1a Calle De Soto No 2 Mexico [Mexico City, Mexico] March 3/86 [Wednesday 3 Mar 1886]
I am pleased that Arthur [Arthur Eugene Snow, b. 1870] is to have his endowments and help in your Temple work. How I should have enjoyed the priveledge [privilege] as I had anticipated of working for my Dead at the same time with you and your brother Benjamin [Benjamin Ashby]. Give my best regards to him. So Martie [Martha Ellen Snow, b. 1865] is likely to come home early in March [Mar 1886]. Moroni [Moroni Snow, b. 1858] [is] going to move Addie to Milford [Milford, Utah] and how soon? Tis dark and I can’t follow the lines -
Well Mr. & Mrs. Smith (American folks) who have been visiting here this P.M. have just left and I have a light and will try to finish my letter. I perceive you had not yet received my El Paso [El Paso, Texas] letter and had not learned who those good friends were with when I started from Utah, I deemed it unwise at that time to mention Prest. Cannon [President George Q. Cannon]. I wish Elder M. Thatcher [Elder Moses Thatcher] were now with me. If we succeed in carrying our programe [program] into effect in Chihuahua [Chihuahua, Mexico] and add other places to the one already purched [purchases], no doubt he and many more will seek temporary refuge in Mexico. Elder B. Young [Elder Brigham Young Jr.] is indicted six times and F.M. Lyman [Elder Frances M. Lyman] five, which means 2+ a half and 3 years imprisonment and from $1500 to $ 2000 fines & costs - should you or your children be supenaed [subpoenaed] before a Grand Jury at Beaver [Beaver, Utah], they must learn to only tell what they know that I make your house my home and know not of my living with any other wife during the last three years. Indictments may follow a man anywhere in the United States but Commisioners [Commissioners] Warrants cant [can't] reach outside the Territory. We can better dodge them. I am glad Dee & Dan [Daniel Seegmiller. b. 1836] have got Pipe Spring Ranch. It may be a help in doging [dodging] as well as keeping Stock being in Arizona. Has Dan [Daniel Seegmiller. b. 1836] come home to stay this Summer. I suppose St. George Municipal Election [St. George, Utah] will come off about this time. Who is Mayor and Marshall & members of the City council? Have the boys furnish a list to send in your next. I am glad Tony [Anthony Woodward Ivins, b. 1852] has furnished you a good Milker for your White skim milk cow. What Horses have my boys kept in town and where are the others? If I attempt to come this Spring I shall try to come quickly & safely. If not needed by brethren, the Prest [Presidency] and Apostles in Utah and any of them were coming and you would come with them till I could meet you, I might abandon the idea of my return at Present. I want you away from St. George [St. George, Utah] during the heated term next summer and I want to be with you, if God will and in safe & pleasant places among our true friends. Let us hope & Pray for it. God Bless you and all your children & household. Yours etc. E.F. [Erastus Fairbanks = Erastus Snow, b. 1818]