| 405 the Presidency of the Church. Will you negative the above in a public discussion on equal grounds? Any reply to this will find me at 31 Barn Street, Birmingham.
"Yours truly,
"J. W. BRIGGS,
"Missionary to the British Isles, under the direction of Joseph Smith (son of Joseph, etc.), President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; September 2, 1864."
On September 18, 1864, under direction of President Briggs a branch was organized at Birmingham, England, composed of seventeen members. Elder W. O. Owen, the opponent of the elders in recent discussions, who had subsequently united with the church, was chosen to preside.
On October 6, 1864, President J. W. Briggs issued his farewell address (see Restorer, vol. 1, pp. 113, 114), and sailed for America the same day, accompanied by Elder E. Griffiths, landing in New York City, October 19.
On October 30 and November 1,1864, a general conference of the mission was held at Pennydaren, Wales. Elder T. E.. Jenkins presided, and Nicholas Grigg was clerk; he was also appointed Church Recorder for the Welsh mission. The following is an extract from the minutes:-
"Then the following branches were reported by their respective presidents: Pennydaren; 37 members, 12 elders, 3 priests, 1 teacher, 6 baptized since last reported; John Rogers president. New Tredegar; 16 members, 2 elders; J. Watkins president. Llanvabon; 8 members, 2 elders, 1 baptized since last report; R. Humphrey president. Llanelly; 25 members, 11 elders, 2 priests, 4 baptized since last report; B. Thomas president. Cymbach; 17 members, 9 elders, 1 teacher, 1 deacon, 5 baptized since last report; W. Jones president. Hirwain; 9 members, 4 elders, 1 baptized since last report; R. Griffiths, president. Nantyglo; 17 members, 7 elders, 1 priest, 1 deacon, 11 baptized since last report; J. Jones president. There has been a branch organized at Beaufort, consisting of 8 members, 3 elders, 1 deacon; N. Grigg president. . . .
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