G.S.L. City, March 1. 1860.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Brother:-Yours of Jan. 31 came safe to hand on the 27th. of Feb.; but the same mail brought New York papers to Feb. 5, from which we learn that the House had succeeded in electing a Speaker.
By last mail, Feb. 23, I forwarded somewhat lengthy letters to yourself and br. George, since when affairs remain as they were, except a report that Gen. Johnston will soon leave for Washington, and that all the troops, except five companies, will ere long leave for other points. I am not advised how the report came here, nor of its value, for your last letter contains no indications of such movements.
Further than the election of Speaker, I do not perceive, from the few papers that came to hand, much of interest in late news from beyond our borders.
The subject of education is with us receiving a greatly increased attention, mainly due to increased ability to meet its requirements, which are necessarily rather long in being arrived at, especially in new settlements, and more especially in so isolated a region as ours. We are fitting up the large building on the east side on Union Square for an academy, which we have named the Union Academy, and in which the higher branches will be taught free of charge for tuition. It will be under the general supervision of Prof. Pratt, and under the immediate direction of Orson Pratt, Jr., assisted by James Cobb and others. Since the close of the winter festivities
I have proffered the Social Hall, free of charge, to the Chancellor and Regents of the University, for a lecture room, and on the 28.th ult. Cap. W.M. Gibson delivered a very interesting lecture upon the floral, vegetable and animal kingdoms of the East Indian Archipelago, to be followed, on the 3rd. inst., by a lecture upon the inhabitants of that region, and after probably, by still more lectures by the Captain. Prof. Pratt delivers a lecture to-night, and other lecturers will assist from time to time, upon various subjects. The Hall, on the 28th, was crowded to overflowing and it is said that some two thirds of those who came had to leave for want of room. This proves an increasing interest in and leisure for literary pursuits.
Aside from your advices of Jan. 31, we rest assured that you will use all diligence and effort in your power in behalf of the rights of Utah, but you are aware that the cars will not start until the Lord pleases, and then they will move off without any apparent cause. With this consideration you will perceive that it simply remains for us to operate to the best advantage our judgement and facilities will permit, and leave results where they belong, without becoming despondent or discouraged with the little we may seem to accomplish.
In regard to countenancing or aiding this, that, or the other person or project, I have concluded, particularly since the treatment to Hiram Kimball, to require the pay before the service or aid is rendered, deeming myself far more responsible than other parties have thus far proved themselves to be. Should any one wish our countenance or support in any honorable matter or manner, we shall invariably expect the equivalent in advance, for our part of the bargain is much the most likely to be observed, and we are, therefore, entitled to the prepayment mentioned.
Please inform br. George Q. that $60 is deposited in this Office for the Emigration, this season, of Dorothy Clark, who is at Maples Mill, Fulton Co., Illinois. The money will be forwarded by br. Silver, or some of our out-going Missionaries, to br. Cannon, and I wish him to seasonably inform Sis. Clark of these facts, that she may be in readiness; and let him cause timely steps to be taken to have her at Florence in season for this year's immigration.
Since writing the foregoing it is currently reported that Gen'l. Johnston left Camp Floyd this morning in the stage, en route for Washington by way of California.
Br. Silver a machinist who came in last season, expects soon to start east to purchase the paper machine I wrote to you about, and I am not sure, under the present scarcity of money here, but what it will crowd us a little to accomplish this undertaking. I could calculate closer if I knew the present condition of our eastern indebtedness, of which I have not been for some time advised. Will you not, at your earliest convenience, inform me upon this point, and also whether you can assist us in regard to the paper machine, in case we need any aid?
I perceive that Senator Douglass has advocated the passage of an Act by Congress to protect one State against invasion by another. What an idea for a Government to be enacting laws to protect itself against itself!! In such cases the Government will require a standing army of at least a hundred thousand men, and can not each party understand that it will be a tremendous weapon to be wielded at the caprice of whichever is in power? In other words, that such a Bill involves the absurdity of a Government endeavoring to protect itself against itself, to be carried out by raising and supporting an immense standing army ever subservient to those in power? Or are our professed wise men so blind that they can not see that they are laying plans
to destroy each other?
In the transaction of our business here I have deemed it best to give Mr. Solomon Young a draft upon you at 10 days sight, $2000, which amount you are authorized to draw for upon the Liverpool Office, or perhaps br. John Robbins can accommodate you with that amount. Should it not be consistent for you to honor this draft, you are aware that it does not cost much to let it go to protest and lie over a short time, though, of course, I would perfer to have it honored and save the interest.
As previously advised, we still feel quite anxious in relation to the head of navigation on the yellow Stone, or Upper Missouri at a point, if practicable, near enough for us to easily reach from here with ox trains going and returning the same season; and the information you can gather and furnish upon this subject may be of much service, for we purpose forming a settlement in that region, should it prove advisable.
We had purposed sending mule teams to the frontiers this season, to haul down flour and load back with machinery &c., but upon further deliberation have deemed it more advisable to send ox teams, and also to send a larger number than you were advised of on the 23d ult.
The ox train may be expected at Florence about the 1st. of July. All is right, and all is well.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young