Elder Riser and Elder Nielson Liberated from Hamburg Prison

After being imprisoned for preaching the Gospel in Hamburg, Elder Riser and Elder Nielson were released through the intervention of the American Consul, Mr. Bromberg, who persistently visited the authorities on their behalf. The final decision by the senate granted them discharge without the full extent of the threatened prison sentence, confirming the assurance Elder Riser had received in his dream.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

On the 18th of August, I was arrested by the police, and taken to the station-house, where I was searched, and my books and papers taken from me. I was then conducted to the prison, and locked up in a cell, where I remained until the 5th of September. During my imprisonment, I had a dream, in which I saw myself liberated, and walking at liberty in the streets of Hamburg. I felt assured that the Lord would deliver me. On the 5th of September, about half-past one, I had the privilege of appearing before Mr. Bender, one of the members of the senate, in connexion with Mr. Bromberg, the U. S. consul, and Mr. Berlin. Mr. Bender read the decision of the senate, for us both to be discharged that day, and pay no expenses, except of our boarding and of the police services. I felt to thank the Lord for this deliverance, and also Mr. Bromberg, who had so kindly interested himself in our behalf. Mr. Bender remarked to me that I had to thank Mr. Bromberg, the U. S. consul, for my deliverance; stating, at the same time, what the original sentence was, and that, in consequence of Mr. Bromberg interceding for me, they had finally consented to release me from the two weeks’ imprisonment, and the general expenses.