I have received and read your kind words and agreeable to your wishes I now send you an answer. In regard to parting with your lands and selling them I do not think it is best for you to let them go but to keep them to live upon for yourselves and your children. And in regard to my giving you council and being your father, I have to say that I shall be happy to render you any assistance in my power in giving instructions and advice as well as to do any other business for you which lays in my power at any time if it be not contrary to the laws of the , which laws I am always obedient and subject to. I feel interested in the welfare and prosperity of all my red children and will most cheerfully do them all the good in my power as to do good is what I always delight in.— Should the appoint me as your agent to transact your business for you I shall cheerfully comply; and will always do the best I can for you, but you know I cannot do any thing in this matter except it be appointed me by the authorites of our land.

The bearer will bring you a map shewing the boundaries of your land which I hope you will be able to understand; he will also be able to tell you more about this business.

The Mormons are your friends and they are the friends of all men, and have the very best of feelings to all men and especially towards you my children. I wish you well, and hope the great God will bless you and abundantly supply you with every good thing, and that peace and prosperity may forever attend you and your children [p. [1]]