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Show 86 SALT LAKE CrtY- BRIGHA1C YOtTNG. tJpon all these points X undeceived Governor Young to his entire satisfaction. I was induced to pursue this conciliatory course, not only injustice to the tfovernment, hut also because I knew> from the peculiar organisation of this singular community, that, tinleds the " President" was fully satisfied that no evil was intended to his people, it Would be ufceless for me to attempt to carry out my instructions. He was not only civil governor, but the president of the whole Church of Latter- Day Saints upon the earth, their prophet and their pried*, receiving, as they airfirmly believed, direct ' revelations of the Divine will, whioh, according to their creed, form { the law of the church. He is, consequently, profoundly revered by all, and possesses unbounded influence . and almost - unlimited power. I did not anticipate open resistance; but I was fully awaire that if the president continued to view the expedition with distrust, Nothing could be more natural than that every possible - obstruction should be thrown in our way by a " masterly inactivity." ; Provisions would not be furnished; information Would not be afforded; labour could not be procured; and no means would be . left untried, short of open opposition,- to prevent the success of a measure by them deemed fatal to their interests and safety, go soon, however, as the true object of the expedition was fully under-* stood, the president laid the subject- matter before the council called for the purpose, and I was informed, as the result of their . deliberations, that the authorities were much pleased that the ex- . ploration was to be made; that they > had themselves contemplated something of the kind, but did not yet feel able to incur the QX- - pense; but that any assistance they could render to facilitate our operations Would be most cheerfully furnished to the extent of their ability. This pledge, thuq heartily given, Was fts faithfully re- , deemed} and it gives me pleasure here to acknowledge the warm interest manifested and efficient aid rendered, as well by the , president as by all the leading men of the community, both in our personal wel& rto and in the successful prosecution of the work. |