President Wilford Woodruff,
Dear Brother:
Your welcome favor of the 13th has just breached
us and we ware pleased to read the fgratifying intelligence contained therein
concerning the condition of your health and your feelings. You and Bro. Snow
both would doubtless enjoy the visit which you had with each other. We learn from
Bros. Lyman and Smith that they had an interesting time with you also. These are
times when such interviews are precious and are valued probably as never before.
Since our last letter to you we have received intelligence which encourages
us with the hope that a better day may be downing upon us. You will see that the
Territorial Central Committee has issued a roll call for mass meetings to elect
delegates to form aconvention to frome a constitution for Utah. They seem to think
the occasion an opportune one and desire to take the necessary steips looking to
the accomplishment of this purpose. Our enemies, who are determined to prevent any
movement that will enlarge our influence and liberty, will, of course, be very angry
ove this and do all in their power to divide the movement and to prevent its success;
but if the Lord be in it, their efforts will be in vain. We shall be required, how-
ever, to do all in our power, if we undertake this, to accomplish the results we
desire. Their hatred against the work of God is blind and unreasoning and exhibits
the folly which Satan inspires men with in regards to the work of God. If they could
see their true interests, they would not oppose this movement; for it would be to
everyone's advantage connected with the Territory to have a State Government here,
administered as it would be by the Latter-day Saints. We have shown men of capital,
by the most abundant proofs, that in no place in capital so safe and so free from
the burdens of rtaxation, as in our Territory. Our past conduct in this respect will
have wriight with thinking men in connection with this movement for a State. We have
gained a credit and a character that cannot be brushed awasy by slanderous articles
in the newspapers.--that is, among men who are familiar with the facts. Whatever is
decided upon should be carried out with unanimousimity by our people. There should
be no dirvision of sentiment nor any disposition to pull back or to wait to see what
others will do. We want our whole strength to move together in the same direction,
without hesitatiion or reluctance, and wihth a determined purpose and a united effort.
Respecting Brother Erastus Snow's sight, we have heard, not directly, however,
that his sight is affected. We have hoped that this was only a temporary weakness
as he has always been more or less subject to weakness of the eyes. But you letter
would convey the idea that it is something more serious than a temporary soreness.
We trust that it is not so serious as to cause anxiety concerning his vision.
When the recommendation of your daughter Clara and Brother O. C. Beebe are
presented, they will be promply signed and forwarded.
Tge We reciprocate most heartily the kind wishes which you express for us ein-
dividually. We pray God to bless you continually and to preserve you from your
uenemies. With love, we remain, Your Brothren, John Taylor, Geo. Q. Cannon.