G. S. L. City
Editor of the Mormon
Dear Sir,
We have not received any Eastern mail for the last 3 months
Mr. Gerrish arrived from the Plains on the 19th. ulto, reports a mail
somewhere on the way. We have received the California Mail regularly up to
this time, by which we occasionally hear something from the lower world.
The Jan. mail for the East was sent out, but only got to the top
of the little mountain, before it was stopped by the vast quantity of snow,
and one carrier froze to death, the remainder returned. We are passing thro'
the most severe winter so far as snow is concerned that we have ever ex-
perienced in the vallies, the mountains are full, and over 8 feet has
fallen in this city acording to Judge Phelps' report, it has been for a
month between 2 & 3 feet deep in our streets, and about 3 feet on the islands
& more North. all the stock have been brought from the Island, and
some from the North, and were fed in the city, some driven South, and
some to Rush valley, notwithstanding the great amount of snow there has
been but few of the stock lost in comparison to the loss last winter. The
abundance of Snow in the mountains will be of great benefit for irri-
gation the coming season, the Earth needs it as it has been very dry fo[r]
two years. The wheat which was sown in the dry dust last Fall
has sprouted under the snow, and grown several inches, we have had a
constant thaw for about one week past, which causes the water to gradually
soak into the soil. The inabitants of this city have again commenced labor
upon the cotton wood canal, to bring that stream to this city, and they
expect to finish it by the opening of Spring, the inhabitants of Davis
County have also commenced on a canal to take out a portion of the
Weber river into Davis County for irrigation, mills &c.
We would like to have some of our Eastern friends forward us a few
of the tubers of the chinese Potatoe as advertized by Wm. R. Prince & Co[mpan]y.
as we would like to make a trial of it in this Territory, we would
also wish our friends who are emigrating to this Territory to still bear
in mind, the propriety of bringing with them or forwarding as they
may have opportunity any choice fruit seeds, cuttings, roots &c. that will be
a benefit to the Territory. We would like to obtain some of Hoveys seedling
strawberries or any other good kinds Lawton's Huckberry, Calamba & Isabella Grapes,
Indigo or madder or cotton seeds, and seed from the chinese sugar cane or
Millet. Hon. J. M. Bernhisel has blessed us from time to time with seeds
and grain from the Patent office, some of which I think will prove quite a
benefit to us for which we feel to return him our thanks.
The Reformation is progressing thoughout this city and Territory with
great interest. President Young has given much valuable information and
teaching to the Quorums and people, although he has not been able to attend
the meeting at the Tabernacle since the burial of President J. M. Grant on
the 4th. Decem. Ulto. until last Sunday the 1st inst. He with his
counsellors H. C. Kimball & D. H. Wells all appeared in the stand, the Tabernacle
was crowded to overflowing as has been the case nearly all Winter and
hundreds have to leave who cannot get into the house, the appearance
of Prest. Young in the Tabernacle after an absence of two months created
a sensation throughout the vast assembly, he addressed the people for about
one hour and a half, his discourse was very interesting and edifying to the
people, he was clothed with the spirit and power of God and the hearts
of the people were open to receive his words which were quick & powerful.
He was followed by Presidents Kimball and Wells, all of the discourses will
appear in the News. President Kimball has spoken to the people for
several Sabbaths previous upon several subjects in great plainness presenting
the parable of the vineyard, the vine &c., to illustrate his ideas, his
teachings have been of much benefit to the Saints. The Twelve who
were here, have gone forward with the missionaries through every ward
in the city, teaching the Elders and the people, meeting with the various
Quorums of the church, we have attended a meeting of some kind al-
most every evening for three months. The people are rising up en masse
and trying to live their religion, by confessing and forsaking their sins,
and preparing for the waters of Baptism, the spirit and power of
God is manifest in Zion. The word of the Lord through his
servants who are clothed with the power of God and the fire of the
Holy Ghost causes the sinner to humble and fearfulness to surprize the
hypocrite, and the people universally feel like putting away sin and
iniquity of every kind. all places of worship both in the city and country
are crowded to excess. The people are beginning more to feel the importance
of living their religion, magnifying their calling and building up the
kingdom of God. Their has been four of the quorum of the Twelve in
this city during the sitting of the Legislature viz. O Hyde, L. Snow,
F. D. Richards & myself. Elder Hyde has now gone South on a
mission through the city and brother Snow is mostly confined to Box
Elder. Elder Richards & myself remain in this city at present.
we expect Elders A. Lyman & C. C. Rich will be with us this
Spring.
yours truly,
W. Woodruff
Bro. Taylor, I have named in my letter that I wished to
get the chinese Potatoe. I have written to J. M. Bernhisel to
see something about it, but not knowing that he will be able
to do it, I wish you would send to Wm. R. Prince $5.00
and direct him to put up that amount, and send it to
W. Woodruff, Great Salt Lake city U T & I will pay
the money here in any way that you will order.
W. W