President's Office,
Salt Lake City,
Feb. 4, 1869
Albert Carrington,
42 Islington, Liverpool.
Dear Bro.-- Your kind and interesting letter reached me the morning the 27th ult., indicating only 20 days from date, or in round numbers, a rate per hour of 12 miles of incessant travel, a rapidity in broad contrast with the "slow length" time of the past.
It is truly cheering to read your report of the European Mission, and the faithfulness of the Elders abroad generally. Our constant prayers are for the spread of truth, and the redemption and salvation of the Israel of God. Home progress is steady and commendable.
The subject of Co-operation is actively engaging the attention of the Saints,--thus is demonstrated by the organization of societies throughout the Settlements and in some of the City Wards. The wholesale Store is not yet in operation; we deem it wisdom to wait till goods can be freighted right through by rail. In the mean time, the brethren who co-operate purchase from our merchants at wholesale rates, and the retail profits are their own.
The weather continues remarkably open and is of course very favorable for the construction of the rail roads. The progress thereof is wonderful, especially on the eastern line. The Central Pacific is now near Humbold Wells. The Union Pacific has reached State Point, some 9 miles down Weber Kanyon. Our work on the Lower Tunnel was completed last Saturday; and State Point will probably be through by Saturday first. The "Big" Tunnel which the Company's men took off our hands to complete in a hurry, has been proffered back again. They have had not less than four men to our one constantly employed, and withal have not been doing over two thirds of the work. Superintendent Reed has solicited us to assume it again. We were well pleased to have the job taken off our hands when it was, as it enabled us to complete our other work on the line; but now that it is completed probably we shall finish the Tunnel. Bishop Sharp and Joseph A. Young are using the nitro-glycerine for blasting, and this superiority over powder, as well as the sobriety, steadiness and industry of our men give a mark advantage. It is fair to suppose that the Locomotive will be in Ogden early in March.
Encouraging reports have reached us from Laie Ohau, Sandwich Islands. Bro George Nebeker writes us of a steady improvement in the manufacture of sugar. From five Acres of cane, they had made sixteen tons of Sugar and some 1600 gallons of molasses; they had a market at 7-1/4 cents per pound for the sugar. Bro. Nebeker reports about 500 acres of land equally productive with that just quoted.
Ashley's "Bill for the dis-memberment of Utah Territory" seems to meet with very little favor from the substantial men of Congress; nothing has reached us pertinent to the bill, which was to be brought before the House on the 29th ult. Bro. Hooper has a "Memorial for admission" from the Legislative Assembly, and is preparing a speech with a view to present the "Memorial" as soon as Ashley's Bill gets its quietus.
We are sorry to hear of Bro. Thomas's illness; if it continues best send him home. Bro. Joel Grover now laboring in Glasgow Conference, Scotland, is suffering from disease of the lungs; his father apprehends danger therefrom and has deposited money to have him come home. We suggest that he be relieved
and come home as soon as possible, but as the exposure to cold, wet weather &c. in crossing the ocean is likely to injure him, it might be advisable to send him down into the South of England, into Gloucester or Worcester where the air is comparatively dry and warm, till the season is more favorable for his passage home. There is a Sister, Sarah Archibald we wish sent through with the first emigration; her last address was: care of Mr. Beeston, 110 St Marystreet, Southampton. She is probably in the Poor House; if so she ought to be got out and seen to. As to the Saints paying their own expenses to New York, not being able to come any further, and stopping there, I know of no objection.
We have had your letter read quite frequently in the office and all the brethren join with me in love and well-wishes to yourself and co-adjutors in in the great work.
We feel truly thankful to God for His constant watchcare over those who love and serve him. I'm happy to inform you that I am well, as also Bros. Smith, Wells, Cannon, Joseph A., Brigham Jun., John W., all of whom desire to be kindly remembered to you; as well as all the brethren in the Office.
To-morrow morning we start on a visit to Provo for a two days meeting. Praying God to bless you long to do good.
Your brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young