The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City.

Oct. 16. 1862.

Hon. John M. Bernhisel
Washington City. D. C.,

Dear Brother:

Your favors of Sep. 20 and 23 came safely to hand, with a check for $232 and a certificate of deposit for $80, in favor of Ann Mattson.

On the 3d inst. I forwarded to you by mail the a/c's of Cap. Lot Smith's command with a letter soliciting your attention and influence in favor of their being audited and paid at the earliest possible date, as some time has already elapsed since that service was promptly, efficiently, and cheaply performed. As informed in the letter referred to, it is very likely that Mr. Ben. Holl can render you important assistance in procuring an early payment of those a/c's for it was chiefly through his instrumentality and much for his benefit that the service was rendered.

The silk worm is now successfully introduced (into) our Territory, and our soil and climate prove remarkably adapted to the production of silk, for which reason, I wish you to send as soon as possible and by several mails as large packages by each mail as the law allows of the best quality of that kind of seed producing the best mulberry for feeding the silk worm, for I wish to have many trees raised here next season, and our mails in winter and Spring are very uncertain.

On the 1st ult. I visited our most southern settlements, and returned on the 25th, having in that short time traveled some 800 miles, and held 30 public meetings, in 24 of which I addressed the congregations. Our southern brethren are very energetic in their labors, and are raising a very respectable quantity of cotton much of which is said to be far better than any raised in Tennessee. We are still in want of the requisite machinery for properly working it after it is ginned, as br Eldredge did not receive word in time to [?] of his purchasing more than the gins ordered.

Tomorrow I purpose starting a trip to Cache Valley, and expect to hold a two-day meeting in Ogden City and Logan, and meetings in North Ogden, Willow Creek, and Brigham City.

Our immigration have all arrived, except three companies which are expected this week and next. They have been greatly blest in their travels, and all the freight and passengers at Florence have been brought in good time and condition.

Our Conference was numerously attended during its two and a half days continuance, and all expressed themselves much edified, encouraged and strengthened.

Inclosed I send you another indemnity bond for the American Exchange Bank of New York City, and trust it may reach you, and that said Bank will be honorable enough to at once pay the $600. They have had the use of so long.

The weather continues remarkably pleasant, and the people are busily occupied in securing abundant crops, completing buildings, and otherwise preparing for winter.

Your family and friends are well, as are also the people's generally.

Your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young