The Brigham Young Center

President's Office
Gt. Salt Lake City
February 21, 1867

President Orson Hyde
Fort Gunnison

Dear Brother:

Your favor of the 12th inst. has been received. I had written to Bishop Edwards before receiving your letter, releasing him from the Bishoprick; and I have written to Bro. Canute Peterson of Lehi to go to Fort Ephraim and take charge as Bishop.

In regard to the Settlements on the Sevier I have consulted with general Wells. We think that the Settlements should all be forted up. Glenwood should come out from their present secluded position into more open ground; and the stock of each settlement should be herded between the settlements and in the most open ground, the farthest from the hills.

All the people should combine their exertions to improve their arms, and obtain more of them and more ammunition. People should not be allowed to travel about from one settlement to another, go to Mill nor into the Kanyon without keeping a good look out ahead, and strong force enough to be safe.

A good look out should be kept at suitable points where the sentinel can see without being seen, and observe without being observed; and arrangements should be made to signal to each other and to the settlements on any approach of danger. An officer should be constantly on duty in each settlement, and a place of rendezvous appointed so as to meet, mount and quickly go to any place where danger menaces. The Indians will strike for stock either on the ranges or in teams more than in Settlements, and they will generally kill whatever they think stands in their way to accomplish their purposes; hence the necessity of having stock well guarded and instant assistance given, not only the stock, but also to afford timely assistance to the guard.

If they faithfully comply with these requirements, they can stay; but if the settlements are going to be weakened, it would be wisdom for them to evacuate, for they are none too strong now.

The settlements of Richfield Glenwood and Alma should be maintained, and strengthened as fast as possible by the voluntary movement of the people and by such inducements as the settlers may offer.

Thomas Wolsey writes to Bro. Wells that he can not get land, &c. If he wishes to be baptized, I wish that you would have him baptized, and let him have the chance to get some land in the Settlement where he wants to stop.

With love, and praying the Lord to bless you and give you every needed qualification to enable you to magnify your high calling

I remain Your Brother

Brigham Young