Henrietta Mertz used a Confucian saying as part of title to her book “Pale Ink”, quoting,

“Pale Ink is better than the most retentive memory.”

I have in my possession some “pale ink”. I was reminded of it by Vivian Adams in her presentation on Hyrum Smith on 15 November 2010, it reads:

Dear M.J.

I am under the impression that this is the anniversary of your birthday.
The silk of which this cushion is a piece of the first
Relief Society Banner, presented to me by Sister E.R. Snow.
Accept love and best wishes
14 June 1896
S.M. Kimball

The “Pale Ink” note was with a pin cushion in which pins were used to write:

M.J.T.
With
Love

I have attached photos.

Does anyone know more about these items?

Is MJT, Mary Jane Thompson?

What was the relationship of S. M. Kimball to MJT and/or E. R. Snow?

What was the “first Relief Society Banner” made and for what purpose?

Richard N. Cannon
12870 Timpview Drive, Riverton, UT 84065
801-919-5794
ellarcannon@gmail.com