G. S. L. City, April 11, 1862.
Elder Joseph W. Young, Florence,
Dear Brother-
Your telegram concerning price of stock and flour came duly to hand, for which
please accept my thanks.
Our Conference closed at noon on the 19th 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, stonemasons, &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 the City on the 14th inst., and will elect two Senators to Congress, and transact such other business as their judgement may dictate.
I have at this date written to br Horace in regard to teams, poor, &c., and wish you to personally attend to the loading of all the wagons, that they may not return half loaded, but, in addi-
tion to a fair or proper load, bring from 4 to 10 persons each, as did my wagons in 1860. To accomplish this you are not at liberty to call to your aid the Captains of fifties sent with the train, and such other persons as your judgement may dictate, that this very proper counsel may be successfully carried out. As I have advised br. Horace, I think this course will insure the transportation of all the freight he may be able to purchase, and also of all those who may be at Florence wishing to come through, at least to the number that really ought to come.
See that all the Captains first put on fair and proper loads, and then add the appropriate number of persons, as you did in 1860; and if any teams are to return with light loads, let them be the last, for in this way you can keep the matter in hand, and not be obliged either to overload the last teams, or leave persons or freight behind.
Your family and friends are well. God bless you.
Your Bro in the Gospel,
Brigham Young