D&C 9

In a previous revelation, Oliver Cowdery is told by the Lord -

"Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 8:11)

When I read that, for some reason I felt that Oliver at some point would be given the charge to translate some "ancient records" but did not feel it meant the gold plates of the Book of Mormon.

It's apparent that Oliver attempted to translate from the gold plates but failed.  I think Joseph Smith was also disappointed.  But when things go, not as you may think it should, some tend to fall away.  But I note what the Lord counseled Oliver -

"Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper.  Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.
14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 9:13 - 14)

The counsel is...continue to do what you are asked to do in faithfulness and great blessings will be yours.  I wonder if Oliver had remained totally faithful that at some point he may have translated some ancient record.