The East Indian Mission
Elder Milson R. Pratt writing to us from Calcutta, Aug. 22, 1884, says:
“I am requested by Elder Wm. Willis to write to you in regard to this Mission. He and Elder H.F. McCune and I, having been appointed in connection with Elder Geo. H. Booth, a resident of this city, then on a visit to his mother in Utah, to a mission to India, we were set apart on the 10th of last June. We had a very pleasant voyage across the Pacific, touching at Yokohama in Japan, Hong Kong in China, Singapore and Penang in the Straits Settlements, and arriving here on the 1st of August in excellent health and spirits.
“We immediately began the distribution of tracts, and have held several outdoor meeting sin the Wellington Square, a place of resort for religionists generally. A few days after our arrival, a short and extra spiteful editorial appeared in the Methodist organ, which, instead of being an injury, proved of considerable benefit, inasmuch as it turned out to be the entering wedge which opened the way for the ‘liberal press’ to volunteer their aid in exposing ‘Mormonism’ in the manner we always expose it.
“The Government of Calcutta guarantees to outdoor preachers, by having inspecting officers and policemen on the grounds every evening, as much protection as lays in their power, and good order and quietness characterize these meetings. Hindoos, Mohammedans, and the much-divided Christians, all hold forth every fine evening upon the Square.
“Judging from the numerous inquirers, both English and native, the press and our preaching are doing a good work.
“We humbly desire an interest in the faith and prayers of the Saints, that the good work of the Lord may be onward and upward in India.”
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aug. 22, 1884, 10]
[Millennial Star, Sept. 29, 1884, 662]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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