Prests: Wilford Wodruff
George. Q. Cannon
Joseph. F. Smith.
Dear Brethren:
We are very
short of elders: many, whose time has nearly
expired, wish very much to be home at the
Dedication. A number have applied to be released
in time to put in their spring crops, or their years
work is lost. Some must be released in con-
sequence of ill health. All this, makes it nec-
cessary for me to remain in touch with this
office, but I must have a warmer climate
than England.
The devil has had a great
time in Denmark, near Copenhagen. L. C.
Miller, P. C. Gurtsen Jr. and H. C. Hansen, elder[s]
from home, and many of the Aarhus branch
have received great demonstrations through the
visitation of Angels and God Himself (?) through
a Mrs. Jensen, whom this great being called
first a poor woman; but after the elders had
stood guard over her for 11 days and nights,
[c]asting the devil out of her many times, was
2
called a pure woman. She gave them con-
stant revelation: how many times the must
administer to her: the particular part of her body
which the enemy got into: and from what I can
learn he invaded every crack and crevice from
head to heels. The elders found a pleasant
nook near the house and dedicated the spot to prayer,
and here they received many precious revelations. Mrs.
Jensen had them The elders administer to her, that
she might ^believe that they believed in her &^ have all [cleave] in her words. Then
claimed that the phrophets Joseph, Brigham &
John were those giving revelation: the accumula-
tion kept on until there was 12 of each kin[d]
they fought over the poor woman all three days and
nights. At the expiration of the allotted time, Mrs.
Jensen became a pure woman (!) She was then
prepared to give the saints, pure counsel. I laid
the matter before the Lord, but did not feel to go there
myself, so wrote to Prest. Christiansen to take conse
with his brethren, and straighten things out. I said
if the Lord had revelations for the people, it would
come from the proper source: these spiritual manif[es]-
tations were evil, and the adversary would li[ke]
to prevent the honest in heart, in that vicinty f[rom]
receiving the testimony of the Lord's servants.
I send Bro. George E. Young, son of
Lorenzo D., home: he has been here about
three months: he will tell you his sin, com-
mitted with a woman. I leave it to you, as to the
wisdom of telling this your aged father George said
and said to me, this will hasten fathers death
when he knows it. I have no one here but
Alfred Solomon, that I can leave in charge of
the mission: I have called him to take temporary
charge, while I am away, and if you deem him
suitable, write me, and I will hasten home.
Albert has the spirit of this work, and he should
have the the experience of a travelling elder. Jos. Quinn
is in the office now outside of Willy, there is no
more to get the Star out. Bro. Solomon could not ma[nage] [page torn]
the work. Willy has been ailing, but is now all rig[ht]
Such matters as these, makes me feel to keep in w[ork]
with the office. You know Bro. Solomon as w[ell]
as I do: he is the most experienced we have.
shall try him for two or three weeks, until your
answer comes. So far as I know he amply abl[e]
to tide over until after dedication, but yous are
the best judges. I an sorry the mission is now
down: elders are hard to get I know and,
perhaps I have not kept you thoroughly posted
as to our wants: I have tried to do so, and I have
to be forgiven for any negligence witnessed in m[e]
by the Lord, or any brethren. Emigration business
is at a low ebb. The White Star & Cunarder lines:
have things all their own way. Second cabin for
returning [delay saints] nearly twice first cabin
on Guions steamers, which latter have ceased
to run, and may never again [remove] traffic
under the same favorable aspect for our
emigration. We are at sea about emigration water
I dare not leave the mission until you say Bro.
Solomons appointment will be satisfactory, or you [send]
some one else to act intergnum. Would that I did feel
at liberty to go: I would sail on [page torn] [Teutonic] 25th inst.
Many elders are praying to be released, & is my opinion, their
prayers should be answered formally: but in consideration
of high prices charged on the above named lines of
steamers, the expense to the church will be enormous.
I think the bret[h]ern who want to go home, & should
be released, and insist on going on these, put into
under this promise on prices, ought to pay the
difference in pric beween Guions good cabin
and the present second cabin rates, or wait
for a few weeks until Guions start their
steamers. True Guions may go to [illegible] [page torn]
but if the elders wait for their chance
and the Guion Co. fails, they can [a wait here]
by the church, which will stand good for their
passage under those circumstances.
Please answer this letter soon as you
can, that I may feel at liberty to
come home.
God bless you. [illegible] [page torn]
are the brethren. Your Brother [illegible] [page torn]