March 15th, 1889. Elder Wm. H. Thompson, St. George. My dear Brother William: Your welcome favor of the 1st inst came duly to hand. I am much gratified with your kind expressions towards me, in memory of my 82nd birthday anniversary and the many pleasant and agreeable personal asso- ciations of the past. I appreciate the warm feelings of friendship you express on your own behalf and on that of your family, Brother and Sister Cottam, Brothers Samuel & Jos. Hardy, their wives, and ...

2 attending to all the duties of my calling openly and freely. But I am not as young as I was ten, twenty or thirty years ago, and I find that the cares and labors of the Priesthood have not diminished but increased upon me. The Kingdom grows and responsibilities increase, notwithstanding the efforts of the wicked one and all his agencies on earth to prevent it; and although my desire is strong to visit, counsel and exhort the saints, as in years gone by, the duties of my position and the increased labors which have fallen upon me ...

by His illegible and methods, and He is abundantly able to continue His work to His final glorious consummation. That we may prove equal to our responsibilities and faithful to the end is my prayer. With love to all and constant prayer for the welfare of the saints, I am your Brother, & c. W Woodruff ...