Historian's Office, G. S. L. City
.
Elder O. Pratt
Dear Brother,
As the mail will soon leave, I
improve a few moments to keep you advised of matters with
us. It is a general time of health and peace throughout
our Territory: all things are going right and prospering.
One of the most interesting scenes that was ever witnessed
in our Territory was the arrival of two of the Hand Cart
Companies, on the 26th inst. Having heard the night
previous that they were camped between the two mountains,
Presidents Young and Kimball, and many citizens, with
a detachment of the Lancers, and the Brass Bands,
went out to meet them and escort them into the city. They
met the companies at the foot of the Little Mountain.
Elder E. Ellsworth led the First Company, and Elder Daniel
D. McArthur, the Second; and after the meeting and
salutations were over, amid feelings which no one can
describe, the escort was formed, a party of Lancers leading
the advance, followed by the Bands, the Presidency, the
Marshal, and Citizens; then came the companies of Hand
Carts, another party of Lancers bringing up the rear.
Bishop Hunter, Capt. L. W. Hardy and myself fell in
with the escort as they entered the city, and I must
say my feelings were inexpressible: to behold a company-
of men, women and children, many of them aged and
infirm, enter the city of the Great Salt Lake, drawing 100
hand carts, (led by Bro Ellsworth, who assisted in drawing the
first hand cart,) with which they had travelled some 1400 miles
in 9 weeks, and to see them dance with joy as they travelled
through the Streets, complaining of nothing, only that they had
been detained by the ox teams that carried some of their provisions,
as they had to wait for them several hours each day, the oxen not
being able to keep up with them: they say if it had not been for
these teams they would have been in ten days sooner. This
sight filled our hearts with joy, and thanksgiving to God: Yes
our hearts swelled until we were speechless with joy, and not with
sorrow. As I gazed upon the scene, meditating upon the future
result, it looked to me like the first hoisting of the flood gates of
deliverance to the oppressed millions; we can now say to the
poor, and honest in heart, Come home to Zion; for the way is
prepared. As the companies entered the city, and passed on
to the public square, the Streets were thronged with thousands
of people gazing upon the scene, which looked more like the
dream of a night vision than a reality. They pitched their
tents upon the Public Square. President Young called
upon the Bishops and people to carry them food while
they remained there; in a short time we could see loads of
provisions going to their encampment. There has never been
a company enter these vallies that has had the honor and
respect paid to them that the Hand cart companies have;
and Elders Ellsworth and McArthur have gained honor and
glory In leading these brave companies: they have walked all
the way, and assisted in drawing the hand carts to Zion, and
they have healed the sick, and strengthened the weak, by
night and by day, and when those worthy elders entered the
City, they remained at the head of their companies covered
with dust, drawing a hand cart like the rest of their bretheren.
Elder Ellsworth, while passing his own house, and seeing his
wives and children standing in the door did not stop to speak
to them, but only saluted them while passing, and remained
with his company until they were encamped and fed.
There were but seven deaths in Elder Ellsworth's company,
and less in McArthur's, during the whole journey, although
many were aged, and feeble; women and children have
drawn hand carts all the way. No oxen that could be
put upon the road could keep up with them.
President Young has been sanguine from the beginning,
that it was a safe and practical enterprize, and it has now
been proven to be so; and I feel that we can say to the saints
in all the world, Let your hearts be comforted, have faith
and trust in God, call upon him in mighty prayer, be
faithful, and follow the counsel of the servants of God, and
lay up all that you can to help you over the sea, and your
deliverance is nigh, even at the door.
The Presidency of the Church have commenced a
great reformation among this people in the vallies of the
mountains. I have never heard as strong sermons del-
ivered to the people, as have been preached unto them of
late. The Presidency are weighing the people in the balance
and are calling upon them to repent and be baptized for the
remission of their sins.
President Grant has gone into the North counties,
and is preaching and baptizing whole wards, and building
up Churches. I presume the same course will be pursued
in the wards in this city. The people begin to feel more
than ever that they are dealing with the spirit and power of
God, and the Holy Priesthood. Yes the Latter Day Saints
begin to feel that they are dealing with a spirit that can
reach the hearts, know the thoughts and intents thereof, and
try the souls of men. The people are called to sanctify
themselves before the Lord, that we may be prepared for the
work of our God.
Elder P. P. Pratt, in company with the Eastern Missionaries
Started on the 10th inst.
We are making great preparations for our Home Manufacturing
and Agricultural State fair, which is to be held in the Deseret Store.
The awarding committees occupy it tomorrow to award premiums,
after which it will be open to the public. It would do your soul good
to walk through the building and see the products of Utah which
are there gathered together; it is certainly far beyond my expectation.
A full account will be published oin the Deseret News.
The California Mail arrived to day: I received a letter from
Elder C. C. Rich, of San Bernardino—all well in that place.
We are having a favorable fall for all kinds of labor, except
it is dry—we need rain.
Oure early frosts damaged late corn very much. Some are
sowing their fall wheat. Wheat is again selling from $1 to $1.50
per bushel, notwithstanding we have just passed through a famine.
Your family, and the families of all our brethren in England
are well so far as I know.
Remember me to Elder Benson and all our friends. Yours truly,
W Woodruff