Draft:Happiness Letter

The "Happiness Letter" is the name commonly given to an 1842 letter delivered to 19-year-old Nancy Rigdon, an early member of the Latter-day Saint Movement. It was delivered by Willard Richards, who was serving as personal secretary to Joseph Smith at the time.

The letter has been attributed to Joseph Smith by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been quoted by numerous leaders of the Church, including in General Conference.

The letter has been the subject of controversy among Latter-day Saints, because it was delivered shortly after Nancy rejected Joseph Smith's proposal of polygamous marriage, and contains statements that appear to be emotional manipulation.

Controversy
Joseph Smith secretly proposed to 19-year-old Nancy Rigdon (daughter of church leader Sidney Rigdon) in April 1842. Joseph was 36-years-old at the time. Nancy refused and in response, Joseph sent her this letter. Willard Richards delivered the letter with instructions to burn the letter immediately after reading it.

The Mormon Discussions Podcast described this letter as an example of "Joseph Smith’s manipulation of vulnerable women in order to pressure them into a polygamous relationships."

In an episode of the Mormon Stories Podcast, psychologist Dr. John Dehlin points out how the letter alternates between promises for complying with polygamy and threats for refusing, following a clear pattern of emotional manipulation.

Authorship Debate
Scholars and commentators have debated the authorship of the letter. However, no plausible candidate has been suggested other than Joseph Smith.

The Joseph Smith Papers has featured the letter as an appendix, citing that Joseph Smith's authorship is uncertain.

Leaders of both The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and The Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship have affirmed their belief that it was written by Joseph Smith. General Authorities of the LDS Church have quoted the letter repeatedly, attributing it to Joseph Smith both in General Conference and official church publications.