140 ABSTRACT OF CORESPONDENCE. We have been kindly favored with the perusal of two letters written from the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, from which we make the following extracts. The letters are quite lengthy, and contain many personal details that are very interesting to the acquaintances and friends of the writers and their families; but we have omitted them, and selected such portions as will prove of interest to the general reader. Elder Joseph Silver, who sailed from England in the spring of 1861, writes, under date of January 1st, 1863, from City Bountiful, Davis County, Utah Territory, to Elder W. M'Lachlan, Braintee, Essex. He says: "You have probably heard of some things that we had to pass through on the Plains: a rehearsal of them would do you no good, I think. I will, therefore, only say that sister Silver was almost killed by a wagon running over her, which contained about 20 cwt. I was not on the spot at the time, as I was driving a team a short distance behind. However, I am happy to say that she survived all her injuries, and is now living in this city, situate about ten miles north of Great Salt Lake City, and is in excellent spirits, having no desire whatever to return to the land that gave her birth, choosing rather to suffer with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of Old England. Having to remain at a mail station, in consequence of this accident, through the winter, early in the spring I bought a yoke of cattle and wagon with the earnings of four months, and started quite alone for the City of the Saints, and that, too, through an Indian country at a time when the red men were hostile to the whites. [An undertaking of great risk and very unadvisable under ordinary circumstances.-Ed. M. S.] "Ere we left the Mail Station we received a very consoling letter from President B. Young, to which I replied. While we were at the Station, and also on our journey, we formed the acquaintance of quite a number of the Red Men-Sioux Indians and Indians of other tribes, who were all very friendly to us. Many of them will probably know me in after years. I believe that the descendants of Joseph (the Red Indians) would not be one-half so destructive in their feelings towards the Americans if they (the Americans) and other white men had treated them properly; but, instead of this, they have been wronged and doubly wrouged: their women have been seduced, abused and insulted over and over again. The " mail boys" and others employed by the Mail Company on the eastern route, called "Bull Whackers," have done them much wrong, for which they will have to give an account, or I am mistaken. However, both the whites and the Indians we will leave in the hands of him who judgeth righteously. It We "I have said before .hat we started alone, and I might here add that we travelled alone and camped alone for about 300 miles, the mail stations and branches, with two or three exceptions, having been vacated. Some might think that there was no occasion for us travelling as we did; but if they knew all, perhaps they would no longer think so. was reported at the time we started that Indians were fighting and stealing before and behind us, and, although we applied at Fort Laramie for protection, we could get none, so that our only alternative was to go on, trusting in our God, who had heretofore cared for us. After travelling up hill and down, over rough and smooth roads, through mud, over rivers, through creeks and kanyons, for about 530 miles, we found ourselves in the possession of health in Great Salt Lake City. Brother William, when I was travelling in England I felt sure of the truth of "Mormonism;" but now I feel doubly sure. remained in the city (G. S. L.) about four weeks, during which time I saw and conversed with President Brigham Young, and heard him preach several times. You have heard many of the Elders speak in praise of him. The opinion that I have formed of him is this:-That he is a good-looking man-to me he looks twenty years younger than he really is; that he is a good preacher-every word he utters seems full of sound sense; that he is a very kind man, and is in every way adapted for the position he occupies. We moved to Farmington, the capital of Davis County, sixteen miles north of the city, and stayed there a short time (a few weeks), and then came down to this place. We are now renting a small house and an acre lot, at $2 per month for twelve months. When or in what part of the State of Deseret we shall permanently settle I do not know, neither does it matter, so long as we are in the right place. In regard to this country, it is just the country for you and all such men-I mean all who wish to worship God unmolested. Such, I think, is the case with you and hundreds of others of my friends. I will admit, however, that, as everything almost is strange to new-comers, such find it rather hard to get along the first winter; but when they once get a start, they generally go a-head, and very many in a comparatively short time make themselves rich, possessing houses, lands, children, flocks, herds, &c. People coming here and looking upon the lands would SUMMARY OF NEWS. plish this object both at home and| 143 I am very happy, indeed, at learning from President Smith that I am permitted to return to Zion. Although the work has prospered here, still the time of my absence from home has been to me as a period of exile. The master-spirits of this generation and the most nobleminded men and women are found in the stronghold of Zion, but the world do not yet know it. The society of the leading personages of the empires and kingdoms of the earth, the greatest favors they could bestow, and the hopes and pleasures of this world, are as nothing when compared with the privilege of associating with the chosen of God, having communion with his Spirit and enjoying the gifts of the holy Gospel. This is the feeling of every honest soul whose eyes have been open to see and their ears to hear," &c. I try in my weakness to appreciate the goodness and wisdom of God in leading this people and blessing them so abundantly, knowing that those exalted gifts only belong to those who value them with their whole souls and strive to accomplish good upon the earth. 