RECORD. [1]

Lorenzo Snow

Utah Penitentiary

March 12^th 1886 [2]

Copies Utah Penitentiary

June 5^th 1886

Sister Edna Lambert

May there be but little bitterness in thy innocent and happy life but may there ever spring in its eternal round fragrant flowers bright and beautifull

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

June 8^th 1886

Sister Alice Cannon

God hath made thee a beautiful Queen and given thee a Kingdom; thou thyself art that Kingdom; govern wisely Sister Alice and God will enlarge and exalt thee and thy Kingdom in this life, and in the life celestial, enlarge beautify <and glorify> thee and it through countless ages.

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

Bro S. F. Ball June 8^th 1886

Sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality. Lorenzo Snow.

[6]

Utah Penitentiary

June 23^rd 1886

Brother Burningham:

Pleasant tricks thou oft hast played,

And teased thy friends in playfull mood;

But as therefor they back have paid

That what they owed, all wish thee good,

And nevermore, Dear Burningham,

Thou here be forced by “Uncle Sam”.

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

June 23^rd 1886

Brother Bowen:

A talent rare to thee is given

For music sweet—a gift of Heaven:

With easy grace and science true

Thy Choir is taught, and strictly too,

And thou with them much joy hast given

To all thy friends whil’st here in prison.

Lorenzo Snow.

[7]

Utah Penitentiary

July 24^th 1886

Brother Charles Denney:

As we behold thy cheerfull face,

No sorrow see—no tears we trace;

And seest thou art never sad,

It gives us joy—our hearts are glad

To find thee so when here confined

By Law illegally defined.

And if thy bonds thou’dt still disdain

In word, in heart, will n’er complain,

When time grows old ’twill then be found

It’s added brightness to thy crown.

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

June 10^th 1886

Brother W. G. Bickley

Thy anxious wish to gratify

My autograph I here bestow,

And give beside, Dear Friend, hereby

My kind regards,—Lorenzo Snow.

[8]

Utah Penitentiary

July 26^th 1886

Brother Herbert J. Foulger:

Away in yonder realms above

Where dwells our God who rules by love

Some future day you’ll surely find

’Twas there thou hadst this call divine

To show to man, and Gods on high

Thy loving wives thou’dst not deny,

Nor let thy heart by danger pall

Through fiercest threats of prison walls.

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

June 10^th 1886

Sister Maria Goff:

To Hyrum Goff a mission’s given

To dwell within these prison walls,

And thou, his wife, ’twill please high heaven

For thee to glory in this call.

Lorenzo Snow

[9]

Utah Penitentiary

July 27^th 1886

M^rs Mina Cannon:

When thou didst live in realms above

Where dwells our God supreme in love,

Did’st not thou then with Him agree

To come to Earth a wife to be;

Help make thy lord a happy life

Be wise, be true, a loving wife?

When from thy mind the veil is riven,

Things now past are shown in vision,

Then happy truths by thee’ll be found

To make thy heart with joy abound.

Lorenzo Snow.

[10]

Utah Penitentiary

July 29^th 1886

M^rs Lydia Snow Pierce:

With anxious wish thy heart to cheer

I pen these lines, My Daughter Dear,

As feeling sure ’tw’od never do

To leave unanswered letter two, [3]

So nice, so kind, so very good

I’d write just like it if I could.

Please answer this the same in kind

As suits the best, in prose or rhyme.

I feel content and happy too

In that my Master’s work I do

In coming here within these walls

To help, to cheer, and comfort all.

Away, aloft in realms above

Where dwells our God supreme in love,

Where truth and light forever shine,

I had, no doubt, a call divine

To show to man, and Gods on high

My wives I never would deny,

Nor heart beside should never pall

By fiercest threats of prison walls.

[11]

Away in yonder spirit land,

No doubt, we there did lift our hand,

Approving what was then proposed

To do on Earth what since we’ve show’d

Resolve to do—the work of God,

Nor choose ourselves the manner how, [4]

But to His wish in silence bow.

Could we escape in every form

Summer’s heat, and winter’s storm,

And walk o’er paths delightsome fair

And do Gods work with careless care,

Of course t’would be some pleasure rare,

But where’s our glory—what’s our share?

In former days, and modern too

With blood and pillage had to do

God’s holy people—suffer . . . death;

For thus the holy scripture saith—

“In all things here will thee I prove [5]

E’n unto death—it me behoves”.

We need not fear this cost to weigh

For soon will ’rise that glor’us day

When those who there are faithfull found

As Gods on high will then be crowned.

(over)

[12]

O, Daughter Dear, thyself should know,

Improve each day, and wiser grow,

Be gentle, meek, in heart and mind

And shun each wrong of every kind

God’s Spirit mind—ever to it bow,

Then sure as Sun doth rise, or water’s flow

In world celestial Thee I’ll see

A Godess crowned—Celestial Queen.

Affectionately

Your Father

Lorenzo Snow

[13]

Utah Penitentiary

July 31^st 1886

Brother J. P. Ball:

In U.S. Courts ’twas nobly shown

Thy loving wives thou’dst not disown,

And hence, My Friend, Dear Brother Ball

You’re here confined in prison walls.

So having honor’d God thus well

On thee judicial wrath has fell.

While here thou’st spent a placid life,

No temper shown to kindle strife,

But always seen in pleasant mood,

And always gentle, kind and good.

As told above, beloved friend,

This ever do—the truth defend;

Then highest life that Gods bestow

To thee and wives, will ever flow.

Lorenzo Snow.

[14]

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 3^rd 1886

Sister Leonora Cannon:

May He who dwells in realms above

Oft’ strew thy path with roses bright,

Enfold thee in his arms of love,

Thy mind with wisest thoughts indite. [6]

Lorenzo Snow

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 4^th 1886

M^rs Clarissa Snow M^cAllister:

Dear Daughter:

Amid these gloomy walls confined

Sweet thoughts of thee oft’, come to mind

Of love and kindness ever shown

From childhood up to woman grown.

Thou’st truly made a record clear

No vital wrong doth there appear.

Life’s flowing stream since thou wast born

Has borne thee gently, proudly on

E’en to the present, and ’twill do

E’en to the end so bear thee through<.> [7]

From One to Many thou hast grown

And Queen thou reignest o’er thy own

Sweet Kingdom:—Though <yet> here its birth, [8]

Began in time, on Mother Earth,

To brighter realms ’twill wing its way

Majestic march through endless day.

Now listen, please, my Daughter Dear,

What father saith:—indulge no fear;

Thy care be only still endure,

Thy duty do—thy crown is sure.

In worlds Celestial thou wilt find

From kingdom thine, and offspring thine

Most joy and bliss thou’lt there derive

Which right no one can thee deprive.

Then let thy heart in quiet rest

What God doth dictate that is best

To me, to you, to all concerned

And none can have but what she’s earned.

Affectionately Your Father

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary.

Aug 5^th 1886.

Sister Marinda Goff:

In private talk one evening with

Our Seer and Prophet Joseph Smith, [9]

Before he shared a martyr’s fate,

To me in solemn words did state:

To him an angel did appear

Saying thus, in language clear,

“I hereby come for thee to warn

(While in his hand a sword was drawn—)

To take thee wives—this law obey

Or God in anger will thee slay”. [10]

’Twas eighteen hundred forty three

This sacred law was shown to me

Which gives to man his loving wives

God’s <celestial> only path to endless lives. [11]

Lorenzo Snow.

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 6^th 1886

My Dear Le Roie:

Long time ago there came to me

A letter nice—direct from thee:

And though I answer now so late,

It gave me pleasure very great.

Thy Mother be thou sure to mind,

To sister likewise very kind;

To one and all you also should

Gentlemanly be—kind and good.

May God thee bless, my Dear Le Roie

And make thee wise—a noble boy,

So when thou doth become a man

Thy name be famous through the land.

