LETTERS OF REV. WM. M. ROBERTS 43
was concocted before I came and consummated in the pres- ence of Mr. Gary a day or two before he left. If Bro. Wilson were a thorough going business man it might be a tolerable plan but as it is I dislike it exceedingly, and am trying to persuade him to give it into other hands. It is possible I may succeed. Bro. Wilbur could hold it just as well and it would cost nothing and he would transact the business in due form and order.
A Bro. Joseph Smith is keeping a good school in the build- ing at present, and we are doing all we can to encourage and help, but in a country so new where the Love of gain has gained complete possession of allmost every heart, where the the most Enterprizing cannot work fast and the idle and vicious do nothing but mischief it is not easy to go a great deal in a little time.
I have consecrated all my feeble energies to the work before me, and think these energies both Physical and Spiritual (I say nothing of mental) are strengthened by the Exercise.
There is need here for all the aid you can send us, whether it be in prayers and sympathies, the goods or men I have indi- cated or any other good and perfect gift you may have to send us from the Father of lights. I omitted before leaving home to secure Temperance Publications. I find we are threatened with a Deluge of Rum, and that the most sturdy efforts imag- inable are requisite to stem the torrent.
Gambling abounds. Will you send me the most valuable Temperance publications together with the Permanent Temper- ance Documents. Dec 21st I have just ascertained that by loaning a man $300 in silver I can have a house suitable for Bro. Leslie to live in for eleven months this will give me time enough to build or to make some other shift.
Oregon City seems to be the proper place for me to reside, at least for the present and is the key to the whole territory. I shall be most happy to have such instructions and advice from time to time as will better prepare me for my respon- sible work in this country I am
Yours in Christ
William Roberts.
