Theodore Turley’s letter to Brigham Young is dated 27 August 1848, written from the “Camp of Israel.” Theodore was likely living in Kanesville, Iowa, at the time.1 The original is located at the Church History Library, and the full letter can be viewed at their website.

In this document, Theodore asks Brigham Young if he could be employed and “situated” where President Young thought best when Theodore got to the Salt Lake Valley. He made a special request for someone to set aside building materials so that Theodore could construct a “small house” when he got there.

Theodore would depart for the Salt Lake Valley a year later, arriving in October 1849. 

Citation: Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877); General Correspondence, Incoming, 1840-1877; General Letters, 1840- 1877; S-Y, 1848; Theodore Turley letter; Church History Library, https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets?id=e7243170-5bae-49ce-ae88-549a83702a95&crate=0&index=0 (accessed: September 18, 2019)

Transcription by Mary Ann Clements

Camp of Isreal august 27th 1848

Presidant Brigham Young

I take the preasant opportunity
of communicating to you (the joyfull news to me)
that I with my little ones are so far on my way to
the citty of the saints. hoping you & yours are all
enjoying good health as thank God me & mine are
at the preasant. I hope my cattle will be able to bring
me through but I do not know. I wish to be imployed
and situated where you think I shall be the
most usefull. I hope you will excuse the liberty
I now take in asking the folowing request. that is if
any one as Building meterials for a small house that
will let me have them for any thing that I shall have
left or that I can do I want a place to winter in where you
think best. I have no mony but hope I shall
have some cattle left this comes with my sincear
love & respect to you & all
the Saints Yours in Bonds
of the Everlasting Covnent Theo Turley

  1. Winter Quarters was abandoned in April 1848.