G. S. L. City, Sep. 18, 1861.
Pres. George Q. Cannon
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brother:-
Your welcome favor of Aug. 17, with inclosures, is at hand, and the business contents are noted.
The money deposited for the immigration of Peter A. Burt is still to his credit, and of course he is at liberty to avail himself of that amount toward assisting him to come here next season. Br. Thomas Thomas has no credit in this Office; as br. Wm. J. Loyd is the person who had his name placed on the list, it may be well for br. Thomas to write br. Loyd upon the subject, for he may still feel able and willing to assist him.
I was pleased to learn that bro's Amasa and Charles continue to enjoy themselves in their labors, and that their health is usually good, and trust that their health will improve during their trip on the Continent.
I approve of your purpose to release br James S. Brown to spend next winter with his father, in case his health continues poor, as he can be of much service in taking charge of the immigrating operations next season at any point where his services will be most needed, and in conducting a Company across the plains.
I do not and have not felt that you were in the least unduly importunate in the matter of wishing more Elders from here, realizing how properly anxious you are for the advancement of the cause in your field of labor, and shall expect you to always frankly communicate your views and feelings pertaining to matters connected with your
Presidency, for, as you are fully aware, it is our constant desire and labor to do our utmost to promote the welfare of the Church and Kingdom of God on the earth, not only here, but throughout the world. Please have no fears in freely communicating your views and plans, that if not for the best they may be corrected or dispensed with,
otherwise sanctioned and carried out.
So far as the management of the printing department is concerned, I am not [sentence cut off] suggestions occurring to me in relation thereto, but feel to trust its conduct and arrangement to your judgement, holding myself ready to answer such questions thereon as you may at times wish to propound, and to offer, if requisite, suggestions upon any plan you may think proper to propose. But your familiarity with the conduct of that class of business and your access to the guidance of the same Spirit whose counsel we seek, will doubtless wisely direct you in its management. Br. Wm. A. Shearman was called upon to go on a mission, but declined going upon the ground that he was troubled with the piles. Whether we are able or not to send any one from here to supply br Whittall's place, whenever you see proper to release him to migrate, will
probably matter but little, a no doubt you will be able to find the right persons when needed.
I have advised our Delegate, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, to deposit his money with you, telling him that, upon his writing to you, you would inform him what course to pursue to most profitably and safely accomplish the object.
Elders Pratt, Snow, Jones, Gates, and Spencer, and all our immigrating companies, except br. Joseph W. Young's, have arrived, and as each company arrived they almost immediately scattered among their relatives and friends. The oxen that were sent from here and returned this season, as a general thing, suffered far less loss by deaths and looked very much better than those purchased in the States, showing that in this, as in other cases, it is the Lord that giveth the increase. The companies have been pleased with their Captains, and the Captains with their companies, and this season's immigration have been signally blest all the time from their departure from their former homes to their new homes in our peaceful vallies.
The telegraph Agents are busily occupied in erecting poles, preparatory to stretching the wires, and expect to be able to transmit intelligence across the Continent on or before the 1st of December next.
I would be pleased to have you, as soon as you can, appoint a suitable person to take charge of the Scandinavian mission, that br. Van Cott may have a chance to return to his home at the earliest practicable date.
Bro's Amasa and Charles are at liberty to tarry as long as they may please, and of course to return when they please, a period which three of the Twelve need have no difficulty in properly determining.
Please write often, and give us the prospect for our next season's foreign immigration, that we may be advised, as nearly as possible, of something near the number of teams that will be wanted to be sent to Florence next Spring. I also wish you, from time to time, to make inquiries as to the best place for landing our immigration next season, and the best route to Florence, from such seaport as may be selected. It is possible that Boston will be the best port, and then proceed by way of Chicago and Iowa City; though circumstances may so change as to leave New York and this seasons route still open and the best; upon these points I wish you to keep a careful watch, and advise us of your views thereon.
Your family and friends and those of br's Amasa and Charles are well, so far as I know, as are the people generally.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young