Affectionately

Your Father

Lorenzo Snow.

[18]

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 6^th 1886

My Dear Minnie May:

Sweet little One, my gentle May,

To thee some words I wish to say:

Spare no pains to please thy Mother,

Kindness also show thy brother.

Our Loren watch with strictest care

Lest in his path there be some snare

Which if it’s seen, quick give alarm

Lest pale he’s laid <on> death’s cold arms. [12]

May angels guard my Minnie May,

Thy father pray’s each night and day,

And make her very good and wise

Because therein her glory lies.

Affectionately

Your Father

Lorenzo Snow.

[19]

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 22^nd 1886

Miss Isabel Ball:

Now swiftly wings the happy day—

Thy bitter tears all wipe away—

To-morrow week these sombre walls

Deliver up thy Father, Ball.

In all thy ways his counsel seek,

Good do to all—be gentle, meek,

In all life’s scenes be true and bold

Have Spirit guide and conscience hold

Sway triumphant;—these do, Miss Ball,

So when from Earth above you’re called

The Queenly crown for which [13] you’ve striv’n

To you, Dear Friend, will sure be giv’n.

Lorenzo Snow.

[20]

The Mother’s Altered Prayer

By Helen E. Whitman.

The suffering infant slept;

The faithful mother kept

Her ceaseless vigil by the couch of pain,

And o’er its form so fair

She breathed an anxious prayer:

“Lord, bring my loved one back to health again”.

Standing beside the bed,

“Oh, hush”! the father said,

“Such bitter grieving is not good for thee;

Canst thou not feel to say,

And in thy spirit pray

‘Thy will be done’, whate’er the end may be?”

Sobbing, she cried, “Ah, no!

I love my darling so,

I cannot, cannot ever give him up!

Thou, who the Cross did bear,

A thorny crown I wear,

Oh, from my lips remove this bitter cup!”

While thus she prayed and wept,

A troubled slumber crept

Over her weary spirit for a time;

Yet even in her dreams

To see her child she seems,

And follows him from youth [to] manhood’s prime.

And, oh! her noble boy

That once with hope and joy

And pride, had caused her loving heart to swell,

She sees temptation win,

Lead on in ways of sin,

And bring at last unto a felon’s cell.

They lead him forth to die,

Oh! hear that mournful cry:

“To him, O Lord, pity and pardon send!”

But a stern voice says “Nay,

Thou for his life didst pray;

Behold of thy rebellious wish the end.”

She ’woke; but while she slept

A wondrous change had swept—

And borne him in the Savior’s arms to dwell,

(over)

[22]

’Twas then her heart did say—

“Lord I did blindly pray;

My heavenly Father, Thou hast ordered well.”

[23]

Utah Penitentiary

Aug 23—1886 [14]

At 3.55 p.m. Marshal Dyer accompanied by Capt Greenman walked around the wall to the North

east corner. He had Sprague (the Guard) call the men to that corner of the yard when he said.

Gentlemen:

You have all doubtless heard that five prisoners have escaped today. I have been disposed to be very lenient in the past but I find that I will have to enforce more strict discipline among you prisoners. I have not been in office long, but I am continually hearing of conspiracies and jobs being put up by men in the pit—more probably than you are aware of. I understand there is a talk of holding up one of the guards in the pit. I told the guards they would have to take their chances with the men; but I wish to warn you all, that if such a thing should occur, I will kill every man in the yard who does not prevent it. This may seem harsh, but I will do it. There are some good men in this yard and I hope you will all heed this warning. There is work to be done here and outside and I expect to work you. I am disposed to treat

[24]

you well if you behave yourselves, but I will have to enforce stricter measures unless this thing is stopped. That is all gentlemen.

The prisoners scattered out in various directions, but before they had all passed out of hearing he stopped while walking westward on the North wall and said.

Gentlemen: I forgot to mention that there has been a fire started three or four times in the Bunk houses and I have instructed the Warden not to unlock the door if such a thing ever occurs again. That is all gentlemen.

[25]

Utah Penitentiary

Sept 1^st 1886

M^rs Melissa Borlase:

With faith in God in patience wait;

Thy troubles soon will all be oer

And thou wilt reign in Queenly state

In realms above through countless years:—

In youthful beauty constant grow;

Then pain, nor death, nor flowing tears

No longer shalt thou ever know;

But countless years will mark thy fame

And mighty growth of thy domain.

Lorenzo Snow.

[26]

Utah Penitentiary

Sept. 6, 1886

Bishop W. M. Bromley:

Our God who dwells in realms of light,

In flesh was veiled in sombre night,

Of woman born and there disrobed

Of all he knew in times of old. [15]

When years had flown in childhood scenes, [16]

His mighty past began to gleam,

More brightly grow ’till clearly shown

Once he was God and all things own’d.

So we there dwelt in shining climes

In honor bright, but now in time

These facts revealed—and wonder’us ’tis—

And perfect shown as man now is

Our God once was, as he’s now seen

Man may be, ’cause true he’s been [17]

In spirit-land there born of God—

A soul just like Christ, Jesus, Lord.

This holy path was also trod

By righteous men that now are Gods

As Abram, Isaac, Jacob too

First babes, then men, thence Gods they grew.

Dear William, friend, this lofty hope

Will light thy way—yield power to cope

With trials fierce, bear safe thee on

O’er path o’er which the Gods have gone.

Lorenzo Snow

[28]

Brigham City

Sept. 6, 1886.

Hon. Lorenzo Snow,

Utah Penitentiary

My dear father:

O! Father dear, thy counsel wise

Which point to Him beyond the skies,

Thy daughter here, on earth below,

To thee, to man, to God will show

She’ll try to follow.

—————————————

For well she knows if she but heed—

And, Father dear, how great’s her need;

For wayward is the heart and wild

Of her who’s proud to be thy child—

She’ll exalted be.

——————————————

Yes, wayward is this heart of mine—

How great’s the contrast unto thine—

But when in converse sweet with thee

This heart is calmed, this mind is free

From temptation’s trammels.

———————————————

[29]

I then can smile at tempter’s wile,

Marvel that he could e’er beguile.

I then can see with peaceful eye

that envyings, strife, all deep doth lie

Afar below me.

———————————————

My soul no longer strives within—

No warfare there: thou has banished sin;

But soars with thine in realms of love

To seek that home beyond, above

This earth of ours.

——————————————

Life then is sweet and worth the while

To live—within me no thought of guile;

No other aim, then my only ambition

To toil, to work, to gain salvation

As taught by thee.

——————————————

When e’er this influence’s held,

The proud spirit within me’s quelled;

A passionate longing fills my breast

To pierce the veil and view the rest

That waits us there.

——————————————

[30]

Death then is but a simple change

To life eternal that’s in the range

Of all—the path’s so clear and bright

I fear not, for a monitor of light

Doth point the way.

—————————————

O! Father dear, then give to me

That strength which like some magic key

To open doors where truth and light

Doth flood my soul, and wisdom’s h[e]ight

Is plain before me.

———————————————

And by that strength I’ll seek to be,

With God’s help, a pride to thee,

In thy crown, a jewel bright and fair,

Which thou as martyr, King, wilt wear

In our Heavenly Home.

Your daughter

Lydia.

————————————

[31]

Utah Penitentiary

Sept. 21, 1886

Sister Snelsen:

Beyond the realms of ether blue

There dwelt thy Spirit just and true,

And winged its way from thence to Earth

In Brigham town to take its birth.

____________________________

Before thou left those lovely climes

To dwell on Earth these stormy times,

Thy labor here did God thee show [18]

Its purpose, kind, didst then thou know?

———————————————

No doubt fair friend, though wondr’us true,

Thy path was shown, it well thou knew,

Yet, after veiled in sombre night

The fact was blotted from thy sight.

