Salt Lake City, U. T.
January 24. 1873
Horace S. Eldredge, Esqr.
care Benedict, Hall & Co. N. Y. City.
Dear Bro:-
The Bridesburgh Manufacturing Co. of 65, North Front St. Phil. has been making the machinery for our Woollen Factory at Provo, under the partial direction and supervision of Bro. James W. Cummings, to whom I instructed this responsibility.
Without attaching any particular blame to Bro. Cummings it does seem to me the thing has not been well managed. The machinery comes along, but no bills of purchase with it, with the exception of the enclosed, which are copies of the originals.
I have written to the Company for a full, itemized bill of their charges against us. On one of their bills I find I am charged with $149.03 for interest on two drafts, this to me is inexplicable as I had instructed Bro. Cummings to pay cash, and that cash was held in reserve to make payments as they fell due, and secure the usual discount. Furthermore, in looking over some of the enclosed accounts, (which are all I have received out of some ten car loads of machinery amounting to over $40,000.) it appears to me the charges on some articles are extravagant; in short, the entire business, as it stands now, is very unsatisfactory, and what I would like you to do for us in these matters, is to thoroughly overhaul them; get a copy of their itemized account and compare charges with the Market prices, so that we may reach a satisfactory understanding, for without this, we do not feel disposed to settle with the Company. I have no doubt they will facilitate your inquiries by all the means in their power, and it is proper that as little time as possible be lost in the
investigation.
There are other matters for which I would also be thankful. if you could give them a share of your attention. The letters you bear will introduce to the U. P. R. people. Mr. Scott; Oliver Ames; Duff, Dillon &c. through Mr. Rollins; from them we would like to learn two things; first:-- There is an understanding with these parties that they would make an effort to procure from Government, a land grant or subsidy in aid of the U. S. R. R.-- they to have an equal interest therein with us,-- do they contemplate bringing the matter before Congress,? and if so, it ought to be done at an early date. Second:-- to ascertain upon what terms a loan, of $50,000.00 can be negotiated in my name, with <100 of> the bonds of the U. C. as collateral. Mr. Richardson of 119, Liberty St. N. Y. is a prominent Stockholder in the U. N. R. R. and a large capitalist, and might be approached on this subject. The object of this loan is to help build the U. S. R. R. I have just received advices from Chicago that Mr. R.
F. Clark has drawn on me for $10.000. on A/c of Abel loom, which I will meet here when presented, so that the money received from the sale of wool will not be required for that purpose, this money, and the Coupons we would like to have forwarded here as soon as possible.
Peace still reigns at home here, and matters in general are progressing as well as we could expect; a very little time will demonstrate the success, or total failure of the McKeanites, and I rayther guess the latter will be more likely.
The legislative machine is grinding away quite lively, with that earnestness and whole heartedness so characteristic of our people. Sec. Black discovers that he has "no precedent" for furnishing a nice snug room appropriated by the legislature for the use and convenience of the Governor in the City Hall, so that body will have to furnish it themselves if it is done at all.
The weather, which has hitherto been so mild this winter has become quite cold, and the attention of the people is suddenly called to filling their icehouses and the skaters are having high times. To-day the wind is blowing intensely cold from the east and north.
My health continues good for which I feel very thankful, and with the exception of colds, the people generally are enjoying the same blessing, and although there is some excitement about the smallpox, I find on close inquiry, there are but two cases here.
May good peace be and abide with you, is the wish of
Your Bro. in the Gospel
Brigham Young