G. S. L. City, April 4, 1861.
Elder Louis A. Bertrand,
Champsee, Clignancourt, Paris, France,
Dear Brother:-Your welcome and interesting letter, of Dec. 2, is at hand, and we are gratified to learn of your good health and increased faith, and of the blessings attending you and the Saints in France.
You doubtless by this time quite fully realize that circumstanced as you are in your mission, your most immediate and best guide and dictator is the Spirit of the Lord, which imparteth wisely and liberally unto all, through humility, faithfulness, and obedience to the commandments of our God. Still, whenever moved upon so to do, we shall ever promptly and cheerfully aid you by such counsel and instruction as may be given us for you, and endeavor to answer such questions pertaining to your duties and movements, as you may at any time wish to propound.
In relation to the length of your sojourn in France, I know of no reason why it may not be as long as you deem yourself instrumental in accomplishing more good there than you could here or elsewhere; but upon that point it is easy to be informed at any time.
I should be pleased to have a copy of Mons Jules Remy's work entitled, "a journey into the country of the Mormons," also a copy each of your publications, whenever you can arrange with Pres. George Q. Cannon, or otherwise, for their being procured and safely forwarded to me.
About the 20th of this month, upwards of 200 four-yoke teams, with many loose cattle, and more or less flour, will leave here for Florence, Nebraska Territory, most of them to assist in bringing the poor Saints across the plains, the remainder to bring a few such necessary articles as we are as yet unable to make here. Those teams will help out a large number, if all walk who can; and next year we hope to be able to send many more for the same purpose. We are also liberally assisting the families of our Missionaries, so far as they need help; thus you perceive that we are very laudably striving to aid in proclaiming the gospel, gather Israel, especially the poor, and of course feel assured that we are busily occupied at home in doing much toward accomplishing the purposes for <which> our God has gathered us into these mountains.
Encourage the Saints of the French Mission with these words, and by precept and example to strive with their mights, as is obligatory upon all, to work out their own deliverance and salvation to the utmost of their abilities, assuring them that <they> with all who love and practice the truth, ever have an interest in our faith, prayers, and good works in their behalf.
Home news, to our joy and advancement, continues marked by its usual characteristics of peace, industry, and sobriety; and liberality and good works <are> on the increase.
Br. Hoseat Stout, with whom I think you were acquainted, is very sick with the erysipelas; but generally the people are in the enjoyment of good health.
I shall at all times be pleased to hear from you at your convenience, and will endeavor to aid you in accomplishing your mission with credit to yourself and honor to our God, so far as my faith, knowledge, and the distance between us will permit.
That you may be blest in every good word and work, and in every desire of your heart and in every undertaking in righteousness, is the prayer of,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young