and houses as well as fixtures were demolished. "American citizen" also claimed that he had a right to the soil over which the Stars and Stripes of his country waved, and invariably chose those portions which the "old settlers" had located upon. "Old settlers" not inclined to leave their finely improved homes, conclude it easier to take down houses built in a day, than their long established homes, that required years to make. So down came the temporary shanties as fast. as they went up, and in some instances frequent communications of interest. I note your request to write you from this point, which I shall endeavor to do, as matters of interest may transpire worthy of communicating. I am aware, as well as yourself, that almost everything at this particular locality has a certain degree of interest attached to it, and more abroad than at home. For some particular reason, the Lord's people are a peculiar people, and those peculiarities tend to make them so dissimilar to every other people, that they frequently become objects of wonder and astonishment to those who do not_comprehend them. Well, this is, I suppose, as it should be, and helps to keep up a prominent distinction between this people and the world; and we can say as one said long since, Our ways are not as your ways, nor our thoughts as your thoughts. We never expect to become like other people, we have no right to. There always has been, and always will be a great difference between truth and error, good and evil, light and darkness. The truth, good and light, will ever characterize this people from all others, and professing them, they are destined to prevail and triumph over all, by the might and majesty of right. Since your departure from this city in August last, there has been a great change in the public feeling, or rather sentiments of strangers sojourning among us. The city authorities seem to labor under the impression that they belong to the "old settlers," and while they stay at home, new comers must abide the rules and regulations they may adopt. Some of our new comers fancied they were "some" in the shape of "American citizens," and were determined to have their way, rather than have the toes of their dig. nity trod upon by any rule emanating from "Mormon rebels." The "city fathers said, you shan't keep gambling houses; the "American citizens" said, we live in a free country, it is our profession, and we will follow it. They tried it on, and as fast as they were caught at it, they were blotted out, or more genteely phrased, "cleaned out,” One said, you shan't sell spirituous liquors without a license, and the other said, we will try it on. They did so, "old American citizen" takes fright, and actually jumps into the river, together with other desperate measures; but "old settlers" do not allow suicide to be placed to their account, and "citizen" is rescued. "Citizen," fearing his hut standing over night would not be construed into a permanent claim, by which desirable homesteads could be held, applies to "citizen" (Gentile) Court, to have "old settlers" ousted, claiming there was no such thing in law as Great Salt Lake City, and consequently, there was no defence in law: but "citizen" Court evidently feared that "defendant" existed in fact and force, if not in law, and that law had better determine the right of claimants, which left "citizen" at issue with "defendant." His position was considered by other " "citizens," a favorable one to make capital out of against settler," so they determine claimant "citizen" shall be murdered, under the most outrageous circumstances, and "old settler" shall be accused of the crime, as the only possible enemy "citizen" had to father the foul deed, and the indignation of every "citizen" in the country would cause them to decree the desolation of all the homes of "old settlers," and thereby remove every obstacle to the free and full enjoyment of "Mormon" homes and wives. After an investigation of several weeks, large rewards offered, and every possible measure resorted to to make it stick to "defendant," or "Mormon" "old settlers," a complete failure was the result, and the grand fizzle was at last so disgusting, even to 'American citizens" figuring in the hellish plot, that they have concluded "old settlers" hard to oust," " and "Mormon" homes and wives too dear 66 CORRESPONDENCE. for them to purchase, when the shedding of blood would not avail. The result is, old settler has his own way, almost flatters himself that he is an American citizen in fact, with the right to make laws, and tell those who live under them, that they must observe them. The minutia of all that has transpired during the course of events referred to, I have not time or room to detail; suffice it to say, the wrath of men has been made to praise God, and to exalt his people; fear has come upon many, and they have fled; many others remain, but they "bow the knee," and "confess," figuratively speaking, and our peace is undisturbed; it is a glorious peace. Thank God. 77 to St. George, with a diversion from the main line to San Pete. The advantages that will be derived from this important enterprise, in the future development of this Territory, and in promoting and protecting its interests, are incalculable. In case of Indian difficulties, such as we have had this season, and in transmitting counse and instruction to the Saints from the "head centre," will be found its adaptability to our present and constantgrowing wants. Preparations are now being made for convening the Legislature next week, in this city. What may be the principal items for their consideration in that capacity, I am unable to state. The board of Regents of the Deseret University, have been called together by the Chancellor, to consider the propriety of adopting, and immediately introducing to general use in this community, Pitman's system of spelling, reading, and writing. This is considered a very great improvement upon the old style, and might materially aid in the future