The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City
Aug 11th 1874. 

My dear son Willard,

Your letters dated June 5th and July 2d were received in due time.

It is gratifying to know you hold so good a standing in your class as that which, in your last, you inform me.

I suppose that now you are regaling yourself in camp life and recruiting your energies for another term of hard study.

Through Aunt Zina I suppose you have before this learned the lamentably sudden death of Brother Thos. Williams, it was so entirely unexpected that it filled every heart with sorrow.

Things move along slowly, the Order is being taken up gradually by the people and as it becomes more and more understood will be appreciated accordingly. it requires some time for the great majority of the people to grasp the many points of advantage to them, which are embraced by it, but it is advancing.

Fara has received his papers as candidate for admission to the naval academy; I have hopes that he will pass creditably, Bro Pack takes a great deal of interest in him, examining him every day and endeavoring to post him on all necessary points, and he is studying very hard indeed. If government will release you after you have graduated it will please me very much to have you here with me.

I am highly gratified at the good spirit which is manifested in your letters and trust you will continually have the spirit of the Lord to lead and guide you aright.

I presume the "Rings" effort at the election on the 3d was the best they could do, but it was insignificancy itself; they unfurled their colors and showed to allow how "liberal" minded they could and would be did they hold the reins of power. I am blest with very good health, as also is the family.

Peace be with you and God bless you.

Your father,  Brigham Young