Joseph F. Smith, Letterbooks, 1875

File — Box: 5, Folder: 20

Identifier: I

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

JFS, letter to John D. T. McAllister, 23 August 1875: "From my childhood-for twenty years and upwards I chewed the filthy weed [tobacco]. I never saw the moment during the whole time that I was not inwardly ashamed of it. Insomuch I endeavored to keep it to myself, using great caution. One day I went into the Pres. [Brigham Young]'s office. He whispered to me, I was obliged to whisper back. He smelt my breath, and started in surprise, 'Do you chew tobacco?' I could have shrunk out of existence, or annihilated myself from very shame, and he saw I was ashamed of myself, and pitying me said, 'Keep it to yourself!' When I went out I was resolved that I who so hated hypocrisy--now thoroughly hating myself--would conquer my appetite for tobacco or know the reason why. I tried with it in my pocket, but it was no use. My hand would involuntarily find and put it in my mouth...."

Dates

1875

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.