I have just Received your favor of the 18th instant by . I regret extremely that should have had the imprudence or misfortune to run into the Lions den. It is a case of much difficulty, and will give you and your friends much trouble. I fear that it will not be in my power to render much assistance, in this case. I will however proceed to answer your letter in detail and give you the best advice in my power— I am not acquainted with the Attorney whom has employed, I have no doubt but he is a very Respectable Lawyer, it appears from what you inform me he has written to you, that he has taken very proper steps in demanding of the that be protected from personal violence; and in advising a change of the venue to some County where less excitement will be likely to prevail than in the where the offence was committed— I suppose that it will be difficult if not impossible to procure a fair trial in any of the Adjoining Counties, that great prejudice exist against the Mormons in — in order to combat those prejudices as much as possible it would be adviseable to have able and influential counsel associated with [p. 1]