Rev Jos. Smith

Dear Sir— I see by the News Papers that there has been a meeting of citizens at relative to the Mormons and that several severe resolutions have been passed condemning the conduct of the mormons— knowing how little I can rely upon public rumor upon such subjects I have taken the liberty of applying directly to you for correct information and solicit as a particular favour that you will communicate at your earliest convenience the facts in the case—

Of course I feel an interest in the prosperity of and an interest also in the success of the mormon enterpise and a deep interest in the wellfare of your people and the more so certainly as their pecuniary interest is identified with my own— I make this frank acknowledgement because it is always best for men of sense to talk as they mean— I should however be solicitous for a successful termination of your great enterprise had I not one dollar invested in because the complete triumph of energetic exertions is always gratifying to all business men