Here the 1837 edition removed the definite article the from the phrase “in the which”. This change may have been the result of conscious editing on the part of Joseph Smith, although he did not mark it in the printer’s manuscript. Most of his editing of the phrase “in the which” occurred when he got to the book of Ether. This archaic phrase will be restored in the critical text wherever it is supported by the earliest textual sources. For a brief discussion, see 1 Nephi 3:2. For a complete analysis, see in the which in volume 3.
Summary: Restore in 2 Nephi 1:4 the definite article the in the archaic phrase “in the which” since this is the reading of the earliest textual sources for this passage.