G. S. L. City, Oct 19, 1861.
Pres. John D. T. McAllister
146 George Street, Philadelphia, Pa
Dear Brother:--
Your very welcome favors of Sep. 20 & 27 came safely to hand, (tithing list and form of bond enclosed,) and cheered us with news of your improving health and continued blessings.
Br's N. V. Jones and J. Gates have signed the indemnifying bond you forwarded, their personality is attested by the signature and official seal of br. John T. Caine, Notary Public and it is herewith transmitted to you. You will perceive that the security's name is left blank, with a view to your learning whom the Bank will accept, whether br. Tapscotte, Dr. Bernhisel, or some other person, whose name and locality can then be filled in, the security sign and his signature be witnessed, the same as has been done by the principals and their witnesses. When the $600.00 is paid to you, I wish you to forward it to br. George Q. Cannon, Liverpool, with the request to him to place it to the credit of B. Young.
The Guion & Co draft has been got along with.
An examination of Uinta Valley, by a small exploring party, proved it of no value for settlement for agricultural purposes, consequently the design of settling it was abandoned; since then we learn from the N. Y. Herald of Sep 20 that it has been declared an Indian reservation, and Abraham and Abraham's seed have possession of a locality we have no present use for. This is simply another instance of a blow aimed at us being warded off by Him who over rules, no thanks to those who aimed the blow which has proved so harmless.
At present upwards of 200 families, including br's Pratt and Snow, mostly selected from this, and Utah Counties and the new comers, are preparing to start to strengthen up the old and form new settlements in the southern portion of our Territory. Increased strength, facilities, and attention will now be turned to the production of cotton, olive oil, grapes, wine, indigo, figs, molasses, sugar, &c., &c.,
The overland telegraph line was completed from Omaha to this City on the 17th inst. and on the morning of the 18th messages began to be transmitted to and fro between here and Omaha; and the dispatch of the 18th was telegraphed from the Pacific Springs to this City, bringing New York and Washington news of the 16th. I would like to have you get acquainted with one or more of the telegraph operators in Philadelphia and New York, those connected with operation West, and leave your address with them, that a telegram from here may reach you promptly, should we at any time wish to send one.
The telegraph line west from here will probably be completed in a day or two, when the electric fluid will be harnessed for working from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
The walls of the new theatre are nearly completed, and we expect to have the building sufficiently completed, and we expect to have the building sufficiently completed for comfortable use the coming winter.
Crops have been abundant, except potatoes, of which there will probably be a tolerable supply throughout the Territory.
The weather is lovely, and the cane mills in the different settlements are making a very large quantity of molasses, the majority of which shows considerable improvement in the quality of that article, and indicating that by another year we shall be able to amply supply our wants in sweet by home production.
Your family and friends are well, so far as I am informed, as are also the people
generally.
God bless you.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
(signed) Brigham Young