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Letter from Heber C. Kimball, 9 July 1840

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Letter from Heber C. Kimball, 9 July 1840

Source Note

, Letter, , Lancashire, England, to JS, [, Hancock Co., IL], 9 July 1840. Featured version published in “Epistle,” Times and Seasons, 1 Apr. 1845, 859–863. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

On 9 July 1840, wrote a letter to JS from recounting the previous nine months of his travels and proselytizing efforts. Kimball was one of seven members of the then serving a mission in Great Britain, in accordance with a July 1838 revelation that directed the apostles to “go over the great waters, and there promulge my gospel.” The letter recounted Kimball’s journey to Great Britain, documenting how his travels intersected with those of other missionaries headed to and across the Atlantic Ocean. As they traveled to the eastern and proselytized along the way, the missionaries were delayed intermittently by illness, injury, and fatigue and were dependent upon the charity of members for food and lodging. The first group of three missionaries sailed from New York for on 19 December 1839. The remainder, including Kimball, did not sail from New York until 9 March 1840, nearly six months after Kimball left , Illinois, with in September 1839.
In his letter, , who had preached in in 1837 and 1838, described the state of the church there, noting the joy that the British Saints felt in being reunited with missionaries from the . He emphasized the growth of the church and expressed optimism about current opportunities to proselytize throughout the United Kingdom, including in Scotland and Ireland. Kimball also detailed the poverty he had encountered in England’s cities and reported on Great Britain’s economic depression and a burgeoning potato shortage in Ireland.
If JS responded personally to , that letter has not been located. On 15 December 1840, however, JS wrote a letter to the entire Quorum of the Twelve, in which he acknowledged “several communications” from the apostles he had not yet answered, citing the “multiplicity of business” that had occupied his attention in , Illinois. Kimball’s original 9 July letter is not extant. The version featured here was published in the 1 April 1845 issue of the Times and Seasons.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118:4]. Parley P. Pratt, who had been in England, returned to the United States in early July and did not return to England until October. (Pratt, Autobiography, 342–343.)

    Pratt, Parley P. The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt, One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry and Travels, with Extracts, in Prose and Verse, from His Miscellaneous Writings. Edited by Parley P. Pratt Jr. New York: Russell Brothers, 1874.

  2. [2]

    Woodruff, Journal, 18–19 Dec. 1839.

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

  3. [3]

    Letter to Quorum of the Twelve, 15 Dec. 1840.

parts of the country, some going north, some east, some west, and others south. I remained visiting the old in order to strengthen and organize, and build them up; I continued in this way until about the first of July.
During this period many were amongst the old churches, and even some who had been cut off from the church, returned and mourned that they had suffered themselves to be overcome. I always was received with the greatest joy, wherever I went, in fact, it has been a general time of rejoicing amongst us. You would be astonished to witness the anxiety which is manifested for the well-being of the saints in ; and for your own welfare and your counsellors; and for the , and all the , , and officers; and also, to see the interest manifested amongst them for the saints in , while we have related to them their sufferings, during the late persecution; and notwithstanding we have kept nothing back of the sufferings of the saints in , yet, it is astonishing to see the universal anxiety there is manifest amongst the saints here to get away to the land of promise and help to build up . As soon as we can possibly get them baptised they immediately begin to want to go to , for they declare that that is Zion. Many of the saints are realizing the gifts of the spirit, many speak in tongues, others interpret, some prophecy, and others have the gift of healing.
The work is rolling on as you will see by the number that were baptized since the last . We held our last conference on the 6th of July, in the Carpenter’s Hall, . The number of members then represented was two thousand five hundred and thirteen. There was also stated to be fifty nine elders, one hundred and twenty-two , sixty-one , and thirteen ; these all in good standing. Before the conference was closed the called for volunteers to go and preach the gospel; when the number manifested was ascertained to be about twenty-eight, who are immediately going forth; some are gone and the others will speedily follow.
Brothers , , and expect to start for in about three weeks. is going to assist in the printing while he goes to after his family. will remain in the regions round about here until the next conference and will assist some in the office. Elder is laboring in . Elder is laboring in Edinburgh, Scotland. Brothers and are going to Scotland. Brothers [Alexander] Wright and are already there. Elder is going to Bedford, and Elder is going to Birmingham.
I would now say that a large company of the saints are preparing to start for this fall. And Elder is appointed to go with them. Many of the churches that I have been amongst are preparing to move off next spring: they are selling their property and settling up their affairs and expect to move off in churches early in the spring. I would also say, that the way is opening for the gospel into Ireland: one brother has been and expects to go there directly; many that have been baptised have friends there. One brother has enlisted into the army; Elders and ordained him an elder, and he is gone into the army: we have lately received a letter from him and he is now lifting up his voice in the army.
With regard to the state of the we may say it is bad indeed: trade appears to be growing worse, in fact, many branches of it is almost at a stand, and not expected much to improve for some months. Thousands are out of employ, and we may safely say that there are thousands famishing for want of bread: we often see in the streets whole families begging for bread; and in many instances some respectable looking characters may be seen singing through the streets to obtain a little bread; it is truly heart rending to see so many small children, nearly naked, going from house to house begging. This scene of things is passing before our eyes daily, and we look upon it with sorrow and regret: at the same time it is that which is spoken of by the mouth of the prophets, and we feel to pray without ceasing that God may roll on his work, and restore that which is lost and establish peace, and that the knowledge of God may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
We hear of wars and rumors of wars all around, and we can truly say according to the revelations, that God is about to come out of his hiding place and vex the nations of the earth in consequence of the wicked stewards not being willing to administer justice to the saints of God in and elsewhere.
I will now give you an extract from the “Northern Star” headed, “Distress of the people of Ireland.” “It would be impossible to find words to describe to you the state of the people throughout the provinces for want of food. Potatoes have mounted up to eight pence per fourteen pounds generally; in some places they are ten pence to one shilling, and the contrast of employment is distressing in the extreme. You are long aware from official ta [p. 862]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from Heber C. Kimball, 9 July 1840
ID #
551
Total Pages
5
Print Volume Location
JSP, D7:315–331
Handwriting on This Page
  • Printed text

