Beloved Brother and Companion in tribulation.

A few lines from a stranger may not be unacceptable more especially when you are informed that a mysterious hand has directed his footsteps through scenes perhaps as diversified as will apply to any other individual of whom we have an account either in ancient or modern history; an statement of some of which you may obtain from Elders Sessions, Harriman and Butterfield and also from my neighbors who are about going from this place.

I feel a deep sympathy for those <​who suffer​> persecution of which you yourself together with your companions have been large sharers

I begin to feel that I am called to partake of your sufferings and triumphs and think now that I shall go to your place and enter right in at the door. I wish to conceal nothing in reference to my character and standing It will all be opened to you <​by​> those who have been accquainted with me from my youth. Before I purchase an estate in your vicinity it will be necessary for me to receive that justice which my ungodly persecutors refuse me here. You will know what this means when you are told that for several years I have [p. [1]]