continued
24th. After prayers and breakfast at the usual hour
took train for Cwmsibran [?] Treorky, where I met with E. Edwards. We held a Council at 11 am. Took dinner
at Timothy Wosley. In the afternoon, we
met with the saints in the baglan long room; the Lord's Supper was administered
and the saints bore their testimonies of the truth of the work which they were
engaged in. Met in the evening, then we
preached to a tolerable large congregation.
The Spirit gave us utterance; we told them very plainly that there was
only one plan of salvation. Slept the
night with Evan Evans, my brother-in-law at Treherbert.
25th. Breakfasted at E. Evans. In company with E. Edwards, commenced our way
across the mountain to Aberdare. The
mountain is very steep and after some puffing we got to the summit, where we
offered a prayer to the Lord, and continued on our way. Reached Aberdare at 4:30 pm. Took tea at
Thomas Werret; from there we started for Merthyr and reached there at 7 pm. Slept the
night at the Conference House.
26th. Breakfasted at the Conference House this
morning in company with E. Edwards. We
went to see an apostate and had a long conversation with him. He thinks that Mormonism is below par. He said that spiritualism is
superstition. In company with William
Jones, we went to see John Thomas' daughter, who is very sick. We administered the ordinances unto her, that
eased her pain. Slept the night at the Conference
House.
27th. In company with E. Edwards, visited Abel
Evan's grave in the cemetery of Cefncoedycymer; and also visited the Unitarian cemetery to get the
genealogies of Thomas Jones' relation.
Called upon Howell Morgan; took tea with him and had a long conversation
about the principles of the gospel.
Acknowledged, at last, that he was a little dishonest. We started up to Dowlais, and met the saints
in the evening in a prayer meeting and spoke to them about the things that
pertain to their welfare. Administered
to an elder that was sick and returned home to Merthyr. Slept the night a t the Conference House.
28th. Breakfasted at home this morning in company
with E. Edwards. We then visited the
flower show which was held in the Market House at Merthyr. We saw a good many varieties of the most
elegant flowers that I beheld since born to the world; also great many
varieties of vegetables. Cranshaw's Band
was playing in the show. Met with the
saints in the evening in the Garth Arms Long room. Slept the night in the Conference House.
29th. Breakfasted at home. This morning we received a communication from
President Eldredge announcing his intention to hold a conference in South Wales. In the evening we were called
to lay hands on a sick woman. Slept the
night at the Conference House.
30th. Breakfasted at home this morning. In company with William Jones, we took train
for Aberdare purposely to rent the Temperance Hall to hold our conference in on
the 14th. We succeeded in
getting the Hall for one pound sterling.
Slept the night with my brother Jenkin in Aberdare.
31st. Breakfasted with my brother this
morning. Attended the Aberaman branch
council at 11
am; in the afternoon,
preached, and at six in the evening.
Slept the night with my brother Jenkin.
August 1st. Took train for Merthyr in company with
William Jones. We went up to
Clwydyfagwyr, and preached to a good sized congregation, mostly outsiders. Returned home to Merthyr and slept the night
at the Conference House.
2nd. Breakfasted at home. Making up the monthly accounts today. Quite a little puzzle, not being acquainted
with the business. In the evening
received a visit from C. Parry, L.W. Richards.
Also a letter from my family, which cheered my heart very much, to hear
from my mountain home and from my dear wife, who has strove very hard to assist
the partner of her life in rearing their children, who is the hope of our glory
in the kingdom of God. Slept the night
at the Conference House.
3rd. Breakfasted this morning at the
Conference. In company with L.W.
Richards and C. Parry visited Dowlais Branch and preached to them in the
evening. Returned home to Merthyr; slept
the night at the Conference House.
4th. Breakfasted at home this morning. L.W. Richards and C. Parry left for Monmouth
at 12am. Met with the
saints this evening in a prayer meeting in the Garth Arms, Merthyr. The spirit of God was poured upon us, and we
had a good time, which made our hearts to rejoice in the Holy One of
Israel. Slept the night at the Conference
House.
5th. Breakfasted this morning at the Conference
House and dinner and supper at the same place.
Slept at the above named place.