66 I must conclude, fervently praying and desiring that the work may prosper every where under your direction. Yours as ever, A. CHRISTENSEN. P.S.-Very cheering news has just arrived from the eastern part of this Conference. Many have joined the Church, and a good channel is about to be opened to effect the emigration of some poor Saints this spring. A. C. POLAND.-The Patrie of Feb. 18th, says that the insurrection is spreading throughout all parts of the kingdom of Poland. The military commanders of the provinces of Lithuania and Volhynia have refused to send reinforcements demanded from them by the authorities in Poland, as they consider it impolitic to diminish the number of troops, seeing that they may have soon to defend their own provinces. PRUSSIA. A new "Holy Alliance" has been entered into between Russia and Prussia. Its nature will be best understood from the following, which embodies the substance of it :-Should the Polish revolutionary bands be driven across the Prussian frontier, the Russian troops shall be at liberty to pursue them on the demand of the St. Petersburgh Government. Prussian troops will act either separately or in conjunction with the Russian forces against the insurgents. enjoyed a goodly portion of the good Spirit, giving appropriate counsels, &c. We had two good meetings on Sunday at Bradford, a great many strangers being present in the evening. On Monday visited Clayton Branch, and had a very good meeting, and, although it was very windy and wet, some came several miles to attend. Tuesday, returned to Leeds. Attended meeting on Wednesday night, and had a very good time indeed. After the meeting, three persons were baptized who had been straying from the fold for some time, all having once been in the Church. On Thursday I took train for Goole, where I was met by brother Parley, and we held an evening meeting. There being only a small Branch at this place, and the greater part of the men-folks being sailors and seldom at home, we had, on this occasion, but few in attendance, but we nevertheless enjoyed ourselves well. On the following day we went by packet to Hull, where we spent the remainder of the week visiting from house to house among the Saints, encouraging and counselling them as circumstances required. We had two good meetings on Sunday, and on Monday evening we enjoyed very much a social gathering at the Garrison, and a good meeting in our own nice little room in Blanket-row on Wednesday evening. The following day, in company with brother Parley, I came to Crowle, where we held meeting, and truly I enjoyed myself much. Quite a number of friends were present, who seemed very pleased. On Friday I returned to Sheffield, and found all well. Since then I have baptized ten persons in this Branch, and a good healthy feeling exists. My trip through the District was fraught with much enjoyment and pleasure in meeting familiar faces, all radiant with such charms as nothing but the Gospel can give. Emigration is the theme everywhere largely dwelt on by the Saints, some animated with the prospect of soon gathering to our mountain hive, others earnestly and steadily praying and laboring that they may soon follow. I have great pleasure and satisfaction in being able to report the condition of the District favorable, so far as I have been able to judge by a hasty visit through the Conferences. Dear Brother,-After a period of silence I again undertake to transmit a few items for your consideration. We have been greatly blessed in our labors since your visit here, which has left a chain of pleasant memories in our social circles. I very often hear joyful expressions about that time from the people. True, we have never seen a better time here. The Spirit rested upon the people in every meeting like a celestial fire, and to a greater extent than I have ever witnessed before in this land. The Saints in my District are doing well in general. They are a worthy people, and rejoice in the blessings bestowed upon them by the Gospel from time to time. They are increasing in light and intelligence, and do not shrink from their duties. I fancy here is a representation of a branch or department of the great body that constitutes Zion, the kingdom of our God; and a little change in our geographical position would cause a development to a higher condition of perfection. Hence, the spirit of emigration is very prevalent here. We are not blind, in this remote corner of the earth, to discover the signs of the times and the calamities that will ere long produce a despairing condition among men. For my part, I judge that it is one of the greatest trials the servants of God have to endure, that, in spite of all the exertions made on their part and on the part of the Saints, many worthy Saints must remain ungathered year after year; and still, when I consider what great things have been done already, I feel thankful to the Lord, and see plainly that united efforts, faith and prayers, connected with energy and good works, have not been disregarded by the God of Israel, for wonders have been wrought already in a short space of time. I am glad the time is drawing very near when the Lord will surely deliver his worthy Saints from Babylon. President Young and his associates do not cease to labor untiringly to accom SUMMARY OF NEWS. plish this object both at home and abroad. About 160 persons will be able to go from this District next