The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U.T.
August 14. 1872.

Mr. Willard Young.
West Point M.A. N.Y.

My dear Son,

I have nothing special to bring to your notice still I thought a few lines might not prove uninteresting. We were well pleased to hear from Bro. Staines of an agreeable visit he had with you and his report of your progress. I trust your present exercises will prove an enjoyable relief from your close in-door studies.

Peace continues to prevail among the Saints notwithstanding the assiduous efforts of our enemies to disturb it.

Last Friday myself and a small company took a ride over the Utah Southern Railroad a distance of about 23 miles to examine the work through the point of the mountain. The cuts and fills are very heavy. The large fill is about 700 ft in length with an average depth of about 175 feet. The work is progressing quite rapidly, and it is thought the Locomotive will be through within three weeks. Had we not been disappointed with our iron, we would have crowded this work and had it completed long ere this; it appears, now, however, as if the iron was coming and we will push on without delay.

We are having remarkably good crops this season and labor is in great demand not only in the agricultural interest but in mining and railroading. Besides the Utah Southern, two other roads -- The "Utah Northern Railroad" and the "American Fork Kanyon Railroad" are being built here. The former is the property of English Capitalists having large mining interests in American Fork. The latter is going ahead with vigor, its connection is made with the Central Pacific Railroad at a point 17 miles west of Ogden, and it is built and carrying passengers and freight some 27 miles from that point towards Cache Valley: it is considered a great success. Both those railroads are narrow guage, or 3 feet track.

The S.L. City <street> Car Railroad is another recent improvement and is very well patronized by our people. The two last named enterprises are John W. Young's.

Last Monday (3rd inst.) was election day. Elder George Q. Cannon was elected Delegate to Congress, Bro Hooper having requested a release from his labors, which have been very arduous to a person of his temperament. Maxwell is the opposition candidate. The official returns are not all in, but of course Bro Cannon is elected by an overwhelming majority.

Many improvements are being made in this City, and you will observe great changes when you make us a visit, an event which I am sure you will hail with delight as will all your friends here to welcome you.

We are now using gas in the Theatre, which is a great improvement. The house when lighted to its full capacity is dazzling. We use the Maxim gas manufactured from gasoline and we hope it may prove a success.

A company has been chartered in this City to manufacture Gas from wood and coal, and their machinery and materials for manufacturing are now on the way.

The City authorities intend erecting water works shortly and for this purpose have secured the services of an efficient engineer.

Buildings for Stores, Hotels, Tenements, &c. are springing up all around us. The Jennings' building, used by Z.C.M.I. with the additions now being made will shew a frontage to Main St. of 107 feet, extending back 190 ft. The Walker House built by Walker Bros for a Hotel on the site where John Kay's house formerly stood is a handsome 4 story building of brick having all the modern improvements for the accomodation of guests, which will doubtless bring many more visitors to our City.

My health continues excellent for which I feel very thankful, We remember you constantly with the very best feelings and wishes, and we pray that you may be preserved from every snare and permitted to return home, having accomplished a good work in preparing yourself for a life of usefulness.

Your Affecionate Father.
Brigham Young