G. S. L. City, June 13, 1861.
Presidents Amasa M. Lyman and Charles C. Rich,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brethren:-Your interesting and very welcome letter, of April 15, 16, and 17, arrived during myabsence on a trip to the southern settlements, and I improve the opportunity to reply by the first mail since my return. We were much pleased to learn of your welfare, of your good spirits, of your interest and diligence in the great cause in which we are engaged, and of the prosperity of that cause in your extensive and important field of labor.
Home affairs moving along quietly, and my sense of duty and my feelings inclining in that direction, on the 15th of May I started on a tour through our southern settlements, Pres. D.H. Wells, my sons Joseph A., Brigham, John W., and Heber, and a goodly number of brethren accompanying me. We traveled by the customary route to Cedar City, from there we journeyed to Fort Clara by way of the Mountain Meadows, and returned to Cedar by way of Tonaquint, Washington, Toker, (diverging at Toker to Pocketville and Grafton), and Harmony; from Parowan we travelled by the new road across the mountains to Minersville, and reached home on the 8th inst., having been absent a few hours over 24 days. We were much pleased with the privilege of meeting our brethren both in public and private in their several settlements, and they expressed much gratification that we had been moved upon to visit them. During our journey I addressed the brethren in Lake City, and dedicated their new meeting house; also addressed the brethren in Springville, Payson, Nephi, Fillmore, Beaver, Parowan, Cedar, Pinto, Fort Clara, Tonaquint, Washington, Toker, Pocketville, Grafton, Harmony, Cedar, Parowan, and Minersville; Pres. Wells, Elders W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, and John Taylor, Bishops A. 0 Smoot, E. D. Woolley, and John Sharp, and other Elders in the company also addressed the different congregations, all of which seemed to rejoice in the instructions given, and we trust those instructions will prove of much benefit to the true welfare of all the honest in heart who heard them. The Company highly enjoyed the trip, and returned much refreshed and invigorated for the renewed prosecution of home duties.
The settlements south of the rim of the Basin are as yet small, but it is expected they will rapidly strengthen and increase as the demand for cotton increases under increased facilities for its manufacture; they can also furnish a large amount of fruit to settlements north of them, in exchange for wheat, &c., also wine, olive oil, castor oil, indigo, molasses, and sugar, a trade so mutually beneficial that we trust soon to see it expand more commensurately with the wants of the people.
While at Parowan I conversed with Bishop Warren in regard to his starting a cotton factory in that place, and I have also conversed with br. Ebenezer Hanks upon the same subject, proffering the use of the building lately occupied as a bucket factory. They both express a readiness to engage in the manufacture of cotton as speedily as circumstances will permit, and if they are energetic in the matter they can soon begin to supply a goodly portion of that class of goods we have thus far been obliged to import. Quite a breadth is planted in cotton this year, and the planting will increase as facilities multiply for its profitable manufacture.
We visited the mines near Minersville, and at once saw that an abundance of lead, zinc, and antimony, and read, yellow, and white paint can be produced there, so soon as the proper skill and attention are devoted to those matters.
Upon our return home we found all well, with the exception that many, especially children, were somewhat afflicted with an influenza or cold, which however appears to be passing off without having proved fatal to any, so far as I have heard, except a few small children. During our absence br. Isaac Chase and Elder W. Woodruff's father died.
On the 12th inst. I received by pony the following telegram, "Omaha, June 3, 57 wagons, 225 souls started for Utah, 29th May, D. H. Cannon Captain" "620 Saints arrived, on the 2nd inst., with Milo Andrus. J. Gates"
Bro. Hooper wrote from New York, May 29, that he dined with br's Pratt and Snow on the 28th, both well.
States news to the 7 inst. from St. Louis informs us that the war spirit is still prevalent between the North and South, though as yet no engagements of any special importance.
Prospects for an abundant harvest of fruit, wheat, and other rich products of the earth continue favorable; and with the people very generally there is, to all appearance, a constantly increasing spirit, zeal, and energy in seeking first the kingdom of our God and its righteousness.
It would have been gratifying to have selected a greater number of Elders for foreign missions last Spring, but, as already advised, we were sending so large a number to Florence, to aid the immigration across the plains, that wisdom dictated the selection of a comparatively small number of Missionaries at that time. We doubt not the Elders abroad will, so far as consistent, make up in diligence what they lack in numbers, until the way opens for sending more laborers into the field.
While South I saw the members of Br Amasa's family living in Parowan and Beaver; they were well, and apparently enjoying a goodly portion of that spirit which gilds our present lots with joy in hopes of a far more exalted sphere through faithfulness. Your families and friends generally are well, so far as I know, with the exception of the colds before mentioned.
As previously suggested, whenever any locality disagrees with the health of the Elder laboring therein, a change to another district may prove beneficial, in which case it would be better to make such ahange rather than release to return, until you are fuller handed.
Praying for the blessings of Heaven to attend you, br. George Q., your fellow laborers, and all the Saints in your mission and throughout the world,
I remain,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young