G. S. L. City, Sep. 21, 1861.
Col. Thomas L. Kane,
Philadelphia, Pa.,
Dear Colonel:-
Our mutually esteemed friend, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, our Delegate, leaves for Washington on the 23d inst., and, in the uncertainty attending the transmission of mail matter, I improve the opportunity afforded by his courtesy to forward these lines.
In the short interval elapsed since we enjoyed your society in our peaceful retreat, to the surprise of many of the leading men in the nation, the seat of war has been transferred from Utah to the immediate vicinity of the Capital of our government. It is not very singular that the wise men of our nation have so managed that secession artillery is now trained within less than six miles of the white House? Under existing circumstances will it not be better to annex Mexico to the United States, and then go on and annex the Central States of America, Cuba-- all the West India Islands-- and Canada? What can we do to help you in this matter?
Camp Floyd has been vacated, Bridger left with a Corporal's guard, and the relics of the army marched beyond our borders on the route toward Leavenworth. Will not the reappearance of the remnant contrast singularly with the boastful bearing of their full feathered departure from the frontiers? "The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong."
In disposing of surplus property in Utah, by express orders from the Government, all arms and ammunition, except what could be taken away, were destroyed. Was this course conciliatory and wise? Such destruction appears the more singular when contrasted with the fact that the Government is indebted a large amount of arms to Utah, as her quota; and when further contrasted with the possibility that the Government may wish our armed assistance in some shape, at some time, for which those arms and munitions would be very requisite, and the destruction of which has placed a call for aid in such an awkward position to be made, should they at any time desire to make it. Where is the counsel of the prudent?" Hath <not> the wisdom of the wise perished, and is not the understanding of the prudent hid?
During your patriotic enlistment of sharpshooters in the mountains of Pennsylvania and your military operations since, many reflections upon points of our conversation while you was here have doubtless passed through your mind. Friend Van Vliets "overflowing treasury" has shrunken to treasury notes peddled off to hirelings, and of doubtful ultimate value, and his thirty millions of people" are bitterly divided in hostile array. Where is the stability of the nation? and where the Union that a person was not so much as to think of the possibility of its being broken?
In the Fall of 1857 could Cap. Van Vliet have believed, had it been ever so plainly portrayed, that so extensively disastrous results would so soon have followed political corruption! Yet all this is but the beginning of still greater events, events which it may not be wise to too freely express one's views upon.
It is lamentable to observe the reckless disregard of so excellent a form of government as is ours, and the rapid steps so great a nation is taking to its own destruction; but now, as anciently, "when the wicked rule, the people mourn. The late
United States are practically demonstrating that the purest form of republican government is but a cobweb in the path of the governed, when they have become regardless of the rights guaranteed thereunder. Were not this the case, and were there any probability that, could the people be soon delivered from their present ordeal, they would deal more justly, their condition might be viewed in a different light; as it is, it is necessary that they, like others, work out their plans the best they are able to suit themselves, for they will not listen to wiser counsels.
Could my voice be as effectually heard in the strife now surrounding you, as was yours in the troubles that seemed to overshadow us in 1857-8, I would most cheerfully endeavour to reciprocate the noble deeds of yourself. But the roar of canon and the clash of arms drown the still, small voice of prudent counsel.
Our facilities for keeping a comparatively reasonable pace in knowledge of the world's movements are rapidly increasing, and if not interrupted, promise to be very beneficial. The telegraph Agents are very busily occupied in erecting poles and stretching the wire across the Continent, and expect to form connection in this City on or before the 1st of December next. