Letter to Joseph Fielding Smith, 15 February 1889 [LE-9077]

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.
OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS,

GIBSON MILLER & RICHARDSON, OMAHA.

P. O. BOX B.

Salt Lake U. T. Feb 15^th 1889

Elder J. Mack.
Dear Brother:

Your letters of the 7^th and 9^th inst. have
been received, also the one signed by yourself
Bro^s Penrose and Caine which I have looked
over carefully and with interest.

We will take into consideration the names of
Officers for the Territory, but when I look through
the forest I see that every stick of timber is
crooked, knotty and hollow in the butt; yet
we will do the best we can.

Private: Now concerning your going
to England I will say I think that will keep
you away until after the April Conference, and
I also want to say to you that I know it is our duty

to organize the First Presidency, and I want
as full a quorum present as I can get. I am now
obliged to officiate every day as President or let the
work go undone. I have a good deal of work to be
laid before the Twelve and I cannot get a majority
until Brother Addy gets free. I would rather
you were with us in Council before the
next conference and after that is over
we can consider the adviseability of your
going to England or elsewhere as shall be
deemed for the best.

It does not now appear as though the
present Grand Jury are going to do much
with the families of Bro. Addy, Mack or Hoven,
the witnesses, however, are out of the way. Mr.
M^cCormick who is the foreman is not inclined
to fool away much time and we hear they are
about ready to quit. I think you will be as safe
here as you have been. The brethren are
all well.

With love I remain your Brother,
W Woodruff

[sideways text] Pres. Woodruff & L. J. N.
Rec'd Feb. 22, 1889.
No answer required. [end of sideways text]

J. Mack Esq
1005 G. St. N W
Washington D C