————————————————

From early dawn—through morn of life

Ere thou became a lovely wife,

Thy God watched o’er thee, kept thee pure

To do thy work—enjoy—endure.

————————————————

[32]

Though oft thy mind can’t tell thee why

This thou should’st do, and that aught try [19]

Thy heart t’will never guide thee wrong,

What’s right to do t’will prompt thee strong.

—————————————————

With Spirit pure, and heart so true

No guile wherein there ever grew,

With thee God’s spirit therefore rests

And on thy heart clear truths impress.

————————————————

Thy husband dear now oft recalls

Thy burdens borne ’mid cares and toils

With cloudless brow and smiling face—

With spirits bright and charming grace.

————————————————

And cheering words, and counsels wise,

Didst prompt his heart and mind to rise

With added force to struggle through

His thorny path, inspired anew.

————————————————

And truly feels thou well hast done

Thus far thy work for which thou’st come,

And still will do, with fervent love,

Thy offer made in realms above.

Lorenzo Snow.

[33]

Utah Penitentiary

Sept. 25, 1886

Dear Lydia:

Well pleased I am as thus I see

Poetic fire light up in thee;

Awake thy muse and tune the lyre,

Discoursing thoughts I love—admire.

—————————————————

This well we know, and well you should

To thee hath God been wondr’us good

In giving thus this lofty mind,

With talents too of rarest kind.

————————————————

Thy noble mind of gifts so grand

Must thoughts employ, and ready stand

To work for all with love supreme,

’Cause all have sprung from Eloheim.

————————————————

When’er thou write, or hold converse—

As oft thou doth, and very terse—

Thy motive keep right well defined

’Tis naught but love that prompts thy mind.

————————————————

[34]

Ah, more than once I’ve watched thee there

Amid thy noble sisters fair,

When, then thou spake with power, and taught

As God inspired each blazing thought.

With love, with zeal, and heart withal

Must ready do what God doth call—

To teach, instruct in Zion’s cause—

Discourse, propound God’s holy laws. [20]

If waters flow—if sun doth shine

Then God doth thee this work assign,

Will give thee light and power devine,

And fire thy heart—inspire thy mind.

_______________________________

And may thy fame through gifts so grand

Be herald o’er fair Zion’s land;

High thought awake—vast names enroll

On high ambition’s lofty scroll.

To father, husband, mother too

This honor high must flow from you,

And sweetest joy you’ll <thus> [21] impart

As holy incense to our heart.

Affectionately, your father, Lorenzo Snow.

[35]

Utah Penitentiary

Sept. 29, 1886

Mrs. E. R. S. Smith:

O, Sister dear, could I define

And write them sweet in lovely rhyme

My thoughts of thee,—a Sister’s love

As burns in heart of queens above:—

One moment catch poetic fire

Arouse the muse and tune the lyre

O, then I’d sing, my Sister dear,

Of what thou’st been—and picture clear

Thy love to me:—beside, thy fame

Now wafted o’er the stormy main

Thence spread almost to ev’ry clime

And talked in tongues of many kind.

Will live and blaze on hist’ry’s page

Be read by child, and thoughtful sage

Till world by fire God’s wrath infold

From east to west, from pole to pole.

E’n then, behold thy name ’twill shine

In record kept of works of thine

By holy scribes in yonder sphere

Where thou a Godess will appear.

[36]

Thy love to me ’mid all the scenes

Of early youth, and downward stream [22]

Along life’s course to gray old age, [23]

There blaze in each historic page.

More precious still ‘cause penciled deep [24]

Down in my heart—to mem’ry sweet,

Most pure, and glows—immortal, chaste,

O, never can it be effaced.

We’ve frequent held converse together

Of pleasant kind, delightsome ever;

On wings of thought our mind would stray

Aloft, beyond the Milky Way.

There seek with care the realms of thought

In quest of pearls, dared not be sought

By timid mind devoid of force

To trace life’s path, and view its source.

May God thee bless, thy life prolong,

Improve thy health, thy faith make strong,

Delight thy heart when calling o’er

Thy works of love, thy written lore.

Affectionately your Brother

Lorenzo Snow.

[37]

Utah Penitentiary

Octr. 1, 1886

Mrs M. J. Snow:

I herewith send my congratulations to Ephraim and Hattie Jensen in the following lines, which please copy and send them:

Mrs. M. J. Snow:

That stirring news direct from you

Of Eph’, my friend, and Hattie too,

Inspire my Muse to rise and sing

Their little prince—their embro’ King.

This fact no doubt will time unfold

That little chap’s a spirit bold

To waft itself from lovely climes

To ’bide on Earth such stormy times. [25]

_____________________________

All hail! sweet boy like magic grow

Your purpose here try quick to know

And e’en in youth an Ajax be

To help our God make Zion free.

Respectfully

Lorenzo Snow

[38]

Utah Penitentiary

Octr. 4, 1886

Elder Stanley Taylor:

Fierce, cruel hands have torn from thee

That sacred boon, sweet liberty

And forced thee here Earth’s lowest hell

To dwell forlorn in murders’ cell.

But list O, list, to what is told

That ’fore this Globe from chaos rolled

What there occurred—forgotten now, [26]

Yet still those facts we should allow. [27]

Aloft beyond high ether blue

There Spirits dwelt, and also you

Were there amid that mighty host

Of noble souls each true and just.

Thy name there stood in letters bold

In sacred Book of life enrolled,

By reason this ’cause thou hadst hailed

With joyful heart what God unvailed:—

This purpose grand, those Spirits raise

Like Gods to be—explained the way;

And hence arose this promise thine

To come to Earth this stormy time:—

Fierce trials meet devoid of fear,

Thy Priesthood too, thy calling here

With heart and soul to magnify

In doing which thy glory lies.

When forced within these prison walls

Thy heart thereby t’would never pall

But show to man and Gods on high

Thy wives thou never would’st deny.

Lorenzo Snow.

_____________

[40]

Salt Lake City,

Octr. 4, 1886

Response.

Hon. Lorenzo Snow:

Your precious letter, Brother Dear,

So kind—so loving, drew a tear

From eyes whence tears are loth to flow

Except for others’ weal or woe.

_____________________________

The tall expressions drawn by thee,

Seem far to grand t’apply to me;

But I admit all—all is true,

As you portrayed my love for you.

_____________________________

Your upright course has ever spread

A halo on the path I tread:

Your firm, unswerving life, from youth,

To age, has been for God and truth.

_____________________________

From north to south—from east to west,

Your willing feet the sands have press’d—

O’er boist’rous seas and oceans wave

You’ve gone—for what? Men’s souls to save.

_____________________________

[41]

In your life-record, there is not

One silent page, nor one foul blot:

Eternal Archives yet will tell

Your every page is written well.

_____________________________

Yes, those excelsior interviews

Refreshing as Mount Hermon’s dews

Bade thought on lofty flights to soar

Beyond the reach of worldly lore.

_____________________________

Now, in accordance with the fate

Of ancient Saints, the prison grate—

The prison walls, and prison fare

Attest your faith and patience there.

_____________________________

Thus was our Savior’s legacy—

He said, “All those who follow me

Shall suffer persecution”: and

He now is proving who will stand.

_____________________________

Obedience and sacrifice

Secure to you th’immortal prize—

You’ll share with Christ his glorious reign,

And to the Godhead you’ll attain.

_____________________________

[42]

God grant us wisdom, grace and power

To bravely stand the trying hour,

Till Zion pure, redeem’d, and free,

Moves on in peaceful majesty.

Lovingly,

Your Sister,

E. R. Snow Smith

_____________________________

Addenda

We need not scale Parnasus’ height

To seek the Muse for aid t’indite

Nor wander through th’Arcadian grove

In search of Juno or her Jove.

_____________________________

The Inspiration God imparts,

T’instruct our heads, and warm our hearts;

Far better light and warmth diffuses,

Than e’er obtain’d from Pagan muses.

