Correspondence

File — Box: 1, Folder: 6

Identifier: I

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

June 3, 1836 - Pawlet, Vermont, to Kirtland, Ohio; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young, "My wife, my companion in Tribulation and the kingdom Patchants"
Describes his journey after leaving Kirtland, taking a steamboat to Buffalo and canal boat to Albania. Sunday, Joseph and he preached on board. Tells of preaching to a man named Rice and his hopes for converts. He is now going East. Asks her to tell Brother P. H. Young to be faithful so that when he comes East he will be "Like a flaming torch." Sends his blessings and prayers to comfort her and the children, instructs the children to be good and mind their mother, and study their books. Does not know when he will return. Asks her to tell the brethren they are doing fine and he will send another letter home when Brother Barker leaves for home.
July 21, 1836 - Providence, Rhode Island, to Kirtland, Ohio;
Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young (Envelope is addressed to Elder Brigham Young, Kirtland, Ohio. Return to B. Young, R. I.)
This is the fourth letter he has sent to her and has not as yet heard from her, but hopes to when he gets to Boston. Discusses the Vallentine family. Sends regards from Father Angell's brother and sisters and says they are well. He and Joseph had preached in the Washington Hall and want to get the hall for the next Sabbath. Is thinking of returning home after the first of September so he can pay for their house and also repair it. Asks Mary to have Brother A. Barney get some lumber or stone and anything for building. Asks that she answer this as soon as possible to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Remembers her continually in his prayers and sends love to all the children.
March 24, 1837 - Richmond (Virginia ?), to Kirtland, Ohio; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young (Envelope is addressed to Elder Brigham Young, Kirtland, Ohio. Return to B. Young, Richmond.)
He and Brother Willard are now at Brother Willard's father's home. Tomorrow they start for New York. Was greatly fatigued riding day and night in the stage. Wishes to return to his family as soon as duty will permit. Assures his wife and children that he remembers them in his prayers and hopes they will do likewise. Also remembers Brother Wittmer in his prayers. Brother Willard sends love to cousin Mary. Sends his love to wife and to his household. A p.s. asks her to keep this to herself and not expose his "poore righting and speling."
June 2, 1840 - Liverpool, England, to Commerce, Illinois, Hancock County; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young
Letter contains a little key which will unlock a little wooden box, where she will find two letters and a gift. She is to read Number 1 first and then Number 2 and then look at the presents. No more time to write. Sister and Brother Moon will deliver the present to her. Brother Kimball sends a little "Smeling" bottle to let her know he thinks of her and the family.
June 12, 1840 - Manchester, England, to Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young, My Dearest Mary
Letter written home as he labors in his missionary work in England. Is desirous of hearing from her, although he has heard about her in some of the brethrens' letters from their wives. Relates a vision or dream that he has had where he visited this country (America) and saw her and Elizabeth. He had shaken her hand heartily and kissed her two or three times. He had seen more concerning the church, which he relates later in the letter. Tells her again that Brother and Sister Moon are bringing her presents and that they had bought her and Natalie Kimball beautiful French patterns, thread, and materials (9 1/2 yards each), and how he is looking forward to seeing her in this frock. They are printing 3,000 copies of a hymn book and 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. Relates more of his vision in which he saw a company from the South who were the wicked mobs and the company from the North who were the Saints or Israelites and the great contention between the two. Also dreamed of seeing Brother Rigdon. He next tells her of a great Roman Catholic parade he saw on the street, as long as two miles. The females were dressed in white, many carrying flags and banners. They also had printing presses on carts so they could print handbills as they marched along. He wants to get 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon spread through Europe, and also have Brother Pratt's family come from the United States so that Pratt's can stay and run the press--then he will be satisfied to come home. He is with Brother Pratt and Brother Taylor, and they have labored hard to print their books. Their health has not been good at times because of the foul air caused from so much smoke. Will be glad when the Lord says, "Go Home," but