The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U.T.
17 Aug. 1870

President H.S. Eldredge
Liverpool England,

Dear Brother:
Your esteemed favor of the 27th ult has just been received. We were exceedingly pleased to hear from you and mark the spirit and contents of your letter. We commend your views with regard to those from these valleys, who whilst on visits to their friends in Europe abuse the hospitality, and impose upon the confidence of the saints and by so doing weaken the hands of the elders who are laboring for the good of Zion and the cause of God.

When you find such men trying to live upon the saints, advise the people to leave them alone. Let them remain where they are on their own means, do not help them, not even to return home, we are better off without such persons.

The immigrating saints of the "Manhattan" and "Minnesota" companies have arrived in safety, and all who came through have found homes and friends in Zion. The first named company in the care of Elder Karl G. Maeser, arrived here on the afternoon of Friday 5th inst; the second Company presided over by Elder Jesse N. Smith reached here on the afternoon of Wednesday 10th inst. All seemed in fine health and good spirits.

Regarding bro. Carlson I think it would be well, if practicable, for him to so arrange his business that he can leave with the last ship's company, or immediately after, so as to be with them at New York, and come and spend the winter with us, when he can receive his endowments, to get married if he so desires, and return again to you early in the spring, before the rush of the emigration business comes upon you. His friends here will be pleased to see him.

It will probably be well to issue an improved edition of bro Jaques' catechism as soon as convenient, the number of the edition to be as you and bro. Carlson may think best to meet the wants of the mission. The "copy" of the new edition, will be furnished you by Elder A. Benzon who expects to start in a few days on a mission to Europe, to which he has been called by the authorities of the Church. Do not do anything in the matter until bro. Benzon arrives with the "copy".

The last few days have had considerable interest to all believing in the Divine order of Patriarchal marriage, resulting from the debate between Prof. Orson Pratt and Dr. J.P. Newman, Chaplain of the U.S. senate, on the question "Does the Bible sanction Polygamy," the particulars of which you have without doubt read in the columns of the "Deseret News" and "Salt Lake Herald" with the correspondence that preceeded it.

However notwithstanding the efforts of the two gentlemen, the matter appears to remain just where it stood before the discussion commenced. It may perchance have one good effect, by drawing the attention of the people of the United States to the fact that the question is one of religious belief, to be opposed, if opposed at all, by scripture and reason, not to be prescribed by special and cruel enactments, nor overthrown by the power of the sword.

We are enjoying a general time of good health, and peace throughout the Territory, Your own family are well except Sis Eldredge's mother who is gradually sinking.

I am desirous that you should assist Elder Marcus Holling to return home from his mission in Holland. Please find out where he is staying and provide him with means to reach Liverpool, and from there forward him home. His address is Diezerport Wal 42, Al Zwolle, Holland.

With love to yourself and the brethren laboring with you.
I remain, Your Brother in the Gospel

Brigham Young