To the Church in Maine

Dear Brethren:-Before you see this short epistle you undoubtedly will have seen the name of General J. Smith announced as a candidate for our next president of the United States.

Whatever prejudices may heretofore have occupied your minds, as regards former presidents, and the two great political parties in the United States, together with the candidates already in the field, we are fully persuaded that when you maturely consider the claims of Gen. Smith, he will be the man of your choice for that high responsible office. Martin Van Buren and Henry Clay, regarded as the two great champions of their respective parties will undoubtedly be considered candidates claiming the confidence of this nation in the next presidential canvass. I would say, that it is not my intention to enter into a labored discussion of political principles, nor of the principles and characters of the two men, whose conflicting interests are nothing more than party dogmas that never did nor never can for any great length of time, give permanency to the government, nor promote the peace and best interests of its subjects.

The people of the United States, since the days of Gen. Jackson, have been distracted with the destructive mutations of government, and it is clearly to be seen every discerning person, that the policy persued [pursued] by our last two presidents is not calculated to increase the public weal, nor to place upon our heads crowns of honor. What redeeming principles were ever realized by the course persued [pursued] by Van Buren during his term? Can the first virtuous noble act, as a sweet smelling savor be written of him? How has he treated the respectability of his constituents, citizens of the United States? What was his answer to the delegation from the Church of Latter Day Saints when praying for redress of grievances, while yet Missouri's soil was smoking with the blood of innocence? How were the wishes of fifty thousand freemen treated by him and his adherents? How mysteriously and disgracefully was the affair of the Caroline managed? Mr. Van Buren has demonstrated one fact if no more, that he is altogether unworthy the confidence of a free, enlightened and virtuous people, his own party

themselves being judges. Mene mene tekel is indeed written of him, for he has committed sins unpardonable in the sight of this vast republic. Although the changing of the scene, a very different character appears when Mr. Clay is introduced, yet, like the "Fox and the flies," the policy of the latter would destroy what had been saved by the former. Can it be ascertained of what specific gravity Mr. Clay is?-At one time he is too heavy to float with a paper medium; at another, too light to be confined to the same stratum with a metal currency. To be sure he would take every man by the hand and speak peaceably and smoothly to him; but wherein can there be discovered at the present crisis, the great advantage to the nation in placing either Mr. Clay or Mr. Van Buren at the head. They are both party men of the deepest dye, therefore unfit for the chief magistracy of the foremost nation in the world.

Enough has been said of the two men; we now turn with pleasure to the man of our choice.-The Lord, the mighty God, has ordained him a deliverer and savior to this generation, if they will but hear his counsel. When the tribes of Israel were led and governed by the prophets of God, unparallelled [unparalleled] prosperity attended them. Witness the days of Moses and Joshua. God made them saviors each in their own time, to those tribes. So we, if Pharaoh will receive it, have a Moses whose rod when turned to a serpent will swallow up the serpents of all his magicians. Gen. Smith is every way calculated to preside over a great and mighty people. Although well skilled in all the learning of the times, no man can boast of being his instructor. By his own industry and the gifts of heaven, he has attained a degree in wisdom that baffles the ken of the greatest legislators and philosophers of the age. In the event of his becoming our chief magistrate, where other men might fail, either for want of virtue or knowledge, his integrity and superior foresight would guide us safely through every danger.

Having been acquainted with Mr. Smith more than seven years past, and knowing his views of the policy and powers of the government of the United States, which is now before the American people, I feel prepared to say, that was his moral worth fully known to the philanthropist, the honorable and high minded among all people, the response, like the echo on the river Nassa, would reverberate till that which was at first faintly whispered, would become loud and audible, GENERAL JOSEPH SMITH, forever.

As a body of freemen, we shall exert every honorable influence to elect the man whom we know to be every way worthy of our confidence. A man who, if this nation will receive him, will do more for them than the beloved Washington could do.

Having spoken to you thus freely, beloved brethren, I subscribe myself your brother, in the new and everlasting covenant.

BENJAMIN ANDREWS.

Newark, Kendall Co. Ill., May 21, 1844

Editor of the Times and Seasons:

Dear Sir,

We arrived at Ottowa on the 17th inst, after driving four days through constant rains, and over roads almost impassable for man or beast. We were soon informed that the Conference was removed twenty miles up Fox river, at the Newark branch. Notice had been given for a political address to be delivered in the Court House in the evening, by one of the Twelve, several hundred citizens assembled and was addressed by elder G. A. Smith. The speaker considered General Smith the smartest man in the United States, and the best calculated to fill the presidential chair, which was applauded by the assembly; his political views as presented on that occasion, seemed to please most of the people; at the close of the speech the congregation quietly dispersed. Elder Woodruff continued his journey ten miles, and held a meeting with the La Salle branch of 46 members, mostly emigrants from Norway. On the 18th, we arrived at Newark, and attended the Conference according to appointment. The following is a copy of the minutes, which we forward for publication:

Newark, Kendall Co. Ill., May 18, 1844.

Conference convened pursuant to notice.-There was present; two of the quorum of the twelve, one High Priest, two seventies, nine elders, one priest, one teacher.

Conference called to order by Elder Woodruff. Elder G. A. Smith called to the chair.-Conference opened by singing, and prayer by the president.

Representation by several branches was called for, when the following branches were represented, as follows:

Newark branch, 35 members, 1 elder, 1 teacher; La Salle branch, 46 members, 2 elders; Ottawa branch, 16 members, 2 elders; Bureau branch, 15 members, 3 elders; Pleasant Grove, McHenry Co. 10 members, 2 elders; Indian Creek branch, 5 members; Big Vermillion [Vermilion] branch, 4 members; French creek grove branch, 2 members. Total, 133 members, 10 elders, and I teacher.

