The Brigham Young Center

Elder W.C. Staines
New York.

Dear Brother:

Without having any of your favors to answer or any special news to communicate, I take the opportunity to send you a few lines, before leaving on my trip to visit the Saints in the northern settlements; as on saturday next I shall start by the U.C.R.R. to hold a two day's meeting at Brigham City (on Saturday and Sunday), from whence I shall proceed to the Malad and from there across the mountains to Bear Lake Valley returning by way of Cache Valley. President D.H. Wells Elders W. Woodruff, J. Taylor and B. Young Jun, and Bishops Burton & Thurber will accompany me from this city. President Geo. A. Smith will go with me as far as Brigham City, and then return here and take charge in my absence.

To day I enter, my seventieth year, feeling as full of life, joy and satisfaction, as ever I have done since my earliest remembrance. So far as the efforts of our enemies are concerned they never give me a moments uneasiness, my only fear for the saints is, that we may not live the principles of our Holy Religion. As for the movement, that has entered a new phase of its existance. A few of its leading advocates have become disafected and seceeded, while it is said that many others are going the same way. The acquisition of A.M. Lyman appears to be rather a source of weekness than of strength to the
cause.

The much talked of excursion of the board of trade of the city of Boston, reached here about 11 O'Clock last saturday evening. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour the majority of the party attended the Theatre, which was open that night for the benefit of bro. Margetts, who is retiring from the stage. On Sunday the party attended the Tabernacle and after the afternoon's meeting, accompanied by several other brethren I went down to their luxurious "city on wheels" and took dinner with them. The company seemed highly pleased with their short visit, although the weather was rather unfavorable. About half past six on sunday evening they again started westward.

Probably you will not have to pay the fare of the emigrants any farther than Omaha, as we shall most likely be able to make arrangements with the Union Pacific RR. Co. to apply the passage of the emigrants along their line on their indebtedness, on my grading contract. Should any such arrangements be made we will notify you accordingly.

Notwithstanding the action of Congress, deciding were the junction of the two great railroads shall be located, the companies do not seem very enerjetic in removing from that city, and it is possible their excitement may subside and they will remain at Ogden, although it is a "Mormon" town and they cannot have things entirely their own way.

May the Lord continue to bless you, and prosper and preserve you, in the work in which you are now engaged, and continually, is the prayer of

Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young