G. S. L. City, April 2, 1861.
Elder Walter M. Gibson,
San Francisco, Cal.,
Dear Brother:-- I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your very interesting favor of dates Feb. 16 and 24, and also your favors No 1 & 2.
Doubtless you had opportunity, while in San Bernardino, to measurably understand that of all despicable characters a thoroughly apostate "Mormon" takes high rank among those who are the most vile and evil disposed.
I am pleased that your health permitted you to lecture in San Bernardino, for all classes must at some time have the privilege of hearing the truth, that they may accept or reject; and no person can forsee how many germs of truth he may plant or nourish in a promiscuous audience, now how many he may be made an humble instrument in inducing to repent and forsake the evil and practice the good. I am also pleased that some of your hearers had sufficient manliness, in consideration of your benefit to them, to pecuniarily aid you upon your journey, and that your health was good enough to enable you to prosecute it to San Francisco, and so good after your arrival there.
It is but natural that the manner in which the Constitution and Federal compact are treated and disregarded in the Eastern States, should have a corresponding effect on the shores of the Pacific. And in the moving of old national land marks, it will be surprising if sooner or later the selfish, reckless, and lawlessly aspiring in the West do not strike in and endeavor to turn political movements to suit their views and fancied advancement.
The dispatch news, by telegram to Fort Kearney and pony from there twice a week, informs us of no definite arrangement between the North and South, so late as March 25. Utah had not then been reached in making Presidential appointments; and br. Hooper writes, March 19, that the crowd for more lucrative and otherwise desirable offices had been so great that he had not yet been able to see Pres. Lincoln on that subject; neither was br Hooper then advised what course the President designed taking in the matter. He was in New York City when he last wrote, and purposed tarrying on the Eastern shore a few weeks longer, attending to private business, looking after Utah appointments, &c.
Br George Q. Cannon writes that the work is on a very favorable footing in England and associate missions, but that the poor are in quite straightened circumstances on account of being more or less thrown out of employment through the stringency of the times. Still there are many who are able to pay their way to Florence, and we shall try to provide means for their transportation from there.
There will be upwards of 200 four-yoke teams sent from here to Florence this season, mostly to bring those unable to buy teams, as our freight will be comparatively light this season. We think that number of teams, together with the loose oxen that will be driven for sale to those able to buy, will accommodate most if not all of those who will come to Florence this season, as br. Orson Pratt wrote me by last pony that as yet he only knew of some 200 saints purposing to be in Florence, from the middle to last of June, ready with provisions for the plains, but without teams or means to buy them, and upwards of 200 destitute of both provisions and teams, aside from those of like classes that may come from England; we think the 200 and odd teams will accommodate that number and more.
It this season's operations are successful, and we trust they will be, it is contemplated to very much enlarge them next year, in readiness for the increasing number that will require aid.
If all walk that can, each wagon and team will furnish transportation for from 10 to 20 persons, by providing a tent or two, to a wagon.
Your letter to Br A Lyman was duly forwarded, and I am happy to inform you that at last dates he and br. Rich were traveling and preaching in the conferences in the British Isles, with very beneficial results.
The Elders in the States report increasing interest, increasing enquiry, and as a consequence, larger and more attentive congregations than for some time past, and very courteous treatment toward themselves.
It is quite possible, as you mention, that the operations of the Christian nations in Japan may tend to pave the way for your favorable reception, by the time you are able to visit that locality; at all events, they seem to be in a fair way to make the Japanese thoroughly dislike many of their customs and practices.
The recent organization of Colerado (Pikes Peak) and Nevada (Carson) Territories, the west line of the former being the 109th, relieves us of much annoyance, especially from our western neighbors, and leaves our Territory in a very convenient shape, and one which it will bother our enemies to readily find a pretext for changing again. We as yet have no indication as to the policy the present administration intend to pursue toward us, and perhaps they have not fully determined upon it; be that as it may, like the one just out of power, they can do nothing against the truth, but for it, for the Lord will overrule their evil purposes and acts for the advancement of his work on the earth.
Your sons, so far as I see them and hear, appear to enjoy themselves well and to be doing well. And, aside from your wishes, it will be gratification to me to render them such counsel and aid as I may be able, so far as they may need or desire.
Home affairs, as to the spirit, desires, &c. of the people, remain pretty much as when you left. Aside from the customary avocations pertaining to the opening season, it is contemplated to make the Tabernacle more commodious, build the basement story of the Temple, build the walls and inclose the Seventies Hall of Science, build a good sized theater, improve streets, make better fences, &c., &c., These with numerous other labors will tend to keep us out of mischief, should we be in any way disposed to deviate from the strict path of rectitude.
Pres. Wells has not entirely recovered his health, though he has been out and about for some time, but has to be careful and prudent in his movements. Br. Hosea Stout is just now suffering with a severe attack of erysipelas, but as a general thing the people are blest with good health.
It is cheering to reflect upon the alarcrity and liberal spirit with which the 200 and odd teams were raised for the trip to Florence, how liberally the wants of our Missionaries' families are supplied when known, and how zealous and persevering the Saints are in striving to accomplish the purposes for which we are gathered here and do good to all who will receive good at our hands.
Praying for your welfare, and relying upon hearing from you upon every convenient opportunity, I remain,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young