Helaman Pratt Correspondence 1887
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(Envelope postmarked Logan, Utah Jan 24)
(written across the edge “Read Feb 14, 1887” “J Z Stewart” )

Via El Paso
Elder Helaman Pratt
Jaurez, Canton Galeana
Chihuaha
Republic of Mexico

----Office of---
James Z. Stewart
Probate Judge, Cache County

Logan City, Utah Jan. 23rd 1887

Dear Bro. Pratt

It has been a long time since I received your last letter, but I have not been entirely indifferent about writing as I have written I do not know how many letters to you since but have failed to mail them, except one and I am not sure whether I mailed that or not; however I do not intend that this shall share the fate of the others.

I often think of you and always have a great anxiety for the welfare of the mission, and my prayers, and that they time may soon come when the predictions regarding their redemption will be verified.

As you are doubtless aware the Book of Mormon is out some weeks since and a number of copies bound and may it soon be read and appreciated by that people.

Now Bro. Pratt I hope you will write me soon; tell me all about the condition of the mission; the prospects for the future; the prospects you have for a new home, and all the information regarding the section of country where the saints have located and the intentions of the brethren concerning the future course to be pursued with regard to colonization, etc, etc for those are matters about which we have chatted many hours in bygone years, and I think that neither of us are less interested now than we were then.

We are doing the best we can under the circumstances, and the saints are feeling as well as usual; seemingly satisfied that God is at the helm, but how it will be when we are brought to the severe test which appears to be coming, is yet to be seen. It seems to be rapidly nearing.

I hope Sister Pratt reached you in safety. I have not heard from you since she started. I am very busy this winter and feel that I am doing good; probably I might do more good were it not that I am rather overworked.

This however is only during the cold winter months, as many of the students leave school as soon as spring opens.

I have not heard from the folks in Salt lake for several weeks, in fact not since Sister Pratt left, so cannot say how they are.

Now Bro. Pratt I hope you will write soon, and that the blessings of the Lord may attend you in your labor and that you will not forget your friend in the far north. My wife joins me in kind regards to yourself and Sister Pratt and little ones, as also enquiring friends if any be. I am as ever your Bro. And friend. J.Z. Stewart

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_____ Maricopa Co., Arizona
March 7, 1887

Brother Helaman,

You will see that I am still here but am undecided , ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ having a dark day here. My sister Jeny Hawley died on Wednesday evening March 2nd taken ____ in her usual good health. Sick about 10 days and I hear of sickness everywhere ____ ____ among children. Dan Jones oldest son died some weeks ago. He then starter back to Utah with his family and I have just heard that his other son has died on the road. He had been talking of going your way to Mexico till winter, but now has gone north. When the weather gets warmer here I feel that I will have to get away _____. I will have to go back and take my chances as I am doing nothing here and if I was able I would not like to ask my children here at present. How is Dora and how do your children Hand the change. Is the climate warmer than ____ here or cooler. How far are you from Demming and are you not nearer to some station on the Mexican Central. I find the fare from here to Demming is for 200 miles $25.00 while it is the same from San Francisco to El Paso1300 miles, such is Rail Road consistency. What are your mill prospects that you spoke of and how far from your settlement is it to good timber. My sisters Sarah and Belle ar tolerable but all feel bad and are worn out on account of Sister Jenys death. Charley Hawley is like a lost _____. Jeny leaves 4 girls. The oldest one _____.

From what I heard the friends are trying to goad them to defection so that they can get him ____ ____ that they may kill him. For I suppose they ____ ____ ____ ___ not enjoy his society if he as ____ ____ ____ again. Joe Bush—his guard makes it his business to tyranize ____ and insult him at his pleasure having forced him to say a word back to him. He put him in the sweat box 28 hours, along with a ____ the warden was ____ (by the brothern) ____ to have him go in as he had been sick 10 day but no heed was paid to the petitions—after he had been in 10 hours Dean begged that he might be find for the remained of his time, but they would ____ ____ ____. Bush was begged then ____ him have a pair of blankets this was refused . Jones called for a drink of water and even this was denied him. All lights was shut out and he could not stand up nor lay down without laying in a mess. How long shall this continue and I sometimes think if we had our ____ in such a fiend as this, would the Lord require mercy at our hands. The Tuckers Edmonds—Edmonds Tucker and seems to bring happiness to Bro. Hollister and the “Loyal League?” I suppose that they are offering up prayers now—in there way that the Mormon concience may be ____ stiffened. That they will not ____ as the Test Oath is all the hope left them. Doniphan in a political campaign in Mo. used to say - that he was not a candidate for office _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ seekers than offices—“” more that they may kill him. For I suppose they feel that they would not enjoy his society if he as ____ ____ ____ again. Joe Bush, his guard makes it his business to

