Salt Lake City. U.T.
26 July 1870
President Joseph Young Sen.
England.
My dear brother Joseph.
Your welcome favors of June 6th and 25th detailing your travels and experience from the time you left your home and friends in the mountains, until your arrival in the vast metropolis of Britain, have been received and read with great interest. I am exceedingly pleased to hear that your health is good, that you so highly enjoy your mission, and that the blessing of the Lord is so abundantly with you. With regard to myself I will say, my health is good, I feel buoyant in spirits, and, as ever rejoice in the bounties bestowed by our Heavenly Father.
Our forth this year was celebrated with a glad spirit of patriotic enthusiasm which did credit to all participating therein. The arrangements were carried out perfectly, and the day was unusually enjoyed by the citizens. Business was generally suspended and the whole feelings of the people were given to the day and its pleasures. So on the 24th -- or rather the 25th -- we held our usual celebration, and we enjoyed a most excellent time. Elders Geo. A. Smith, O. Pratt, Capt. Hooper and myself addressed the meeting. On both occasions the ceremonies of the day terminated with a fine display of firework.
The government officials who are quartered amongst us, are striving to do all the harm they can, and just now they are trying their best to divide the people at the coming election for delegate to congress. They are also meddling a good deal with local affairs. But though united in the one idea of opposition to the kingdom of God and to His priesthood, in all else they manifest the usual diversity of opinion, considered so essential to progress in most Christian communities. If they could but realize it, they would know that they are digging pits, into which their own feet will stumble, and laying snares for their own destruction. But they have not accomplished a thing here or in Washington, but are loosing ground.
Peace reigns in our beautiful city, and the true saints never rejoiced more in their religion, than they do to day. Some whom we have carried in our fellowship and love for many years are turning from the truth, amongst them Amasa M. Lyman, But these were never truly honest in their professions. It is astonishing to hear such apostates tell of how much iniquity they have known of, in the church, and that they should never have said a word about it, or in its condemnation, until they were severed from the Church.
Our Theatre is again open for performances for a short season. On Friday evening Mr Walter Montgomery gave some highly interesting readings from the poets; on Saturday Mr. Geo. F. Train gave one of his characteristic and inimitable lectures -- whilst on his ninety days trip round the world. This week a burlesque troupe occupy our boards and next week a band of negro minstrels from Philadelphia will give four entertainments.
Regarding the money matters to which you refer, you had best council with bro. Eldredge thereon. If you want a little help he will attend to it. I will mention the subject to him, in my next letter.
Your family are all well, and all is peace in the midst of your friends. With love to yourself and Seymour, and with constant prayers for your welfare and blessing
I remain, Your affectionate brother.
Brigham Young
P.S.
Shall we see you home this season?
B.Y.