Item Detail
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27343
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1
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0
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English
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"A Very Particular Friend"
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Approaching Antiquity : Joseph Smith and the Ancient World
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Provo, UT
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Religious Studies Center, BYU
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23-60
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Some time ago I published a pair of articles on Martin Harris's February 1828 journey to Columbia College and his visit with those whom I called "the Three Wise Men of the East"—Charles Anthon, Samuel L. Mitchill, and Luther Bradish—all in connection with the so-called "Anthon Transcript." The purpose of this paper is to expand upon those earlier findings and add new insights into the origins and purpose of Harris's trip to Albany and New York City. Furthermore, while I will elaborate somewhat upon our understanding of Anthon and Mitchill, my primary intention is to focus on the on "wise man" Harris knew best—Luther Bradish, Esq. I intend to offer additional reasons why this well-known adopted son of Palmyra who had already earned an international reputation for diplomacy was best situated to understand and assist Harris in his attempt to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon. I will conclude by offering a new hypothesis, a tantalizing theory which may invite comment and encourage further research.