The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City. U. T.
August 28. 1869.

Mr. J. F. Harris
Independence, Mo.

Sir:-

Yours of the 17th has been received for information of your relatives.

There are so many persons of the name of Harris here, that it will be necessary to obtain their Christian names & some particulars concerning them.

With regard to Lightning Rods. I have no idea you could make a substantial living for yourself and family at that business alone here. There are a few houses here with Lightening rods, & plenty mechanics to erect more if required.

As to Land, there is an abundance of it not occupied & room for thousands of Settlers who are not afraid of honest labour. Of course I cannot say whether you would be satisfied to do as we do, but the Latterday-Saints prefer this country notwithstanding the many disadvantages of drouth, grasshoppers & the enormous expense <& labour> of irrigation for here they dwell in peace comparatively unmolested by
the enemies of truth.

Brigham Young