“ April 16. 1839. To Joseph Smith Jr. and others, Prisoners in or elsewhere— Greeting— Dear Brethren in affliction— Through the Mercy and Providence of God, I am here alive and in tolerable health, as also are all of your families as far as I know, having heard from them lately, and having seen yesterday. Brethren I have sorrow of heart when I think of your great sufferings by that ungodly Mob which has spread such desolation, and caused so much suffering among us. I often reflect on the scenes which we passed through together, the course we pursued, the councillings we had, the results which followed, when harassed, pressed on every side, [HC 3:319] insulted and abused by that lawless banditti— and am decidedly of opinion that the hand of the Great God hath controlled the whole business for purposes of his own which will eventually work out good for the Saints; (I mean those who are worthy of that name) knowing that your intentions, and the intentions of all the worthy Saints have been pure, and tending to do good to all men, and to injure no man in person or property except we were forced to it in defence of our lives— Brethren I am aware that I cannot wholly realize your sufferings, neither can any other person who has not experienced the like affliction, but I doubt not for a moment, neither have I ever doubted for a moment, but that the same God which delivered me from their grasp, (though narrowly) will deliver you. I staid near for about three weeks being hunted by them almost every day, and as I learned they did not intend to give me the chance of a trial but put an end to me forthwith I sent for my horse and left the wicked clan and came off— is with his Uncle in . I received a letter lately from him, he is strong in the faith, I now live in the Big Neck Prairie, on the same Farm with who is here with me and waiting for me with his riding dress on to go home, so I must necessarily close, praying God to speedily deliver you and bless you. From yours in the bonds of the everlasting love ”—