The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U.T.
Jan. 27. 1869.

Col. Peter Baldy,
Nazareth Borough, Northampton Co. Pa.

Dear Sir:

Your letter to me of the 13th inst., stating your intention of moving west &c. has come to hand.

Since the Railroads have made such rapid progress, numbers of gentlemen moving east & west have
visited Salt Lake City -- though mostly from the east -- but their business had been of such a nature, that
they have almost all passed on or returned.

It is impossible to give minute details of information in a letter, therefore I would respectfully refer you
to such works as treat upon our city & its surroundings, for instance, Mr. Hepworth Dixon's "New
America," this is considered a reliable work, though not in all respects authentic.

We have no accurate census of Utah territory, it is some years since the census was taken, but it is quite
probable that before a long period elapses a more accurate census will be obtained.

Before this reaches you 1,000 miles of the U.P.R.R. will have been completed -- this stupendous work
has been pushed forward with an alacrity & vigor truly commendable, & in my judgment the country is
greatly indebted to the energy & go-a-head-i-tive-ness of Dr. Durant, vice-president of the railroad, who
has proved beyond question the master spirit in the construction of the great highway.

All the available strength that could possibly be spared, we have thrown into this work, both in labor &
supplies.

I am happy to inform you that my health is good.

Hoping this will find you wll, & in the enjoyment of peace & happiness.
I remain, Yours very respectfully

Brigham Young