The Brigham Young Center

Presidents Office
Dec. 16th 1867

Mr. A. J. Mathewson
Lockport

Dear Sir:-

Your letter dated 4th inst containing unique specimen of agate came duly to hand. I am not intimately acquanted with the nature of those pebbles but the one you have sent me appears to be a very rare specimen of silicious stone, and I will have it mounted in a plain gold Setting which will exhibit to the greatest advantage, the peculiar amalgamation of shell and quartz.

We hope to soon hear the steam whistle resounding through our valleys and the puff of the iron horse will be welcomed by our people as the greatest Scientific achievement of the age 

Permit me to thank you for the present, you were kind enough to send me. Remember me kindly to Mr. Read and hoping to see you when the railroad is completed if not before, I remain

Yours truly.
Brigham Young