James J. Strang, dated Nauvoo, Ill. June 18, 1844 (exhibit D). None of the three appear to match, consistent with Smith's use of scribes for official letters. If Emma Smith's recollections on the writing of the letter were accurate, Joseph, Hyrum, Willard Richards and John P. Greene were present and any of them could have written the letter and signed it. The above analysis would cast doubt on Richards as a handwriting match, however, Exhibit C (indicated as scribed by Richards) was written in long hand, while Exhibit D was written in print. Further authentication would require examples of printed hand writing samples from Hyrum Smith, John P. Green and Willard Richards. The "letter of appointment" is still accepted and defended by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite). See also Book of the Law of the Lord Footnotes References History of the Latter Day Saint movement Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) 1844 documents Letters (message) 1844 in Christianity Joseph Smith Mormonism-related controversies June 1844 events