The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City. U. T.
March 8. 1864

To Elders Joseph A. Young and W. C. Staines
H. B. Clawson, & Jno W. Young:-Dear brethren:

I improve the opportunity of bro James Townsend's leaving by the Eastern mail in the morning to give you a few items of news from home.

We are getting along about as usual; the health of the families is good generally so far as I have heard. The winter has broke so that the snow is gone from the valley & plowing began in earnest. We have made considerable purchases of wheat in Cache Valley, also of flour, for which we pay $3.00 & $8.00 delivered here, in money; hence our funds just now are less than plentiful & the public works except so far as we may be able to procure material will be stopped till after harvest: the carpenters & masons quit last week on the Temple Block. The quartermaster has not yet paid Jno Sharp for the 280 lbs of flour for lack of the necessary letter of credit on New York; which is expected.

The Theatre is still going twice per week; but not quite so fully attended & a rather slim house is expected tomorrow (Wednesday).) People begin to be busy & the gold hunters to leave.

There are <not> yet exhibited any substantial proofs of the presence of gold in our borders, notwithstanding the efforts of our would-be civilizers.

We expect to very soon be able to start all the saw mills & there is likely prospect of good sale for lumber, for which we have already had offers of 8 cts per foot to fill bills.

Bro Townsend will want Hyrum's signature to a deed of sale of the Rhoades house & lot which I let him have in part payment of the 'Salt Lake House'; If he presents the deed please sign it.

It is understood that a vote of the Soldiers was taken last week as to whether they would be mustered out of service here or go back to California-- the vote being unanimous for the latter, in which case they should leave early in summer.

It is understood that Rumfield telegraphed to Washington, that the continued presence of the troops would break up the overland mail.

It is getting late in the evening & will not add much more; but be assured that you have our prayers & faith for your welfare and success on your missions.

Brigham sends his best respects, desiring to be remembered to you; also the boys in the office.

We expect Capt Hooper and H. S. Eldredge to start in a week. or so. & we may send some bills of purchases by them. We have rec<d> information that Hon. J. F. Kinney expects to be able to procure from Government the amount due me on the Indian Superintendency account If he do you are (Bro. H. B. Clawson) authorized to receive it from him. If Kinney has not got power of attorney to enable him to get the money we well see it when we get the word. 

God bless you all.

Brigham Young