The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U. T.
August 15, 1871.

J. H. Kinkead, Esqr.
Grand Hotel, San Fran. Cal.

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 31st ult. has been received. With regard to the establishment of Gas Works in this City, this is a question I have been called upon to answer on an average, about once every two weeks, for the last two years.

It is the very general opinion here, that the project would not pay. Our streets, as you are aware, are so wide, and the houses so scattering, and it would require such a prodigious amount of piping for a comparatively small amount of business, that we think the returns would not warrant the investment. The City Council seems to have the same view, as they have introduced portable gas for lighting the streets, and the same is rapidly coming into use in houses.

We should be very well pleased to have you come and settle down with us. As to your finding some business opening here, perhaps there is no other country that presents a wider field for speculation & enterprise than Utah does at present.

On the part of the people & in my own behalf. I tender you our thanks for your well wishes & kindly offers, & I shall be pleased to have you call if you visit us.

Yours with respect,
Brigham Young