Letter from George Albert Smith, 14 September 1856
New York, .
Elder Woodruff,
Dear Bro: On account of my absence
from Washington I only received your letter of the 31st July at this
place the day before yesterday. I am exceedingly thankful
for the general information your letters contain and am indeed grate-
-ful for the better prospects of harvest announced in your last.
I have remained here for the last month expressly to get Elder
Taylor to complete his account of the Murder of the Prophet.
He is so buisy that it has been with difficulty that he has
been able to bring his mind to the task and remain at
it. I am, however, extremely satisfied with the prospects
of accomplishing the work. He thinks Dan Jones' statement
of the dreams ought to be considerableed reliable. From
many conversations I have had with Bro. Markham
in relation to the subject I have formed the opinion that his
memory is so treacherous that he would unwittingly mix
other circumstances with those attending Joseph's ass-
assination. His statements would therefore require criticism
Elder Taylor is bothered for dates of days & hours.
Since I wrote you I have visited your native State
an account of which the boys will find in the Mormon.
I am greatly obliged to Bro. Bullock & the clerks in the office
for keeping me posted on the affairs at home and thank you
kindly for the attention to my fruit trees.
I expect to go to St. Louis just as soon as Elder
Taylor finishes his narrative of the conversation between
the Governor & the Prophet, &ce.
I preached last Sunday here and according to
the announcement of the brethren in to-day's Herald I
am to lecture this evening on "Utah and the present
position of the Mormons."
Heywood has returned to Washington and has better
prospects of winding up his business affairs and hopes to
