Nephi Pratt Journal 1867-1903

A biographical sketch of the Life of Nephi Pratt,

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I Nephi Pratt Son of Parley P. and Belinda M. Pratt, was born Jan 1st 1849 1846 In the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, State of Illanoise

1972 – Now property of Geniveve Dunlop Daughter of Florence Pratt Leaver who is my Mother and daughter of Nephi Pratt & she – Florence – will be 90 yrs old – Dec. 17 – 1972

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1867

At a general conference held in Great Salt Lake City April 8 1867 I was called on a mission to Europe, Soon after which I was married having the privelege of Staying with my wife only about 3 weeks before starting for my feild of Labor. The reason of my marrying before Starting away was: because every arrangement had been made for my marriage before I was called on my mission, and upon stateing to President Young that I had made every arrangement for my marriage and asking his council whether I had better proceed with it or not, he counciled me to proceed with the marriage which I accordingly did. My Wifes name was Lizzie Mary Warren,

Between the time of my being called and starting I had the privelege of meeting at the Historians

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Office with anumber of others who were called at the same time, and receiving much valuble instruction from Presidents Young, Kimball and some of the twelve Apostols. On April the 21^st I received my parting blessing at the Historians Office, under the hands of President D.H. Wells, Elders John Taylor, Willford Woodruff, and George Q Cannon, President Wells being mouth-peice. My blessing was as follows

Brother Nephi Pratt, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the virtue of the Holy Priesthood resting upon us, we lay our hands upon your head, and set you appart to the mission unto which you have been appointed to go forth to the nations of the Earth to preach the gospel of salvation to the children of men.

And we pray God our heaven-

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ly father to Strengthen your heart, and to fill you with the Holy Ghost. That you may speak by its mighty power, that whenever your words reach the people that they may be convinced thereby. We pray God our heavenly father to let his Angels have charge concerning you that they may bear you up over every obstacle, and give you power to surmount every difficulty, and that you may be successful in travleing to and fro whereever you may be appointed by the servants of the Living God.

We say to you Apply your hearts to wisdom, and seek to the Lord your God for Strength, knowledge, and power, be not faint-hearted nor cast down, for through the training you have received, you know sufficiant to lead souls into the Kingdom of our God, Therefore be not dismayed but lift up your

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voice nothing doubting, and go forth and accomplish the mission whereunto you have been appointed., And the Lord will by with you by his Angels to guide you, and to keep you unspoted in his sight, that you may not partake of the evils and the wickedness of the generations in which we live, for it is a wicked and an adultereous generations. in

In as much as you apply your heart unto wisdom and cleave to the Lord, you shall be able to acomplish a good work, and you shall be a faithful servant in the hands of the Living God, all the days of your life. and no person shall have power to take your crown from you, for you shall receive a crown and inheritance in the Kingdom of our God.

Go in peace and return in Safty. perform a good mission in

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bearing a faithful testimony of the Gospel you have received, and in the due time of the Lord return to your home family and friends in the valley’s of the mountains bringing many sheaves with you.

Holy beings shall watch over you. The Lord your God is pleased when his young servants go forth to bear a testimony he has established on the earth in these days; therefore his kindness, and protecting care shall be over you.

You shall have power to rebuke the destroyer, and shall have power to desern the spirits, and to see and know the intentions of the enimies of righteousness and truth.

They shall not have power to accomplish their designs concerning you. And you shall Live Long upon the earth, in as much as you make a faithful procklamation of the principles you have received, and it shall

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the desired effect in converting souls wherever you go. And the honest-in in heart, and the meek and the pure shall rejoice in hearing your voice.

Seek after knowledge and wisdom and read good books, and trust in the Lord, for he is the <a> fountain of wisdom from which you may draw on every ocation needed.

All these blessings we seal upon you, with all your heart desires in righteousness. in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ Amen.

13 of May My Brother Alma hiched up a four mule teem and, And in company with Brothers Willard Richards, Levi W. Richards John S. Lewis and Others drove us out to W Silver creek canon where we caught the <ox> Train of Bro John Sharp, We had made arrangements to Travle accross the plains with this company, and had accor-

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dingly sent on our luggage two days previous, with it. we arrived at this place about 12 or 1 oclock at night, where after taking care of the mules, we went to a haystack near by and made down our beds. I had chosen as a bed fellow Bro. John S. Lewis. my brother Heliman had acompanied us out into emmigration kayyon on the 13 on horse back. also Bro. Richard Morris, They Treated us to some beer at the Brewery in that kanyon, and after eating and drinking together about midday, or soon after, we parted with them and went on our way rejoicing.

I will here say that <the> interval of time elapsing between the time of my being called and the time of my starting on my mission, was spent in digging in my garden and working in various ways for the improvement of my property, which consisted of <a> peice of land four rods in front and twenty back, on the south side of 1^st south Temple Street, just opposite the

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temple block. this peice of Ground contained an orchard of not very choice fruit, and a house stood upon it facing the street to the Northward. This Property I had inherited from my father, my Brothers <and myself> having devided my fathers property in the winter of the year previous and this having fallen to my lot, This Property did not all belong to myself but to my mother’s family, I had two Brothers besides myself Abinadi, and Leahi, on the former 19 and the latter 17 years of age, whome I considered equeal heirs with me. I also had a mother and sister Living, <who> though not being heirs by law, were of course entitled to my suport and protection untill the former should be called to a better world, and the Latter be married to some good man.

But to return to my journey On the morning of the 14 of May we bid adue to Brother Alma who started homeward

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and after partaking of a Breakfast composed of Bread and Bacon we journeyed on with the ox teems, walking or riding as we pleased the teems not being loaded were considered able to pull us if we desired to ride.

Early in the afternoon of this day we encamped on the Weber river about six miles south of the town of Coal Ville. Our camp was composed of 13 missionaries bound for Europe, and about 20 men besides, including the Captain: Brother Adam Sharp, and his assistant: John Sharp Jun. also Sister Squires and a family of children. who were coming back to England, to her husband.

After unhitching and turning out the oxan, taking super, &c when everything was peice the labors of the day being finished, we met together with the captain and teamsters, for the purpose of organizeing ourselves into companies for the mutu protection, we accordingly agreed that the Teamsters duty should consist in herding the

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stock at night. And the missionaries should stand camp guard; the former under the direction of Adam Sharp, the latter under the direction of Jamaes Sharp, who was a missionary. We missionaries also chose Bro. Carl G. Masaer as our president or Chaplain, at whose call <we> were to asemble to prayers evening and morning, and when conviniant to hold meetings under his direction. the majority of the Teamsters were gentiles. mostly young men who knew but little more about religion than so many savages. one of them was a negro.

This same evening we or five of the Brethren and myself organized ourselves into a mess for conveniance as to cooking &c, we apointed Brother Levi W. Richards to the Office of cook and Joel Grolver as his ass<is>tant . the duty asigned to the other 3 of us was to supply the cooks with fuel and watter. also to make fires and be general waiters.

The names of those who composed our mess were: Levi W. Richards, Willard B. Richards, Joel Grover John S. Lewis and

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myself.

15 and 16 we travled in Echo Canion winding along a few miles a day, taking it slow, the roads being very rough. and not being in much of a hury. in one or two places we crossed overy dangerous mudholes where the <oxen> could scarcely drag the empty wagons through.and in fact they could not do it with out help from us.we were obliged to cut willows and throwg them into the wagon tracks else the wheels would sink down until the wagon bed would drag on the ground.

We camped both nights in Echo Canon nothing transpiring to mar our comfort

17 Travled fifteen miles and arrived towards evening at Yellow creek, and camped near the Station

18 We found in crossing Yellow Creek the mud was very deep and stiff, the watter so over flooded the banks, that the road was over flown for about half

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a mile retarding our progress. and wetting some of the boys thoroughly, however we

managed to re<a>ch the opposite side without any serious accident. We travled about 10 miles that day making our encampment about 2 miles from Bear River.

19 We Travled about 2 miles crossing Bear River and layed over the remainder of the day in consequence of a heavy snow storm

20 also layed over because of Stormy weather this day. Some of the Boys went hunting and others fishing and returned some with rabbits and others with a few Trout, in the evening which tasted very palateable.

21^st Travled about 10 miles and encamped on Quakenasp Ridge; a very bleek cold place.

22 After a short days drive we arrived at a creek called the Mudy which we crossed and encamped on

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the opposite side.

23 Fifteen miles drive brought us within about 1 mile of Fort Bridger, where we camped about sundown.

24 Travled this day about 12 miles and arrived at a creek called Smith’s Fork, here we camped and I in company with some others went out to hunt Rabbits and returned to camp with several which I divided with those who desired fresh meet.

25 After 15 miles travel found our selves within 5 miles of South Bend mail Station where we encamped

26 (Sunday) After a Short drive, we camped on Hams Fork,

27 Inconsequence of very bad roads we layed over that our cattle might rest, A at 3 oclock p.m. we held a meeting many of the Brethren, speaking with much earnestness, and a good spirit prevailing, some of the Teamsters who did not belong to the church, attended, and

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and listened attentively, and the every day life of the missionaries composing this train began to have a good effect upon the Teamsters who were given to much obscene disgusting language, and also to drink whiskey, for they soon be came much more sober in their deportment and less vicious, especialy in our presence, and if by habit an oath would escape the lips of one of them occasionaly, they would look quite ashamed of themselves if they happened to see one of the missionaries. although we seldom ever corrected them. by word. they testifyed that our actions toward, one another and them, was so different from anything they had before seen that they were surprised.

They wonderd why we didn’t quarrel somtimes and why we did not swear, and why we did not talk abut the destroying of virtue. and other topics of a like nature. they won

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dered how we romped and wrestled cracked Jokes and enjoyed ourselves together so well, and yet not smoke nor chew tobacho drink whiskey and all the rest of their filthy habits. and an otherthing we seemed to have a peculiar faith in god and more of it than most any one they had ever seen and they wondered why we were not more pious and longfaced the result of our Examples, and our meetings, was: that they began to regard us as their superiors in every respect and candidly acknowledged that they never seen such a good set of boys in their lives.

May 28 Twelve miles Travle brought us to Green River We swam our cattle accross the river, and ourselves and wagons were crossed in a ferry boat. we arrived on the oposite bank all safe, and camped there over night.

29 Travled about 20 miles and encamped at big Springs. It came

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my turn to stand camp Guard this night and I don’t think in all my experiance that I ever found it more bitter cold than upon this night The wind whistled through the camp as if it woud tear wagon covers into shreds, and the cold sleet was blowing in all directions, driving along at such a furious rate that it would sting the flesh as it travled and hit upon it, when exposed

30 We drove 8 miles and encamped in a little valley the name of which I did not learn

31 Drove about 15 miles and camped on Bitter Creek within about 2 miles of Salt Wells Station

June 1st, 1867 Travled about 15 miles and encamped at Point-of-Rock Station.

Sunday 2 drove about 14 miles and encamped in the evening at Big

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Pond Station. At this place we began to hear fearful rumers of Indian depridations, which we were told were being committed still further on the road.

June 3 Continued on our way and encamped in the evening near Laclead Station, after about 16 miles Travle, here, although about in the Indian country, and hearing alarming news every day from western bound Emigrants, concerning the burning of Stations the murdering of men women and children, and the stealing of catle by these red Rascals, yet I had the irresistable delight of adventure to stroll off away from Camp hunting Antelope, and I have thought since that it was a great wonder that I was <not> killed by these Indians.

June 4 Travled about 18 miles and arrived at Barrel Springs where we encamped in the evening

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June 1867

5 Travled untill evening, when we camped, did not learn the name of our Camp Ground

6 20 miles brought us to a Stream called the mudy, where we camped It Stormed very hard during the night

June 7 In consequence of the heavy Storm in the night, and its continuance the next morning we continued our camp in this place. In consequence of Grass being scarce, around our camp, it became necessary for us to herd our cattle about a mile from camp, The Captain, (Bro. Adam Sharp) had ordered six of the Teamsters to go an herd at a time as they would be more safe, and better able to protect themselves, in case of an atack from the Indians. than 2 or 3 would.

But they, thinking we were in no danger agreed among themselves that two <only> should go out at a time, and

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thus the time could be devided, makeing it less time by one third for them to stay out with the cattle. and of course the Captain not thinking that we were yet in the Indian Country, did not enforce these orders, but simply gave them as a council.

