[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine and warm. Several of the Indians have remained in the Camp over night. They seem very peacable and gentle, and anxious to trade. The brethren are making a saw pit to saw lumber for a skiff...At half past 3 President Young and company returned. They have been at the Salt Lake and report it to be about 25 miles distance. No water after they leave the river except salt water. The lake is very clear and the water heavy, so much so that a man cannot possibily sink. Even where not more than four foot deep and they tried to fall down on their knees but could not touch the bottom. They can sit or lay in the water perfectly easy without touching the bottom. One of the brethren lay down on the water and another got on him but could not sink him. They suppose the water will yield 35 per cent of pure salt . . .
At 8 o'clock the brethren were called together and addressed by President Young on various subjects, pointing out items of law which would be put in force here, his feelings towards the gentiles &c. He said they intended to divide the City into blocks of 10 acres each with 8 lots in a block of 1 1/4 acres each. The streets to be wide. No house will be permitted to be built on the corners of the streets neither petty shops. Each house will have to be built so many feet back from the street and all the houses parallel with each other. The fronts to be beautified with fruit trees &c. No filth will be allowed to stand in the City, but the water will be conducted through in such a manner as to carry all the filth off to the river Jordan. No man will be suffered to cut up his lot and sell a part to speculate out of his brethren. Each man must keep his lot whole for the Lord has given it to us without price. The temple lot will be 40 acres and adorned with trees, ponds &c. The whole subject was interesting to the brethren and the items will probably be given more fully hereafter. The Twelve were appointed a committee to lay off the City &c.
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
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