The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City, June 29/54.

Jonathan Browning Esq.

Dear brother,

Your letter in relation to Capt. Hooper's herd ground is received. I reply that long ago before the control of herdgrounds was given into the hands of the County Court, I vainly endeavored to get some person to take up that herd ground but could not succeed until Capt Hooper went there by my counsel and advice He thought he had it surveyed to him and therefore holds it by law. He considered that he ought to pay something for it and I therefore directed him to pay whatever he wished unto the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Co. He accordingly paid One hundred Dollars. It is my opinion that he legally holds that ground, and I certainly think that if justice had anything to do in the matter that there can be but one opinion in the matter.

As to his hired men and boys doing wrong,-- all men are liable to that inconvenience, and I do not know but I would as soon trust Capt. Hooper to rectify any such wrong which might be committed as any other person and feel to trust public interests in his hands; he has given good proof of his character for honesty and integrity since residing amongst us.

I Remain,
as Ever your brother in Christ

Brigham Young