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January 20, 1874 - West Point, New York, to (Salt Lake City); Young, Willard, to President Brigham Young, Dear Father. Tells his father his standing in his class--making him number three in general merit. Wants to represent Brigham Young and his people well. Expresses his love and devotion to his father and also for the gospel, which he now appreciates so much. Realizes the greatness of it now he is away. August 19, 1874 - West Point, New York, to Salt Lake City, Utah; Young, Willard, to President Brigham Young, Dear Father. Was pleased to hear from his father. Describes his duties while at camp, which will soon come to a close and studies begin again. Wonders what to do on graduating. If he resigns, a howl will be set up by their "enemies"; and further prejudice people against them. Condemns the lying statements in the newspapers, feeling the devil has worthy assistants in the newspapermen. People believe the lies they read about the Mormons and feelings are high against them. If he does resign he wishes to come home and help his father and be near him to learn more of his religion. Asks him to send money for some of his necessary expenditures, i.e., tents, photographs, etc. Sends his great love to all. January 4, 1874 (1875 ?) - Willets Point, New York Harbor, to Salt Lake City; Young, Willard, to President B. Young, Dear Father. Briggie will no doubt be home by the time he receives this letter and he will tell him the news of all the folks there and especially the boys in school. Is able to get to the city more easily now he is at the harbor. Yearns for home and the society of his loved ones. Has many chances there to improve himself. Tells about his rooming accommodations. Has read one of Brother Staines's letters from Brigham Young and he was so happy to hear of the expansion and settling of missions and growth of the Latter-day Saints work. Will counteract the statement so freely circulated of the "Downfall of Mormonism"; October 30, 1875 - West Point, New York, to Salt Lake City; Kendrick, H. L., to Honorable Brigham Young. Acknowledges receipt of mineral and geological specimens, illustrative of the natural history of Utah and adjacent regions. March 16, 1876 - Willets Point, New York Harbor, to Salt Lake City; Young, Willard, to President B. Young, Dear Father. Spencer and Nabbie arrived feeling happy and enjoying being married. Asked them a thousand questions about home. Had gone down to city with them. He will soon be resuming summer duties, mostly military drills and duties. Engineers Corps located there, so he does not get to perform engineering work as much as he had expected. His work is not quite what he wants. Has a lot of time to himself but does not study as he should. Can have a furlough for thirty days at any time, but has no idea of going home this year. Does not feel he will be stationed near home. October 12, 1876 - Willets Point, New York Harbor, to Salt Lake City; Young, Willard, to President B. Young, Dear Father. Sends his love and best wishes to his father and regrets he has not written sooner. His greatest pleasure was visiting the Centennial. Does not like his situation and feels he is doing nothing to help establish God's kingdom on the earth with his inactivity. Maybe the army is his place to do good. Is willing to do as his father counsels. Though anxious to get home he feels a preaching mission would be welcome. Does not want to acquire the careless laziness of army life. Could resign now as well as in four years if his father wants him to. Wishes to get married, settle down, and use the building lot his father has given him. Asks his father if he should bring home an eastern girl or if he should reserve his affection for a Salt Lake City girl. September 1, 1920 - Salt Lake City to Logan, Utah; Young, Willard, to Mrs. Luna Y. Thatcher. Desires to get the signatures of all Brigham Young's eighteen children still living on the enclosed statement. Wishes her to read the statement and sign it as soon as possible as he is desirous of having it published |
