The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U.T.
17 August 1870.

Elder C. C. Rich
Paris Rich Co.

Dear Bro:

As bro. Geo. Goddard is about to pay a visit to the settlements in Rich Co. I take the opportunity to send you a few lines. I am anxious that immediate possession should be taken of the property that myself and Captain Hooper, are about to purchase at Soda Springs, and if there are any brethren in Rich Co. who desire to go and settle there I should be pleased to have them do so, even if they do not retain permanent possession; so that they remain from the time Mr Majors hands over possession until some others take their place. Bro. Philemon Merrill will go and take hold there, and stay at any rate for a time, and I should like him to go. Bro. John Tibbets from this City is going to take possession of some of my property, and work for me there, he will start almost immediately; quite a number of others are going from this city, but are not yet quite ready. I am anxious that the springs and neighboring country should be occupied forthwith.

Mr Majors will probably be at the springs the week after next. Captain Hooper will be there with Mr Majors

We are enjoying a general time of good health, in the city, and I am thankful to say that of myself and immediate associates is the same. Our crops, where not destroyed by the grasshoppers are good, and all things appear to be moving harmoniously, the late
discussion between Prof Pratt and Dr Newman, though creating a momentary excitement, has left things, in very much where they stood before the debate commenced. It may, perchance, have one good effect, by drawing the attention of the people of the United
States, to the fact that the question debated, is one of religious belief, to be opposed, if opposed at all, by scripture and reason, not to be proscribed by special and cruel enactments, nor overthrown by the power of the sword.

With love to yourself and the brethren with you. I remain as ever

Your Brother in the Gospel.
Brigham Young