I now again resumed the editorial duties in Manchester, and assisted in the publishing department and in the presidency of the Manchester Conference, and the general presidency of the work in that country. The Star had, during my absence, been edited and published by Elders Young and Richards.
My brother-in-law, Samuel Bean, soon sold out, according to his desires, and started with his family to remove to Nauvoo.
He arrived in Portland, ready to embark, when he heard some lying tales about the "Mormons," as is usual, and being darkened in mind he turned back and bought a farm in Maine, and soon afterwards died without ever obeying the gospel or gathering with the Saints. His wife and children were left as a widow and orphans to drag out a lonely existence on a farm which was not saleable, and without means to gather with the Saints, and without opportunity to obey the gospel—a solemn warning to all persons not to delay or neglect a strict and punctual obedience to their convictions.
On the 6th of October, a general conference convened at Manchester, according to adjournment.
I had hoped to land from America in time to attend it, but was disappointed by contrary winds.
The following members of my quorum were present, viz: Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Willard Richards, H. C. Kimball and G. A. Smith; other officers, viz.: High Priests, 5; Elders, 19; Priests, 28; Teachers, 4; and Deacons, 2.
In this conference, Elder Orson Pratt was called to the chair, and Elder George Walker chosen clerk.
A general representation showed a great increase since the July conference, and a spread of the work into many parts.
Many ordinations took place; much instruction was given; and many additional missionaries were sent out.
In a few days after this conference, I landed in safety with my family, and again repaired to Manchester, and resumed the editorial duties; and, in connection with Elder Young, superintended the publishing department.