G.S.L. <City,> March 28, 1861.
Elder George Q. Cannon,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brother:-Your very welcome favor of Feb. 1, (with inclosures of John Redington, John Cook, and W.H. Wilson) came safe to hand on the 18th inst., and was perused with much gratification. The same mail also brought a copy of your letter from Florence, Nov. 9, /60, with accompanying list, the receipt of the original of which was acknowledged in my letter of Feb. 28. I also take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your favor of Jan. 18. The advertisement for George Thomas Wilson will be inserted in the next "News", and I have forwarded to Br. Greaves a copy of John Cook's letter, thinking Mr's Greaves' friends in England might delay writing.
I am pleased to learn that the voluntary system in donations and Tithing meets with so cordial a response in the good feelings of the Saints, and am sanguine that all the faithful will soon sensibly realize the beneficial results flowing therefrom. Doubtless the present condition of the laboring classes in England is quite trying and straitened, but this year's operations will help much, and, if successful, as we trust they will be, it is expected to greatly increase them another season, which will extend a strong helping hand to those who are unable to pay their way further than to Florence. Encourage the poor, and counsel them to continue stedfast and do all they can to help themselves, and the way will from time to time be opened for them.
I regretted to learn that br. Andrus' health was so poor, and leave the time of his return with himself and br's Lyman, Rich, and yourself.
I rejoice that Br's Amasa and Charles are so efficient in visiting, instructing, and cheering the Saints, and that their health continues to serve them in their labors.
I am in receipt of a letter from br's Jones and Gates, New York City, Feb. 11, at which time they were unable to inform me how many cattle our this year's immigration expected to purchase, but they would inform me, as soon as they could learn. As previously advised, some upwards of 200 four-yoke teams will leave here for Florence about the 20th of April, to arrive there by the last of June. How far they will fill this year's requirements, we have no means of knowing; but they will help very materially, if all walk who can, as our amount of freight will not be very large this year. The number of loose cattle that will be driven for sale to the brethren I have not learned, but presume there will be quite a number
Please accept my thanks for your "monthly statement", "up to date", which I trust you will furnish statedly, so far as convenient.
Your conclusion and action, in regard to br. Solomon, were correct, as $150.00 were deposited here, in 1859, to br. Solomon's credit, and so remain. Br. Samuel Haigh states that he sent a draft for £22.0.0, (more or less), in favor of A. Calkin, dated July, 1856, upon Jonathan Schofield, Rastrick, near Huddersfield, England, to apply on his indebtedness to the P.E. Fund Company, on Bond No 1452. He wishes to know whether said draft was paid, and if so, what disposition was made of the funds.
Dancing parties and other amusements, except the theater twice a week, have given way to the labors incident to Spring. Those labors have been very vigorously prosecuted until within a few days, when the equinoctial storm very timely set in, and still continues off an on, checking up out door operations, much to the benefit of grass, sown grain, fruit buds, &c., &c., and giving promise of excellent and abundant crops.
Please direct and forward the inclosed letter to br. A. Lyman.
Say to all our Elders from here that their families, so far as I can learn, are getting along well, and that no application for assistance has been made without meeting a prompt response; and there are still funds from last Fall's donations, and the same liberal spirit that made them is ready to increase them, whenever necessary. This should preclude their borrowing trouble or being over-anxious in regard to their families. We are pleased to have our Elders return from their missions poor in this world's goods, having expended what they gained, during their missions, in gathering the poor, and make riches here, after they return home. We delight in having our Missionaries return rich in the souls of men, rather than in carriages and merchandize mostly, if not all, derived from those who should have used that means in gathering to Zion. This feeling will be readily understood and practiced by all who truly realize and practice their calling, viz:-- to preach the gospel and gather Israel
Further than already written, and what you learn from the papers, the chief features of home news are the prevalence of general good health, the customary energetic and persevering industry, and a steady improvement in desires and efforts to do right, accompanied by the rich blessings of Heaven upon our labors in our retreat happily so remote from the confusion and wickedness prevailing in the States and elsewhere.
Ever praying that all needed blessings may attend you, br's Amasa and Charles, and all who love the truth and faithfully labor in its cause, I remain
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young