The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City. U. T.
July 28, 1869

Mr. D. P. Luke,
Port Jackson, Montgomery Co. N. Y.

Sir:-

Yours of the 15th inst. has been received. With regard to the facilities for farming, stock raising &c. in this Territory I cannot say that we possess advantages over more fertile regions, in consequence of the extra expense & labour of irrigation, without which we would raise comparatively nothing. It is estimated that from $1.00 to $15.00 per acre is annually expended in making & repairing canals, waterditches, &c. to get water on our land. Still the Latter day Saints endure these & other disadvantages, since this country they can enjoy religious liberty, which they would be less likely to do were the natural resources of this Country as wealth-creating as some other sections, but whether you would be satisfied with the Country and its facilities. I am not prepared to say.

Yours with respect

D. McKenzie
Sec. Prest. B. Young