First Presidency Letterpress Copy Books: July

First Presidency Letterpress Copy Books

1887—July

John W. Young asks for more money; plans for constitutional convention, delegates to present it to Congress; President Taylor's failing health; call off effort to free him—let him die a martyr; Hiram B. Clawson to get exact details of what Leland Stanford wants for his support.

	July 1, 1887 to Elder John W. Young
John W. Young's request for $10,000 What happened to last amount? 5 not paid	A dispatch has just been received from you, asking for $10,000, to be sent to you, half of it to be remitted by telegraph. I happen to be in town and therefore take the liberty of sending you a few lines on this subject. President Taylor has been quite anxious about the last amount sent to you to know concerning its disposition. Brother C. Williams understood that No. 5 had not been paid, when he left, the amount agreed upon.	$5,000 was sent. See August 6, 1887 entry.
Advise of plans before asking for funds	On this account a dispatch is now being sent to you making enquiries concerning that, as President Taylor will naturally be desirous to know how the amount previously sent has been disposed of. As you know, he is exceedingly particular in regard to money matters, and I would suggest to you that you keep him advised respecting your expenditures, and not make any draft without previously preparing him for it by letter. There is good reason for his being thus careful.
Constitutional convention in session	The convention is in session and things are shaping very well.
4th of July	The 4th of July is likely to pass off in a manner that will be satisfactory the our people at least.
	You must not take any exception to what I now say to you. I do it because I think it is a precaution that you should observe.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 1, 1887 to Elders Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, and John Henry Smith, Arizona
	Confidential.
Keep me informed as to your locations President Taylor's health failing	I now write to request you to advise us as to where you can be reached from day to day. My object in writing this and making this request particularly of you is that President Taylor's health is such at the present time as to give me serious alarm. He has failed very rapidly of late.
He says he will recover	Yet, he, himself, is full of hope and says he is going to recover. His hopefulness in this direction and his determined will have had a great influence with me, for I have been reluctant to think that his earthly career was drawing to a close.
Steady decline	But notwithstanding these hopes and my own desires, I am compelled to acknowledge that there has been a steady decline in his health and vigor for some time past, and unless a sudden change takes place, or the power of God is manifested in an extraordinary manner, he cannot endure very long. He may hold on for weeks, or perhaps for months, but he may not last but a short time. I write you this painful intelligence with the deepest regret, for I have hoped and greatly desired that he might live to emerge from this persecution a free man and to enjoy the blessings of liberty among the Saints.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 1, 1887 to President Wilford Woodruff
	Confidential.
Seriously impaired for weeks	It becomes my painful duty to advise you concerning President Taylor's health. For a number of weeks past his health has been very seriously impaired and he has steadily declined. …
Dangerous condition	BUT I am now forced to the conclusion that his condition is dangerous, and that unless there is a change for the better very soon he cannot last for any great length of time. His loss of appetite and the weakness consequent thereupon alarm me. I regret exceedingly to have to communicate such tidings to you, especially in the present critical condition of affairs, but I feel it is my duty to do so.
Confidentiality	Of course it will not be wise to talk about this outside for the present. I am endeavoring to keep the knowledge of it from the people, because it might have an unfavorable effect on our affairs. I have talked with the Twelve who are here about his condition, and they agree with me that it should not be talked about publicly.
Telegraph Ciphers	If anything should happen, I should immediately telegraph you in some way, that you might know. And I would like to know what your wishes would be concerning a meeting, for if such an event occur, we should be together, and whether we should go to you or you come here is a question I would like you to decide. I understand from Brother W. B. Dougall, superintendent of the telegraph line, that President J. D. McAllister has a cipher, and that I can send any message to you through him, and that you can send any message to me in the same way. With this understanding, then, I need say no more at present, but shall make use of this means if a necessity arises therefor.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 1, 1887 to Elder Erastus Snow
Refuses to sign will Return to Utah	President Taylor is steadily failing, yet he entertains hope concerning himself and has never intimated in any way that he thought his case critical. I have not been able to get him to sign a will in favor of his own family so determined is he to not allow the impression to get our that he thinks he is likely to die. … Work your way back in safety to Utah, either to this city or to where you could be easily reached.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 1, 1887 to Moses Thatcher
	[Informs him of President Taylor's condition.]
	July 1, 1887 to J. R. Winder
Delegates to Washington to present constitution	It will be necessary before the convention adjourns to appoint delegates to go to Washington, present copies of the constitution to the president and both houses of Congress, and urge the claims of Utah for admission into the union. The following names have been suggested, and it has been considered desirable that they be sustained by the convention for reasons that need not now be mentioned: viz. Charles W. Penrose, Franklin S. Richards, John T. Caine and John W. Young.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 8, 1887 Telegram to the presidents of stakes
Prohibit mention of constitution in church services	It is very desirable that at your sabbath day meetings the greatest care should be taken in the selection of speakers, and that they be instructed to not allude to the labors of the constitutional convention which has just closed, but to avoid every topic of this character until the entire subject can be understood by you and all the officers of the stake.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 9, 1887 to Seymour B. Young
Jackson county temple lot	We are greatly pleased to receive a rough diagram of the temple block and surroundings at Independence, Missouri. Your description of your visit is very interesting. We are glad to hear that Mr. Hill, who holds the title to the temple block, feels so kindly disposed. The Lord will control everything connected with that property in a manner to enable his Saints to accomplish his purposes regarding it.
