Salt Lake City. U. T.
September 4th. 1869.
Prest. Albert Carrington,
42 Islington, Liverpool.
Dear Brother:-
Again we have the pleasure of writing you with a view to give you general news item & such other matters as may occur to us.
We have constant reason to praise the Giver of all good for his manifold blessings bestowed upon his people. Notwithstanding the malice of many enemies Zion still flourishes, and the Saints are increasing in faith and good works.
Business <also> continues to increase with the growth of the Kingdom. We are in receipt of gratifying news from Elder John Sharp in Boston who telegraphs "Amicable Settlement" (with the U.P.R.R.) Iron & Rolling Stock (for Railroad between here & Ogden) will start immediately. When we have this Railroad in operation, it will be an easy matter to bond it, & with the money borrowed thereon, we can pay the Sub-contractors & the labouring men who have suffered no little from the delay of the U.P.R.R. in settling up.
On the 22nd July Bishop John Sharp started for Boston to collect our claims against the U.P.R.R. Co. and from this it appears he has met with some success.
Elder George Nebeker arrived from the Sandwich Islands the same day, he brought a native with him called Napela, a man of fine ability & excellent disposition; our Elders who have laboured on the Sandwich Islands speak very highly of him for his kindness even before he joined the Church. Elder Nebeker shipped through a large quantity of sugar of a good quanlity, besides molasses, and the indications are that he will be able to do a very great deal towards supplying the Territory with these important staples.
The 24th July was a grand gala-day eclipsing even the celebration of the 4th. The first Presidency headed the Pioneers in the procession where were displayed the different modes of crossing the Plains appropriately & picturesquely illustrated. The immense number of School children which formed a part of the procession was not its least striking feature for with their gay banners each bearing some appropriate mottoe or device & the chaste dresses of the misses they presented a very interesting appearance.
Business of late has been so pressing that it has seemed almost impossible to get away from the City for a brief respite, but we will take opportunity to visit Brigham City & expect to start to-morrow on a short tour.
The Grasshoppers have been very destructive here in some localities this season and have deposited large quantites of eggs boding us no good next year, but notwithstanding these pests we are having an abundant harvest. Barley & Oats are somewhat injured & the Corn severely so, still there will be a plentiful harvest.
The Telegraph from Ogden has just announced the departure from among us of another Veteran in Israel Elder Ezra T. Benson. It appears that he came to Ogden on Railroad business, remarkably well in body & in good spirits; one of his horses was taken sick & after administering some medicine he was on his way to Prest. Farr's house accompanied by two of the brethren-- when, suddenly he fell down on his right side -- his head to the north- turned on his back-- breathed about four times. when pulsation instantly ceased & he was no more.
(6th) By telegram from Logan this morning we learn that Bro. Benson was buried there yesterday at 5 p.m.; the funeral attendance was very large. 130 Vehicles & crowds of people followed the remains of our beloved brother to their last resting place. Four of the Twelve were in attendance & each addressed the assembly.
For the last three days my health has not been so good though I feel very much better this morning.
We have not had a "Millennial Star" since the "Standard" ceased to come, some time in March; we shall be much pleased to receive it again.
All of the old edition of the Hymn Book is sold. & there is a great demand for a uniform edition containing the new hymns. We have no knowledge whether the New Hymn Book you wrote of has been printed; if it is, we would like to have 4 or 5.000 for the accomodation of the Saints here, they are the more necessary now, as we are introducing Congregational singing into our service. The grand Organ is rapidly nearing completion; it is certainly a handsome specimen of art & is pronounced by those who visit us, a perfect masterpiece.
A short time ago application was made by the U. S. Geological Exploration Party inquiring the origin of the name "Strong's Knob." on the G. S. Lake. It is not improbably that you may be able to furnish the desired information.
We have cheering accounts from the Elders in the States who report that there is considerable interest manifested in the Work of the Lord in that field of labour, and our missionaries particularly in the Southern States are in great demand.
We are pleased with the success attending the Immigration thus far & anticipate the like favourable results for the future.
The great drain upon the people to pay for or secure their lands & the failure of the Railroad Companies to settle up has necessarily cramped the Immigration & much care and judgement are neccessary to use our means to the best advantage, but it was of vital importance that our lands should be secured.
Praying continually for your welfare in common with all Israel, & that you may have every blessing needful for your important calling
Brigham Young
The President says:-- Write P. S. We wish no one to be assisted further until the names on our List are all forwarded.
D. McKenzie for Prest. B. Young