Salt Lake City, U. T.
October 23. 1873.
Elder B. Morris Young,
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands.
My dear Son:
As some of the Missionaries are about starting for the Islands, I embrace the opportunity of writing you a few lines which one of the brethren will bear to you. You will all doubtless be very glad to see the new arrivals. Your very interesting letter of Sept. 5. was read with great pleasure, as it indicates that you have taken right hold of your mission, and that is what we are anxious you should do, as therein is your peace and happiness and welfare, and we pray that your mind may continue to be led in that channel.
Travelling among the natives and mingling with their society is a better way to acquire the language than attending school, besides you learn the manners and customs of the people and become personally acquainted with them. The immoral habits of many of the natives will doubtless impress you very unfavorably, still you must bear in mind that their practices are apt to be as they are traditionated, just as the rest of mankind are in theirs, and we have to deal with people as they are, and by giving them the Gospel and shewing them a good example, strive to make them better.
Bro Taylor's health appeared very much reduced when he returned home, and his shipwreck gave him quite a shake in addition to his former sickness. We are glad that he returned when he did, and we hope that he will soon recover his wonted health and strength.
Another Conference has passed and the saints had an excellent time. The work is onward, growing, increasing and expanding, notwithstanding the malice and hatred of our enemies who appear to be using every means in their power to destroy it, but they meet with very little success indeed, and Zion grows stronger year by year, while in the governments of the earth there is an increasing distrust more and more manifest as their corruptions are brought to the surface and exposed. The hand of our Heavenly Father is outstretched and he guides and directs everything according to His good pleasure and He will give His Saints the victory when they are prepared to receive and wear it.
We are sending quite a number of missionaries to England this season, the most of whom expect to started on the 20th inst. Bro. Carrington is released to return home and Joseph F. Smith will take his place after the adjournment of the Legislature.
Business has been rather dull here for some time past, although our improvements continue. By the end of this month or early in the next we expect to have the Southern railroad running to Provo. The Northern road is rapidly approaching Franklin, and they are connecting that road direct to Ogden. Our Street railroad is nearly completed to the Bath House, and is running to the east bench on 1st. South St. The Temple is progressing finely; as we are now getting rock from the quarry, the entire distance, by rail, and a large force is engaged quarrying, cutting and setting the rock. The Theatre has been nicely refitted since you left, and looks very much improved. Bros. Clawson, Caine & Williams are managing it.
On the 11th inst. I started to attend two days meeting at Provo. with Bro. George A. and some of the twelve, and we remained over to dedicate the new County Court House there on the 14th inst. During our visit I contracted rather a severe cold, which brought on a chill followed by fever from which I have been confined to my room for several days. I feel thankful to say I am recovering however, and hope to be around again soon. If all is well I hope to be able to start south soon, and I have always found my health improved in Southern Utah during the winter.
Remember I do not wish you to lack or clothing or any other necessary. If there is anything you need, consult with Bro. Mitchell, and he will either arrange it, or you can draw on me for such things as you shall require.
The health of the family is generally good. The brethren will give you general local news.
I am happy to be able to say my health is so far restored that I am able to be around again much as usual, although the weather at present is rather cold and unfavorable for our door business and travel.
Let us hear from you frequently, and bear in mind that we are watching your course and are deeply interested in your success, for you are now laying a foundation that will determine in a great measure your after career.
May peace be with you, and the spirit and power of your mission continually abide with you is the prayer of
Your Affectionate Father.
Brigham Young
P. S.
Remember me kindly to Bro. Mitchell and family. and Sister Randall and all the brethren on the mission.
Enclosed you will find Twenty five dollars which I send to relieve you of any immediate want.
B. Y.