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon
	July 12, 1887 to Erastus Snow, Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico
President Taylor worse Relies on stimulants Appears unconscious Cannot recognize family	President Taylor is if anything a little worse than when he last wrote. He has had but little food for upwards of four weeks and has subsisted upon stimulants, for his strength. Until yesterday he was able to get out and into bed without assistance. He appears unconscious more of the time and when some of his family visited him yesterday he barely recognized them. [Same letter sent to Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith in Arizona.]
	George Q. Cannon
	July 11, 1887 to Elder John W. Young
5 suggests plan to free Taylor and Woodruff Would arouse country against us	[No. 5 proposal to Franklin S. Richards to do something about relieving Pres. Taylor and Woodruff from trouble, because of their advanced age.] I told him to say to our friends from me that I thought it imprudent at present, as it would expose him and his friends and ourselves also, to attack from those who are watching every movement, and who would not fail to endeavor to arouse the country against us and the governor for this action. I thought this sufficient to say to No. 5, and he appeared to appreciate the motive and thought the suggestion a good one.
Failing fast	But to Brother Franklin S. Richards I explained my full purpose in this action, and I desire to explain to you that you may understand it. President Taylor is failing very fast. …
Let him die a martyr	The bullets of the assassins at Carthage Jail failed to kill him, but the diabolical persecution and cruelty of Dickson, Zane, and co. have shortened his life, and he falls a martyr to their hate. I do not wish to see him released now. I desire that he shall have the full credit of this martyrdom, and that the work of God shall have the moral effect in its favor of the fiendish conduct which these parties have shown towards him.	Entry suggesting work for his freedom
No difference to President Taylor	Let the world know how these wretches have abused their trust and prostituted their high offices to accomplish their schemes of malice. If it would add to President Taylor['s] comfort [and] happiness to be released, I would forego every advantage of which I speak, but he is as comfortable now in his dying condition away from his family as he would be if he were surrounded by them. There was a time when he would have appreciated and enjoyed their ministrations that time, however, is now passed.
Might help Woodruff and others	Another point in connection with this subject which has suggested itself to me is this. If President Taylor should die under present circumstances, it would be much easier for the administration to feel shocked at his fate and to justify itself for extending liberty to Brothers Woodruff, Wells, Snow and others, it would not then have the appearance to the public which such action would have now.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 15, 1887 to Theodore Curtis, city
	[Approved for second anointings.]
	John Taylor per George Q. Cannon
	July 18, 1887 to President Wilford Woodruff, St. George
President Taylor rallied	Since my last to you President Taylor has continued to hold his own to a very remarkable extent. On last Sunday the 10th we thought him failing rapidly, but he rallied again and for two days past he has inspired all who are around him with new hopes.
Joseph F. Smith just arrived "I feel to thank the Lord."	We have been exercising faith for his preservation and I have been particularly anxious to have him live until Brother Joseph F. Smith should arrive. I am happy to say that this has happened. Brother Joseph F. arrived here a few minutes ago and for the first time since December '84 the First Presidency are together, for which President Taylor said when we met, though scarcely conscious, "I feel to thank the Lord." He is very low this evening, but may rally again as he has done so often.
	Brother Joseph F.'s health is excellent and he has had a safe and prosperous journey here, and you can imagine how glad we all are to meet. [Similar letters to Erastus Snow, D. H. Wells J. W. Young Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Brigham Young, George Teasdale, Lorenzo Snow, and Moses Thatcher.]
	George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
	July 21, 1887 to Elder John W. Young
President Taylor more feeble Hope he lives until election	President Taylor's condition is much the same, only more feeble. The desire has been expressed by Brother Lorenzo Snow that he will live until our election has been held.
Polygamists present constitution? Inappropriate for Penrose to participate	I see that you have some feeling respecting there being polygamists among the delegates to take the constitution to Congress. I wrote out the names which you sent to me and had included your own in a letter addressed to Colonel John R. Winder. This I did thinking I might not be in town when the question came up. I afterwards returned and was here when the question was debated. Brother Winder came to me and said that the brethren would not hear of Brother Penrose being one of the delegates. They thought it would be but inappropriate, and they said this feeling was universal.
Three of five apostles oppose Young's participation Cannon does not agree, but dropped	Concerning yourself there was not the same feeling, but five of the Twelve were present when he made this report and several of them were of the opinion that your name should not be mentioned, as it might operate against you individually and bring persecution upon you and interference with your plans and labors. I did not share in this feeling, but as there were three out of the five who had the feeling, it was let go, and the names of the delegates as they now stand were then selected.
