October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June 20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the 4th of July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared the oration, the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July put a stop to the celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of the programme. October Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to England and left October 24th; sailed from New York November 1st, and landed on the 10th. Appointed to the London Conference, labored there four months; then called to Liverpool to succeed Elder C. W. Stayner in the editorial department of the _Millennial Star_. Labored there nearly a year, then was released to travel in the ministry. Released to return home with the June company, 1883. Visited Scotland and France and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday, July 1st, the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before. Reached home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the _Deseret Evening News_. LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL. For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern rule and cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his beloved first wife, Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's remembrance) showing in true light his own feelings upon the principle of plural marriage and vindicating and honoring him by this testimony from his own secret heart and lips, better than the words of another, no matter how faithful or true or ardent that friend might be. Thus will be shown to the world three generations of a family who are representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose as one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His Church and Kingdom in the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic daughter, and Orson, her son, worthy representative of his mother and grandfather. The inspiration in Heber's life has not died out in theirs, the work has not slackened, the line of march is still onward and upward. The first copy bears date of "OCTOBER 23, 1842. "_My Dear Vilate:_