He professed to be sick, to have suffered a relapse owing to incautious exposure so soon after his long illness.

He seemed, indeed, not only to be weak, but to be much distressed and torn in his mind.
Brigham was gracious enough to accord the desired permission, adding that the young Elder could preach the revived gospel and rebaptise on his way south, thus combining work with recreation.

He was also good enough to volunteer some advice.
"What ails you mostly, Brother Joel, is your single state.

What you need is wives.

You've been here ten years now, and it's high time.