President A. Carrington,
42 Islington, Liverpool.
Dear Bro:-
It is with pleasure I proceed to write you a few lines on such items of interest as may present themselves, trusting they will prove not unacceptable.
The increased mail facilities render the transmission of News through the medium of newspapers so frequent and regular that it is fair to suppose you are kept very well posted in matters of general information, nevertheless, there are some things that escape even the keen vigilance of newspaper men, and, there are other things which are not considered newspaper property, that is, our newspapers.
The Harrison-Godbe-Planchette-Church, that cheapest of all the apostacies is not making the headway its founder predicted for it, The "movement" as it is called, are now publishing a newspaper called "The Mormon Tribune," the first number of which appeared on the 1st of January. It is a good sized sheet of 8 pages, patronized by our enemies, who, of course, fraternize with the new clique, & shew thereby the source from when it springs. Probably no better evidence could be afforded that they <are> opposed to the Kingdom of God than this fact. It is truly astonishing how men will suffer themselves to be blinded by the spirit of darkness, totally regardless of every principle of right, old associations, testimonies, & intimate accquaintance with the truth, but so it is with many, the cares of the world choke the good seek, & they are blinded & led captive to the will of the devil.
One of the most interesting events that has ever transpired here, took place on Monday, 10th inst. for on that day, we laid the last rail of the U. C. R. R. It was a general holiday, and a very large concourse of people assembled to witness the ceremonies. In addition to our own most prominent citizens, there were present about twenty officers of the U. P. & C. P. R. R. & about fourteen army officers from Camp Douglas. I had the honor of driving the last spike, which took place nine minutes past two o'clock. After praying by Elder Woodruff, Speeches were delivered by myself; Vice Prest. Jennings; Supt. Jos. A. Young; Col. B. O., Carr & Engineer T. B. Morris. U. P; Elder John Taylor & Mr. Campbell C. P. In consequence of a cold, Elder Cannon read for me a short speech which I had prepared for the occasion; he also read congratulatory telegrams from representative men east & west who were unable personally to attend. In the evening a grand complimentary ball was given in the Theatre to a very brilliant assemblage & never did the Theatre appear to greater advantage. Officers -- Civil & Military public men, without regard to religion, party or politics were invited & all expressed themselves delighted with the whole affair. A large bonfire on Arsenal hill & a general illumination of the City were attractive features of the programme. So, now, the Railroad to Salt Lake City, from the Atlantic Ocean on the one side, & the Pacific Ocean on the other is a fixed fact, and our road is, as toasted on the occasion, "The first fruits of the marriage of the oceans." There were present a Pullman & a Silver palace car.
Mr. Cullom (chairman of Comm. on Territories) has, as you are doubtless aware, introduced a Bill before Congress, to "aid in the execution of the laws" that is to say, to deprive the Latter-day saints of every vestige of constitutional liberty. This bill was concocted in S. L. City by a pettifogger named Baskin, and is the most disgraceful document of the kind, probably, that was ever penned. Our sisters are in high dedgeon over it; meetings are being held by them, in their various wards, remonstrating against the passage of the act, and, on the 13th inst. a general meeting of all the Ladies of S. L. City was held in the Tabernacle, and, though the weather was most unfavorable, the building was crowded,-- only ladies were present. The entire proceedings were published in the "Deseret News," you will find them well worthy perusal. As to this bill meeting with the slightest degree of favor, in its present shape, we do not believe it; but whatever may result from this, or any similar action of Congress against us, or, whither they shall lend a favorable ear to our "Memorial for Admission," we are content to rest the issue with the great disposer of all events, firmly assured that he will control the results of their acts for the wellbeing of his people, and that the very evil they would seek to bring upon us, will be converted to a still greater good.
There is one subject to which I wish to call your attention. A Museum and Menagerie was opened in this city some two months since by John W. Young, & quite an interest is manifested therein by many of our citizens, who have contributed liberally such articles as they had that were appropriate. It is intended to collect in this Institution, natural curiosities of the animal, vegetable and mineral productions of Utah, and to this, as a nucleus, add specimens of whatever is interesting from every land on the face of the earth. We would be pleased to have you publish in the Millennial Star, a notice to this effect, & reproduce it occasionally, so that all the Saints abroad may have an opportunity to contribute to this interesting collection.
Elder G. H. Knowlden wrote me some time ago, requesting to be released from his mission to Australia, by this time, if he still continues still of the same mind -- & you think it proper -- you may inform hi that he is released & can finish up his time in England.
We receive the "Millennial Star" now quite regularly.-- a very welcome visitor & occasionally publish from it in the "Deseret News."
With regard to the ensuing emigration -- the publication of books -- &c. it appears proper & necessary, from the present scarcity of money & the crippled condition of the finances, to straighten up indebtedness & incur no further pecuniary obligations now. And we wish it emphatically understood, that, from present appearances, not one dollar need be expected from this office to aid the ensuing emigration. It is expected that Bro. H. S. Eldredge will start early in May to superintend the English emigration, after which you will be released to return home. Due notice will be given of the precise time, when those who pay their entire through expenses may expect to start.
It to be the intention of Congress to gobble us up in one way or anther; besides the Cullom & Craigen bills, there are three bills now before Congress for the disintegrating of Utah, the chief of which, by Trumbull, proposes that so much of the Territory of Utah as lies north of the forty first parallel of north latitude be attached to & made a part of the Territory of Idaho.
We are gratified with occasionally letters from Bro. Hooper, whose health is measurably restored; he appears to be right into business; he informs us that our Memorial for Admission has been presented in open house a few days ago, but he reports no action thereon.
While I write, the whistle of one of our new locomotives announces that it has just arrived -- two others are on the way. The Railroad is so far a success & already shews its great value & convenience to our local trade.
May peace be with you, & the blessings of Israel's God attend you in all your labors. & the brethren associated with you.
Your Bro. in the Gospel
Brigham Young