G. S. L. City, May 30th 1863.
Pres. George Q. Cannon,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England.
Dear Brother:-Since my last letter to you, April 18, your very welcome favors of March 20 and April 17 have come to hand, but your favor of April 10 has not yet been received; it may be well to duplicate that letter.
On the 20th ult., as advised, in company with Pres. Kimball, several of your Quorum and others, I started on a visit to our southern settlements. We returned on the 19th inst., all well and refreshed, having been absent 29 nights and 30 days, during which time we held 39 meetings in which I addressed the congregations 37 times. We found energy and the spirit of improvement much on the increase since our southern trip last year, and an extra breadth of cotton is being cultivated. The brethren were much pleased with our visiting and holding meetings with them, joyfully received our instructions and counsel, and we trust they will at least be as much profited thereby as we were all benefited the trip.
In regard to suggestions respecting office business, Bank a/ c., &c., in case of sudden difficulty, you are already advised I think, that we wish you to remain in your present position until otherwise directed, and conduct the business as hitherto. Present indications are that Harding is removed, and James Duane Doty appointed Governor of Utah.
Should this prove to be so it is evidence that the enemies of truth in the States have concluded that they are not yet quite ready to commence open war upon the other "twin relic," but is by no means an indication that their feelings toward us are any better, for, beyond doubt, they are more bitter than at any previous period. It is altogether probable that [word cut off] This removal is favorable both as a precedent for similar obnoxious cases in future, and as being a good rod in pickel for representatives of Federal power when grossly violating the duties of their positions.
Since writing the above, Harding has been heard to say that he expected to be able to arrange his business and leave the Territory in the course of two or three weeks.
This statement makes it very certain that he has been removed, and that removal is almost or quite an assurance of quiet times here at least until another year, insomuch that I do not think Brigham need borrow the least trouble about home affairs during his continental tour and on his way home.
I have previously written you that quite a number of missionaries were selected at our last April Conference, their, destination Liverpool, to be designated fields of labor by you in accordance with your judgement and the dictates of the Spirit to you. They are now on their way, some already in the States. Many of them are young and inexperienced but will doubtless soon work into the harness, and the number taken together will render you efficient aid, insomuch, probably, as to enable you to release more or less of the Elders who have been absent over two years, in time for them to reach Florence and return with the trains this fall.
Please forward, at earliest dates after departure, full lists of the passengers forwarded by each ship.
I also wish you to furnish, at your earliest convenience, a detailed statement of the Journal of Discourses a/c from the time that the church became owner of that publication up to Dec. 31, 1862, and hereafter furnish an annual statement of said a/c., keeping its account in a shape to enable you to readily do so.
Please inform me whether br Zyderlann missionary in South Africa, is on his way home this season.
The people are very busy, and home affairs are very quiet and peaceful.
The weather is unusually warm for the season, and the prospects are very flattering for abundant harvests.
My health, that of your family and friends, and of the people generally, is good. God bless you.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young
P. S.
Since last advised I have drawn on you, viz.
Draft 313 L5.0.0 favor D. O. Calder
314 L123.0.0 favor W. S. Godbie