The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City August 2nd, 1854.

John Goodin Esq.
St Louis, Missouri

Sir,

Yours of June 5th came safe to hand per last mail, and in reply I have to state that as yet the buildings in this City are put up far apart, and owing to the plan of the City plot, the buildings will always be much further apart than is common in other cities. At present the nearest known workable coal beds are in Iron County, about 300 miles south of this place, and on Bitter Creek in Green River County, about 200 miles east.

From the above circumstances, it is my opinion that any operations towards lighting this City with Coal gas would result in much loss, at least for some time to come.

Very Respectfully,
Brigham Young