Letter on 30 May 1864 in Great Salt Lake City.
President's Office
Great Salt Lake City, May 30, 1864
Mrs. Mary E. Lightner
Minersville, Beaver Co.
Dear Sister:
Your favor of May 20 has come to hand. I am
pleased to learn from it of the improvements which are being
made at Minersville and of the circumstances of the people.
I am sorry that Bro. Henry has such poor health. There is no
need for him to have feelings of sorrow through the idea that
he is under my displeasure because he went to California with
Bro. A. M. Lyman. I have no feelings against Bro. Henry because
of his going there, and I feel that all is right with him if
he himself will do right. Those who upbraid him with being
a Californian, and on that account despise his counsel, as Bishop
would do well to look to their own standing; for such a
Spirit, if indulged in, will, sooner or later, bring them into
trouble and into the very position of which they accuse him of
being in. Let Bro. Henry take a straightforward upright
course, and he need not fear respecting his influence,
he will have all he needs with the good; but nobody
can give him influence. Two men holding the same
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priesthood and officiating in the same calling will differ
very much in their influence among the people; and
this difference is attributable to the course which each takes.
It is not position alone which gives men influence; but
it can be obtained only by pursuing a thouroughly wise
and consistent course. Whatever prejudice may, at present
exist in the minds of any against Bro. Henry Rollins
because of his past connection with A. M. Lyman will
melt away in a short time if he continue faithful
and attentive to his duties
With love to you, to him and the family, and
praying the Lord to bless you
I remain your Brother
Brigham Young
P.S. This is as nigh as I can explain in this
short letter.