spring. Baptisms have been more frequent lately than they were some time back. The increase was nearly 400 souls during the past year. The Travelling Ministry are very energetic, and their testimony is not like a dead letter in its effect. They are kindly entertained in a great many places by the people. The seeds of the Gospel have taken deep root among the people and will eventually yield rich fruits. It has carried with it a conquering spiritual influence, and I sometimes fancy that if it should please the Lord to let the people change their social and political affairs a little, it would almost cause half a nation to be born in a short time, if not in a day. Priestcraft and popular bigotry cannot always exercise their effects upon this people: the day has past for that. In some places the pastors warn their people, and even forbid them investigating the truth, but the policy is bad: it only raises an inquiring spirit in the people, and they are bound to hear and investigate for themselves. The Priest in Nörre Sunbye (a small city adjoining to Aalborg) succeeded in persuading his people not to open their houses for Mormon" preaching, and the police helped him, but we hired a hall in the town, the owner of which lives here in Aalborg, and he expressed himself in favor of having his house occupied as a chapel. We are now holding meetings there, baptizing and commanding a good influence among the people, who like us very well. 143 I am very happy, indeed, at learning from President Smith that I am permitted to return to Zion. Although the work has prospered here, still the time of my absence from home has been to me as a period of exile. The master-spirits of this generation and the most nobleminded men and women are found in the stronghold of Zion, but the world do not yet know it. The society of the leading personages of the empires and kingdoms of the earth, the greatest favors they could bestow, and the hopes and pleasures of this world, are as nothing when compared with the privilege of associating with the chosen of God, having communion with his Spirit and enjoying the gifts of the holy Gospel. This is the feeling of every 66 honest soul whose I must conclude, fervently praying and desiring that the work may prosper everywhere under your direction. Yours as ever, A. CHRISTENSEN. P.S.-Very cheering news has just arrived from the eastern part of this Conference. Many have joined the Church, and a good channel is about to be opened to effect the emigration of some poor Saints this spring. A. C. POLAND.-The Patrie of Feb. 18th, says that the insurrection is spreading throughout all parts of the kingdom of Poland. The military commanders of the provinces of Lithuania and Volhynia have refused to send reinforcements demanded from them by the authorities in Poland, as they consider it impolitic to diminish the number of troops, seeing that they may have soon to defend their own provinces. PRUSSIA. A new "Holy Alliance" has been entered into between Russia and Prussia. Its nature will be best understood from the following, which embodies the substance of it:-Should the Polish revolutionary bands be driven across the Prussian frontier, the Russian troops shall be at liberty to pursue them on the demand of the St. Petersburgh Government. Prussian troops will act either separately or in conjunction with the Russian forces against the insurgents. The difficulties between the Prussian monarch and his Parliament remain as complex as ever. AMERICA.-The House of Representatives has passed the bill to arm the negroes by a vote of 83 to 54. The Confederates have made an effort to prove the seriousness of their intention to oppose the Federals at sea. On the morning of the 31st ult. two Confederate iron-clad gunboats, accompanied by three steamers, went out from Charleston and attacked the blockading squadron. They sunk two Federal gun-boats, disabled a steamer and also set four other vessels on fire. On returning the commander officially reported the blockade raised, which has given rise to various speculations as to the course the naval powers of Europe will take. The Alabama has fought and sunk the Federal gun-boat Hatteras, and another Confederate ship of war, the Harriet Lane, has been doing damage among the merchant shipping of the North. General Burnside has resigned, and General Hooker has assumed command in his stead. A rough sea-captain, in a storm, who, when the terrified passengers persuaded him to petition to heaven for a cessation of the tempest, preferred the following brief request :O, Lord, I haven't been in the habit of calling upon you often; and if you'll shift the wind from sou'-west to a little more sou', I won't trouble you again!" An Irishnan, who had lain sick a long time, was one day met by the parish priest, when the following conversation took place:-"Well, Patrick, I am glad you have recovered; but were you not afraid to meet your God ?” "Och! no, your riverence! it was the meetin' of tother chap I was afeared uv!" replied Pat. DIED: On Thursday, February 5th, of cerebral effusion and paralysis, after a short illness, Elder Richard Hopkins, late President of the Rhumney Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaving a wife and two daughters to lament his loss. He was baptized into the Church Oct. 28th, 1850, since which time he has remained steadfast in the truth, laboring with unfaltering confidence and zeal in the Ministry of the Gospel. Hu departed this life in fall assurance of coming forth clothed with immortality in the resurrection of the just. EDITED, PRINTED, AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE Q. CANNON, 42, ISLINGTON. LONDON: FOR SALE AT THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS' BOOK DEPOT, 20, FLORENCE STREET, ISLINGTON; AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. |