Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-05-26
A Letter from a Norman wife defending PolIgam,


Mrs. Malinda Marden Pratt, one of the seven wives
Of distinguished member of the Utah Legislature,
has addressed to her sister, Mrs Lydia Kimball of
Nashua, N. H. letter in which she defends Polyg-
amy, and sustains her course of life The letter is
written with ability, vein of pious devotion perva-
ding it. It is very long, but we make the following
extract to show the strength of the deluson under
which these people are laboring:
Now dear friends, much as long to see you, and
dear as your are TO me. | can never come to these
terms. feel as though the Gospel had introduced
me into the right family, into the right lineage and
into good company And besides all these consider.
erations should ever become so beclouded with un-
belief OF the scriptures and heavenly institutions as
to agree with kindred in New Hampshire in theory,
still my practical circumstances are different, and
would, fear, continue to separate us by wide and.
almost impossible gulf
For instance. have las you see, in all good con.
science, founded on the word God formed family
and kindred ties, which are inexpressibly dear to me-
and which can never bring my feelings to consent
10 dissolve.
have good and vrtuous husband, whom love.
We have four little children which are mutually and
lnexpressiby dear to US. And besides this, my hus-
band has seven other living wives, and one who has
departed 10 better world. He has in all upwards of
twenty children. All these mothers and children
endeared 10 me by kindred ties-by mutual afec-
tion-by acquaintance and association and the moth
ers in particular by mutual and long confined exer
cses of toll, patience, long-suering and sisterly
kindness We all have imperfections in this life
but know that these are good and worthy women,
and that my husband is good and worthy man one
who keeps the commandments of Jesus Christ and
presides in his family like Abraham. He seeks to
provide for them with all diligence he loves them all,
and seeks to comfort them and make them happy He
teaches them the commandments of Jesus Christ and
gathers them about MIN in the family circle to call
upon his God, both morning and evening.
He and his family have the confidence esteem,
good WILL and fellowship of this entire Territory,
and Of wide circle of facquaintances in Europe and
America.
He is practical teacher of morals and religion;
promoter of general education; and Mt present occu-
pies an honorable seat in the Legislative Council Of
this Territory.
Now, as to visiting my kindred in New Hampshire
would be pleased TO do So were it the will of God
But first the laws of that State must be so modified
by enlightened legislation, and the customs and con-
sciences OF its inhabitants, and of my kindred, SO
altered that my husband can accompany me with all
his wives and children, and be much respected and
honored in his family organization, and in his holy
Calling as he is at home, in the the patr-
arch Jacob would have been respected had he with
his wives and children, paid visit to his kindred
AS my husband is yet in his youth, as well as N.Y.
SELF fondly hope we shall live 10 see that day.
For already the star OF Jacob is in the ascendancy
the House of Israel is about to be restored while
"Mystery Babylon" with all her institutions awaits
her own overthrow.
TIL this is the case in New Hampshire my kindred
will be under the necessity of coming here to see us,
or. on the other hand we will be mutually compelled
to forego he pleasure of each others company
Now. dear sister, must close | wish all my kin.
dred and old acquantances to this letter. or copy
thereof and that they will consider it as if written
TO themselves. love them dearly and greatly desire
and pray for their salvation, and that we may all
meet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the king
dom of God.
Dear sister, do not let your prejudces and trad-
tions keep you from believing the Bible nor the
pride. shame, love of the world keep you from your
seat in the kingdom of heaven, among the royal family
of polygamists. Write often and freely
With sentiments OF the deepest affection and kim
dred feeling remain, dear sister, your afeconae
sister BELINDA MARDEN PRArT.
Mrs Lydia Kmball, Nashua, N. Fl.
?. S. My kind love to your husband and all in
quirng friends.