From Lucy Mack Smith's memories:

During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some
of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe
the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of
traveling, and the animals upon which they rode, their cities, their
buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their
religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if
he had spent his whole life with them.

I've read that some apologists say "we can't be sure that his mother said this took place before the BoM." Seriously now, she would use the word "amusing" if she already knew Jesus and the Big G had hired Joseph to be the guy to return christianity to the way it was Back In The Day and save the entire human race?
However, I am somewhat disappointed that she doesn't remember by name "the animals upon which they rode"--tapirs anyone?

I once read that Smith told these stories before he claimed visitations, etc. I have since not been able to find that reference.

Brigham Young was upset because Pratt had Lucy's memories published and not checked with him first. After much editing it was republished. There was another thing that caught my interest, when she described her husband's two visions. They sounded almost identical to 2nd a 3rd Nephi,including before his 'vision' where 'utter darkness' surrounded him, than a bright lightand a 'guide' spoke to him, wanting to show him things, just like one of Smith Jr's suppoedly encounters with Moroni (which by the way was Nephi according to Lucy.a
I posted it way back. I couldn't believe my eyes and even had a uber TBM shut of for aminute, not being able to explain the obvious. Sorry, but the whole family was nuts.

Good stuff Thanks for the link!

This edition includes the 'scratched out' entries:

http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/Lucy/textual%20history.htm

Thanks for the sweet link!!

the first edition collected and burned. Lucy said Joe told her the angels name was Nephi and not Moroni. That presented a problem.

And what the church has in the vaults they wish they could burn--you know, really embarrassing stuff they would want you to think ARE Mark Hofmann forgeries....

My explanation for this as a TBM was that Joseph was a prophet, of course he would have visions before he had his grand vision of god. But the point remains - it's misleading not to tell members upfront when this is a major detail in the story.