Mr. John W. Young,
care of 42. Islington, Liverpool.
My dear Son:
Yours of the 30th Augt. was duly received. We were well pleased to hear from you, and to learn of your safe arrival. Two days ago I heard from Bro. Pike that you had written him from London on the 10th Sept. by which we learn of your return to England.
So far as I am informed all the papers you requested relating to railroad were prepared and placed in the hands of Bro. Staines who started for New York on the 26th. Augt. He was to forward them immediately to Bro. Carrington and they doubtless reached you.
On the 11th of Augt. I was attacked with rheumatism in my legs and feet, which at first gave me much pain, sometimes excruciating, and which prevented me getting around, without the greatest difficulty even from room to room for some 8 days. On the 22nd of Augt. however, I started, accompanied with some of the brethren on a tour through Cache and Rich Counties to Soda Springs returning Sept. 6, and, although I did considerable talking, and the weather was wet and cold on our return from the springs, my health was considerably improved. My feet troubled me, more or less, for some time after that, but now I feel as well as usual, for which I am truly thankful. Joseph A. and Brigham Jr. accompanied us on our trip, and we had a very pleasant time. Brigham's Lizzie and her sister Mrs Kraft who had been making a visit here also accompanied us. Mrs. Kraft and your wife Libby returned east in company with Oliver Ames, Capt. Baker and a Mr. Atkin, U. P. Directors, who, with some of their families were out here on a short visit. They all rode out to American Fork and some of them went up to the end of the Wasatch track, and they started on their return east on the 22nd Sept.
We will be pleased to hear any suggestions you have to offer in regard to the European Mission, as alluded to in your letter. In my last to Prest. Carrington, the following passage occurred. "We intend to send you some good missionaries after Conference, and when you have selected such of them as you think necessary to take care of the dead branches, and you feel that you have no use for the rest, we wish you just to turn them loose and let them shift for themselves and break new ground, supporting themselves independent of the mission."
Legrand Young started on the 25th Sept. for Ann Arbor Mich. to attend the law school at that place, and get a further insight into his business: he expects to be gone at least six months.
The improvements on the Theatre although not yet completed give general satisfaction. It opened on the 1st inst.
The financial troubles in the east have created some apprehension here, but no panic nor visible disturbance further than the suspension of Hussey's First National. Zion's Savings Bank & Trust Co. opened Wednesday the 1st. inst. in Z.C.M.I. sewing machine building, between 5000 & 6000 dollars were deposited the first day, and the Institution is likely to meet with favor. The directors have determined to pay int. at the rate of 10% per ann. compounded semiannually. It will be found of great advantage to those who wish to save money for the emigration of their friends. Sums as low as one dollar are received. The interest is large, and by constant accessions a considerable amount may be realized and the deposits scarcely missed. This Institution is Trustee for the bond-holders of the Theatre.
An unfortunate and very sad accident occurred at Sister Emeline's Sept. 21. Little Nellie, daughter of Walter and my daughter Marinda picked up a piece of cheese which had been strychnined for mice and ate it. Before anything could be effectually administered, the poor child was dead. Life was almost extinct before it became known that the child had taken poison.
We hope you will be able to complete your business soon, and when you do so, we wish you to return home without delay. Prest. Erastus Snow's health although improved in some degree will not warrant his resuming active business in Southern Utah and you have been selected to fill that place. The Temple and other important matters require your attention. We design releasing Prest. Carrington and are writing to him to that effect and we hope you will be able to come home together. The Temple and other important matters require your attention.
We have not yet determined when we shall start south, but hope to be able to get away soon after Conference.
Our Fair opened yesterday and so far the exhibition is a very creditable one. The people, however are rather dilatory in bringing in their specimens and each day shews a marked improvement. It will not close before the evening of the 7th inst.
Praying for your preservation and safe return, and for the welfare of all Israel. I remain
Your Affectionate Father,
Brigham Young