[Transcriber’s Note: Remainder of letter illegible]

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1a Calle de Soto No. 2
City of Mexico
April 4, 1887

J.H. Ralson Esq.
Grand Centra Hotel
El Paso, Texas

Dear Friend

I saw Mr Otmzer on the train yesterday and he told me you were at El Paso and well, I was more than pleased to hear this as I feared you was dead, as I have not hurd from you but the once since you left this city, and I have written to you severil times. In taking with Mister Snow, about you we concluded you were eather dead,or had sent the amount due me and it had not reached me. Now if it is posible for you to send me to this city the amount I lent you you will confer a great favor ____ ____.

Our colony matters are all O.K. will soon have steam, saw, lath, shingle and the mills running, and as soon as we have timber and a little time to build I should be pleased to have a visit from you. There is plenty of oppertunity for you to invest in lands if you so desire

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1a Calle de Soto No 2
City of Mexico April 13, 1887

President John Taylor
Salt Lake City

Dear Brother;

I left my home in the colony of “Juarez” on the morning of the 31st of March to attend the conference of the Mexican Mission which was held at Ozuma on the 6, and 7 inst. At Casas Grandes I took passage on the coach for the station of Gallego M.C. R.R. at which point I landed in about 36 hours from Cases Grandes at a cost of $12.00. Coaches make regular trips from Gallego twice a week leaving state every Monday and Thursday morning imediately after the arrival of the train. I mention this as there may be some of our brethren would prefer coming to the colony in this way than to come by Demming on account of the slow and tedious journey from Deming to “Juarez” by private conveyance.

On the morning of the 4th I arrived in this city and was met at the station by Bro. W.W.Cluff, Jr, who was ____. Bro. H Cummings being on a trip visiting the Saints at Ozumba and the Tierra Caliente.

We took the afternoon train the same day for Ozumba where we found Bro. Cumming and the saints well and everything prepared for the reception of those who should come from a distance to attend the conference. On the evening of the 5th we held a priesthood meeting and on the 6 and 7th meetings were held which were very well attended and the reports from the representative of the different congregations while showing no great progress in point of numbers, was highly gratfying on account of the good spirit manifest by the speakers, and the determination to root out inquity and to live more purer and better lives.
Since Bro. Snow and myself left this city the 1st of last December Bros. Cummings, Cluff and Lara have been working very diligently and have given much good instructions in regard to the law of chastity &c, and have brought to light some 15 or 20 cases of adultry, most of whom under instructions from Bro. Snow after making a public confession before their respective congregations, have been admitted to rebaptism, only 8 baptisms have been administered since our October Conference.

We have the names of 57 men women and children who are ready to go to the colony, and today we will ______ _____ to be approved by the minister of Colonization as provided by law, and also ask that they be transported over the R.ys from their homes to San Jose Station, Chihuahua, where we will be met by the brethren from “Juarez” with teams.

In a communication received on this subject of transportation from the minister he says “as soon you furnish the list of names of those who wish to colonize to be approved as the law provides your petition for transportation will be granted.” Monday the second of May is the day mentioned for starting. On Friday the 8th inst I returned from Ozumba and found Bro. Snow had arrived in good health about one hour before me. Everything looks favorable to a speedy consummation for our business here.

Bro. Snow and the missionaries joins in regards to you and all who may be with you.

