LS, three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, April 28, 1859. Lengthy and informative letter to a fellow Mormon in St. Louis, with instructions on the purchase of supplies for Utah, a report on the activities of federal authorities in the colony, and news of Mormon affairs. In part: “By the first reliable and safe opportunity some $10 to 11,000 in available funds will be forwarded to br. Horace…which, with what has been and may yet be in his control, will, probably, enable him to fill the bills, or so nearly so…Bro. Horace is advised how to cut down the bills, should he find himself obliged to do so. The snow on the Big mountain, the water in Weber Cañon, and other matters still prevent my being able to advise how many teams will start from here for Florence [Florence, Nebraska, the beginning point of the Mormon trail to Utah], or when they will start, or, finally, whether it will be deemed best to send any, but will inform you upon the first opportunity after this point is determined. Say to Bro. Horace, do not buy any more goods than he can purchase teams to haul, and if teams do go from here they can stay long enough to buy their loading. If he wishes to know what makes me feel well in business matters, it is to not have goods bought and shewn along the way to be damaged and lost, and to know that no debts of ours, either there or here are oppressing any one, and then we can sleep soundly and sweetly. And whether br. Horace purchases and forwards much or little, it will be all right so he keeps his spirits up to the mountain standard and does not permit his feelings to droop. Should affairs here and in the States continue as favorable as at present, and br. Horace should deem it prudent and advisable to incur a small amount of indebtedness for articles of much use or real necessity, to be forwarded as above specified, it will be right; but, if convenient, I would prefer such indebtedness to be outside of St. Louis.”
Young then discusses some developments concerning the US Army forces stationed at Camp Floyd, some 45 miles outside of Salt Lake City, and John Cradlebaugh, a federal judge in Utah who had aroused much controversy: “Notwithstanding many flying rumors, and the persistent efforts of army sutlers, camp-followers, &c to the contrary, affairs here at present are very quiet. Two companies of infantry and one of dragoons, accompanied by Judge Cradlebaugh, left Camp Floyd on the 21st inst[ant], to meet and escort Major Prince on the Santa Clara [River in southwestern Utah], who is returning from Cal[ifornia] where he has been for money to pay the troops. Whether Judge Cradlebaugh accompanied the escort to act as a committing magistrate in Iron and Washington counties, or whether, as some say, on his way to Sonora, Arizona or California, is not yet known by us. Spring is at length here, and plowing and seeding are in active operation, with excellent prospects for an abundant harvest…Praying for your welfare in every good work I remain your Brother in the Gospel." In fine to very fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature).
Letters from Young, especially long, substantive ones like this, are scarce. Interestingly, the year after this letter, the Mormons began using the 'Church Train' system to transport emigrants from Florence across the Mormon trail to Utah. Sending their own ox teams and wagons from Utah to the Midwest, they would then pick up emigrants and supplies and bring them back to Utah, making the 2200-mile round trip all in one season. Prior to this, Mormon migrants used the 'handcart' system, transporting their belongings across the West by pulling carts and wheelbarrows by themselves, as they could not afford the luxury of pack or harness animals. These were treacherous and brutal journeys, and in 1860 Mormon leadership innovated the ox-team method, allowing them to abandon the dangerous handcart experiment. Young’s mention in this letter of sending teams from Utah to Florence may have been a preliminary to the adoption of this new system. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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