Nothing occured during the fore part of the day to mar the peace and quiet of our Camp, but we spent our time, some washing clothes, others repairing them, while some cooked and ate, and others busied themselves, about the cleaning of their fire arms &c. untill about 6 o’clock in the evening. I, together with my messmates were just seated around the fire ready to partake of a warm supper, when bro. Willard Richards looking towards the cattle descried several horsemen riding furiously among our cattle, he first took them to be our own boys riding our four horses, (which belonged to the Captain,) after antelope

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but in a moment we could see more than four, for there came up from behind a hill one after another untill we could see about 15, the cry was imediately raised of “Indians” Indians” when every one immediately sprang to his arms. And about 13 of us out of the 30 men who composed our camp Started at full speed to try to save our two boys who were on gaurd over the Stock.

but as <we> had about a mile to run before we could possibly get near enough to render any assistance to our poor exposed brethren, who were now apparently in the middle of a cross fire as the enimy were riding around them firing from all sides at them object at them. we feard it would be a hopeless case, but <we> still made every exertion to reach them and as we neared the we beheld with brethless anxiety one footman running towards<us> while the savages on horses were

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riding furiously around him on all sides shooting bullets and arrows at him, As we hurried along with all the speed we saw the poor fellow fall, then get up and try to run again, only staggering a few paces to fall again. At the same time the savages rushed in upon him and dismounting from their horses were in the act of scalping him, when a shot from two or three of the long range guns in the hands of some of our Brethren, sent Bullets so close to their carcasses, that they seemed to consider it unsafe to remain longer, and mounting their horses galloped furiously away, leaving the poor fellow streched <out Dead upon the ground>

In the mean time, we were running with all posible speed towards the poor boy the Indians having gone off in that direction. Upon reaching the spot, we found him lying upon his face, and upon examination we found his right arm pind to his side by an arrow, a secun arrow

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pearcing his left side and a bullet hole in his breast. His scalp had been cut half way round but left on his head. His Boots were off his feet, and gone, And I think his feet were filled with slivers and bruises, as though he had purposly taken them <his Boots> off to be less trammelled that his speed might be greater and had run it this condition a great ways. We had not time <then> to return then with our fallen comrade, for the course of the Indians had been towards the thickest of our cattle, and we were affraid that they would succeed in stampeeding them, in which case we would have been helpless and unless relieved by other trains who were liable to share our misfortune would have no way of resuming our journey, <And> must ere long become a prey to the savages.

We therefore continued to pursue the indians hoping and praying that our other comrade had been spared

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for we had not yet seen him and we did not know his fate. However as <we> approached the summit of a hill over which the Indians had disappeared in a westerly direction, we saw him within a few hundred yards of us <pistal in hand> taking deliberate aim at an Indian on horse back who had stopped and seemed intent upon a fight with him, but who upon seeing our approach continued on after the others whom by this we had espied riding round and round in the thickest part of our herd of oxen shaking their buffellow robes and howling like so many demons, But all their endeavours to stampeed the oxen were fruitless, for they could scarcely make them move onto a fast walk much less to run, and as we began to come within shooting range of them once more they left the cattle to take care of themselves and fled at a rappid gallop accross the country in a Northwesterly direction and

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upon looking in that direction we saw another small band of Indians driving off the <4> horses belinging to the captain of our train. But we were too thankful that our cattle had by a kind providence been left to us, to waste any time in useless regrets about the horses, and <we> lost no time <in> gathering our cattle together and driving towards camp, which we reached about dusk, bearing our murdered comrade with us. We then dug a grave and burried with solomn and sorrowful feelings paid the last tribute of respect to him who had been chosen <from among us> to die a martyr, by the ruthless and cruel savage. Our feelings were such upon this occasion that we could not perform much ceremony over our fallen comrade. But few words were spoken untill the last shovel full of earth had been placed upon his grave when a wild burst of greif went up from some strong

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men and bitter tears were shed by Bro Carl G Maeser and others at his cruel death. He was a young man about from 17 to 19 years of age, from Boxelder County, on his road to the Mousira River for machinery for his father. He was much loved in our camp because of his gentleness, of manner; his inofensive and undemonstrative way had won him the good will <of> everyone who knew him.

If I remember rightly his name was Neilson.

The next morning after this sad occurrence, we hitched up, our teams and more to resume our journey and as a warning to others, we placed a white Bone on the fresh grave of our unfortunate comrade, on which was written a statement of our sad encounter with the Indians. As our travle after this continued to be monotonous I will not relate the occurrences of every day but will pass on to the

When we arrived at the <them> ter

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minous of the great Union Pacific Rail Road. We were now 700 miles from Salt Lake City. A few board Shantys perhaps 20 or 30 <in number> composed the town of Jules birgh. This was the first civilization we had struck on the road thus far. Having travled so many miles over rugged mountains and trackless Deserts and praries by the slow process of ox teams it the sight of even a few board shanties seemed good to us, almost like getting home. During our stay here which was a few days, we found that there was nothing but the Shanties themselves which reminded us of true civilization such at least as we had been accustomed to consider civilization at home. The inhabitants were the very scum of creation and the town was one continual scene of gambling fighting Drunkeness Debauchery and Murder. This was the first time that I had ever seen a railroad

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and I will not soon forget the feeling of marvelous awe whe with which I beheld the great Engine with its eye of fire and its emmissions of black smoke and white steam.

It was one very dark night that I first had a view of the great monster drawing a train of cars behind him. I had been some miles from Julesbergh in an easterly direction to the camp of a Salt Lake Wagon train to see my brother Lehi who was a teamster in the train. I had bid him good bye and was returning to our camp which was situated a few hundred yards west from the town and walking along the Rail Road Track, when all of a sudden I heard the hoarse cry of the Iron horses some hundreds of yards distant. I will confess that I was startled and almost frightened, and as it approached nearer and nearer and its huge proportions became partially visible through the darkness I could scarcely keep my legs from carrying me a liberal hundred yards from the track. My reason told me it was a steam engine with a train of cars attached and that it would not deviate from its course to notice anything aside from the track on which it was destined to travel. But my fears told

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me it was a huge monster of iron and fire that might posibly crush consume or shake to death anything and everything within the radias of half a mile. However I would not permit myself to be carried more than about a couple of rods from the track just for the gratification of a cowardly pair of legs, but bravely made a stand and gazed with the wonder and admiration of an intutored sage <savage>. When I had arrived at our encampment I found that our brethren had held a meeting which had been attended by the gentile teamsters of the train, at which farewell addresses had been spoken and tears shed over the seperation that was to take place on the morrow. Especially were <some of> these gentiles affected to tears for they had learned to feel towards us as they had never towards eachother. While we had been full of life and mirth, yet we had been scrupulously upright, and very kind to eachother and to them. never uttering an oath and abstaining from vulgarity while it had been customary with them to practice the opposite. They had be-

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come through our examples prety decent fellows. and was careful how they swore or talked vulgarity in our prescense toward the last of the journey. The next morning after once more bidding these friends farewell we took the train purchasing through tickets to Chicago.

My first ride on the cars gave me the most pleasurable emotions. It was continual enjoyment from the time the cars moved from the Jules berg platform until we reached Chicago.

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1885 Salt Lake City Utah

Jan. 25 The subject of this sketch is <was> 39 years old. on the 1^st inst. This Sabbath day I read in the Deseret News of the Blowing up of the Parliament buildings in London, England. <yesterday about 2 pm>. This caused a profound sensation probably all over the civilized world. It did so at least here, and we are near 7000 miles from the dreadful scene. Secret societies seem to be multiplying all over the world, and most of them are organized for the destruction of property and the overthrow of governments and the general disruption and demoralization of society. The book of Mormon prophets foretold this state of things. Couple this dreadful state <condition> of things <society> with the recent earth-quakes in Spain and <the> destruction by tempest, and famine and fires, and Rail Road accidents and floods &c etc, which have occured in the past 13 months and one is allmost irrisistably led to ecc exclaim !surely the coming of the Son of Man is nigh!

Pres. Angus M. Cannon was arrested several days ago on a charge of Polygamy. After a hearing before commissioner McKay. Was found discharged on that count for want of sufficient evidence, but on no evidence except that he lived in the same house with three or four women, was held to appear before the grand Jury in bonds of $1500.00. <chge unlawful cohab.> It is reported that <for> every case prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Dickson he gets a fee of from $20 to $30. He can have no hopes of remaining in office after the

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1885

installation of the Democratic party on the 4^th of Mch and sog <therefore> it appears that regardless of Justice and right that himself and ilk have concluded to make hay while the sun shines.

Jan. 26. Remained at home until time to attend the 2 p.m meeting in the Tabernackle. Speakers were Abram Hatch, Apostol H. J. Grant and Elder A M Cannon. Evening at 6 pm attended Wd. Meeting accompanied by my wife Hannah.

Jan 27^th Went up town. Called on Dr. Jones, was treated by him with Electricity for Rheumatic affections. At this date am so afflicted with sciatica etc, that cannot labor. Nor have I been able to for near 5 months. I have agreed to allow Dr. Jones to give me the electrecal treatment each day for 15 days pr two dollars each treatment. All to be paid him in Store pay, except 10 dollars which I am to pay in cash. Josep

Joseph E. Taylor is being sought after by the U. S. Marshalls, for polygamy

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Fillmore City

Thursday Dec. 5^th 1878. Had great desires to keep the word of wisdom which I had began for the 2^nd or third time before in my life but had given up in despair. Also had great desires to keep my temper and become a kinder husband to my wives and better father to my children than ever before also to be virtuous and honorable in all my conduct for the future. In short to make substantial improvement in my life by overcoming every bad habit, many of which had overcame me much of late

I drank no tea coffee nor other hot drinks this day, and determined to overcome this habit as well as many others by the help of my father in heaven. Attended strictually and punctually to my business in the Store this day. remembered my prayers in the family at night besides praying much secretly. and was pleased with my conduct.

Friday Dec 6

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Friday Dec. 6^th 1878.

Met with a temptation this morning such as I have failed to overcome for months before and by the Help of the Lord was victorious. Opened the Store at near 8 a.m. Swept and dusted same and served behind the counter. Went home to <and> breakfast<ed> with my dear wife Jerome and prayed to the Lord. among other things that we might have children, given unto us. Ate my breakfast and returned to the Store. Prayed to the Lord for success in my business, Came home to Dinner with my wife Jerome and wrote in my journal.

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Copy Of a Letter Written to

Charles Marden in Dedham Mass.

Salt Lake City Feb. 4. 1885

Respected Cousin

Having been much interested in the corrispondance between yourself and wife and my honored mother, I have obtained her permission to address you, hoping that you will not be displeased with me for so doing. My Mother’s reminiscences of her eastern home and her Kindred before she sought out and mingled her fate with this people, have always been listened <to> by me with the deepest interest; and I cannot describe to you the longing I have had to come into sympathy with those so well beloved and rembered by her all these years. Because of the unpopular character of what is called the “Mormon” religion,” my mother has been ostracized by her Kindred in the east; and their lack of sympathy, added to the hardships, and severe trials and toils incidental to pioneer life, and the extreme hatred and consequent persecutions of our people by vindictive and cruel foes, through which she has passed, has made inroads upon her health, and she is much broken compared with what she might have been under happier circumstancies.

I am the oldest of my mother’s children (5 in number) and am

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and have children of my own. My mother’s little house stands on my ground. We are happy to have her within a few steps of our door.

Our fate seems to be irrivocably fixed with this people, so much misunderstood, reviled and hated. While loving our <kindred and> fellowmen with a true and sincere affection, we could not violate our consciences so far as to give up any principle of our faith to gain their favor or esteem. We live among a people who have suffered more for conscience sake, than any other since the days of our Savior. Our territory is some 500 miles in length, running from north to south through a string of valleys surrounded by high mountains. Our people have built over 200 cities, towns and villages therin. The “mormon” population of this territory number about 150,000 souls or over 20000 families. 19 twentieths of our people live in their own houses. Our country when first appropriated was dry, barren, and desolate beyond description.

None but exiles who prefered desolation, drowth, grass-hoppers, half rations, or anything else, rather than the tender mercies of relentless mobocrats (professedly Christian) would have sought to build and inhabit such a forbidding desert.

Our people in this and adjoining territories probably give birth yearly to 10,000 children: We also have missioneries in almost every nation of the world preaching our principles; and probably our immigration ammounts to 4000 souls annually. You see by this that our increase is considerable.

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Our people are generally made up from among the laboring classes of the world. They are mechanics, farmers, laborers etc.

Our religion consists of faith in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ: Repentance from sin: Baptism for remission of sins: (by one who has been called and authorized to minister in the name of Christ;) Laying on of hands for the imparting of the Holy Gohst etc.

Its effects are the same as anciently. Its deciples enjoy visions, inspired dreams, the opening of the heavens, visitations of holy angels, revelations, healing of the sick, speaking in tongues etc.

Its officers are: apostols, prophets, seventies, high priests, elders, bishops etc. We believe also that our good and worthy men may have a plurality of wives without sin, as did Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon etc., through whose liniage came Christ; And I most solomnly declare to you cousin Charles, that these very men and women who enter into this order of marriage, would nomore comit a sexual sin outside of their married priveleges than they would burn themselves with fire. Only men long approved are thought worthy to enter into this principle of marriage. A man who transgresses the laws of God; who does not regard virtue, temperance, chastity etc.: Who is unkind to his wife, or in any way wicked in his family: Who regards not God nor Keeps his commandments: Who does not pray with his wife and children morning and evening etc.: is not considered worthy to have more wives than one. I know it is generally believed

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that this principle is practiced by us for lust. Why Cousin Charles how infinately less would be the expense and the responsibility. (if the grattification of lust is the only thing desired) to form alliancies outside of marriage. When we marry wives, we love, honor, acknowledge and maintain them: and care for, support <and> educate their Children. This is done with the full Knowledge and consent of the first wife, and all other parties concerned. There is no hiding, sculking, scheming, unmanly, sneaking in these cases. We verily believe that a righteous man with all his wives and children, (be they ever so many) can be exalted, in that world of eternal light, life, glory, honor and power, where his increase (like Abraham’s) will have no end, and become numerous as the sands on the sea shore or the stars in the firmament. As his posterity increases, so will he become greater; for his children are his Kingdom and their multiplication means his own enlargement; thus like Abraham he continues the works of his Eternal Father worlds without end.

