The Brigham Young Center

S. L. City, U. T.
November 2. 1871.

Bishop John Sharp
St. Nicholas Hotel, N. Y.

Dear Bro:

Your favor of the 22. ult. was received. The Prest. left for the south on the 24. as you are aware he had intended to do all summer, but Prest. Wells telegraphed him the gist of your letter. I also sent word to Feramorz by James T. but he did not call to see your letter till this morning. He wished me to write to you for 6 frogs, they are in immediate want of them, also, 40 kegs of spikes, to replace that quantity borrowed from Mr. Campbell. The track is laid to Draperville. Bro. Little says that by saturday (4th) every rail on hand now will have been laid. He will then measure the road, and he thinks if he includes spurs & switches it will measure twenty miles. He is not aware whether the terms of the contract will measure twenty miles. He is not aware whether the terms of the contract will justify the issuance of the bonds on this consideration, but he thinks you will know, and telegraph him accordingly. No time will be lost, however, in laying the track as fast as the iron comes on.

The Prest. wishes you to ascertain definitely whether the U. P. people intend going any further than the 25 miles, as there are other parties, who are anxious to take hold. He further wished it to be understood, most distinctly, that he is opposed to taking any more second hand equipments and prefers that they furnish the money & let us order what we want.

You, doubtless, hear through the papers, what is going on, but there is one thing they dont tell you, that is, that all is peace in the hearts of the Saints and they fear not their enemies, we are strong in the conviction that the judicial farce will fizzle out, and we are determined, by every means in our power, to help it to do so. May God bless our efforts here and abroad, and may He preserve you, and give you influence in accomplishing much good in the same direction.

I see by the Telegraphic Despatches, that Thomas A. Scott is not unlikely to be put forward as the Democratic Presidential candidate, this indicates that he has great influence, although perhaps not with the present administration, still he would be certain to make more political capital by an open defence of our people against the present unholy crusade, than Grant will make by persisting in it.

There is considerable complaining that you dont write enough; you seem to forget that you are a very important personage, and the brethren, especially railroad men, often say to me, why dont the bishop write. So I have taken the liberty of telling you.

Your Bro. in the Gospel
D. McKenzie