G. S. L, City, Oct 21st 1858
Asa Calkin, Esqr.,
Dear Brother:-- We improve the opportunity of sending by private conveyance afforded by Mr. Henry Kinkead. Your letter of Augt. 15th came duly to hand. We feel gratified with the flattering prospects which your letter indicates, and trust that your most sanguine anticipations may be realized. We think that great good will necessarily flow from the course which you are taking, in which we see much to commend and, so far as we have been able to discover from the`Star' and your letters, nothing to condemn. We are more particularly pleased to learn of the faithfulness of the Elders, and the good influence generally pervading among all the Saints. We hope that this may continue and spread abroad until the fire of the Almighty shall be kindled in the bosom of every Saint to the consummation of every wicked principle, and the saints of the Most High be sanctified in the truth. The love of the Truth should be the motive actuating every saint.
Our affairs remain much the same, the troops are kept pretty much within their own limits, and were it not for the gamblers and Camp followers, we would see but little difference in our Settlements.
As you will perceive by the "News', Bro. Wm. Cook has been killed, while in the discharge of his duty as policeman, by one of the Camp followers. There is no doubt that our enemies would like to raise a `muss,' if they possibly could.
Mr. Burr, the Surveyor General `that was', has returned part proprietor of the Mail route from St. Joseph's to G. S. L. City, which is now established to be carried once a week at $195,000.00 per year. Mr. Hockaday, a worthy compeer, is the other partner. Such characters have every contract, disburse every dollar of government money, do all the trading, freighting and fill every office within the gift of the government for the Territory, even to an imported Post Master for this City. Is it not a boon to live in a Republican form of government? But it will pass.
Urge on the Emigration so far as you have the power. Wherein the Saints are not able to come all the way through, let them come to the States and then make their way through as soon as they can. We would like to strengthen at Genoa and Florence, and make a large settlement on Deer Creek and the Black Hills; and would not object seeing about 10.000 Saints find their way to Utah the ensuing year, if they have the means and are disposed to come; but you must always remember to not run us in debt. A draft has been drawn on you for $40.00, favor of Sarah Phillips, No 6. Coley Street, Reading, Berkshire, deposited here by her husband. Enclosed find John Davis' Draft in my favor as Trustee in Trust for $303.47 supposed to be deposited in your office. Charlotte Banford has rents coming to her from Worcestershire to be paid to A. Calkin. Has any been paid? The amount should be some Pound 60. a year. Francis DeSoules from Switzerland wants to know if any funds has been paid on his account. Documents were sent to O. Pratt. Mary Birch wants to know if William Birch, Martley, Newtown, Worcestershire sent Pound2.0.0 to the Liverpool office on her account
In our letter to Orson Pratt of June 30th 1856, he was notified that this office would assume for Erastus Snow $27.00.00, which it was supposed at that time he owed that office. We wish to know if that amt. was at any time placed to his credit on that order on any account whatever, as he now claims that credit here, having as he says settled with and paid up to that office all he owed it.
We also send a Draft on you in favor of Abraham Taylor for $55.00, who says that he has a credit in that office of Pound10.15.1, all of which he wishes to have paid to Abraham Taylor of Belfer, Derbyshire, Eng., who is anxious to emigrate: you will therefore please pay it as directed. It would be well to use what funds you have, if you have any belonging to the P. E. Fund Company, to promote the emigration, but I repeat again, "always remember not to run us into debt."
You mentioned in your letter of July 6th, that the Liverpool Office was indebted to individuals, who had deposited money on account of emigration, some Pound5.500. so far as the office is able to meet this by aiding Individual emigration, those whom the office owes, and at the same time liquidating the debts of the office-- would it not be a good plan to do so?.
We send you a list, enclosed, who have paid the amount opposite their names at this office, and wish the respective parties to receive that amount of assistance whenever the funds of the office will justify. Of these matters you must be the best judge, and will, we trust, act discreetly in the matter, knowing your own financial condition and ability.
Of the sailing of Emigrants you will do well to advise with Bro. Geo. Q. Cannon, so that timely arrangements can be made for them to get places to work, be forwarded to their destination, &c.
May the Lord bless and prosper you, and all the honest in heart, is the prayer of
Your Brother in the Gospel of Christ,
Brigham Young