Do not be angry cousin Charles for my statement of this principle, which no doubt is so hideous to you. If it is not true enlighten me, and I may, nay I will promise upon good reasons that I cannot controvert to forsake it.

Respectfully Your Affectionate Cousin

Nephi Pratt

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Copy of a Letter Written to my Wife

Ehraim, SanPete Co. Utah

July 27^th 1884

My precious Lamb.

I received your kind and most wellcome letter addressed to Mt. Pleasant, and take this oppertunity to reply. How thankful to my Heavenly Father I am for the incomparable blessing of wives and children. Who can measure the eternal joy, of companionship with a true, faithful, affectionate wife, whose soul walks in harmony, and whose heart beats in sympathy with that of the husband and father. Two beings filled with the spirit of God, and in sympathy with each other in all things; and who in their tastes and principles, are conjenual, cannot but be surpremly happy, no matter what crosses their pathway on the journey of life. Add to these earthly joys the certainty of eternal companionship beyond the grave, and the prospect swells the heart with infinite and measureless feelings of joy and gratitude.

Such to a very great extent is my good, modest, faithful Hannah to me. I would not be without her for all the world. My supremest wish before all earthly things

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is that this union so full of love, and kindness, and conjeniallity, which has yealded such a weight of happiness in this vale of tears, may continue in the world to come. Oh! Hannah! That we may come forth when the trump of the arch angel wakes the slumbering thousands of the good, and pure who have slept in their graves, and receive each other, and our children to rejoice together in eternal glory forever more: Never to cry nor mourn nor sigh nor sorrow anymore at all! Oh what a thought! To be with Jesus Joseph Brigham and Father, surrounded with our immediate Kindred, and with hosts of the just, where scandal and lying envy and deceit, and all unrighteous acts are never known. Oh what a thought! Have we started out for this? Yes my dear companion. Shall we indeed attain to this? So surely as we overcome our weeknesses and are faithful unto the end, we will. But suppose we fail after having tasted these joys, and are compelled to banishment: from our Heavenly father and from the eternal association of the righteous, and from eachother. Oh mellencholy thought! How measureless the anquish of such a soul! What a complete damnation! What an eternal weight of misery! What exquisite torture!

No wonder this is called in the scriptures a lake of fire and brimstone. You and I have been blessed to understand these eternal principles. We have walked side by side through much sorrow and perplexity. You have shed many tears because of sore trials which you have been called to pass through. But I can testify to the heavens and the earth that you are beloved of the Lord for your integrity. He has permitted these trials, because he loved you. He has caused you to drink deep of the bitter cup because your spirit was a good and noble one, and these things were necessary for your exaltation. When you get through Hannah you will praise the Lord forevermore that he thought you worthy to be chastened and brought into his glory “through great tribulations”. Then you will be able to see that these things, now so full of sorrow were blessings in disguise, and meant for your eternal welfare. So little wife be patient and long suffering and look up to our “father” for comfort and aid in every time of need: and He never will forsake you. My heart is running over with blessings for Hannah and our little lambs, which shall come to pass upon them if never spoken. Give my love to Mother and tell her she is much in my thoughts. Kiss May and the little Children for papa. Tell the boys and May to write to me. Tell Nephi and Park how I love them. Tell them to be good till I come home. Go to the Lake good

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girl and enjoy yourself but go with some good folks.

If you take May be careful not to let her associate with strangers. Remember me little Woman and pray for me much. Forgive me of my trespasses against you, and then the Lord will forgive you. Be merciful and just to those whom the Lord has instructed to my care, then you will be justified before God, and become a queen and priestess unto him forever.

Nephi Pratt

To John Cherrington of Holden

In answer to a letter from him

Salt Lake City Feb 9, 1885

Dear Bro:

Yours of the 5^th just reached me yesterday evening and I hasten to reply. I am no authority on matters pertaining to disorder in branches of the church as I am only a ”high private in the rear rank.”

I well understand that in many of our settlements, our brethren holding various positions are delinquent in their duties, either from ignorance or because they are engrossed in the bread and butter question, or perhaps for both causes. Duties unperformed bring evil consequences. If Decons fail, and someone does not perform their duty, then the congregation are made uncomfortable. 1 If teachers fail, and do not faithfully warn the people by instructing the ignorant, reproving the guilty in meekness, and seeking to persuade them to repentance: if they do not expose to their bishop the unlawful acts of the transgressor; if they do not stir up those who are indifferent, strengthen the faith of the meek, discern the spirit of the people, among whom they labor, comfort the mourner, and exhort the saints in every way to diligence in keeping the commandments of God;

If they do not these things, the blood of the people will be more or less, required at their hands in a day to come. But if the teachers are thus faithful and diligent, and they report faithfully the condition of the people in their respective beats to the Bishop and counsilors in the teacher’s monthly meeting, and the Bishop does not then take the necessary steps to purify, enlighten, rebuke, reprove and set in order the saints in his ward; and shall condone, overlook, or por uphold them in their sins and lukewarmness, and then he reports to the local Conference, that their condition is good etc, the teachers are free and the Bishop is the responsible party and President Taylor says under these conditions that he (the Bishop) will have to bear the sins of the people.

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Every Deacon, teacher, bishop, president or elder, will be judged by his capacity oppertunities etc. and they will not be judged for any thing that they were not capaciated to perform, even in their various callings. Now my dear brother these are a few of my feelings in relation to these things. There is another question involved in the discussion of these subjects which should be carefully considered. You asked the question: I will tell you how I understand it. Should a high priest acting as a teacher, see these things exist in the church and be silent and not speak about them? I think this is your proposition. He should speak to the people on his beat about them as above stated, then in meetings of the teachers, in making his report, he should mention all the details of the families in his beat who are disaffected, or in poverty, or sick, or neglectful, or indifferent, and ask for instructions concerning them, but in public meetings on Sundays, or fast days on any other times he should never make any remarks that would have a tendency to reflect <on> any individual or family in particular, but speak on general principles only. Neither should he complain against his presiding officers, such as his bishop and councilors, or speak of their delinquencies, or lack of ability, or carelessness, or ignorance etc. either in public or private meetings, nor to any individual unless, in a humble and pleasant way he speak to <either of> them face to face, and that

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too when they are alone with him; and then never repeat to a third person what was said, but let that be entirely between him and his brother <with> whom he has thus conversed.

It is generally the province of the Apostol to set in order the bishops etc.; True the presidents of Stakes may do so sometimes, but never the high priests or other members of quorums residing under the bishop of a ward. They cannot set him right.

In conclusion I will add that those who are capaciated to see the needs of the saints, and the lack of spiritual supplies, should so live that they may be a constant support to others who lack ability, and need their aid. They should seek the holy spirit themselves, and fervantly petition the Lord to enlighten the minds of the brethren who preside. They themselves should keep the “word of wisdom”, should pay their tithes and offerings, should pray in secret and in their families in season, should be strict with themselves, and full of charity for others. They should obey the Celestial law of Marriage, fullfil all their engagements, pay all their debts, and seek to become perfect, even as their Father in Heaven is perfect. Then their pure and blameless lives will entitle them to the glories of an endless day, and to eternal life light purity and unity of fellowship with kindred spirits in worlds that never end.

Respectfully

Your Bro. &c.

Nephi Pratt

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Written in Fillmore About 1883

Who Shall Rule

When this world of ours, at the morn of creation
Was formed, and prounounced by the Gods “very good”,
And Adam from out of its dust had been taken,
Of course he felt lonesome as any man would;
So they put him to sleep without asking his leave,
Took one of his ribs out and from it made Eve.

At the home of this first pair, the “Garden of Eden”,
Beguiled by the Serpant the woman gave way.
She partook of the fruit which the Lord had forbidden
And gave some to Adam, who could’nt say nay.
When next the Lord came there, this man and his rib,
In great consternation had both ran and hid.

Then the Lord called to Adam, who in shame and confusion
Confessed what h’ed done, w how he’d ate of the fruit,
He then laid the blame on the wife of his bosom.
Me thinks modern women would cry, “Oh the brute”!
Eve did not deny it, she knew it was true.
And she was quite certain the Lord knew it too.

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The Serpant beguiled me <!> she cried with emotion!
I could not help thinking what he said was true,
I ate of the fruit which the Lord had forbidden
To know good and evil, just like the Gods do;
The Serpant informed me that we should not die.
Sweet woman, how could you believe such a lie?

On her unhappy head who had broke his commandment,
The Lord, strong and mighty! pronounced a great curse;
Henceforward on Adam should she be dependant.
Her desire should be to him; and what was still worse,
Because she’d allowed the old Serpent to fool her,
Why Adam forever and ever should rule her.

Now woman a help-meet to man was created,
But he was to govern, control and direct.
It was so understood, at the time they were mated;
Tis strange about this any woman should fret!
Of course none but strong-minded women would plan,
To usurp the position designed for the man.

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Woman’s Rights

We hear much of late about woman’s true station;
Her sphere is discussed as though new to mankind;
Tis claimed that she equels the lords of creation,
Not in physical strength, but in strength of the mind;
That therefore she always should have her own way,
And forsake the Old maxim to “love and obey”.

Of course this is right. Fall in line all ye women!
Stick up for your rights ‘gainst tyranical man!
Have servants to do up his house work and linen,
And squander his money as fast as you can!
Keep your carriage! go shopping! Give parties and balls!
Spend your time making friends and returning their calls.

Dress up in the fashion, don’t mind if expensive!
Twenty five yards, aint too much for a dress.
In this age of progression our minds are expansive,
In these days of knowledge we cant do with less.
Should health and good living incline you to fat;
Tight Lacing may help put a stop to all that.

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Don’t have any babies, Oh horrible! Shocking!
It’s vulgar to think of such things in this day;
They might muss your dresses, and you have to rock um,
And think, what the people of your set would say.
Besides when you visited madame Fibynoodle.
A baby would be in the way of dear poodle.

This staying at home and adopting eetrenchment;
And trying to save what one’s husband has earned,
Is an idea that ought to be met with resentment,
Tis an old fogy notion and ought to be spurned.

Away! With the creeds of our grandmother’s days!
All women of ideas must hate the old ways.

Our tyranical lords though they had money plenty
Would make us their slaves if we’d only submit
Each season they’d limit our dresses to twenty
And ask us to stay at home evenings and Knit.

They’d want <us> to stay with us; talk logic and love <us>.
They’r jealous because other men will adore us.

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Feb 16^th 1885

In the winter I think of 1874 I wrote one or more articles for publication in a manuscript paper published in Fillmore by the Mutual Improvement Associations. These articles were written with a view of holding up the mirror to certain other writers, who were becoming personally abusive in sarcastic squibs, to certain members of the Association much to <the> mortification of the persons thus caricatured. I purposely mis-spelled my compositions, and wrote them as from an old man residing at Meadow Creek, eight miles from Fillmore, who had called in to get his mind improved etc., and signed <to them> the name of “Uncle Isaac”.

Soon the name of “Uncle Isaac” became the butt of ridicule of all the scribblers aforesaid; in the mean time for some reason Sister Rebecca King, “who by the way was a fine writer” took it into her head that the articles aforesaid indicated her husband as their author. Becoming somewhat exasperated she wrote some lines of rhyme in which she became personal to me, pointing out among other things, that Uncle Isaac was not her husband, but a clerk in the Co-op Store, whose name rhymed with Rat etc etc to this she signed herself “Aunt Isaac”. As this fit my case exactly I concluded to fit the joke back onto her, which I attempted to do in the following disgusting strain.

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Someone’s a naughty naughty theaf
To steal my fame, and say twa’s Neaf.
That wrote them articles signed Ike
I swan I never seed <heered> the like
I’m just as mad as I can be
To think that folks wont beleive in me

When Ive been asked I’ve told um all
That I was Ike. Then some would ball.
You Ike! Indeed you haint-the brains,
To write sich high falutin strains!
But I was Isaac just the same,
Allthough folks said that wan’t my name.

I aint that clerk at the big Co-op.,
Nor do I work at any shop.
I don’t use tools for butcherin wood.
I never thought a butcher good.
I claim to be aunt Isaac’s Charmer,
My occupation is a farmer.

Now once for all i’me going to show,
Just who I am so folks will know.

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Pretenders then wont dare to rite.
And claim as they are Uncle Ike:
Nor false aunt Isaac’s blow their bellows
Lo make the true aunt Ikkee jellous

I aint that clerk at Zion’s Coop,
But I live next door to the harness Shop.
On a corner of Main Street is my abode,
Just west from “Kelly’s” Accross the road.
Behind my house, is a hut of logs
Where I keep the grain to feed my hogs.

Still further to the rear stands a great frame barn,
Where I stack the hay from my lucern farm.
In my Cow Corral stands an ancient shed
Framed of Ceder posts, and over head,
Are some willows to Keep out the storm so raw,
But the Willows ort to be shingled with Straw.

Havin pinted out where I reside
Ill mention something else beside
Ive got a farm but not round here
It’s over east on the Sevier

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I spose you thought that Ike was poor,
And poverty made him Keep a Store.

Sich aint the case i’de have you Know;
And another thing I wish to show,
I’m not extracted from common plugs,
As are them who deal in goods and drugs,
From the loins of Kings Uncle Isaac sprung,
False Auntie listen, and hold your tongue.

