Letter on Emigration-- See notes to following document. Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph Heywood and John S. Fullmer, trustees of the church at Nauvoo. "Beloved brethren-we send you another leaf of the gospel, which you know is glad tidings, or that which bringeth salvation." [Then is announced the determination to send the five hundred men to California as per Kearney's orders to Allen, and Little's information to them when passing through Nauvoo en route for the camps.] "By this time you will probably exclaim, is this the gospel? We answer yes.
"Now, brethren, it is time for action; and if you succeed in selling all our property in Hancock county, and as unitedly succeed in removing all the poor saints this fall, we shall soon be where we can rejoice in each other's society, and by early spring can move a portion of the camp over the mountains and next spring plant our corn in yonder valley. This is the first time the government has stretched forth its arm to our assistance, and we receive their proffers with joy and thankfulness. We feel confident they [the battalion] will have little or no fighting. The pay of the five hundred men will take their families to them. The 'Mormons' will then be the old settlers and have a chance to choose the best locations. The principle of the thing is not new to us, but we have thought best to say little about it. It is all right, and we will give you particulars the first opportunity."
This letter is signed by Brigham Young, "for the council," Willard Richards, Clerk. (History of Brigham Young, Ms., 1846, bk. 2, pp. 30-34.) {1846-July 7-CHC 3:81-82}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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