G. S. L. City, April 12, 1862.
Elder George Q. Cannon,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England,
Dear Brother:
At our annual Conference, which adjourned on the 9th inst., the several Bishops who had been called upon to make up the 300 four-yoke teams for Florence reported the teams nearly all ready, and that the balance would be ready in time. They are notified to rendezvous in this City on the 25th inst., put a thousand pounds of flour into each wagon, and be all ready to start as soon as the snow, grass, and state of the roads will permit, which we now anticipate will be shortly after the above named date; though snow and rain storms and clouds and frost still characterize our weather, but doing as yet no damage, and indicating a productive season. The alacrity, liberality, and cheerfulness with which these teams have been forthcoming by the time they are wanted are evidences of the encouraging progress made by the Saints in the mountains, and should stimulate the frugality, economy, industry, and faith of the Israel abroad for their gathering home to assist us here, and to in like manner aid in gathering other thousands upon thousands who will need assistance.
Some twentyone persons were selected, and their names presented at the Conference and voted to go on foreign missions. They will travel to Florence with the train, which will reach thereabout the 1st of July, and are as many as the Spirit has as yet dictated us to send this Spring.
I wish you to be very careful in observing the signs of the times on both sides of the water, and be sure to keep open a way of escape for yourself, the Elders sent from here, and such others as can avail themselves of narrow dodging in troublesome times, Should any serious diffi culty arise between England and America, of which events will seasonably notify you, when the way is hedged up on your sea-board and in the thickly settled Northern States, you will probably be able to pass through Canada and then on some unmolested route to this place. Ever be watchful on this point.
In regard to releasing Elders from their missions, the very nature of the case and its circumstances cause us to place the matter almost entirely at the discretion of your own judgment, for in only here and there an instance has I the means of determining here who should or who should not be released to come home at any given time. With this view I wish you at all times to use your own judgment in this matter, and release br. Staines and the rest of the brethren from time to time and at such times as the Spirit may direct you, under a careful consideration at all times of the condition and requirements of the cause under your Presidency, the time any given Elder has been in the field, and such other pertinent circumstances as should be taken into account. There will be opportunity for coming through this season, for all who are in Florence by about the 1st of July.
I wrote to you on the 18 ult., acknowledging the receipt of such letters as were at that time in hand unanswered, since when I have received no letter from you.
Last night I mailed a letter to br. Horace S. Eldredge, Box 3957, New York City, N. Y., care of Ormus E. Bates, giving him, among other matters, further directions in reference to his superintendency of this year's immigration, and again requiring all our Elders this side the Ocean to give heed to his counsels in said superintendency <in the East, and br. Joseph W. Young's in the West,> which I doubt not will be cheerfully responded to, and that our immigration will be rightly guided and abundantly blest in all their movements.
Conference was attended by persons from nearly if not quite all our settlements, all the Quorum of the Twelve who are in Utah being present, and the Saints enjoyed a very interesting and instructive season of refreshing.
The General Assembly convenes on the 14th inst., at 10 a.m. in the Council House in the City. Most of the Members are now here, and whether they will proceed much farther than electing two Senators to Congress and adopting a Memorial for admission, is not yet determined. The session will probably continue but a few days, and it is contemplated to adjourn subject to the call of the Governor while awaiting the action of Congress upon our present petit[?]
The roads continue too soft for hauling the huge granite blocks from Little Cottonwood; but there are enough on the Temple Block to keep numerous stonecutters busily occupied in shaping them, and we expect to soon again be able to haul the blocks faster than they can be cut.
Peace, prosperity, content, and good works continue on the increase in the "Mountain Home" of Saints, and our God is abundantly blessing His cause and people, yea more than we at all times make room to wisely receive and improve upon.
Your family, friends, and the people generally enjoy good health; and yourself, associates, and the lovers of our God and His cause throughout the world ever have my prayers that you may be blest not only with health but with every blessing your hearts desire in righteousness, to enable you to aid to the utmost in building up and establishing the Kingdom of God on the earth.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young