| 614 to time, as thou seest them worthy to be called into thy solemn assembly.
"Wednesday morning, 16. Weather extremely cold. I went to the council room to lay before the Presidency the letter that I received yesterday from Elder Orson Hyde; but when I arrived I found that I had lost said letter; but I laid the substance of it, as far as I could recollect, before the council; but they had not time to attend to it, on account of other business; accordingly adjourned until Monday evening, the 20th instant. Returned home.
"Elders McLellin, B. Young, and J. Carter called and paid me a visit with which I was much gratified....
"This evening, according to adjournment, I went to Brother William Smith's, to take part in the debate that was commenced on Saturday evening last. After the debate was concluded, and a decision given in favor of the affirmative of the question, some altercation took place upon the impropriety of continuing the school (debate) fearing that it would not result in good. Brother William opposed these measures and insisted on having another question proposed, and at length became much enraged, particularly at me, and used violence upon my person, and also upon Elder J. Carter, and some others, for which I am grieved beyond description, and can only pray God to forgive him inasmuch as he repents of his wickedness and humbles himself before the Lord.
"Thursday morning, 17. At home, quite unwell. Elder Orson Hyde called to see me, and presented me with a copy of the letter he handed me on Tuesday last, which I had lost. The following is a copy:-
"'December 15,1835.
"'President Smith;- You may esteem it a novel circumstance to receive a written communication from me at this time. My reasons for writing are the following: I have some things which I wish to communicate to you, and feeling a greater liberty to do it by writing alone by myself, I take this method, and it is generally the case that you are thronged with business and not convenient to spend much time in conversing upon subjects of the following nature.
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