I remain you Brother in Christ
Helaman Pratt

P.S. We have received no information as to who have been or will be called as missionaries for the mission and Bros Cummings and Cluff begin to feel as though they would like to know whether they well be released this year or not, they have been here now about 22 months. If missionaries are called who have no knowledge of the language, it will require about one year hard study before they will be able to talk sufficient to hold public meetings and be efficient workers.

H.P.

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Juarez Chihuahua
Mexico April 29th/ 87

Pres. E Snow
City of Mexico
1st Calle de Soto No.2

Dear Brother

The money per hand of W. F. Calton reached me yesterday, on receiving yours from Corralitos. I wait and saw the “jefe” about flour and inquired about Wheat, but could find none. I then engaged 1000th flour & 54 the best we could do; since then Bro. Eyring has paid 64 and it appears scarce; the Jefe would not fully guarantee only as he could by wheat, the ex jefe has sold all his to Corralitos Co.

Bro. Sevey goes over in the morning to get the balance of amt contracted for (1000lb) and it occurs to us that it would be well to ask minister Pacheco to have 3 or 4000 lbs pass the Paso del Norte customs house free of duty in view of incoming immigrants and the wants of those here who failed to have crops here under the conditions of failure in the Campo contract. We can get the flour better and quicker from San Jose than from Deming, and persons here could aid in the _____ to get the flour if it could come in for over presents need free of duty, and some who come in will have to buy for another—year—. The wheat below looks pretty well.

The water holds out; looks like rain; and nights cool: _____ lots here; the Boiler and all saw mill out fit on the ground yesterday; no accident; so far as we hear; teams have been into strawberry with wagon bows and cover, and Bros. Rancher and Karthner have gone on into Corralis with teams. Bro. Williams, Dillman, McClellan and others are going over.

In asking the precinct for flour to pass we cannot send a journal paper as Mr. Campo is not here and his son is in prison, and if possible we need some person appointed to act for us who will assist us to obtain our rights without being in conflict with the people locally.

If any of our native saints could be appointed who understood the law it would be desirable;

With regards to Bro. Cummings, Pratt and Cluff
Your as in the cause of Truth
A.F. Macdonald

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Ygnacia Gomes del Camapo
Mirador De La Alameda No 7
Mexico, Mayo 8 de 1887

Senor
H. Pratt
Colonia Juares

[Transcriber’s Note: This letter (pages 79–81 of PDF) is in Spanish. Spanish transcriber needed.]

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1a Calle de Soto. No. 2
Mexico, May 8, 1887

Hon Erastus Snow,
Juarez, Chihuahua

Dear Brother:

As you desired I write you a letter this (Sunday) evening and will take it to the train, to inform you how things are progressing. I got the $250.00 check from Bro. Thatcher and cashed it at 28 ½ % premium. I paid the notary $21 and the mission fund its due and still have something over $80 your due.

Campo tells me the order for the free entry of those horses and wagons is ready, and the one of the 4000 lbs. Flour will be ready sometime during the week. I have been unable to learn from Judge Sepulvida just what is the fate of that petition to admit free the machinery, etc. De Anda is still absent and though I have been to the office many times and to his house once I have not seen the Judge yesterday or today. I may call at his house on my way to the depot with this letter, and if anything definite has been done about the matter, add it as a postscript; or if I an learn anything more tomorrow as to how the matter stands, I will drop you a few lines tomorrow night.

The missionaries did not arrive this morning as we expected. We will watch the trains until they come, or we get some word from you. I remailed Bro T. letter and one for Bro. Pratt, also a letter from Bro. Collett.

We are well, only I have a bad cold on my lung and in my head. I hope you or Bro. Praatt tells us how you got along with the company, and how they seem to like the colony. With kindest regards in which Willie joins.

I remain your truly
Horace Cummings

P.S. Judge S tells me it has passed Fomento and He thinks it is now all right. We will see about it tomorrow HC

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Presidents Office
Church of Jesus Christ
of
Latter-day saints

Salt Lake City, U.T. June 15th 1887

Elder Helaman Pratt,
Juarez, Casas Grandes
Chihuahua, Mexico

Dear Brother:

The last favor we had from you was dated the 13th of April in which we were pleased to learn concerning you labors and success, and the progress of affairs in you mission.

