Letter from Edward Partridge, b. 1833, 17 April 1856
Brother Woodruff
Dear Sir,
Your letter of Dec. 25th /55
I received the 30th of last month, and was both pleased and
interested by the same, a letter from the mountain home of the
Saints is hi always highly prized and duly appreciated by us
who are obliged to labor for a season on foreign lands. We do
not find much to cheer us—aside from preforming our duty
except what comes from Utah, for in Utah is all we hold dear
on earth; her associations are dear to our hearts. We feel to rejoice
when we hear of her prosperity but sad when we here of her calamities
Our conference of foreign Elders commenced on the 6th inst.
and held four days, after which the Brethren again seperated and
went to their respected fields of labor. My field for the next six
months is on this Island (Lanai) to preside over the Saints who
have gathered to this place. A good feeling attended our confe-
rence—all was peace and harmony, each one appeared to be
edified and strengthened, and to feel determined to use every exertion
possible for the rolling forth of the cause of Truth on these
Islands, and for the downfall of Priestcraft, error & wickedness.
A perfect unity of sentiment was manifest throughout all
our actions, each one felt well and appeared to enjoy a good
degree of the Holy Spirit, it was a time long to be remembered
by those who were there. No one can tell realise the feelings
that animate our breasts when we meet together after being
seperated for six or eight months upon these Islands except
those who have ^been^ passed through been placed in similar sircu-
mstances, a more united band is not often met with, all
manifested a willingness to abide counsel, go where
they were sent and do what the were told to the best of
there ability, without grumbling or finding fault.
The reports at this Conference show a decrease
in numbers since last conference this is not however in
consequence of any material decrease in the work, of recent date.
[sideways text] Lanai Apl 17/56
Ed. Partridge to W Woodruff [end of sideways text]