Footnotes

  1. [60]

    See Heber C. Kimball, Manchester, England, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Commerce, IL, 9 July 1840, Heber C. Kimball, Collection, CHL. On 30 June 1840, Kimball and Richards traveled from Preston to Manchester in preparation for the 6 July 1840 conference. (Richards, Journal, 30 June 1840.)

    Kimball, Heber C. Collection, 1837–1898. CHL. MS 12476.

    Richards, Franklin D. Journals, 1844–1899. Richards Family Collection, 1837–1961. CHL. MS 1215, boxes 1–5.

  2. [61]

    The “late persecution” referred to the Saints’ expulsion from Missouri in 1838 and 1839. Parley P. Pratt used the phrase in the title of a pamphlet published in 1839. (See Parley P. Pratt, History of the Late Persecution Inflicted by the State of Missouri upon the Mormons [Detroit: Dawson and Bates, 1839].)

  3. [62]

    Young likewise described the British Saints as “very anxous to emigrate.” Woodruff reported that “most all the Saints” in Great Britain developed this desire “without my preaching it.” (Letter from Brigham Young, 7 May 1840; Wilford Woodruff, Ledbury, England, to Willard Richards, Preston, England, 25 Mar. 1840, Willard Richards, Journals and Papers, CHL.)

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL.

  4. [63]

    Missionaries frequently recorded that the British Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, and experienced dreams, visions, and other gifts of the Spirit. On 29 June, Kimball was present for a meeting in which “about 15 Spake with toungs and others had the Interpitation of tongues, and menny had the gift of Prophesy and declared menny good things.” (Heber C. Kimball, Manchester, England, to Elisebeth Parkenson, 2 July 1840, CHL.)

    Kimball, Heber C. Letter, Manchester, England, to Elisebeth Parkenson, 2 July 1840. CHL.

  5. [64]

    In April 1840, the apostles were concerned about accommodating the number of attendees they foresaw coming to the conference in Manchester. Parley P. Pratt wrote, “Indeed the largest place in the town would be to[o] small if the public could have general notice.” On 17 June 1840, shortly after leasing the Carpenter’s Hall, Young wrote that the building was “a large fine place for meetings it will hold about 2000 people.” John Needham, a British convert, described the building as “a large commodious place with a gallery at each end.” ([Parley P. Pratt], “At a General Conference,” LDS Millennial Star, May 1840, 1:20–21; Brigham Young, Manchester, England, to Willard Richards, Ledbury, England, 17 June 1840, Willard Richards, Journals and Papers, CHL; Needham, Autobiography and Journal, 5 July 1840, 24.)

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

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL.

    Needham, John. Autobiography and Journal, 1840–1842. CHL.

  6. [65]

    See “Minutes of the General Conference,” LDS Millennial Star, July 1840, 1:67–69.

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

  7. [66]

    Parley P. Pratt. (“Minutes of the General Conference,” LDS Millennial Star, July 1840, 1:67.)

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

  8. [67]

    Young had been actively involved with publishing since shortly after his arrival in England. On 16 April 1840, Young, Pratt, and Taylor were appointed to select hymns for a new hymnbook. Since the hymnbook was completed before the 6 July 1840 conference, the apostles’ publishing efforts at this time were primarily focused on the Book of Mormon and the new church newspaper in England, the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star. Young had already made headway on the printing of the Book of Mormon, for which he, Pratt, and Kimball signed a contract on 17 June 1840. By 7 July 1840, they had signed another contract for “paper sufficient to Print 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon.” (“Minutes of the General Conference,” LDS Millennial Star, July 1840, 1:69; B. Young to W. Richards, 17 June 1840; Woodruff, Journal, 16 Apr. and 7 July 1840.)

