1858 — Letter to J. D. Gill — From California — Mentions Brigham Young, Salt Lake & Crossing the Plains

This double-sided page is a handwritten letter (can’t make out the name of the writer).

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Mr. J. D. Gill Sir,

I am now in Cal the land of Gold — I suppose you think I am all right you are not far wrong. I can get one dollar per day so long as I choose to work hard for it. I am in excellent health. I have been ever since I left Kansas for Salt Lake. I believe I have not written to you since. I left Iowa, well we had quite a time crossing the plains. I drove six yoke of cattle, stood guard every third night and fourth day. I saw many curiosities the chimney rock … House … peak … buffalo …. .awful mountains in many mounting perpendicular for thousands of feet. In one of these places Brigham Young had built high walls …. I had manyi  … to blow up the soldiers in our place he built …which to let out .. . the soldiers … with the party that ….them … so as to let our teams pass … his huge walls … .we have … rivals … Buffalos fairly darkened the … sheep also elk and grizleys — Salt Lake is quite a place there is Millions of bushels of salt … the shores it is as beautiful … salt as I ever seen all you have to do is to shovel it up … This is a beautiful country the weather is not cold nor get to  warm for …. information.

————- (illegible name) Clarksvill, ….. Co., California

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The letter is actually in good condition. Unique first hand account of crossing the plains with some information on Brigham Young. Perhaps with a little effort someone can make out the rest of the letter.