I hope that folks will understand
From what i’ve wrote, just who I am;
And not go round and yarn, dad-burn um!
About folks business that dont concern um.
But now to end this chapter right,
A word or two about Aunt Ike;

She’s the finest old woman that ever was born.
Ther’s no station in high life she would’nt adorn.
But taken at sich work as washin the dishes,
Or roasting the mutton, or fryin the fishes
Or washin the clothin, or scrubin the floor
Or wipin the Winders, or dustin the door

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Or mixen the bread for the children and me,
Or pealin the taters, or makin the tea,
Or anything else in the housework line,
For sech things as these, she a’int worth a dime
She aint the woman to put in a dairy,
She cant stoop to sech things for she’s litterary.

Aunt Ikee’s Children! Aint I glad,
Sech noble youngsters call me dad!
For beauty they resemble pa
At larnen they take after ma,
Whose name could rhyme with nothing bettah
Than Isaac’s wife good Old Rebeca.

Fillmore, June 11^th 81.

Editor Contributor

The children of the Latterday Saints are the subjects of much pretended concern nowadays for to the liberal and patriotic reformers of Utah. The terrible slavery in which these children are born and reared is plunging the said reformers into a deep and settled grif which nothing can assuage but the complete overthrow of that power which rivits its shackles upon the

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mind of young mormondom. We are pittied because the civilization of the age, with all its science and learning; and the so-called christian religion with all its <boasted> popularity and respectability: With its theologocal learning, its eloquent advocates, and its wealthy adherants, have been placed side by side with the terrible delusion “mormonism” and after having listened to both sides, we are content to wear the shackles of <the latter> “mormonism” , and forego the freedom offered <in the former> by bogus theology

Chagrined at the failure of Christian churches and schools to do anything in the way of draging us out from the coils of “Mormon delusion our pious friends invoke the aid of the National legislature. They send christian petitions, to a christian president of the christian republic, asking him to use his influance with a christian congress to unconstitutionally legislate away the inalienable rights of a hundred and fifty thousand loyal citizens; But of course as this is done to make us free we ought to be thankful.

It is delightful to contemplate the freedom we would enjoy if some of their pious petitions concerning us were to assume tangible form, and be brought to bear against us by our national legislature. We would then be free to become liars and hypocrites: To repudiate that which we know to be true and to denounce it as false. We would be free to proclaim the visions, dreams,

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tongues, prophecyings, healings, revelations <and> manifestations, given through obediance to holy and sacred ordinances. were all a myth; that our former testimony of these things was a diabolical lie herralded abroad to deceive man-kind.

We would be free to turn our backs on the prophets of God, to repudiate His apostols, to turn against, persecute and kill them. Having broken loose from the moral restraints of our religion, we would be at liberty to comit all the crimes that go hand in hand with modern christianity, and which have been so carefully fostered by our christian judiciary in this territory for so many years. God forbid that we should ever enjoy such freedom!

If to believe in Jesus Christ, in repentance from sin, in the ordinances of baptism and imposition of hands; in the Holy Gohst, in prophets and apostols, in visions and dreams, in annointings and sealings, and all the other doctrines of the Savior be darkness, bondage and slavery, then we acknowledge we are slaves.

If a sincere belief in, and practice of those principles constitutes a loss of our agency, then we acknowlege our agency gone. On the same ground the early christians were in the bondage of delusion, and their agency distroyed.

The enlightened pharisees, sadducees, and other

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and other pious people in their day determined to strike off the shackles of the early christians, but finding they were determined to continue in the belief and practice of these principles, they piously put them to death.

Following in the footsteps of those venerable murderers, the sanctimonious persecutors of the saints in this generation, while pretending to shudder at the dreadful deeds of the cheife priests in Jesus day, recommend the repetition of these same murderous agencies upon us, and to cap the climax, they call it offering us freedom.

Of course the cheif priests of our day, as those in former times must resort to a good deal of pious lying, in order to render us unpopular, and then call upon the government to carry out their bloody designs.

Thank God we have confidence in the magnanimity and justice of our nation yet; and so do not believe they will lend themselves to become the robbers of the rights of an innocent people. If the time ever comes, that in the name of Christ, this nation shall rise up and slay christianity; or in the name of patriotism it shall trample under foot its own glorious constitution by attempting to strike down the people of these mountains for practicing their religion, then farewell to our nations glory, for it will have departed forever. Respectfull, Mormon Boy

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Copy of a letter written

To D. P. Callister, Fillimoor

Salt Lake City Feb. 26, 1885

Dear Bro.-

Your letter of the 22^nd surprised me a good deal. It made <me> a little glad, a little sorry, and a little fearful. – Glad that my big, tall handsome brother is going to fulfill a mission, – and that like a true son, of a noble sire, he promptly obeys the call of the Lord through his apostols. – Sorry that our bishops every where have such a weight of responsibility; _ And that Fillmore in particular has so many clashing and discordant elements; – and fearful that our lighthearted, Joyous old Thomas will soon become grave and serious, bald-headed, stoop-shouldered and morbid, and corpulant. May the Lord stiffen his back bone spinal column.

As for you brother Port. – I look for fine results from your mission. You have a good name and standing now. You will, if faithful through a good mission, – return with wisdom, and knowledge and ability, and energy, and testimony, and enlightenment, many – fold more than you now enjoy.

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you will return home an ornament to society. an honor to God, and a power in the land. Your name will be held in honor by the good and pure among men.- and the poor and the meek of the earth, will listen to your voice, and rejoice at your words, – and the evil drove will quail at your rebuke. If you will seek knowledge from good books, and be humble, and keep your garments unspoted, you will rise from one position of trust to another in this kingdom, until in ripe old age, you will look back over a well spent, and useful and successful life, and bless the day that you faithfully performed your first mission.

Kind regards to the folks
As ever Your Brother
Nephi Pratt

Salt Lake City, April 5^th 1885

Dear Bro.-

You will no doubt be surprised to receive a letter from me so soon after leaving us. I had my boy Nephi up the morning you left here to take you to the Depot in the buggy, but he found you had just gone.

The feelings which impell me to write you this letter are

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anything but pleasant, and my expressions may some of them appear warm, but they mean no disrespect to you.

I have held you in high esteem as a personal friend for many years, and have been able from time to time as you may remember, to discuss our differences of opinion on political, religious or other questions, candidly, without bitterness, and without the least ill feelings, either against you, or any person or community whose views differed from mind my own.

From your actions I have been led to believe that however much you differed from me on these questions, you held no malice or vindictive fellings against me, or the people of the Latterday Saints with whose destiny mine is irrivocably fixed. With these views of your character, and the warm feelings of friendship I entertained for you, what was the my sorrow and chagrin to learn from the lips of your sister—of the bitter, harsh, vindictive and cruel remarks you made to her last evening in my house, concerning my people and my religion.

I refuse to believe that you seriously entertain for one moment a wish that my religion shall be stamped out; my rights be invaded and my family ties broken asunder by the agressive bigotry of the age: I cannot think that you are so ungenerous, un-american and bigoted, that you wish to repudiate religious tolleration in this “asylum

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for the oppressed”, compelling <a> people however few in number, to renounce their religion, repudiate their wives, basterdise their children, break holy and sacred covenants, give up their priesthood, and forsake their God: to be loathed by all good men in time, and damned in eternity. The above would be the result if the Latterday Saints were to give up their principles to win the smiles, or from fear of the frowns of the bigoted desciples of intollerance that swarm in our lands

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An account of the Travels and missionary labors of Nephi Pratt in the north western States Mission.

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In April 1902 I was called to preside of over the Northwestern States Mission. This mission was comprised of Washington, British Colombia, Montana, and northern Idaho. I sold out my cattle and other things on a ranch which I had leased for several years, also sold the lease etc. and settled up my affairs so far as I could. preparatory to starting.

On the 25^th of April recieved the following letter of appointment

Salt Lake City
Apl. 25^th 1902
Elder Nephi Pratt——–Dear Brother

Elder F S Braunwell having been released from the <presidency of the> northwestern States Mission Mission you have been called and appointed to succeed him. It will be

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come your duty to take charge, as president of the mission, of all the interests connected therewith, to see that the gospel is preached as far as posible throughout the states where the Elders now labor, and as the Lord shall open <up> the way, to seize any new oppertunities which may present themselves for the introduction of the gospel to regions where it has not been preached. In short, we desire you to go forth as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, fully prepared for the discharge of every duty connected with your calling, and to preside with wisdom and dignity over all the affairs of the Church in those states; with full power to regulate everything connected therewith and to make such changes and appointments as may in your judgement, under the direction of the spirit of the Lord, be necessary for the welfare, spread and prosperity of the work of the Lord and the warning of the people

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in the field where you Labor, and over whom you are appointed to preside.

And that you may be fully sustained and quallified for these high and responsible labors, we beseech God, our Eternal father, to endow you with power from on high, and to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and all the gifts that pertain to your office and calling, <and> that you may be a blessing and a savior to the Children of men in your ministry and carry with you an influence for good that shall be felt by all with whom you are brought in contact.

It is our most earnest desire that you should be an example in humility, in patience, in long-suffering and in all the gifts and graces of the gospel, to all men, that your words may be the words of the Lord to the people whom you address, that they may feel that there is a power accompanying you that is not of man.

We shall be glad to hear from you

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1902

concerning your labors and the situation of affairs in your field of labor as often as it shall be convieniant for you to write, and shall esteem it a pleasure ourselves to communicate frequently with you.

Praying God the Eternal Father to bless and quallify you for the work to which you are now called, and asking him to preserve you and yours from the hands of all your enemies, and from every evil, during your abscense, and bring you home in purity, peace, and safly we remain.

Your fellow servants in the Lord
Jos F Smith
John R Winder
Anthon H Lund

On Thursday May 1^st Hannah my first wife and self went to the Temple and I was endowed for her father and she for some Women name given her in the Temple. After the endowments we were sealed by Brother Adolph Madson for and in behalf of her father and

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1902

mother. James and Mary Phillips.

Tuesday May 6^th I called upon my cousin Laron Pratt to bid him and family good bye. I was requested to administer to May Pratt his daughter who had just been bereaved of a good kind and loving husband whose name I forget. She was suffering greatly with Neuralgia, Myself and all were deeply affected while administering to her. And in parting also.

I also went to the home of two of my sisters, Lucy and Etta Russell. I administered to Etta for swollen neck, and to a sister Olsen for some affliction and for l a restoration of her Eye sight. I had a most interesting conversation with them, and after remaining with them an hour or two went to the Temple at 2 p m and witnessed the setting apart of several Elders for missions and was blessed and set apart

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for my mission under the hands of Presidents Seymour B. Young, J Golden Kimball and brother Feljsted. Pres. Young being mouth when they following blessing was pronounced upon my head.

Brother Nephi Pratt, we your brethren, set you apart for a mission to the North Western States whither you are called by the voice of inspiration through the prophet of the Lord; and inasmuch as the Lord has seen fit to honor you, to call you, to preside over that mission, even the North western states Mission and you have been thus designated by revelation from the Lord to fill this responsible position, we bless you and set you apart thereunto and we say unto you, be you blessed in very deed with the spirit of this mission, with the power of this High Calling, with strength and life of body and mind and with spiritual force to enable you to go

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forth and discharge every duty and obligation incumbent upon you, thus qualifying you to fill this mission and this responsibility and calling that has come to you as a sure definition that the Lord is your friend, that He is with you and that He has owned you to be his faithful servant.

Now, dear brother, we send you forth by prayer and by the laying on of hands, and we pray our Father in Heaven that He will endow you richly with His Holy Spirit, that you may have its influence, force and power, abundantly within you all the day long; that you may speak the words of life and salvation to the people in that mission and to the brethren who shall labor with you and under your direction: that you may be a prophet seer and revelator: that you may have power with the Lord to reveal such things as shall be for the good and welfare

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1902

Your fellow servants in the Lord
Jos F Smith
John R Winder
Anthon H Lund

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1902

mother. James and Mary Phillips.

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for my mission under the hands of Presidents Seymour B. Young, J Golden Kimball and brother Feljsted. Pres. Young being mouth when they following blessing was pronounced upon my head.

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They had been out in the country, and that was the reason they had not received my letters. They seem to be excellent young men and I imagine are good missionaries.

It is now the 23^rd of May. We have done some preliminary work towards establishing head quarters here at Spokane, Washington. We have rented two rooms which I expect to take possession of today. On Tuesday I went with Elder Allen to visit some investigators in this city. I talked about fifteen minutes to a young man by the name of Robison, and with a family by the name of

I had good liberty to testify of the restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith. They were deeply interested, and asked us to call again. I went on Wednesday the 21^st inst to the “Chronicle Office” a news paper published here to get some statistical information. I was there

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interviewed and the subject matter of same was published that evening in the “Chronicle”. The questions of our intended course of proceedure here, and how well we were obeying the manifesto of President Woodruff respecting polygamy in Utah were the principal features of the interview.

Yesterday the 22^nd Brother Allen and I went to the Mayor’s Office at and obtained a written permit to hold open air meetings on the street. We intend if the Lord will permit to hold our first street meeting tb tomorrow evening. I <today> wrote letters to President Joseph F. Smith, Elders in Tacoma, Elders in Montana, and one to my little son Joseph at home. In the one to President Smith I asked for 15 to 20 Elders more for this part of my field. I am in good health and good spirits but feel the influences of opposition and of evil around

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so that I dread preaching out doors. I pray the Lord in the name of Jesus to inspire our words when we go upon the streets this night, to make them like a two edged sword and to give us courage and power from on high and to give us some good souls to hear us.

