G. S. L. City, July 16, 1861.
Lewis Robison Esqr.
Dear Brother:--
You are probably aware of the sale of Government property at Fort Bridger which is advertised to commence on the 24th inst. If possible we should be able to get our rent, if you could buy and settle by way of offset it would be well done in which case you might be obliged to get possession of and ship the goods or property as fast as purchased.
We expect you will be on the alert to accomplish all that can be done in the premises. Something may also be saved in the way of cheap bargains even if you cannot get your dues in the manner above suggested.
It is not advisable to go very heavy on anything they offer, if you cannot get it at your own price let it go I would not go higher than first cost in the east on anything and on some articles not that much; buy iron by the lot if you buy it all, by no means buy it by the lb it should be included with wagons. If you buy it all, by no means buy it by the lb it should be included with wagons. If you buy any wagons do so with yokes chains and parts of broken wagons thrown in this way tons of Iron may be obtained for the merest trifle.
A little good management in regard to such matters will sometimes secure a benefit
It is barely possible that owing to the scarcity of money that things will necessarily go pretty cheap in which <case> we feel like taking the utmost advantage of it. It would not oppress the widow and the fatherless if you could get all they have got to sell for five dollars. neither would it drive men women and children naked and <destitute> from their comfortable homes into the wilderness
July 23 1861
P. S. Dear Brother:-- Since writing the above I received your note, I have written a protest to the sale of the improvements but do not know as the Quarter Master intends disposing of them, the notices will do no harm anyhow and may ultimately be a benefit.
The sale at Camp Floyd is over, sugar sold the lowest at twelve and a half, bacon one and a quarter cents, nails six, coffee thirty cents. Tools of all kinds sold higher as a good many wanted them. Horse shoes we got about 11 tons at a half a cent apiece Sibly Tents $1.25 each. I suppose we have about sixty tons of stuff altogether.
We would like for you to get a mowing machine and reaper if they are not broken, and they go cheap, the one at Camp Floyd brought $75 but was damaged we did not get it. We want tools, spades, shovels, also scythes &c and if it goes real cheap I would like 8 or ten sacks of sugar myself as well as a little tea or coffee if it is of good quality. If we can raise some money Br. Hiram B. Clawson will be out with whom you will of course act in concert. His experience at the sale of Camp Floyd will be of service to you. You did not say how much money you had but if you can aid us we would be glad to have you do so. The old wagons and iron steel &c we want if they can be got right.
You must remember it is something to freight from Fort Bridger here and buy accordingly.
All is well. May God bless you,
I remain Your Brother as ever.
Daniel H Wells
We have had a few hand bills struck off and you had probably better circulate them as they may sell at private sale. We also ask your favor to Charley and Finley and assistance so far as may be necessary.
D. H. W.