2nd [FIGURE] I recieved A letter from Br W^m Sweat And filled anoth[er]
sheet to Orson Pratt. I spoke of my birth day, gave him all the
News I had from the valley, my interview with Br Whipple, with Br
Babbitt made An extract concerning him And the Government from
my Journals. Also made An extract from my address to the Histori[an]
concerning Zion &c &c. The following is an Extract of my letter
to him [FIGURES]

Cambridgeport March 1^st 1849
Elder Pratt, Beloved Brother, As this is my birth day Also the
first day of Spring, my mind is led this morning more than usual
to reflect upon the signs of the times of the Globe upon which we dwell
And while meditating upon Zion And Her messengers my mind flits
across the Ocean & runs over the wall And takes A view of A large co-
mpany of swift messengers who are the Horns of Joseph used to push
the people together from the ends of the Earth, [Doctrine and Covenants 58:45] these meditations
create A desire to convers A few moments with Br Pratt. So while all Nature
is locked fast in sleep before the dawn of day is broke to start man from
his slumber I seat myself to say A few words to you. I said this was my
birth day, yes I am 42 years old this day. How such figures look to
a man while counting up his years in this probation. The vary sight
of them croud into the mind A flood of thought even more than
tongue can utter or pen can write. The last sixteen years of
my life has been spent in endeavouring to preach the Gospel & build
up the Kingdom of God in connexion with my brethren. The past
is gone, I have no desire to recal it, I would would not wish to live
my life over if I could. I feel like looking forward & not backward
I have a great desire that I may spend my future days doing the works
of righteousness, Honoring the Priesthood & my calling, saving the
souls of men, & building up the Kingdom of God that I may have a
place with the faithful at the end of the race. Turn my eyes which
way I will Either towards Babylon or Zion And I find the mov-
ements & signs of Either of them at the present day Are fully keep-
ing pace with the wheels of time. It is deeply interesting to see
hear, feel, & live in this age and gaze upon the scenery of the
whole Earth rushing like A Mighty cataract to finish its work
while the high minded Jew in the highth of his pride was exha-
usting his talents & oratory to prove to the Roman and the world
their right to independance greatness & power. The Son of God
was in Lamb like meekness bowing to the ordinance of Baptism
And all the rites of the gospel & commandments of his Father
looking forward to the day when He should make his second visit
to his brethren with his reward upon his head. So at the present
day while the Emperors, Kings, Princes, Lords, Nobles, Presidents
Governours, Statesman with all the great men of Babylon
have been making A desperate Effort to maintain their
dignity And appear to a good Advantage before the whole Earth