The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City.
July 18. 1869.

Bishop William Cluff,
Coalville.

Dear Bro:-

I wish you to attend to the following instructions with regard to the treatment of Small Pox, which if strictly adhered to will not only obviate the necessity of having doctors, but will prove much more efficacious. Vaccination should be attended to.

When any person is attacked with small pox or exposed thereto, let them be isolated to themselves where they can be attended to;-- a total abstinence from grease <of all sorts> should be rigidly enforced & a light diet substituted of any wholesome provisions such as bread & sweetened water, Rice &c. The bowels should be kept gently open -- the dieting will cleanse the system. Cleanliness must be observed & plenty of fresh air. When a person is really attacked, they should abstain from the use of cold water, both externally and internally. Before breaking out, a poultice should be made of Flour & Lard & spread all over the face, ears, neck & every place exposed to the air -- leaving only an aperture for the mouth, this is held on by a cloth, & if kept on long enough there will be no breaking out on the face more than there is on any part of the body not exposed to the air.

Keep down panic, there is no just ground for it. The small pox under careful treatment in this high altitude & clear air, is not more dangerous than the itch.

Lay on hands, strive for the blessing, exercise all the faith you can & with proper treatment of the sick all will be well.

May God bless you & give you all the wisdom neccessary to act in this matter.

Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young