The Brigham Young Center

G. S. L. City Sep. 14th. 1858

Elder T. B H. Stenhouse,

Dear Brother:.--
Permit us to introduce to you our brother, Elder George Q. Cannon, the Bearer of this letter. We have appointed him to take charge of the churches in the Eastern States; and to manage the business in all its departments. We wish you to assist him in anything that he may call upon you to perform; and we feel that under his presidency you will be greatly blessed, and sustained to do a good work.

Please give him every information you are in possession of, and introduce him to those of your acquaintances whom you have formed, that will in any manner facilitate his purposes.

So far, brother Stenhouse, as we have learned, you have done your duty faithfully, and the Lord has given you influence in the behalf of His work. Your course has been productive of good, and calculated to allay in some measure the prejudices of the enemies of truth.

The U. S. troops are now stationed in the Territory in the midst of our Settlements. about 10 miles distant from the nearest one. They are surrounded on the east, west, north, and south with towns and villages, and appear to be thus guarded safely by our people, and protected from the assaults of the Indians; they are devouring the grass and feed of the various herd grounds of our settlers with impunity; and introducing into our cities and towns the concommitants of civilization -- gambling, drunkenness, debauchery, and vice of various kinds. Several persons have been shot by the hands of their associates; and violence is getting common among the refined society that the government has sent to enlighten us.

The Saints are otherwise rejoicing in peace, and happy in the truth. Zion will prosper, despite the efforts of the wicked to the contrary; and the faithful will receive their reward.

Brother Stenhouse, our prayer is that God may bless and prosper you, and preserve you from evil, to do much good in your day and generation, until we see Zion rise triumphant over all things.

We remain, as ever,
Your Brothers in the Gospel of Christ,

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saint

Brigham Young 
Heber C Kimball
Daniel H Wells