Now, under all these circumstances, a few of us here have arrived at this conclusion in our minds (such as can undergo all things,)--that as the Gospel has not been fully opened in all the South and Southwestern States, as also Texas, Mexico, Brazil, &c., together with the West Indian Islands, having produced lumber enough to build the Temple and Nauvoo House,--also having an influence over the Indians, so as to induce them to sell their lands to the United States, and go to a climate southwest, (all according to the policy of the U. S. Government),--and having also become convinced that the Church at Nauvoo or in the Eastern States will not build the Nauvoo House according to the commandment, neither the Temple in a reasonable time, and that we have, so far as we have made trials, got means in the south,--we have in our minds to go to the table-lands of Texas, to a point we may find to be the most eligible, there locate, and let it be a place of gathering for all the South (they being incumbered with that unfortunate race of beings, the negroes); and for us to employ our time and talents in gathering together means to build according to the commandments of our God, and spread the Gospel to the nations according to the will of our Heavenly Father. We, therefore, our beloved brethren, send our worthy Brother Young, with a few of our thoughts, on paper, that you may take the subject-matter under consideration, and return us such instructions as may be according to the mind and will of the Lord our God. We have thought it best to sell the mills here, if you think it expedient. We feel greatly encouraged to spend and be spent in the cause of Christ, according to the will of our Heavenly Father. {257} You will, therefore, after due deliberation, send us, by the hands of Brother Young, such instructions as may be the result of your deliberations. Holding ourselves ready under all circumstances in life to try to do all things whatsoever commanded or instructed to do by those ordained to direct the officers of the Church of Jesus Christ; subscribing ourselves yours truly, while life shall endure, Lyman Wight, George Miller, Phineas R. Bird, Pierce Hawley, John Young. Select Committee to write expressly the views of the branch of the Church at Black River Falls. Joseph Smith, P. C., Brigham Young, P. T., Willard Richards, Clerk. Also a letter to myself from Lyman Wight and others-- _Letter:--Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith--Suggesting a Southwest Movement for the Church_. BLACK RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN TERRITORY, February 15th, 1844. _To Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to the Twelve Apostles, greeting:--_