39. Brigham Young, 1801-1877

Handwritten and signed letter dated 27 February 1853 and addressed to Samuel W. Richards in Liverpool, England.

Transcription

Great Salt Lake City

27 Feby 1853.

Mr. Samuel W. Richards.

Dear Brother:

We send enclosed to you, the address of Mrs. Mollenhauer the wife of Bro Mollenhauer who is our operator in the manufacture of Sugar from the Beet. We wish you to pay her one pound per week, commencing on the first day of this present month, paying the arrearage that may have accrued, when this letter shall reach you, and then continue at that rate, until you receive instructions to the contrary.

The Machinery of the Deseret Manufacturing Company has passed into the hands of the Church, and we intend to erect the necessary buildings, and machinery for the manufacture of Sugar on Big Kanyon Creek, near the Bridge, on the Church Farm, and expect to be ready to do an extensive business this season. We have commenced excavating for the foundation of the Temple, the corner stone of which, it is expected will be laid the 6th of April next ensuing. Peace and quietness pervades all our settlements throughout he Vallies of the Mountains, which is the more appreciated by us, from the fact that, at no time previous to our location in these Vallies, was such unbroken quiet, peace and prosperity known to this people. May the Lord continue his blessings and kind mercies upon his People, and may they show by their works, that they do always remember him, and acknowledge Him in all things, giving His Name glory and honor, serving Him continually.

The winter has been severe, not so much extreme cold weather, as storms, and snow laying upon the ground, and filling up the Kanyons, as to render it extremely difficult to get wood. It throws us late into the season for enclosing land, repairing fences, as well as building, to be obliged to wait so long before we can get Poles, Timber, or Lumber from the Kanyons. The mails are also hindered, and we cannot give such instructions as we might

[2]

wish to, in relation to pecuniary affairs, if we knew precisely their situation now. This is the more to be regretted, as in order to operate this season, we ought to be able to give advices this Mail.

We have not received a line from any source outside of the Territory since October, and only about half of that mail has yet reached here; all that came, was dragged over the Mountains on par flesh, by Men on snow shoes; they left the remainder on the Weber in one of those large Boilers belonging to the Sugar Machine, which failed to make its escape last fall, but was overtaken at that point, the Men and Teams being obliged to leave their Wagons and loading, in order to get in themselves.

Thus you see, we are completely hemmed in, within these Vallies. It will most probably be as late as May before we get a particle of News, from any quarter, even if the carriers get out this time trying, which if they do, it will be accomplished by arduous, and fatigueing labor, and on foot, as far as the Weber River. At present we have no snow in the Valley, nor has it been very deep, except in particular places during the winter, the first part was much the worst, but it did not lay on any very great length of time at once, but you know how every storm in the valley, although soon over here, accumulates snow in the Mountains, and that until it becomes warm enough to melt and settle the snow day times, so that a crust may be formed upon it, by night freezing, it is impossible to traverse them.

The Legislature had their usual session of forty days, and adjourned. They have passed quite a number of Laws, which are in course of publication in the News, through which medium you will see them, as well as the general News of the Territory, as soon probably as this will be able to reach you, as a copy is regularly forwarded you. We have been agreeably entertained this winter by the performances of the Dramatic Association, who have been performing in the Social Hall, which, though not finished, yet served a very good purpose. They have now concluded for the season, and as soon as the weather will permit, the Hall will be finished. An excellent spirit seems generally to prevail among

the Saints; our meetings are well attended, and much instruction drawn out, which is felt, and appears to be appreciated by the brethren. There is a desire to pay their tithing evinced among them, and to do and perform their duties which is truly gratifying to witness, and indicates a determination to be faithful, and true to the cause of God and their own interest.

We do not of course know what are the resources of which you have control, perfectly, but you have been able to render us considerable assistance through Dr Bernhisel, and he may yet be somewhat in need although we have not drawn upon him for anything since last September, and we supposed that with what he had, and would receive from you that he would be able to meet with funds accruing up to that time. He very generously advanced a considerable amount out of his pay and mileage as a Member of Congress for our benefit.

Our greatest concern now is, in relation to the Emigration Funds; now if you have in your hands, or have it in your power to throw into the hands of Bro Horace L. Eldredge in St Louis the funds to the amount of four or five thousand dollars, by about the first of June, or if possible sooner, he might still be able to do considerable towards forwarding the emigration, and fill such Bills, as we wish, and have written to him to do. This is a forlorn hope, yet a credit might be placed to his account very soon after this should reach you, if every thing worked favorable, and might possibly reach him in time to operate this ensuing season. We feel an anxiety in not being able to bring the poor saints through the entire route while upon the move instead of disbanding at St Louis or even Kanesville, we should much prefer to see them located at once in these vallies, than to have them stop upon the way, we are however, obliged to be controlled by the attending circumstances; therefore, do the best you can, if you get this in time to do anything. We presume that many of the Elders will be, and indeed are now coming home, who were relieved by last fall's appointments. It probably causes a momentary reflection, and desire of similar blessing and privilege, when those with whom we have been associated in business, or missions, or otherwise, depart to revisit those whom fond memory cherishes, hastening with winged speed to rejoin the pleasures and endearments of home. It is right to possess this feeling, it is right to treasure in our hearts the fond affection of family and friends, indeed the heart would be desolate without it. Still when absent upon our Master's business everything else should become subservient thereto, and whether present or absent, no selfish consideration should be permitted to arise or interpose the least barrier in the accomplishment of our duties.

Under our present situation, long missions are necessary to result in any benefit from two to five years seems as little as any one can be, to become of much service, to go and come without seeming remaining to perform service is folly, and the distance from our location to any place of sending missions, precludes a less time as a general rule.

I find that I am unnecessarily expending this letter, and encroaching upon time, allotted to other purposes, than simply scribbling, therefore close by assuring you that you possess our best feelings, have an interest in our prayers, and warmest wishes, and also that we shall expect to see you with the Emigration succeeding the present year. I pray God my Heavenly Father so to guide and direct you, that you may return with the happy consciousness of having discharged every duty incumbent upon you, and abundantly sustain you by the influence of His Spirit in all things for the accomplishment of His purposes, and the advancement, and building up of his Kingdom upon the earth. Even So, in the name of our Lord Jesus Amen.

Brigham Young