The Brigham Young Center

Presidents Office
Great Salt Lake City June 30th 1859

President A. Calkin,
42 Islington, Liverpool, England

Dear Brother:
Your favor of May 6th is at hand, and I congratulate you upon the reported healthy condition of financial affairs within your Presidency and commend the discretion and good judgement characterising the fulfillment of the duties of your office, so far as I am informed thereupon either by letter or report.

Bro. Thomas Taysum sends to you by this mail a power of attorney to collect for him from John Yancey of Nurrington, Church Witherington, Herefordshire, all monies due to said Taysum and his children by said Yancey as Trustee of an estate. Bro. Taysum wishes said monies, when collected, applied to pay his indebtedness to the P. E. Fund. Please report amounts, and I will send you Bro. Taysum's receipt.

By accident the pallet wheel and contact spring in the eight day chrononeter No 2392 Dent (Maker) London, got broken, and I wish you to learn whether Mr Dent cannot furnish others without our being at the trouble of sending the broken ones, and if so purchase and forward them by the first safe opportunity. If not, please learn whether the broken ones will answer to be sent, or whether we shall have to send the chronometer.

Since last writing to you, but little of material importance has transpired here, further than you will learn in the "News." On the 27th inst 2 companies of Dragoons, to be joined by 1 at Fort Bridger, left Camp Floyd for Fort Kearney, and on the 29th inst. Major Reynolds with the seige battery (6 large guns) left Camp Floyd for Washington Territory-- movements auguring favorably for the continuance of peaceful relations during President Buchanan's term.

Our fruit and grain crops will not be so productive as was anticipated in the spring, but we presume, with strict economy in their saving and use, will answer our wants and those of this year's immigration.

Merchandize trains have begun to arrive, and the counters are not broken down by persons rushing to buy goods. Many of our citizens are beginning to learn that it is far better and cheaper to sent their cash to eastern and westernmarkets and buy and frieght such articles as we can not as yet well do without nor manufacture, than to buy here of those who would gladly take our money and thrust us off from the earth.

I have not as yet any intimation as to when we shall deem it wisdom to release you from the duties of your mission.

The health of the people is good, as is also that of the portion of your family here, so far as I am informed.

I have not heard from Sister Calkin since her arrival in the States.

Trusting that you are enjoying yourself and recruiting your health and spirits in social visits with your wife.

I remain, as ever
Your Brother in the Gospel,

Brigham Young