Where a twenty-five dollar pack-mule was sold for two hundred dollars, a set of joiner's tools that had cost a hundred dollars back in St.Louis would be bought for twenty-five.
The next year the gain to the Saints was even greater, as the tide of gold-seekers rose.

Early that summer they sold flour to the oncoming legions for a dollar a pound, taking their pay in the supplies they most needed on almost their own terms.
Thus was the valley of the mountains a little fattened, and thus was Joel Rae exalted in the sight of men as one to whom the secrets of heaven might at any time be unfolded.

But the potent hand of Brigham was still needed to hold the Saints in their place and in their faith.
Many would have joined the rush for sudden riches.

A few did so.

Brigham issued a mild warning, in which such persons were described as "gainsayers in behalf of Mammon." They were warned, also, that the valley of the Sacramento was unhealthful, and that, in any event, "the true use of gold is for paving streets, covering houses, and making culinary dishes; and when the Saints shall have preached the gospel, raised grain, and built cities enough, the Lord will open up the way for a supply of gold to the satisfaction of his people." A few greed-stung Saints persisted in leaving in the face of this friendly admonition.