development of what was originally designed in introducing the "Deseret alphabet." Only one meeting has been held, at which no definite action was taken, but the subject was discussed in view of action at another meeting soon to be held. President Young, who has ever manifested a very lively interest in this subject, was not able to be present on account of illness, but his views will no doubt come before the Board. The city has spent about $25,000 -on North Temple-street, digging and paving a culvert some 5 feet deep by 14 feet wide, in which to conduct the surplus water of City Creek through the city, so as to prevent further damage to citizens in that neighborhood. It has also improved around the market house, by grading, &c., involving an outlay of several thousand dollars. There is at present under consideration, the subject of building another market, the increasing wants of the people demanding something in that direction. The bell and clock for the City Hall have safely arrived, and in a few days we shall hear the time of day and night all over the city, as well as see the figures denoting the same, upon four large glass dials facing the four prominent points of compass. There are at present four bars, and one retail liquor establishment in this city. Not many cities have so few, or so well managed; they close at 10 o'clock p.m. The eity is also constructing a large pond, on what is known as Emigration Square, for the purpose of furnishing the public with a suitable place for skating this winter. It will cover several acres of ground. The theatre is open three evenings per week, and is well attended. Our five days' exercise was certainOne prominent feature of Territorially very profitable, as well as particuinterest just now, is the opening of larly pleasing. While upon the ground, the Deseret State Telegraph Line to I took up the subject of uniforming Ogden, its completion to Logan, Cache the band of my regiment, and procounty, and its rapid extension south mised them something should be done The military affairs of this Territory are satisfactorily prosperous. The late muster and drill at Camp Wasatch, on the west bank of the Jordan, was the real feat of the season. The location was very favorable for both camp and visitor, much more so than that of last year. Colonel Smith was assigned to the command of the 2nd brigade on that occasion. I am sure you would have been extremely gratified to have seen and heard the manifestations of respect for the absent Brigadier. to aid them in the matter, as they had obtained new instruments at their own expenses. Since then the City Council have appropriated three bundred dollars for their benefit, and one of the rooms in the City Hall to the Lieutenant-General, for an AdjutantGeneral's office, in view of having something that will meet the wants of the entire militia of the Territory, and give character and importance to that department of the service. Sev A grand military ball was held last Wednesday evening at the Social Hall, at which most of the officers of this district were present, and some from abroad. The Presidency and other invited guests were present. It was certainly a very rare occasion. eral of the principal officers there desired a remembrance to you. As my communication is already assuming what might be considered a tedious length, you will excuse details, which may reach you through other chan nels of more public information. The large buildings in progress when you left, have mostly been completed, at least externally, and make very fine appearances. I have, since then, put up an addition to my premises of a three story building, 15 by 28 feet, which will be completed in about a week from now, and add much to our convenience: and also built a rock stable to my barn. There are many strangers in our midst in view of spending the winter, and many without means of support, or wherewith to pay for a comfortable living. You are aware that it is difficult to find employment here at this season of the year, from the severity of the climate. We are this fall having an unusual amount of rain, the earth is full, and the roads generally almost impassable. No one travels that can avoid it, not even to bring in coal from Weber, which many need to do. That road has never been so bad since the settlement of the Territory. Teams double to come down the summit through the mud, and the new toll road through Parley's Park, they say, has no bottom. Mills in the valley, of course, have plenty of water to do business. During the last two months, I have bad an unusual amount of sickness in my family; from one to four sick all the time, requiring careful attention. At present all are convalescent, and hope soon to realise full restoration. The season is so wet, as to be no doubt unfavorable to health in a great degree. Please afford me a very kind remembrance to all inquiring Saints among whom you travel, and especially the Elders of my acquaintance. I ever pray for the welfare of Israel everywhere, and among them, yourself, and the faithful Elders laboring with you, will be remembered. God bless you and them. As ever, your brother, S. W. RICHards. Copenhagen, Jan 15, 1857. Dear brother Pratt,-You are, I presume, already informed of our short but sufficiently interesting passage, n its way, across the German Sea, and our meeting with our brethren, Weiler and Brown, in Holland. After two days with them, I left Amsterdam at 2.35 p.m., on Thursday, and passing through Hanover, arrived at Hamburg about 8 o'clock next morning, where I found our brother Carl Widerborg waiting for me at the "Hotel de l'Europe." After a little rest and refreshment, we proceeded via Altona to Kiel, by Eisenbohn, thence by die Dampfschiffe to Korsör, where we took the rail again, and arrived at this place at 10 a.m. of Saturday. I should have written you immediately, but the irregularities of night rides by train, and the short ride over night by boat, so unsettled me, that I did not feel like it. On