The Brigham Young Center

G. S. L. City, Nov. 16, 1861.

Elder Guy M. Keyser, City

Dear Brother:-From your note of even date I learn that your experience accords remarkably well with that of the great majority of navigators past and present, whether upon ocean, gulf, sea, bay or lake. Many a navigator on a smooth sea and under a clearing, suddenly finds himself enshrouded by gloom, the placid sea lashed into fury, the clear sky darkly hidden by fierce and billowing storm clouds, sea and air madly combining to sweep to destruction all the weak workmanship of man found venturing upon the wide area of Neptune's domain.

In addition to fierce storms, treacherous, sandbars, wrecker's lights, and pitiless rock-bound coasts, the navigator, though but partially skilled and experienced in the line of his peculiar duty, should not be unprepared for nor surprised at more or less unwise, unpleasant, or even rebellious and mutinous conduct on the part of one or more of his crew. True, all such instances are unpleasant to the feelings of the navigator, and may happen on the calmest seas and under the serenest skies as well as amid the howling tempest and whenever happening should be met with the greater possible calmness, skill, and fortitude. Even the proper exercise of these commendable qualities does not always secure the desired harmony and proper subordination in the crew, but now and again one will so far overstep regulations as to entirely desert the boat, in which event the navigator is at liberty to console himself with the reflection that his fellows also have and have had their ups and downs, their fair and foul weather in their sea faring life, and be able to rejoice that himself and his bark have not founded and lost in mid ocean or upon an inhospitable coast.

In case one deserts the ship, but, after buffting about in the bitter storms of adversity, expresses a desire to return and a willingness to conform to the rules on board, it sometimes happens that a captain is found who overlooks the past and is ready to accept a re enlistment.

Your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young