Presidents Office
Great Salt Lake City
November 20th. 1858.
Fred[ck]. Kesler Esq[r]
Dear Brother: --
We improve the present opportunity of sending by Mr. Major of the firm of "Major Russell & Co" to write a few lines to you. Through the mercies and blessings of our Father in Heaven, we yet live and have our being upon the earth. Our enemies wishes to the contrary notwithstanding.
Contrary to our laws the civil officers decided that Fillmore was the seat of government, and as you will perceive by the advertisement notified the Legislative Assembly to meet at that place. The governor has however agreed to approve of a resolution adjourning to this place. So out of courtesy to him, the Members have agreed to put themselves to that trouble.
A Quorum will however first meet here and adjourn to that place. The court has been adjourning over from time <to time> so that up to the present movement none has been held. They meet again on monday the 22nd. inst. They seem to be at a loss how to take hold, but perfectly rabid to do something.
Prosecutions against Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells, James Ferguson, Daniel Carns, Jesse C. Little, Leonard Wines & Robert T. Burton, by McNeil on a charge of false imprisonment, damages laid at $25,000.
Another suit has been commenced against the city, by Tom Williams for the destruction of his law library.
General Burr, who was admitted to the bar, filed a motion to strike from the roll of attornies James Ferguson, Jesse C. Little and Hosea Stout. What else they have brewing I do not know,but doubtless sufficient to hinder the court from doing any business of any importance such as needs doing.
The Jurors which they have selected are about half citizens, and half transient persons, camp followers &c., I suppose that you have heard of the paper which Kirk Anderson from St Louis has started in this city; he calls it "Kirk Anderson's Valley Tan". It should read Kirk Anderson and Moon's Valley Tan, as it evidently goes by whiskey power.
Dr. Hurt, Genl. Burr & Son David A., C. S. Craig, Judge Sinclair, T. S. Williams, and Marshall Dotson, and a Mr. Smith, a lawyer, appear to be the principal hands at the bellows. I apprehend that its circulation is very limited; I mean the paper-- not the liquor. The "News" esteems it beneath its notice as also do the people. Still we expect every paper in the States will quote all the filth and calumny of its columns as authoritative coming as it does from Utah. We confidently predict that if it is sustained it will be outside of Utah, and is doubtless a charge upon some corruption fund of some party of the government.
A large portion of the teamsters have left for California, and the States, but there is still a good many here, and the police are kept busy in preserving order, notwithstanding there is a great deal of drunkenness, gambling, and debauchery.
We held a conference in the Tabernackle on the 13 & 14th. instant; during which about a hundred persons were cut off from the church. It was only a conference of the presiding officers of the Church, but quite a full attendance from all parts of the Territory, and a general good spirit seemed to prevail. We trust that the work of sifting will go on, so that when the process of "civilization" is passed, their votaries will also pass away.
We observe an advertisement of "Sugar Mills," which you have probably seen; it is Hedges, Free & Co., corner of Maine and water streets Cincinati, Ohio. You had probably better visit this establishment in your researches for "Sugar Mills". The prices which they advertise appear quite reasonable, but their work you know may also be "unprofitably cheap."
I want you to bring me (10) ten pounds of Juniper berries fresh and fine also 10 lbs of nut galls for making ink
Your family are all well, and a general time of health prevails. We have had very pleasant weather; it is now snowing lightly.
May the Lord bless and preserve you from every evil and bring you again unto us in peace and safety, is the prayer of
Your Brother in the Kingdom of Peace.
Brigham Young
P. S. Be sure and not have any thing bought and left upon the road, but bring through all that is purchased.
I send you the advertisement above alluded <to> and think if the machines upon examination are suitable you had better bring two or three of the one horse power, as they will be needed, and may be very useful. We find that wooden rollers answer a very poor purpose.
B. Y.
