From the Brethren in Prison
Blackfoot Jail, Idaho
May 26, 1885
Editor Deseret News:
Thinking a few words from here would be of interest to some of your readers, I drop you a line.
We were indicted for unlawful cohabitation, with our wives, to which we plead guilty, and between trial and sentence, time was given to each of us who wished to do so, to go home to arrange our affairs preparatory to going to prison.
Some of us received our sentence on Saturday last, namely Bishop George Stuart of Malad City, John T. Roberts of Rexburg and Wm. J. Pratt of Wilford, near Rexburg, each received a sentence of $300 due and four months imprisonment in the Boise Penitentiary, Charles W. Simpson of Montpelier, Bear Lake, got $300 fine with no imprisonment, John Winn of Battle Creek, Oneida Co., Idaho, was fined $300 with no imprisonment, but, he being an old man, $100, was taken off.
Two others are awaiting sentence, namely, President Wm. D. Hendricks, of Oneida Stake, and Rufus Walker of Oxford. We will say in regard to the officers that we have been very well treated since our arrest. All the brethren are feeling well and are in good spirits. You will probably hear from us again.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Wm. J. Pratt
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, May 26, 1885, 5]
[Deseret News, May 28, 1885]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Apr. 2006]
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