Salt Lake City, U.T.
8 December 1870
President B. Young
St. George.
Dear Brother:
Though you are no doubt fully advised through the telegrams sent by bro. Cannon and others of events transpiring in the outside world, and items of local interest occuring in our city, still I felt like writing you a few lines, deeming that they would not be unacceptable, should they even convey no fresh intelligence or important communications.
Sister Alma L. Smith who has been staying at my house the last few days, having come to town to see her mother who was sick, has whilst with me lost the youngest of the two children born on the Islands. The elder you may recollect has already past away. This last little girl who was named Florence Emeline, was taken with the erysipelas, and after a sickness of three days died on saturday last, aged two years and nine months.
A new sheet in size vieing with "Keepapitchinin," claiming to be independent and styled "Diogines" made its first appearance last saturday. It is asserted it is the production of a number of printers in this City, published with the view of "taking off" all parties and persons, and is no doubt intended as a set off to the Keepapitchinin. James Bond is supposed to be the presiding genius; Daniel Camomile is the agent. This first number has some articles intended to be very severe.
On saturday evening there was "a good house" at the Theatre. The comedy of "Extremes" and the farce of "Did you ever send your wife to Lake side" being presented. But the attraction of the evening was the re-appearance of bro. John C. Graham for the first time after his confinement in a military prison; he having, with his seven companions been bailed out during the afternoon, all efforts to obtain a writ of Habeus Corpus from the U.S. Judges having proved unsuccessful. Of the history of this case since you left, you have, no doubt, been informed day by day.
George F. Train has forwarded a number of French Newspapers, principally a small sheet called the "Revolution" published at Marsailles. These contain reports of his speeches -- highly seasoned apparently, full of republicanism, and as inimitable as most of his effusions. I notice in one of the last received he is complaining that his health is giving way under the pressure. The last heard of him, by telegraph was that he had been released from prison in France and was on his way to London.
I enclose herewith a letter received on the subject of the establishment of manufactories in this Territory, for making beat sugar. I had a reply forwarded to the writer, stating that you were away from home, but that your attention should be drawn to the matter as soon as possible. This is the only letter of any importance that has come to hand since your departure.
There have been one or two applications for divorce which I am investigating.
I have written to Captain Hooper regarding the telegram received here last saturday -- a report of which was forwarded to you the same day, -- which stated that Mr Douglass, who is acting in the place of Mr Delano in the Internal Revenue Department, has instructed Collector Hollister to collect the
amount assessed by Dr Taggert against the Trustee in Trust, less the penalty -- say Forty thousand Dollars. Should this prove true I have requested bro. Hooper to discover if an appeal can be taken from the decision of the commissioner of Internal Revenue to the Secretary of the Treasury, in the same manner as in land cases, where an appeal can be taken from the Commissioner to the Secretary of the Interior.
Now it seems that action is posponed for ninety days, which is doubtless done for the purpose of obtaining legislation, this present term of Congress to cover the case, which the act passed last season does not seem to do, or it may be, as is now reported is re-opened for arguement before the commissioner.
I have had considerable talk with bro Taylor on Money matters. I do not know that we can do better with any one than with those with whom bro Taylor is negotiating, if he can obtain it as he thinks he can, One hundred thousand dollars at 8% interest, on the deposit of Two hundred (200) bonds. Rest assured I shall not part with the bonds nor make any move until all is properly secured. Of bro Taylor's other ideas on financial matters I know but little. They seem to me somewhat utopian, but bro Taylor appears to possess an ernest desire to gain a financial position to wield an influence favorable to Zion. This seems to be his ground work for operating on, but how he expects to accomplish it has not been disclosed to me. I expect by obtaining some foreign loans at a low rate of interest. He thinks of leaving in company with Mr Hussey in a few days for the east. His health is still improving.
Vaughan appears to be completely under the dominion of the ring. He might do different were he not afraid to. I understand a very strong petetion signed almost unanimously by outsiders and apostates has been <sent> to Washington for his removal and the appointment of Connor in his place. The City remains quiet, though business is pretty lively at the police court, a great many strangers and a good many of them pretty rough characters are in the city. There are intimations of more or less gambling being started which we intend to nip in the bud, so soon as we can get the evidence. The meetings, baptisms and endowments have been well attended. Little Ruth is considered better to day.
Rock hauling still continues though it is getting rather frosty for breaking rock, and things generally remain about as usual.
My regards to the party and friends, and may the blessings of Israels God attend you in all things is the prayer of
Your friend and brother in the Gospel.
Daniel H Wells