Pleasant Grove Oct 20 1897 President Wilford Woodruff Salt Lake City Dear Brother Having been selected as a missionary to the Southern States I accept the same and will if I go be faithful to that end. If it is the Lords will I will arrange to leave any time in May 1898 so you will pleas informe me of the exact date for my departure ...

I will have my Bishop Brother James Cobbly endorse with me as you requested. Your Brother in the Gospel James H. Kirk Sr. James Cobbly bp James H. Kirk Sr Oct. 20 [18]97

Smithfield Utah May 26 [18]97 Geo. Reynolds Esq. Salt Lake City Dear Brother, I must first offer my appology for such a long delayed answere to yours of the 11th inst, but have been awaiting an answere from my parents who are in Wyoming. With regret I must say, it would be impossible for me to go on a mission for some time, for several reasons: 1st I have been ill for two months and am still under the Doctor's care ...

of my aged Grand parents. 4th I have borrowed money to attend school, but am going to teach [s]chool next year. I shall make herculean efforts to get ready for the call. Then I willsend you word. My feelings and faith are strong in the missionary work, and would like to have been able to have gone at first call. But shall remain hopeful and faithful for the work in the near future. Your Brother Jas W. Kirkbride P.S. I have an intimate friend who for some time has longed for a ...

Thos H. Chambers May 26 [18]97