other wives, and especially not Orson Hydes wife after sending Orson to Palestine on a mission. But, why didn't Joseph write all the women he was married to? The only letter I can find is one he instructed the girl to burn or destroy, one asking the young babe to visit him..., but only if Emma was not around to find out. Sure is a big difference from 'marrying virgins' and 'only with the first wifes permission' to slinking around and hiding it from his first wife.

Didn't Joseph really care about the other women? Did he not think them worth writing? Did he write and all the letters are hidden or under lock and key now?

If I were jailed and had more than one wife I would make sure to write each of them to let them know I cared and they were worth everything to me. Wonder why Joseph didn't do this?

As you'll no doubt remember, Richard Bushman addresses this very issue in Rough Stone Rolling. I found his discussion thought-provoking.

Daniel,

I am not in a position to get the book anytime soon. Can you post a short synopsis to help enlighten me?

The only letter I can find is one he instructed the girl to burn or destroy, one asking the young babe to visit him..., but only if Emma was not around to find out.

I agree it's an odd letter, but you should also be clear that he invited the young babe's older parents along as well.

I'm not sure what it means, but it seems to be an oft-forgotten bit of trivia regarding that particular letter.