The theory of the origin of the Book of Mormon in the
traditional manuscript of Solomon Spaulding will
probably have to be relinquished. * * * Mr. Rice,
myself, and others compared it [the Spaulding
manuscript] with the Book of Mormon and could detect
no resemblance between the two, in general or in
detail. There seems to be no name nor incident common
to the two. The solemn style of the Book of Mormon in
imitation of the English scriptures does not appear in
the manuscript. * * * Some other explanation of the
origin of the Book of Mormon must be found if any
explanation is required.

The manuscript was deposited in the library of Oberlin College
where it now reposes. Still, the theory of the "Manuscript
Found," as Spaulding's story has come to be known, is
occasionally pressed into service in the cause of anti-"Mormon"
zeal, by some whom we will charitably believe to be ignorant of
the facts set forth by President Fairchild. A letter of more
recent date, written by that honorable gentleman in reply to an
inquiring correspondent, was published in the _Millennial Star_,
Liverpool, November 3, 1898, and is as follows:

OBERLIN COLLEGE, OHIO,
October 17, 1895.

J. R. HINDLEY, ESQ.,

Dear Sir: We have in our college library an original