Ship Constitution banks of Newfoundland, July 22, 1868.

President F. D. Richards.

Dear Brother,--Having been released from my labors in the Swiss, Italian, and German Mission, to return to my home in the mountains, I felt a desire to write a few lines to you before crossing the mighty deep; but having so short a notice to get myself, and the Saints now emigrating from said Mission, ready and in Liverpool in time to sail on this vessel, and being much hurried, I was not able to do so; I therefore improve the present opportunity, and give you a [p.570] few items.

At a special Conference held in Salt Lake City, April 10, 1856, I and several others were called to go on missions to Europe, and notwithstanding my own weakness and inexperience, I felt willing to do the best I could and trust in the Lord, realizing that he was able and ready to assist his servants in the fulfilment of their missions and calling. We had a pleasant journey across the Plains and through the States. I and twenty-six other brethren crossed the sea to Liverpool in the steamship Louisiana.

Having permission from President D. H. Wells, I was on a visit to the Kent Conference, where I found several of my mother's relatives, none of whom were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when I received information that I and Brother John Hoagland had been appointed to labor in the Swiss, Italian, and German Mission, under the direction of Elder W. P. Nebeker; consequently I made my way to London, where Brother Hoagland joined me, and we proceeded to our field of labor. Our first and greatest labor for the remainder of that year, was to study the German language, of which we were entirely ignorant, and which we should have to use in this country.

Being now amongst people with whom we could not converse, we were unable to teach either Saints or sinners by precept, nevertheless we could and did endeavor to teach some by example, and I believe we did some good in that way. By diligent study, and through the assistance of the Spirit of God, by which our minds were enlightened and our memories strengthened, we soon became sufficiently acquainted with the language to enable us to converse with the people a little, and we began to feel as though we could do something now. Our labors were blest, our hearts were cheered and comforted, and we rejoiced in doing what we could for the cause of Zion and to spread the truth.

I labored as traveling elder in Canton Zurich and Thurgan, making an occasional tour to East Switzerland, until being appointed by President B. Young, Junior, in April 1867, to succeed Elder Nebeker as president of the mission. After he and Elder G. B. Spencer started home (in April), Elder Hoagland and I were the only valley elders in the mission, till Elders Maeser and Ursenbach arrived in August last.

The Lord has greatly blessed me since I left home. My labors have been pleasant to me, and I trust that I have done some good. I feel as though I can return home with a clear conscience, realizing that I have done something for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and hoping that my labors have been accepted to Him and his servants.

The Saints in Switzerland are a good people; they are poor, and have to work hard, but they are warmhearted, and I say, may God abundantly bless them for their kindness to me, and may those who are honest soon have the privilege of gathering home to Zion. They rejoice in their knowledge of the truth, are zealous in trying to serve the Lord, and may their faith and good works increase, until they share the blessings promised to the faithful in Israel.

Perhaps a few words about our present voyage might be interesting to you. As is usually the case, we had not been long on the water before some were affected and became seasick. We have had many calls to administer to the afflicted, and in almost, if not every case, the prayer of faith has healed them. We certainly have great reason to be thankful to our Father and God, for he has greatly blessed us, and up to date not one person has died. There are only a few sick at present, none dangerously ill, and we all hope to live to see the peaceful vales of Utah, and join the Saints there.

Although rocking on the ocean, we have had our pleasures and enjoyments; our meetings, held every Sunday, have been very interesting, and the instructions given have been to the point and beneficial to all. Some of the brethren (returning missionaries) have been rather unwell. Brother C. P. Liston has had an unpleasant time for two weeks past, but he feels a little better now. Brothers Burridge, Spencer, and myself, have stood it [p.571] the best thus far. We have had a good wind for a day or two until 10 a.m. to-day, since which we are moving very slowly.

Ever praying God to bless you and all the faithful, and with best respects to all in the office, I remain your brother in the gospel. . . . [p.572]

J. S. Horne

BIB: Horne, Joseph S. [Smith], [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 30:36 (September 5, 1858) pp. 570-72. (CHL)
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