Salt Lake City, U.T.
May 8th. 1871.
Mr. John W. Young
New York City.
My dear Son,
Your welcome letters, one from Omaha, the other from New York were duly received. We were pleased to hear from you, and of the favorable prospects of success in your business.You will be pleased to learn that the Utah Southern Railroad has been fairly commenced. Ground was broken on Monday last, the day your last letter was received, at a spot, near the N.W. Corner of the Old Fort Block. Although there was no publicity given to the ceremony, quite a number of spectators were present, among whom were contractors and operatives anxious to commence work, and in a very short time several miles were taken. The afternoon of the same day we proceeded to Ogden to meet Hon. W.H. Hooper on his return from Washington and escorted him home amid the rejoicings of the people, who, at every settlement awaited our delegate with flags, banners, firing of cannon. &c. On our train were Croxall's Brass Band, a String Band and a select quartette choir which gave somewhat of a zest to the proceedings and altogether served to make an agreeable time. It happened that a party of twelve gentlemen of the "Americus Club" of New York City, who had been visiting our City under the management of O.W. Breman, Vice Prest. of the Club, and were travelling in one of the Wagner Palace cars accompanied us to Ogden. They very kindly placed their car at our disposal and most of our party availed themselves of it a portion of the way. In return for this courtesy, our quartette choir, string band & brass band entertained the gentlemen, each to their satisfaction, The Wagner palace car decidedly surpasses everything of the kind that we have seen here as yet for elegance and convenience, and the wooden wheel with steel tire, certainly possesses one advantage, it does away with the harsh rattling noise, and the jarring sensation produced by the ordinary car wheel. The paper wheel is also said to possess advantages, as being noiseless,-unaffected by the weather, and it is said to afford a stay to the tire, and a lateral support in turning curves and at the same time adapts it to any trifling inequality of the tire while it is called stronger than any other material. I wish, if it comes in your way, you would discover what practical railroad men think of these wheels.
As soon as Bishop Sharp returned, the Directors of the U.S.R.R. met and discussed the propositions laid before them by the Bishop; they were viewed in a favorable light as you were informed by telegram. An agreement has been drawn up, the terms of which are in all respects identical with those proposed by the U.P.R.R. Co. according to the Bishop's representation this he has submitted to Mr. Hempstead this evening. (8th inst.)
This morning I received a letter <& drawings> from H.C. Oram & Co. with respect to iron fronts. I dont think it will be advisable to do anything in this matter at present; by-and-bye should we build a Co-operative Mercantile establishment it is contemplated we may require a large front, but not now.
As it appears now, it is not probable the Bishop will have to return east.
Your letter of the 30th. ult. has just come to hand. With regard to your request contained therein to have 100 of my 500 shares in the U.S.R.R.--this had been talked over several days ago, and was so arranged.
On the 29th ult. I wrote to the "Schenectady Locomotive Works" to ascertain at what price, they would deliver at their place, one Locomotive, of the same pattern, and, in every respect equal with those already furnished the U.C. within thirty days, from date, if
required. I have since ascertained that Supt. Little ordered a Locomotive from the same works, the same day that I wrote appears he misunderstood me, and sent the order for the
locomotive without knowledge; but it is all right, the locomotive is needed and should be forwarded soon as possible.
The Road Steamer arrived here last night. It had the misfortune to get mired at the terminus, but was soon extricated and it travelled to and fro last night and this morning through several of our streets, much to the entertainment of a crowd of lookers on. It
appears to perform very well, considering the newness of the engine. We expect to test it an early day.
By letter from Mr. Jenks. I understand the machinery for the Timpanogos Woolen Factory is progressing finely.
My health continues good, for which I feel very thankful Bro. Geo. A.'s health is much improved. Jos. A. B.Y. Jr and the brethren generally with whom we associate are all well. Bro Jenning's (first) wife is very sick, the doctors have grave doubts of her recovery.
The weather continues quite favorable, we have just had an excellent rain and to-day it is warm and pleasant.
As your business with the U.P.R.R. Co. is well got along with, we expect to see you home shortly. In the meantime if it comes in your way. I would like to have you look at wire fences used in gardens, and lattice work &c. but do not make any longer stay on that account.
May peace be and abide with you, and may you be preserved from every harm. and permitted to return in safety.
The accompanying bills are copies from two bills sent to Bishop Sharp. which he did not receive, having left N.Y. I wish you to order them, & see that the baggage car is hurried up.
Brigham Young
P.S. The locomotive should be delivered at Ogden by the Schenectady Co. the price charged by Simmonds & Vail (viz: $1000) seems enormous.
Are you getting up our bonds?
BY
(D McK.)