G. S. L. City, May 9, 1861.
Pres. George Q. Cannon,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brother:-
Your welcome favor, of March 23, came to hand on the 4th inst., and its perusal afforded us much gratification, especially that you had been so blest in your labors as to be soon able to issue the "Star" from a press belonging to the Church, and that so many of the Saints are making their way to our peaceful retreats appointed at present for the gathering of Israel.
The business items of your letter are noted, and returned draft No 156 came safe to hand, all right.
In regard to shipping to Quebec. &c., I have no information at hand to guide me in giving any advice upon the subject, but would presume that it is rather a round about route, and one upon which any reduction in fare to Quebec, if such there be, would be more than swallowed up by extra railroad and other incidental expenses. However, should you deem it worth while, you can at your leisure inform yourself, through Mess'rs Sable & Searle, and others, of the expense and facilities upon that route compared with others, for our immigration from Liverpool to Florence, as circumstances may transpire to render such information very important and useful. Be sure and learn the expense clear through to Florence.
So much help was being forwarded to Florence, and for other reasons, it was not deemed best to select many brethren to go on missions this Spring, consequently only fifteen have gone, eleven of whom are to cross the Atlantic, and we trust will be of benefit to themselves and the cause.
We rejoice with you in the cheering progress of the work in England and Scotland, and feel highly to commend the zeal and industry manifested by br's Amasa and Charles, yourself, and all your faithful co-laborers in the vineyard of our God.
Since my last to you, May 2, Bishop Hunter has handed in the details, so far as reported to him, pertaining to the trains en route for Florence, from which it appears there are in the four Companies, public wagons 183, private wagons 20; public oxen 1575, private do 124; public teamsters 194, private do. 23; and 136,000 pounds of flour to be taken beyond the South Pass for our immigration, besides an abundant flour and other outfit for teamsters, &c., 16 or 18 men as guards, 34,348 pounds of flour for sale to pay ferriages, buy wagons, groceries for return, &c. The Companies are well armed, and are strictly counseled to be very vigilant and watchful. With the funds in the hands of br's Jones and Gates, we feel quite confident that the aid so liberally forwarded will enable all to cross the plains, who may be at Florence in season, and desiring to do so.
By letter from br Hooper, by yesterday's pony, I learned that br's Pratt, Snow and Jones were well and in New York on the 18th ult., and that you had chartered two ships to sail from Liverpool on the 15 and 22nd of April. Our dispatch, by same pony, has State dates of May 2, from which we learn that troubles continue to multiply in the States, though we apprehend no interruption to our immigration, especially if they carry out the minute and judicious written instructions in the possession, and above all, live their religion
While commotion is so rife in the States and its progress and termination as yet so indefinite, it is deemed best that both the Missionaries now going forward and those already abroad remain in their several fields of labor, until further advised from here. In complying with this suggestion, should any of the Missionaries strongly desire to do as did br's O. Pratt and Calkin, br's Amasa and Charles are hereby authorized to attend to the matter; but I would by no means advise such a step by any of them, for, so far as I have observed, that course has invariably tended to weaken all who have taken it.
Nothing to note in home affairs, further than you will glean from the papers, except that I purpose starting, on the 15th inst., on a tour to our most southern settlements, to be absent from four to six weeks. Pres. Wells and others will accompany me, br Heber preferring to remain at home on account of business and not very good health.
Ever praying that the blessings of Heaven may attend you, br's Amasa and Charles, and all the faithful in the Church and Kingdom of our God,
I remain,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young
P. S.
I have drawn upon you the following drafts-- No 191 for £18,12.4 favor of John Diem, dated April 8th and payable at 60 days after sight. 192 for £4.0.0 favor of Alice Rydalch, Katellfield, near Shipton, Yorkshire.
B. Y.