The Brigham Young Center

G. S. L. City Sept. 19th 1854. 

Elders Amasa Lyman
&
Charles C. Rich

San Bernardino
California

Dear Brethren,

Yours of August 26th came to hand on the 17th Inst.  and contained many cheering items of news, for which please accept my thanks, and also my acknowledgement of the receipt of the letters you sent by the hands of Bros. Reese & Duncan, which I was under the impression I had notified you of. 

Since my last, Bros. O. Pratt, S. W. Richards and H. L.  Eldredge have returned from their missions in good health and Spirits, and Bro. Eldredge has gone back to aid Bros. Benson & Ira Eldredge in bringing in our imigration, which will be rather late, but were getting along reasonably well at our last dates; and a large company of men, with many animals, and wagons, and several tons of Flour and other provisions, have gone to their assistance which will probably enable all to reach here before any inclement weather.  You will see in the Deseret News that Col. Steptoe & detachment have arrived en route for California and will winter in Utah; the Officers and [troops] will quarter in this City.  Elder John Taylor, M. H. Felt and several other brethren left here about the 1st Inst. for their several missions in the States;

Elder John Taylor will publish the paper in New York.  Elders Franklin D. Richards and the missionaries to England & countries adjacent have reached their fields of labor and entered upon their duties with buoyant spirits, and cheering prospects.  I presume from your letter that you have received my views concerning the gathering places for the brethren from the Sandwich Islands & you remark "ass to the best place to situate them we shall be happy to meet you in Council to decide about that &c," now unless you take observations and make inquiries on your way here, in accordance with my former suggestions, I shall be no wiser in Council on the subject than I now am, hence I am in hopes you will take Pains to furnish all the information you can reasonably obtain touching the country between your place and Harmony, the number, localities, and feelings of the natives &c. that we may be prepared to act in wisdom, when the Island brethren begin to arrive.  In regard to the brethren who who arrive from Australia or come into the Church in California and desire and intend to be Saints indeed,  it will be probably best for them to be making their way to the Settlements in Utah as fast as circumstances will allow.  This course will permit your place and the Branch at union City to act as strainers, and effectually assist in filling the main reservoir with those who will become of one heart, and one mind, and be of service in building up the Kingdom of our God, and afford them the Privilege of living in a more healthy clime

I am not yet informed what policy the U. S, will adopt towards the Sandwich Islands, but be that as it may the Lord will overrule all movements for the welfare of those who keep His commandments.

Those missionaries from here to the Islands whose health is injured by the climate, or who have been out for some time, are at full liberty to come home.

As the great burden of expenditure has necessarily to be borne at head quarters, it is taken for granted that you will take such steps in reference to the tithing funds in your region as your best judgement under the circumstances will permit, at the same time keeping a strict and correct account thereof, that no disappointment, or blame may arise through carelessness, or error.

The Penitentiary and sugar Works are progressing rapidly, and I am in hopes we shall be ready for the Present excellent crop of beets.

There is no disturbance of any kind in any of our settlements, and the health of the people is good, and their condition prosperous, and blessed.

Praying for your welfare in the cause of truth.

I remain your Brother in the Gospel.

Brigham Young