G. S. L. City, March 28, 1864
Elders Joseph A. and John W. Young
Metropolitan Hotel,
New York City
My Dear Sons:
I gladly improve a reliable oppertunity for sending you a few lines by the hands of br. Horace S. Eldredge, who expects to leave for the East by stage on the 27th inst. It is not yet certain whether br. Hooper accompanies him or not
Your letter from Omaha, 6th inst., was perused with much pleasure, as it informed us of the speedy and safe journey of all as far as Kearney, and of your good feelings and energy in behalf of the work in which you are engaged. I trust to ever hear a thus good report of yourself and all associated with you in your important duties. The inclosed letter was at once forwarded to hands of your wife Mary.
There is but little of interest to note in the passage of home events since your departure, they keeping in the customary channel of peace and prosperity to the dwellers in Utah. Winter has given place to the sunnier skies and balmier airs of Spring, though as yet Spring, with all its pleasantness, has been so dry that there is but small prospects at present of our being much troubled with high waters. The weather has been such as to keep the fruit buds from bursting, and there is an excellent prospect for a fine crop of fruit
The 2nd Regiment of California Cavalry, it is said, is ordered to what are called Government Springs in Rush Valley, to start on the 27th inst. It is a rather unpleasant move for cavalry, as they expect to have to foot it to that point, their horses being there. It is altogether probable that at each future move they will proceed west, to arrive in California in time to be mustered out of service when their time expires. This move takes the largest half of the troops from the bench east, and there is a strong probability of their rapidly dwindling, dwindling, until ere long the last one is enroute to some point beyond our borders.
On the night of the 25th inst. a mild snow storm began to moisten the ground, which it has done quite thoroughly, and with great benifit to the wheat and other crops. There is now prospect of a goodly supply of timely moisture for the soil, which is highly encouraging.
On the 15th inst. your wife Mary gave birth to a fine daughter, both doing Well, and so continuing up to date.
On the 20th inst. at 11-30 p. m., Hiram's wife Alice gave birth to her 4th son, both getting along finely.
I have let my saw mills in Big Cottonwood Canon to George W. Thatcher on the halves, which frees my mind of that much care in business matters, and gives br. George an excellent opportunity for increasing his means and his experience in conducting affairs. The City creek mill starts at the earliest practicable date. Lumber is now in quick and extensive demand at $8 00/100 per 100.
The diggers on the bench are unable to induce people to believe in their mining yarns, and the miners who wintered here and in other settlements have already nearly all left for the mines north and west, and the rest are getting ready to roll out as fast as possible So results that plan they built so much upon, and so will, doubtless fritter out all their plans for evil to Isreal, and they themselves pass quietly and chagrined out of our Territory.
Our finances are in so straitened a condition that I have written to Hiram, by same hands with this, that I do not wish him to press purchases, for, upon a pinch, we can omit many articles and there is but little prospect that my Indian a/cs will be paid, so little that it will not be safe to make any purchases under that prospect.
From all I can learn I think your selection of Wyoming, for the outfitting point this season, very judicious, and think it will prove decidedly advantageous
As already advised, please bear in mind to inform me, at the earliest date, the number of this year's emigration from abroad. The trains for Wyoming are expected to start about the usual time, say about the 20th to 25th of April, we presume the 300 teams called for will fill the requirement for freight and passengers, aside from the independent companies.
My health, that of my family, Joseph's and John W's., Hiram's, br. Staines, Brigham [gap in typescript] relations, friends, and the people generally, is good.
That the blessing of Isreal's God may constantly attend each of you in the performance of every duty, preserve you from all harm, and sustain you in your responsible sphere of action is the prayer of,
Your Father,
P. S. I herewith inclose the copies of letters that were accidentally omitted to be handed to you when you left.
We expect that Pres. Daniel H Wells & Brigham Young Jr will go to Liverpool, England, and that Bro. George Q. Cannon be released on account of his health. They will go with the first mule teams that leave for Wyoming. We wish nothing said about this, only among yourselves.
Brigham Young