Salt Lake City, U. T.
March 31st. 1874.
William C. Staines Esqr.,
P. O. Box 3957 New York,
Dear Brother:-
Although I have no news of particular interest, still I thought I would drop you a few lines.
You have no doubt learned that the first company leaves Liverpool on the sixth of May.
In writing to the Liverpool Office yesterday, among other items occurs the following, "Do not keep any large amount of money on hand during the emigration season, as it can do you no good and will only help to cripple us on this side. If there should any large amount of drafts or I. E. receipts come in for any ships company, and you should be short for funds to pay the sea fares, you have only to draw a sight draft on Bro. Staines for the amount, which, Mr. Ramsden will accept the same as the cash in hand; so you are perfectly safe all the time. IT is only when the last company leaves that you need to be careful to keep a sufficient amount on hand to make you safe, for what small drafts or I. E. receipts may be called for during the winter. I shall depend on you to send enough money to Bro. Staines to forward the first company."
According to their statement of March 1st they have about £2000.0.0 on hand.
The President and Geo. A. are enjoying excellent health; they intend starting home on April 6th, and will preach in all the settlements on the way; their programe will bring them here on the 21st, Pretty much all the preaching lately has been on the Order of Enoch, I understand a good many in the south are trying to live up to this order, and all who desire to enter into it, and live their religion, have the privilege to do so.
We had a very severe snow storm here about a week ago, said to have been the heaviest fall of snow we have had for ten or twelve years, it was two feet deep in this City; for the last week it has been sunshine and rain alternately; the roads are simply awful.
There is scarcely any money coming in for emigration purposes so far, and from what I can learn, I am led to think that the first company will be very small.
I will do my best to keep you in funds, and shall be pleased to hear from you often, if only a few lines. If at any time you should find yourself short, or fear that remittances will not reach you in time, telegraph immediately. I shall endeavour however to keep you fully posted on all matters in time, and do not anticipate any trouble.
Today a saloon keeper was tried before Justice Clinton on a charge of selling liquor without a licence, and fined $100.00. He was immediately habeas corpused before his Hon. Judge McKean, who overruled all the objections raised by defendants counsel and remanded the prisoner back to the custody of the Alderman's Court. Later the saloon keeper paid the fine and took out a licence, I merely mention this that you may see we are making improvements in some quarters.
Everything is moving along smoothly in the Office, I am much better, although still weak, the "boys" are all well and at their posts, and desire to be kindly remembered to you. Accept my best wishes for your welfare, prosperity, and safe return.
Hoping to hear from you soon,
I remain as ever,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
James Jack