Ten miles above the Ferry, Aug. 21, 1847.
Dear Brother Young and Pioneers:
We are all in good health at present, I believe, throughout the whole camps of Israel. No deaths have occurred. We number nearly five hundred wagons in nine divisions of Fifties. We left the Elkhorn on the 21st of June and journeyed near together till we came to the Black Hills. We have been prospered with the exception of a few cattle. Br. Phineas H. Young and the messengers with him met us 170 miles below Ft. John Phineas is now at the Ferry awaiting your return; all is well there. We thank you very much for your letters and writings left by the way, also for the messengers you have sent us. We think we may need all the assistance in oxen which you can conveniently render us as some were stolen, some strayed, a number are dying and our loads are heavy. Your families are all well, as far as we know.
I remain your brother in the New and Everlasting Covenant.
Parley P. Pratt
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aug. 21, 1847, 3]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, July 2006]