Friday 23^rd spent the day studying, and in the evening at in company with Elders J. H. Anderson and J. F. Allen went upon the street and held an open air meeting. We were surrounded for the most part by a hard crowd. All men, except two or three.

We had moderately good liberty, bro Anderson and I doing the preaching. I talked mostly on the restoration of the gospel etc. and Brother Anderson on baptism. Strange to say we were listend to with the greatest respect, and afterwards they were all quite anxious to get tracts. we gave away about 22.

Saturday May 24^th Elder Allen went to a Small town about 9 miles [page break] south of Spokane and appointed a meeting for us in the district and obtained the school House for the purpose for Sunday the 25^th.

About 6 am Sunday May 25. Elder Anderson and I walked to the place of meeting. I became acquainted with a family of saints there by the name of Edwards, also with a brother in the church by the name of Benson. At about 4 pm we went to the place appointed and found the house almost full. We preached on the Authority of God, which has been restored to the earth, and Kindred subjects, and were listened to with good attention. Elder Anderson and Allen went and stayed all night at brother Edwards, and I with brother Benson. Mrs. Benson not being a member of the Church I talked very earnestly to her about the eternity of the marraige covenant baptism and other sacred ordinances for the living and the the dead, the use of

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temples etc. I plead with her and her children to consider those all important subjects, to investigate, and to pray about them. She seemed very humble and was touched to tears during the conversation. although it has been thought she was bitterly opposed to us. Her son also seemed much interested. I pray the Lord in the name of Jesus that his Holy Spirit may rest upon them to the salvation of their souls amen.

Monday May 26. About 9 am Elders Anderson Came from brother Edwards over to Brother Bensons and taking leave of them we started to walk to Spokane some two miles on the road a young man with a team asked us to ride, and brought us all the way to Spokane. While on the road we taught him the gospel, and in word and in spirit he opposed it.

Tuesday May 27^th spent the day studying and writing. Wednesday May 28, studied and wrote all day, and in the evening

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went on to the street to hold open air meeting with accompanied by Elders Anderson and Allen, but it was commencing to rain when we started, and continued so that we were compelled to give it up.

Thursday May 29 Wrote letters to Tacoma, to My wife Jerome at Salt Lake, and to Char Ellis, Salt Lake, Ut and evening went with <Elders> Anderson and Allen to hold street meeting. After singing and prayer Elder Allen spoke a few moments, then bro Anderson, about 25 minutes. I handed my hat to brother Anderson and was just beginning my remarks when a gruff and evil voice cried out that we ought to be hung. I paid no Attention but continued my remarks when the man stepped out of the crowd and walked up to me, demanding that I show my permit from the Mayor to preach on the street corner. I demanded to know if he were an officer, and while we were arguing the point Elder Anderson was looking through his pocketts for the document. Not finding it readily I was

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ordered <by> this modest gentleman to accompany him to the Police Station which I did, Knowing that they had a copy our permit in the office there; we were followed by a crowd who had been attentive listeners. Arrived at the Police station the fellow informed the Chief of Police that I had been disterbing the peace. The chief asked the gentleman what in the Hell business it was of his? The gent replyed I am a sheriffs officer. The chief informed him that he couldn’t run things in the city if he was, and told me to go in peace and it would be all right. I returned to my corner followed by the crowd just in time to see the salvation army moving off. Those who had been listening to the Salvationists were joined by our followers which made us a large congregation. I commenced my discourse over again, and spoke about 30 minutes with fine liberty, and was listened to with the greatest attention. We then sang a hymn uttered

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the benediction, and informed the assembled crowd that we had some litterature to give away. The boys gave away all that they had brought with them. Thus did the Lord in his goodness and care of us turn intended evil into good, create and interest in the hearts of men towards us make the wrath of man to praise him; and make truth to be triumphant .

Friday May 30^th, I wrote a letter to my wife Sadie, and studied. In the evening with brother Allen I went to upon the Street and listened to the socialists lecturing to the crowd. Today besides studying I came accross Walter[illegible] L. Webb from Lehi, <Ut> who with one or two or three other Lehi brethren are about 30 miles from Spokane, at a small town called Waverly. These brethren are there in charge of the Washington State Sugar Co’s Factory. The superintendant or manager is Brother Cutler, a son of John C Cutler of Lehi Utah

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The before mentioned brother Webb is the chemist for the Sugar Co. These brethren think they can get the church at Waverly to preach in quite often and we hope to raise up a branch there if the Lord will. Brother Webb took train for home yesterday afternoon. We went together to see the decoration day parade and I accompanied him to the depot en route for his home. In the evening in Wandering about town a man steped up to elder Allen and me and asked if we were christians I informed him that we most certainly were, he very smilingly informed us that he could tell we were by our looks. He then in a manner of warm good fellowship said, you can always tell real christians when you look into their eyes. he invited us into the Penticostal Mission house when services should convene which he said would be soon. We thanked him and then suddenly announced ourselves as being Mormon Elders

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It was surprising the rapidity with which he turned around on his heel and left us. He was pretty spry in getting away from us. I hope the suddenness of the performance on his part didn’t unsettle his ponderous intellect. As we stood there a man came up to me and asked when we were going to hold services on the street again? said he was from Salt Lake City. I enquired his name and found he is a Son of Heber C. Kimball. That he had once been married: that he and his wife seperated as I remember it about 13 years ago that she married again to Milson Pratt: and that while this brother Kimball was in the ministry as a home missionary somewhere up north of Salt Lake City. I think in Idaho, and had been called and was preparing to take a mission to the southern states that his children were taken from him, and sealed to Milson Pratt; without any consultation with him, and done in the Salt Lake Temple upon a day when his mother happened not to

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be present. He stated that he was deeply grieved at this and went one day to ask respecting it, of two of the Apostles, and <he> says they cut him off so short, that he became greatly offended, and did not consider them justified in treating him as they did and failing as they did to offer any explanation, he himself studdied the scripture in vain to find any justification of such an act. So he did not go on his mission to the southern States, and wandered off away from the church and people of the saints and been became for some years very wild and reckless. but says he has for about 4 years past become sober industrious, and lives a good life.

I am deeply interested in this young man because of the family from which he springs. I have invited him to my quarters and intend to take up a labor with him and see if he cannot be brought back into the fold of Christ. and I pray God the Eternal Father that He will mellow his soul and by his matchless love

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and power deliver this son of President Kimball from the darkness and eternal death of apostacy.

Saturday May 31st. Have spent this day getting my journal up to date and writing a letter to Elder J. Golden Kimball, to let him know about his brother. Dos Kimball whom I have become acquainted with here, and have previously mentioned.

Elder J. H. Anderson the Confer. Pres. here went yesterday to visit a sister Jesse Robinson a member of the church at Collville about 95 miles from here. This leaves Elder Allen and I to hold meetings here for the present. We expect to preach on the Street tonight.

We did not hold meeting as we anticipated, because it started in to rain and we could not, so we spent the evening together at my rooms in “Peaceful Valley” a name given to a flat down along the Spokane river. It is a part of the city of Spokane. Bro Allen went home about 8.30 p.m. and I read the Seveir Weekly News”

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till about 10 o’clock, then called upon the Lord and retired.

Sunday June 1st. Wrote letter to Hannah and to Mr. Penhallow, and in the evening attended a methodist meeting and <in> a methodist church, and listened to a dry, dead unprofitable sermon, went home in disgust, prayed and went to bed.

Monday June 2nd Continued writing to investigaters, and <wrote> on a subject for future use. Took a walk with brother Allen

Tuesday June 3rd. Went to the passenger agent of the Northern Pacific RR and got half fare ticket to Puyallup and Tacoma abou at about ten o clock at night I took train for that point, took the Sleeper, arrived there about 11 a.m. Met brother Pace and brother Tatcher and spent the <Wednesday June 4th> day with them

Wednesday <Thursday> June 5th – Spent the day calling upon investigators in Company with elders Pace and Thatcher

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Visited an Old Lady by name Mrs. Pearce whom we found to be 72 years of age. quite crippled up with rheumitism, and dependant upon her own resources for a living. She testified to the goodness of the elders to her, and of her love for them, and of her love for the book of Mormon and other books that had been presented to her by the Elders.

We also called at a Mrs. Pearson, where we entered into a delighteful conversation, and found her to be an intelligent and interesting woman. She was an elderly woman mother of a family, and her husband was said to have treated the elders with Kindness and considerations. He was not home when we called. After an hours visit with them we went to visit at the home of Mr & Mrs Parry. These excellent people made us very welcome, entertained us during the afternoon and evening, preparing for us a luxurious feast of chicken, Strawberry Short cake etc. I do not remember <to have spent> a more pleasant evenig. thus far on my mission. We remained

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there till late bed time. Then came to our quarters and retired. after first offering up unto the Lord our sincere thanks for raising us up so many good friends as we had found in this place

Thursday <Friday> June 6th

Spent some portion of this day in company with the Elders, visiting friends. one of these was a Mrs Kirk, a woman aparantly about 40 years old. with a very interesting family of children. Mrs Kirk was a widdow lady, who had lost her husband by death. She was disgusted with the pride extravigance and haeartlessness of the age and was looking for conditions to change and hoping that somewhere in the earth She might <yet> discover a people who were living up to a more perfect standard of morals, and who should possess some better feelings towards each other than were usually exhibited by the people with whom she is acquainted. We had a good old fashioned gospel comversation with her. From there we came to our lodgings, and later in the afternoon we went by invitation, accompa [page break]

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nied by sister Mrs Parry to visit a family by the name of Rubish. we spent a pleasant afternoon with them. There were in this family two young girls Mary and Josephine, we visited with them and their mother. The husband was not yet returned from his work. During In going to the Home of Mrs Rubish I rode in the carraige of Mrs Parry and she informed me that herself and husband were not happy together that they hated each other, and that in the fall they had agreed to separate, when she should go to Utah and be baptized. I told her not to seek any council from the elders, nor mix them up in any way with such affairs. She looked at it just as I did, and I blessed her, and praised her for <her> goodness to the brethren, and promised her if she would obey the gospel she should obtain eternal life. I also talked very earnestly to her about her prayers which she acknowledged she had lately neglected. I promised her that if she would be faithful to her prayers night and morning that the deep agitation and nervousness which was apparantly breaking her down should leave her and she should

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increase in paitence, and should be heald from her nervous sickness and from her deep trouble in this crisis of her life, and that the Lord would be with her in this as bringing about her sp seperation.

Saturday June 7^th

Elders Pace and Thatcher and self Took St. Car for Tacoma. about 9 a.m. Found Tacoma in many respects a very interesting place: and spent Saturday and Sunday there: Visited a very interesting and intelligent family by the name of Butt. The father Bro. Alfred Butt is a Jeweller there, and out of a family of wife 6 Boys and two girls, himself, sons George and Walter, and daughter Florence are the only members of the church. We took dinner Sunday with these kind people and were treated in a very entertaining manner. While in Tacoma I we visited the following Saints: Sister Skangstad, Sister Zinch, Brother AB. Anderson and family. Sister Vail and her sister. had a short visit with each and two visits with Brother Anderson [page break] and family.

Monday June 9^th

Took a little Steamer called “The Flyer” and rode accross the bay 29 miles to Seattle the greatest city in the State of Washington. We spent the day there-tried <to> find a brother and sister Hosford who had written to me, and sending me their address at Spokane had invited me to call. To our disappointment we found they had moved. We During our visit to this great City we made the acquaintance of Leander and Wm Butt Sons of brother Alfred Butt whom we had not yet seen. They treated us in a very pleasant manner although they are opposed to “mormonism”. I forgot to say that Mrs Butt the mother of this family is an aunt to Elder Thatcher– being his mothers Sister. We spent a part of one day in Yeslia Park. also visited a Mrs Jones at a little town called Renton 12 ½ miles from Seattle. to whom we preached on the eternity of marriage and other subjects.

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Tuesday June 10

At 6-30 pm we went on board “the Flyer” and returned to Tacoma where we arrived about 8 o’clock. The next day Wednesday June 11^th. we visited Sister Skangstad again. We had found her sick in bed two or three days before and by request had annointed and layed our hands upon her. We now upon our return found her up and aparantly well. My brother Alma had before I left home given me his daughter Oralie’s address in Tacoma. I found upon hunting her up that she was in a house of ill fame and I left a postal card telling her where to find me if she wished to see me and desired to hear from Home. She did not come to my Hotel and I had not the heart to visit her in such a place so did not get to see her. I now reproach myself for not taking one of the Elders and going and visiting her, but I had not the courage. We spent several hours on____________

Wednesday June 11^th

visiting and witnessing the operations of the St. Paul

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and Tacoma Lumber Mills. These mills are <said to be> among the largest in the world. and the way they cut up lumber was almost beyond credence. They employ <900> 1200 hands, and the output of the mills for the year 1901 was 260 millions of feet. About 6 pm we took Street car and returned to Puyallup, after an absence of 5 days. Conversed til after 11 pm and then prayed and retired.

