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. The October number of the _Star_ contains much cheering news of the spread of the work in various parts of the United States, England, Scotland and Isle of Man, and an interesting account of Elder Orson Hyde's appointment on a mission to Jerusalem, in connection with Elder John E. Page. May the Almighty speed His work, and bless the believers with signs following, and with grace and wisdom to escape all the judgments which await the wicked, and to stand before the coming of the Son of Man; for Christ's sake. Amen. Thus closed the year 1840 with us and our labors. An eventful year it had been to us, and to the Church of the Saints. It was the first mission of the Twelve modern apostles, as a quorum, to a foreign country. It had been undertaken under circumstances which would have deterred men of a less holy and sacred calling and responsibility. It had overcome chains and dungeons, and gloomy cells, and perils of robbers and of death. It had triumphed over poverty and sickness, and perils by sea and land. And it had triumphed and been crowned with a success unparalleled, even by the history of the ancient Apostles. It was the hand of God that performed it, and to his name be ascribed honor and majesty, and power and glory, forever and ever. Amen.