facts, and added some things that are utterly untrue, he has made out a story which is false from beginning to end, and as gross a calumny as ever fell from human lips.
And when I considered that it was through me that Mr. Wilks first received the doctrines of Heaven—through me that he was introduced into the visible Church—through me that he received cheerful counsel, encouraging words, and friendly succor, when he most needed them—through me that he obtained aid in books, money, clothing, &c., when he was in a state of great destitution—and when I consider that I have never spoken of him, and never treated him in any other than a friendly and charitable manner, notwithstanding his own most singular course toward me—the cruel calumny which he has set on foot. and which his friends are now busy in circulating when I am far away, fills me with pain and sorrow unutterable. Never in my life have I been so wronged by any individual—and by a man, too, from whom I deserve, if I deserve it from any person on earth, nothing but kindness, respect and love.
It is not for me to judge Mr. W.—the Lord forbid that I should do that. Neither do I desire for him anything worse than the All Wise and Merciful One shall see fit to inflict—shall see to be for his best and eternal good. On account of himself and his family, and especially on account of the church, which, by this calumny, he has so greatly dishonored, I mourn and grieve. But my prayer is that he may be led to make that full, humble, and penitent confession of his guilt in this instance, which alone can wipe it away, and repair in some measure, the wrong he has done me. I wish you to read this letter to Mr. W., and also to all others who may have heard, or may hear, his story. And if the calumny has found its way beyond the limits of your city, I wish it might be followed by a copy of this letter. I shall wait with some solicitude to learn what Mr. Wilks intends to do towards setting the matter right.B. F. Barrett.
I have carefully read this letter of my husband, and can testify that, in every important particular with which I am acquainted, it is strictly true.
The above letter was sent for the satisfaction of Mr. Miller, and the rest of my brethren in New York, who had heard, and been much afflicted by, this scandalous report. But I felt that my whole duty was not done until I had written Mr. Wilks a private letter, complaining of the great wrong he had done me, and asking how he intended to adjust or repair it. I have not a copy of that letter, but the evidence that I wrote such an one is seen in the following from Mr. Wilks, written in reply.
