taken the liberty to consult with Bro. Franklin D. Richards
and others of the Twelve, I have by no means done this
as often as I have felt a want to, as I did not wish
to intrude upon their time ^as long as I was engaged in a private enterprise.^ I am, however, now able
to place my ^last four years'^ work before you in a form that you in a
few minutes cemay be able to judge somewhat of its
merits, and ^also^ understand the nature of ^my^ ability as a
compiler of historical data and facts.
Having done so much I am now in ^such^ a position that
^I can^ continue or discontinue my publication, according to your
council; but I am under the impression now more than
ever before, that my works ought to be published by
authority, or not be published at all. And in order to
make myself plain I hereby ask leave to state that
I am willing to devote my entire future life in the interest of Church history, and I offer you my services, from the 1st of January next, with or without any compensation of a material nature, just as you desire;
and shall be willing to work at the Historian's Office
or travel through the country gathering historical
information, according to your best judgment. And I will