Presidents Office
Gt Salt Lake City April 24th 1866.
President Brigham Young, Jr.
42 Islington, Liverpool, England
Dear Son:
Your favor of the 16th ult., with your petty cash statement for the months of January and February, has just been received. I am pleased to hear that you and the folks are well; and pray that you, your family and the brethren may continue to enjoy the blessing of health.
I wrote you a long letter under date of the 9th inst., and sent you a duplicate on the 15th by Bro. Stenhouse, who started on the evening of that day, on business to the States. That letter will give you an idea of affairs here. Since the occurrence reported in that letter, every thing has been quiet in town. Our enemies have not permitted this opportunity, however to escape them of trying to injure us. Telegrams have been sent East making false statements, reporting that four men had been murdered in Gt S. L. City, and the Gentiles were under serious apprehensions for their lives. I was telegraphed to on this subject by a prominent General, and replied in such a manner that he expressed himself as being much gratified at the substance and spirit of my statement.
The City has been very quiet of late-- a perfect calm having taken the place of the excitement which attended the Brassfield case. The wedge that was to burst up polygamy did not enter very far, and those who were driving it feel very much chagrined at the result of their operations.
Bro. Findlay C. Free was married about four weeks ago. He took to wife Julia, the daughter of your cousin Brigham H Young. He had been exposed, while on police duty, and caught a severe cold just previous to, or about the time of his marriage, and was soon compelled to take to his bed. He was carefully nursed, and every thing done for him that could be, the Elders also administered to him frequently. By these means his life was prolonge and strong hopes were entertained of his recovery. On Sunday, the 22nd, these hopes were suddenly blighted. As myself and brethren were returning from the afternoon meeting, we were called into Bro. Wells' where Bro. Findlay was living to administer to him. A change for the worse had taken place; but there was no feeling as though death were present, and we still felt that he might recover; but shortly afterwards he passed off very peaceably, as though falling asleep. His death was a surprise to every one, as the prevailing impression had been that he was recovering. His naturally delicate constitution, however, lacked the necessary vigor to throw off the disease. There is a very large circle of relatives and friends who mourn his death. He was buried to-day, and his funeral was attended by a very large concourse of people, whose sympathies were much excited in behalf of his young widow, so recently a joyous and happy bride. It is consolatory to know that Bro Findlay has been faithful during his life time to his holy religion and covenants.
I wish you to call Bro. Orson Pratt into the Office to help you on the Star and in the management of the business of the Office. Bro Orson is an excellent writer, and can do good service in writing for the Star; if he will only confine himself to that which he knows, and not attempt to set forth new doctrine. This is <the> prerogative of the president of the Church, and not of the Elders generally. No new doctrine should be set forth to the people unless it be first submitted to the proper authority. I do not wish Bro. Orson to publish any pamphlets; but to write for the Star.
In the history of Joseph Smith, the prophet, written by his mother, there is a quotation made from Joseph's own history, in which he describes the appearance of the Messenger to him on the night of the 21st of September, 1823. Joseph says that the messenger told him that his name was Nephi. Bro. Orson puts a foot-note to the name of Nephi in the extract published in Mother Smiths book, and substitutes the name of Moroni therefor, and refers to several of our works to substantiate the correction. There is really no discrepancy in the history about these names. It was Moroni who delivered the sacred records and Urim and Thummim to Joseph; but Nephi also visited him. We have carefully examined the record, and find that the mistake is in Bro. Orson and not in the history; at least we cannot find it there.
I keep urging you not to detain the Elders there, if their health is not good. After they have been changed to the healthiest part of the country, without beneficial effects, you should send them home immediately. Bro's Shurtliff and Folsom should be released, and any others who may be ailing. Tell John W. that I wish him to wear fur on his chest and back on the outside of his garment, and take care of himself.
With love to yourself and family, John W. and Bro. Pratt and the Elders and praying the Lord to bless you
I remain Your Father,
Brigham Young