Letter from George Quayle Cannon, 1 July 1887
President Wilford Woodruff,
Dear Brother Wilford:
It becomes my painful duty to advise you con-
cerning President Taylor's health. For in a number of weeks past his health has
been very deviously impaired, and he has steadily declined in vigor, though he,
himself, has constantly asserted that he would recover. He has been full of hope
and determination to resiset disease and to live, and has talked constantly in the
most hopeful manner about himself, and he does so yet. These expressions of his
have filled me with hope also. I have seen how he has been affected, yet, I still
have thought that the Lord would roll back the power of the Destroyering and would
heal him and make him sound again. But I am now forced to the conclusion that his
condition is dangerous, and that unless there is a change for the better very soon
he cannot last for any great length of time. He may hold out for weeks, or perhaps
months; but his loss of appetite and the weakness consequent thereupon alarm me.
I regret exceedingly to have to communicate such tidings to you, especially in
the present critical condition of our affairs; but I feel it is my duty to sdo so. Of
course, it willnot be wise to talk about this outside for the present. I am endeavor-
ing to keep the knowledge of it from the people, because it might have an unfavorable
effect on our affairs. I have talked with the Twelve who are here about his condition,
and they agree with me that it should not be talked about publicly. It has been my
desire and faith that he would live to emerge from this persecution a free man and
enjoy the liberty which is his right among the Saints.
If anything should happen, I should immediately telegraph you in some way, that
you might know. And I would like to know what your wishes would be concerning a
meeting; for if such an event occur, we should be together, and whether we should go
to you, or you come here is a questsion I would like you to decide. I understand from
Bro. W. B. Dougall, Superintendent of the Telegraph line, that Prest. J. D. I.
MecAllister has a cipher, and that I can send any message to you through him, and
that you can send any message to me in the same way. With this understanding, then,
I need say no more at present, but shall make use of this means if a necessity arises
therefore.
With love to yoyu, and praying the Lord to preserve you from the hands of all
your enemies, and continue unto you health and vigor.
I remain your Brother,
Gor Q. Cannon
