The Brigham Young Center

S. L. City, U.T.
October 24. 1872.

Prest. George A. Smith
St Nicholas Hotel, N.Y. City.

Dear Bro:-

Hoping this will find you in good health and enjoying yourself, I drop you a few lines on general news and such items as may present themselves.

On Tuesday we returned from Provo City where a few of the brethren had been holding two days meeting last Saturday and Sunday. We had a very good time.

My health continues excellent for which I feel very thankful.

Elder Thomas Taylor started for the east yesterday morning, (23rd) The rest of the brethren have fixed upon Saturday morning 26th inst. for leaving Ogden.

In reflecting over the matter, and bearing in mind that a principal object you had in view in inviting such men as Elders Jacob Wiler and Anson Call was that they might assist you with means, which they have failed to do, it has rested upon my mind that it would be better for you to invite these brethren to deposit with you the means they themselves would expend on the journey, and you select proper men for such an expedition.

Bishop Taylor called upon me late on Monday night to shake hands before starting, and, for various reasons, I have come to the conclusion that he did not feel as he ought to do in starting out, and that he will do you and your party little or no good, and we think it proper for you to advise those three brethren either to take short missions in England or the States, or else return home at once, and let you select the proper men for such an expedition.

When you have the means on hand to assist in paying their expenses, you will be able to select competent men, men who would be able to observe, take notes and report correctly upon matters and things, and who could be introduced into any society without discredit to themselves or the people they represent.

We are also of the opinion that Bro. Thos. Jennings had better remain in England preaching <if he chooses to do so.>. And as to the rest of the brethren you can use your own judgment, but we do not think it best to hamper your party with a crowd.

Bro Schettler, for lack of means, cannot start now but will follow as soon as he can raise it, if however, you can raise the means, when the brethren join you he will follow immediately, and repay them after he returns home.

Everything appears to be moving along well here, and so far as I know your folks are all in good health. May peace continue to abide with you.

Your Bro. in the Gospel.
Brigham Young