<​April 11​> a branch of the church there. My health being poor I was couselled by my brethren of the Twelve <​Apostles​> to return to the field of my former labors in Staffordshire, which I did, leaving in [HC 4:343] but eleven members. Since that time, my labors have been chiefly confined to the limits of the Staffordshire conference, which has until lately included Birmingham and Macclesfield, containing 18 branches of the Church, 580 members having been added since the time I commenced laboring there; many have been called to the ministry, who are faithful men, and willing to receive Counsel. Although I have suffered much bodily affliction during the past year, the Lord has blessed my labors abundantly, and I can say I never enjoyed myself better in the discharge of my duty, than I have on this mission. Among the greatest blessings I have enjoyed, has been the privilege of attending four general conferences, and meeting in council with the <​Twelve Apostles​> I can assure you that a meeting with those in whose company I have suffered so much tribulation, for the gospel’s sake, both at home and abroad, by land and sea, is to me a privilege indeed. I am now preparing to return home with my brethren, according to the instructions of the first presidency of the Church; and as I take my leave of the Saints in this land, my prayer to God is that he will preserve his people from the hand of Satan, and prepare them for the coming Redeemer, who is near at hand. I remain your servant for the Gospel’s sake— .”