G. S. L. City, June 17th 1862
Mr Azariah Barber
Burlington, Iowa,
Dear Sir:
Your letter of April 12 did not come to hand until the 14th inst., on account of a temporary stoppage of our mails, and I improve the earliest opportunity to reply.
Your brother-in-law, Mr. Moses Daley, some time ago went to California with a part of his family, but not knowing whereabouts in the State he is residing I am not able to give you his address. Some of his children, I believe, are still residing in this Territory, though I am not informed which of the children accompanied their father, nor which remained.
Politically and socially our settlements are like any other moral and well ordered settlements in the States, the same Constitution and the United States laws so far as applicable, are extended over Utah, and the laws enacted by our General Assembly are, upon kindred subjects, like those of Iowa, Illinois, New York, &c. Having no vote for President and Governor, parties are not so numerous and excitable nor politics so rife as they are in the States, which causes our elections to pass off in an unusually quiet manner.
This course proves so much more agreeable to the great majority, that we presume political feelings will at no time rise here to a very exitable pitch.
Profanity, drunkeness, gambling, &c., are more frowned upon and less indulged in here than in any community I know of, and nearly all practice the golden precept, "mind your own business", which makes the conduct of affairs and social intercourse very pleasant, and we daily aim to increase the love for and practice of the aforesaid excellent precept.
All desiring to come here for laudable and legitimate purposes are welcome and are respected and treated courteously, so long as they conduct themselves in accordance with wholesome laws, regulations, and customs. All the channels of business usual in a newly settled and isolated country like this are equally open to all, and new channels are continually opening for the energies, skills and capital of the young and enterprising, as also for the more moderate calculations for winning a comfortable and honorable livelihood.
High water and snow in the mountains detained the train sent to Florence, Nebraska Territory, for passengers and freight, so that companies for this place will leave there, our outfitting point on the frontiers, probably as late as the first of August. This will afford an excellent opportunity, for persons wishing to cross the plains, to do so in a well ordered, strong and well organized company, at different times from about the first of July to about the first of August, in our companies from year to year. Should you conclude to visit us this season, and wish further information as to the times of the starting of our this year's immigration from Florence, N. T., our outfitting point on the Missouri river, I take the liberty of referring you to Mr Joseph W. Young at Florence, who is there to superintend operations in starting our immigration across the plains, and who will promptly answer such questions as you may either in person or by letter propound to him.
Regretting that I have not at hand more information to impart concerning Mr Daley and family, and trusting that the foregoing, in other respects, will meet your wishes, I remain
Very Respectfully
Brigham Young