Saturday June 28

Since the eleventh inst. I have been busy. I returned from Puyallup safely and on the 18^th my wife Hannah came bringing our daughter Alice Jerome, and our little sons Frank and Joseph. I met them at the depot in Spokane and was much overjoyed to see them. I had no time to remain at home but had apointments out in some country places out some miles from a small lumber town called Milan. We accordingly took train from Spokane to Milan 27 miles. Then we walked nine miles where we found a family of Saints by

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the name of Jones, also a family by the name of Combs. We held a meeting in a large dining room in the same building.belonging as brother Combs lived, which room belonged to a family by the name of Cutler. A number of the Neighbors came in and Elder Anderson who was my guide and companion up through the pine forests of this glorious country spoke and I followed him, we had a glorious time. Was listened to with deep attention, and after meeting remained and conversed with the people. We were invited when we return to hold another meeting at this place. We had gone fishing, that day in a stream near by, and caught 106 chubs .

The next day we went up 12 miles further into the woods and in the evening came to the home of a family of saints by the name of Heppy. We tarried with them until Monday the 23^rd June. On Sunday the 23^rd we walked 2 ½ miles to a school House, and at 10 a m held meeting nearly every one for miles arround is said to have turned out to hear us. We bothe Preached, had only tolarable liberty. After meeting we were

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invited to preach visit a family by the name of Sherman. We walked about 2 miles to their house from brother Heppys, and found nearly all our congregation there. Were wellcomed very warmly, and spent one of the most pleasant evenings of our lives there the company being unwilling to break up until midnight. We took leave of these kind friends and walked back to brother Heppys. Monday the 23^rd walked back to Sister Jones 12 miles. Brother Anderson parted with me, before reaching there and took a more direct route to Milan, where he took train and returned to Spokane. He did this in Order to commence his journey home to Cardston Canada, where he was desiring desirous of reaching by the 29^th inst. He had been in the mission field over two years, and had been faithful and true, and was now released to return home.

When I took his hand at parting, I expressed my feelings of love and confidence towards him, and blessed him.

I then traveled on to sister Jones and

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spent the afternoon with her, and went to visit her son in law and her daughter, and their children. I stayed at Sister Jones that night and on Tuesday June 24^th I spent most of the day at Brother and Sister Combs. and same evening held a meeting with the saints and strangers who gathered in according to previous appointment.

Spoke with splendid liberty on the pre-existence of spirits. All listened with deep attention, and seemed much edified. I was warmly invited to come again, and one lady Mrs. Cutler wished that I could stay for days there. On Wednesday the 25^th inst I w rode to milan 9 miles on a load of wood with a Mr Irons who with his wife were at our meeting the night before. I had an exceedingly interesting conversation with this man, at 5 p. m. that evening took train for Spokane, where I found my family and friends <the> elders all right. I forgot to say that on the 13^th of June Elders W H Marrott and Oliver B. Pickett came into the field and

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they commenced their labors under the presidency of Elder H J Anderson, and after of brother J. F. Allen who succeeded bro Anderson as President of the Eastern Washington Confer. I set brother Allen apart on the 27^th June 1902 to act in this capacity.

On Thursday June 26^th

Spent my time writing letters also on 27^th, and on the morning of the 28. wrote up my journal. I had received a letter from Apostol Heber J Grant saying he would like me to meet him in Seattle, where he would be on June 30^th and that he would be in Portland to spend Sunday the 29^th I made up my mind to go to Portland to meet brother Grant there, accordingly I took train to Portland at 3.45 p.m. arrived there

Sunday June 29^th at 7 a.m. after eating breakfast, at the lunch counter of the Union Depot; and getting shaved I started without any address to find the elders or Saints: this was no small task in a city of 100,000 inhabitants.

I first inquired of a policeman if he Knew

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where any of them could be found. He told me the street where the saints used to hold meetings. I went there and found the meeting room, and that it was still occupied by our people each Sunday that services would be held there at 2 pm and 8. I became very anxious about getting to some of the saints or Elders. I went to the principal Hotel, called the “Portland” and looked over the rejester to find Apostol Grants name but not finding him there started to hunt up other Hotels, when passing what I afterwards discovered was the Post Office building I saw three men comming out, I crossed the street and accosted them and informed them that I was seeking for Mormon Elders. They informed me that they were Elders. I introduced myself, as did they in turn to me and proceeded with them to the Hotel where brother Grant was staying. My meeting with bro Grant was a joyful one. Sister Gusta Grant and sister Horrace Ensign were of his party on the road to Japan. At about 10 oclock we took Car and went to the Park. We spent till 12 noon seeing the beauties and wonders of this great Park.

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We then went in Company together, the Elders and brother Grants company and ate dinner together. After which we retured to our meeting place and met with the Portland Saints at 2 p.m. in meeting. After singing and prayer I was called to occupy a portion of the time which I did, then Apostol Grant occu <Spoke> on the duties of the Saints, and how to increase our Knowledge of God etc. After meeting the Elders & saints and brother Grant and party took boat and went up the river about 6 miles to a baptism. A sister there whose name I did not learn was ready to receive this ordinance. After all partaking of a good lunch under the trees, things were all prepared for the baptism, when we were called to order, and sang a Hymn and I was mouth in prayer, after which Elder Williams led the brethren sister into the Water and baptised her. At 8.30 we again met in the meeting Room, and I spoke upon Mans pre-existance; then Apostol Grant spoke with good liberty upon the way the to retain and to increase

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the Holy Ghost, and receive the gifts thereof.

His discourse was very instructive and was greatly enjoyed by all present.

Elder Will Swan and I went and stayed all night at sister Whittles, but before going there went with the Elders and some Saints to see Apostol Grant and party take train for Seattle.

The next day Monda

Monday the 30th June

Will Swan and I spent the day sight seeing. Spent the afternoon at Sister Whittles and the evening and night at Brother Hollings. At this brothers home I spent a most delightful home afternoon and evening, and night.

Tuesday July 1st

I spent the day sight seeing and with sister Whittle, and at 6.15 took train on my return to Spokane and arrived at home about 10. a.m. found the Elders and sister Pratt and the Children all well. This was on Wednesday July 2nd.

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Thursday July 3^rd spent the day writing letters. Wrote one to My Wife Alice Jerome one to Mrs. Whittle. and one to Will Morris. The latter I wrote in reply to one received from him asking for the Hand of my Daughter May in marriage. I told him he could have my consent and sister Hannahs if he and May would agree to prepare them selves for marriage in the Holy Temple of our God afterwards.

Friday July 4th

It rained all day and had been raining for several days. We spent the time mostly writing and studdying till Sunday July 6th
When in the evening we held meeting at 7-30 pm on the Streets we were five elders in all. viz Pres. Allen
Elders Pickett – Marrott – and Hanson, and myself
We held a crowd of attentive and anxious listeners for two hours. All the Elders except Bro Allen spoke. He opened and closed the meeting by prayer.
I spoke with fine liberty for one hour and ten minutes. Once I began to indi

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cate that I should cease, when I was urged from the crowd to keep on which I did for 30 minutes more.

Saturday Monday July 7^th wrote several letters, and in the evening at 7-30 held another outdoor meeting, with the four above mentioned elders. I called on all the elders to speak and then, occupied about 30 minutes myself. Crowd was small and not so attentive as usual.

Tuesday July 8^th Was home most of the day wrote to President Jos. F. Smith about our need of more elders in the field, also wrote several letters.

Wednesday July 9^th
Hired a carriage and went with family all over town for ride of over three hours. at 4 p m went to sister Hydes and spent evening. Had a very pleasant time, and a splendid supper.

Thursday July 10^th Spent the day studdying and writing.

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Friday July 11. Took train on the Northern Pacific for Butte. Oweing to delays did not arrive there till 2 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday 12 July
Proceeding to the Conference house found president Johnson of the Butte conference. also two young elders just arrived from their homes. The name of one is Stanworth and of the other Huffaker. They were all well, and I spent the day visiting with them, and with sisters Mary and Anna Martin.

Sunday July 13^th
Met in the Latter-day Saints Hall with Saints in Sunday School. It was well conducted. but poorley attended. I addressed the school a few moments. Preached in the 8 o’clock meeting.

Monday July 14^th.
Spent the afternoon

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at brother and sister Andrews, at a water melon feast in company with Elder Johnson, and sister Ann Martin.

President Sims of the Anaconda Conference has been spending a couple of days with us. He preached very forceably on Jos. Smith the prophet, Sunday night. On Monday night we held a street meeting at 8 p.m. where we had a most interesting time. I preached with good liberty about 50 minutes. President Johnson Spoke a few minutes and afterwards elder Sims about 15 minutes. We held the crowd, and were listened to with deep attention. Elders Huffaker and Stanworth opened and closed the meeting. Elder Sims lef us and returned to Anaconda this night.

Tuesday July 15^th
Went with Elder Johnson to see the fine horse racing at the Butte Race Track. Spent the evening with brother

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Christian Johnson, who is the presiding elder of the Butte Branch of the Church. Our entire evening was taken up in disscussing the condition of the Saints, and business pertaining to the branch.

Wednesday July 16^th
Spent the forenoon catching up with my corrispondence and my journal, and the afternoon in an interesting visit with Saints.

Thursday July 17^th
Spent the fornoon walking about town and the early evening visiting with the elders and Saints. Was sent for to go to a great Hotel to administer to a sick daughter of Sister David Eccles who with two daughters were lodging there.

We had intended to preach on the street this night, but were thus hindered, and so spent the evening with Sister Eccles and her daughters.

Friday July 18^th

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Went to see Sister Eccles this morning and her afflicted one. Found the sick delivered from her fever and wanting food. We were very greatful to the Lord for healing this girl, and raising her up. This same evening with the Elders and Saints this young girl recited in a very enjoyable social and dance in the Saints hall.

The saints had one of the loveliest socials that I have ever attended, which lasted till about 1 a.m.

Saturday July 19^thSpent the day writing, and in the evening went with the Elders and held meeting on the Streets.

Elder Sims and Toyne had come over from Anaconda and were with us on this occasion, and occupied the time. After our meeting we held some discussion with a minister on the Street and considerable excitement was the result. The truth prevailed

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as it always does, and error fled beaten but enraged. Aafter a few minutes discussion with brother Sims the minister seemed glad to withdraw.

Sunday July 20^thDuring the week we had rented a new hall permantently “The Good Templars”. In this beautiful hall the Saints convened in Conference. Elder Sims and I occupied the time of the 2 o’clock meeting on the subject of pre-existence. In the evening at 8 we assembled again and our attendance was something splendid. Elder Toyn spoke first, and I followed on the subjects of the certainty of death old age and decrepitude, and the eternity of youth, life, love, marriage, companionship, and relationship with kindred spirits beyond the grave, to those who would earnestly seek after these things and obey the truth. We had the liberty of the Holy Spirit with us and enjoyed a most interesting time.

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The news papers of the next morning wrote very fair accounts of our conference.

I remained in Butte till visiting among the saints and investigators until

Tuesday July 22^ndWhen in company with Pres. Johnson and Elder Tayn took train for Lima from Butte 117 miles, where there is a large branch of the church. I spent Wednesday Thursday and Friday at this place, holding meetings Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Friday July 25^thWe baptized 4 children and 1 adult woman by the name of Gleed. A crowd of perhaps 50 saints were at the waters edge; we sang a hymn, called on the name of the Lord, after which I talked to them upon the sacredness and binding character of the covenant they were entering into. They were then baptized and at the meeting the same evening were

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confirmed by myself, and elders Johnson, Tayn, and the local president and one of his councilors brother Child.

This same afternoon we administered to a sick sister and also blessed and named a baby boy. This night I returned (night train) to Butte leaving Elders Johnson and Tayn to follow the next day.

Ariving at Butte I met apostal Cowley and spent most of Saturday with him. Bro Cowley left on the 4:15pm train and I spent the afternoon in writing.

Sunday July 27^thGreeted Elder F. S. Bramwell former president of the mission who had come from La Grande Ore. to visit the saints and elders and me. Went to Anaconda with president Bramwell in time to hold meeting there at 2 pm. Had a splendid time there, and returned to Butte just in time to hold meeting with the saints there at 8pm.

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Monday July 28^thPres. Bramwell left us and I spent the remainder of the day writing.

Tuesday July 29^thElder Johnson and Tayn having gone to Anaconda I spent the day at the conference house with Elders Stanworth and Huffaker writing, and with these elders in the evening visited with brother and sister Andrews. While there the president of the branch (Elder Johnson) and his wife came in and we had a most enjoyable time.

Wednesday July 30
Spent the day until 4:30 at the Columbia Gardens alone. Afterwards in company with elders Standworth and Huffaker visited a young sister by the name of Turman.

Thursday July 31^stAfter writing till 2 p.m. met with the relief society president over by Sis Andrews and addressed them at some length. Elders Huffaker

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and Stanworth went to Anaconda. I spent the evening at the Columbia Gardens with sister Sadie Turman.

Friday and Saturday I spent in Butte and Saturday afternoon met at the depot Elder Jos. W. McMurrin, who came up to attend the Anaconda Conference. Sund

Sunday Aug. 3^rdIn company with Elder Jos. McMurren went to Anaconda on the 10 am train. Held conference meetings at 11:30a.m. and 8 pm.

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Monday July 28^thPres. Bramwell left us and I spent the remainder of the day writing.

