The Brigham Young Center

Provo, June 25th 1858
Genl. James Ferguson,

Dear Brother:--
Your favor of yesterday is before me. It has been my feelings to let the Merchants look out for themselves for the present and wait until others come in, and inasmuch as they are of the Army, of course, that is the place for them.-- Moreover we wish to have the privilege of waiting until we can see who will do the best by us, before we rent our buildings. We do not wish to be forced into measures because there are a few bayonets behind. We shall wait until they are cached.

I would be glad to share with you the hope of being fairly and honestly represented by the `news world' but that is too unusual to expect. If any one should attempt to extend even tardy justice unto us through that channel it would indeed be marvellous in our eyes.

We wish to know if Gov. Cumming has published his proclamation, and wishes us to circulate through the Territory, and if so we will print it in the "Deseret News". Are there are alterations from the copies we have?

We think the orders to halt ten days are ominous of good. Peradventure Col. Johnston may also have received similar orders to await the issue of transpiring events, if so we trust that he will so far respect them as not to proceed on his march until farther advices.

Be pleased to give my best respects to Gov. Cumming, and say to him I shall, when the proper time arrives, be happy to see him in Provo.

I remain, as ever, your Brother in Christ

Brigham Young