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

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL.

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

  9. [68]

    Because he expected to stay in England for five to ten years while serving as editor of the LDS Millennial Star, Pratt had urged his wife, Mary Ann, to settle their affairs in New York and begin the voyage to England at the earliest opportunity. On 6 July 1840, Pratt received a letter from his family alerting him “that they were dangerously ill of scarlet fever.” The next day, the apostles granted Pratt permission to return to New York and escort his family to England. Pratt departed in July and returned in October. (Parley P. Pratt, Liverpool, England, to Mary Ann Frost Pratt, New York City, NY, 6 Apr. 1840, Parley P. Pratt, Papers, CHL; Pratt, Autobiography, 342–343; Woodruff, Journal, 7 July 1840.)

    Pratt, Parley P. Papers, 1837–1844. CHL.

    Pratt, Parley P. The Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt, One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Embracing His Life, Ministry and Travels, with Extracts, in Prose and Verse, from His Miscellaneous Writings. Edited by Parley P. Pratt Jr. New York: Russell Brothers, 1874.

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

  10. [69]

    Richards’s wife, Jennetta Richards Richards, then residing near Preston, had been ill. John Needham noted that she was unable to walk when he saw her before the 6 July 1840 conference. After Willard asked Young’s advice on how to best care for her, Young encouraged Willard on 17 June to visit his wife. (Needham, Autobiography and Journal, 6 July 1840, 24; Willard Richards, Dymock, England, to Brigham Young, Manchester, England, 15 June 1840, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL; B. Young to W. Richards, 17 June 1840.)

    Needham, John. Autobiography and Journal, 1840–1842. CHL.

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL.

  11. [70]

    Pratt arrived in Scotland toward the end of May. Reuben Hedlock was already in Scotland, having organized the Bridge of Weir branch on 6 June 1840. (Orson Pratt, Manchester, England, 16 Apr. 1841, Letter to the Editor, LDS Millennial Star, May 1841, 2:11; Bridge of Weir Branch, British Mission, Minutes, 25 June 1840.)

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

    Bridge of Weir Branch, British Mission. Minutes, 25 June 1840. CHL.

  12. [71]

    Wright and Mulliner arrived in Scotland on 20 December 1839. (Wright, Journal, 20 Dec. 1839; see also Alexander Wright to Willard Richards, Preston, England, 6 Apr. 1840, Willard Richards, Journals and Papers, CHL.)

    Wright, Alexander. Journal, 1839–1843. Alexander Wright, Papers, 1838–1876. CHL.

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.

  13. [72]

    On 7 July 1840, members of the Twelve voted that Turley would lead a group of English Saints immigrating to Nauvoo. (Woodruff, Journal, 7 July 1840.)

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

  14. [73]

    On 27 May 1840, Kimball wrote of this plan to his wife: “Thare is sevrel of the Churches [congregations] here are going to gow up next Spring to Zion in Churches for the Rich love the poor so well they cant leave them behind, this is a Celestial Spirrit, I would to God that all the Saints had it. The saints have began to gether to Zion from this land and it will never Stop till the Salt is dreaned out of all nations, some have gon and others are Redy, will start next tuesday thare is about forty of them.” (Heber C. Kimball, Manchester, England, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Commerce, IL, 27 May 1840, CHL.)

    Kimball, Heber C. Letter, Manchester, England, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Commerce, IL, 27 May 1840. CHL.

  15. [74]

    This was probably James McGuffie, who was ordained an elder in Liverpool and later traveled to Ireland with John Taylor, arriving on 27 July 1840. (John Taylor, Letter to the Editor, LDS Millennial Star, May 1841, 2:15.)

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

  16. [75]

    See William Donaldson, Chatham, England, to Parley P. Pratt, Manchester, England, 5 July 1840, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL. This elder was William Donaldson. (“News from the Elders,” Times and Seasons, 1 Dec. 1840, 2:229.)

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

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

  17. [76]

    Great Britain was in the midst of a depression. Slums began forming after poor British citizens who had previously been involved in agriculture moved into cities in order to work in factories or mines. Several missionaries left accounts describing the poor in England. For example, Wilford Woodruff observed, “Preston has a population of about 60,000 the streets were crouded with the poor both male & female going to & from the factories with their wodden or Clogg Shoes on which makes a great ratling over the pavement the poor are in as great Bondage as the children of Israel in Egypt.” (Woodruff, Journal, 14 Jan. 1840.)

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

  18. [77]

    See Isaiah 11:9.

  19. [78]

    See Matthew 24:6; and Revelation, ca. 7 Mar. 1831 [D&C 45:26].

  20. [79]

    See Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:89].

  21. [80]

    The church’s effort in 1839–1840 to obtain redress for the expulsion of church members from Missouri did not succeed. President Martin Van Buren denied JS’s request for help in December 1839, and in February 1840 the United States Senate rejected considering the memorial for redress. (Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839; Letter from Elias Higbee, 26 Feb. 1840.)

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