Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.
July 25 1874.
Elder F. A. Mitchell,
Laie, Oahu, Sandwich Islands,
Dear Brother:
A number of native brethren have written two letters here; the first reached here while we were at St George and which we did not see, the last, dated June 25th 1874 came to hand quite recently.
We enclose you a copy of our letter in reply to them. From it you will see what our counsel to them is. We understand that at the meeting at which they were declared cut off, probably not more than 40 or 50 members, out of perhaps 250 present, voted in favor of that action, and that no contrary vote was called. It will be well to reconsider this action, either by calling another meeting and submitting the question to it, or by conveying to them that the action of the former meeting was incomplete. We understand they were cut off for disobeying counsel. But as the land which they have agreed for is said to be a good one and very suitable in many respects for native Saints, we have considered the matter, and think it will be wise to encourage them in the purchase of the land. We also think it advisable to raise funds and lift the mortgage which is on Laie, and have it and the other land conducted on the principle of the United Order. We hope this will encourage and enliven the native Saints and be a benefit to them in every respect. We are desirous that they should enter upon this Order, as we are convinced that if they do so wisely and in the proper spirit, many obstacles will be removed from the path of their onward progress.
We intend to call Brother Alma L. Smith to go to the Islands. We would like you to arrange matters in anticipation of his arrival, and when he shall have arrived and you have transferred the business to your and his satisfaction, you will be at liberty to return home. The business relations which exist between yourself and Bro. Geo. Nebeker we do not understand and therefore say nothing about them.
We are having in Salt Lake City an uncommon amount of rain for the season. Probably at no previous time since our settlement here have we had such a rainfall accompanied by frequent thunder and lightning. The weather is quite hot. Prospects for crops are good, and we are likely to have bountiful harvests though the Codling Moth has spoiled the fruit of almost every apple tree in all places where outsiders most do congregate. Preparations are being made for the general election, which comes off on Monday next. We have foes to contend with who are unscrupulous and desperate, and they would like to divide the people if they could, and array one against another; but the Saints are being warned of their designs, and if there are any who have a standing in the Church who join with them, the cause is to be found in a loss of the Spirit of God and a disposition to yield to the enticements of the evil one.
We have the glorious consolation of knowing that, whatever may be the conduct of men, the eternal purposes of God will roll on to their full completion. No plots of our enemies can succeed, Zion will be redeemed, and all the predictions concerning the last days will be fulfilled. The meek and the humble and those who endure patiently all the crosses and difficulties of this mortal life will be saved and be crowned with eternal glory in the mansions of the blessed
We join in love to yourself, Sister Mitchell and all the Elders and their families and praying the Lord to bless and preserve you and to make your pathway plain in all things.
Your Brethren,
Brigham Young