| 1129 The Lord will cope with you for the benefit of Israel. So let us rejoice.
Liverpool, Dec. 18, 1845.
Dear Brother George:
I received your letter of Nov. 12, and you may rest assured it met a welcome reception and came in good time, for every item of news it contained was of much interest to me. I received a letter some time back from Brother Young, informing me of the intentions to move, which I have since answered. I have concluded to return immediately myself to America, and get my child in Maine, my father and mother in Connecticut, and hasten to Nauvoo, as speedily as possible, so as to be enabled to join the camp in their exodus in the mountains and the wilderness. This is the only way I can discover a deliverance for my own children and my father's household, and as all the Quorum of the Twelve, except myself, are in Nauvoo to go out with the camp; (having received no council to tarry here) I thought I would arrange my affairs here so as to accompany them, that the chain of the Quorum of the Twelve might be unbroken, as they go out at the head of the most interesting camp that ever moved, (Moses at the head of Israel, and Joshua with the Priests and rams horns nor excepted.) My wife and family, with Elders Sheets and Hater, also Brother and Sister Clark, and probably some others, will leave here about the 1st of January for Nauvoo, by way of New Orleans. And immediately after I shall take ship for New York, accompanied by Elder Stratten, and shall be in Nauvoo as soon as possible. Immediately on making up my mind to leave, I called a special conference of all the churches of the British Isles, which met at Manchester on the 14th inst. We had a most interesting conference. The following is the result of the representation of the churches. Eleven thousand and seventy two members, eight High Priests, three hundred and ninety two Elders; five hundred and ninety Priests; three hundred and eleven Teachers, and one hundred and eighty eight Deacons, added since last Conference one thousand five hundred and seventy five (being eight months.) The Staffordshire Conference was not included in this representation, which would have made several hundred more. It is the largest representation ever known in this country. The Conferences are all well united and the saints in good spirits. The exodus of the saints from Babylon has given the saints in this country an onward spur; they seem to be more than ever determined to be diligent in fullfiling [fulfilling] their duty. It is expected that the 'Joint Stock Company' will own a ship or two pretty, soon, They intend commencing emigration round Cape Horn as soon as possible. As I was about to leave, I organised [organized] a Presidency; appointed Brother Hedlock President, and Brothers Ward and John Banks Councilors [councilors]. Brother Hedlock is expecting to stop, hoping that his family will go in the camp, and he will go round and meet them in about a year, taking such farming utensils and goods as he considers they will need. Brother Davis will still tarry in London for a season. I have circulated twenty thousand proclamations, commencing with the Duke of Wellington, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell, and so on through all the officers of Government and the Clergy, as well as many of the Jewish Rabbis. We are thoroughly known now throughout England. The papers quote the Mormons as one of the first items of foreign news. The London Times has quoted certain Revelations signed by Oliver Olney, supposed to be published in America, by Wm. Smith. We have but little opposition from this Government as yet, considering how extensively the 'Doctrine and Covenants,' and Proclamations have been circulated. For my part I feel that my work is about done here for the present and that my garments are clear of the blood of the Gentiles. This nation is making great preparation for war, they are beating up for recruits throughout the land, and all the large steamers have undergone examination to see what amount of metal they 'all carry.' Scarcely any thing else is expected here but war with America, and the decisive point will be whether the United States claim Oregon; if they do the thunderings of war will speedily be heard at their doors. They have been warned of these things through the Revelations of God given in this dispensation.
It has been expected that the Corn Laws will be repealed in this country; the state of the country demands it. The question has caused serious disputes in the house of Lords; the former ministry, including Sir Robert Peel, have resigned, and they are about forming a new one Ireland is in her usual unsettled state.
Our cause is still onward in this land. Elder Galley, of Macclesfield, was cut off at our Conference, which should have been done years ago. Elder Jones is doing very well in Wales; they have baptised [baptized] about two hundred since last Conference and are laying the foundation for a great work. Among other Welsh publications, he has published four thousand proclamations. He and his family are well and in good spirits. I was much rejoiced at the news from Tahiti, in the 'Times and Seasons.' I was glad you gave me a list of the deaths, of none of which I had heard before. Truly, how
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