It was moved and carried that Canute Peterson, Severt Olson, Zimri H. Baxter, Levi Lightfoot,

Simpson D. Huffaker, Mades Madison, Vance Jacobs, and Oder Jacobson, be ordained elders; also, Henry Saba be ordained a priest; Ole Johnson and Peter Macklin bo [be] ordained teachers. All of which persons were then ordained unto the offices assigned them, under the hands of Elder W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, and Ezra Thayer.

Appropriate remarks were then made by Elders Woodruff and Smith, by way of council and instruction to those who had been ordained; followed by Elder David Savage. Adjourned until Sunday morning 10 o'clock.

Sunday, 19th. Met according to adjournment. Opened by singing and prayer by elder A. M. Wilsey. A discourse was then delivered by elder W. Woodruff, in which he instructed the elders to be careful to preach the first principles of the gospel and doctrine of Christ, and not spend their time in warring with the opinions of other men; showed the importance of revelation, and the necessity of a prophet of God, as the head of the church on earth, being as necessary in order to exist, and advance in knowledge, as for a natural body to possess a head in order to live. He considered we were enjoying the society of as good a prophet in this day, as any people ever enjoyed in any age of the world, and believed all good men would think so, if they were fully acquainted with him and his principles. He was followed by Elder G. A. Smith, who bore testimony to the truth of the fulness [fullness] of the gospel; couselled [counseled] the elders to be humble, and not get head and shoulders above their brethren, lest they fall, like the tallest trees of the forest, that are first swept down by the raging storm. He made many appropriate remarks, which was well received by the congregation. Adjourned until 2 o'clock.

Met according to adjournment, when the sacrament was administered to the church, and many testimonies given from the elders and members present, concerning the truth of the work they had received. Conference was dismissed amid the best feelings, which was manifested, not only by all of the saints, but by the whole congregation of citizens that attended. Good order prevailed through the whole conference; attention, kindness, and civility, was manifest by all who were present.

GEO. A. SMITH. Pres't.

ASA MANCHESTER, Clerk.

At the close of the conference, Elders C. C. Rich, David Fulmer, Henry Jacobs, and Moses Smith, arrived direct from Nauvoo, on their way to Michigan.

20th. We have appointed a political meeting in Newark, this evening, and one at Juliet, to-morrow evening, where we expect to present to the citizens, General Smith views of the power and policy of the government, and discuss the subject of politics.

W. WOODRUFF,

G. A. SMITH.

Brother Taylor-Sir:-Having just returned from my mission to England, I send you a brief history of my proceedings, the which, if you should judge worthy of a place in your valuable periodical it is at your service.

I left Nauvoo on the 23rd of June, 1842, in company with brother Amos Fielding. We traveled together to Cincinnati, where I remained behind and saw him no more until we met in England.

When I was counselled [counseled] to go to England, I had but seventy-five cents in the whole world, and I asked where I should get money to go with.-The answer was, go and your way shall be opened. I did so, and found it verily come to pass in all places, and under all circumstances. I went from Cincinnati to Pittsburg [Pittsburgh], and from thence, in company with brother Jacobs, to Leachburg, where I found a branch of the church who kindly helped me on the way. I proceeded to Philadelphia, where I preached on Sunday to a large and attentive congregation; from thence I proceeded to New York, where I tarried, preparatory to my intended voyage across the Atlantic. I preached to a large concourse of people in the National Hall in that city. I sailed for Liverpool on the 10th day of August, 1842, in the ship "Independence," and after a very pleasant passage of twenty-one days, arrived art the place of my destination.

On my arrival in Liverpool, I found my old friend, Elder P. P. Pratt, and also Elder Thomas Ward, who were making preparations for emigration. Being appointed to assist in this business, I immediately commenced operations, and since that time, I have assisted in fitting up and forwarding thirteen vessels for the saints to emigrate to America. The names of the vessels are as follows:-

Ship Captain Passengers sailed

Sidney Cowen 180 Sept 17

Medford Wilber 214 " 20

Henry Peirce 157 " 28

Emerald Leighton 314 Oct. 29

Swanton Davenport 212 June 16, '43

Yorkshire Bache 80 March 8

Clairbourne Burges 106 " 21

Metokah McFarren 280 Sept. 5

Champion Cochran 91 Oct. 21

Fanny Patterson 210 Jan. 23, '44

Isaac Atherton Forey 60 Feb. 6

Swanton Davenport 81 " 11

Glasgow Lambert 150 March 5

After an absence of twenty months and five days, I find myself surrounded with my beloved family, and associated with my old friends with whom I passed through many trials, afflictions, and persecutions, besides many with whom I have had sweet council in a foreign land. I feel to rejoice in the society of my friends, and in the progress of the work of God, and I pray that it may continue to roll till the earth shall be filled with the glory of God.

I can say with Paul, I have been in perils by sea and by land, and in perils among false brethren. This truly is worse than all the rest; but it seems to be a dowry bequeathed on all saints, in all ages of the world; therefore as these things tend to perfect us, inasmuch as we endure them patiently, I pray the God of Israel to protect and preserve from the hands of their enemies, all his people; bless them with every blessing, temporal and spiritual, and crown them with everlasting glory in the kingdom of God.

With sentiments of respect I remain

yours in the everlasting covenant,

HYRUM CLARK