The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City. U.T.
15 July 1870.

Mr James Smith
New Orleans, La.

Sir:
Your favor to President Young of 5th inst has been handed to me for reply. The greater portion of the people of this Territory gathered here from a deep religious conviction that it was the will of the Lord for them to do so. To such Utah is the best place in the world; where men can worship God unmolested, in accordance with the dictates of their consciences. But to those, alone whose object is to make money and build up a fortune, there are many places where it can be more successfully done than in this part of the Union at the present time. Trade is dull, money scarce, and but a few improvements going on. Still, as men are as free to come and go in Utah, as in any other place, you can exercise your own judgment in coming or staying, but if you desire to live in the midst of a people who are striving to serve God, and live in accordance with the principles of the everlasting gospel you can find no better place than where the Latter-day Saints dwell.

Yours Very Respectfully
Geo. Reynolds
Clerk to Prest. Young