E.R.S.S

_____________________________

[43]

Utah Penitentiary

Octr. 1, 1886

Elder Willard L. Snow:

We feel no tears to shed for thee

When thy fair visage first we see,

Spy thee through the grate awaiting

To pass within the iron grating.

It gives a key no mortal made

Yet has it pow’r to mortals aid

’Cause we, though mortals, clearly see

By it, high virtue dwells in thee.

It ope’s to us—this magic key—

What’s in thy heart—integrity:—

No virtue told, is more sublime

Than this that’s shown as truly thine. [28]

Thy presence here to us implies

Thou’rt not of those that shameful fly

From righteous post and wives deny

And make themselves a standing lie.

[44]

Thrice welcome here, dear Willard Snow,

Our hearts to’ard thee with fervor glow.

And proud to see thyself thus fir’d

With spirit bold—by Gods admir’d.

But feel no tears to shed for thee

When thy fair visage first we see

Spy thee through the grate awaiting

To pass within the iron grating.

Lorenzo Snow.

[45]

Utah Penitentiary

Octr. 16, 1886.

Judge W. J. Cox,

Dear Bro:

Sweet smiling June of Eighty seven

Will mark thee sixty one and ’leven,

Though white thy hair with winter frost

Thy vigor, force ’pears little lost.

Though wrinkles deepen on thy brow

No signs of dotage therein show:

Through strength of mind and inward grace

Old age sits smiling o’er thy face.

Time with thee’s been gen’rous, kind,

And none withal impaired thy mind;

Thy speech denotes no careless haste,

Thy words are chosen, just and chaste.

Thy heart most pure we easy trace

In heavenly smiles that light thy face.

Thy kindly face exhibits grace,

Good humor too—all go to chase

Our gloomy thoughts—make us better

Thereby show we’re some thy debtor.

Our God accepts thy offering here

Thyself hath given without a tear;

[46]

Thyself a lamb, a dove as pure,

Like Christ, this suffering doth endure.

All hail! friend Cox, All hail, my brother,

T’will not be long we’ll greet each other

In realms on high where joys abound

And then, as promised, Gods be crowned.

Lorenzo Snow.

[47]

American Fork, U. T.

Octr. 13, 1886

Dear William:

Some gift on this thy Natal day,

As kindly homage would I pay,

Some happy song of greeting raise,

Of thy dear life, in gentle praise;

Oh! till thy latest living hour

May God his blessings on thee shower.

Rosena Bromley.

Utah Penitentiary, Octr. 19^th. 1886

The following verses were written in answer to the above, in behalf of Bishop W^m M. Bromley,

by his request: — Rosena Bromley:

Thy gift of love safe winged its way

To crown with joy my Natal day,

Nor locks nor bars could stay the course

Of love’s sweet persevering force.

Were thousand worlds their jewels thine,

And proffered thou to make them mine,

’Twere naught but dross compared with those

Sweet, tender lines of thy compose.

[48]

Designed by bright angelic skill,

Thou had’st a song my soul to thrill,

T’would be but dross beside thy verse

Expressing thought both clear and terse.

Each line breathes love, each word a wish

To crown my Natal day with bliss.

That priceless love, deep in thy heart,

This truth implies, doth clear impart,

Thou’rt one in me—thy peerless self,

As I’m in thee; As Jesus saith,

“I’m in the Father, He In Me”:

“Be thou my friends, as thus We be”;

“Let love prevail with one another,”

“And every one prefer his brother.”

Thy lines show wedded firm in love

Thy heart with mine—decreed above.

Perhaps, My Dear, t’was love inspired

Thy soul—which God himself admired—

To come with me on Earth, to plant

Thy kingdom here; and God did grant

[49]

That o’er it thou majestic reign

A peerless queen:—It n’er should wane,

But far beyond high ether blue

Where saints are crowned, each as his due,

To that fair clime should wing its way

And wax and roll through endless day.

Lorenzo Snow.

[50]

To my revered Freind

___________

Lorenzo Snow.

First seen beyond the untold depths of ether,

Whose subtle waves wash every shore of space;

In some grand Sun of Father’s wide dominions

Perchance in one He calls, His dwelling place!

——— || ——— || ———

There, ’mid those nobles who were destined later,

To tabernacle as the sons of men;

In this the last—and greatest—dispensation,

To bear salvations message, learn’d e’en then!

——— || ——— || ———

Next, seen on earth upon that favoured island

Which was the mission field for men of God,

Who left the Prophet on the “western borders”,

Crossed States—the Ocean, for “Old Englands” sod. [29]

——— || ——— || ———

Thence to “Italia” famed, and “Swiss Cantons”,

To ope’ their doors to glorious gospel lights;

And give true freedom, to those ancient peoples,

Who long had battled for the cause of right! [30]

——— || ——— || ———

Next seen in Utah, ’mid the gathered converts,

The God-made leader, and the trusted friend;

Urging that culture, which the man discloses,

When mental force, and spirit knowledge blend. [31]

——— || ——— || ———

Seen as the legislator,- statesman, shall I say?

On pure foundations, building up by law;

That Commonwealth, of Liberty and Right,

Which nations have not, yet the Prophets saw! [32]

——— || ——— || ———

Then as the founder of industrial method,

For selfsustained, united family,

Where self is dormant, and the pride of labor,

Blesses the helpless, makes the toiler free! [33]

——— || ——— || ———

More, as the minister of heaven, preaching

Those Truths eternal, which redeems our race,

In all God’s Zion, wheresoe’er her children,

Can plant a city, or secure a place!

——— || ——— || ———

In widening circles, influential, trusted,

A solid life, till age its power betrays;

A family great, from wives of honored station,

Attests fidelity in lengthened days!

——— || ——— || ———

Then, when a busy life should claim its resting,

’Mid joys of home, and with his gathered sheaves, [34]

When all would say, a Godlike past entitles

To all that honor which the soul perceives.

——— || ——— || ———

Yet, not in such a well assured position

Could enemies have triumph,—is he found,

But in a prison, for his lifelong fealty

To Truth, and Revelations certain sound!

——— || ——— || ———

Patient and passive, waiting law’s delaying,

And paying penalty imposed of hate;

Feeling, that Justice, far hath fled away

From Utahs soil, whose fame he helped create.

——— || ——— || ———

Where next? Ah where, my months are nearly done, [35]

There shall leave him, mid a changing {throng}

But I my homage pay to steadfast honor

And pray that God may yet his life prolong!

——— || ——— || ———

For friends, and for his sister weary growing

With weight of years, and duties of the day;

Whose name—a household word—will linger ever,

And songs be sung, when we have passed away!

[53]

But yet, if this should fail, and no more greeting,

We meet as workers in that cause we love,—

There is a meeting, for the faithful coming,

Beyond the stars, a heaven of perfect love!

——— || ——— || ———

There, also is a welcome is, from brave ones, sainted, [36]

From Prophets, Martyrs, sages, of the past;

There God will wipe all tears from eyes now weeping,

And crown his nobles, from the first to last!

——— || ——— || ———

May I, a humble server, find a station,

If but <in> those grand courts, to simply show;

I loved the servants of my God and Father,

Counting among the few,—Lorenzo Snow!

——— || ——— || ———

Henry W. Naisbitt.

—— || —— || ——

Utah Penitentiary,

Nov 7^th 1886.

— || || ——

[54]

Utah Penitentiary

Octr. 28, 1886

Miss Mary Alice Lambert:

Be just to all, be gen’rous, kind,

And parents’ wishes keep in mind,

By counsel theirs, be ever led,

God’s word regard—it’s in thee bred.

In thy dear self, O let us find

A bright and ever stud’ous mind

By habit formed through mental drill,

The shining fruit of sternest will.

Thy Father here, from him could’st take

A lesson thou—high profit make.