Tuesday July 29^thElder Johnson and Toym having gone to Anaconda I spent the day at the conference house with Elders Stanworth and Huffaker writing, and with these elders in the evening visited with brother and sister Andrews. While there the president of the branch (Elder Johnson) and his wife came in and we had a most enjoyable time

Wednesday July 30
Spent the day until 4.30 at the Columbia Gardens alone. Afterwards in company with elders Stanworth and Huffaker visited, a young sister by the name of Turman.

Thursday July 31^stAfter writing till 2 p.m. met with the relief society presided over by Sis Andrews and addressed them at some length. Elders Huffaker

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and Stanworth went to Anaconda. I spent the evening at the Columbia Gardens with sister Sadie Turman

Friday and Saturday I spent in Butte and Saturday afternoon met at the depot Elder Jos. W. McMurrin, who came up to attend the Anaconda Conference. Sund

Sunday Aug. 3^rd.
In company with Elder Jos. McMurren went to Anaconda on the 10 am train. Held conference meetings at 11.30 a.m. and 8 pm. We certainly had a remarkably good time. Elders Mc and myself occupying most of the time. We held a priesthood meeting at 6 pm at the house of President Short, the pres. of the Anaconda branch.

Elder McMurrin returned Monday Aug. 4^th.and I remained in Anaconda until Friday morning when I went to Butte and the next day.

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Saturday the 9^th Aug.
took the train for Spokane Washington where I have remained answering corrispondence and writing up my Journal preaching on the Streets with the elders etc till this date Aug

Thursday Aug 21^stAfter writing all day went with four young Elders and held meeting on the street. Two of the elders spoke, one about 20 minutes the other 3m. and I about 5 minutes. We experienced a very great dullness, and did not have any flow of the spirit. Had a very poor and inattentive crowd.

From this time until Thursday the 4^th of September I spent in writing, studying and preaching on the Streets and cottage meeting in the City of Spokane.

Thursday Sept. 4^th I took the Northern Pacific R.R. for Butte arrived there on Friday Sept 5^th, and Remained there with the Elders and Saints till Saturday Afternoon, when

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I took Oregon Short Line R.R. for Lima South from Butte 110 miles. I arrived at Lima about 9 in the evening. Was met at the depot by brother Hopkins the pres. of the branch.and in Company with brother Bassett president of the Fremont Stake of Zion and Elders Smaeley and Christianson the former a member of the Sunday School board of that Stake and the latter the principal of the Fremont Stake Academy. I spent a few hours very pleasantly, we all spent the night at brother Hopkins. S

Sunday the 7^th September

In company with these brethren attended funeral Services of over the remains of a little infant in the Saints meeting house at 10 a.m. Pres. Bassett and I spoke and with good liberty. At 2 p.m. the Saints assembled, and Elder Nephi Pratt informed them that the visiting brethren had come at the request of Pres. the presidency of the Church to transfer the Lima Branch from the North Western States Mission to the

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Fremont Stake of Zion. The Saints voted unanimously for the movement, and to accept the Fremont Stake Authorities as their own. Myself and Elders Johnson and Thatcher of the N.W. States M. occupied all of the time of this meeting.

At 8 p.m. The house was packed with Saints and Strangers, and Pres Elders Christiansen and Smae

ley and Pres. Bassett occupied the time. They spoke with splendid liberty, and the meeting though over two hours long was full of interest to the end. I never remembered being at a better series of meetings than these. We had come to Lima for the purpose of doing this business by appointment of the presidency of the Church. On Monday the 8^th inst. I took train for Butte at

Tuesday Sept 9^th.
At 9 a.m. met with the Elders including the Anaconda brethren. Taught the brethren how to employ all their time in their respective

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fields. Made a ruling that the Elders should not go home alone with Women but should go two and two. Our meeting was thoroughly good and quite enjoyable.

Wednesday Sept 10^th took train for Spokane, arrived there Thursday Sept. 11 a.m. found my family well. Spent Thursday and Friday Writing and took wife Hannah and went to corner of Main and Stevens St. to see Elders hold St. Meeting. In the evening.

Sunday Sept 14^th Attended afternoon Services at my house at 2 p.m. Preached and listened to the testamony of several young elders. Monday Sept 15^th Took train for Portland Oregon. arrived there about 7 a.m. on

Tuesday Sept 16^th, I had come to Portland for the purpose of conferring with the Northern Pacific Authorities, as to issuing Clergy permits, to Our elders.

Heretofore they had in most instances refused them to us, while they had

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issued them to ministers of all other denominations. I obtained an interview with the assistant Govt. passenger Agent Mr. A. D. Charlton who told me that if I would take the matter up with him in writing, giving him the names of any elders their addresses, and information as to what the other roads in the north west were doing for each, he would get the matter arranged for us, and he disclaimed any desire on the part of his road to discriminate against us.

I spent this day and night and the next also with the Elders and Saints in Portland and had a most enjoyable time.

Thursday the 18^th Sept. took train for LaGrande Ore. Stopped off at two places on the road, and arrived in Legrande on the night of Saturday Sept 20^th. Morning of the Sunday 21^st Sept. After an hours visit with Pres F.S. Bramwell, continued on my journey to Salt Lake City, Utah,

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where I arrived I think on the morning of Monday the 22^nd. Found my wife Jerome not well at all. Sadie and family are well as usual. Spent from the 22^nd inst till Wednesday the 19^th of Oct. in Salt Lake City where I attended the semi Anual Conference and among others spoke there. I visited with my families and with my married children, and with friends and relatives, and but for the illness of my wife Jerome with whom I staid 4 or 5 days and nights without taking my clothes off because of an almost fatal illness she underwent as that time, I should have had one of the most joyous times I ever experienced in my life.

The conference was one of the most glorious it has ever fallen to my lot to attend, and I was blessed and commended by President Smith and some of the Apostols and other friends for my faithful labors in the missionary field.

Thursday Oct 20 <16>^th took train for Butte Montana where I arrived at

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2:45 am of Friday Oct 17^th. I had allready released H. F. Johnson from the presidency of the Butte Conference and honorably released him from his mission to return home, and found that he had allready started on his homeward Journey. I remained in Butte and Anaconday Montana for the next few days. I honorably released Elder Geo. A. Sims from his mission because his time was fully expired. He was the president of the Anaconda conference, so that releasing him and President Johnson I had to appoint and set apart two others. I appointed Elder R. J. Pace to Preside of over the Butte conference and Elder Thos Toyn of <over> the Anaconday Conference. Having accomplished this and held meeting with the Saints in both places I took train on Tuesday Oct. 21^st for head quarters Spokane Washington, where I arrived

Wednesday am 22^nd inst

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Found that my wife Hannah had been very sick but through the administration of the Elders she had in a great measure recovered. I also found 10 new Elders here awaiting my coming. Wednesday and Thursday nights held priesthood meeting with the brethren. and appointed five of them to go Seattle Washington and four of them to go to Tacoma, and organize conferences at each place. Appointed Elder Oliver Pickett to preside of <over> the Seattle conference, and gave him the following Elders, Sidney W. Hiatt Geo. A. Baldwin, Walter W. Stevens John M Brown

Appointed Elder J V Leonard Pres. of the Tacoma Conference with the following elders to help him Isaac Hansen, Aaron A Farr David G Eames These elders took their departure on for their respective fields of labor on Saturday the 25^th inst. I also appointed to Elders

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Eugne Hansen James A Larson and John A Welch to go to Butte to Labor in that confer. They will depart on Monday the 27^th Oct for their fields of labor.

Sunday Oct 26^thspent my fornoon writing up my journal, and at 2 pm met with the Saints and Elders Allen, Eugine Hansen, Larson, Franks, and Welsh. Partook of the sacrament, and occupied the time discoursing upon the impossibility of Knowing God the Eternal father and his son Jesus Christ, without a revelation from God.

Monday Oct 27^thElders Welch and Larson took the Northern Pacific for Butte where they are assigned to labor.

Tuesday Oct 28
Spent this day writing letter to Northern Pacific R.R. authorities at Portland, and one to Pres. Geo Reynolds reporting progress of mission, etc.

Wednesday Oct 29.
Wrote letters to President Geo Reynolds (monthly Report) also to Pres of conferences

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R.J. Pace Butte. Thos S. Toyn Anaconda Oliver Pickett Seattle, Wash. and J. V. Leonard Tacoma, Wash. Spent the evening with my family.

Spent the remaining days of this week corrisponding with Northern Pacific Authorities with a view of obtaining clergy permits for our Elders. The authorities of this company have uniformly refused to treat us as they do other ministers, and hence my action in the matter. I also wrote letters to other people. S

Sunday Nov 2^ndWeather was very stormy. Held Meeting with the Elders and saints at 2 p.m. My family and the elders fasted and we had a spirited and lovely meeting. at which some tithing was paid by brother Combs and by Sister Lilley Edwards, and also nichols for the yearly nichol Sunday. From Monday November 3^rd tell the Wednesday the 26^th I remained at the conference house in Spokane. My time was fully employed in writing circular letters to the Elders in the various Conferences of the

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Mission, and <in> corrispondance with Pres. Geo. Reynolds, and the first presidency and my family, at home, and in Street preaching, and cottage Meetings.

I had the pleasure of overcoming by a prudent and diplomatic corrispondence the prejudices existing in the minds of the Northern Pacific <R. R.> Authorities, who from <being> enemies, came to be friendly, and gave our elders clergy permits that had always been refused them before. For this I sincerely return thanks to the Lord whose hand I acknowledge in this Matter.

Wednesday November 26^th 1902 I wrote a letter to my wife Sadie, and one to my daughter May, and in the evening gave my wife Hannah a treatment with the electric battery.

Thursday Nov 27^th 1902 This day being thanksgiving day I remained at home with my family. Partook of a good dinner had the company of Elder Frank Woolley, and was visited also by the Spokane Elders.

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Friday Nov 28^thAt 10.15 a.m. took Northern Pacific Ry. For Butte and Anaconda. Arrived in Butte about 1 o’clock a.m. Went to Mrs Olsens lodging house took Rooms. Slept late next Morning. Went out

Saturday Nov. 29. Rose about 9 a.m. Got shaved. Went to Restaurant to Breakfast about 10.30 am went to headquarters where I had the pleasure of meeting Elders Pace, Thatcher, Hansen Welch and Marrott. Had a delightful few Hours visit. Then went out to visit Sisters Anna and Mary Martin. To my great joy and surprise I here met with a Sister Perry who had been converted in Puallup, Wash. but who was not yet baptized. I also had the pleasure and surprise of meeting Elder H.F. Johnson who had returned from his home in Sanpete Utah, and come to Butte to seek employment. After attending a social at Sister Mary Martins

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until about 12 p.m. where I conversed with a man by the name of Evans as to whether he could be rebaptized and take his place back in the church, and recieve again his former blessings of priesthood etc. He had lost his wife years ago, and had wandered away from the church, had been in Calafornia, and in Butte, had been guilty of gross sins, among them Adultery. He has sought the elders dilligently lately, and with tears confessed his sins, and wants to begin over again. I told him to come and be baptized, and I would write and enquire of Pres. Jos. F. Smith in regard to his priesthood.

Went to my lodging after conversing with this brother, and with the aforementioned sister Perry who both promised to be baptized the following day.

Sunday Nov. 30^th at 10 am took train for Gregson Springs enroute to Anaconda; was accompanied by Pres. R.J. Pace, Elder O.P. Tatch

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Sister Perry and brother Evans; the latter two were going to the springs to be baptized and the two former were there to attend to the ordinance for them. They were baptized about the noon hour, and returned to Butte, while Elder Telford (whom I had forgotten to mention as being along with us) and I continued our journey to Anaconda. We were met at the depot by Elders Toyn and Stanworth. Had a joyful meeting with them. They accompanied us to the conference house, and from there went to a sister [blank space] to supper. It was one of the loveliest dinners I ever ate, and consisted of Turkey and etc.

We visited <a> sister Evans who was very sick with Typhod fever, and administered to her, and pronounced life and health upon her in the in the name of Jesus.

As we were returning in the evening we visited a sister Peterson who was also sick of a fever, we were not asked and so did not administer to her.

Her husband was not in the

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church and we had some conversation with them about the gospel. I has been invited to spend the night with dear kind excellent Mr. Millsner, a Jewish Gentleman, His wife, Sister Millsner was Bp. Rolley’s grand daughter, a Latter-day saint girl. Mr Millsner befriends the Elders, the saints, and our cause every way he can. He is a fine cultivated gentleman and has a wife to match him in every respect. They have insisted that I make my home at their house while here at Anaconda. I have allready spent the evening and night of the 30th with them, and <had > a most lovely time. I feel to ask the Lord who sees the actions of men to bless Mr Millsner and his house and his family and his business, because of his Kindness to the servants of God, and to the cause of truth.

Monday December 1^st
Spent the forenoon in writing. Wrote a letter to Pres Jos. F. Smith asking is some

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of the Authorities could not come and meet with us in our Conference at Butte and Anaconda on the 7th and 14th inst. Also wrote a letter of authority to and appointment to Elder B.H. Telford, appointing him to be a district president, with power to go to such places as I cannot go where there are conferences, and assist the presidents and elders of those places all he can, and to preside while present in any Conference. I laid my hands upon his head in connection with Elders Toyne and Stanworth and blessed him and set him apart to this labor, and he went started on his journey to Tacoma Washington, where he will labor first. I also wrote letters to my wife Hannah at Spokane, to my Wife Sadie at Salt Lake City and the post Master at Spokane, asking him to forward all letters for me to Anaconda till the 6^th inst and after that send them to Butte until the 19^th inst.

