<98 - 100>
Gt. Salt Lake City
Feb. 10th, 1866
A J. Bell, Esq;
Council Bluffs Iowa
Dear Sir:-
Your letter of Jan. 9th came to hand yesterday, and I telegraphed in reply, under yesterday's date, to you as follows: "Mr Taylor has left by Stage, and will be at Omaha in twelve or fifteen days; he will explain all. You may expect a letter from me." I should have been much pleased if your letter had reached here before he started, as he could have made explanations to you himself, which I cannot so well do, not being as conversent with the business referred to as he. You will doubtless have seen him, and arrived at an understanding of matters some days before this letter will reach you, and I hope that everything will be satisfactory.
For a few years past I have had regularly appointed agents to act for me at New York and on the Frontiers in Emigration business; but this last year I made no such appointment, and repeatedly wrote to the gentleman in charge of our business in England, and impressed upon them, that the emigrants must depend entirely upon their own means to bring them through to this country that year (1865) as we were in such a position that we could not render them any assistance whatever. It was with this understanding that the people emigrated. Mr Taylor and Mr Holman were appointed in England to come over to the States and act as Emigration Agts for those who were emigrating, and who had the means to help themselves through. Upon their arrival in New York Mr Taylor telegraphed me for instructions; and I replied, and said, among <other> things, "All will have to depend upon their own means, as we do not intend to extend any aid this Season." This Telegram was dated March 6th, 1865. Thus early in the season did I disclaim all intention to render any assistance and all responsibility connected with the forwarding of the people.
Mr Taylor has been disappointed in some of his arrangements and has not been as prompt as he should have been, had every thing worked as he expected, but the lateness of the season at which the companies reached here, winter being so close upon them, has been a cause of loss to him. He is an honest, reliable gentleman, however, and will do everything in his power to meet all his liabilities, and I doubt not, will be able to do so.
You will see, Sir, by this statement that I cannot in any justice be held responsible for the liabilities incurred; my instructions had been so positive upon this subject that I made no special inquires of Mr Taylor and knew but little about his business <or> the exact nature of his liabilities; besides, he told me that he would be able to meet his own engagements and obligations and manage his affairs. This caused me to feel easy, and I really did not know any thing about his business.
In relation to the purchase of cattle, we are sending down teams from the Territory this season and will need but few, if any.
With kind regards
I remain Respectfully
Brigham Young