To the Saints Abroad

Beloved brethren:-

As many of you are anxious to settle with the Saints, we thought best to give you a short description of this County, and the inducements

which it offers to emigrants, this county (Lee county I. T.) is situated between the rivers, Desmoines (Des Moines) and Mississippi, and opposite Hancock co. Ill. There is a town called Nashville, laid out on the rapids of Mississippi river, 5 miles below Nauvoo, which is in the possession of the Saints; a number of Buildings are already built, and others in progress: It is the only good Steam Boat landing on the Rapids, and during a considerable part of the year the Boats on the upper trade receive their freight and passengers at this place, which is brought from the foot of the Rapids, Lighters.

These Rapids afford facilities for hydraulic purposes to any extent necessary; besides there are numerous creeks in this county on which, Machinery and Manufactories can be supplied with a sufficient quantiiy [quantity] of water at all seasons of the year: and for richness of soil, health of climate, morality, enterprise, and industry of its inhabitants; this county is not surpassed by any in the great valey [valley] of the Mississippi. The prairies here have a deep rich soil, and are bordered with beautiful streams and rivulets, supplied with large quantities of excellent timber. Several hundred of the Saints have settled in this county, and organized themselves into five different branches of the church and all under the superintendance [superintendent] of a President, Bishop and High council. Large tracts of excellent land can be purchased on very liberal terms in almost all parts of the county: but in Nashville and vicinity, the greatest facilities are now offered: Town lots, as well as farming lands adjacent to the town can be purchased on very liberal terms, also a very large stone building designed as a place of public worship; and a Seminary of learning is in contemplation.

There is a Ferry on the Mississppi [Mississippi] at this place and those emigrating to this part of the country, will find it most convenient to cross here: and to this place we invite our brethren and friends, by the unanimous vote of this branch of the church, of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, convened at Nashville this 23d day of August 1840. And that you may be preserved spotless to the coming of the Lord Jesus, is the prayer of your brethren, in the new and everlasting covenants.

JOHN SMITH, Prs't. GEORGE W. GEE, Clerk.