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In the evening I went to Mr Millsners and spent a most enjoyable evening with Mrs. M her husband being at work till a late hour, also remained there over night. Took breakfast in a restaurant.

Tuesday Dec 2nd. + Took breakfast at a restaurant, and at 12 noon accompanied by Elder Toyn and Stanworth went and took dinner with Sister and brother Roy Wheeler There we were treated to some very perfect and beautiful Phonographic Music, and to a good dinner. spent several hours there and then came home to conference house and wrote up my journal. Elders Toyn and Stanworth visited sister Evans and sister Peterson who are sick with Typhoid Fever. They came for me in the evening to visit sister P. and I went there with the Elders and administered to her. After Supper The Elders and the Milsner

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family and good sister Peterson of the conference house and her kind husband and myself went in brother Peterson’s Wagon filled with Straw three miles up the canyon to have a sociable with a large family of Saints by the name Rasisot. We remained there till the hour of Midnight; had a very enjoyable time, returned to Anaconda and slept at Mr Milsner’s again.

Wednesday Dec 3rd.
Took breakfast with Sister Millsner went to conference House. found a telegram awaiting me from Jos. E and Wm A. Ray. Saying ‘Can do no more, answer, come quick’ This was in regard to my wife Jerome. She is very sick and no doubt will shortly pass away.

Wrote a letter to Pres. Jos. F. Smith enclosing the wire message, and asking what to do. Spent the time from the 3rd till the 7th visiting

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saints and with the elders, and in our visits we were feasted and enjoyed some seasons of sociability such as were very entertaining and refreshing. With other Elders and saints I visited, Mr. and Mrs. Millzner, David Evans, and family Will Olsen and family. Roy Wheeler and family, John Boyce and Family, A Short and family, William Amer and family, John Robertson and family, Sister Davis and family, I also had the freedom of brother and sister Peterson’s home where I was made as welcome as though I was a brother and <had> many moments of delightful association with them. Sister Peterson is one of the most delightful women I have ever went met, and I loved to see and converse with her. She is cheerful, witty, pleasant, and very comely, and like a sister to the Elders and true as steel to the cause of truth. in short her spirit is very congenial to mine.

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Saturday Dec. 6^thIn the evening at 7-30 I met with the priesthood local in Anaconda, and also the Elders from Anaconda and Butte and had a most interesting meeting, I was moved upon to rebuke the tobacco habit. and to talk reformation of life. We selected the names of councilors for President Short. (John Boyce 1^st and James Peterson 2^nd).

Sunday Dec. 7^thOur Anaconda conference convened in the Hall at 11 a.m. good attendance. Elders <H.> Pace, W. H. Marrott, O.P Thatcher, E S Hansen, spoke each a few minutes.

I spoke about 20 minutes, on the various ideas entertained in the world about Mormonism, and Joseph Smith. At 7-30 <p.m.> we convened again and the Hall was packed, many gentiles being present. Elder H. F. Johnson and President of the Branch Augustus Short spoke each a few

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minutes. I spoke on Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ and the prophets of Ancient and modern times, their treatment, their testimony, their principles, their organization, etc. I had good liberty, and we had a very interesting meeting.

We presented the Authorities of the church (general) as they were voted for last Oct conference, and also the local authorities, all were unanimously voted for, a splendid spirit prevailed.

Monday Dec. 8^th wrote a letter to Oliver Pickett, and one to a lawer in Seattle by the name of Bernard.
In the evening visited and spent the evening with Brother Robinson and family. Lodged at Sister Millzner

Tuesday Dec. 9^thTook breakfast with sister Millzner, Came to the conference house, at sister Petersons and wrote up my journal. In the evening visited with a brother and his family by the name of Anderson.

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About 9 p m went to a lodging house and retired after praying fervently to the Lord.

Wednesday Dec. 10^thThis morning I arose from my bed about 7-30. Prayed fervently to the Lord, Went to a restaurant to breakfast. Went to P. O. No mail. Went to sister Petersons, found elders in bed. Took tithing Sheet to Bro. Short instructed him about getting up of his yearly tithing reports. Received $8.00 Tithing from him.

Wrote a letter to president Smith, in regard to wife Jerome, and reporting our Anaconda Conference.

Visited President Short and his counselors and Pres. Toyn, and Elder Stanworth and gave some general instructions, about their duties, and the courtesies to each other which are due from one to the other. etc, I took the 3.20 p.m. train in company with Elders Thatcher and Sister Ruth Davis and Peterson

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for Butte, arriving there was met by the elders, and accompanied by them to the Olson house where I took a room. Went to head quarters and after visiting the elders and brother Rowe a few minutes, and administering to Sister Rowe, who was down sick with a cold. I went to sister Mary Martin’s house, met her and sister Perry, and others there, and recieved a letter from the hands of sister Martin from Pres. Bramwell who said he would be here Friday or Saturday. I went with Elder Johnson to the Post Office, got letters from wife Hannah, from Pres. Leonard in Tacoma, from Editor E. H. Anderson of the “Era”, from Elder Geo. F. Gibbs for the first Presidency informing me that no appostle or Pres of 70 could come and attend our conferences at Anaconda and Butte, and sending their kind regards to me.

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Spent the evening at my own room writing, prayed and retired.

Thursday Dec 11^th
Wrote a letter to President Jos. F. Smith asking permission to visit my sick wife at S. L. City after the Butte conference is over also wrote a letter to Wife Hannah to Oliver Pickett, and to three other parties. At 2 p.m. met with the Relief Society in the Elders quarters, and several of the elders met with us. We had one of the loveliest and most spirited meetings that I have attended in this mission.

Retired early. Said my prayers and went to bed.

Friday Dec 12^th
Arose about 9 a.m. Washed, dressed. Prayed, went to restaurant to breakfast. Wrote in my journal. Met in priesthood meeting with the Elders, two hours. Went to depot and had the great pleasure

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of meeting President Bramwell of the Union Stake of Zion. Spent the afternoon and evening with him, and with sister Mary Martin, and awhile at sister Andrews, where we took supper, after which we went to sister the head quarters of the Mission and met with the saints in Singing School. About 12 p.m. retired after saying prayers.

Saturday Dec 13^th
I forgot to say, that last night after midnight I wrote a letter to my wife Jerome in answer to hers of the 7^th inst, also wrote up one day in my journal.

This a.m. met president Bramwell at the residence of Sister Martin and we went out to breakfast together

I called on Sister Rowe last eve the sister to whom I and other elders administered <a few evenings since> she seemed well and quite cheerful, thank our Heavenly father. Upon going to the P. Off. this morning I found a letter

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<from a> of Mr Barnard, Atty. at law in Seattle, setting forth his desire to identify himself with the Saints etc. I had been in corrispondence with him for some time. I pray unto our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus that I may find him an earnest seeker after the truth, and not one who seeks for personal profit or honor. I allso recieved letters from <Elder> F. B. Woolley enclosing his check for $2.30 for books Mormon and cash loaned etc; and I read another letter from my dear Sadie.

President Bramwell and I after getting shaved came to the Elders Head Quarters, and visited a few minutes, and then came to the Olsen House to my room. I spent my time in writing and Brother Bramwell laid down to sleep for an hour or so. In the afternoon I recieved three more letters, one from Hannah enclosing a long letter from daughter May, giving good news from Home.

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In company with President Bramwell and Sister Mary Martin I visited, a short time with Sister Anna Martin, at a place where Sister Anna is nursing.

In the evening Prayed and went to bed.

Sunday Dec 14^thSpent until 2 p.m. Visiting with bro. Bramwell and brother Carbin

At 2 pm Held our Conference Meeting in good Templars hall. Pres. Pace bade the Saints farewell in a feeling Address. Elders Carbin and Bramwell Ocupied most of the afternoon. In this meeting the General and Local Authorities were unanimously sustained by the votes of the saints. In the 7:30 Session our Hall was packed full. Many Strangers being present. Elders Toyn, Carbin, Myself and Presidents Bramwell and Johnson occupied the time

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of a very long meeting. but splendid in its interest. I was the principal speaker, and was much complimented on my effort.

Reporters were present, and the Anaconda Standard published a column and a quarter report of our meetings. After meeting president Bramwell, Elder Carbin, and myself went to Sister Mary Martins residence and remained together visiting and conversing until after 1-AM in the night. When Bramwell and Carbin took their departure for their homes in Le Grande, Ore. I prayed and retired.

Monday Dec 15^thSpent this day writing and visiting. Visited a Mr Sheffield. He was an investigator and promised to be baptized.

Tuesday Dec 16^th
Spent this day visiting

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and investigators, and at three o clock met with the elders and some of the local men of the ward, which I also did at 7-30 and took up the subject of the tobacco habit and of Tithing. In these meetings although few were present the fire of the Holy spirit was poured out, and a most delightful time was experienced.

Wednesday Dec 17^th and subsequint days until Saturday the 20^th
I spent answering corrispondents, writing letters to branches about settling up their tithing for the year. and each evening visiting saints. I received a letter during this week from mr Barnard Attorney at law at Seattle with whom I had been in corrispondance for some time. He expressed him <self> ready to be baptized when ever I should council him to do so. I returned answer counciling him to go to Elder Oliver Pickett and receive that ordinance at his hands, and be confirmed, and walk in newness of life.

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Sunday Dec 21^stWe had given notice in the papers that we would hold services at 2 and 7-30 p m today commemorating the birth, life, and labors of Joseph Smith the prophet At 2 p.m. met with the Sunday School. Took part in the theological Class. Explained the fall and the Atonement to the class. At 7-30 Preached on Jos Smith the prophet.” Had a good audience and fine liberty. after meeting went to Mr Whitcomb and blessed his infant son and named it Geo. I forget the middle name

Came home spent the night at Mr. Millzners.

Monday Dec 22^nd.
Took breakfast at Millzners, went and bought RR Ticket to Spokane. Consecrated some Oil. Administered to Sister Millnzer for a disease of the face. Came to the elders

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head quarters and set Elder O.P. Thatcher appart to preside over the Butte Conference, in the place of Elder R.J. Pace released.

About 7.10 p.m. took N. P. Train for home Arrived home next morning about day light. Spent till christmas answering corrispondence etc. Had a happy meeting with my family.

On Thursday the 25^th Dec This is Christmas day and we have Turkey and other nice food. Elders and Brother and sister Bowers, and me and the family, spent a very happy day, and were together until a late hour into the night, Feasted, played games, etc.

Friday Dec 26^th spent at home writing.

Saturday Dec 27^th same

Sunday Dec 27^th Met at my residence as usual at 2 pm with the elders and saints in Meeting. No strangers present.

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After opening services, I preached upon the youth, the obscurity, etc of Samuel, Saul, David and Jesus and others when they were first called by the Lord, and began their ministery, I compared these instances with the beginning of Joseph Smith ministry, showing that if Joseph is to be condemned for his youth his poverty and his obscurity, go why not also condemn the others for the same reason. After meeting we (the elders and I) laid our hands upon the head of elder David Frank and set him apart to be the president of the East Washington Conference. The remainder of the time until Saturday the 3^rd of Jan. I spent writing and gettinmg up my financial report. On this date Elder Will Swan came from Oregon. Sunday Jan. 4^th being fast day I held prayers with the family then went to the post office. attended meetings etc

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Jan 18 held conference in Portland organized the Branch with Elder Marcus Holling as president and Brother Simmons as first counsellor. Also organized a releaf Society with Sister Marcus Holling as president, gave her also two counsellors. We organized a Mutual Improvement Assn. with Elder Fatheringham as president, also gave him 2 counselors.

Jan 25^th Went to Salem Oregon and held conference with the Elders and saints there. Visited some investigators

Feby 1^st Held a confer with the Saints in Seattle wash. with an attendance of nearly 100 Saints and investigators this was very gratifying to me as the Elders had only been there 4 months and when they first went there there was

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no saints known to be there. After having spent about 10 days ammong them I returned to Spokane. I remained in Spokane about 10 days when I took train to Salt Lake City. Remained there about 3 weeks. While there, Boise Idaho was placed under my presidency. and I went to that place in time to hold a conference with the Saints and Elders on Sunday the 8^th of March after Spending several days there I took the O. S. L. to Butte and from there went over to Anaconda where I held a conference on Sunday 15^th March. and on Sunday 22^nd held conference in Butte. Had a very full house in the evening session, Reporters for the miner and Anaconda Standard were

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were present, and published a synopsis of our discourses. etc.

On the 25^th I took train to S.L. City. Where I remained until after the Apl. conference.

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Nephi Pratt family. “Nephi Pratt family papers, 1867-1910,” MS 5719, Reel 1, Box 1, Folder 1; digital images, Church History Library (https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE2131234: accessed 6 March 2018); Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.

[Transcribed by Chris Durham, Nora Fowers, Nolan Ogzewalla, DeeAnn Pratt, Bernice Pratt, Tiffany Whiting, Dick Grigg, Shannon Devenport, Patt Bishop, Roy Avondet, Brandan Hull, Dorrie Lee, Joe Haynie, Erin McAllister, Cheryl Brawn, Heather Hoyt, Becca Staker, Marlene Peine, Vincy Stringham, Mauri Pratt, March 2012]

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