The Brigham Young Center

G. S. L. City, U. T.

John Brown
Du Quoin Ills.

Dear Brother:-Your welcome letter dated 21st ult. has been received and perused with much
pleasure. The anouncement in your letter of the prosperity of the brethren who are advocating the
principles of the Gospel in the south, is very gratifying to us, and may the blessings of God continue to
be showered upon you in your faithful labors.

The cessation of hostilities between the north and South has proved the signal for commencing
to gather the honest out of those radical ridden districts, and no doubt many who were formerly to full
of pride and selfishness to notice the pure principles of the Gospel are now ready to grasp at anything
that promises release from the degrading bondage which is so generally felt throught the late
confederate States.

Business continues very dull in this city and it is with great difficulty that merchants &c. can
meet their engagements, Still there is great activity manifested by the Saints, considering the times, to
assist their brethren who are still in the old country to emigrate, and with the blessings of the Lord
thousands will cross the plains another season. If the U. P. R. R. Company is disposed to deal fairly
with our people, it will assist them greatly to be transported upwards of half the distance which
formerly occupied weeks to traverse with ox teams, but can now be accomplished in a few hours.
Verily the Lord will hasten it in its time.

Measures have been taken to inaugerate a School in which will be taught all the branches of a
practical education. This school will supply a want which has long been felt by the people, for it will
give our youth an opportunity to become a practical business men. Connected with this school will be a
class, whose members will be devoted to the study of theology, which will be conducted by the first
presidency. We anticipate great benefit to accrue to the elders through these measures and will
undoubtedly prepare them to better advocate the principles of the Gospel in the midst of the nations of
the earth.

Regenerators are quiet, as there are only about two companies of soldiers at Camp Douglass
altho' it is barely possible that more troops may be sent here; still the war on the plains having closed it
may be deemed unnecessary for more troops to be quartered in Salt Lake City for the protection of U.
S. Mails from Indians depredations.

All who are poor in the several wards of the city have been transfered to the care of the Bishops,
and the tithing will be devoted to building the Temple there now being great quantities of rock lying on
the Temple block ready for the chisel to fashion them for the walls. Houses will eventually be built in
each ward for the use of the poor where they can be more comfortably cared for.

A Society entiled the "Female Releif Society" will shortly be formed and <the> sisters have an
opportunity to exercise their charity. We anticipate the poor will be greatly benefited and the sick be
much better cared for than heretofore.

The weather has been remarkably fine during the fall, and thus far we have no reason to
complain of December. Sidewalks are dry and it is pleasant to walk about the city.

My own health is excellent and general good health prevails among the people, also peace and
plenty.

The brethren join in kind regards. Praying the Lord to bless you in your labors I remain Your brother in the Gospel

Brigham Young