This is another example of the Lamanites being direct relatives of the Natives Americans in the United States. Sure those original Lamanites may have migrated further west of the Mississippi and into Canada and Mexico, but the Lamanites originated in Florida and East of the Mississippi. As a matter of fact, the historical Hopewell Culture began in Florida in 600 BC and ended in New York in 400 AD which shows a great plausibility that the Nephites were actually the Hopewell Culture.
John Lefgren said, “The West Grove in Nauvoo, located just downhill from the Nauvoo Temple, and a place where you and your team are recreating the 1840s outdoor meeting space where Saints gathered to worship. This site honors the original trees used by early members of the Church, including the meeting of Joseph Smith and Chief Keokuk in August 1843 and the famous April 1844 King Follett Sermon. I really believe that this place underscores important events in the history of the Church.
Keokuk’s Reception – Chief Keokuk, who was based in Iowa near present-day Montrose, was known as a polished orator and leader. He and his party were visiting with the intention of hearing the “good talk” from the Mormon leader.
Dialogue between Joseph and Keokuk
In August 1841, Chief Keokuk, leader of the Sac and Fox tribes, visited Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, accompanied by approximately one hundred chiefs, braves, and their families. (thechurchnews.com) Upon arrival, Keokuk did not recognize Joseph Smith among the welcoming party and refused to disembark until the Prophet personally greeted him. (gutenberg.org)During their meeting in the grove, Joseph Smith addressed the Native American visitors, sharing revelations about their ancestors and the promises made to them in the Book of Mormon. (thechurchnews.com) In response, Chief Keokuk acknowledged the Book of Mormon, stating, “I have a Book of Mormon at my wigwam that you gave me a number of moons ago. I believe you are a great and good man. Keokuk looks rough, but I am a son of the Great Spirit. I have heard your advice. We intend to quit fighting, and follow the good talk you have given us.” (gutenberg.org) This exchange highlights the respectful dialogue between Joseph Smith and Chief Keokuk, emphasizing themes of peace and mutual understanding.
www.thechurchnews.com
Nauvoo Moment: ‘The good talk’ – Church News
www.gutenberg.org
The Project Gutenberg E-text of The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo, by B. H. Roberts
Chief Keokuk and Joseph Smith – Live Report from Nauvoo #1
Dr Lefgren sent me another email on May 16, 2026 below;
Commercial Advertiser and Journal
Buffalo, New York – Thursday, September 16, 1841
INTERVIEW BETWEEN TWO DISTINGUISHED MGS. — The Warsaw Signal of Wednesday, 25th alt., has the following account of an interview between Keokuk, Chief of the Sacs and Foxes, and Jo. Smith, Prophet and head man of the tribe of Mormons.
We understand that one day last week, they had quite a pageant at Nauvoo. The Indian Chief Keokuk, with about fifty of his followers – warriors, squaws and papooses – took occasion to pay a special visit to their brother, the Revelator and prophet, to smoke the pipe of peace with him in his wik ke up and discourse of the wonders of the New Jerusalem.
The distinguished strangers were received with marked attention. The Nauvoo Legion, every ready to honor the great ones of the earth who come to pay homage the Prophet – escorted them from the landing to the temple, where the August presence of the Twelve Apostles and the twelve oxen, the mighty Chiefs held social converse, for the space of half an hour.
They both dressed in uniform – the prophet in the splendid and brilliant uniform of the Nauvoo Legion, which he commands – and the Chieftains in the less dazzling habiliments of the wilderness – a dirty blanket and a pair of moccasins.
The prophet made a great speech to the warrior in the presence of the assembled multitude which he depict in glowing colors and enthusiastic strain the wonders of the Great Temple, the mysteries of the Book of Mormon, the glorious they will have together, in these latter days, in the later day city which they are going to inherit.
All this was perfectly unintelligible to the sage chieftain, who, meanwhile, looked unutterable things. He replied in a very effective speech of twenty minutes, which brought tears to the eyes of a number of gallant soldiers of the Legion, the squaws and papooses in attendance. He said he was surprised at the mighty things which had been accomplished by his brother on this side of the river. As to the New Jerusalem, in which they were all going to emigrate, so far as he was concerned, it depended very much whether there would be government annuities – and as for the “milk and honey,” which was to flow over the land, he was not particular – but should prefer whiskey.”
Buffalo Post
Commercial Advertiser and Journal
Buffalo, New York – Thursday, September 16, 1841