Source:The True Latter Day Saints’ Herald:15 November 1879:a 'Seer Stone,' which was placed in the crown of a hat, into which Joseph put his face, so as to exclude the external light

The True Latter Day Saints’ Herald (1879): "a 'Seer Stone,' which was placed in the crown of a hat, into which Joseph put his face, so as to exclude the external light"

The True Latter Day Saints’ Herald (1879): "a 'Seer Stone,' which was placed in the crown of a hat, into which Joseph put his face, so as to exclude the external light"

The True Latter Day Saints’ Herald, 15 November 1879:

With the sanction of David Whitmer, and by his authority, I now state that he does not say that Joseph Smith ever translated in his presence by aid of Urim and Thummim; but by means of one dark colored, opaque stone, called a “Seer Stone,” which was placed in the crown of a hat, into which Joseph put his face, so as to exclude the external light. Then, a spiritual light would shine forth, and parchment would appear before Joseph, upon which was a line of characters from the plates, and under it, the translation in English; at least, so Joseph said.