The Brigham Young Center

417

President's Office,
Great Salt Lake City, U. T.
January 3rd. 1865.

To the Bishops and the Brethren:

In reports which we have received from the southern part of our Territory is [as?] to the Colorado River are of so favorable a character that we are desirous that a number of families should go down there as early as practicable and make settlements and secure the land. The knowledge of the advantages which settlements there offers is not much known outside of our Territory at present; but, when it becomes known that we are making efforts to open a door for our trade to come in by that way, the news will soon spread, and we may reasonably expect that parties who have an eye to money-making will seek to take possession and profit by our labors, unless we by prompt action, forestall them.

If there are any well-disposed, faithful brethren, who have families in your settlements who have a desire to move on to the Colorado, or in that vicinity, we would be pleased to have you inform us as soon as you can, and we will give you further instructions as to what they should do.

I remain,

Your Brother