You allude to the necessity you have been under of dealing with cases where the law of chastity has been violated among native saints. From what we know of that country by the reports which have reached us this, we suppose, is a besetting sin of the people of that land, and it will require patience and much instructions aided by the presence of the spirit of God to check the evil tendency. The descendants of Lehi are very degraded, but to them great promises have been made and the Lord has pledged himself by covenant to fulfil them.

It is very interesting to learn of the success which has attended your efforts to get the aid of the government in transporting over the railroads the native saints whom you desire to move to our new settlements. As Brother Snow remarks in his letter it is the first time in the history of people where a government has extended that kind of aid to Latter-day Saints. It may be that the Mexican government has the spirit of being a nursing father or mother to the house of Israel. There is more of that blood under their jurisdiction than under the greater part of the governments of the earth.

The missionaries that you asked for we suppose have long ere this reached you, and we trust that you will find them tolerable well prepared by their knowledge of Spanish for the labors of the ministry.

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1a Calle de Soto No. 2
Mexico, July 21, 1887

Helaman Pratt
Juarez, Galeana, Chi.

Dear Brother:

Yours of July 3rd came to hand yesterday. The last one I received from you was enclosed in one from Bro. Snow and I answered it when I answered his, enclosing some stamps. I suppose it did not reach you on account of containing the stamps. My wife sent me a $5. Green back also which failed to reach me. It is not safe to risk much in a letter as it seems there are experts who can tell when money or stamps are in a letter. However, I will try it again and enclose a few as you request.

I was very sorry to learn of the turn affairs have taken there with our Mexican colonist. It will naturally put a damper on things here unless the Lord rules otherwise. It is a good thing that you wrote me the particulars so fully, as I can use your letters to good advantage in explaining causes, etc. We can only do the best we can for them but I deeply regret the course our Mexican friends have taken. The news, however, is received among our converts much better than I feared it would and most of them are still firm in a desire to go next April.

The brethren (Eyring & Snow) have not yet arrived but we expect them tonight or in the morning. The best prospects we have at present are in the Tierra Caliente and the few there are very anxious that one or two Elders be established in Morelos as in Ozumba as, of course, when they all arrive they cananot well stay here and in Ozumba. I think the idea a good one.

The Elders in Morelos and Ozumba could change about often and in that way be able to keep well in that warm climate. You and Bro. Snow might talk it over and let me know what you think about it. I can get a good dry room there for $3 or $3.50 a month and hold meetings in it. As a number from San Jose and another small town just above Morelos are taking an interest in the work. A meeting in Morelos is almost necessary. Moreover the Protestants, I understand, have no minister their and most of them would doubtless attend our services. We might try it awhile and see how it works. If necessary during the hottest season the elders could be recalled. I see no opening to establish one or two in Nopala district. Artiaga told me yesterday the Madina told him Yanez and family had with drawn from our church and re-entered the Independent church. I don’t know if it be true or not. He is opposed to a school up there and seems very indifferent . Jusinto Rosa has arrived from the colony but I have not seen him yet. I enclose a note to Jose Paez from his mother who is very anxious to hear from him direct. Would it be will to re-instate Bro. Zuniga as Bro Baarco’s counsellor? Confer with Bro. Snow and let me know. We continue meetings in his house at Cuahuistla and his daughter is very favorable to and her husband also. Having been absent about two weeks I have many letters to write so will close. Regards to all. Ever praying for the welfare and the colony. I remain as every your fellow laborer

Horace Cummings.

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There is said to be 395,372 her. of land in zone 2 Canton Degollado which belongs to the Govnor, now if you can secure the right purcas of said land until the 15 of June, we will pay you 18 cents per hectora providing that upon examination said lands prove to be suitible to our purpose said price to indue all expences of every kind including your own fees.
We think you can buy these lands and leave you a margin of from $30,000 to $40,000. If this proposition appears to you as feasable we will leave you a commision on the subject if we do not have the plesure of seeing you before our departure, pleas answer. Yours Truly

1 Calle de Stoto No 2 Helaman Pratt
Mexico 1887

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