G. S. L. City, July 2, 1861.
Elder Walter M. Gibson,
Care of Dwight Eveleth.
San Francisco, Cal.,
Dear Brother:-Your very welcome favor No 5, May 13 and 17, came safe to hand, and I avail myself of an opportunity to reply by the first returning mail.
On the 15th of May, with Pres. Wells and a goodly company of the brethren, I started on a tour to our most Southern Settlements, which we reached, May 27, at Tonaquint, near the junction of the Santa Clara with the Rio Virgin. We addressed the brethren in nearly every settlement we passed through south of this County, and our remarks were listened to with good attention and, apparently, with much interest. The soil and climate south of the rim of the Basin are well adapted to the production of many articles that can not be raised in our higher altitudes and latitudes, and to the more successful and cheaper production of the cane, California grapes, &c., and we counseled and encouraged the brethren in that region to turn their attention to the production of cotton, sugar, molasses, wine, raisins, and other products of warm climes, with a view to home supply and beneficial exchange. Br. Ebenezer Hanks is busily engaged in starting a cotton factory in Parowan, and hopes by Fall to supply a portion of the demand for cotton yarn, cloth, and batting, and then enlarge his operations as facilities and means will permit.
At latest eastern dates, Washington 21, no general engagement had taken place between the U. S. and C. S. forces, but skirmishes were frequently occurring, especially in Virginia and Missouri. It is probable that the Government intends to evade important operations until after the meeting of Congress on the 4th inst., when matters are likely to move more rapidly in some direction, and it is gratifying to reflect that whatever that direction may be the results will be controlled for the advancement of truth on the earth.
Laborers are now at work stretching the telegraph wire from Fort Churchill toward this City, also from Fort Karney to Julesburg on the South Platte, and br's Little and Decker are hauling posts into the line between here and the South Pass, and the Telegraph Companies east and west (now combined on the centra line from Carson to St. Jo.) are confident of having telegraphic communication from ocean to ocean, by way of this City, ere another winter.
While commotion and war are rife in our land, Utah is preparing to appropriately celebrate our Nation's birthday, especially in this City, honoring that Constitution which rightly administered secures so many civil blessings. The reflecting might profit by our at one time withstanding the onslaught of troops unlawfully sent to trample upon our rights, and still, when the nation that sought our destruction is disunited, we celebrate the day it asserted its independence against oppression. Both these positions prove our constant loyalty to our Government correctly administered, but while the wise are privileged to understand, the wicked will pass on and must meet the consequences.
We have cheering news from our immigration. A company of 225 started from Florence on the 29th of May, and soon after 600 arrived there to prepare for crossing the plains. Some 2000 have been shipped from Liverpool this season, most if not all of whom it is expected will be able to come through, with the help sent from here and otherwise. Many are also gathering from different parts of the States.
The work abroad is in a prosperous condition, so far as we are advised, the Elders being spirited and energetic in their labors, and the Saints generally zealous of good works.
Your son John is still living with Pres. Wells, and, so far as I hear or observe, is doing well and enjoys his fortunate situation, and I trust will improve upon it. Henry, I understand, some two or three months ago went as a teamster to Pike's Peak, and I have not since heard from him.
Why Henry went and how he is profiting by his experience I am unable to inform you, but trust that his movements will tend toward advancing his true interests. He has not yet returned, but we expect him back soon.
Much spirit is being manifested in public and private improvements, among which are the erection of a Theatre 80 by 144, the Seventies Hall of Science, uncovering the foundation walls of the Temple, &c., &c.,
There is continued good promise of abundant harvests to reward the labors of the husbandmen, and the rich blessings of our God daily attend the peaceful advancement of Utah in her efforts to establish his kingdom on the earth. Pres. Wells is just now a little troubled with the complaint which so much afflicted him last winter but we presume he will soon be out. As a general thing the health of your friends and the people is good.
Trusting to hear from you at each convenient opportunity, and that you will be abundantly blest in every righteous desire and undertaking, I remain,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young