Salt Lake City, U.T.
April 13th 1869.
President A. Carrington,
42 Islington, Liverpool.
Dear Brother,
Your welcome favor of Feb. 6th was not received till the 19th inst. having been detained with a host of mail matter and Passengers by the snow blockade on the rail road. I had the pleasure <also> of reading yours to Geo. A. Smith dated 27th Feb. and was equally well pleased with its contents. Bro. George A. has just returned from a tour to Dixie, visiting all the settlements and preaching to the Saints; he was accompanied by Jos. F. Smith, Thomas Taylor and others -- their mission will be productive of good results. Truly we have great reason to thank our Heavenly Father for His fostering care over Zion and his manifold blessings poured out upon his faithful servants. We are constantly receiving gratifying reports of the labors of the elders abroad and of an increased interest in the work of the Lord; this is remarkably the case in the Southern States. At the present time there is probably no other subject absorbing more attention in this country than what they call Mormonism. Strangers from all parts continue to visit us and it is very evident from the conversation of some of those that what they see and hear is much more favorable to us than their former impressions had been: it is therefore fair to suppose that with the increased facilities for travel -- sound-thinking men will visit us, whose judgment and report will go far towards breaking down the barriers of prejudice and showing us in our true position before the world. Although we have never courted the world's opinion, yet, as our ultimate destiny is, known to us, so far as circumstances tend to develop this we appreciate them.
Co-operation is a success. Zion's Wholesale Mercantile Institution has rented the Eagle Emporium and Eldredge & Clawson's stores, which are confined exclusively to Wholesale Trade and are doing a fair business.
The Brethren have fallen into the harness in a manner quite praiseworthy, and outsiders are feeling the smart of the let-alone policy keener than ever. Nearly every Ward in the City has its own Retail Store, and the same may be said of the entire Territory. We hope now to be able to extend our efforts more vigorously and with greater effect than ever in the developement of home resources, and to narrow in the practice of importing all articles that can be made here.
The Railroads are fast approaching a junction; there is probably not more than 60 miles to make. The U.P. has now the advantage -- their line is completed to a point several miles beyond Bear River north West of Brigham City. The junction of the roads, however, will be at, or near Ogden City, by act of Congress, but the U.P. will own and control all the road they can make West of Ogden to the point of meeting with the Central Pacific.
The rowdy element moving with the progress of the railroad is, we trust soon to pass away. The sink of pollution is now located at the Promontory where there are two principal rail-road towns, one called "Corinne," about six miles north west of Brigham City -- the other "Junction City," some twenty miles west of Corinne.
We contemplate building a line of Rail-road from Ogden to this City. A Company has been formed -stock subscribed and we expect that before long the work will be in active operation and probably be consummated early in the Fall.
Our conference terminated last Thursday -- there was a much larger assemblage than had been expected, as the weather for several days just previous to Conference had been wet and stormy, but it cleared off on the 4th and the result was, we had a good turn out of the Saints and a very pleasant three days' conference.
There were 46 missionaries called, mostly for the British Isles, among whom were John Jaques, Hamilton G Park, George Romney, J. Quincy Knowlton; several Swedes and a few Danes, the latter however may remain in England if they are not needed in Scandinavia, being tolerably good preaching in English. John W. Young was appointed President of this Stake, I believe this was the only new appointment made.
In the morning I expect <to start> for the Cotton Country, accompanied by Bro. Wells, Joseph Young Senr. Brigham Jun. Geo. Q. Cannon, Bro Woodruff and others; the trip will occupy about 4 weeks. In our letter to you of the 5th Jan., we mentioned a family of the name Vaughan which we wished to be sent on this season; they write complaining that they have received no notice from you to prepare. I have written to assure them, however, that you will notify them soon, which you <may have done ere this. The address is David Vaughan, Bryn Crug, Near Towyn, Merionethshire, N. Wales>. There is another family in Sheffield Conference, which, if you think them worthy we would like sent out. The family consists of Joseph Plant wife and child.
As I am somewhat pressed for time I will now close. Praying God to bless and prosper you with continued success in your labors, and desiring to be remembered to all the faithful.
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young