Kanesville
March 4, 1852
Brother Mace:
I came to this place last
November directly from the Valley. The Saints are prospering, peace attends
them and all are satisfied that want to serve God and keep his commandments. I
presume you have read the epistle and general instructions to the Saints in
this region of the country. The call is for all to gather out this season and
none to be left, no, not one, that wishes to go.
Pottawattamie County and the
country round about is organized into companies. The branches have agreed to
take their own poor with them and I am satisfied from present prospects that
the most of the Saints will leave here for the Valley in mass. President Young
has sent for you to gather up your family, tools, as many as you can bring, and
put in your mechanical talent with the rest of the good brethren to assist in
building up and beautifying Zion with Temples and other fine buildings.
I should have written before but
have waited thinking I should receive some means before this time in the
emigrating fund that I might render you some assistance if you needed it. But
as it now stands I could not do it. I hope it will be so you can come; the time
suffice that you have wrought the will of the Gentiles. It is the wish of
Brother Young that you should come this reason without fail. Brother Gallaher
and family are well and wish to be remembered to you and your good lady. I
should like to hear from you upon receipt of this.
Respectfully, your brother and
friend
in the N & E lasting Covenant,
E. T. Benson (Ezra T. Benson, Letter to Wandle Mace, March 4, 1852, repr. Biography
of Wandle Mace as told to Rebecca E. H. Mace, his 2nd Wife, c. 1890, p. 26, spelling in original retained)