Historian's office. G. S. L. City .
Elder Erastus Snow
Dear Sir,
The Eastern mail arrived on the 24th. Ulto.
bringing the last Oct. & Nov. mails; containing 28 Brass locksacks:
it brought many letters to Prest. Young; and 17 to myself. Among
others, I received letters from Elders Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, E. T. Benson,
J. M. Bernhisel, and one from yourself, bearing date Sep. 25 1856.
The Mail was accompanied by Elder J. L. Heywood, they had to
winter at Devil's gate: the company suffered much from the want
of food. There were about 20 of our brethren there, and they all
lived about one month on ox hides: they left their winter Quar-
ters as soon as they possibly could get through in consequence of
the snow, and it was with great difficulty they got through
when they did. We have not heard any word from the
winter mails, but have learned that the snow was very deep
both East and West of Laramie. We have had more snow
in the mountains and vallies throughout the Territory than we
have ever known before since we came here. The snow is now
off from the vallies, but the mountains are deeply clad. We
have lost but little stock during the past winter in comparison
to the loss we sustained the previous Winter.
We have had much later news from you and the
brethren East via the California mail.
As fas as news is concerned with us in Utah I will
say we are having universal health, peace and plenty throughout
the Territory so far as I know.
Spring has broken upon us warm and mild, every
kind of fruit tree that has suffificiently matured is loaded with
fruit buds, many ready to burst into blooms. I think we will
have a very fruitful season for fruit, grains and vegetables the
ground is well soaked with water from the recent deep snows.
The big cotton wood canal is nearly finished and will
soon be ready to receive the water for irrigation, and loading the
Granite for the Temple: there are now many stone-cutters at
work around the Temple and we expect their numbers will be
greatly increased after conference; it is pleasing music to hear
the sound of the hammer and chisel again.
The past has been a very interesting winter with us
in Utah. The Presidency, Twelve and many others have been
very busy during the winter holding meetings with the people,
the spirit and power of God has been with us. I have attended
meetings with the Heads or in the Quorums every night through
the week, bro. F. D. Richards has been with me most of the Winter,
L. Snow and O. Hyde part of the time.
We expect A. Lyman and C. C. Rich about the first of
May. I expect they will take a European mission.
The Presidency and most of the Twelve here and many
others are expecting to take a trip North as far as Salmon river.
Brother Erastus, I want to say to you that Brothers Frank-
lin, Lorenzo and myself have often met together and at times
Brother Hyde with us we have often spoke of you & felt,
much to sympathise with you, and felt to sustain you with
our faith and prayers for we do realize that you have had
a great care and labor upon you. I expect Prest. Young will
liberate you this Spring, and send H. S. Eldridge to succeed you
and let you rest from your labors awhile, so I want you
to keep up good courage, do what you can and dont worry about
the rest. I feel as though the Lord will sustain you, and bring you
home in peace.
In answer to your inquiry about the proportionments of the
Deseret alphabet Fonts; I would say I had that portion of your letter
read to Prest. Young, and he said your letter of instructions expressed
the desired information, which he would have re-copied and sent you
again by this mail. He wishes you to get a few made, not as full
font, but some of each kind and have them tried, and see if they
will work, then to bring on the ma[illegible]s and pictures so that we
can make those here as we have a good deal of old type, [but] as
you will have a bill of instructions again from him upon the subject
I need not enlarge further. I hope you will be successful in this matter.
The Presidency are very singly busy in the Endowment house.
Enclosed you will find a letter to Geo A. Smith which
if he is with you, or in, the States please forward to him: Your
family and all the families of the Twelve are well. I have been
so busy during the winter in attending meetings and the labors of
my office that I have hardly had any time to visit any body, hardly
my own familys. I feel to pray with all my heart that the Lord
will bless and sustain you, in your work and missions, and that you
may have grace equal to your duty and return again in peace, to
your family and friends during the Summer.
As ever, I remain
Yours truly
W. Woodruff