Great Salt Lake City, Feby 1st 1855.
Dear Brother Erastus,
The eastern mails due on the 1st of Jany & Feby are yet unheard from, and of course, I have no late news of your welfare, and movements, but trust that all matters are moving on harmoniously.
We have had less snow in the mountains this winter, than in any previous one, and none to materially hinder traveling, hence we are led to conclude that there may be some truth in the Report that the Indians are blockading the roads. On account of the uncertainty attending the Eastern Mail, I sent my mail matter of the 1st ultimo, and I shall send that of the present inst by way of Panama.
Bro Parley is making quite a stir in California, as you have doubtless heard, and expect to start for Utah with a large company of saints on the 1st of May. Bro Rich is spending the winter with his family in this city.
The Assembly, at their last session, re-districted the Territory and made Carson County the Third Judicial District, and elected Bro Orson Hyde the Probate Judge. George P. Stiles has been assigned to the Third District. After diligently, and profitably occupying the allotted 40 days, the Assembly adjourned on the 19th inst, having passed a general fortification act, an Act legalizing Transfers of property by gift, a resolution to convene the next Assembly at Fillmore &c &c.
Col. Steptoe is expending the $25,000 appropriated by Congress for making a Military road from this city to the Territorial line on the route to San Diego; and the Civil and Military Officers sent here by the U. S. deport themselves very civily and gentlemanly.
The Sugar Works on Big Canon creek went into operation to day; the machinery works beautifuly, and will soon use up all the Beets on hand. We do not intend to make much sugar out of the present crop, simply enough to convince the people that it can be done, in order to encourage the raising of beets to a greater extent another season. The building, fitting up the machinery, &c, has cost about $60,000, & the whole affair reflects much credit to the industry, skill, and perseverance of Bro. Truman O. Angell, the architect, Bro. F. Kesler. Bishop A. O. Smoot, the Superintendent, and upon all who worked under their direction, and is an honor to our newly settled Territory.
The weather is, and has been for the past few weeks, unusually pleasant, and out door labor is being prosecuted very advantageously, especially upon the Temple foundation which is rapidly progressing.
You are aware, that you are at liberty to draw upon our Delegate, The Hon. John M. Bernhisel, for the funds necessary to enable you to fill my orders, and from the amount now due at the Department, I presume there will be no difficulty in honoring your drafts.
The Duplicate, or Triplicate bill for cards, is again enclosed for fear of accidents, and I wish you to be very careful to get good ones, have them well, and securely put up [in?] light tin cases, and forwarded by the earliest opportunity in the Spring.
I take it for granted, that you have attended to having the Steam Engine for my boat in readiness for transportation early in the spring, if not, I wish you to use all diligence to have it ready at an early date. You are at liberty to use your discretion in forwarding the Engine, and Cards, &c. either by a freight train, or buy teams, wagons, &c, & hire trusty & careful teamsters, and let them accompany some train which starts out early. In case you conclude to freight, I would suggest to you, that you either call upon, or write to a Mr Gilbert at Weston, as he is well acquainted with the business freighted to this place last season, and I am told is a good & responsible person.
The Indians remain quiet & friendly, and the brethren continue to enjoy the rich blessings of heaven, and will, so long as they walk in obedience to the commandments of the Lord.
The performances of the ''Deseret Dramatic Association'' and numerous large, and pleasant parties have tended to amuse, and enliven the hours of relaxation, while at the sametime there is an unusual degree of spirit manifested, in seeking, and imparting valuable, and varied knowledge.
I have been patiently waiting for the Copies of "The Luminary," as I wish to become acquainted with the quality, and power of its light.
The general health of the people is good, and your family is well; but presuming that they write to you regularly, & give you the details of News. I will close by
Subscribing myself as ever,
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young
To Elder Erastus Snow St Louis, Mo.
Bill of Cards
by
38 Sheets 5/24 inches No 32.
7 do " Doffer " 32.
272 feet 1(1/2) Inch fillitting " 32.
120 " " " " 28.
8(1/2) " " Fancy " 32.
for B. Young's Carding Machine
Great Salt Lake City Feby 2nd 1855.