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A copy of a letter from Elder George A. Smith, in England, to a gentleman in Ohio, dated 6 June 1840 and reprinted in the Times and Seasons, Vol.2, pp.223-224.
Times and Seasons, Vol.2, p.223 Burslem, Staffordshire, England, June 6th 1840.
Cousin C. C. Waller:
I hasten to redeem the promise I made you last fall at Ohio city, by giving some account of the events that have transpired since that time. I expected then in five weeks to have been in England, but my way was hedged up on every side. I was confined in Kirtland 4 weeks by sickness. I pursued my journey to Hamilton where I was again confined to my room five weeks with a disease resembling a dropsical consumption. Gaining my health a little I went to W. Stockbridge, Mass. where I was attacked with chill fever which lasted twelve days, then left me. I proceeded to New York where I arrived about Feb. 1st. I search half a day for your brother and found he had removed from Nassau st. The next day I went to Philadelphia, to see cousin Joseph Smith but was disappointed as he had returned to Illinois. After 10 days confinement by sickness in Philadelphia, and a visit to Chester county Pa., I returned to New York on the 27th of Feb. Found your brother in John st.; delivered you letter and had a very agreeable visit. On the 9th of March set sail on board the packet ship Patrick Henry for Liverpool in the company with five brethren of the church of Latter Day Saints. After a rough and disagreeable passage of 28 days, landed on the shores of Great Britain. We had 16 days head wind, and three heavy gales. I was very sea sick; remained at Liverpool a few days, then went to Preston; attended a conference of the church of Latter Day Saints -- 1800 members represented; then I went to Manchester. After a short time came to this place -- Staffordshire Potteries. The greater portion of China and Earthen ware sold in America is made in this district; about 70,000 persons obtain a good living when there is employment but vast numbers are now out of work, in consequence of the depression in trade; consequently, in a state of starvation. I have seen more beggars here in one day than I saw in all my life in America. I have seen delicate females gathering manure to get a living for their famishing children. I never before realized the value of American institutions; one third of the earnings of the laboring class is taken for taxes to support government in various ways. In addition to all this, duties are imposed on all the necessaries of life making the cost of almost every article of double value. To all this the common people are strangers, living in other people‘s premises, being obliged to pay weekly rent or decamp. The roads in England are good -- the bridges are expensive and durable -- the buildings are generally ancient, and more durable than those in America; many are so ancient that the time of their being built is unknown. Notwithstanding their poverty, many of the people are intemperate; temperance societies have been established in different parts of the country with considerable success, yet there is room for before: spirit selling seems to be the best business in England, many “drink to forget their poverty.“ p.224 The principles of the church of Latter Day Saints are gaining rapidly in different parts of the kingdom; some fifty or sixty preachers of different denominations have been baptized since we landed in England, and thousands and thousands of people have believed our testimony; although we have met with some opposition it has always turned in our favor, and many are constantly believing. We have commenced the publication of the monthly periodical entitled the “Latter day Saints Millennial Star,“ at Manchester Eng., and for sale by P. P. Pratt, No. 149, Oldham Road; we are also about publishing another edition of the book of Mormon -- also several other books. The work of the Lord is making considerable progress in Scotland. I have not heard from my father since I left New York; you will please to send him a letter stating the information this contains and also write me immediately directing to Manchester, England, care of P. P. Pratt; I shall then be sure to get it if I go to London, as I expect to do before it reaches me. I am now preaching 4 or 5 times a week surrounded as usual with friends and enemies; my eye sight is considerably improved, though I am able to write but very little; I have at present no idea when I may return to America. Give my respects to your mother, brothers, sister, and children, and, as you may see them sooner than I, to all inquiring friends.
I subscribe myself with sentiments of respect,
Your Cousin,
G. A. SMITH. |
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