| 329 Alex. McCord had arrived in that city, and that Bro. Briggs had had an interview with Brigham Young, and that Brigham had given a 'flat' denial to a request which Bro. Briggs had made. We suppose that Bro. Briggs requested the privilege of preaching the gospel, and that Brigham refused to give them this privilege; but we are informed by the letter that they were encouraged by the prospect before them, and were in good health.
"Bro. E. H. Webb, of Sacramento, California, writes as follows: 'I am happy to learn that the missionaries are on the way here. May the Lord abundantly prosper them in each location of their intended labors. I believe they will be well received here. Here are hosts of scattered sheep, and all without a shepherd. I have been among them somewhat, but they all seem too timid to venture a step (lest it should be a wrong one) till the missionaries arrive.'
"Brn.. Hugh Lytle and J. C. Crabb wrote from Griggsville, Pike County, Illinois, August 17, as follows: 'We left the April Conference and went to Jackson County, Indiana. We preached in Jackson, Bartholomew, and Lawrence counties, forty-three times. We found much prejudice existing in the minds of the people against the Latter Day Saints. We succeeded in removing the same to a great extent. Many felt willing to investigate, notwithstanding the opposition set forth by the leaders of those who worship the beast. A good work might be done there this winter. We arrived in Pike County, Illinois, July 23, and have since baptized sixteen and added twenty to the church. There can be a great work done here.'
"Bro. W. W. Blair writes from Little Sioux, Iowa, August 18,1863, as follows: 'Please request (through the Herald for September) the saints generally to set apart Sunday, September 27, as a day of fasting and prayer, that the Lord will favor us with pleasant weather at the coming October Conference, at North Star, Iowa, and mightily bless the efforts and direct the counsels and labors of his servants on that occasion. It is probable from present indications that we shall have a very large attendance, perhaps three thousand or more, and consequently there will be much
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