After I wrote the foregoing, I received a letter from Elders Stenhouse and Toronto. I have felt an intense desire to know the state of that province to which I had given them an appointment, as I felt assured it would be the field of my mission. Now, with a heart full of gratitude, I find an opening is presented in the valleys of Piedmont, when all other parts of Italy are closed against our efforts. I believe that the Lord has there hidden up a people amid the Alpine mountains, and it is the voice of the Spirit that I shall commence something of importance in that part of this dark nation. Please remember me to Brothers Coward and Collins, whose names will never be forgotten for their kindness to Brother Erastus and myself. Prudence and caution prompt me to request that you will not, at present, give publicity to my communications. Your brother in the Gospel, affectionately, Lorenzo Snow. CHAPTER XX. Writes to President Young.--The Waldenses.--Incidents.--Calls Elder Stenhouse.--Cathedral of St. Lorenzo.--Sends two Elders to Piedmont.--Describes the Country.--Published "The Voice of Joseph."--Miraculous healing.--Sends for Elder Woodard.--Organization of the Church.--Prayer.--Officers chosen.--Mount Brigham.--Rock of Prophecy.--Testimony of an Englishman.--Invited by a Priest.--First Baptism.--Difficulties to meet.--LaTour.--The presence of the Elders only tolerated.--Can lift up his head and rejoice in spite of difficulties. In the following letter to President Young, Lorenzo gives a detailed account of the introduction of the Gospel into the valleys of Piedmont; and an eloquent and inspiring description of the time, place and circumstances of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in that land of religious superstition and bigotry: LaTour, Valley De Luzerne, Piedmont, Italy, Nov. 1, 1850. _Dear President Young_: When I arrived in Liverpool, I sent you a letter, in connection with Brothers Erastus and Franklin, which I hope you duly received. Soon afterwards, as I contemplated the condition of Italy, with deep tolicitude to know the mind of the Spirit as to where I should commence my labors, I found that all was dark in Sicily, and hostile laws would exclude our efforts. No opening appeared in the cities of Italy; but the history of the Waldenses attracted my attention. Amid the ages of darkness and cruelty, they had stood immovable almost as the wave beaten rock in the stormy ocean. When the anathemas of Rome shook the world and princes fell from their thrones, they dared to brave the mandate of the Pope and the armies of the mighty. To my mind they appeared like the rose in the wilderness, or the bow in the cloud. The night of time has overspread their origin; but these dissenters from Rome existed ages before Luther was born. During the fierce persecutions to which they have been subjected, their limits have greatly decreased.