“ Illinois May 24, 1839. Dear Sir:— I write you to say that I have selected a town lot for you just across the Street from my own, and immediately beside yours— one for — as to getting the temporary house erected which you desired, I have not been able to find any person willing to take hold of the job, and have thought that perhaps you may meet with some person at who could take it in hand— Business goes on with us in quite a lively manner, and we hope soon to have and family, with other friends to assist us, in our arduous but glorious undertaking Our families are all well, and as far as we have knowledge, all things are going on quietly and smoothly— Yours, &c Joseph Smith Jr. To Mr. ”

<​Letter to ​> “ Illinois 24th. May 1839— Dear & — We write you in order to redeem our pledge, which we would have done before now, but that we have been in the midst of the bustle of business of various kinds ever since our arrival here, we however beg to assure you and your family that we have not forgotten you, but remember you all, as well as the great kindness and friendship which we have experienced at your hands. We have selected a lot for you just across the Street from our own, beside ; and in the orchard according to the desire of , and also on the adapted to ’s trade. The various business attendant on setting a new place goes on here at present briskly while all around and concerning us, goes on quietly and smoothly as far as we have knowledge. It would give us great pleasure to have you all here along with us, which we hope to enjoy in a short time. I have also remembered Rufus Cleveland to the Surveyor, and am happy to be able to say that the Land in , far exceeds my expectations, both as to richness of soil, and beauty of locations more so than any part of which I have seen. We desire to have . and his brother come up here as soon as convenient and see our situation, when they can judge for themselves, and we shall be happy to see them, and give them all information in our power. and family arrived here yesterday, his health rather improves. We all join in wishing our sincere re[HC 3:362]spects to each and every <​one​> of you, and remain your very sincere friends Joseph Smith Jr., — addressed To & . . Ill.”

<​Letter to ​> “ Illinois 24th. May 1839 Dear Sir— This is to inform you that has succeeded in obtaining the house which he had in contemplation when he left here, and as we feel very anxious to have the Society of and his family here, we hope that he will use every exertion consistent with his own business and convenience to come up to us here at— as soon as possibly in his power— Joseph Smith Jr..— Bishop ”