Salt Lake City, U.T.
April 23. 1870.
Pres. A. Carrington
42 Islington, L'pool.
Dear Bro:-Through the kind providences of the Almighty, I am favored with another opportunity of writing you a
few lines, having returned from a lengthy tour in the south which occupied from the day we started, the
24th Feb. just 52 days. The Company consisted of myself, Prest. Geo. A. Smith, Brigham Jr. John W. & a
few others, among whom was Bro. Savage, the Photographer, who took a number of very excellent
views of the Country, in the region of the Colorado, the Rio Virgen, &c. scenes probably unsurpassed
anywhere for wild, romantic grandeur. We travelled over 1150 miles & held upwards of 60 Meetings. I
drove my own team all the way & I am thankful to be able to say that my health during the entire time
has been extremely good. I did not miss a single meal. As you may imagine such a journey was naturally
a fatiguing one but it was a change -- & the warm-hearted reception extended to us by the Saints on
every hand, relieved in a great degree the sense of fatigue, while the pleasure afforded us in beholding
the faces of the Saints & giving them such instructions as were suggested to our minds, more than
compensated for the labor of the journey.
The far-famed "Cullom Bill," continues to engage a large share of public attention in the U.S. &
measurably, I suppose, through the entire civilized world, yet, strange as it may appear to those who do
not understand, this is the place where the subject attracts comparatively the least attention. But the
reason is simple, when understood; the Saints are perfectly contented to rest the issue with the
Almighty, realizing that though man proposes, God disposes & He cannot be reckoned out of this
important question. There is one thing, however, apparent to all. This very Cullom Bill designed for our
injury has been the means of bringing our Holy religion, as well as some of our political views, very
generally before the world, particularly that class known as the literary world, & so far will have a
salutary effect in removing prejudice from thinking minds who have investigated the subject.
The "New Movement" is developing with uncommon rapidity. As was anticipated they are rushing into
infidelity, but with greater strides than might have been expected. Already they ignore the Atonement &
the resurrection; they deny the existence of a personal Devil, which is, doubtless, only a step preliminary
to denying the existence of a God, indeed, they publicly declare now, that the God of Abraham was a
monster -- and Abraham a barbarian. Such is the "natural history" of the Apostate of the present day.
We merely mention the "Movement" to you as an item of news. we do not publish them, neither notice
them in any way. but "let them severely alone." The fact is, they are not worthy of notice, & they will
die out, if not kept alive by our giving them notoriety.
The April Conference, as you are aware was <had been> contemplated for some time, was adjourned
until the 5th May, in consequence of the gallery in the New Tabernacle not being completed, as well as
on account of our absence south. It is estimated that 11 or 12 000 persons may be comfortably seated
in the New Tabernacle this conference. Special trains will run <during conference> from within 1-1/2
miles of Brigham City, over the C.P.R.R. to Ogden & the U.C.R.R. to this City. The C.P. Co. intend to build
permanent switches & stations at Brigham & Willard Cities for the accomodation of our people, which
will facilitate communication with our northern settlements quite extensively. When Conference meets,
we contemplate calling such Missionaries as may be required. & will bear in mind your suggestions on
the subject. Elders Jesse N. Smith, Halling & Heber Young should be released. We would like you to bring
Heber home with you on your return. He requested some money sent him with which to purchase a
good, silver watch, & certain German Class Books, this money you will please furnish him. It is expected
that Br Horace S. Eldredge will start on the 9th or 10th May & proceed to Liverpool to attend to the
business of the Emigration, and take charge of the European Mission, when you are prepared to return
home. Bro Staines will start at the same time to make the neccessary arrangements for the emigration
at New York; we do not deem it advisable to do anything in emigration business before Bro Eldredge
arrives in England. as we intimated in our last, not one dollar can be furnished from this office, this
season, to aid the emigration.
Uncle John Young continues very sick, and without a powerful change takes place, it is doubtful whether
he will live long with us.
Strangers begin to drop in & we anticipate a very large amount of travel across the Continent this
season.
The general health continues good, the Saints notwithstanding the howling of the adversary enjoy peace
& as a general thing are trying to live their religion.
May God help us all to do so, & may He bless all the faithful, & preserve his Elders upon the land & upon
the sea, that we may all live long to do His righteous will.
Your Bro. in the Gospel