G. S. L. City, April 4, 1861.
Pres. Charles C. Rich,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brother:-Br. George Q. informs me that you are travelling and preaching in the Districts and Conferences, and that the blessings of our God attend your labors, and we truly feel to rejoice and give praise and thanks to "Him from whom all blessings flow."
Through telegrams to Fort Kearney and a twice a-week pony from there, we are kept pretty well posted in the principle movements in the States and elsewhere; and perceive that so late as March 25, the questions between the North and South were still open, with much uncertainty as to what course the Administration would pursue. But whatever course they take, the debt they have contracted is of such a nature that it will result in their overthrow. Looking at national affairs from a natural point of view, such result is a matter of regret, but any other would rob justice of its claims.
Cap. Walter M. Gibson arrived in San Francisco in the latter of February, in good health and spirits, and zealous in his mission to Oceania. He lectured two or three times in San Bernardino, and once in Los Angelos, at the request of the better class of residents in those places.
Br. Orson Pratt, Sen., by letter received on the 1st inst., informs us that he had already learned of some 200 Saints in the States intending to be in Florence between the 15th and 30th of June, ready for crossing the plains, except teams, and upwardd os 200 who would lack both teams and provisions. About the 20th of this month there will over 200 four-yoke teams leave here for Florence, taking more or less flour to deposit at safe places on the route. As our freight
will be light this season, those teams will accommodate a large number, if all walk who can, which is the healthier course when traveling with oxen. If again successful this year, and we foresee no hindrance it is contemplated to send many more teams next season, and continue to do all we can, consistently with other duties, toward gathering Israel, especially the poor, for the rich can gather themselves at their pleasure. Loose cattle will also be driven to sell to those of
the brethren who are able to buy, thus giving us one more advantageous use of our money before it leaves our hands, in cheaply supplying ourselves with necessary articles we yet have to import
Money continues scarce and trade dull, though there is quite a call for City lots, and many and extensive calculations made for public and private improvements this season. Owing to the demand for City lots, beyond our means to comply with, and seeing your three lots just west of the Tabernacle so long laying vacant, I thought that if truth and righteousness could speak they would say, "take those lots into your possession, and dispose of them;" which I have done, and hope you will feel well satisfied with my so doing. Presidents Kimball and Wells and br. Carrington will appraise the lots, and should there be anything amiss in the matter, it can be made right, for our whole aim is to do all in our power to build up the kingdom of God on the earth.
Pres. Wells health is again pretty good, but br. Hosea is very sick with the Erysipelas. Your family are well, and we endeavor to assist them so far as they need.
The papers inform you on the current events at home, to which I have nothing of interest to add, further than we are having a very mild and soaking equinoctial storm, with favorable prospects for abundant crops of grain, &c., and much fruit.
I wrote to br. George Q. quite fully, on the 28th, of March (last mail). God bless you, and br. Amasa, and br. George Q., and all who love and are striving to promote the cause of truth on the earth, is the prayer of
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young