15 Wilson Street, Liverpool, Feb. 24, 1852
Pres. Brigham Young.
Beloved Brother,
…By a letter from Bro. P.P. Pratt dated Valparaiso, Chili, S.A. Nov. 24th, 1851, I am informed that after a sixty days passage, he and Br. Rufus Allen arrived there on the eighth of that same month, that Br. Philo B. Wood was expected to follow them soon. They could read and understand the Spanish somewhat and hope to give the people the Book of Mormon in their own native “lingua” in a year or two. Elder John Murdock and C.W. Wandell had left San Francisco about two months previous on a mission to Australia. Br. Phillip B. Lewis has charge of the Sandwich Island. Addison Pratt was still on the Society Isles where the church was much oppressed by the French. Br. Parley P. Pratt calls for books, “Stars,” etc., complaining that there is more than a famine for the word of the Lord in Spanish South America as well as a civil war….
With everlasting love I am your Brother and Fellow servant in the gospel of Christ,
Franklin D. Richards
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Feb. 24, 1852, 9-10]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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Seventh General Epistle
Of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Great Salt Lake Valley, to the Saints Scattered Throughout the Earth, Greeting:
Beloved brethren,
Since the date of our last Epistle, of Sept. 22nd, many things have transpired to cheer our hearts, and encourage the labors of the faithful; and we improve the present moment in presenting our annual salutations to you, that you may be conversant with the welfare of Zion, and rejoice in all her rejoicings….
The only intelligence from the West, of late, was by the Sacramento mail of February, containing but little information of any kind; yet we were pleased to learn that Elder P.P. Pratt arrived at Valparaiso, Chili, in November, accompanied by Elder Rufus Allen; that he had commenced forming acquaintance, and was preparing to proclaim the Gospel….
Brigham Young
Heber C. Kimball
Willard Richards
Great Salt Lake City,
April 18, 1854
[Millennial Star, 14:320]
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 18, 1852, 3]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]
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Elder P.P. Pratt wrote his friends, from Valparaiso, Chili, Dec. 22. The civil war in that country was subsiding, and apparent prospect of approaching peace. He was making progress in the language; but the way had not opened for public preaching.
[Deseret News, May 1, 1852]
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, May 1, 1852, 4]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006]