ESLTRS-1886-07-20-From,SnowErastus,MexicoColoniaJuarezChihuahua-To,SnowMarthaEllen(Keate),UtahStGeorge
Juarez Mexico [Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico] July 20th 1886 [Tuesday 20 Jul 1886]
Dear Martha [Martha Ellen Snow, b. 1865], By your letter of the 4th [Sunday 4 Jul 1886] addressed to Georgia [Georgiana Snow, b. 1862] being just a little to [too] late to come from Chihuahua [Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico] in last weeks mail, it had to lay over till this week and only reached here today after Georgias [Georgiana Snow, b. 1862] letter to you and mine to E.B. [Erastus Beman Snow, b. 1853] had been sent to Casa Grandes [Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico]. Of course we are delighted to hear from you and from Flora [Florence Snow Woolley, b. 1856] and all at home.
I wrote you in a recent letter about you and Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] going to B.Y. Accademy [Brigham Young Academy - University] and pay for Board & Schooling of Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] etc which you probably have by this time.
In relation to your attending the University [University of Utah], if B.Y. [Brigham Young Academy - University] fails to open I would not object to yourself going there as much as to Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] because your advanced education fits you for the Scientific branches there taught. Besides you have age and experience in your favor to guard you against the many evil influences daily met with in Salt Lake City. While Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] is deficient in Both and is more susseptable [susceptible] to the influences he comes in contact with. We all fear to encourage his risking himself in that School [University of Utah] and in the Streets, Saloons, Theatres etc of Salt Lake [Salt Lake City] and spending his time with fast young people of that Metropolis. I trust that B.Y. Accademy [Brigham Young Academy] will open for half a year if not a whole one and six months Dues there might fit Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] for an advance to the Studies in the University [University of Utah] and the B.Y. [Brigham Young Academy] training in its Theological classes and its strict discipline might also fortify him somewhat against the evil influences of Salt lake [Salt Lake City] society and against the infidel Tendencies of the Professors in the University [University of Utah]. In relation to exchanging Tithing Pay in St. George [St. George, Utah] for some in Salt Lake [Salt Lake City] that I will do - and any credits you give me on my account in St. George T.O. [St. George, Utah Tithing Office] Orders on Salt Lake [Salt Lake City]. We cant [can't] quite see how you can leave untill [until] after Josephine [Josephine Snow, b. 1859] returns from the lake [Panguitch Lake, Utah] and her tour to the Ranch [Kanab, Utah].
I suppose you would like to commence with the first, though you might strike in with the second Semester. Probably Anne [Anna Beckstrom Snow, b. 1825] might Board you or Minerva [Minerva White Snow, b. 1822] if Artie Thurston arrives to stay with her and go to that school [University of Utah]. Artie however should commence in an intermediate Department. By the Bye Why not ask Bro Eyring to make the effort again at this juncture to induce Professor Masear [Professor Karl G. Maeser] to come & open St. George Accademy [St. George Academy] and thus he may dodge for a season the danger awaiting him for the U.S. court officials. In case Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] finds no prospect of geting [getting] his schooling without trying the University [University of Utah] He there would have to commence in an Intermediate Department and in any case you should be very watchfull [watchful] of him.
5:00 [5 PM ?] We are anxious as well as Ashby [Ashby Snow, b. 1867] that he should have a respite from his rotine [routine] labors in the Store and get the Schooling he desires and needs nor do we wish him to feel for a moment that we lack confidence in his integrity or his good desires and efforts to do right in all things. But, we think we comprehend his natural turn of mind and disposition and we know more of the evil influences to be encountered than he possibly can and hence our caution and we could hardly forgive ourselves if he should by our approval be exposed to them and be overcome by them. If however you go and he feels anxious to go with you and Annie [Anna Beckstrom Snow, b. 1825] & Minerva [Minerva White Snow, b. 1822] will board you and he as well as you will apply himself to his studies and join and attend the Y.M. Mutuals [Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association] of the 18th Ward [Salt Lake 18 th Ward] and be attentive to home duties, secret prayer etc. and be advised by you and older friends about the company he chooses and the hours he keeps and when and where to go for his recreation and past time - I will not reprise him the priviledge [privilege] of trying it for a while. You already know the road George Albert [George Albert Snow, b. 1863] has taken and the foundation of his worldly Pride and ambition which seems leading him to infidelity and destruction was laid in Salt Lake [Salt Lake City] while he attended the University [University of Utah] and Z.C.M.I. [Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution] Hoping and trusting that the way will open for his Schooling without danger to his faith and morals. And that you and Josephine [Josephine Snow, b. 1859] will be led to achieve and decide right I remain your devoted Father with love to all. Erastus Snow [Erastus Snow, b. 1818]