Historian's office
G. S. L. City
Editor of Star.
Dear Brother,
In consequence of the annulment of our [Past]
arrangements by the U. S. government, we are obliged to write by
such opportunities as may present themselves for communicating with
our friends. Dr. J. M. Bernhisel our delegate & Captain Stewart
Van Fliet assistant Quartermaster of the U. S. army for Utah, start
on Monday for Washington by whom I forward this.
You have no doubt heard of our celebration of the 4th.
July by a grand military review, and of the 24th July party
at big cotton wood kanyon. While at the head waters of big cotton
wood Elders A. O. Smoot, O. P. Rockwell and Judson Stoddard arrived
from the States, bringing the news that Gen. Harney and an army
of 2500 men were fitting out for Utah.
Many companies of emigrants from, and to California
have passed through our city this season. The Indians north have
robbed and killed many of the Emigrants, in consequence of the
cruelty of one company from California, who it is reported shot
every Indian they could see on the route, this party were journey-
ing from California to the States.
Augt. 12th S. W. Richards & G. J. Snyder started as an ex-
press taking letters to the States.
14th, Bro. William Cooke arrived from his mission to
Australia, also bro. Jennings with a company of brethren from Carson valley
15th Bro. J. W. Cummings & R. T. Burton with a
company of brethren started out to help in the emigration, and
report proceedings Eastward
We have reaped the largest crops this season ever
known in these vallies. The Tithing office begins to receive new
tithing having 11,000 bushels of last year's wheat on hand. Peaches
are becoming very plentiful. And Doctor Willard Richards family yesterday
carried in 100 apples as their Tithing apples. The currants were
a mammoth crop this season. Brother Hemanway brought me a
specimen which were larger than cherries, and of a very fine flavour.
We have much cause to be grateful to our Heavenly Father
for his abundant goodness to us as a people this season, the
elements have conspired just to favor us. We have had several excellent
showers this summer; and hay lots, on which 2 & 3 tons of hay
were cut last season, have produced this season 10 & 12 tons.
September 4th. Thomas B. Marsh, with a part of bro. Walkers
immigrating coy. arrived.
6th. Thomas B. Marsh, formerly President of the Quorum
of the Twelve, but who has been away from the church nearly
20 Years, was on the stand today, made his confession and
by vote of the Church was received for baptism.
8th. Captain Van Vliet and br. Stringham arrived. The
capt is sent on by Gen. Harneys to buy forage & subsistence
& prepare quarters for the army.
11th. Brother Israel Evans hand cart coy. arrived at
2 p.m. in very good condition 154 souls 31 carts. Evening,
Elder James a Little arrived.
12 Jesse B. Martin's wagon coy. arrived.
W. Woodruff