the ship from Kiel to Kersör, both brother Widerborg and myself dreamed of being at home, and visiting with our families in Utah. I was satisfied, at once, that good news awaited us. On our arrival at 14, Lorentzgade, both of us found letters from home. I bad one from Franklin: he had been his round of diptheria, and was again on foot, and had attended the military ball; another from my Adjutant, T. G. Webber, and contained a card of invitation to attend the same ball, with pleasant remembrances from the committee, &c. ; the third, a lengthy letter from my bro SUMMARY OF NEWS. ther Samuel, giving general news. The event of the season, "meteoric showers," which was expected soon after my arrival, occured last evening, and was witnessed by a proper number of very interested observers of such celestial phenomena. Since, or rather while, writing the foregoing, there are handed in two letters from my family, and a telegraph of Dec. 13th. All good news; health of the sick and feeble improving. Since I am here, although it is a cold time of year, and in fact cold it is, I have consented to accompany brother Widerborg to fill a series of appointments, through the various Conferences, in which the road may be found traversable. I enjoyed myself much last Sunday, speaking to the Saints in this city, in a 79 hall in which brother Erastus Snow used often, in his earliest labors here, to plead with the people for their obedience to the principles of life and salvation. A partition was thrown open, and two rooms were well filled. I did not think it possible, that I could realise so much liberty and richness of spirit, in preaching to a people of, and in another tongue. We really had a happy day in the joys of the Gospel. Brother Widerborg interpreted. Although I did your errand to brother Widerborg, he still hopes you may fiud spare time to visit him here in the spring. I know he would be exceedingly pleased to see you. He is unceasing in his attentions to my comfort. Yours affectionately, FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS. A terrible hurricane swept over Naples about the middle of January: 31 vessels and many lives were lost. The number of shipwrecks on the coast of Great Britain, during the first three weeks of the present year, amounts to 312. A prolonged shock of an earthquake was experienced at San Salvador, on the 25th ult. It is stated in La Patrie, that "the microscope reveals to us the existence of a small black spot of the diameter of a pin's head in the potato. In this small space can be detected some 200 ferocious animals of a coleoptric form, which bite and tear each other with continued fury. It is easy to comprehend the potato disease, when such an intestine warfare is raging." RAVAGES OF YELLOW FEVER.-The West India and Pacific royal mail steamship, La Plata, which arrived at Southampton on Thursday the 17th ult., had 61 cases of yellow fever, of which 23 terminated fatally. Loss OF THREE HUNDRED LIVES.-Particulars of a most appalling disaster on the Mississippi river, were brought by the late American mails. The steamer Fashion was burnt, and of 400 persons on board, more than 300 lives were lost, the safety of 80 of the passengers only having thus far been accounted for. AMERICA.-New York, Jan. 9th.-Representative Ashley, of Ohio, has offered a resolution impeaching President Johnson under charges of gross abuse of his veto and of his appointing and pardoning powers; of a corrupt disposition of the public property; and of interfering with elections. The resolution authorised the judiciary committee to investigate the conduct of the President, and to report what grounds there are for his impeachment. The House of Representatives adopted the resolution by 107 to 38 votes. The President has vetoed the Columbia District Impartial Suffrage Bill, which both houses subsequently passed over his veto. It is reported that Thaddeus Stevens is preparing a bill declaring martial law throughout the South. The Canadian authorities have refused the demand of Secretary Seward for the papers relative to the Fenian trials. WANTED. Of vol. 28; 20 copies, No. 14; 15 copies, No. 12; 5 copies, No. 21. DIED: TAYLOR.-Dec. 13th, 1866 at Lehi, Utah Territory, Elder Samuel Taylor, aged 77 years, KIRBY. NOV. 27th, 1866, at Hyde Park, Cash Valley, Utah Territory, Annie Stokes, daughter of Thomas W. and Ann Kirby, aged 5 months and 8 days. WELLBOURN.-Oct. 26th, 1866. at Ponton, Lincolnshire, Joseph, son of George and Mary Wellbourn, aged 19 years and 10 months. -DESERET NEWS, please copy. LRWIS. NOV. 24th, 1866, at Newport, Monmouthshire, Albert Thomas, son of Thomas and Mary Ann Lewis, of a scald, aged 1 year, 4 months and 10 days. WRIGHT.-Dec. 17th, 1866, at Rochdale, Hannah, daughter, of Thomas and Sarah Wright, of consumption, aged 13 years, 2 months and 25 days.-DESERET NEWS, please copy. EAST. NOV. 14th, 1866, at Sow, Warwickshire, Phebe, wife of Henry East, of consumption, aged 38 years. TWIGGS.-January 12th, 1867, at Sutton, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Elder George Twiggs, of dropsy, aged 56, years.-DESERET NEWS, please copy. JOHNSON.-Nov. 12th, 1866, at Radcliff, Elder Thomas Johnson, of debility, aged 60 years.-DESERET NEWS, please copy. PRICE.-Dec. 24th, 1866, at Rhymney, Monmouthshire, Rees Price, of consumption, aged 77 years.— DESERET NEWs, please copy. POETRY. PITY THE POOR. Pity the poor in weather like this! To screen their forms from the cold night air; Think of the grief of the mother wild As she bends o'er the form of her starving child, O ye that have homes, and fires, and food, Has wealth no duty but selfish care? Oh, would ye be blessed, spread blessings around; Oh, would ye be rich, let kindness abound. EDITED, PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY BRIGHAM YOUNG, JUN., 42, ISLINGTON. LONDON: FOR SALE AT THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS' BOOK DEPOT, 30, FLORENCE STREET, ISLINGTON, AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. |