6th. Breakfasted this morning at the usual place,
after which I received a communication from President Eldredge announcing a
change in the mission. I was to go to
preside over the Bristol Conference and George G. Bywater to succeed me in the
Glamorgan, and Ama Eldredge, who is now in Bristol, was to go to preside over the Birmingham
Conference. I hope that the Lord God
will be with me, and will assist me in fulfilling my mission to the honour and
glory of His name, and to the benefit of myself.
Attended a funeral for F.
Thomas' child, who was buried in the cemetery at Cefncoedycymer. E. Edwards preached a funeral sermon in the
house built for the purpose in the cemetery.
In the evening, we attended a singing school at John Price's house in Georgetown. Slept the
night at the Conference House, Merthyr.
7th. Breakfasted this morning at the Conference
House. Attended a council in Merthyr
Garth Arms Long Room, where there was three branches represented by their
presidents, to be in good condition.
Attended the saints meeting at 2 pm,
when we had a good time; the Spirit of the Lord was poured upon us. In the evening, I addressed a good sized
congregation, who listened with marked attention. Slept the night at the Conference House.
8th. Today, I abstained from food, and remained
home all day. In the evening, met with
the choir to prepare some tunes for the coming conference, the 14th. Slept home at the Conference House.
9th. Breakfasted at home this morning. In company with E. Edwards, went up to Clwydyfagwyr. Took tea with Edward Edwards, after which we
held meeting in the evening and addressed a large audience, which listened with
marked attention. After meeting we
returned home to Merthyr and slept at the Conference House.
10th. Breakfasted at the Conference House. This morning, I took train for Aberdare, to
make preparations for the evening conference.
I went to see the hall and examine its condition, and found that it
needed cleaning. Took supper at Thomas
Werret's, and accompanied him to a meeting that was held by the saints in
Aberdare. Talked to them about their
duties and the necessities that they should attend to. Slept the night at Jenkin Howells.
11th. Breakfasted this morning at my
brother's. Took train for Merthyr;
reached the latter place between 9 and 10 am. Took dinner at the Conference House. In company with E. Edwards went to see the
races, where there was horses and men running on a little field above Thomas
Town, which was very uneven and the turns very short. In turning on the short turns, a good many of
the riders were thrown down, and one of them as materially hurt. Met with the saints in the evening in the
Garth Arms. E. Edwards addressed the
meeting and spoke along time about men finding fault at the providence of the
Almighty God. Slept the night at the
Conference House.
12th. Breakfasted this morning at the Conference House. Remained at home all day; took supper and
went to bed.
13th. Breakfasted at home this morning. Took train to Aberdare to complete the
arrangements for the conference, and to meet President Eldredge. On my arrival, I visited Thomas Werret and
took tea with him; after which we went to meet Bro. Eldredge at the Aberdare
station. The train arrived at the usual
hour and brought President Eldredge, his wife and G.G. Bywater. We escorted them up through town to Thomas
Werret's where they were served with a good supper. From there, we went to the Temperance
Aberdare hotel, where we all stopped for the night.
14th. Breakfasted in company with the above named
persons, after which I accompanied President Eldredge and wife to the hall,
where we held our conference. The
meeting was called to order by President Howells at 10:30 am. Present on
the stand from Utah, Horace S. Eldredge, President of the European
Mission, Thomas Howells, President of Glamorgan Conference, L. W. Richards
President of the Monmouthshire Conference, J.S. Lewis, President of the Swansea
Conference, and Joseph Parry, Caleb Parry, Geo. G. Bywater, and Eliazer
Edwards, laboring in Swansea, Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire conferences.
President Howells read the
financial and statistical reports for the half year, ending June 30th,
from which it appeared that the conference consisted of 11 branches and with 22
Elders, 25 Priests, 15 Teachers, 21 Deacons.
Emigrated 2 and baptized 30; total number 659.
The General Authorities of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Zion were presented, and unanimously sustained. Also, Horace S. Eldredge, President of the
European Mission and the adjacent countries; Thomas Howells, President of
Glamorgan Conference, and the present organizations of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
Elder Edwards delivered an address in the Welsh language, which was
followed by addresses by Elders C. Parry, and J.S. Lewis, in English; all of
which were instructive and interesting, and listed to with marked
attention.
