| 167 Calhoun county, where there is a small branch of the church.
I labored in Niles and the regions rounds about for two weeks to crowded congregations. Much prejudice gave way, and many appeared to receive the word with gladness. I then left for Albion where I labored three weeks. I then started back intending to go to Niles, but came as far as Comstock (a small town four miles east of Kalamazoo, the shire town of Kalamazoo co.,) where I learned that the notorious J. C. Bennett was lecturing in Kalamazoo. Some of the citizens of Comstock went to him and told him that a Mormon preacher was in Comstock. Oh, says he, he is one of Joe Smith's "destroying angels;" my life is not safe here, he has got five hundred out to kill me. And in his hurry to get from the "destroying angel," he forgot to pay his tavern bill, and the poor Presbyterians for lighting and warming their house, as might be expected. They called him a notorious rascal and knave, not only for this circumstance, but from his own statements which were of such a nature that none could believe them but such as had an uncommon degree of credulity. The next day (being Sabbath) I preached in Comstock. They requested me to preach again, I did so. By this time I had invitations to preach in several places. I continued laboring in that section of country till March 7th, and baptized 24, and organized them into a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which we called the Kalamazoo branch. The work is but just begun in that place. I left scores believing, and I never saw such calls for preaching as there is in all the western part of Michigan. I had more invitations than I could possibly fill, although the Priests used their utmost endeavors to stop the progress of the work yet it rolled forward with a steady pace being propelled by the mighty hand of the Great God, and the truth found its way home to the hearts of the honest, some of whom walked forward in obedience to its divine reqirements [requirements].
I regret that circumstances were such that I had to leave so soon. I hope that some faithful elder will call on them, and continue the work. They will find the brethren hospitable and kind. Should the twelve remember them while on their mission to the east, they can enquire [inquire] for Ezekiel Lee, or Lemuel Willard, Esq. or Jesse Earl, Comstock, Kallamazoo [Kalamazoo] co. Mich.
I will now close by subscribing myself your friend and brother in the new and everlasting covenant. E. M. Webb.
Elder Amasa Bonney writes and says: I have been laboring this winter with brother Samuel Phelps, and have baptized seven and organized a branch of ten members in Carolin Tomkins county N. Y., and ordained one elder by the name of David Haskins, and request the Times and Seasons, which have been forwarded.
We have seen a letter written by brother E. Ward Pell, from which we glean the following:
"We have just commenced in New Haven Connecticut to preach the gospel in its fulness [fullness].-The branch now numbers twenty members in that city. I shall be absent a few days but shall return soon. New Haven is the emporium of Literature for the New England States, and therefore there ought to be some able elder sent out from Nauvoo to that place."
I am happy to learn that the work has commenced in New Haven Conn., I have felt anxious for a length of time that some faithful elder should assist both New Haven and Hartford.-What has increased my anxiety upon this subject is, that it has been visited the least of any state in New England by the traveling elders, and I feel desirous that those of my own native State as well as others, should be benefitted [benefited] by the fulness [fullness] of the gospel. Brother Pell will learn from the minutes of the elders conference in Nauvoo, printed in the 10th No. of the Times and Seasons, that Orson Spencer, Esq., is appointed to go to New Haven. Brother Spencer is fully competent to set forth the work before any people, and we trust and believe that he will be blest in hid labors there. W.
Second Earthquake in the West Indies.
We learn from Capt. Smith, of the schr. Francis Cannady, arrived this morning, that a second shock of an earthquake was experienced at the north part of Guadaloupe [Guadeloupe], on the 3d inst. At the time, the Captain of a vessel off the north point of the island stated that it shook his vessel with such severity, that it was with difficulty the crew could keep their feet. A dense cloud of smoke ascended from the vicinity of Bassaterre [Basseterre], and serious fears were entertained for the safety of that place. It was quite sickly at Point Petre, caused from the offensiveness of the ruins of the town.
The Comet, recently seen at this place, was seen at St. Thomas on the 2d of the present month; it was so brilliant as to cause considerable alarm to the inhabitants. A shock of an earthquake was also felt at St. Thomas on the 5th inst ., about half past 9 o'clock at night.-No material damage was done.-Charleston Patriot.
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