Great Salt Lake City. Nov 22, 1851.
Dear Brother
Your favor of the 5th. inst: is received. It is a matter of much satisfaction to me when I call on <can see> the brethren lending their utmost exertions for the benefit of the cause of truth and to hear of their successful operations in moving with the Camps of Zion, striking out new routes, making and repairing roads, and making new locations, and this too in a unity of faith, love and harmony; furnishes cause of congratulation to every lover of righteous principles, and to every friend of God.
Your views in relation to new settlements as regards "pulling down" or rather building up others at the expence of those already planted are corrct; and it should be, and is the intent of every one to use all diligence and economy, in building up the Settlements in these vallies, I do consider that we are extending forth, full as fast as our resources of population will justify.
It is my Counsel to yourself and those who are with you, that are [?] to go to the Rio Virgin, to tarry until another season before you go; by that time you and they can provide means for the sustenance of your families, while you go and explore the country, find a location, build a Fort, and prepare for your families. by that time also, another emigration will have arrived,and your places be readily filled up, as will also your own company be strengthened. This [way] I feel sanguine will be the best for you to pursue; the more especially as the proposed location you will find will be invested with numerous bands of Indians, and those who are in a measure hostile to the Whites.
The Navahoes who are at War with the Settlements of New Mexico may range in that direction. Under all these considerations, I think if you will tarry until another year where you are, and then go safe, it will be most conducive for the public interest, and for the safety, not only for yourselves, but the Settlements in which you are at present located.
Trusting that this will meet your views and be satisfactory to all concerned, I will close praying my heavenly Father on your behalf, that the blessings pertaining to the faithful may be showered upon you all, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
I am as ever, your brother in the bonds of the Gospel of Peace.
Brigham Young
P. S. It is probable that you had better let the matter drop, inasmuch as we expect to make the Southern trip ourselves in the Spring, when we shall see you and can make such arrangements as will best [ilegible]
To Mr. John D. Lee
Parowan City
Iron Co.