Afternoon
The
time was occupied by Elder Bywater and Pres. Eldredge, who addressed the
congregation in English in a very able and fluent way.
6
P.M.
Elders Joseph Parry and L.W. Richards occupied the first part of the
evening, followed by Pres. Eldredge, whose discourse was highly
interesting. Elder T. Howells bore a
very faithful testimony to the restoration of the gospel, in the Welsh
language. Elder J. Jones also spoke a
short time and bore his testimony. The services
of the day commenced and concluded with singing and prayer, and were much
enlivened by the Merthyr and Mountain Ash choirs, discoursing at intervals in
hymns and anthems in a praiseworthy manner.
The congregation numbered about 500.
L.W. Richards.
Slept the night at my
brothers Jenkins.
15th inst. Breakfasted this morning at Sister
Smith's. This morning, with assistance
of Go. G. Bywater and L.W. Richards, we prepared the minutes of the Conference
and sent it to Liverpool to the Editor of the Millennial Star, to be
printed. We left Aberdare at 12:30 AM. H.S.
Eldredge, L.W. Richards and G.G. Bywater went to Tredegar in company with C. Parry, J. Parry, and J.S.
Lewis, we went by rail to Merthyr, from there across the mountains to Rhymney,
where we took supper in connection with the President and his party, who went
by rail. After supper continued on our
way across the mountains to Briery Hill Velview Club room, where the meeting
was held in the evening; returned to Tredegar to sleep the night in a book
shop.
16th inst. Breakfasted this morning at one of the
Brethren's. Took dinner at the
Conference House with Pres. Eldredge, C. Parry, L.W. Richards, J. Parry, E.
Edwards, G.G. Bywater and the president's wife.
In company with C. Parry, J.
Parry and E. Edwards, left the Conference House and went by Tredegar works and
saw the different processes that the iron goes through to be made. Took train for Blaenavon. In consequence of the train being behind
time, we had to walk from there to Abersychan .
President and wife came with us to the terminus of the railroad, and
they waited for a cab. C. Parry and
myself went ahead to Abersychan to commence the meeting, according the previous
appointment. We reached the place in
time and commenced meeting in the Pentwyn Room.
C. Parry called on me to address the meeting in Welsh. In a few minutes, President Eldredge and the
balance of the elders came in. Pre.
Eldredge and E. Edwards addressed the meeting.
The spirit of the Lord was with us.
Slept the night with Thomas Willett at Abersychan.
17th. Breakfasted at the latter named place, and
left for Pontypool on foot. A few went with the train. We all met at Sister Nash's in the above
named place and took dinner; then took train for Newport and from thence to Cardiff. Took supper
at Henry Gardner's, president of the Cardiff Branch. After which we met with the Carfiff saints
and surrounding counties at 8 pm. J. Parry and H.S. Eldredge addressed the
meeting; the president spoke upon the duties of the saints; that they should
pay their debts and commence to live their religion in this land. Took supper at H. Gardner's; the most of the
elders slept the night at the Royal Hotel, where I slept myself. Breakfasted in the morning at Henry
Gardner's.
18th. At 11 AM took train for Merthyr; rode for the
first time in the second class carriage, in company with H.S. Eldredge and G.
G. Bywater. Reached the above named
place at 12 m. Took dinner at Thomas
Town, 10 Alma Terrace. All
the elders of South Wales Mission who were in the valley were there. Took tea at the latter named place, after
which we met with the saints in the Garth Arms Room. Meeting called to order by Thomas Howells;
prayer by E. Edwards. Meeting addressed
by Elders L.W. Richards, J.S. Lewis, T. Howells and Pres. Eldredge. I slept the night at Cathrine Davis, Merthyr.
19th inst. Took breakfast at the Conference House, also
H.S. Eldredge and wife, J.S. Lewis, and J. Parry. President Eldredge blessed me and said that I
should prosper in my new field of labour; which is the Bristol Conference. Parted with Eldredge and the other
elders. Took train for Hiwaun; walked
from there to Penderyn to the Rhiwl, a farm house, where my uncle Edward Price
lives. Himself and family were very glad
to see me; they treated me very kindly and told me to call again. My uncle accompanied me a good way up the
mountain, which is between his house and my Uncle Thomas'. He felt a pain in his side and turned home; I
proceeded on my journey. Here, I said,
is a good lonely place, where I shall offer a secret prayer to my God. While praying, the sheep on the mountain
assembled near me and listened very attentively. After I was through, they broke and ran; I
continued on my journey and reached my uncle's residence in the evening. Met him near home; he was glad to see me and
said that he heard that I was a good preacher.
