The Brigham Young Center

G.S.L. City, Dec. 20, 1860.

Elders Nathaniel V. Jones and Jacob Gates,

Dear Brethren:-The experience of last year, with the ox train under br. Joseph W. Young, has proved to us the practicability of successfully sending oxen from here to Florence and back the same season. By this plan, which it is contemplated to carry out quite extensively next season, we expect to be able to transport the poor brethren from Liverpool to this City for about one half the usual outlay in cash. In addition to this great advantage, we have thought, while money continues so scarce with us, that a considerable benefit would accrue in driving good broke cattle from here, with the down train, to sell in Florence to such of the brethren as intend to purchase cattle and pay money for them. This will enable those here who have surplus cattle, to drive them to Florence, sell them for money, purchase and freight such articles as they need, and avoid sustaining the stores here at ruinous rates.

Cattle can be driven from here to Florence by from the middle to the last of June, in readiness to start back by the 1st of July; and, so far as proved, will perform the return trip better than the cattle raised there. For these reasons we wish you, by the first return mail, to inform us of the probable number of oxen you intend to buy for the brethren next season, and the price per yoke of good well broke cattle delivered at Florence. It is probable that some of the shipping arrangements for next season are already, or will be, so made that many will reach Florence and wish to start on the plains before our cattle could reach there. Be that as it may, we wish to know the number of oxen desired to be purchased for those whom the aforesaid time of delivery in Florence will accommodate, as we would like to furnish them.

If this letter comes to hand in season, it may be advisable to so time the sailing from Liverpool as to meet the cattle from here at Florence, which, as before stated, will be about the last of June or first of July.

We congratulate you in your high privilege of returning home next season, as we understand that you can do so, free of charge, by driving an ox team across the plains, be good boys, and take good care of the cattle, that you may stand a chance for being employed again, if necessary.

So far as I am informed, your families and friends are well and feel well; and affairs here continue to move favorably for the progress of truth.

Your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young