Transcript
Transcript for Brigham Young letter to Amasa Lyman, July 8, 1847
Elder Amasa Lyman
Thinking that you would like to hear from us again, we write you at this time, expecting to despatch it in the morning by Serjeant Williams; who will probably meet you at the Ferry, ready to pilot you to this place.
We are very glad to hear the letter from Cap.n Brown, that he is ready to follow Council, and desirous of obtaining it, consequently we expect he will be pleased to know that Serj.t Williams and the men of his command have been very obedient to council [illegible] as they have done; we believe he has followed out his instructions to the very letter – and inasmuch as they cannot well return on account of the soreness of the backs of their mules, and their being near worn out – they will continue their journey, and as you will soon be with us, we expect it will be all right.
Brother Brannan direct from California, will accompany Sejt Williams to your camp. his command will go on with us, and from time to time, some of them will return to you, to assist in piloting you thro to our location in the Basin, and it is wisdom that you come on, as fast as the nature of the case will admit
We understand that the Troops have not provisions sufficient to go to the Western Coast; and their time of enlistment will expire about the time they get to our place. they will draw pay until duly discharged, if they continue to obey Council; and there is no Officer short of California who is authorized to discharge them, therefore when you come up with us; Cap.n Brown can quarter his troops in our beautiful City, which we are about to build; either on parole, detached service or some other important business, and we can have a good visit with them, while Cap.n Brown with an escort of 15 or 20 mounted men and Elder Brannan for Pilot, may gallop over to head quarters, get his pay, rations, and discharge, and learn the Geography of the Country.
If Cap.n Brown approves of these suggestions, and will signify the same to brother Brannon, so that he can discharge his men, and he remain in Camp, otherwise he is anxious to go on his way, all the littel particulars can be entered into, when you come up.
We cannot tell you how glad we were to meet a few of the Battalion boys last Sunday, neither can we tell you how glad we shall be to meet the remainder, but tell them to come and see – tell them to cheer up their hearts, and not be over anxious about any thing: the clouds are frequently very heavy just before Sunrise, and we see that day is beginning to dawn – It’s a long road that never turns, is an old maxim, and tho this is a pretty long road, we expect that when we have gone a little further, it will so turn as to lead us directly East.
The health of our Camp is improving – There is not a very good chance to trade at this place – Col. Findley left here this morning for the States, direct from Oregon, doubtless you will see him – It is 23 miles from Green River Ferry to the first Camp ground on Black’s Fork – our next camp ground 18¼ – The next day noon halt about 10 miles, last evening arrived at this place 7¾ –
Brother Brannon wishes to borrow fifty dollars in money from some one, and we say unto those who are able, lend it to him; he will secure you the repayment, and send it back to whoever accomodates him, by Capn. Brown on his return.
In Behalf of the Council
Brigham Young President
Willard Richards[,] Clerk