Elder A. Carrington
Liverpool
Dear Brother,
Since my last letter to you, we have been called to mourn the loss of a patriarch and father in Israel, Elder John Young, president of the High Priests quorums, who departed this life on the 27th ult. He was spared to us for almost eighty years, and was at last privileged to peacebly pass away in the midst of the saints, surrounded by those whom he loved. For thirty seven years he had unflinchingly and zealously performed his duties as an Elder in Israel, and a servant of the living God and has passed away from our presence for a short time to that happier sphere, where free from the infirmities of this mortal body he can more gloriously accomplish his Master's purposes.
Our fortieth Annual Conference (adjourned from 6th April) closed its session on Sunday, after a most happy and instructive reunion, lasting four days, It was by far the largest gathering of Saints that has taken place in this generation, and though a gallery capable of seating nearly four thousand had been erected since our last conference we found it still true that the Latter-day Saints had not succeeded in building a house large enough to accomodate all who wished to hear the word of the Lord. As many as thirteen thousand people assembled at some of the of the meetings, yet many hundreds turned aside at the doors, unable to obtain a comfortable seat. The erection of this gallery has done much to improve the acoustics of the building, for now a clear speaker can be heard distinctly in almost every part of the house. At this conference all the members of the first presidency and of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were present, yourself alone excepted, all of whom addressed the congregated saints with words of wise counsel and encouragement. The authorities were sustained by the vast congregation with the usual unanimity; Elder Elias Smith being appointed to fill the vacency in the presidency of the High Priests Quorum caused by the death of Elder John Young. Governor Shaffer, was present on the stand, in the meeting at which the authorities of the Church were sustained, and had a good opportunity of learning the way in which the "Mormons" vote. At this conference about twenty elders were called on Missions to foreign lands. Amongst them Elder Joseph Young Sen, first president of all the Seventies, Elder Horace S. Eldredge the charge of the European Mission. Elder W.W. Cluff to succeed you Elder Jesse N. Smith in the presidency of the Scandinavian Mission, and Elder W.C. Staines to attend to the emigration business in New York. Most of these brethren, with some others, will leave this city next Friday morning for their various fields of labor.
To witness the thousands of joyous faces, and hear the happy greetings everywhere abounding during the last few days, was an experience few would expect to meet with in the midst of a people whose enemies numerous and powerful, as the world counts, threaten to rob them of every right, sacred to those who love liberty. Any people, not possessed of a living faith in the providences of the Most High and the righteousness of their cause, could not be as calm, as happy and as hopeful as the Latter-day Saints to day. For myself, I never felt more full of peace and pleasant anticipations than now, and fear nothing the enemies of the Truth can attempt against the Saints, if we but live our Holy Religion. The iniquitous Cullom bill still "drags its slow length along" a disgrace to its authors and a trouble to its supporters. As much unfinished business is now crouding the present almost expired setting of Congress, it is possible, no further time, will be wasted this session in interfearing with the religion of the people of Utah.
The appointment of Elder Eldredge, and his immediate departure for his field of labor, releases you to return home, as soon as you may deem wise and for the best interests of the mission over which you now preside, and I should be pleased for you to bring with you, on your return my son <Elder> Heber Young, with regard to which I wrote you in my last, and also Elder H.C. Jacobs, if he desires to come with you.
The Church of "the great unapreciated" has, I am informed at last found a head. After various vain attempts, and several journeys of many thousand miles in divers directions, the coming man has at length been developed; as I am told by several of the brethren that Amasa M. Lyman has consented to take the presidency of the "New movement" towards infidelity or spiritualism. A few days will prove the truthfulness of this rumor.
With love to yourself, the brethren associated with you & the saints generally; and with continued prayers for the welfare of Israel
I remain, Your brother in the Gospel.
Brigham Young