G. S. L. City, Feb. 21, 1862
Elder W. C. Staines,
Care of Geo Q. Cannon Esqr
42 Islington, London England
Dear Brother:-
I had the pleasure of hearing read your very interesting letters of Dec. 1.60. & June 4 and 11, 61. Wherein you mention your interview with Col. Kane and his cordial welcome; your introduction to Senator Powell, Judge Sinclair, the Speaker of the House and paymaster, and that you were kindly welcomed by them; and President Young and our people spoken well of also your challenge to the associates of John Hyde to prove their statements of yours are confirmatory of the information that comes from various sources, in addition to the reliable news the reading of the letter conveyed that inspiring and animating spirit with which it was written; and I congratulate you that the good Angels that guard the Mormon Missionary hover round you imparting light, supplying confidence, preserving your life and health, and making your Mission a labor of love to you.
A few weeks ago I saw De Wolf the former Editor of the "Valley Tan" his countenance seemed sombre and reflective, I believe the cursing you gave him did him much good, I have not heard that he has done any particular mean thing since. If I saw Kirk and the rest that edited that wicked paper burning with the blaze from their own papers, I should pass by without helping to extinguish the flames. At this time we have nothing of an unpleasant character to suffer from. Frank Fuller the Secretary, has so far conducted himself in a gentlemanly manner, paying the per diem and mileage to the satisfaction of the Members of the Legislative Assembly, he has attended our Social Hall parties and is sober and courteous. Tom Ellerbeck myself and three of the Historians clerks engrossed five copies of the Constitution, they were signed by all the Members and attested by the Secretary. On the 1st Monday in Mar next the people will elect 13 Senators and 26 Representatives to the general assembly. The convention unanimously recommended Brigham Young for Governor, H. C. Kimball for Lieut Governor and John M. Bernhisel as Representative to Congress, however the particulars you will learn from the Deseret News. I learn that President Lincoln treats our Delegate the Hon. J. M. Bernhisel in a courteous manner and considers Govr. Dawson's conduct while here very shameful.
Our Bishops are gathering up 300 Teams to send to Florence to gather up the poor. The people respond readily to this call.
Br H. S. Eldredge <and Joseph W. Young> are soon going to the States to purchase Machinery, about $30,000 will be expended for this laudable purpose, we feel the necessit of relying upon our resources for clothing and other wants.
Old man Lees was in the Hair dressers shop the other day he ventured a prediction that the Stores on Maine St would soon be converted into woollen an cotton factory's, I hope it will come true. Br. Alexander C. Pyper has got out a specimen of Magnesia from Washington, he says Magnesia is a requisite in refining oil as well as for other purposes usually known. Br N. V. Jones is a work in Iron Co. and has succeeded in getting out a small bar of Iron of a very good quality, as much as this has been done for merly by the Deseret Iron Company but it must be got out in tons before we can really say we have made iron success to Jones for iron is much needed. Br Heardly is getting on well with pottery, in every house you will find traces of his continued success.
The materials furniture &cof the Deseret Printing Office are soon to be moved in the Deseret Store which is now being fitted up for their reception, a very handsome portico is now being added to this building; the council house is intended for State house purposes. Br. Geo Watt is slowly completing his new house in the 20th Ward, it somewhat resembles your elegant dwelling, it is rather larger than yours.
The building of our new Theatre has been a source of much gratification to us, this commodious building will hold 2,500 spectators in it there are four g [word cut off] eries the lower one is the dress circle there is a good parquet, the stage is broad the flooring of which is made of good decking, and very skilfully laid down. Our actors have met several times in the Social Hall to rehearse their plays, they are spirited, and all Utah expects to derive much pleasure from the combined labors of our preserving and gifted brethren. The theatre will open in a few weeks it is situated south of Dr Spragues on the Cahoon corner a little south west of the Social Hall. Our last emigration furnished us with a few very good, singers of these Miss McAllister, Miss Thomas, and Miss Price have enhanced the pleasures of our evening parties. Our Orchestral practies deserve much credit, among the most active of the musicians are D. O. Calder, Br. Thomas. & G. D. Watt the Orchestra numbers about 24 and their music equals in quality the provincial Theatres of England, and the minor ones of London. Br D. O. Calder energetically conducts the Tonic-sol-fa classes which meets in Pres. Young's school House, which is well lighted with coal gas. Classes are formed for teaching Architec ture, Algebra, and the higher branches of education, and a general desire exists among the people to improve themselves.
We are in the daily receipt of Telegrams from the States, that the progress of the war with more or less witholding reaches us. The South at this time is being worsted. The sympathies of our brethren are divided some for the Union and some for the South, but the south gets the greatest share. The wise among us read the programme of the wars in the revelations of Joseph and the successes or reverses of our common foes never leads us to the conclusion that peace will again be restored among the enemies of truth and workers of unrighteousness whether belonging to the North or South. Accounts from all sources shew us that the Mormons are not regarded as the willing dupes of fanaticism as they once were and now respect is shewn to the Mormon who hails from Utah. Our Tabernacle and Ward meetings are well attended and the good spirit is with us. There is now a new feature in our Seventies Hall, the Meetings there savor a little of the old polosophical society, they are well conducted. The Lectures are mostly scientific, and the pedantic are favored with lectures headed Psychology, Physiology & lecturers are restricted to 30 & 45 minutes each. The New Seventies Hall is not progressing at present. It may be interesting to you to mention that our Lime kiln bricks have been used for the pillars and chimney of the New Theatre.
Our Officers lately have shown a disposition to take care of their lives, by killing a few cattle thieves who were about to resist their authority with their pistols. We have not heard of thieving since. I suppose the thieves have concluded to live economically upon their past spoils. I regret to have to state that a portion of the Cotton Country has been flooded which carried away Jacob Hamblin Mill and some other property the Mis sion is not discouraged and we are all sanguine that we shall be soon supplied with cotton and after awhile with olive oil, figs, dates and raisins. We have only to be good to be happy. President Youngs health this winter has been good. Br Kimball is very subject to colds, and Br Wells is careful not to expose himself to much to cold.
The boys of the Offices frequently speak of you and remember you as a friend of theirs.at this time we have an addition to our numbers of three clerks. Br. B. H. Shettler, Jas Jack, & Thos Williams of the Liverpool Office. All the boys formerly acquainted with you unite with me in good wishes to you, and be assured of our united faith for your continued success in your ministry and that the Lord may raise you up friends to bless and comfort you.
Your Brother in the Gospel
George Sims
P. S. Pres B. Young requested me to write to you. Your family are well and of course Correspond with you