Letter to George Albert Smith and Ezra Taft Benson, 22 February 1849
Cambridgeport Mass
Elders G. A. Smith, & E. T. Benson,
Dear Brethren,
I recieved your interesting letter of
Dec 20. directed to me & have penned your letter to Elder
Barnes of Jan 11: both of which contained cheering news
from the valley. I should have answered your letter before
this time, but I have been sick near two weeks, but am well as
usual again And I wished also to see if I could make any discoveries
in your favor for assistance before I write. The Lord knows that
I wish it was in my power to put means into your hands to make
you comfortable in removing to the valley in the Spring, it certainly
would afford me pleasure, But I have not the means in my power
or at my control, yet if I can use an influence with any man
who has means for your Benefit I will do it. It does not help
men any in your cituations to plead poverty or tell poor stories
yet I will give a brief sketch of affairs as I now find them in the
East. I am making a report to the presidency in the valley which
I expect to send by Orson Spencer who is expected in New York [nad]
daily. I have kept a list of the Branches of the Church in the East &
including, [Pennsylvania|paensylvania]], & Eastern part of New York, with all of New England
Canidas New Brunswick Novia Scotia &c & in fine all throughout my
field of labour and I make out 804 in all 604 besides the Philadelphia Branch
that is called 200 this representation includes Saints, Mormons, Hickory mormons
& all Hot, warm, & cold. I have tryed to ascertain as well as I could
their temperal circumstances and if I can judge from their report
I would not judge that one half or more than that could pay
their fare to St Louis. When I arrived in Boston I found many
complaining beacause Elder Badelam had done so much for the Church
& had got in deabt debt He was $1400 in debt when He returned from
philadelphia and even a number of the brethren have been almost
ready to Devour him on accout of it, but after Hearing all the
circumstances concerning it I have felt it my duty to come out
Defend him & sustain Him & I have done so. And He has finally
been prospered & has mostly cleared himself from debt, the last
