Dr Sir,
The hand cart company's of Saints under
Elders Ed. Ellsworth and D. D. McArthur arrived here on the
evening of Friday Sep. 26 Inst. having been about 9 weeks from Florence,
to this point; the few ox teams and wagons they had along, retarded
their progress considerably, not being able to keep up with them.
Prests. B. Young, and H. C. Kimball with a detachment of Lancers,
the Brass band, and many citizens went up into the Kanyon to
meet the companies. The feelings which the Brethren had on meeting
them I will not attempt to pourtray, to behold a company of men
women and children amounting to nearly 500 souls, drawing 486 100 hand
carts, entering into the city of Great Salt Lake, dancing with joy as
they passed along, only complaining that they had been encumbered with
a few ox teams for which they had to wait several hours almost
daily, otherwise they would have been with us ten days sooner, and
then to realize that this company had walked some 1400 miles,
drawing their hand carts the whole distance; these things presented
to our eyes, at the same time reflecting upon the future results— filled
our hearts with joy unspeakable, and caused our bosoms to swell
with thanksgiving to God. we felt that the flood gate of deliverance
was hoisted to the oppressed millions, and we could say in confidence
to the poor and honest in heart "come home to Zion," for the way is
opened up. Prest. Kimball said his heart felt as big as a two bushel
basket, yes our hearts were so swollen that we were speechless not
with sorrow, but with joy. Elders Ellsworth and McArthur have
earned honor and glory to themselves in the leading of these companies
they have like the people walked all the way and assisted in
drawing the hand carts. Brother Ellsworth went through the city
covered with dust at the head of his brave company drawing a
hand cart, under the close scrutiny of the thousands who crowded
the streets with weeping eyes to gaze upon the scene; as he passed
by his own lovely home and saw his wives and children standing in his door
he made no halt, only gave a passing salute, continuing with his company
until he reached the public square and saw them all comfortably encamped
and fed. I felt that his position was far more honorable and lovely
in the eyes of God and Angels and good men, than it would have
been had he been mounted upon the best steed that ever had the
earth clothed with ermine and gold. Prest. Young has declared from
the beginning that it was a practical safe operation his sayings in
this, as in all other cases have proven here, he lost but seven out of his
company a smaller number than almost any company that have arrived here
containing as many souls. Many were aged and infirm, yet they out-travelled
any ox teams that could be started on the road; never has a company
been so highly honored, so numerously worked, or so kindly dealt with
since Israel has arrived in these mountains, as the Pioneer hand cart
companies.
The Deseret State Fair is opened for the reception of articles for
exhibition, and from the universal spirit of encouragement to domestic
manufactures, we anticipate our Fair will be an emporium of Utah's true
wealth which will astonish her own citizens, further particulars by next
mail.
There is a reformation commenced here among this people by
the authorities of the church, such an one as we trust will be
permanent. The preaching of the First Presidency has been soul
tirring indeed. We may safely say in a measure that such sermons
were never heard before, as have been delivered unto us of late by the
prophet of God, and they are weighing the people, and the people feel
that they are dealing with the quickening spirit and power of
God which discerns and knows their hearts and they feel the importance
of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins and leading holy
lives before God that we may be prepared for the events which await
the whole earth. In some of the settlements in Davis County every
one has gone forward and been re-baptized, and we anticipate the
same results will follow in G. S. L. County.
Sep 20. Elder Peterson's company of Danes arrived.
Elder S. M. Blair and company returned from exploring a
route to Carson valley, report no feasible route westward. Hon. E. Reese
arrived from Carson with the same report.
The weather has continued fine and must of the corn not
injured by early Frosts will have time to mature.
On the 10th inst we moved into our new office opposite
Prest. Youngs buildings, and have much cause to be thankful for
the superior accommodations we enjoy.
yours truly
W. Woodruff