Salt Lake City, U. T.
May 5th 1874
My Dear Son Morris:
As you may have learned, I started on the 28th Nov. last on a tour to our Southern Settlements to pass the winter at St. George, and visit and instruct the people in "our Dixie"
On our way South we began holding meetings at Payson, and held many meetings in the different settlements, going by way of Sanpete, and Cove Creek, and thence the usual traveled route to St. George. Much of the way the weather was cold and snowy, but we were well provided for traveling and made the journey very comfortably.
Directly upon our arrival at St. George we began using all our influence in forwarding the erection of the Temple, there, several masons, tenders, teamsters, quarrymen, and other laborers came from the settlements farther north, to assist through the winter, but the masons, most or all of them, will continue their labors. The laborers have been very diligent in their departments, and when we left St. George to return to this City, on 6th ult., the basement walls were nearly finished, and it is proposed to increase the number of masons, tenders, quarrymen, &c., and complete he building as speedily as possible.
During the winter the Spirit strongly impressed us that the time had arrived, when gathered Israel should take more united and effectual steps for more rapidly performing the great work before us, and we began by organizing the people in St. George, Washington and the settlements up the Rio Virgen, and in the adjacent regions, into what we have been to term the "United Order." In each place the people listened to our instructions with joy, and the very great majority at once gave in their names, and at latest dates all the organizations were going on harmoniously and prosperously.
We left St. George for this City on the 6th of April as already stated, and held meetings in and organized the settlements on the route as far as Payson, from which place we drove in our carriages to Provo, where we took rail and arrived here about 4 p.m. of the 20th of April.
I enjoyed myself very much and derived much benefit in from many cares during my sojourn in "our Dixie," and since my return my health has been usually good, except some pain from rheumatism, which, however, I am happy to state is passing off.
On the 26th of April we again opened the New Tabernacle for meetings, and I occupied the forenoon, mostly in instructions pertaining to the "United Order" and a large portion of the afternoon, following. President Smith. I also made a few remarks, near the close of the afternoon meeting last Sunday explaining the purposed operation of our present plans. The Saints here and in all our settlements, so far as they have been visited by myself and the brethren manifest great readiness in falling into line to become one in all things as speedily as possible, each laboring for all and all for each.
We learn, through telegrams that the Committee on Elections have reported that bro.
Cannon is entitled to a seat in the House of Representatives as a delegate from Utah. There are rumours that our enemies design trying to him on the accusation of polygamy, but we have no word of any steps being taken for that purpose; be this as it may, the wicked can do nothing against the truth, but for it, through the overrulings of the Lord.
Affairs here at present are moving on quietly, and money continues very and probably will till disappearance of snow in the canons permits full mining operations.
In case you need a little money at any time, please ask Prest Mitchell to let you have as you may need, and draw on me for the amount.
If you cannot with reasonable ease and facility learn the language of the S. I. natives, you are at liberty to consult with bro. Mitchell, and regulate the length of your mission on the Islands as you and he may deem wise.
Your mother and all the folks are well. Ever praying for your welfare and preservation in the truth, and with kindest regards to bro. Mitchell and all the Elders and Saints.
I remain,
Your affectionate father,
Brigham Young
P. S. Please ask bro. Mitchell to consult with the brethren as to the advisability of turning some attention to the production of indigo; also learn the duties of indigo.