From earliest morn, long into night

Behold him! Seen with spirit bright

In mental toil—all play disdains—

Which constant toil vast knowledge gains,

Will prove of service vastly great

When raised, through worth, to high estate.

[55]

May thorns but little strew thy path

Sufficient just, to show contrast

Between the bitter and the sweet;

With that except: thy ready feet

Will lightly tread the path of life

Through flowery fields of pleasures rife,

And need not “sleep” should death ensue;

O let this thought thy heart imbrue.

Lorenzo Snow.

[56]

Utah Penitentiary

Nov. 2, 1886.

Miss Maria Burrows:

Here, below, my name’s imbedded;

Above; my location headed.

The first; when seen, my heart takes ease

In fondest hope, t’will not displease;

Of last; ‘tis shown thou hast no fear

From fact, thou’st placed thine Album here.

Though locked at night in murderers’ cell

That’s thought to be earth’s lowest hell;

Yet time here, still, with pleasure flies,

No groans we hear, no sobs, no sighs.

’Twas not that we’d the law defy,

’Twas ’cause we’d not our wives deny

That here we’re placed in vile duress,

To spirit crush, and truth repress;

Deny our God, repent what’s done,

And so most shamefully become

Servile, fawning, race of dastards;

Serve our offspring same as bastards;

Our sweetest babes, our lovely girls,

Our smiling child of silken curls,

[57]

Our noble sons of heav’nly birth;

Jewels! All! All! Of priceless worth.

Our hearts disdain that monstrous sin,

Such awful guilt shall fail to win.

’Twas Great Jehovah, gave us wives,

His pointed path to endless lives.

Our heart His Spirit oft o’er flows,

When sweetest love then burns and glows. [37]

When thoughts arise of blessings vast

By Him bestowed in seasons past

Our present state we don’t deplore,

Nor fear to sacrifice yet more.

Lorenzo Snow.

[58]

Utah Penitentiary

Nov. 13. 1886.

Mrs. Lydia S. Clawson:

From world above to world below

Just five and twenty years ago,

Pure, true, and brave, thy spirit came,

In noble deeds, here to proclaim

That virtue, love, together still

Unite in one the heart to thrill;

And kingdom start in embryo

That would to mighty nations grow.

And prove thy worth in God’s esteem

Thy kingdom thus to reign its queen:

Deep in thy heart was seated love

Of God inspired in climes above

Thy Rudger Clawson thus to bring

Establish him its lord and king.

Thou pioneer of sisters brave

In prison first thy lord to save;

[59]

He being first of noble men

With honor graced our gloomy “Pen”.

It truly may be said of thee

Yet, here, still prisoned would’st thou be

Instead of him, our God-like broth’r

Had’st thou thy will, and took no oth’r.

Hail! Sister brave, most noble wife,

Devoid of fear mid hotest strife

To fiercely wrest from husband thine

Rights most precious, e’en rights divine.

That thou cam’st here, resolved and bold,

Long to remain, has oft been told;

Thy husband’s love straight that forbid,

Quick ordered thee from prison led.

Such love supreme, such love divine

Will blaze in this grand deed of thine,

Long down through ages, number vast.

Among the first—of them not last—

Of sisters thine—heroic band—

Thy name in bold relief shall stand

[60]

To help adorn historic page

More bright than that of king or sage;

And here thy work when finished seen

In glory reign Celestial Queen.

Lorenzo Snow.

[61]

Utah Penitentiary

Nov. 15. 1886

Mrs Catherine H. Groesbeck:

While in rambling there around

I met thee first in Brigham town;

Where ’mong thy friends thou wisely stray’d

When sorely pressed by fiendish raid,

I thought thee then a heroine

Nor changed this thought e’en since that time:

Now, here I find thy Nicholas

’Bout which the Courts made mighty fuss;

His noble mien, and stately frame,

His well deserved far spreading fame

From mission past, far more this last,—

His mission here—in prison cast;

Thus show to world, and Gods on high

His loyal wives he’d not deny.

Since him I’ve learned; in choice of mate

I think thee wise, discernment great.

[62]

Since thou a wife, vast work hast wrought

In that a Prince to him hast brought,

Sweet Princess too, just now I’m told

Thy glo’rous work doth still unfold.

Thy kingdom thus grandly started

Shall never be by Satan blasted,

But on, and on to nations grow

And on and up from here below

To empire rise in realms above,

Thou o’er it reign its Queen of love;

And he whose love hast made thee wife

There reign its king through endless life.

Lorenzo Snow.

[63]

Utah Penitentiary

Decr. 4, 1886.

My Boudoir,

’Tis, no doubt, you well remember

My neat, cozy, sleeping chamber,

Yet our friends ’twill not displease

Somewhat to know—their hearts twill ease,

So thus their fears entire disarm—

How nice we’re fixed by “Uncle Sam”.

Though oft he fails to full comply

With all we wish, all wants supply;

Yet him we hold in high disdain,

The poor ingrate that would complain.

Two feet, if add two inches more

My Boudoir starts from building floor;

Just four feet wide, its length ’tis seven,

Though much preferred if eight by ’leven.

For floor; rough boards on scantling stayed,

Wire cot o’er this correctly laid;

[64]

Then comes my mat, of wool it’s made,

Then cotton sheets o’er that displayed;

Then blankets too in some profusion

Arranged entire without confusion;

Then pillows common come in play

Them modest crown without display.

In inches, height is thirty six,

Through blundering thought too oft we mix

Heads with ceiling, this though needless,

Wholly caused through being heedless.

The boards o’er head with ticking lined,

The same long down the wall behind;

This ticking shows black lines prolonged

O’er length and breadth—’tis truth and song;

Large, square, white spots those lines infold

Make pattern ’pear quite loud and bold,

In light of morn we curious gaze

And wonder where its beauty lays;

Such thoughts though needless here to waste,

’Cause much we vary in our taste.

[65]

A damask curtain, somewhat used

By careless maid, or time abused,

Flows down in front, with flowers adorned,

Nice, pattern sweet, artistic formed.

Thick, heavy cloth our heads behind

Divide two beds, to four assigned;

Below, at foot, board wide and strong

Preserves our rights, none venture wrong.

When lying prone along our bed

And pillows soft uphold our head,

’Bout fifteen inches measured space

Divide this ceiling from our face.

A nice planed board along one end

My Books thereon they gently bend:

Some magazines, your Juvenile, [38]

There in high worth and beauty smile,

Thoughts vastly rich—in purpose grand—

T’instruct our youth throughout the land,

E’en riper age from thence could store

A vast amount of classic lore.

[66]

Devoid of much this pretty trimming

Few other rooms are quite so winning;

Our “Sam” finds room, straw, and ticking,

(Sorry chance for ’ficial picking)

Two blankets each for every man

All else ’twere useless to demand;

These facts herein are thus disclosed

To ’muse the young, inform the old.

Lorenzo Snow.

To Abram H. Cannon,

Juvenile Instructor Office

Salt Lake City.

[67]

Utah Penitentiary

Decr. 7, 1886

Brother H. P. Folsom:

Now I have some moments leisure,

Here I’ll state in lines of measure

When first with you in prison meeting

I felt such joy in thee greeting. [39]

I saw quite clear this fact unfold

Wherein these bars did’st thee enfold,

Thy steadfast heart—its precious worth—

To honor God while here on earth.

And boldly tread this thorny way;

No sacrifice would thee dismay

Nor terrors in this course should fright

Thee into path to endless night.

But thou thy God would’st glorify,

His holy law should’st not deny,

In him would’st trust, him would’st obey,

And coming here those facts display.

Lorenzo Snow.

[68]

Utah Penitentiary

Decr. 25, 1886.

Miss Lizzie Cutler:

We’re pleased to see your album here

Wherein you wish our name appear,

And pleased you’re not as we now are

The subject of the Warden’s care.

Lorenzo Snow.

