The Brigham Young Center

G. S. L. City, Aug 25, 1861.

To the Bishops and Brethren in Utah County

Dear Brethren:-

We have concluded to establish a settlement in Uinta Valley this fall, and would like to have about one hundred and fifty men to commence it. We would like to have good substantial men who are and wish to be saints and who prefer to live with saints, than those who for the sake of gain continually entice into our midst the wicked and the ungodly.

There are doubtless many who would like to go to get farms, range for stock &c., and you have the privilege of making up a part of the company, say about thirty or forty <or more> men. They should be on hand soon with teams, farming utensils, and other tools for constructing houses, fencing, mills, and for blacksmithing &c. They must also take fire arms and ammunition. Seed grain and vegetables must be taken out this fall as they cannot be got out through the mountains in time for sowing and planting in the spring.

The ground should be prepared and every thing made ready this fall for sowing and planting early in the spring. Houses and fences can be built this fall and winter after the ground is thus prepared.

There is no objection to a few women going who are strong and healthy and who can stand hardships, but do not take children at present, nor too many women. The brethren can make two or three locations but should not separate far apart and wherever they locate build good substantial stockades around their houses and yards. If for any reason the brethren of the mission should find it necessary to go or to send a company to the other settlements enough should go to make it safe, and enough must remain in each settlement to make it safe and at no time should the Forts be left in charge of women only.

In accordance with our invariable policy the Indians must be conciliated by friendly, but not too familiar intercourse and by fair and honorable dealing. It would be well to take some articles along designed for Indian presents.

Your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young