Great Salt Lake City
February 9th, 1867
Mrs James Pine
Box 215 Port Byron, New York.
Dear Madam:
Your favor of the 26th of December came safely to hand, and has been perused with much interest and pleasure.
I am glad to hear that you and Mr. Pine are still numbered among the living. Time has not obliterated the recollection of you from my mind. I was well satisfied with the home which I had with you, and amid the varied scenes through which I have passed since leaving Port Byron I have always remembered your house and your kindness with great pleasure and satisfaction.
Since leaving Port Byron my life has been a chequered one. While living in Mendon, Monroe Co., in the Spring of 1833 I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the Fall of 1833 I
moved from there to Kirtland, Ohio, and while my residence was there I travelled extensively preaching the gospel. I afterwards moved to Missouri, in 1837. Mobocracy prevailed in that State, and
we suffered from its effects, and were compelled to move into the State of Illinois. Our offences in Missouri consisted in being eastern men, in being industrious and having no slaves and in believing and
practicing the principles of the gospel as laid down in the scriptures. Our statements at the time we were expelled from Missouri were only believed by a very few; but subsequent events have proved the
character of that people. I afterwards moved to Illinois where I remained until 1846, when, in company with my co-religionists, I took up my journey to this country.
In all these movements, though compelled to leave my property, still I have been much blessed of the Lord. In Ohio, in Missouri and in Illinois I accumulated considerable property, for all of which I
received little or nothing, owing to my being compelled in common with my brethren in leave those States because of my belief. Throughout my life I have my prudence, economy and punctuality
maintained a character, among those with whom I have done business, for reliability and integrity. I have not spent my time in idleness, nor my money in drink or other folly; this course has given me influence and procured me opportunities which I otherwise might have missed. but in all these things the Lord has been with me and it has been His blessing upon my labors that has given me success.
I sympathize with you in your position in your old age. To be poor when people are young is bad enough; but to be destitute of means in the decline of life is severely felt. I take pleasure in enclosing you Post Office Orders on the Post Office at Auburn for $100.00, being for $50.00 each. Accept my regards and remember me to Mr. Pine.
I remain your friend
Brigham Young
P. S. Inclosed I forward you an epitome of our Faith. Please advise me if you receive this money safely.
B. Y.