The Brigham Young Center

President's Office
Great Salt Lake City
February 26, 1867.

President Orson Pratt,
42 Islington, Liverpool, Eng.

Dear Brother Orson:

I presume that by the time this letter reaches you, Brigham, Jr., will have reached Liverpool and given you all the news respecting circumstances and events up to the time of his leaving (Feb. 4) There has been nothing new transpired in the City since Brigham and Bro. Watt left. Times have been and are very dull; money is scarce, and merchants do not ply a very good business at present, especially those who signed the card. Circumstances have been so overruled by the Lord that they aid us materially in carrying out the counsel which we have given to the people-- to cease trading with our enemies.

Colds are very prevalent among the people at the present time, attributable, probably, to the peculiar weather we have had. The winter on the whole has been very mild; but we have had considerable rain and snow, though the latter has not remained long on the ground. As a consequence, the roads, especially those principally traveled, have been horrible through the most of the winter, and teaming has been difficult.

"Civilization" does not flourish in the City at present. Dr. Clinton, our police magistrate, has but little to do, not enough to furnish him any fees towards his living. I was talking with him the other day, and suggested the idea of his writing to Washington, to ask them to do something for him; to send out some"civilized" people here; he is the only police magistrate in the City, or county, and yet he has no business, the Latter-day Saints are so uncivilized!

Respecting your future labors I desire you to use your own judgment, and to be governed by your own feelings in regard to staying longer on your mission, or returning home. It will be agreeable to me whichever course you decide upon, and I would, therefore, like you to follow your own inclinations in the matter. When Brigham returned, I instructed him before starting for home again to turn over the office and business and the Presidency of the Mission to Bro. Franklin.

Your family and friends, as also those of all the Elders, so far as known, are well. Accept my love to yourself, remember me to my sons, to Bro. Franklin and to the other Elders whom you may see, in which Presidents Kimball Wells and Bro. George Q. join. Praying the Lord to bless you and to give you great success and joy in your labors, and to fill you with the Spirit of your calling, I remain

Your Brother

Brigham Young