The Brigham Young Center

President's Office
G. S. L. City, U. T,

March 5[th], 1858

Elder Asa Calkins,

Dear Brother: -
We have no advices from you since the arrival of Elders O. Pratt, E. T. Benson and others, still we are aware that news from home and a word of counsel are ever welcome to the Elders abroad.
We have had no news from the troops near Bridger Ruins, since the withdrawal of our forces last fall, but, as Col. Thomas L. Kane, who arrived in this city on the 24[th] ult., purposes to start on monday next (the 8[th].) to visit Col. Johnson and to return this way en route for his home in Philadelphia, it is probable that we may soon learn how they have passed the time during the past winter.

In the mean time the people are busily occupied in plowing, sowing, setting out trees &c., and also in making wise preparations for such future contingencies as may arise.

Under present circumstances at home and abroad, it will probably be best to confine your printing operations to such numbers of the "Star' as are likely to meet a ready sale, and not print many surplus numbers to be piled on the shelves as dead stock; and print no books nor pamphlets for any one, where there is the least probability that such publications will have to remain unsold in your store rooms; in short, be mindful that blank paper, ink, and other printing materials are often of far more value as materials than when worked into unsaleable printed matter, as you will be apt to learn in case future events should compel a sudden closing up of the business of that office.

Be sure, on the first opportunity, to inform me precisely how much tithing funds brother Samuel W. Richards drew from the Liverpool office, or from any other source, during his late sojourn in England, also specify the amount of each kind of such funds drawn by bro. Samuel, if in any kind but coin. Be pleased to make no mention of this matter, as such information is needed at this office for the correct transaction of business, and is a matter which would benefit no one by being noised abroad.

You have had sufficient experience in business to know that prudence and economy should be among the characteristics of its management, and especially, should this be the case under present circumstances, that you may at all times be prepared to close up on short notice, if necessary, with<out> suffering material loss. Not that I am at all aware that such a step will ever be required, yet sound policy for us suggests to prepare for the worst while living and hoping for the best.

We have our eyes on the Russian possessions, but this must not alter your course in regard to former instructions concerning the emigration.

Affairs at home are prosperous, the people realize that with us it is the kingdom of God or nothing, or our Constitutional rights to serve God as we please; are acting accordingly, and general health and increasing union are enjoyed in our settlements.

Your family are well.

Ever praying for your guidance by the Spirit, I remain, as ever,
your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young

P. S. Postmasters, Clerks, and others:-- when you have read this letter, please close it again and
forward it to its destination.

B Y