Regensburgh August 10th, 1842
Dear [unreadable] Pratt,
I now sit down to tell you that I have completed the little book in the german language, and have laid the mans. before the King’s officers to get permission to publish and circulate it here. They have examined it and halve told me that they have read it with interest and attention; and that they find its contents will make so much disquiet among the people, that to preserve the peace and tranquility of his Majesty’s subjects, they were sorry to tell me, that they could not, give permission to publish it here. And further, that if I did publish it the whole Edition would be confiscated and I be liable to a fine and imprisonment. I then went to a printer to get him to publish it for me; but he said that he would not do it unless the government gave him permission.
But I have found another printer who has undertaken the job, and the book is partly in print. It is to be done next week. But I made this bargain with him, that if the book were seised by the police while it was in his hands, he should lose it; but if he completed it, and delivered it safely into my hands, then if it were seised , I would lose it.
I have been twice before the government concerning the matter, and to day they have sent for me to come again. A friend of mine told me this morning, that he thought they would give me a limited permission. At any rate, they have read, in thrir own language, what the Lord has said concerning those who reject his servants. It is my intention as soons as the book is out of press to go with it direct to Frankfort, which is a free state, and directly on the road to London. Write me I pray you, immediately, and direct to Frankfort on the Main and I will call at the office and get it when I arrive there. I intend to make a little stop in that town, but if the Lord will, I shall be at London by the 15th Sept or before.
I read daily distressing accounts from England, just what we have told them day and night for the last 4 or 5 years; and yet they will not believe us. I deplore thrir condition, I pity the Saints; and if they can find means to get away with, let them not care for me but save themselves from this untoward generation. Till lately, I have not thought the condition of the people so bad in England. Earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars, also characterize these days.
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If you have anything important from America, do tell me, or if you know ought from my wife and children. I feel very anxious to see them, and all the Saints. Give my love to Bros. Snider, Snow and Richards and to Bro. Amos Fielding, and to all who may enquire for me. And I wish yourself and family to accept much love and good will from me. May Heaven Bless you, and permit us soon to meet in the bonds of the everlasting covenant.
{verse written in German but difficult to read}
Or in other words,
Calmly bear the frowns of fortune
Soothe the heart oppressed with woe;
Sacred keep the plighted promise
True alike to friend and foe.
[more German written too difficult to read and crossed out]
Orson Hyde
Addressed to:
Mr Parley Pratt
Or
Mr Lorenzo Snow
No. 40 Iron Monger row
Area of St. Lukes, London
Please send my address to Elder Hyde of he may find trouble in finding my lodging
PP
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[Transcribed by Mauri Pratt and Tiffany Whiting; Oct. 2015]
“Orson Hyde letter, Regensburg, to Parley P. Pratt, 1842 August 10,” Parley P. Pratt correspondence 1842-1855; MS 897, folder 1, document 7, p. 1-2 (https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE1738096 : Retrieved 27 Oct 2015), Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Ut.
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