The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City
Dec. 29th 1854

Elder Parley P. Pratt
San Francisco
California.

Dear Brother,

Yours of Oct. 25th and Nov. 25th came safe to hand by the last mail from Cal., which arrived on the 29th inst.

I was much rejoiced to hear of your good health, and increasing prospects, and that so much success has already crowned your faith and works in the midst of so many discouraging circumstances, thus plainly affording another indication of the kind dealings of the Lord for the welfare and progress of His cause upon the earth. We are progressing much after the usual routine in this region.

The Legislature is now in session-- and the weather has continued remarkably fine up to the present date.

The Sugar works are nearly ready for operation, and the State House at Fillmore has rapididly progressed. The walls of the south wing, which are entirely of stone, are now completed ready for the roof. The Endowment House on Temple Block is enclosed and the pump logs to bring the water into it from City Creek Kanyon and nearly all laid down.

The Temple foundation is slowly progressing. Consider the improvements have been made in the City during the past season and a general time of prosperity and health prevails throughout the Territory. Our crops were never better, and the Indians are quiet.

The mission under the care of Bro. T. G. Brown so far appears eminently successful.
I observe in some of the papers you challenge to meet a convention of able men on the subject of Plurality. I think there is no chance of them meeting you; but if they should so much the better, pure principles will then stand a fair chance for investigation.

You observe that a company will probably come to this city if they find it counsel so to do the ensuing season; by all means let them come if they wish it and I should be most happy to see you with them, that is right, to go out and bring up a company every year. If there are others still desiring of remaining let them be organized at Carson valley, in accordance with previous instructions, or if any wish to tarry at San Bernardino let them do so, but if they prefer to emigrate to this place at once it is all right.

You will of course receive the Deseret News which will give you the general news. Capt. Hooper leaves with this mail for the States via California.

I will therefor close praying God my Heavenly Father in your behalf that you may be blessed in your labors & sustained by His Almighty Power.

I am as ever your Brother in the Gospel of Christ

Brigham Young.