Communications

EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED, 36

Chapel St., Liverpool, 18th April 1845.

Beloved Brother Elias Smith, Esq.:-

Having an opportunity of sending by private conveyance as far as Boston, I thought I would drop a few lines to you. On my return from the General Conference, I found in the office a letter from Brother Brigham Young, one from Brother Parley P. Pratt, Elijah Fordham and S. Brannan, New York, also one from Father Curtis, of Maine, and several Times and Seasons, Neighbors, and New York Prophets; all bearing good and cheering news from Nauvoo, New York, and other portions of the country, which was truly acceptable. With regard to affairs in this country, I would inform you that we held our General Conference in Manchester on the 6th of April; it lasted three days and a half, where [there?] were represented 10,000 saints, save 90. More business was transacted at it than has been at any Conference ever held in the British Dominions. With the rest of the business transacted, we, having caught the same spirit in England which seems to be actuating you in America, have established a Joint Stock Company entitled "The Mutual Business Association," and expect by and by to have over means to assist you in your enterprises. It is to consist of 60,000 shares of ten shillings each; the whole amounting to 30,000 pounds, or $150,000. Some individuals have taken as many as 100 shares each, and according to the rate at which shares are being taken up, I expect they will soon be all disposed of. One object the company have in view is to establish an iron foundry in Nauvoo, as well as cotton and woolen manufactories, and such others as they may deem necessary. We shall forward to our friends in Nauvoo, a copy of 'The Star,' containing the minutes of the Conference, and the particulars connected with the Association. The work is progressing in this country; only we stand in need of the help of more good, faithful men. Brother Young stated we would have some sent this spring. I hope it will be so.

With regard to emigration, we shall forward what we can this summer by way of New York. When the present volume of The Star is completed we intend publishing it semi-monthly. We have in press 3,000 copies of the Doctrine and Covenants, which we expect out shortly and for which there will be great demand. All our American brethren here are well. I have had a tour through Scotland, during which I was much interested by visiting the castle at Sterling, so much famed for the exploits of Wallace and Bruce, the great Scotish [Scottish] heroes. Also the Palace of Mary Queen of Scots, in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is one of the finest cities I have visited in a foreign country. Many of its buildings are twelve stories high. Tell Brother Orson Pratt that I

visited Prince Arthur's Seat, the place of his meditation while building up the church in Edinburgh. I also visited Glasgow; it has a conference of upwards of a thousand members, and it is in a very prosperous state. The 'signs of the times' in this country indicate war. The stand which Sir Robert Peel has taken is decided. On the subject of the Oregon question, he is determined to maintain it at the expense of war. I do not expect President Polk will detract much from the position he has taken, and taking all things into consideration there is a great probability of a war being commenced; indeed it would not surprise me much should it be the case. I saw, on my return from business to day, hand bills headed, 'War, War with America.' England has been and is still very industrious in the increase and strengthening their Army and Navy, while on the other hand, America has been dilatory on this point and is consequently but ill-prepared to cope with the powers of Europe; moreover, there has been some private intercourse between the Emperor of Russia, King of France and Queen of England; and it is expected by many that France and Russia will back up England; though there is a variety of opinion on this point. For my own part, I am willing that the Lord's will should be done in this, if it will only find something elese [else] for the Americans to do besides killing prophets, persecuting the saints and taking away charters. Fifteen thousand of the British troops have been ordered to embark for Canada.

Yours with respect,

W. WOODRUFF.