the time is not yet. Brother Taylor has heard from home and notes the church had 3,000 baptisms at conference. Has also heard that Brother O. Hyde had a vision in which he and J. E. Page were instructed to go to Jerusalem. Joseph had told the apostles that if they would leave their families and go on this mission, the Lord would take care of their families while gone, and he had a good feeling about his family and been content. Instructs her to stay where she is and have her house built, and he will send assistance as soon as he can. Sends his love to Brother Joseph Smith and Emma and family, to Father and Mother Smith, Brother Rigdon, and others. He has seen in the papers of the destruction of "Naches" and of two steamboats. Sends his love to her and to Elizabeth and Vilate.
November 12, 1840 - Manchester, England, to Nauvoo, Illinois; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young (Envelope addressed to Mr. George W. Robinson)
Hopes she has received his letters, although he had forgotten to send the last one addressed to G. W. Robinson, but had put her name on it. Hopes she was able to get it out of the office. This letter is being sent by the Rigbys, a very good family he has been living with. Mr. Rigby had lost his job because of his affiliation with the church. Different sects are trying to turn people against them by telling many lies. Some were joining just to get free passage to America, but refused to go when they found they would have to refund their passage when financially able to do so. Complains of a cold affecting his lungs. Brother Levi Richard is ill with lung fever and Brother Taylor is thinking about coming home. Brother Woodruff is in London, G. A. Smith in Birmingham, and Brother Kimball is with him. Brother P. P. Pratt's family is there now. Tells of discussion with Brother Pratt and one of the town missionaries. Relates experience of healings, of preachings and conversions, and of a "dubble" harp being played by one of the members. Is pleased there is so much musical talent in the members. Has heard from others how hard Mary Ann has worked to get things for her family. Expresses his tenderness to her for the sacrifice she makes living in poverty so he can go and do what the Lord requires of him. Sends his blessings. Has heard that Brother Joseph is disturbed because they had not written to him on the subject of printing the hymn book and Book of Mormon. Felt he had done all he could do to promote the cause and that all would be straightened out later. Asks her to ask Brother Joseph to let him know what he should do now. Sends regards to her relatives and friends.
January 15, 1841 - Liverpool, England, to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young (Envelope indicates by steam packet ship to Halifax and Boston)
Loving letter informing Mary Ann of his health and expressing his regret for the hard work she must endure. Feels that after the Council of the Twelve have met, April 6, 1841, he can make arrangements to leave for home and should arrive in June. Has heard Governor Boggs is taking the brethren back to Missouri from custody of Governor Carlin. Comments on the health of Sister Greene who has been ill and wishes Mary to take her a gift of a "Frock patent" if she could spare it. Says the printing of the Book of Mormon is going slow and he must see it completed before he leaves the country. Yearns for home and family and Brother Joseph Smith, Brother Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, but feels they are all in the hands of the Lord God of Israel. His work keeps him busy and he does not allow himself to think of what he is missing at home or it would destroy him. Time has elapsed since writing the above and he has been touring the mission. Received a letter from her which was a "prescouis morsel." Special little tender notes of love and instruction for his children are included. Brother Turley is bringing her thirty dollars and he hopes to send more. Wants her to buy a first-rate cow so they can feed the poor when he gets home. Hopes she can get the house finished by the time he arrives. Sends his love and concern to all the brethren.
No Date - No Address; Young, Brigham, to Mary A. Young
Short letter about business matters concerning their home. Has sold two cows to George Roberson for forty copies of the Book of Mormon. Has seen Brother William Kimball about the land and he will let her have five or ten acres. Lists are sent of those he owes money and those who owe him. Wants Brother Ripley to pay those debts for him, which will almost rob her, but that is all he can do. Brother Smith has pledged that the wives of the Twelve should have what they wanted. Instead of going to Chicago, they shall go to Jacksonville and Springfield. He feels the Lord will provide for them and asks her to make her own bargains, as he has not bargained with anyone.

Dates

1836-1968

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.