The Brigham Young Center

Gt. Salt Lake City,
Aug. 13th, 1866.

James Cowan,
Pittsfield, Mass.

Dear Sir:

Your note of the 26th ult., respecting the "impression which one forms by reading Mr. Bowles' book-'Across the Continent,' that the climate of Utah is unhealthy," has been received.

Our climate agrees with people from the East. We consider Utah as healthy a country as New England generally. The first seasons we spent here there was scarcely a death. The fatigues to which many are exposed in crossing the Plains are the causes in many instances of sickness and death. Among our old residents the number of old people -- advanced in years, yet hale and hearty -- that are seen around, is a subject of remark.

Respectfully,

Brigham Young