G. S. L. City July 29th 1853.
Dear Brother Orson
Yours of May 30th came to hand by last Mail. The best method to transport the Church books you are getting printed, will be to pay the freight at Liverpool to Kanesville, Keokuk, or whatever point they may take land carriage, and for their transportation from that point to this place, make arrangements at Liverpool [illegible] with different responsible brethren who are coming out next season to take such freight as each one can conveniently, and send them on and take their pay in the books when they arrive here; the share for the land carriage must also be arranged at Liverpool, with such brethren as may agree to bring books, as it will prevent any difference on the subject
Of course, I wish 10.000 copies of [?] work, but if they cannot be had without exceeding the amount of funds you may be able to raise in addition to the $3000, you have already procured, or without cramping the operations of the Liverpool Office too much, [My ?] [illegible] will have to be proportionately lessened; of this you and Elder Richards will be able to determine.
We have not drawn any drafts of much amount on the Liverpool Office for some time, and I do not at present know, but it will be necessary to use much of the funds of that Office for any particular purpose, except to send [?] the emigration; in which case it may be an easy matter to get out the 30,000 books.
It will doubtless be the best policy to continue the publication of the Seer another year.
On the subject of establishing book agencies, and [illegible] I cannot empty1 [?] Benches you [?] act in this matter as you may be dictated by the Spirit, [illegible] of your Presidency and the privileges thereof.
I informed you Dr. Bernhisel will be our next Delegate.
I have not now time to explain but [illegible] of the last Vol. of the Seer, there are many points [illegible] by you that are not sound Doctrine, and are not [illegible] It is my candid opinion, which I [?] a wider circulation and be [illegible] draws off from unknowing [illegible] more particularly to the Known
A Bro. John Donellen [?] now stationed at Fredricton [illegible] leave the Army, and come here [illegible] him [illegible] out of the service and I [illegible] posit it and [illegible] and should [illegible] again I want you to counsel him [illegible] faithful and worthy, I would like [illegible] with us as soon as may be. I have [illegible] with Bro George H. [illegible] Make the desired arrangements [illegible] the address of Bro.Donellen is [illegible] Company of 6th Regiment, Fredrickton
Your family are well, and prosperous [illegible] expect soon to comfortably fit [illegible] and have been labor on your [illegible] on the 1 st Inst. [illegible] feelings, by beginning [illegible]
Up to the present Alexander Keel has been killed and Bro Jolly, Clark Roberts and [illegible] Berry slightly wounded [illegible] cattle & Horses have been driven off and six Indians have been killed and at least one badly wounded. Instructions were immediately sent to the settlements, to concentrate, and fortify in the different buildings, and act entirely on the defensive, to keep vigilant guard day and night animals men on hand, and preserve and secure their stock and Crops as rapidly as circumstances will permit. How long the Indians will continue offensive operations is not yet known, except that it will be no longer than the Lord in his wisdom deems necessary.
So far as we can learn, our this year's imigration are doing well, though their animals may be occasionally pinched for want of grass, as the Oregon & California Emigra [illegible] and numerous and immense herds of cattle are being driven through to California as usual they are generally ahead of our immigration.
Our manufacture of Iron progresses slowly from lack of the requisite skill to work the [illegible] of one is extensively worked as many places [illegible] Pennsylvania. [illegible] in your operations with the Elders, you may be able to send one or more into such regions, and profitably acquainted in working that kind of ore: will listen to the [illegible] in the way of salvation be of much benefit to this people.
No further suggestions or interesting news occurs to me at present, but you will receive letters from us by each succeeding mail.
Praying that you may be guided constantly in your labors and mission by [illegible]
Signed Brigham Young
Pres Orson Pratt
Washington City
D. C.