G.S.L. City, Jan. 17, 1861.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington City, D.C.,
Dear Brother:-The Pony of the 11th brought a letter from you to br. William Clayton, the courteous reading of which by him to me afforded much gratification and some additional late news; but the Pony of the 14th brought no letter from you. The Mail, on the 12th brought several packages of clippings, and your welcome favor of Dec. 19, with inclosed letter from Mr. E.P. Brewster, and four "New Office bills". Owing to his ill health for a few days past, the bills were not handed to br. Calder for examination until to-day; they will receive the earliest possible attention.
In regard to Brewster's demand of $55.00 due him as balance of his charge for attending to the Ahmanson case, you are at liberty to do as you please about it. I do not employ lawyers, and of course I do not feel under obligation to pay persons I do not employ. Whatever you do in the case, should your judgement dictate your paying more or less of said demand, I will refund to you.
I have to-day written to Br, George Q Cannon to remit to you whatever funds he can, to the amount of three thousand dollars ($3000). I deemed this the safer course, not being advised to what extent he can honor a draft.
I perceive, from news brought by Pony of the 14th, that you have presented our petition for admission, constitution, &c., but there was no word as to what action, if any, had been taken, which we hope we will receive by next mail. Tell them that they can do as they please about the matter, but our opinion is that they had better admit Utah now while they have the opportunity.
Please present as opportunity may offer, our Memorials for lands to be granted to cities, towns, &c., for increased overland mail facilities, &c, &c.. And if Government deem that they have the right to survey lands in Utah previous to extinguishing the Indian title, I would like to have you learn, from the appropriate Department, whether you can not take some steps to enable us at an early day to avail ourselves of the benefits to be derived from lands granted to the Deseret University.
Tomorrow closes the forty days allotted to our Assembly, by which time the Members expect to have legislative matters in condition for adjourning without date. To night there is a Legislative party in the Social Hall, with the Governor, Secretary, Judges, County and City officers, and others, as invited guests. My health is pretty good, but I do not feel quite well enough to attend the party.
I am happy in being able to inform you that Pres. Wells' health is improving, and we hope that he will soon be able to again take his usual active and very efficient part in the important labors devolved upon him.
The Governor made some suggestions in his Message to the Assembly, which they have not as yet formally acted upon; and to-day he sent a communication, or supplementary message, to the Council and House, calling their attention to former suggestions, and making some additional ones. A portion of them had already been attended to, but the action thereon had not been forwarded to the Governor; what action the Assembly will take on the remaining suggestions will be determined to morrow, and I presume with the same amicable feelings as have thus far, during this session, characterized the communications between the Executive and Legislative departments.
The new lattice bridge across Jordan was so far completed on the 15th inst., that I rode over it in company with the Members and Officers of the Assembly, City and County officers and others who had been invited to view it. All expressed themselves highly gratified with the material, plan, and workmanship; and it certainly is a very creditable structure, having excellent stone abutments, and spanning the stream without any further support, save at the ends, than is given by a crown of 18 inches and the nature of its construction. The Assembly have it in contemplation to roof and side it, which will add much to it durability, at the additional cost of about $2000.
Arrangements are being made to start from 120 to 150 teams from here to Florence in the Spring, to haul our own freight and transport the poor and others, and we wish you to inform br's Pratt, Snow, and all Elders from the Valley that we expect them to forward on the Saints who wish to come here this season, to be in Florence from about the 15th of June to the 1st of July next, in readiness for a start, both those who require assistance across the plains and those who are able to pay for their transportation, as those who can pay will save that much money within ourselves and enable us to transport that many more of those who are poor in this world's goods, but who are, we hope, rich in faith and good works for the cause and kingdom of our God.
We also expect next spring to drive a considerable number of cattle, in addition to the teams before mentioned, with the design of selling to those who wish to purchase for cash; and we would like to be informed, by Express, at the earliest practicable date, of pretty near the number of cattle our this years immigration wish to purchase for cash, as we can send almost any required number from a 100 pair to a 1000.
There will be a good many wagons wanted, some by those sending from here; some will prefer wooden axles, the arms of which should be 4-1/2 inches at the shoulder and 3 inches at the point. That is not my particular choice in size, but I have heard several, who think of sending for wagons, express their preference for that size. I would not trouble you on this subject, only that we have no agent in the West, to attend to the transaction of such business; I mention this to you, and you can transfer this business to the Elders, according to your own judgement.
We expect that you are going to have rather warm times in Washington about the 1st of March, and it may not be amiss to be prudently on the watch. Then again you may not have very rich times, for I cannot see how the President elect is going to be inaugurated by only a part of the 33 States.
Mr. J.M. Livingston called upon me to-day and courteously proffered to convey to you personally any communications I might wish to send. As he intends to reach the frontiers in 10 or 11 days, I have availed my self of this opportunity for speedy transmission; and have inclosed an open letter to br George Q. Cannon, which I wish you to read, close, and forward at once.
Much snow has fallen in the mountains, but teams are hauling coal from Grass Creek, which you are aware is the snowiest portion of the road east, with the exception, perhaps of the South Pass, and the mail and Pony continue to make their usual good time. There is now enough snow in this Valley to make passable sleighing, and more has fallen to-day.
The health of the people is again generally good, the fevers and diseases incident to Fall having abated as the weather became cold.
Remember me kindly to your family, br Williams, and inquiring Saints and Friends.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young