| 605 continued to discuss the subject. At St. Louis, I took passage for Warsaw, from thence came by private conveyance to Nauvoo.
Now for the affairs of Nauvoo.-The Temple, as you perhaps know, is situated on the brow of the most prominant [prominent] part of the bluff, which extends a short distance in the advance of the bluff, either to the right or to the left so that it commands a complete view of the majestic river for several miles, both north and south; and completely overlooks the flat which constitutes the western part of the city, and is so curiously formed by the extraordinary bend of the river. In consequence of the Temple being situated in the advance of the adjoining bluff, it overlooks portions of the city both to the north and to the south, that are considerable in the rear of it.
On the left, south, as you front the river the lots are mostly taken, and a great share of the improvements seem to be bestowed upon this part of the city. Near the residence of Pres't. J. Smith, which is near the termination of Main street, or where it strikes the river on the south, is situated the Nauvoo House, which is in rapid progress; the foundation which is massive and extensive, is nearly completed; and when completed will form the basement story. This house when finished, I should think from what I have seen, will surpass any house of the kind for beauty, convenience, and durability, west of the Allegany [Allegheny] mountains. On the north of the Temple there has also been a great improvement, and a large portion of that part of corporation is quite densely populated. East of the Temple lot some ten miles, which you are aware is more or less timbered land, it is completely spotted with dwellings. The large prairie east of the city presents a very pleasing prospect; several buildings are completed and others in progress. Some are engaged fencing, others plowing, and preparing their land for the ensuing season. The Temple also commands a fine view of Zarahemla, and the beautiful prairie that stretches along, at its wonted distance from the river for several miles. Several buildings are in progress in Zarahemla.
Indeed, you certainly would be astonished if you were here, at the vast improvement made in so short a space of time. If you walk through the streets of the city, or ride out on the prairie, or go over to Zarahemla, you will see nothing like idleness; but will hear the hum of industry:-nay may I not say more:-the voice of merriment. It is true, their buildings are generally quite small; for you know that many of the saints were forced out of the state of Missouri penniless in the inclement season of the year, and were only able to build temporary houses. However, several brick houses, and some extensive framed ones have lately been erected, which improve the appearance of the city very much. I assure you that when I came here I was completely astonished, and agreeably disappointed at the improvements that have been made since I was here two years ago last spring; when there was but one or two new buildings, and they were not then completed.
If you were here to see the work that has been done on the Temple, you would say that the saints here have been industrious, and contributed liberally for that work. The greater portion of the work is accomplished on the basement story, in which is situated the Baptismal Font, resting upon the twelve oxen that so much has been said about in the eastern papers. I went and examined them particularly;-they are ingeniously carved, and strikingly resemble the living original; and the Baptismal Font, I should judge from what is said in the bible, strongly resembles the "Brazen Sea." I will not here attempt to give any further description of the Temple; for it sufficeth to say, that its plan for convenience, surpasses any thing that I ever saw, and well it may; for the Lord has had something to do with it: and I believe that when it is completed; for splendor and magnificence it will outshine any thing west of Philadelphia at all events. There does not appear to be so many to work on it at present as heretofore; for many are engaged in fitting up their private dwellings for the coming winter, and preparing that they may attack it with renewed vigour [vigor] and zeal in the coming spring.
I think that the saints ought to be stirred up in the east to contribute liberally for this work (of the Lord.)
I have not heard much said about the university-there is no building as yet completed for it; but I presume in due
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