473 - 476
President's Office,
Great Salt Lake City,
Feby. 20th, 1865.
Elder Charles C. Rich,
Paris, Richland Co.,
Dear Brother,
Your welcome favor of the 16th ult. came safely to hand a few days ago, and was perused with pleasure. We came to the conclusion, when you did not arrive to the Legislature that you must be detained by snow. We could hear nothing, however, from your Settlement, and the first news which has been received came in your letter to me. It is satisfactory to know that with prudence and economy in managing their breadstuffs none of the brethren or their families need suffer. The progress which you are making in the erection of School Houses in the Settlement is very gratifying; also that the people generally are
feeling well.
You ask about the surplus Tithing grain, which will be left after paying the Orders, whether it would be advisable to let it out to persons who have not seed, on a per centage. I think that it would be as well to let such persons have such surplus tithing grain in the manner which you describe. We cannot bring it over this season, and it may as well be used for seed as not.
The Legislature met according to appointment and sat for the prescribed time. The two most important Bills which were passed by that Body, namely, a charter for the Deseret Irrigation and Navigation Canal company, and another to the Wahsatch Wagon Road Company, were vetoed by the Governor. There has been considerable said by our enemies about the one-man power which is wielded by the Priesthood among us; but whatever power of this kind is wielded among us is done by the consent of the governed. The veto power exercised by the Governor, however, is a one-man power of the most odious and tyrannical kind, because it is used in direct opposition to the wish of the people. The Canal, for the construction of which the charter was granted by the Legislature, is to bring the waters of Utah Lake to this city, and is to be used for navigation purposes also. This Canal will be pushed through with energy, as an organization for the Company has been obtained under another Bill which was passed by the Legislature for the organization of irrigation districts. We hope to complete the Canal between the Little Cottonwood and the City this coming Spring, and be able to boat rock upon it for the Temple.
Every thing has been quite peaceable in the City this Winter. The folks on the Bench have been dreadfully uneasy, and have groaned and squirmed considerably; but, with all their fuss and idle threat, everything moves on the same as if such fellows did not have an existence. The Vedette has be wonderfully exercised for some time past. The writers in its columns let nothing escape them that they can use to malign and abuse us; but nobody takes the least notice of them, and they are left entirely to themselves, much to their chagrin.
There have been a great many parties this Winter, which the people have enjoyed very much; our Meetings have also been well attended, and a good Spirit has been generally manifested.
The Telegraph wires have been down for nearly three weeks; we have received some news to-day; but there is nothing come to hand of special importance. Through the stoppage of the Mails there has been a great dearth of letters; there have been only very few received from the East for some time past.
Steps have been taken to build a Warehouse on the Colorado and to form Settlements at or near that river. The Warehouse is being built at the head of navigation, just below the mouth of the Virgen. Some goods have been purchased and ordered by that route, and we anticipate that our goods and emigration will yet come by that way.
My health has been very good during the Winter; at present I am suffering somewhat from cold. Bro. Heber's health has only been tolerable this Winter he has been around all the time; but is very susceptible to the cold. The people generally enjoy pretty good health, though Scarletina has been prevalent among the children, and some deaths have occurred in consequence.
Bro's. Geo. A. Smith and Franklin D. Richards, with several other brethren, started on a preaching tour to Sanpete Valley about three weeks ago; they are expected here to-day. Myself, Bro. Heber and Bro's. W. Woodruff, John Taylor and Geo. Q. Cannon and a number of other brethren started to Centreville last Saturday, and joined the folks there in a Social Party and on Sunday held meeting with them there and at Farmington and Bountiful. We returned to the City on Sunday night. We have had a very heavy fall of snow during the pas few days.
With love to yourself and the brethren and praying the Lord to bless and uphold you
I remain, as ever, Your Brother,
Brigham Young