Salt Lake City
July 13. 1871.
Prest. Brigham Young.
Dear Bro:
As Bro. Joseph Rich is about to start for Rich Co. and volunteers to forward whatever we may have to send you, I embrace the opportunity of writing you a few lines in addition to what was forwarded to you by Bro. John W. this morning.
Your interesting letter dated the 5th. inst. has been received. We were much gratified to read of your agreeable trip over the U. C. and U. P. Railroads to Wasatch, and of the pleasant time you had been, and were still enjoying among the brethren in the north; and in accordance with your wish, your letter was sent into the house to be read to the family at prayer time, and it was also placed in the hands of Bro. Cannon, who will make allusion to it in todays issue of the Evening News.
You will be pleased to learn that the 1st Company of this season's emigration duly arrived last evening by the regular train; it was under the charge of Elder Robert F. Neslin; many of the company remained at East Weber, and Coalville &c. We have just received a Telegram from Bro. Staines dated "New York, July 13, 10. a.m. Cluff's Company numbering 400 persons from Scandinavia leave to-night.-- All well."
Yesterday we had a busy day in the Endowment House, there were 332 baptisms which kept us occupied till about six p.m.
The Temple is progressing; we are laying considerable rock. The iron roofing for the New Tabernacle has arrived, and we intend putting it on immediately. Harvesting is going on lively, the weather is favorable, and the prospects are good for crops.
The Circus has been running very light the last 2 nights, and by Friday which is the last night, I think the attendance will have dwindled into insignif<ic>ance and the public will be satiated with circuses for some time to come. There are a great number of dead heads who help to make up the audiences, the Circus people having been very liberal in distributing complimentary tickets to the Press, the City Council, and others throughout the city. Last night they performed for the benefit of the P. E. Fund. The money was taken at the door by some of the Police, and the amount donated to the fund, after deducting expenses was $113.00. If the purpose for which it was given had not been known, it is probable we would have gotten more money.
We would like to know your mind, whether or not you wish a celebration of the 24th in this city. A report has gone abroad very generally that you intend to celebrate the 24th in Ogden. This is in accordance with your letter, &, as doubtless many of our citizens would like to join you there in doing so, if it meets your mind we might waive celebrating in S. L. City & get up an excursion party to Ogden in the morning and return with you in the evening.
Bro. F. D. Richards has just stepped in, he informs us that you intimated to him, that in return for the citizens of Ogden celebrating with us on the 4th. we might celebrate with them on the 24th. They are making extensive preparation so far as they have the means, and are fully expecting that many of our citizens will be with them on that day.
As the time approaches for the election of Members of the Legislative Assembly we would like to hear from you what changes you wish to make in the nominations, if any; Bishop Rowberry is in town to-day, he is anxious on this point and reports that he expects considerable opposition in that district.
Since writing the above we learn by telegram from Bishop Hatch that you intend leaving Soda Springs on the 14th to arrive in Logan on the 17th. We refrain from making this public however, till we hear further, or saying anything further on the foregoing subjects, because, if correct, you will be home & we can communicate more freely.
I am very glad that yourself, Bro George A. and others are taking an out where the weather is comparatively cool, as it continues excessively hot in the City.
Bro. Levi Stewart is in town, and reports unfavorably from Kanab. the grasshoppers have destroyed everything there, except some corn, from which they yet hope to receive some benefit. The grass too is a crisp, & they will have difficulty in getting hay. The water has ceased to come to the town in the creek, but by trapping the lakes above it comes to the townsite in the ditch, where the cattle go to drink. He also informs me, they get water very easy by digging wells, in the townsite.
Another busy day again at the Endowment House there were 284 baptisms
We hear no more about arrests being made for calling out the militia.
The Commissioners to locate University Lands have received their commission from the Governor & are preparing to make a report to the Regency of lands located which we now understand from the Department can be now entered in the Land Office. & made available.
I understand the Commissioners have already located about 18,000 acres.
Wishing you a prosperous & safe journey home, in which Bro Cannon, Bro. McKenzie & others join me. I remain as ever
Your Friend and Brother
Daniel H Wells
P. S. Enclosed clipping speaks for itself
D. H. W.