The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City, June 30th, 1854

Dear bro. Franklin,

I take it for granted that before you receive this you will be expecting some items from here, and it doubtless gives me nearly as much pleasure to write as it will you to read. There has nothing of very grave, alarming, or exciting import transpired since you left, still several events have occurred which may interest you. On the 3rd of May last I started on a trip through our southern settlements, accompanied by Pres. Kimball, all of the Quorum of the Twelve then here, and many other brethren. We returned on the 30th ult, having had a very pleasant trip, and enjoyed ourselves much. We found the brethren generally prosperous, and united; and the Indians we met professing much friendship, and a desire for "lasting peace," which we have enjoyed since your departure.

On the 16th, inst, the workmen began to lay the foundation for the Temple; and the wall around the Temple Block is rapidly progressing to completion.

This afternoon I visited Jordan River near our City Bridge, and witnessed the launching of my Boat for the lake; and as she rested upon the water I christened her the "Timely Gull". She has a very good model for shallow water, sets lightly, and will be very useful in transporting Stock to and from Antelope Island.

If you receive this in time, please let bro John S. Fulmer come home this Fall if possible.

I have drawn a draft upon you for $35. in favor of Mrs. Sarah Matthews, Monmouthshire, South Wales; also one for $35. in favor of Josiah Grimshaw, Sykes St. York [?], Leeds, Yorkshire.

Bros. Erastus Snow and Orson Spencer will start for the States in a few days, and Elder John Taylor will leave for the States about the 1st of September next. By a letter from you to bro. Erastus, I learned of your welfare and that of the brethren in your Company, as far on your route as the City of New York.

My health is quite good, and the people generally continue to enjoy the same great blessing, together with peace, union, and prosperity.

Praying for your guidance & welfare,

I remain as ever,
Your brother in the Gospel.

Brigham Young

P. S. In past as please stop shipping our emigration to New Orleans and New York, and ship them to Boston or Philadelphia, or to both the places last named.