Possibly a reference to William P. Richards’s proposal, which was published in the Nauvoo Neighbor under the title “Great Western Move.” However, this proposal was not broadly reported on or reprinted in either regional or national newspapers, so it is unlikely that the recipients would have been familiar with this reference. (“Great Western Move,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 26 Feb. 1845, [1].)

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.

Governor Thomas Drew of Arkansas, a Democrat, was apparently the only governor who sent a written response to this letter. In a letter to Brigham Young, Drew noted the precarious situation of the Latter-day Saints, adding, “I therefore heartily agree with you in the proposed plan of emigration to the Oregon Territory—or to California—the North of Texas or to Nebraska; thereby placing your community beyond the reach of contention until, at last, you shall have had time and opportunity to test the practicability of your system, and to develope its contemplated supiror [superior] advantages in amiliorating the condition of the human race and adding to the blessings of civil and religious liberty. . . . Should the Latter-day Saints migrate to Oregon they will carry with them the good will of philathropists and the blessings of every friend of humanity.” (Thomas Drew, Little Rock, AR, to Brigham Young, Nauvoo, IL, 27 May 1845, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.