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Letter from George J. Adams, 21 April 1842

Source Note

George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
, Letter,
New York City

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

More Info
, New York Co., NY, to [JS], [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL], 21 Apr. 1842. Featured version published in “Letter from Elder George J. Adams,” Times and Seasons, 15 June 1842, vol. 3, no. 16, 826–828. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

On 21 April 1842
George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
addressed a letter to JS, whom he called a “Beloved Brother in Christ,” documenting his fourteen-month mission to
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
. Adams apparently wrote the letter for publication in the Times and Seasons, which regularly featured missionary reports. At the time Adams wrote the letter, JS had served as editor of the paper for two months.
On 13 February 1841
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
accompanied
Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
to
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
aboard the packet ship United States.
1

See Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841. Hyde was originally appointed to travel across the ocean with John E. Page.


Hyde and Adams arrived in
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

More Info
on 3 March 1841. For a month Adams visited cities in northwest England. In April the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
decided that Adams should relocate southeast “to Bedford & Northampton and labour in that region.”
2

Woodruff, Journal, 2 Apr. 1841.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

He was appointed to serve as the president of the Bedford
branch

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
. Four days later, at a
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
in
Manchester

City in northwest England, located on River Irwell. Noted for manufacture of cotton, linen, and silk goods. Population in 1831 about 187,000. Some early church publications for British Saints, including a hymnal and Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, published...

More Info
, he was
ordained

The conferral of power and authority; to appoint, decree, or set apart. Church members, primarily adults, were ordained to ecclesiastical offices and other responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those with the proper authority. Ordinations to priesthood...

View Glossary
a
high priest

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
.
3

“Conference Minutes,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:303–304.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

He departed for Bedford on 9 April, stopping to preach in Birmingham for eight days.
The need for additional support in Bedford was identified in August 1840 by
Joseph Fielding

26 Mar. 1797–19 Dec. 1863. Farmer. Born at Honeydon, Bedfordshire, England. Son of John Fielding and Rachel Ibbotson. Immigrated to Upper Canada, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt, 21 May 1836, in Black Creek...

View Full Bio
, who was a member of the mission presidency before the Quorum of the Twelve arrived. Bedford was Fielding’s birthplace. He believed the
elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
had not given the area “a fair chance” as they had in other places in
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
where more growth was apparent. Bedford received little attention from traveling elders after
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
and John Goodson served as the city’s first missionaries in 1837.
4

“News from the Elders,” Times and Seasons, 1 Dec. 1840, 2:230; Richards, Journal, 31 July 1837–5 Mar. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

In 1841 missionary Joseph Brotherton described the congregation in Bedford as “feeble.”
5

Joseph Brotherton, Manchester, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 2 Mar. 1842, in Millennial Star, Mar. 1842, 2:172.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

Fielding understood that residents of Bedford felt a “great dissatisfaction about religion,” creating an opportunity for missionaries to share their message.
6

“News from the Elders,” Times and Seasons, 1 Dec. 1840, 2:230.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

During
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
’s ministry, the branch membership steadily increased.
7

Adams reported that the branch had fewer than thirty members when he arrived. A month later he reported “68 members, 8 priests, 1 teacher, and one deacon.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33; Lorenzo Snow, London, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 25 May 1841, in Millennial Star, June 1841, 2:32.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

In December 1841
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
boarded the Mersey, which was bound for
New York

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

More Info
. After eight weeks at sea, a series of storms forced the vessel to return to
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

More Info
. On 16 March 1842 Adams departed again, this time on the Sheridan, and arrived in New York one month later, on 16 April.
Writing to JS five days later,
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
provided a triumphant narrative of his mission, focusing on his many successes in
baptizing

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
converts. He detailed public debates and sermons before large audiences in
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
and while at sea. Adams also described his difficult journey from Liverpool to New York.
The original letter is not extant. The featured version was published in the 15 June 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841. Hyde was originally appointed to travel across the ocean with John E. Page.

