June 21. 1871.
Elder Wm. C. Staines
Box 3957. N. Y.
Dear Bro.
Without having any of your favors before me to reply to, nor any matters of special interest to bring to your notice, we thought a few lines might not prove uninteresting.
I see by reference to the "Millennial Star" that the first English emigration will leave on the 21st (to-day) The small party from Virginia arrived, I believe, all right.
The U. S. R. R. is progressing finely. 51/2 miles of are laid & the grading is being prosecuted with vigour
The latest sensation here, which has just passed was from the great Methodist Camp Meeting, so much talk about, and which was expected to accomplish a great revolution among the saints. They erected a tent with capacity to seat 3000 persons. Their meetings were well attended, as we had invited the brethren and sisters, young and old, especially the young to attend. I was present at two of their meetings but they lacked the courtesy to invite me to the stand. Excellent order was preserved throughout, notwithstanding that the preachers-- irritated perhaps at not making any converts-- attacked some of our institutions and threw out insults to the people, even calling us murderers. What other people but the Latter-Day-Saints would have borne this without resentment? yet, I have no doubt these Priests will trumpet it abroad that they were interrupted in their religious services by the Mormons, simply because, one evening one of the brethren took the liberty of asking a question of one of the preachers who was then speaking. Of course this was very reprehensible as we had been particular in cautioning the brethren against everything of the kind, but after that there was no further interference. Their meetings were not in the common acceptation camp Meetings, but only a series of sermons against our doctrines interspersed with here and there an exordium to "come to Jesus" &c. and I know no better illustration to give you of their weak, trashy efforts than to say that what I heard reminded me of an old worn out basswood pump trying to pump water from a dry well. They made, I am told, 1 convert; they expected to make 500. They said their expenses were $400. and took up a collection, but the result was like their preaching, hardly worth mentioning.
I received a letter from Willard yesterday, he commences his academic studies in September, and remarks he "will feel more content then, although he does not complain now." I apprehend he may feel like seeing his friends some times, and it is not impossible a touch of home sickness may strike him, I would therefore take it as a favor, if, in the midst of your business, you could find time, and would call on him as frequently as possible. Others of the elders in the neighbourhood might also call, and a visit to West Point by returning Elders with whom he was accquainted who could spare the time, might prove profitable and interesting.
We propose starting for Soda Springs on the 26th inst. for a few weeks with a good many of the brethren.
My health continues good for which I feel very thankful. Geo. A. is comparatively well also.
It is a general time of health among the people. The weather is at present exceedingly hot and dry, and has been for 2 or 3 weeks past. The crops where the grasshoppers have not visited look well, and making allowance for the destruction caused by these pests, we have reason to expect a more than average harvest.
Give my love to all the brethren and inquiring friends.
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young