Miss Delilia Gardner:

Your anxious wish to gratify,

My autograph you’ll find below,

And furthermore, Dear friend thereby

My kind regards—Lorenzo Snow.

Miss Needham:

On thee, Dear friend, may God bestow

His blessings choice—Lorenzo Snow.

_______________________________

Miss Ann Turner:

On thee, Dear friend, may God bestow

His blessings choice—Lorenzo Snow

_______________________________

[69]

Utah Penitentiary

Jany. 4, 1887

Elder Jens Hansen:

Six weary months in Utah prison

At last, behold! your bonds are riven

Your cheerful voice no more we hear

Nor in your “Cell” you there appear.

Now freedom’s flag it proudly waves

O’er you, the just, the true and brave:

While some would shun this sacrifice,

Withhold the cost that wins the prize;

Not so with thee, but joined the throng

Of willing martyrs—thus thy song—

As told by John, that none could sing

Save those to God would honor bring:—

Which thou could’st learn and worthy be,

There, on that brilliant, glassy sea

In shining robes, in glory stand

’Mong martyred saints with Christ, the Lamb. [40]

Lorenzo Snow.

[70]

Utah Penitentiary

Jany 5. 1887.

Miss Rhoda Groesbeck:

Though pleased to see your Album here,

Would be more pleased could you appear,

Though not in bonds as we now are

The subject of the Warden’s care;

___________________________

But your nice organ with you bring,

Thereon perform—converse, or sing;

But here, the truth I freely own

Such favor choice cannot be shown.

___________________________

Will, therefore, now my wish express

That Thee, our God will richly bless,

Thy trials make all easy, light,

And strew thy path with roses bright.

Lorenzo Snow.

[71]

December 25, 1886.

—————

“Lorenzo Snow Esq.

Compliments of

Minna Cannon.”

—————

The above was accompanied by a beautifully ornamented raisin cake.

——————————

“Christmas Greetings

To Dear Papa

“Dearest Pa, with joy we greet you

On, now this happy Christmas morn,

Yet because, that we must miss you,

These blessings much thereby are shorn. [41]

—————————

“While you’ve suffered, we acknowledge

Our present loss is future gain:

And we hope now soon to see you,

And have you with us once again.

Le Roie, Mable & Lore”

The above was accompanied by a nice Silk Handkerchief, the S.L. Temple woven on each corner.

[72]

“December 25, 1886”

___________

“A Happy New Year

With the Compliments of

Lydia S. Clawson.”

The above was accompanied by a pair of beautiful worsted wristlets

[73]

Copy [42]

Utah Penitentiary

Jany. 9. 1887.

Hon. Jno. T. Caine,

Washington, D.C.

Dear Brother:

Herewith, you will find a letter addressed to President Cleavland. Realizing that very many of the communications addressed to the President and sent by mail never reach him, but find their way into the waste basket, I decided to enclose this one to you.2 As it is an important letter, you will greatly oblige me by seeing that it is placed in his hands.

My health, as also that of the brethern, is at present very good. We are looking forward, of course, with much interest to the decision of the Supreme Court relative to segregation. [43]

Hoping that you are meeting with good success in your labors, I remain

Your bro. + c.,

Lorenzo Snow.

The following is a copy of the letter above referred to:

[74]

Utah Penitentiary

Jany 9, 1886. [1887.]

To the Hon. Grover Cleavland,

President of the United States, [44]

Sir:

I herewith respectfully submit for your consideration the following facts: I am twenty nine years of age. In November 1884, I was convicted of Polygamy and Unlawful Cohabitation, and sentenced by Chas. S. Zane to four years imprisonment, and to pay a fine of $800.⁰⁰. I have now served out two years and two months of this sentence. That to which I particularly desire to direct your attention is this: When I entered the prison, fourteen of its inmates were undergoing punishment for murder, five having been sentenced for life, and the remainder, with two exceptions, for a long term of years.

Of this number, nine have gone out on a full and free pardon, two have been released, and three only remain, one of whom being a life man.

The immediate outgrowth of my alleged [75] crime is life, of their crime, death.

A proposition has been made to me, as also to others of my faith, that if I would promise to obey the law in the future, as construed by the courts, I should receive a pardon; while, on the other hand, no such requirement whatever was made of the parties mentioned. Why, then, I respectfully ask, should a promise be required of me and not of them? And what, Mr President, will justify a leniency extended to one class of criminals—those who are guilty of murder, as against another class—those who are guilty of a misdemeanor only?

Respectfully,

Rudger Clawson. [45]

Names of brethern confined in the Utah

Penitentiary for Polygamy and Unlawful Co-habitation [46]

No

Age

Name

Residence

Term

Fine

Date of Imp^t.

By whom sentenced

Feb 18, 1882.

To Roie,

When you hear the whistle sound

I’ll be there in Brigham-town

And give you there a bonny gift [49]

On Saturday—the Twenty-fifth.

If you’ll be good and please Mamma [50]

And never leave the door ajar

And ne’er will chase or stone the hens

Whilst hunting food outside their pens.

Nor tease, nor plague your sister May

While you’re engaged in mirthful play

Nor in the carpet drive a nail

Nor pinch the cat, nor pull Jip’s tail—

Nor take a match to start a fire,

Of doing right will never tire;

Do this, my Dearest Little Boy

And earn the promised, pretty toy.

Your Pa,

L. Snow.

To Minnie May.

Thy chatty tongue, bewitching smile

With heart so good and free from guile

Thyself as gentle as the dove

When giving Pa thy sweetest love.

Who sometimes wake from midnight sleep

With kisses pretty, soft and sweet

While little hands steal o’er his face

No less than May’s the pure & chaste.

O sweetest May, I love thee more

Than words can tell or thoughts explore.

So now, good-bye, my Darling Girl

With smiling face & golden curls.

Your Pa,

L. S.

Feb. 20, 1882.

[86]

Alviras—Lillie,

This humble gift you’ll please accept

In token of my love—respect.

Bound now in one by sacred ties,

That point aloft beyond the skies

His blessings choice may God bestow

On you, Dear Vie and Lillie Snow.

Affectionately,

Your Father,

Lorenzo Snow.

Brigham City.

[Space of 8 lines]

Lines dedicated to Susa Young Gates

Editor “Young Womans Journal”. [51]

[87]

Brigham City Jan. 1^rst, 1892.

Dear Sister Susa:

The world’s ungrateful, always was—

’Tis needless here to state the cause—

But she who would true honor gain,

And tread the path to lasting fame,

And would be noble, grand and great,

For generous pay must ’longtime wait;

Yet struggle hard, and toil and sweat

And put the world much in her debt:

But ’way beyond the milky-way

In life celestial, look for pay.

And still my Sister Susa Dear

This work of love you’re doing here

In this degraded, fallen sphere,

Yet, through our ever blessed Lord

In this poor life you’ve some reward.

He gives thee light and power divine,

He fires thy heart, inspires thy mind

With thoughts refined, thoughts choice and grand

Now wafting o’er fair Zion’s land.

Though golden purse ne’er ope’s for thee

You never shall impov’rished be.

Let thoughts arise of blessings vast,

[88]

That God bestowed in seasons past;

And ne’er your present state deplore,

Nor fear to sacrifice still more.

To sacrifice and to obey,

Therein do all the honors lay.

Still onward press my Sister Dear

Thy calling’s high the prize is near,

And to the end you’ll sure endure

And thus as promised, make secure

A glowing, brilliant, sparkling gem—

Celestial, princely, diadem.

Lorenzo Snow. copied by

Minnie J. Snow [52]

Reply

Provo Jan. 6__ 1892.