  2. [2]

    Woodruff, Journal, 2 Apr. 1841.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  3. [3]

    “Conference Minutes,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:303–304.

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  4. [4]

    “News from the Elders,” Times and Seasons, 1 Dec. 1840, 2:230; Richards, Journal, 31 July 1837–5 Mar. 1838.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

  5. [5]

    Joseph Brotherton, Manchester, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 2 Mar. 1842, in Millennial Star, Mar. 1842, 2:172.

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  6. [6]

    “News from the Elders,” Times and Seasons, 1 Dec. 1840, 2:230.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  7. [7]

    Adams reported that the branch had fewer than thirty members when he arrived. A month later he reported “68 members, 8 priests, 1 teacher, and one deacon.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33; Lorenzo Snow, London, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 25 May 1841, in Millennial Star, June 1841, 2:32.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Letter from George J. Adams, 21 April 1842
Times and Seasons, 15 June 1842

Page 826

LETTER
FROM
ELDER

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
GEORGE J. ADAMS

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
.
New York

Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...

More Info
, April 21, 1842.
Beloved Brother in Christ—As I have just arrived from
England

Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...

More Info
, and have a few hours of leisure time, I thought a short history of my labors during the past season would not be altogether uninteresting to the readers of your valuable periodical.
By the advice and counsel of our highly esteemed brother, Elder
O[rson] Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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, on the first of January, 1841, I commenced to set my house in order,
1

Adams was living in New York City at the time. (“List of Agents,” Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:288.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

to leave my native land and go to the nations of the earth to assist in declaring the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a dark and benighted world.
2

At the April 1840 general conference, Hyde and John E. Page were appointed to serve a mission among the Jews in Europe and Palestine. By January 1841 the men were still endeavoring to obtain funds for their trip across the Atlantic. That month, the Times and Seasons published a notice informing Hyde and Page “that the Lord is not well pleased” because of their delay. Hyde then proceeded with the voyage to England, and Page remained behind in the United States. Hyde seems to have invited Adams as a travel companion to replace Page. (Minutes and Discourse, 6–8 Apr. 1840; Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842; Notice, Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:287.)


According to arrangements previously made, on the 13th of February, 1841, I left my friends and the companion of my early days
3

Adams married Caroline Youngs around 1832. (Caroline Youngs Adams, New York City, NY, to JS, Nauvoo, IL, ca. 15 Jan. 1843, JS Collection [Supplement], CHL.)


to assist in carrying to a land of strangers “glad tidings of great joy.”
4

See Luke 2:10.


I left in company with, and under the direction of the above named
brother

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
; we left in the packet ship United States, bound for
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

More Info
, where we arrived after a short passage of eighteen days;
5

Hyde described the voyage as “a good passage but a rough one.” (Letter from Orson Hyde, 17 Apr. 1841.)


we were kindly received by
Elder [John] Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
and the brethren in
Liverpool

Seaport, city, county borough, and market-town in northwestern England. Experienced exponential growth during nineteenth century. Population in 1830 about 120,000. Population in 1841 about 290,000. First Latter-day Saint missionaries to England arrived in...

More Info
;
6

In January 1840 the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assigned Taylor and Joseph Fielding to labor in Liverpool. In February 1841 Taylor estimated that the Liverpool congregation comprised 160 members. (Woodruff, Journal, 17 Jan. 1840; Letter from John Taylor, 3 Feb. 1841.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

we stayed with them two days, and then, in company with brother
Joseph Fielding

26 Mar. 1797–19 Dec. 1863. Farmer. Born at Honeydon, Bedfordshire, England. Son of John Fielding and Rachel Ibbotson. Immigrated to Upper Canada, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt, 21 May 1836, in Black Creek...

View Full Bio
, we proceeded on to
Preston

Town located on River Ribble, approximately 216 miles northwest of London. Population in 1831 about 33,000. Population in 1841 about 35,000. First Latter-day Saint mission to England established, 1837–1838, with most efforts concentrated in town and surrounding...

