Salt Lake City,
U. T.
August 17. 1871.
Thos. A. Scott, Esqr.
Prest. U. P. R. R. Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir:
On the 15th inst. Mr. Richardson left this city with 400 First Mortgage Bonds of the Utah Southern Railroad to carry to Mr. Hammond for his signature as one of the Trustees
The Mortgage had been prepared, but, in consequence of certain alterations (made, I believe, at the instance of Mr. Hammond) it had to be re-written and will be forwarded to Mr. Hammond to night, or to-morrow morning. When returned we will have the instrument executed without delay.
The road progresses favorably, we have laid over 12 miles of rails and graded about 15, but we have not the iron to complete the 15th.
Yesterday I telegraphed Mr. Sickles to that effect, but as yet have received no reply, though we look for one some time to-day. I earnestly hope we will not be hindered by the lack of iron.
At our last meeting, the Board expressed a strong desire to know whether it is your purpose to furnish material for the second 20 miles & on the same terms as agreed on for the first. It has been intimated that such was your intention, but as that does not appear in the agreement, we of course cannot rely upon it without some definite understanding.
Our Supt. Mr. Little wrote to Mr. Sickels with reference to procuring a new engine, the one sent us not being equal to the business required. Mr. Sickels stated in reply that he had no engine of the kind needed that could be spared, and had not received any instructions to purchase a new one. We are very much in need of a good engine, (as we will open business with the Bingham Kanyon and Big and Little Cottonwood Mines, as soon as the Station, now building, switches &c. are got ready) but we do not want an old one; and would prefer to have one built at the Schenectady works, similar in all respects to those built by that Co. for the "Utah Central"-- the head-light should accompany the engine. If you can, consistently, make this arrangement, we would feel very much gratified.
The heavy cutting on the second 20 miles seems to neccessitate a re-consideration of that portion of the agreement which says that the road shall be bonded at the rate of $20.000 per mile. We will send you a profile, in a few days, shewing the cutting in question, and submit for your consideration that the second 20 miles be bonded at an increased rate, say from 25 to 27 thousand dollars.
It is of the utmost importance that the road be pushed to Payson without delay, and, if we are only assured of the backing, we propose to grade the 75 miles before hard winter sets in.
The Tintic mines are yielding, both in quantity and quality, far beyond expectation, and a very large amount of ore may be expected from that section, as well as from all the mining districts springing up everywhere through the south, to say nothing of the passenger and general traffic the road will create.
I have just received a telegram from Mr. Sickels, that he has "ordered iron to be sent forward as soon as possible," this is gratifying; and we trust that when you have read and considered the foregoing to hear from you at as early a date as the multiplicity of your business will permit.
Yours with respect,
Brigham Young