My sister Gwenllian treated me very kindly. Slept the night with my uncle Thomas
Price.
20th inst. Breakfasted also with him in the morning. Took my departure for Telarmorgreg [?]; on
the way hither, I called at the (Lanabe) in Penderyn and conversed a little
with him about matters and things. He
told me that he would like to hear me preach.
I told him that I would be glad of the chance. Well, said he, I will give you the Long Room
of this house to preach in, and said he, you have enough relations to fill it
up. In as much as the time was short,
that I had to leave for Bristol,
we agreed that I should come at some future period, and he promised to
circulate the news that the people would have time to come together. Left for Badwhciaid [?], where I was welcomed
by Catherine Jones, a distant relation of mine.
Morgan Morgan said they would come to hear me preach. Left Badwiegaid [?] and continued on my journey;
reached Telamorgrig [?] in the evening, where I found my brother Rees very busy
with his work; I went and helped him before I had my supper. I was treated very kindly by his wife; slept
the night with my brother.
21st. Breakfasted with my brother and left for
Merthyr by way of Pontprenllwyd, where I called on John Owen, who was once in
the church, but is now out of it. His
wife treated me very kindly; dined with her and went on my way. Before I reached Hirwaun, it commenced to
rain incessantly, and wet through my clothes to the skin in some places. Took train at Hirwaun for Merthyr at 5 pm; reached Merthyr in good time went to the conference
house for the night.
22nd. Breakfasted this morning at my brother Rees,
after which we had a long conversation about the principles of the gospel; he
can't see the gospel nor the principles.
Took dinner and supper with the family and slept the night with them
also.
23rd. Breakfasted at the conference house. Took train this morning at 11 am for Bristol; present at the railway depot on my departure L.W.
Richards, C. Parry and Geo. G. Bywater.
Reached Cardiff 12:25 pm. Took dinner at Henry
Gardner's. Left Cardiff at 2:25 with a
steamship for Bristol; had a very pleasant passage across the channel and up
the river to Clifton Bridge; reached the landing at 4:30, and took a cab for 7
Tower Hill, Old Market, at which place I found Alma Eldredge, the present
president of Bristol Conference. We
conversed a little upon different topics; I wrote a letter to President
Eldredge, suggesting to him to divide the Bristol Conference between Swansea and Cheltenham Conferences. Took supper at the Conference House and went
to bed for the first time in Bristol.
24th inst. Breakfasted at the Conference House. In company with A. Eldredge went to see the
town, in which there is fine buildings.
It is a great manufacturing place, especially sugar.
Took dinner at Brother
Rawl's, who lives in front of the Quaker's meeting house. Took tea at Bro. Berry's, Barrow Lane No. 34; from there we went to meeting,
which is held at 7 Tower Hill in the Conference House. There I was introduced to the saints by Alma
Eldredge; then I arose and addressed the saints for the first time in Bristol, upon the necessity of living up to the principles
that were revealed unto us. Slept the
night at home.
25th inst. All is right this morning. Took breakfast at Bro. Long's near the arch where
the railway runs over. We took dinner at
Hodges, who is a fine gentleman and very favourable to the principles of
truth. Was busily engaged in the
afternoon with books. Slept the night at
the Conference House.
26th. We got up early this morning and accompanied
Alma Eldredge to the railway station, where we parted. He was going to his new field of labour; I
returned home, not feeling very well.
Remained there the most of the day.
In the evening, took a bath, for the first time in Bristol. Slept at the
Conference House.
27th. Breakfasted at home. Took train at extra express station 8:30 for Durston.
Left the above named place, and turned to the right about 300 yards
until I came to a canal. Then I followed
it up on the toe path until I came to a big chimney stack, and after walking a
few yards further, I came to a bridge over the canal. I crossed it to the right and continued over
three fields until I came to a lane and followed the road to the left until I
came to a farm house, which is Abraham Foster's, who received me very kindly. Took dinner with the family, which consists
of him and his wife and a maid servant.
