The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City, July 19th 1854

John M. Horner
San Jose, California

Dear Brother,

Yours per hands of Bro. Duncan also of April 21st with enclosed drafts for $8352.67 came safe to hand and I hasten to inform you of the receipt thereof by this, the first opportunity.
I perceive by your letters that California, like her sister States, & other long settled trading countries, has her ups & downs or fluctuations in trade, which makes it difficult for the honest business men to always shift their sails to meet the changing breeze advantageously. However, from what you write I am led to believe that you feel your way as cautiously and skilfully as the majority of those who are busily engaged in the exciting whirl of trade,and extensive business operations and I hope you may not meet with disappointments in any of your honorable undertakings, at any rate not while you are ready & willing to lend a helping hand in building up the Kingdom of our God, which is the main object of our efforts in this probation.

Large trains of goods are arriving very freely, and the present prospect is flattering for a considerable reduction in the prices that have heretofore ruled in our Markets. Capt. Hooper expects your train in about three weeks. The date at which I can make your draft available will of course depend upon the readiness of cash sales and other circumstances, and I will advise you of that date when it is determined.

The draft I(drew)upon you, on May 4th ult. in favor of Messrs. Livingston & Kinkead for $1686.00 will be deducted from the amount of your draft.

We continue to be blest with good health, peace, and prosperity but for general items I refer you to the "Deseret News."

Praying for your prosperity and guidance by the Spirit,
I remain your brother in the Gospel

(signed) Brigham Young