Stoneham, Massachusetts, U. S. America, July 7, 1875.President Joseph F. Smith.
Dear Brother, —After seeing the company in cars ready to start (7 p.m. Tuesday, 29th ultimate,) I bid them all goodbye for a short time. And after enjoying the company and courtesy of enjoying the company and courtesy of President [William C.] Staines and Brother Bywater, I took passage on board the magnificent floating palace, "Providence," for Fall River, having received an invitation on arriving at New York, from Brother Samuel Bakes, formerly of Leeds Conference, to visit his family there. I found them and the few Saints there enjoying the spirit of the gospel. A branch was organized with ten members, November 10th, 1874, called the Fall River Branch. Two have since been received, and four emigrated. Two more intend to join the company now on the way from Liverpool.
We held meeting at the house of Brother Bakes, where the Saints assemble each Sabbath. Two strangers joined with us. The Saints all bore testimony to the latter day work—felt cheered and blessed—and are anxious to move on and join the body of the Church in the valleys of the mountains.
On the 6th instant I took train for Boston, where my cousin met me. I am now at my aunt's, who welcomes me to her home. I have invitation to visit a family of Saints at Lowell, where I hope to hold a meeting.
I have brought with me a supply of tracts which I intend to circulate generally among my numerous relatives in this State. In a day or two I expect to go to Lawrence, thence to Groveland, Bradford, Haverhill; also to Salem, etc., to learn what I can of my father's house.
Praying the blessings of Israel's God to be upon you and your efforts, and upon all ungathered Israel, and desiring to be kindly remembered to all at "42," [42 Islington WAS THE ADDRESS OF THE BRITISH MISSION IN LIVERPOOL]
I remain obediently your brother,
Milton H. Hardy. [p.507]
BIB: Hardy, Milton H., [Letter] Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 37:32 (August 9, 1875) p. 507 (CHL)
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