Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-07-06
Generol Neus.
LATE FROM THE MORMONs.

Forty-two days later intelligence from the Sal
Lake City of the Mormons has been received
From an eplstle styled the First General Epistlt
OF the First presidency of the church of Jesus
Christ, of the latter day saints etc, to the saint:
scattered throughout the earth, we gather some
interesting items.
Many of the cattle and horses have been de-
stroyed by the Indians.
The winter has been very cold. The coolest
day was on the 9th of February, when the mer
curry fell 80 degrees below the freezing point
Cattle became so poor that the people suffered
for want of fuel, the cattle not being able tc
draw IT,
In February an inventory of braadstuffs in the
valley was taken, when it was found that there
was sufficient to give to each person three
tourths of a pound per day, till the fifth of July.
The common price of corn since harvest has
been 81 to So per bushel; wheat 81 to So; po-
tatOcs to $50.
The public works were prosperous. A coun-
ell house 45 feet square is buildiag; also a
bridge across the Western Jordan, and six or
seven other bridges; also bath house at the
warm springs.
Eight thousand acres of land have been plot
ted into and 10 acre lots, and distributed
among the brethren, and church farm of 500
acres laid off
There are six grist and six saw mills in ope-
ration, and several more in contemplation.
The location of foundry and tannery are
contemplated as soon as the snow leaves the
mountains.
The Forts are rapidly breaking up by the re-
moval ofthe houses on the city lots; and the city
is already assuming the appearance of years, for
an ordinary country, such is the industry and
perseverance of the Saints.
A winters hunt, by rival parties of one hun
drei men each, has destroyed about 700 wolves
and foxes, wolverines, 20 mink and polecats
500 hawks, owls, and magpies, and 1000 ravens
in the valley and vicinity:
On the return of portion Of the Mormon Bat
talon, through the northern part of Western
California, they discovered an extensive gold
mine, which enabled them by few days delay
to bring sufficient of the dust to make money
plenty for all ordinary purposes of public conve-
the exchange, the brethren deposited
the gold dust with the Presidency, who issued
bills, or paper currency.
On the list of January, John Smith, uncle to
the Prophet Joseph Smith, was ordained Patri-
arch to the Church, holding the keys and pow
ers thereof, the same as Father Joseph Smith and
Hiram
The valley is settled for twenty miles south,
and forty miles north OF the city. A party have
gone to the Utah Valley, to establish a small CO.
lony for agricultural purposes.
temporary civil government has been Or
ganised, to exist until a charter for Territorial
government can be obtained.
For the purpose of completing the public build
Ings and other public works, agents have been
appointed to gather fittings and donations, in the
United States Canada, Nova Scotia, New Bruins
wick and England.
The epistle closes with an cxhortatlon to the
distant members to be faithful in every word and
work, and patiently bide their time for emigra-
ting TO the Great Salt Lake.
Altogether it would appear that the Alormons
are in furnishing condition, and that their pros
oerity has been advanced, rather than retarded,
BY the inhuman prosecutions which they cxpe-
FENCED in the States.