	George Q. Cannon
	July 23, 1887 to Colonel John R. Winder, city
Take affidavits for constitution at polling places	[Follows a statement by John W. Young] for information to you and the committee. Now as a last resort on this voting question, I have sought the best legal and political advice I can get, and I strongly urge that we cast our votes before the regular judges of election in the regular ballot box, but have our own notary present at each and every polling place with a good supply of printed forms, to take the affidavit of every person that votes for the constitution.
Notarized	The affidavit should set forth in printed form that the affiant is a legal voter, that he has voted at that election on the general questions and that he now votes on the constitution (and then should follow a copy of the ballot he cast) naming the judges before whom he cast his vote. These affidavits should be carefully and privately prepared and privately scattered throughout the territory. There should be plenty of them at every precinct, and every notary should have his seal, and attest properly each and every affidavit on the ground, catching every voter.
A check on election judges	This will be some trouble but it will be a complete legal and political check on the judges of election, and it is the only safe way. I believe that you, with me, will see that this is better than providing special boxes.
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
	July 25, 1887 to Mr. Richard Hill, Independence, Jackson county, Missouri
	Dear friend:
Donation for Hedrikite meeting house on temple lot	You have had several visits lately from brethren of ours who have been passing through Independence to and from the East, who have reported the interesting interviews they have had with you and the kind and liberal spirit which you have shown to them and, through them, to us who call ourselves Latter-day Saints and reside in these valleys. They inform us that you are struggling to erect a meeting house on what is known as the Temple Lot in Independence. From their report we gather some idea of the difficulty you have had to contend with and that still to some extent beset you. We take pleasure in enclosing to you a small donation of $50.00 to assist you in completing your building. Your friends,
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
	July 26, 1887 to Quickmere, Liverpool; Erastus Snow, Mexico; John W. Young, Daniel H. Wells and D. H. Cannon
Death of John Taylor	President Taylor died eight last evening. Funeral noon Friday 29th.
	George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
	July 26, 1887 To the priesthood and Saints throughout the stakes of Zion
Death of John Taylor due to inhuman persecution	With deep regret we announce the death of President John Taylor which occurred at five minutes to eight last evening, from causes induced by the inhuman persecutions to which he has been subjected during the past two years and a half. When the time of the funeral is decided upon we will advise you.
	George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
	July 27, 1887 to Bishop Hiram B. Clawson
Get details proposed by California allies What do they expect in return?	We desire you to go to California as early as convenient and endeavor to get from the principals whose names have been mentioned a full understanding of the propositions which they make. You will perceive the importance of getting your information at first hand, from the parties themselves, if it be at all possible, so that you will be face to face with them and know the character of the work which they propose to do and of the nature of our obligations that they expect us to assume.
Judges favorable to them	Mention is made of "judges favorable to them." The same with the selectmen. We, of course, cannot do anything to impair the integrity of our judiciary, but see no objections to having men so favorable that our friends there will be trusted in all litigation as friends should be.
	D. L. Lockwood, of Buffalo, and Mr. Barber, of Utica, are mentioned as necessary to be secured. Ascertain how necessary these are without mentioning our backing to them, but so that you may know whether they are to be secured in order to influence our backing. Of this, of course, you can judge yourself by hearing their explanation.
Californians think Church pays too much	Ascertain what is meant by the statement they "think we pay out too much money."
Californians will arrange favorable newspaper treatment What will our obligation be?	It is stated that they will try and arrange the terms with certain papers whose names they have furnished, satisfactorily. How much will it require from us for our part of this?
What does Stanford want?	Learn, if you can, what S. considers would be a proper recognition for what he and company have done and in what particular the UP company has been favored. He wants to stand in with the people and wants us to stand in with him. Endeavor to learn the exact meaning attached to this express, so that we may know what we may be expected to do.
Get exact details What is our obligation, cost?	There are many other points that will suggest themselves to you in the course of conversation concerning which information will be of value. Of course, these you will endeavor to get light upon, and we suggest that you carefully write down the notes of your conversation. The most important information in connection with this is for you to learn exactly what is expected from us if we accept the propositions, and what will be the cost.
	We do not desire to take any step in regard to so serious a business as this in the dark. We want to know exactly the character of the obligations which we are asked to assume and then if we consent to assume them, carry them out strictly to the letter, so that we shall not be exposed hereafter to any charge of breaking faith or violating an understanding or an agreement.
	George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
	July 27, 1887 to Hon. Leland Stanford, U. S. Senate, Hiram B. Clawson, esq.
Letter of introduction for Hiram B. Clawson to Senator Stanford	A gentleman thoroughly identified with the interests of the territory of Utah, and who has resided therein from the beginning of its settlement intends to visit California. We take the liberty of writing him this letter of introduction to you, and desire to say for him that he is a gentleman in the full sense of the word, a man of reputation and honor among us, we having known him from his early boyhood until the present time, and a man of tact and discretion faithful to every trust and to every communication made to him. Any courtesies you can extend to Mr. Clawson will be esteemed by your obedient servants,
	George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
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