More Info
, the principal place of
Elder Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
’s former labors.
7

Hyde proselytized in Preston from July 1837 to April 1838. (“Mission to England,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:290, 295.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

Nothing could exceed the joy that was manifested by the saints in once more beholding this our brother.
8

Fielding, for example, recalled that “there was no Soul on Earth that I should have been more pleased to see than Bro Hyde.” (Fielding, Journal, Feb.–Oct. 1841, 9.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Fielding, Joseph. Journals, 1837–1859. CHL. MS 1567.

Here we were soon joined by our beloved brother,
H[eber] C. Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

View Full Bio
; this made my joy complete for the then present time, as it was from this
brother

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

View Full Bio
that I first heard the fullness of the gospel.
9

Adamswas baptized eight days after he heard Kimball preach in February 1840. (George J. Adams, New York, 7 Oct. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, 15 Nov. 1840, 2:220.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

By the counsel of these two brethren I stopped and labored a few weeks in
Preston

Town located on River Ribble, approximately 216 miles northwest of London. Population in 1831 about 33,000. Population in 1841 about 35,000. First Latter-day Saint mission to England established, 1837–1838, with most efforts concentrated in town and surrounding...

More Info
, Farington, Southport,
10

Preston, Farington, and Southport are in Lancashire.


and the adjacent country, during which time a number were
baptized

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
. Early in April I went to
Manchester

City in northwest England, located on River Irwell. Noted for manufacture of cotton, linen, and silk goods. Population in 1831 about 187,000. Some early church publications for British Saints, including a hymnal and Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, published...

More Info
to attend the
Conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
,
11

This conference was held on 6 April 1841 at Carpenter’s Hall in Manchester. (“Conference Minutes,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:301–305.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

and there it was counseled by
Elder Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

View Full Bio
and others, and agreed by the
quorum of the Twelve

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
, that I should go and labor in Bedford and the vicinity thereof. Accordingly, on the 9th of April, I left
Manchester

City in northwest England, located on River Irwell. Noted for manufacture of cotton, linen, and silk goods. Population in 1831 about 187,000. Some early church publications for British Saints, including a hymnal and Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, published...

More Info
in company with my highly esteemed brother
Lorenzo Snow

3 Apr. 1814–10 Oct. 1901. Schoolteacher. Born in Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio. Son of Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Attended Oberlin College. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John F. Boynton, 19 June 1836, in Kirtland...

View Full Bio
, the President of the
London

City in southeast England; located on River Thames about sixty miles west of North Sea. Capital city of England. Population in 1841 about 2,000,000. London conference of British mission organized, 1841.

More Info
Conference;
12

Snow was selected as the president of the London Conference on 14 February 1841. (Woodruff, Journal, 14 Feb. 1841.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

after traveling together about one hundred miles we arrived in Birmingham, and there I was counseled by
Elder Snow

3 Apr. 1814–10 Oct. 1901. Schoolteacher. Born in Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio. Son of Oliver Snow and Rosetta Leonora Pettibone. Attended Oberlin College. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John F. Boynton, 19 June 1836, in Kirtland...

View Full Bio
to remain and labor a few days. I accordingly remained eight days, preached eleven times, baptized a number
13

In June 1841 Adams reported that he baptized three while in Birmingham and that “a number of others were believing.” He continued, “I have no doubt but the time is nigh when a great work will be accomplished in that place.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

and then proceeded on my way to Bedford, in order to enter more fully upon the mission assigned me. I arrived in Bedford on the 20th day of April, and soon found the brethren, who received me with great kindness. In the evening I attended a meeting of the saints at their chapel in Hassett street, and spoke a few minutes to a very small congregation, chiefly saints;
14

Before Adams’s arrival the congregation in Bedford numbered fewer than thirty. (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, June 1841, 2:33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

at the close of the meeting I gave out preaching for Thursday evening, at which time a few strangers attended to hear the preacher from
America

