I know this post is old, but I found your Mormon information on Joseph Smith's treasure hunting to be very interesting. I was studying for my Master Degree comps. and found this book written by a guy that did his Doctorial Dissertation on "The Origins of the American Indians" (this is close to the title). It was a strange place to read about the beginning history of the the Mormon Leader. This guy researched old court records. He wrote where the future Mormon Leader was being sued by several old farmer types for taking advantage of them I.E. one old couple gave Joseph money cause he came to their door one day and said "God told me to come talk to you about gold burried on your property. He wants me to find it for you." If the people paid him money he would have two assistants dig in old indian mounts located on their property, (I think it was New York). He would claim the Devil was holding on to the treasure and wouldn't let go. The book eluded to the fact that Joseph made his money this way. But a few of the people had him arrested. I think he was almost convicted two or three times. One judge said "I don't ever want to see you in my court again". If he would have put him in prison there may have been no Mormon Church today... Anyway, like you, I find this kind of reading very interesting. The court records on this (according to the author) still exists. So this history can't be rewritten, or modified by anyone. I told a good Mormon friend of mine about this book, and he said this was untrue. I personally don't know how true this is, but after 10 years you are the first person to mention Mr. Smith's treasure hunting adventures. Thanks, DanCad