| 790 of the Fishing river, the main branch of which was formed by seven small streams or branches, these being two of them. Just as we halted and were making preparations for the night, five men rode into the camp, and told us we should see hell before morning, and such horrible oaths as came from their lips, I never heard before. They told us that sixty men were coming from Richmond, Ray county, who had sworn to destroy us, also, seventy more were coming from Clay county, to assist in our destruction. These men were armed with guns, and the whole country was in a rage against us, and nothing but the power of God could save us. All this time the weather was fine and pleasant. Soon after these men left us we discovered a small black cloud rising in the west; and not more than twenty minutes passed away before it began to rain and hail, but we had very little of the hail in our camp. All around us the hail was heavy; some of the hailstones, or rather lumps of ice, were as large as hen's eggs. The thunders rolled with awful majesty, and the red lightnings flashed through the horizon, making it so light that I could see to pick up a pin almost any time through the night; the earth quaked and trembled, and there being no cessation it seemed as though the Almighty had issued forth his mandate of vengeance. The wind was so terrible that many of our tents were blown over and we were not able to hold them; but there being an old meeting house close at hand, many of us fled there to secure ourselves from the storm. Many trees were blown down, and others twisted and wrung like a withe. The mob came to the river, two miles from us; and the river had risen to that height that they were obliged to stop without crossing over. The hail fell so heavy upon them that it beat holes in their hats, and in some instances even broke the stocks off their guns; their horses being frightened fled leaving the riders on the ground, their powder was wet and it was evident the Almighty fought in our defence [defense]. This night the river raised forty feet.
(To be continued.)
COMMUNICATIONS.
BR. TAYLOR:-
Sir: Will you please to give place to a few lines in the Neighbor and Times and Seasons. I observe in the New York Prophet, a hint to the Elders, concerning the circulation of our valuable periodicals. Why is it, they ask, that there is no more interest manifested among the Elders in enlisting support or subscription for our periodicals?
For one I will answer the question. While I have been preaching abroad in the world from place to place, the question being asked of me so many times by the saints: Why do not my papers come? I sent the monies [moneys] long ago to pay my subscription for the year, and have received but two or three numbers. Why is it that I do not get them? My reply has been: It seems, then, that the Post Office Department is as the Indian said of the white man: 'very unsartin.' Realising [Realizing] the very few that has been received by our brethren abroad, in proportion to the many that have been mailed at our establishments, my heart has fainted, and I have not had courage to ask men to pay their money; fearing they would never get their papers. But this difficulty, we trust, will soon be obviated.
BRIGHAM YOUNG.
Nauvoo, Jan. 29, 1845.
(->) In connection with the above, let us say to the elders and subscribers abroad, that ample provisions are now made, and being made, with "Wm. A. Livingston & Co's Package Express," to remedy the evils complained of.-That line now extends to St. Louis, and the agent for this place, and a continuation of the line to Nauvoo, will soon be made.
We think, our foreign subscribers for papers and books, may rest assured, as to a safe conveyance , and punctuality.-[ED.]
MR. EDITOR:-
I have just returned from a very pleasant and interesting visit to St. Louis. I was highly pleased with the spirit that prevails among the saints in that place. They are united in fellowship-they are one in heart, one in faith, and one in their resolutions to serve and honor the Lord, to uphold the regular authorities of the church, and listen to the counsel and instructions of the Twelve.
The vigilant exertions of Bro. Riley, the presiding Elder, together with all the official members of the church, are truly praiseworthy. They are indefatigable in their labours [labors] to gather together all the scattered sheep and bring them back to the fold. They visit the sick and administer to their wants so far as they have ability; and they also remember the building of the Temple of the Lord by giving a portion of their earnings. They are willing and glad to do all in their power, and they shall be blest in their basket and in their store; and when the servants of the living God receive their blessings, they also in St. Louis will be had in remembrance before the Lord, and the faithful shall receive the desire of their hearts.
There is much interest felt by many in St. Louis
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