Bro. White: According to appointment a large number of the church at Waukon met with the scattered brethren of this vicinity. We held an evening meeting at the commencement of the Sabbath in the Baptist church, and although some were disappointed in not finding a messenger present, yet the Spirit of the Lord was with us to comfort our hearts and cheer us on the way. We also held two meetings upon the Sabbath, in which the weak were strengthened, and in which we trust all were benefited. In the evening after the Sabbath a business meeting was held to take into consideration the interests of the cause in this vicinity. We were chosen a committee to write to you to inform you of the state of things in Northern Iowa, and to request that a messenger may come among us to preach the word if consistent with the interest of the church generally. This place is the county seat of Fayette county, and contains about one thousand inhabitants. It is about thirty-five miles from Waukon, and forty from Waterloo. There seems to be quite a desire to hear some of our preachers in this vicinity, and we are satisfied that should one come we should have large congregations. We could obtain the court-house in which to hold our meetings. There are also other places within forty miles in which many have expressed a desire to hear about these things. There never has been any preaching here, but there are some ten in and around this place who meet together every Sabbath. If Bro. Andrews should come home this fall it would be more convenient for him to give a course of lectures than for any other preacher; if not, we would pay the expenses of any other messenger, and find him a home here through the winter. There are two brethren in this place, one of whom has a team with which he could carry the preacher to any appointment which he might see fit to make. Dear Bro. White, we feel a strong desire to see an effort made in this vicinity. We believe it would result in much good to this community. Our hearts are all in union with you in this great work, and we wish to be co-workers with you in helping to advance this cause; and we feel that should a messenger come among us, we would endeavor to hold up his hands, and assist him in proclaiming the last message of mercy by our prayers and purses. In behalf of the church.
D. T. Shireman,
George I. Butler,
John Cole,
Committee. West Union, Iowa, Sept., 1862.