After which, I wrote a letter and took it to the post. Took supper and went to bed. Slept well.
28th inst. All is well this morning. Breakfasted, after which I went to Brother
Foster to invite the people to come to meeting to hear me preach at 6 in the
evening. Took dinner at the usual hour
and posted my journal until the people began to gather together, and I
commenced to have the shakes, for I knew that I had to preach and pray myself. The usual hour came to open the meeting and
everything went on well and I preached to them one hour. Slept the night at the same place.
29th. Breakfasted at the usual hour, after which
Brother Foster hitched his horse to buggy and gave me a buggy ride to North Newton, where we found a few scattered saints, very
poor. We returned back to his residence
for dinner, after which I posted my journal.
Took tea and supper and went to bed.
30th. Breakfasted this morning and departed for
Tantown [?]. Walked up by the canal side
until I came to the station, which is 4 miles from Brother Foster's house. Took train at the above named place for
Crawcombe [?]; the scenery through this country is beautiful, large orchards
and level country, rather suffering from the drouth they have had this season. At last I arrived at the station; from
thence, I walked about 2 miles and half through a narrow lane, until I got to
dane's land, which is a farm house where Sister Hannah Stone lives, a widow
with one child, Phillip John Stone. The
family received me very kindly. She is
going to emigrate this season. I came to
assist her off. Took dinner and
commenced to prepare the boxes for journey.
Took supper and went to bed; slept with Phillip John Stone.
31st. Breakfasted this morning at the usual hour,
after which we resumed our labour in preparing the boxes for the journey. Took dinner and continued the same work. Took supper and went to bed.
September 1st. Breakfasted this morning and commenced
packing the boxes. Took dinner, after
which I posted my journal and took supper and went to bed.
2nd. Breakfasted this morning at the usual hour,
after which we resumed the work of packing.
Took dinner and went to see Thomas and Sister Scott. They are full of faith and very nice old
people. They are old and poor. They have me some nuts to crack. They are very sorry that Sister Stone is
going away because she has been so good unto them. Took supper at the same place and went to
bed.
3rd. Breakfasted this morning at the usual
hour. Took a walk and dined at 2 pm, after which posted my journal. Took supper and went to bed.
4th. Breakfasted this morning, after which Sister
Stone gave me 1 pound 10 shillings towards liquidating the book debt of Bristol
Conference, and 10 shillings for pocket.
Also one pound for tithing. Took
dinner at the usual hour and prepared myself for meeting. Took tea, after which the people commenced to
gather for meeting. At 6:30 I commenced the meeting by reading a chapter from the
New Testament; opened by prayer and preached unto them about an hour, and when
bearing my testimony unto them and saying that Joseph Smith was a prophet of
God, one of the hearers said, you cannot prove that by the Bible. I said, please to hold your peace until we
get through and then you will see what I can do. After meeting was over, he didn't come near,
but went away ashamed. I should suppose
there was present about fifteen strangers.
A good many came purposely to bid Sister Stone good-by. Went to bed at the usual hour.
5th. Got up this morning in a hurry; we had to be
at the station at 6:40,
and the distance was 2 miles and half.
We had to be very busy and left without breakfast. Took tickets at Crawcombe Heathfield; arrived
at Bristol at 10; left the luggage on the platform and went to
Sister Long's, where we took dinner and supper.
Packed Ann Pool's luggage, and went to the Conference House to sleep for
the night.
6th. Got up this morning at 4 am. Took
breakfast with Bro. John Long's, No 2 Victoria Street. From there we went to the station; took train
for Liverpool at 6 am. The following named persons were going to Utah: Hannah Stone,
Phillip John Stone, Ann Pool, Hanah Gare, Mary Mathers. We changed at Birmingham.
Continued on our journey and
reached Liverpool at 3:30; hired a cart and took the luggage down to Prince's
Docks, paid 4 shillings for taking it down, after which the tug boat came to
take us over to the vessel which lay in Birkinhead Docks. We had a very hard time in loading and unloading
the luggage. Slept the night on board
the ship Idaho, with the emigrants.
