President's Office
Great Salt Lake City,
Dec 5. 1866
President George Nebeker
Laie, Oahu, Sandwich Islands
Dear brother:-
Your favor dated Honolulu, Oct. 27th has been received. We were much pleased to hear from you, and that you were all well. As bro. Brigham is not in the office, and it is necessary that this letter should go this evening, according to his instructions, I write and sign it myself.
It is to be regretted that the brethren should be so lukewarm about taking hold in a manner to render more efficient aid than they possibly can while confining themselves to day's works. Above all things, when Elders go abroad on missions, they should be united. If they lack unity, then indeed are they in dangerous circumstances, and nothing that they attempt can prosper as it would if union prevailed. It is gratifying to hear that the brethren and sisters were feeling pretty well when you wrote, and that you hoped to accomplish more the coming season than you did the past. We are anxious to hear of your success, but more particularly that harmony prevails and that you are acting in concert. It is believed that you are operating upon the best practicable plan for the salvation of the saints of the Hawaiian race on those lands, and if faithful your labor will be crowned with success, and in days to come you will see abundant reasons for thankfulness to the Almighty for having given <you> the privilege you now enjoy of laboring for the salvation of your fellowmen. If this attempt should fail, when may that unfortunate race look for deliverance from the thraldom of sin and ignorance to which they are present are subject? And if the failure should arise through the unfaithfulness or want of unity of the Elders, how much cause they will have to reproach themselves in days to come for such a result!
President Young has paid into Holladay & Halsey's Bank in this city to day Six Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty dollars (6320.00) in Coin, which amount will be held by Messrs Donohoe Kelly & Co., Bankers, San Francisco California, subject to your order. With the money were forwarded two or three of your signatures, cut from your letters, so that when you order or Draft shall come to hand, they will be able to identify your signature. This is the best way that is known here of having the money reach you in safety. To give you the benefit of this as early as possible the following telegram was forwarded this afternoon to bro. Dwight Eveleth, San Francisco. "Please write to George Nebeker that I have placed Six Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty (6320) dollars to his credit with Donohoe, Kelly & Co San Francisco which he can draw"
signed "Brigham Young"
Every thing is peaceable in the city and general good health prevails. You have doubtless heard through the papers, of the death of Doctor Robinson. There was some excitement for a little while respecting it, and our enemies endeavored to make capital out of it to the injury of the community, but they signally failed; they only found that if they persevered they would be likely to implicate some of their own set. That clique are pretty quiet at present.
The Deseret State Telegraph line is now stretched from this city to Logan, and we have telegraphic communication with Ogden, and hope in a few days to have offices opened at Brigham City and Logan. Two gangs of hands are busy stretching the wire South, and we hope by the beginning of the New Year to be in communication with Sanpete and St George. This will be a new era for our Territory, and the advantages will be incalculable.
Bro Brigham Jr is here on a short visit from England He will probably return to his field of labor in the latter part of January next. He is in fine health and spirits.
The President and the brethren join in love to yourself and family and the Elders and their families You are remembered in holy places. Give my Aloha to all my old friends and acquaintances.
May the Lord bless you all and enable you to fill your missions honorably and acceptably to him is the prayer of
Your brother,
Geo. Q. Cannon