<​August 8​> Commercial and agricultural pursuits, but like all other places on the , is sickly in Summer, the number of inhabitants is nearly three thousand and is fast increasing; if we are suffered to remain, there is every prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the , if not in the Western World, numbers have moved in from the Sea board, and a few from the Islands of the Sea (Great Britain). It is our intention to commence the erection of some public buildings next Spring— We have purchased twenty thousand acres of land in the opposite this place which is fast filling up with our people— I desire all the Saints as well as all lovers of the truth and correct principles to come to this place as fast as possible, or their circumstances will permit; and endeavor by energy of action and a concentration of talent &c &c to effect those objects that are so dear to us. Therefore my general invitation is “Let all that will, come” and <​par​>take of the poverty of freely. I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come as early as possible believing you will be of great service to us, however you must make arrangements according to your circumstances &c. Were it possible for you to come here this Season to suffer affliction with the people of God, no one will be more pleased or give you a more cordial welcome than myself. A Charter has been obtained from the Legislature for a Rail road from , being immediately below the rapids of the , to this place, a distance of about Twenty miles which if carried into operation will be of incalculable advantage to this place, as Steam Boats can only ascend the rapids at a high stage of Water. The soil is good and I should think not inferior to any in the . Crops are abundant in this section of Country, and I think provisions will be reasonable. I should be very happy could I make arrangements to meet you in at the time you mention but cannot promise myself that pleasure; if I should not, probably you can make it convenient to come and pay us a visit here, prior to your removal. is very sick, and has been for nearly twelve months with the fever and ague which disease is very prevalent here at this time: at present he is not able to leave his room. Yours &c Joseph Smith Jr. To M.D. P.S. yours of the 30th. is just received, in which I am glad to learn of your increasing desire to unite yourself with a people “that are [HC 4:178] every where spoken against” and the anxiety you feel for our welfare for which you have my best feelings, and I pray that my Heavenly Father will pour out his choisest blessings in this world and enable you by his grace to overcome the evils which are in the world, that you may secure a blissful immortality in the world that is to come. J. S. Jr.”