The Brigham Young Center

Mr. Willard Young
West Point M. A. New York.

My dear Son,

Your welcome favor of the 8th inst. is received. We were all well pleased to hear from you, and of your continued good health and spirits.

My health has been rather poorly for some time in consequence of having caught a cold which affected my stomach and bowels, and debilitated my system very much although I am happy to say I have nearly recovered.

I attended court yesterday and pled "not guilty" to an indictment containing sixteen counts, detailing sixteen separate charges "for unlawfully, feloniously, openly and notoriously, lewdly and lasciviously associating and cohabiting with sixteen different persons. Some sixty witnesses names appear on the indictment nearly all of which are members of my family. Your name is not among the number. Everything is quiet and it is evident to all that the "ring" are disappointed at not meeting the resistance which they hoped their high handed proceedings would provoke. We decided to meet them and fight them on their own ground, and I think, that, with the blessing of heaven we will come off victorious. We have decided to employ the best legal talent in the nation if thought necessary and fight it out before the courts, at present, we have employed the best talent here with Hon. Thomas Fitch and Major Hempstead in the lead. My attorneys asked for a continuance till the March term, but it was not decided by the court yesterday whether so long a time would be granted; the judge stated however, that he would allow ample time, particularly as there is a heavy civil docket requiring attention.

Work on the U. S. R. R. was discontinued for a time awaiting iron, but we have recommenced and will finish up 25 miles right away, including switches & a spur towards Cottonwood Kanyons. John W. Young has just returned from the east, his business was very urgent and he had not time to call on you, he desires to be affectionately remembered.

He has been quite successful in his business, having shipped for the U. N. R. R. on locomotive and seven cars, so that our northern road will soon be an accomplished fact. Bishop Sharp starts east in the morning on U. S. R. R. business, and will call upon you and give you all the news.

You are ever in our thoughts & I pray that you may continue successful, and be blessed in all your studies & be preserved from every evil,

Your Affectionate Father
Brigham Young