Transcript

Correspondence of Bishop Cunningham.
FLORENCE, Nebraska Ter.
October 12,1856.

ELDER TAYLOR.—Dear Sir : As it is some time since I have communicated with you from this place, perhaps a few remarks may not be unacceptable.

I have sometimes thought that you would consider it strange that I have not written to you before this; but, as I have not progressed very rapidly in the mission which you gave me in relation to forming a settlement in the neighborhood of Wood River, owning to circumstances over which I had no control, and not being in a very good position to make a report, I have deferred it until the present.

I found that in the fore part of the season, and during the progress of emigration, it was almost impossible to get up a company for that purpose, as those who were prepared with means to form a settlement were generally prepared to go to the Valley, and in most instances preferred the latter to the former. I see, too, since President Snow's return to St. Louis, you have; per advice in The Mormon, placed me and the arrangement of this settlement under his charge; I have, therefore, conferred with him, although I consider it nevertheless due to you to inform you of the general state of affairs here.

Brother Snow was here some time ago, and we organized a Branch of the Church, over which I was appointed to preside, and to attend to any church business under his direction. When here he instructed me to take none into the Branch except by baptism. We have baptized and re-baptized about seventy-three persons in Florence. I have also got up a small company to go out with me and make some claims. President Snow and myself both thought that it would be better to go this fall to search out a proper location and make some claims, and prepare to make an early start in the spring, so as to be enabled to put in and raise an early crop next season. I shall probably start in about two weeks from now. I am at present building a house on the point between the warehouse and the river, for the Church—it is 16 by 32, and two stories high. It is now raised, and as soon as I get it inclosed I shall start out West.

Brother F. D. Richards informs me by letter from Fort Kearney, Sept. 9th, that there is no prospect of making a settlement at Wood River. So we shall make our claims on the Loup Fork, and we may also visit Wood River and make some claims, and settle upon them as soon as practicable.

I have taken the responsibility of obtaining a number of subscribers for THE MORMON; the inclosed is a list of names and the subscriptions. On my return I will report progress.

I remain, as ever,
Yours in the E. C.
A. CUNNINGHAM