Pres. Lorenzo Snow,

Dear and kind Brother:—

I can never express to you in words, the grateful, humble feelings that swept over me when I read your beautiful prophecy and poetical consolation. It made me feel so humble, to receive such words from one to whom I have always looked up with feelings of awe and reverence! Oh, [89] how keenly I felt the force of your lovely words, “Yet through our ever blessed Lord, In this poor life you’ve some reward”. For the friendship and confidence of such men as—‘Lorenzo Snow, the President of the Twelve Apostles” I would not exchange the glittering baubles of India or the shining gold of the whole earth. Your inspiration was true when you said, “And ne’er your present state deplore.” For this last summer I have suffered intensely over matters connected with the “Journal” and have even ventured to express the wish that the “Journal” had never been started. Ah, let me engrave, in letters of fire upon my heart, these prophetic lines you indicted to me—

“Though golden purse ne’er ope’s for thee

You never shall impov’rished be”.

And upon my eyelids, let me always see that precious promise “And to the end you’ll sure endure.

Dear and kind Friend, as I first said—words are inadequate to express the keen pleasure your letter has given me—I cannot speak my gratitude.

I have asked Sis. E. S. Taylor, and she wishes me to publish this. It may seem egotistical to some, but it is a pleasure I can not deny myself.

[90]

This much I can say—it does not make me feel high-minded or proud, it humbles me in

the dust of anxious desire to deserve it all, at some future day.

Once more thanking you, and asking God to prolong your life ’till Zion is Redeemed,

I am your Sister and friend

copied by Susa Young Gates.

M. J. S. [53]

Apostle Paul to the Philipians;

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” (Chap. 2. Verse 5–6 St. Paul.)

Dear Brother:

Hast thou not been unwisely bold

Man’s destiny to thus unfold

To raise, promote such high desire,

Such vast ambition thus inspire?

Still: ’tis no phantom that we trace

Man’s ultimatum in life’s race;

This royal path has long been trod

By righteous men, who now are Gods:

[91]

As Abram, Isaac, Jacob too,

First babes, then men, to Gods they grew;

As man now is, our God once was

As now God is, so man may be, [54]

Which fact unfolds man’s destiny.

So John asserts; “When Christ we see

Then we like him will truly be,

And he, this hope, who has in him

Will purify himself from sin.” [55]

This object grand who keep in view,

To folly, sin, will bid adieu,

Nor wallow in this mire anew,

Nor ever seek to graft his name

High on the spire of worldly fame;

But here his ultimatum trace—

The head of all his spirit-race.

Ah, well: that taught by you Dear Paul,

’Though much amazed, we see it all;

Our Father God, has ope’d our eyes,

So cannot view it otherwise.

[92]

The boy who like his father’s grown

He’s taken only what’s his own;

When son of man has man become

He ’gainst no law of nature run.

A son of God like God to be

Would not be robbing Deity

“And he who has this hope in him

Will purify himself of sin. [56]

You’re right St. John, supremely right

Who e’er essays to climb this height

Will cleanse himself of sin entire

Or else ’twere needless to aspire.

Lorenzo Snow.

Brigham Jan. 11, 1892. M. J. S. [57]

[93]

Brigham—Aug. 31^rst, 1891.

Minnie J. Snow:

How sweet are the thoughts, when, once and for all,

We promised to love, and never recall. [58]

And sweet loving times so oft repeated,

Heave welded our hearts, nor love yet abated.

Untarnished our love, still brighter its glow,

As two streamlets unite, then together they flow.

Right well hast thou love’d, and bravely hast trod,

The path He appointed—Our Father and God;

And wond’rously blest, in mind and in heart

Your fame’s been extended–shall never depart.

But constant and blazoned with glory, renown,

’Till thou a bright Queen and Goddess be crowned.

Oft have I viewed thee, rise and address,

Truths of high import, thy Sister to bless;

As an angel of light, teaching with power,

The very thing needed, for the day and the hour;

Inspiring the heart, enlightening the mind

In style most sublime and el’quence refined.

Thy fruitful mind and talents rare

And gift of heart—a gracious share—

[94]

Art kind and gentle—good to all,

Responding to each public call,

Supressing self, when self appears,

Be it roses, thorns or tears.

And thus continue—thus be great,

’Till God, the Son, Shall come in state

Lorenzo.

Written for our friends assembled to celebrate our Twentieth Wedding Anniversary. June 12, 1891.

To our Friends, Greeting.

All hail, sweet friends, right welcome here

It warms our heart to feel you’re near;

Such taste and intellect refined

And gifts of heart in you combined

Spread light—give joy in our abode

This rare, this precious episode.

This pleasing style, this unique way

You celebrate our nuptial day

Delight our heart, high honor’s shed

Upon that happy day we wed.

[95]

[Blank]

[96]

Brigham Jan. 1^rst, 1892

Dear George and Lana:

That golden pen with diamond point

With holder fine is nicely wrought,

With cushion too, so sweet and chaste

Its donor I could easy trace—

A priceless gift—a present rare

That indicates, your love I share.

But other Christmas days have told

Your love for me had not grown cold.

And now my Son and Daughter too

To bear my thanks, (I feel its due)

This missive, Dears, to send to you.

May blessings choice forever flow

Enrich your labors here below,

Infuse your heart with holy fire

And sanctify each thought, desire,

That ’way beyond high ether blue

In realms of light, where both of you

May there be crowned a King, a Queen

By our great Father–Elohiem.

Affectionately Your Father

Lorenzo Snow.

M.J.S.

[97]

To Le Roi C. Snow and Companion F. Olsen while on a mission to Germany.

Mar. 3, 1897.

To you my Son, Dear Olsen too

I rhyme these thoughts and send to you.

You need not look for only rhyme

With thoughts but couch’d in jingling line.

Dear Olsen’s had experience more

And taught in school scholastic lore,

Thy senior too he stands confess’d

With which no doubt thou art impress’d.

Let no envious feelings rise

To ruffle friendship’s tender ties

No thoughts or words but pure & kind.

Let love prevail in heart and mind

Like Jonathan and David be

That your sweet union Saints may see

And worship God and honor thee

Be one in heart be one in thought

[98]

A principle our Savior taught. [59]

While two unite in mission work

No one should show a wish to shirk

But take the humbler part e’en more

’Though he might feel a little sore.

And, thus his pride must lay aside

God’s lowly spirit be his guide

O’er his passions triumphant ride.

Very Affectionately

Lorenzo Snow.

S. L. Temple.

Elder George Bywater:

Expressive of my love to thee

This token please accept of me

His blessings choice may God bestow

On thee Dear friend, while here below

With roses fair thy path bestrew

That never tire in charming you

’Cause thou art noble, good and great

As wast thou in thy first estate

Affectionately

Lorenzo Snow.

June 2^nd 1896.

M. J. S. Sec.

[pages 100–224 blank]

Notes

[1] This is found on the volume’s outside cover, in gold and black, with a gold and white border (see illustration).

[2] These three lines are on the volume’s unlined flyleaf (see illustration).

[3] The phrase “letter two” is underlined in purple pencil, added later.

[4] The word “how” is underlined in purple pencil.

[5] The word “I” has been changed in purple pencil to “I’ll.”

[6] The word “indite” is in darker ink in another hand.

[7] The word “through” is followed by a period in gray pencil.

[8] The word “yet” is inserted in purple pencil between “Though” and “here.

[9] “In private . . . Prophet Jo” is in gray pencil in another hand.

[10] According to an affidavit Snow made in Brigham City on August 28, 1869, this visit with Joseph, during which Joseph related his experience with the angel and the drawn sword, took place in April 1843, shortly after Snow’s return from England. Joseph had asked Snow to accompany him on a walk, which he did. Sitting down on a large log near the bank of the Mississippi River, Joseph reportedly told Snow “that the Lord had revealed it [plural marriage] unto him and commanded him to have women sealed to him as wives, that he [Joseph] foresaw the trouble that would follow and sought to turn away from the commandment, that an angel from heaven appeared before him with a drawn sword, threatening him with destruction unless he went forward and obeyed the commandment.” See “Apostle Lorenzo Snow’s Testimony,” in Andrew Jenson, ed., Historical Record 6 (1887), 222. Other firsthand accounts of Joseph relating the story of the angel with the sword include Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, ed. Lyndon W. Cook and Kevin B. Harker (Provo: Grandin Book, 1997), 85; Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, “Statement,” February 8, 1902, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University (hereafter cited as Perry Special Collections); Lightner, “Remarks by Sister Mary E. Lightener who was sealed to Joseph Smith in 1842,” April 14, 1905, Perry Special Collections; and Lightner to Emmeline B. Wells, summer 1905, Perry Special Collections.