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
. At the close I gave out preaching three times for the following Sabbath; at which time we had a large and respectable congregation, who listened with attention to the glorious truths of the fulness of the gospel. The following week a number came forward and were baptized. The next Sabbath I gave notice to the
branch

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
at Honneydon
15

The branch at Honeydon “consisted of about fifteen or eighteen members.” (George J. Adams to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

to meet with the saints in Bedford,
16

The congregation in Bedford normally met in a small room, but Adams arranged to hold this meeting at a rented hall, which he identified as “Mr. Mayle’s large room.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

accordingly, on the following Sabbath a large concourse of people assembled, and we found it wisdom to
ordain

The conferral of power and authority; to appoint, decree, or set apart. Church members, primarily adults, were ordained to ecclesiastical offices and other responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those with the proper authority. Ordinations to priesthood...

View Glossary
six to the office of
Priest

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. In the Book of Mormon, priests were described as those who baptized, administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” and taught “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” A June 1829 revelation directed...

View Glossary
, to assist in preaching the gospel to the surrounding country; this proved to be too strong meat for the people of Bedford, and some of their great men challenged me to discuss our principles. I of course accepted their challenge, and in the discussion I had to contend against all the lying statements that had been published in
America

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

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or Europe; in the midst of the opposition made by our enemies to the truth, and when I was nearly borne down by sectarian lies, filth, and bigotry, Elder
O. Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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came to my rescue;
17

For an account of Hyde’s participation in the Bedford debates, see “The Mormons,” Cambridge Independent Press, and Huntingdon, Bedford, and Peterborough Gazette, 5 June 1841, [3]. Hyde visited Bedford intending to finish writing the pamphlet that was later translated into German and published as Ein Ruf aus der Wüste (A cry out of the wilderness). (Lorenzo Snow, London, England, to Brigham Young et al., 26 May 1841, in Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1841, 2:544; Orson Hyde, Ein Ruf aus der Wüste, eine Stimme aus dem Schoose der Erde [Frankfurt: Im Selbstverlage des Verfassers, 1842].)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Cambridge Independent Press, and Huntingdon, Bedford, and Peterborough Gazette. Cambridge, England. 1838–1866.

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Hyde, Orson. Ein Ruf aus der Wüste, eine Stimme aus dem Schoose der Erde: Kurzer Ueberblick des Ursprungs und der Lehre der Kirche “Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” in Amerika, gekannt von Manchen unter der Benennung: “Die Mormonen.” Frankfurt: Im Selbstverlage des Verfassers, 1842. Also available with English translation in Dean C. Jessee, ed., The Papers of Joseph Smith, vol. 1, Autobiographical and Historical Writings (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989), 402–425.

after which our enemies soon retired from the field in confusion and disgrace, without having left a stone to tell where slumbers the ashes of these fallen Heroes. From that time to the present the truth has stood triumphant in Bedford, no man daring to come forth in public to oppose it. Elder
O. Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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remained with us a few days, during which time he gave us much good instruction, and taught us many glorious truths. He then gave us the parting hand to hasten and fill his mission [p. 826]
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Page 826

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from George J. Adams, 21 April 1842
ID #
816
Total Pages
3
Print Volume Location
JSP, D9:380–388
Handwriting on This Page
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Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Adams was living in New York City at the time. (“List of Agents,” Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:288.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  2. [2]

    At the April 1840 general conference, Hyde and John E. Page were appointed to serve a mission among the Jews in Europe and Palestine. By January 1841 the men were still endeavoring to obtain funds for their trip across the Atlantic. That month, the Times and Seasons published a notice informing Hyde and Page “that the Lord is not well pleased” because of their delay. Hyde then proceeded with the voyage to England, and Page remained behind in the United States. Hyde seems to have invited Adams as a travel companion to replace Page. (Minutes and Discourse, 6–8 Apr. 1840; Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1842; Notice, Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:287.)

