G. S. L. City, April 11, 1862.
Elder Horace S. Eldredge,
Box 3957, New York City, New York,
Dear Brother:
Our Conference closed at noon on the 9th inst., and was attended by persons from nearly all the settlements in the Territory, notwithstanding the stormy weather and bad state of the roads. A few Elders were selected to go on missions, and a few more brethren (a watchmaker, machinist, stonemason, &c.,) were called to go to our "Dixie," to increase their facilities for carrying out the operations required of them in that region.
At the Conference the several Bishops reported the 300 teams for Florence nearly all ready, and the balance would be. They were notified to rendezvous in this City on the 25 inst. in readiness for starting as soon thereafter as the weather, roads, and snow in the mountains will permit. Rains and snows are as yet considerably retarding our Spring work, and the barometer and clouds are still hanging on the stormy side, though prospects are favorable for a very productive season. It is at present purposed to put 1000 pounds of flour in each wagon.
Stone-cutting for the Temple is progressing with very commendable rapidity. The General Assembly will convene in the Council House in this City on the 14th inst., and will elect two Senators to Congress, and transact such other business as their judgment may dictate.
Br's John Brown and E. H. Blackburn have been referred to you for counsel and direction in their immigrating operations, in accordance with the authority and instructions given to you, which reference, as per those instructions, will also include all who are operating in like manner in the States this season.
Since writing the foregoing yours of March 19, St. Louis, has come to hand, with the gratifying information of your safe and speedy arrival in that City. Upon your arrival in New York City I presume you found my letter of March 11, to yourself and Joseph W., also mine to you, March 22, with bills inclosed, addressed Box 3957, care of Ormus E. Bates.
Br's Kimball and Wells will probably send teams, &c., for their freight, independent of the 300. And in regard to the 300 teams, without any reference to the number I may individually send, I have calculated and still think them capable of bringing all our freight and the poor who may reach Florence; for, after a wagon is as heavily loaded with freight as it ought to be, some 5 or more persons can be accomodated by that wagon, as was the case with my wagons a year ago last summer. With this view you will perceive that I presume you will be able to put aboard the train all the machinery, &c., you may have means to purchase as per bills furnished you from my Office, and at the same time not leave any person at Florence who may be there in time and ought to come through this season. I do not expect to send men this year who will return with half loads, as I am told some did last year; and trust that the teams sent will be fairly loaded as they should be according to the strength of each wagon and [?] and not according to the unwise or selfish notions of any teamster, Captain of Company, or other person who may be disposed to go so long a distance and return empty or nearly so.
Of course you will arrange and counsel the best you can in regard to transporting the brethren from Florence, for the bills from here will increase instead of decrease, so far as our means for purchasing will permit.
Inclosed I forward a bill of articles to be purchased, with the necessary explanations.
Br. Hooper has just informed me that your family received a letter from you by the last mail. They are well, so far as I am informed, as are also your friends and the people generally.
May God guide and bless you in your arduous labors.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young
P. S. Please observe that stoves and all bills marked with names of different individuals, as George A. Smith, C. W. West, &c., must be filled, for the money has been deposited.
I wish you to get some one of the brethren, one who is a good mechanic and is coming here this year, to become sufficiently familiar with the adjustment working of the card making machine, so as to be able to set it up and put it