433 - 437, 432 P.S.
President's Office
G. S. L. City Jan 12/65.
Presidents Daniel H. Wells and Brigham Young Jr.,
Dear Brethren:
Since my last to you, written Dec 5/64, I have heard nothing direct from you until yesterday, when I received a letter from Brigham under date of Nov. 28th. I have been hoping to receive a letter from you, and have, therefor, deferred writing to you a little longer than I otherwise would have done. I am pleased to hear of your general good health and of Sister Wells being safely delivered of a son. I trust that the mather and child will enjoy good health, and that you all may have such vigor of mind and body that your labors may be easily performed and be a pleasure to you. I am gratified to hear of the general prosperity of the work, as reported in the letter which I have just received and you, and you and the Elders associated with you, as well as all the Saints have our constant prayers in your behalf, that you may be greatly blessed in a your movements, and be preserved to return again to this place in safety and in peace. Our hearts are gladdened by witnessing the onward march of the kingdom of our God and the fulfilment of His mighty purposes, which he has long contemplated, and respecting which He has inspired His servants to speak unto the inhabitants of the earth. The heathen rage, and the wicked imagine vain things, the rulers set themselves and take counsel together against the Lord, His kingdom and His anointed ones; but the Lord holds them in derision, and laughs at their folly. He is speaking unto them in His wrath, and He is vexing them in His sore displeasure. His Saints, they who put their trust in Him, are remembered by Him, and He is vindicating them in the eyes of the nations, and pouring out upon them the Spirit of comfort and joy, and they will be born[missing] off triumphantly, as on eagles' wings. There never has been a people, of whom we have any account, who has had greater cause for exclaiming in the Spirit of praise and thanksgiving: Who is like unto the Lord, our God, glorious in children, and delivering them from all their enemies and every evil, and planting their feet in sure places! Our enemies are flattering themselves, so they say, the hope that their accursed designs against us will be accomplished. They would like to see society in Utah polluted and their civilization introduced; but it would be a woful day for the Isreal of God if such efforts were to be successful. We would be destroyed by their cruelty, and our wives, sisters and daughters would fall a prey to their unbridled & hellish lusts, and virtue, truth and liberty would be without a sanctuary upon the earth. But we have the glorious consolation which the Lord has given unto us, that all the labors of themselves and their master will prove of no avail. The Vedette has been unusually bitter of late, since the change of editors -- two bitter to hold out very long; they will exhaust themselves for want of fuel, for it is very difficult to keep up a onesided warfare such as they are waging. If we would quarrel with them, or notice them, it would be encouraging, and they would zealously keep on, being fed by the opposition with which they were met; but it is very annoying, after they have exhausted every invective and every species of vituperation and slander-- to find no spot so vulnerable that they can cause us to evince in the least or to even express the most trifling anger or vexation. Such contemptuous indifference has more effect upon them than the most elaborate arguments and replies would have.
The winter thus far has been quite mild. Fuel has been very high this winter; coal selling in many instances at $45 a ton and wood at $35 per cord. There is more snow deposited in the mountains now than there was at the close of last winter, and the Valleys have been very well soaked with rain.
The Deseret Irrigation and Navigation Canal is being pushed ahead with Spirit, and there is reason to believe that we can so far complete it between Little Cottonwood and the City that we can obtain water for irrigation and boat rock by it for the Temple next Summer. No attempt will be made this present winter to extend it farther South than Little Cottonwood. When it proves a success between the Cottonwoods, and the City, and the people see that it is a demonstrated fact, it will be a comparatively easy matter to push it through from the Little Cottonwood to the outlet of the Lake.
