Provo, May 25, 1858.
President Daniel H. Wells,
Dear Brother: Yours of the 23d inst. came to hand, per politeness of br's Ferguson and Stout, in the evening of the 24th, together with Bank and Tithing Office A/cs and statement of wheat and flour forwarded last week. Wisdom dictates that the people be removed from G. S.L. City and all places north of the "Point of Mountain", as fast as circumstances will possibly permit, and that you and br. Lewis Robison instruct Ben Simons that no more good are wanted in the channel in which he operates, and let that trade be stopped, for the evil resulting from it far overbalances the trifling apparent benefit and do not pay, nor suffer to be paid, so far as you can consistently prevent it the first mill of discount on currency for specie. It will be well to take earliest opportunity to inform Little Soldier to advise Ben Simons to keep away from the settlements until he can learn not to draw and cock his pistol upon citizens <when they are> in the line of duty, otherwise his life is in danger, and you cannot answer for his safety. Also inform Little Soldier that if the Indians do right and should wish, they will have the privilege of assisting us in the wheat harvest, by which they will be able to secure to themselves a supply of breadstuff. The person who deserted his post in Echo had better be furnished a pass to leave our settlement, if he wishes so to do, and is not in debt in Utah, and will leave without stealing. Br Bryant Stringham may as well move his family and effects, as soon as convenient, and locate them and prepare the requisite goods, previous to moving the stock. Please ask br. Elias Smith when he can be ready to start south with his family and effects, and plan to have teams in readiness at the time to lend move him. Circumstances at present seem to render it advisable for bro Musser and Cain to forward their families and effects by the first opportunity, and to themselves remain to attend to the office business until they receive further advices. Say to br. Kesler that I wish him to take the requisite assistance and forthwith <remove the machinery &c., from> dismount the grist mill at Box Elder and forward it to this place, and then if the detail and property owners north of Ogden City are as careless about their property and correct instructions, as they are reported to be, the moment wisdom seems to dictate, let every thing be laid waste from Box Elder to Ogden City, and <then> let the detail north of Ogden retire and concentrate at that point.
Sisters Ellen and Margaret Clawson arrived safely <and well> on the evening of the 24th inst., and we cordially welcomed them to comfortable room and an acceptable supper, and will gladly welcome and make room for you all, as fast as you please to come; and if you should, perchance, require more room than is now finished, it will not take long to put in doors and windows, hence you perceive that you can forward and come as fast as you please and circumstances will let you, <for there is room in Bowery Park for the whole of Zion.> I have sent to br. McCelland touching herd ground, and will inform you of the results, by the first opportunity. Say to the families tarrying to receive Mrs. Cumming, that in case Gov. Cumming and lady do not arrive by the last of this week, they may as well return south and await further movements. All well, and feel right.
Brigham Young
