| 619 more encouraging than at present. The church now numbers about one hundred, besides fifteen or more that have emigrated. I recently spent about three weeks with the saints in Bedford and vicinity.
I was much pleased with the spirit of unity, love, and good order I found prevailing among them; also their willingness to receive instruction and counsel. Those ordained to the office of Priests, (and a great many there are, about ten I believe) are generally remarkably zealous, faithful and persevering in their labours [labors]. Elder Joseph Brotherton is still laboring in the region around Bedford, with very good success.
Our beloved brother, Elder Adams, who has had the charge of the work of the Lord in that country, has been truly blessed in his labours [labors]. Bedford church, and the branches round, now number over one hundred and twenty. The prospects are very good indeed. During the short time I was there, twenty three were baptized. I baptized nine in the city of Bedford one evening, while there. In my absence, Elder Adams supplied my place in London. He is still with me and labouring [laboring] with good success; will remain with me about two weeks longer, then leave for Bedford, where he will stop a very short time, then proceed on his way to Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, from whence he intends to set sail for New York, (according to your counsel) about the middle of November.
The little branch of six members, you left in Woolwich, still continues the same in number, strong in faith, and rejoicing in the midst of persecution. They have stood like a mighty rock in the midst of dashing waves, unharmed and unmoved. They have succeeded at last in obtaining and renting a very commodious chapel. Last Sunday I went down, in company with Elder Albon, and preached in it for the first time. I held three meetings and they were very interesting and proffitable [profitable]. I believe that Zion will very soon enlarge her borders in the town of Woolwich. The Lord opened the heart of a stranger, a wealthy man, insomuch [inasmuch] that he steped [stepped] forward, at the close of the meeting, and voluntarily offered to assist the brethren by paying a whole year's rent of the chapel. He says he must become a Latter Day Saint. Elder Adams will preach there next Sunday. I have not been able to travel among the churches on account of the circumstances of the church in this city. I did not deem it prudent to leave, when the prospects were so good, and the work moving on so well. I had calculated to leave the church in charge of Elder Adams a few months, but as he is going away it will be impossible, of course. Tho' I am determined in the name of the Lord to submit with cheerfulness to circumstance, yet could I leave my charge here in trusty hands, I should greatly rejoice in being liberated from London a few months. I hope you and Prest. Young will not fail to give me what counsel you think most proper, not only on this subject but all others.
Elder Richards has been with me in London a short time. He left with me the books presented by Prest. Young to the Queen of Prince Albert. I hope to get them delivered very soon. Please to tell brother Young I shall write to him as soon as I get them delivered. I had forgotten to inform you we had left Mr Barrett's Academy, it being too small to contain our congregations, and obtained a larger place which will accommodate about 200; this place is now crowded, which puts us to the necessity of still seeking another.
Sister S-- is alive and well. I gave her the letter you sent me, and she wished to be particularly remembered to you when I wrote. Sister Elizabeth Coleman has been joined in wedlock, by Geo. J. Adams of New York, (now of London,) to Bro. Henry Connor. Bro. Bates and family intend going to Nauvoo with the company that start next month.
I have a few other things which I ought to lay before you. Elder Adams baptized a young woman in Bedford who was born and educated in Calcutta in the East Indies. Her father was an Englishman and a Colonel of a regiment in the East Indies. Her mother was a native of that country. Her parents being very wealthy and respectable they placed her in a missionary school where she received a liberal education. About five yars [years] ago she emigrated with her father into this country. Elder Joseph Brotherton has become acquainted with her, since his arrival in Bedford, and in accordance with the will and approbation of all parties, a treaty of marriage has been formed between them. She is now anxious to return with him to her numerous friends in the Indies, that she may be the means of
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