Letter from Elder Sheets

Bradford, Yorkshire, England, }

May 2, 1845. }

DEAR BROTHER KIMBALL:-This is the first time that I have ever sat down in a far distant land, (or in my own native land,) to communicate my feelings to you, in the silent language of the pen. But whether it will be the last, time alone can determine.

Since I have been in this land my thoughts have often strayed over the mighty ocean to the land of Zion, where my friends and kindred dwell; often have I thought of Zion and her inhabitants, and the trials they have had to pass through; and when I call to mind about one year ago, when Br. Stratton and I were going up the Mississippi river, in company with

thirty or forty, to Nauvoo; and when we landed and saw our beloved Br. Joseph Smith, and nearly all the "Twelve"-but now the prophet is killed and gone to heaven, and many of the Twelve are scattered over the earth-what changes have taken place in so short a time?

I well recollect the time you and Brs. Young, Smith, Wight, and some sixty or seventy other elders left Nauvoo on the steamer Osprey, for the purpose of preaching the gospel, &c.,-and the good scenes we had together, and I feel very thankful to you and Br. Young for the good and useful instruction you gave Br. Strattan and me, concerning this country, and the way and manner we should proceed,-for they have been of great benefit to us here. We have found all things correct as you told us. And some things we have learned since, and I judge you can guess what they are, as you have been in this country.

We left New York on the first of August, 1844; there were Bros. Davis, Stratton, Maynell and myself, and we often wished that Br. Richards had been with us, but this was not the case-(you will give our love to him.) We had a very good passage over the sea.-We were a little more than twenty-three days on the ocean,-that is called a pretty good trip.

We landed on the 24th day of said month; and it was the first time that I and Bros. Davis and Strattan had ever sat one of our feet upon any of the British isles, but we all felt quite glad to get on shore, for it seemed like getting out of prison. We soon found Br. Ward in his office, but Br. Hedlock we did not see for some time, as he did not come into the office till latish [later]: when he found us we had taken possession of the office, and had got a bed on the floor; and there we staid till morning: and we found all things pretty well.

It was not long after this till we separated. Elder Davis was sent to London; Elder Stratton stayed in Liverpool; Elder Maynell was sent to different places, and I also had a roving commission for a short time. I went first to Preston, and every house I went to, the first thing was, "Oh do you know Br. Kimball and Hyde? and how are they?-and how soon are they coming to Preston?"

From thence I went to Blackburn and then to Clithero, and it was nothing but Br. Kimball, Hyde, Fielding, Pratt and all the "Twelve" that they ever heard tell of. I cannot begin to tell you how much they want to see you all. They are a good, blessed people in Clithero, and the work is going on very well in that region of country.

But I must hasten or I shall weary your patience. After about two months travelling [traveling] around the country, in the fashion above, I was appointed to come to the Bradford conference, where our beloved Br. Barnes died. I found it in rather a poor state; through the assistance of the Lord, however, I have now got it in good order.

The work of the Lord is going right ahead, for last Friday I baptized twelve in this place; on Sunday one more; and on Monday two more. On Tuesday one obeyed the gospel in Leeds, and on Wednesday I baptized two very fine young ladies in the same place. Their father owns one of the finest marble yards I ever saw, and I soon expect to see the whole family obey the gospel. There are many more just ready to be baptized in the limits of this conference. Those baptized above were baptized in the space of four days.

I have been here about six months, and there have many obeyed the gospel in that time; and the prospects are flattering now-but I expect to leave this conference next week, to go and labor in Herefordshire, where Br. Woodruff used to labor. I was appointed to go there at the general conference held in Manchester.

Some people thought, after the murder of our beloved prophet and patriarch, that the work of the Lord would stop; but, to the contrary, there have ten obeyed the gospel since, where one did before!

Throughout England and Scotland the course of the work seems to be onward; and nothing hinders its progress.

We had a first rate conference on the 6th of April in Manchester; but I suppose Br. Woodruff has told you all about it. I believe all the American brethren here, are tolerably well, though we have all been quite poorly at times. Brs. Stratton and Davis told me to send their kind love to you and all the Twelve. I am tolerably well at present, and I hope this will find you and family, and all the Twelve, and inquiring friends, enjoying the best of health and the blessings of heaven.

We are getting a tomb-stone over Br. Barnes, who lays sleeping in a little village called Idle, near this place. The inscription will be as follows:-[See Elder Woodruff's letter in another column.]

This is a copy of what will be put on the head stone. There will be a head stone and one stone that will lay flat on the grave, and I think one at the feet, but I am not certain.-They will be beautiful stones when finished, and it is a beautiful place where he is laid; and I judge the head stone will be as good a standing preacher, as a living one, for the people cannot go into church without seeing it.

I must now close, for I expect that I have

scratched more already than what you can make good sense of; and I expect it will tire your patience to read it, although I have not told you all that I should like to,-but you must try and guess the rest. If you have time to write me a letter it would be very thankfully received; for news from home does us much good here. Direct in care of W. Woodruff, No. 36 Chapel st., Liverpool, and it will find me. Excuse mistakes.

Please remember me and my brethren in your prayers, for we need them. Remember me to Br. Young and all the rest of your quorum; and also to Br. E. Hunter, and all inquiring friends. No more at present. My love to you and your family. With sentiments of high esteem, I subscribe myself your brother in Christ, &c.

ELIJAH F. SHEETS.

ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL.