Col Kane

Dear Sir

In my reflections I have thought there might be some dubiety resting upon your mind in regard to the views of the inhabitants of the State of Deseret upon the subject of slavery in consequence of their not introducing a clause in their State Constitution prohibiting slavery. I think your interesting visits in our midst, your travels in our encampments, your chance of observations in our families, assemblies, & Councils where the sentiments of our hearts have been freely poured out before you must all combine to convince you that the inhabitants of the State of Deseret will never sustain in any wise the institution of slavery in their midsts. We are a peaceful and industrious people, have removed to the sequestered valley of the Great Salt Lake, we do not wish to have any thing to do with the "vexed question" of slavery or any of the other exciting political questions, and therefore we deemed it expedient not to introduce a clause into our constitution prohibiting the introduction of slaves into the State of Deseret, but slavery can never be tolerated there

With sentiments of the highest respect –

I remain yours truly

Wilford Woodruff