[11] The word “Celestial” has been inserted in purple pencil between “God’s” and “only.”

[12] The word “on” has been inserted in purple pencil after “in,” and the “s” in “arms” has been struck out in purple pencil.

[13] The last three letters of “which” are in gray pencil in another hand.

[14] This heading is in gray pencil but apparently the same hand as the text.

[15] The word “what” is written in purple pencil above “all.”

[16] The word “rolld” is written in purple pencil above “had,” and “from” is written in purple pencil above “flown in.”

[17] That God had once been a man and that man could become like God was a favorite theme of Snow’s, which he expressed most concisely in his famous couplet, “As man now is, God once was:/ As God now is, man may be.” This doctrine had been revealed to him in the spring of 1840, while he was listening to H. G. Sherwood explain the parable of the husbandman and laborers; see Eliza R. Snow, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1884), 46–47. Joseph Smith publicly taught the doctrine in his famous “King Follett Discourse” in 1844. For additional statements by Snow on this theme, see Clyde Williams, ed., The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996), 1–9.

[18] The word “thee” has been rendered “then” in purple pencil.

[19] A comma has been inserted in purple pencil after “try.”

[20] The “s” in “laws” has been struck out in purple pencil.

[21] Purple pencil changes this word to “thus” but obscures the original. “Thus” is also written out to the side of “impart” in purple pencil.

[22] A comma has been added in purple pencil after “stream.”

[23] The word “life’s” has been struck out with purple pencil, and “its” has been inserted.

[24] “The word ’cause” has been struck out with purple pencil, and “now” has been inserted.

[25] The word “these” has been written in purple pencil above the word “such.”

[26] A dash has been inserted in purple pencil following “now.”

[27] The period has been changed to a semicolon in purple pencil.

[28] The word “this” is underlined in purple pencil.

[29] Snow arrived in England as a missionary in October 1840. He preached in Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham before being called to preside over the newly created London Conference in February 1841. Under his leadership, the struggling London Conference swelled to several hundred members, dozens of whom had emigrated to the United States by the time Snow left England for Nauvoo in January 1843. See Andrew H. Hedges and Jay G. Burrup, “Shaping the Stones: Lorenzo Snow’s Letters to Priesthood Leaders of the London Conference, November 1842,” BYU Studies 38, no. 4 (1999), 8–9.

[30] Snow opened Italy to missionary work on 25 June 1850, when he and two companions landed in Genoa. Spurned by the Italian Catholics, Snow and his companions had their greatest success among the Protestant Waldensians (or Waldenses) of Italy’s Piedmont region, where they had fled for safety after being excommunicated from the Catholic church in AD 1184 Snow spent a few days in Switzerland in February 1852 en route from England—where he had overseen the translation of the Book of Mormon into Italian—to Italy. Snow left Italy for Utah in March 1852.

[31] An avid scholar, Snow was an active promoter of culture and education in Utah. Among other less formal efforts to enhance early Utah’s intellectual life, he served as a regent of the University of Deseret; helped organize a Dramatic Association and public school system in Brigham City; and founded a “Polysophic Society” in Salt Lake City—the forerunner to the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Associations in the Church (Heidi S. Swinton, “Lorenzo Snow,” in The Presidents of the Church, Leonard J. Arrington ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1986], 163–64).

[32] Snow served in the territorial legislature from 1852 to1882, when he was disenfranchised as a result of the Edmunds Act. He had served as president of the Legislative Council from 1872 to 1882.

[33] At the request of Brigham Young, Snow had moved to Box Elder (later renamed Brigham City) in 1854, to preside over the saints in the area. Ten years later he organized several local retail stores into the “Brigham City Co-operative Association,” which generated enough profit for stockholders to build a tannery and shoe factory a few years later. Incorporated into the “Brigham City Mercantile and Manufacturing Company” in 1870, these three enterprises had grown to forty by 1874, supplying virtually all of the goods and services residents needed in the area (Leonard J. Arrington, Feramorz Y. Fox, and Dean L. May, Building the City of God: Community and Cooperation among the Mormons [Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1992], 111–15). Encouraged by Brigham City’s successes, Brigham Young in 1874 began establishing “United Orders” in communities throughout the territory.

[34] The word “sheaves” is placed above “gathered,” as the author ran out of space for the last word on this line. Similarly, on the previous line the word “resting” is placed above “claim its.”

[35] The word “done” is placed above “nearly."

[36] The word “sainted” is written above “brave ones.”

[37] The period is replaced with a semicolon in purple pencil.

[38] The Juvenile Instructor was the Church’s semimonthly Sunday School magazine. Founded and originally edited by George Q. Cannon in January 1866, it remained in the Cannon family until 1901, when the Deseret Sunday School Union purchased it. Renamed the Instructor in 1929, it continued publication until 1970. See Arnold K. Garr, Donald Q. Cannon, Richard O. Cowan, eds., Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000), 595–96.

[39] The word “much” is written above “such” in another hand.

[40] See Revelation 4:4–11.

[41] Portions of “thereby are shorn” are written over with a dark blue ink, possibly in another hand.

[42] The word “copy” is written on an angle at the top of the page.

[43] Snow, having already served his first six months’ prison sentence, is referring here to his own appeal to the United States Supreme Court that his second and third convictions for unlawful cohabitation were illegal, as cohabitation was a single continuous offense that could not be divided, or “segregated,” into discrete offenses on any other than an arbitrary basis. The court heard the case on January 21, 1887, and decided in his favor on February 7, 1887. See Firmage and Mangrum, Zion in the Courts, 182, and Ken Driggs, “Lorenzo Snow’s Appellate Court Victory,” Utah Historical Quarterly 58, no. 1 (Winter 1990), 81–93.

[44] This salutation is underlined in red ink.

[45] For more on Clawson and his prison experience, see Rudger Clawson, Prisoner for Polygamy: The Memoirs and Letters of Rudger Clawson at the Utah Territorial Penitentiary, 1884–87, ed. Stan Larson (Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1993).

[46] The following table is drawn up in the text of the letterbook in pink ink, but the entries are made in dark ink.

[47] The middle initial “W” is struck out in pink pencil, and “yumm” is written in pink above it. William Jeffs’s middle name was actually “Y."

[48] The numbers in this row are faint and possibly in another hand. Although there are no further entries, the table continues to the bottom of page 83.

[49] The “re” of “there” is struck out in purple pencil, and an “n” is written above, making “then.”

[50] The word “your” is inserted between “please” and “Mamma” in a bluish-green ink, and “Mamma” is changed to “Ma.”

[51] The Young Woman’s Journal was the official publication of the Church’s Young Ladies’ National Mutual Improvement Association. Susa Young Gates was its first editor. The Journal ran from 1889 to 1929, when it merged with the Improvement Era. See Garr, Cannon, and Cowan, Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History, 1,387.

[52] “Copied by Minnie J. Snow” is written on an angle, immediately following “Lorenzo Snow.”

[53] “Copied by M. J. S” is on an angle and circled.

[54] See note 17.

[55] See 1 John 3:2–3.

[56] See 1 John 3:3.

[57] “M. J. S.” is on an angle.

[58] Minnie Jensen and Lorenzo Snow were married in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City on 12 June 1871.

[59] See John 17:11, 21–22.