Yours of the 18th inst, informing me
that I have been selected as a missionary to the
Southern States, is at hand. In replying I deem
it right to tell you as near as I can how I am
situated, and I do so with no desire of shrinking
from any responsibility that the Priesthood may
see fit to place upon me, but least I might afterward
be blamed for not informing you of my true
condition.
For the last 5 years I have not had the best
of health, and during that time I have had to
serve two terms of imprisonment and part of
the time compelled to be away from my family
and not being able to perform hard manuel
labor I have been unable to earn any thing to speak
of, so that to day I am left with no surplus
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means for my family of 15, the most of them
small, to live upon. I have no income of any
kind save a pension that I receive from the
U.S. government of $50 per month, that might
be taken from me at any time.
If the Enimy knew the condition that my second wife was now in, they would be after me
and my wife again. I have been trying to
arrange my affairs so as to take her beyond
thier reach but have been unable to do so
thus far.
Now wherever you think it best for me to go,
or whatever you say I should do, that, with
the help of the Lord I will undertake.
If I do not hear from you again, I will be on
hand at the time set for me to start, on the
mission mentioned, if I can secure the money nec-
essary. I would not like for this call to be
made public.
I think that brethren who are
situated as bro. Watson is, as to health
and family, and financial circomstances and condition, should not
be called on missions. And that bro. Watson should be honorably
excused. J. F. S.
I have read Bro Watson's
answer to you in reply to his call
to go on a Mission: and I think
it explains his condition as near as
posable he feels like doing whatever
is required of him and would be for
the best feeling that you will advise
him for the best