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St. George, Aug. 26, 1853 1865 Bro. Robert S. Campbell Dear Sir,-- Yours of copy 2nd August is at hand, making inquiries as to the “wind up” of the China Mission,which I will give as my memory serves, for I have not our report before me, and besides the rush of other things, which have followed each other in such rapid succession since my return from China have been more the “meditations” than the bye gones. Until since I emigrated to Dixie and after “Bucks” flower of the U.S. made their advent it was some times more than I could do to keep up with passing events, to my own satisfaction. So now for what memory furnishes. Upon our arrival at San Francisco, we deemed it best for one of our number to return home and report how we found things, and ask counsel as to how and what we should do next, and it was thought best for me to come. This was partly in consideration of my home affairs. We learned for the first time on arriving at San Frisco that my wife had been dead some eight months, and my children left with no sufficient provision for their care and support. I left San Francisco according and went to San Bernardino, and there awaited the starting out of a company sufficiently strong to protect ourselves from the Indians, who were hostile at that time. While I was to return home as above arranged, Bros. Lewis and Duncan, were to do the best they could under the circumstances, until we learned what course would be pointed out for us. I was some five or six weeks at San Bernardino before a sufficient company was ready to start. Meantime Bro Lewis came there and returned home with me. I arrived at home on the 8th Dec 1853, reported myself to Prest. B. Young and handed in the report which you re- ferred to, and asked further instructions. I have no recollection, of any instructions ever being given on that subject, but matters re- mained so until near spring, when the President informed me that he contemplated sending me to St. Louis to take charge of the emigration. So matters stood for some weeks when Bro. H.S. Eldredge was sent to St. Louis, and me to Ft. Supply, where I went. When Bro. Duncan returned to the valley. I do not now recollet, but he returned and was sent to Carson, and returned in the fall of 57. When the general gathering took place previous to U.S. troops wintering at Bridger etc.This I believe is about as near as I can relate the facts in this case. Whether there is “a come out” to it or not, or whether Prest. Young was satisfied with us, I never knew. May the Lord Bless you, Robert, and all the brethren in the H. Office, to whom give my kindest and best regards. Hosea Stout P.S. I sent a letter to you some time since to do me a little business, please let me know how it is, for it is of considerable im- portance to me. H.S. R.S. Campbell Great Salt Lake City, U.T. Written on side: Dec. 53 St. George, Aug. 26, 1865 Hosea Stout – Sequel of China Mission