(MORMONS) Holladay Ben Letter discussing Brigham Young and M

Sale 2432 - Lot 228

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(MORMONS.) Holladay, Ben. Letter discussing Brigham Young and Mormon business practices. Autograph Letter Signed to James W. Denver, then governor of Kansas Territory. 3 pages, 10 x 8 inches, on one folding sheet; folds, minimal wear. (MRS) San Francisco, CA, 20 December 1857

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Ben Holladay was a renowned stagecoach magnate, who developed a working relationship with Brigham Young and established a freight line to Salt Lake City. Here, writing to former United States Congressman James Denver (the city's namesake), he expresses frustration with Mormon business practices: "The Mormons force the merchants to sell their goods at their own prices, which will ruin Abe Gilbert. I am sorry for him. He is now here, waiting to hear from Salt Lake. Do you think Congress will do anything for Gilbert?" On Denver's reputation in San Francisco, he wrote: "You stand as high here as ever, not a word against you. Your letter to Brigham is frequently spoken of." Denver had written an 11 November 1857 public letter to Brigham Young, castigating Utah Territory's Indian policy.