Don't leave your manners at home!

Dear Miss Manners,

I desperately need some advice on a matter of proper etiquette that will surely come up in the next few weeks.  We are a company of emigrants travelling to the Salt Lake valley from England.  We rode as far as the railroad had been built and from there we are being transported by mule train to Salt Lake City.  The leader of the train is a very kind mule whacker named Captain E.T. Mumford.   We also have been blessed by four charming young Teamsters; all from either Tooele or Grantsville.  Being unfamiliar with this new country and the customs of proper etiquette, I am quite perplexed as to whether we should tip these men for their kind and generous services, and if so, how much?  

Most humbly,

Annie from England.

 Dear Annie,

I am most delighted to address the newly minted customs of propriety and decorum that should be present in any lady of proper upbringing.  You will no doubt bring a splash of culture to this territory of Utah.   Let me first explain some background and history.  You might not know that assignments have been made by Pres. Young throughout the various communities of Utah for wagon teams to come and assist the newly arriving saints and help them into the valley.  They are to provide their own teams and animals (some have oxen and others mules). Therefore, their labor is one of service and done to fulfill a Priesthood assignment.  However they are also compensated somewhat by the issuance of something called “tithing script” which can used to pay tithing on other earned income.  Barter for tithing! Don’t you just love the new economy??    So just to clarify; they are performing service, but receiving a little financial benefit in the process.  One would not tip a servant of the Lord for performing a duty, but perhaps if you could rustle up a little tithing script of your own you may pass that along with an expression of thanks.

Another side benefit of volunteering for this assignment is that the young teamsters, as you have no doubt noticed, are usually good healthy, single, young men.  What an opportunity for them to get to know the eligible arriving young women before anyone else back home.  You have also noticed how they enjoy teaching the English lassies to dance at the campfire socials and all the fun they all have.  But remember… its all in the act of service!

My best wishes to you, Miss Manners