G.S.L. City, Jan. 24, 1861.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington City, D.C.
Dear Brother:-The Pony of the 19th inst. brought your highly interesting letter of Jan 4, 5, from which we learned that exciting events continue to rapidly succeed each other in the mad whirl of partisan excitement now lashing the Nation. Secretary Wootten has paid the members and officers of the Assembly, one half cash and one half drafts on the sub-treasury in St Louis. The drafts have already nearly all changed hands at par to different persons, some of the holders getting all cash, others two thirds, and others one half, the balance being taken in goods and due bills on the stores. The receipt of your per diem and mileage has doubtless relieved the money stringency that had been perplexing you.
On the 17th inst. I advised you that you were at liberty to draw upon Elder George Q. Cannon, whenever he is in funds, for $3000.00, inclosing an open letter to br Cannon, for your perusal and to forward, which I trust will come safe to hand.
The mail of the 19th brought several packages of clippings, and files of Congressional Globe addressed to myself, President Kimball, and Cap. W.M. Gibson, for all which please accept my thanks. The Pony of the 19th brought very full details on many points touched upon in Yours of the 4th and 5th, furnishing us with telegraphic Eastern news, by way of Kearney, as late as the 11th inst. inclusive. I was much pleased to learn that you had presented our memorial for admission as a State, and had succeeded in having the Memorial and Constitution referred with an order to be printed. Not that the date of adoption in the least affects the force, virtue, or validity of those documents, but to officially certify that our feelings and views on that question are still the same, the Assembly unanimously adopted a Memorial for admission, in accordance with the documents in your hands, which was forwarded on the 10th, as then advised. I understand that another copy of said Memorial, signed by the Governor, has been forwarded to you by Secretary Wootton.
I coincide with you in the small probability of Congress' doing much during the present Session, and agree with your views and proposed mode of management in regard to the Utah war debt; and presume that, in the hurry of rapidly changing events, and circumstances, you will exercise your best judgement in this and other matters requiring decision and action ere you have time to receive advices in addition to what are already in your possession.
When you see our Friend, the little Colonel, please say to him for me, "God bless you and all that pertains to you and to your fathers house;" and that I would be very much pleased to see him.
The Governor has signed nearly all the acts, Resolutions, and Memorials passed by the Assembly, which, at the expiration of the allotted 40 days, dissolved about 4 A.M. of the 19th inst.
I presume that Br's Horace and William keep you fully advised upon business and money affairs in Utah. Money, at least that in circulation, continues scarce; and as the Pony brings word from Karney of the secession of State after State, now to the number of five, transient traders and Gov't office holders are anxiously looking for still squallier times, and many of them are casting their Eyes to points beyond our borders, contemplating departure so soon as cold and snow abate sufficiently to make travelling somewhat comfortable.
Superintendent Davis, previous to his trip to Ruby Valley, informed br. Calder that he would attend to the examination of my a/cs with the Indian Department, upon his return from said trip, which is now some weeks past, but as yet he has not, to my knowledge, said or done anything further in the matter. Br. Calder, whose health is now improving, purposes to call upon Mr Davis today, with a view to learn when he purposes giving the subject his attention, and will suggest that he appoint an early day for complying with his commission in the case.
As I have already advised you, I placed the "printing bills" in br.Calders <hands> to attend to, he is now giving them his attention, and so soon as he can obtain from Br Bolton and others the desired information, it will at once be forwarded to you.
I was gratified to learn of the good health and spirits of yourself and family, and trust that you all may continue to enjoy good health, buoyant spirits, and every needed blessing and qualification to enable you to successfully operate under the exciting emergencies surrounding you.
Pres. Well's health is now rapidly improving, and we hope to soon see him again enjoying that measure of health fitting to the many important duties devolving upon him. Snow is becoming quite deep in the mountains, and there is good sleighing in several vallies, though not deep snow, and the weather is cold.
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young