The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, Augt. 1. 1871.

Elder Brigham Young Jr.
Soda Springs.

My dear son,

As Bro. Joseph C. Rich is about starting north I take the opportunity of sending you a few lines by him. I rather think Bro. Edmund Ellsworth will take the management of the steam Saw mill; if so, himself & boys will start up at an early date. We want to rush the lumber business, so that improvements shall not be hindered on that account.

We are agitating the settling of the Country where you are & shall continue to do so, till we get the brethren, particularly those who have means, well interested.

I want you to write the first opportunity & let us know how you are getting along. I would like to know what conveniences you could provide to store a few goods, if some one should be disposed to take a stock there.

My health continues first rate. The Weather is still very warm, though the nights are quite cool. I did wish to-day for a drink of that good, cold soda water.

Nothing of much importance has occurred since you left us. There are a few cases of small pox in the City, among the number down with it is Judge Strickland; I have only heard of 2 deaths as yet; Strickland is said to be recovering.

Yesterday a few of us rode over the U.S.R.R. across the Bridge at Little Cottonwood, it is quite a structure, measuring more than 600 feet long; we went to Dry Creek to view the progress of the work there; we also located a Station to receive ore from Little Cottonwood & Bingham. We see some of your family ever day & so far as I know they are all well.

Peace be with you,
Your Affectionate Father
Brigham Young