  3. [3]

    Adams married Caroline Youngs around 1832. (Caroline Youngs Adams, New York City, NY, to JS, Nauvoo, IL, ca. 15 Jan. 1843, JS Collection [Supplement], CHL.)

  4. [4]

    See Luke 2:10.

  5. [5]

    Hyde described the voyage as “a good passage but a rough one.” (Letter from Orson Hyde, 17 Apr. 1841.)

  6. [6]

    In January 1840 the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assigned Taylor and Joseph Fielding to labor in Liverpool. In February 1841 Taylor estimated that the Liverpool congregation comprised 160 members. (Woodruff, Journal, 17 Jan. 1840; Letter from John Taylor, 3 Feb. 1841.)

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  7. [7]

    Hyde proselytized in Preston from July 1837 to April 1838. (“Mission to England,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:290, 295.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  8. [8]

    Fielding, for example, recalled that “there was no Soul on Earth that I should have been more pleased to see than Bro Hyde.” (Fielding, Journal, Feb.–Oct. 1841, 9.)

    Fielding, Joseph. Journals, 1837–1859. CHL. MS 1567.

  9. [9]

    Adamswas baptized eight days after he heard Kimball preach in February 1840. (George J. Adams, New York, 7 Oct. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, 15 Nov. 1840, 2:220.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  10. [10]

    Preston, Farington, and Southport are in Lancashire.

  11. [11]

    This conference was held on 6 April 1841 at Carpenter’s Hall in Manchester. (“Conference Minutes,” Millennial Star, Apr. 1841, 1:301–305.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  12. [12]

    Snow was selected as the president of the London Conference on 14 February 1841. (Woodruff, Journal, 14 Feb. 1841.)

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  13. [13]

    In June 1841 Adams reported that he baptized three while in Birmingham and that “a number of others were believing.” He continued, “I have no doubt but the time is nigh when a great work will be accomplished in that place.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  14. [14]

    Before Adams’s arrival the congregation in Bedford numbered fewer than thirty. (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, June 1841, 2:33.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  15. [15]

    The branch at Honeydon “consisted of about fifteen or eighteen members.” (George J. Adams to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  16. [16]

    The congregation in Bedford normally met in a small room, but Adams arranged to hold this meeting at a rented hall, which he identified as “Mr. Mayle’s large room.” (George J. Adams, Northampton, England, to Parley P. Pratt, 22 June 1841, in Millennial Star, July 1841, 2:33.)

    Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Manchester, England, 1840–1842; Liverpool, 1842–1932; London, 1932–1970.

  17. [17]

    For an account of Hyde’s participation in the Bedford debates, see “The Mormons,” Cambridge Independent Press, and Huntingdon, Bedford, and Peterborough Gazette, 5 June 1841, [3]. Hyde visited Bedford intending to finish writing the pamphlet that was later translated into German and published as Ein Ruf aus der Wüste (A cry out of the wilderness). (Lorenzo Snow, London, England, to Brigham Young et al., 26 May 1841, in Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1841, 2:544; Orson Hyde, Ein Ruf aus der Wüste, eine Stimme aus dem Schoose der Erde [Frankfurt: Im Selbstverlage des Verfassers, 1842].)

    Cambridge Independent Press, and Huntingdon, Bedford, and Peterborough Gazette. Cambridge, England. 1838–1866.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Hyde, Orson. Ein Ruf aus der Wüste, eine Stimme aus dem Schoose der Erde: Kurzer Ueberblick des Ursprungs und der Lehre der Kirche “Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” in Amerika, gekannt von Manchen unter der Benennung: “Die Mormonen.” Frankfurt: Im Selbstverlage des Verfassers, 1842. Also available with English translation in Dean C. Jessee, ed., The Papers of Joseph Smith, vol. 1, Autobiographical and Historical Writings (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989), 402–425.

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