The news from the Colorado River is encouraging. Bro. Anson Call and a company of brethren have selected a suitable site for the erection of a warehouse at the head of navigation on the River. This point is about 125 miles distant from St George. There are two or three hundred acres of arable land there, which they think can be irrigated by taking out the water of the river, They also found a fine body of land on the Muddy, near its mouth, which they describe as very rich, equal to any of our land in the Territory. They think that two or three hundred families can be comfortably located there, and not be crowded. They went down the river to Hardy's Landing. Miles from St. George. They describe the country between Los Vegas and Hardy's as being exceedingly rough-- so bad that it was dangerous in places for both man and beast. Bro Call purchased many articles at Hardy's, which he needed for the warehouse he was authorized to erect at the head of navigation, which Mr. Hardy's Agent promised to deliver at the warehouse site by the 10th of Jan. There is considerable interest being felt by many persons, who have heard of our intended operations on the Colorado, and by others also who have anticipated that the River would yet be an outlet and inlet for our traffic, and they are beginning to crowd in and occupy the land. We contemplate sending two or three hundred families down there to locate upon the most eligible spots, as we have no wish to see outside parties come in and take possession of the best places and reap the fruits of our toil. This they would be sure to do, when they learn that we are likely to do our business by that river, unless we forestall them by prompt action.
The Legislature is still in session. The most important business which has come before that body is the Chartering of the Deseret Irrigation and Navigation Canal Company & a general bill giving the people the authority to form Irrigation Districts to take out the waters of any stream that may be needed an prescribing their powers, and a bill to charter a company to construct a Toll road from Weber River, via Parley's Park and Parley's Kanyon to the City, and a bill making every owner of Cattle liable for the damage they may commit.
It may be interesting to Brigham to know respecting his brothers Joseph A. and John W. Joseph A. has taken my mills this year; these claim more or less of his time and attention; but, besides attending to these, he has been employed in the business of the Canal, and, since the Legislature convened, has been industriously employed there. John W.'s eyes are still weak. He has been traveling with Bro. Musser, and has just returned; he will continue to travel with him.
I would like you to say to Bro. Wm H. Shearman not to worry himself or to work too hard; but to take care of himself and seek to preserve his health. If any of the Elders are ailing a change of air and field might be beneficial to them, and I would suggest their being removed to some healthy locality. Your families and friends are all well, as far as I know. Accept my love to yourselves and families in which br. Heber and the brethren of the twelve join. Ever praying that you and all God's servants both at home and abroad may possess His Spirit to accomplish His will in all things, I remain,
Your Brother in the Lord,
Brigham Young
432
P. S.
Since my last I have drawn upon you the following drafts:-- No. 527, L42.14.9 John Davis; no. 528, L13.12,0,Peder Christian Larson; no 529, L5.0.0, Wm. P. Nebeker; no, 530, L3.4.0, Mary James; no. 531, L7.13.6,Bodel Maria Nielson; no 532, L35.0.0,Esper Ippson; no 533,L3.0.0, E. Eldredge Jr.; no. 534, L9.0.0, W. Woodruff; no. 535, L12.7.5,G. Q. Cannon; no. 536, L10.8.0, Brita Svensen; no. 537, L5.14.0,Evaline Augusta Nielsen; no. 538, L2.0.0, Jane Ward.
Enclosed please find the following drafts:-- Nos. 462,528,529,531,532,536, 537. and advise the parties concerned.
The Trustee in Trust has paid G. D. Watt, L11.19.o1/2 amount to his credit upon your books, please charge G. D. Watt and credit Trustee in Trust.
I drew drafts nos. 408 & 431 for L2.17.0. each, favor of Joel Wood, Crossmore Manchester and advised you. Sarah N. Robinson, who sent the money says that brother Wood is not aware that the money is to his credit in your office. Please advise him. Wm Wadley sent draft no. 372, for L5.14.0 to Mary Ann Gage, Gosport near Portsmouth, and states that she does not intend to emigrate, and wishes the money returned to him here. If you find his statement correct please return the draft and charge Trustee in Trust with the amount.
I herein enclose Soren Christofferson's draft for $800.= L166.13.4 which please place to credit of
Trustee in Trust.