JASPER SMITH, United States Commercial Agent to Hoppin, September 16, 1879

Mr. Smith to Mr. Hoppin.

Sir: A few days ago I received a circular from the Secretary of State at Washington, on the subject of Mormon emigration to the United States, with instructions to report to the legation at London any facts in relation to that subject which might come to my notice. In compliance with that instruction, I have the honor to report that there has been for some years past a Mormon congregation in this place. Mr. William Bramall is the head elder of the Nottingham branch, which numbers about 200 members. Their meeting place is in the assembly room, Low Pavement. Services are held on Sundays at 2.30 and 6 p.m., and on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Money is sent from Utah to the Mormon emigration office at Islington, Liverpool, for the benefit of the poor who have not the means to pay their passage. Each person who receives money from this fund is expected to repay it in work when settled in Utah. No money has been sent to the Nottingham branch this year. Each emigrant who has the means with which to pay his passage, is required to pay the necessary amount to the elder of the district. The names of the emigrants, with the money paid, are sent to the office at Liverpool, and when all is complete, and the number of emigrants is known, a contract is made to take them to New York.

When landed they are taken in charge by the elder and forwarded by rail to their destination. Emigration commences in May and ends in October. Three or four parties usually go out each year. The last party for this year is expected to leave Liverpool on the 18th of October. It is expected that a company of from 200 to 300 will leave Liverpool at that time, composed of English, Germans, Scandinavians, and others.

The above are all the facts I have been able to collect with regard to the Mormons in this town.

I am, &c.,