President of the Newcastle Conference's Providential Discovery of Genealogical Records

“I called at the Register department, and enquired of the gentleman in charge about the Mitchell family. He informed me that he could not give me any information, but he thought a Mr. Grant, in the Heraldry department, might be able to help me. He kindly piloted me to the latter’s room. After informing Mr. Grant of my wishes, he said he had the very thing I was looking for, but it was at his residence. He asked me when I would be in the city again. I told him I was leaving for Newcastle that evening. He then said, 'Well, I will bring it down in the morning.' Suffice it to say I was on time the following morning, and true to promise Mr. Grant had his book there. It was a large, well-bound volume, containing the genealogy of the Mitchell family, compiled by a Mr. James Wm. Mitchell, a former deputy clerk, now deceased. I looked through the book, but did not find the particular branch I was looking for. I asked him if he would dispose of the book for a price. 'No,' said he, 'not for any money.' He is not connected with the Mitchells at all, but out of regard to his friend, Mr. James Wm. Mitchell, he would not part with it for any consideration, but I could have the privilege of copying any part or all of it, if I liked, without any charge or fee. I told him I could not stay in Edinburgh to copy it. He said I could take the book with me to Newcastle, and return it to him when I was through with it, and without further ceremony he found paper and string and sent me off with the book. I consider this a remarkable interposition of Providence, and rejoice greatly in it.”

— James L. McMurrin, in The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star