7th. Got up this morning early. The ship moved out of the docks to the river
opposite the Prince's docks. Took
farewell of all the Bristol saints, after which the tug boat came and took us to Liverpool; landed at the same docks as we embarked the night previous. Went to a cook shop and took dinner, in
company with President Eldredge and several of the valley elders. We went with the tug boat over to the ship
again; after a short visit amongst the saints, we crossed back again. When leaving the ship, hats and handkerchiefs
waved in the air as long as we could see them.
When parting with the saints
and seeing the elders going home, we felt to weep that our time had not come,
but had to go back to old Babylon
to endure the scoffs and scorns of this deaf and dumb generation. Home also forced itself upon our memory, but
we felt to resign ourselves to the will of God and trust to the consequence.
Accompanied Pres. Eldredge
and wife and a few elders to 42 Islington , called together by him, where we
retied to his room for prayers. I was
called to be mouth in prayer, after which we took supper with him. I parted with them and repaired to my lodgings at Mrs. Gittins, 59 Great Crosshall Street, where I slept for the night.
8th. Breakfasted at the above named place and paid
1 s 6p for my bed and breakfast. Took
train at Lime
St. at 8 am for Bristol. Passed many
villages and towns; the road is running through a fine country, but the drouth
this season has hindered the grass from growing. If winter is not very mild, stock of all
description will perish for the want of food.
I had to wait at Birmingham one hour and half; bought 2d worth of cakes, which
constituted my dinner.
In traveling from Liverpool to Birmingham, I conversed with a man in relation to the war now
raging between France and Prussia. He thought
that France would be vanquished; my opinion is that other nations
will interfere, and war will be poured out upon all nations, according to the
predictions of Joseph Smith, the prophet.
When I first came to this
country, the spirit rested upon me and let my mind to preach wars and rumors of
war; that the nations were ripe for destruction inasmuch as they turn a deaf
ear to the truth, the Lord would preach to them by wars, pestilence and the sea
heaving over its bounds, earth quakes and famine would follow.
Arrived a Bristol at 6 pm;
took supper at the Conference House and went to bed.
9th. Breakfasted at home, after which I commenced
to make up the monthly accounts. Took
dinner and continued the same. It rained
at intervals all day. Took supper and
went to bed at the usual hour.
10th. Breakfasted at the usual hour. This morning, posted my journal; sent a draft
to Liverpool of 3 lb. 10s1d book money and I.E.D. Took dinner, after which I went and took a
bath. Slept the night at home.
11th. Received a note from Elder G.G. Bywater this
morning; answered it and took dinner.
Met with the saints of Bristol Branch at 2 PM, where I spoke of the duties and the necessity of
keeping the commandments of God. A good
spirit prevailed and the saints felt well.
I was invited by Bro. Irwin, president of the branch, to tea; after
which, we returned to meeting, which convened in the evening at 6 o-clock, where a good many saints assembled, and a few
outsiders. Brother Irwin and myself
addressed the meeting, after which we had a branch council. The priesthood felt well and were determined
to continue their diligence. Slept the
night at the Conference House.
12th. All is well this morning. Breakfasted at Bro. Berry's after which in
company with Elder Irwin we took a tour round town; we visited Clifton, the
best part of it, and crossed over the Clifton bridge, which is suspended over
the river from one hill to the other.
The chains on which the bridge is suspended, to a tower which is built
on the solid rock. There is a Halfpenny
to pay for crossing it. There is some
beautiful buildings in the Clifton
part of the town. Returned to 7 Tower
Hill for dinner at 1 pm,
after which I prepared myself to go with the packet in the morning. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.
13th. Breakfasted this morning at Richard
Rawl's. In company with him, went down
to the river and took a steamer for Tifrecombe [?]. The name of which is Alair. Left the Cumberland basin at 9:30. After we came to the open sea, we commenced
to get sick and continued until we reached the above named place. The sea was very rough; we landed at 3:30, and went to 3 Mount Pelier Head, where we found
Grace Carwell, who accompanied us to her father's house, 7 miles from the last
named place. We encountered a rain storm
on the way, which wet us to the skin.
Reached Meadow down farm, where brother William Carwell lives; we were
very kindly received. Took supper and
went to bed.
