The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City,
Jan. 25, 1864.

Peter A. Day, Esq.,
Omaha, N. T.

Sir:

Immediatly upon receipt of the first telegraphic messages from yourself and Mr. Durant, I directed my son Joseph A. Young to proceed as speedily as possible in orgonizing a party to carry out your wishes in regard to Timpanogos canon, &c., and the party was orgonized and in the field at the earliest practicable date.

Your brief telegram from Omaha, Oct 15, was my only guide in instructing them, until the arrival of your letter dated Oct. 15, which came to hand only a short time before rough weather drove the party from the line. From that letter I could infer that perhaps a more minute survey was desired, but, even had the letter arrived at the first intimation I had upon the subject, I am not aware that they could have done more or better than they did, owing to the lateness of the season, unless, indeed, they had restricted their operations to a very short section of the route.

For particulars as to their labors I respectfully refer you to Mr Young's report to me, and his tables "of grades and distances" and of "grade of level line," herewith inclosed.

In connection, permit me to suggest whether it will <be> well, previous to surveying and estimating for either the Timpanogos or Weber lower canon line in detail, to first make comparatively speedy and inexpensive surveys of both those lines, to approximately and cheaply determine the difference of distance and level, &c., between Weber lower canon and Bear river and Timpanogos canon and Bear river, as our present information is not sufficient to enable us to determine which is really the best of the two routes, all things in connection therewith considered, 

Regretting that circumstances prevented an earlier forwarding of the inclosed report, and hoping it may prove of some benefit until the weather permits further operations, I remain

Very Respectfully,

Brigham Young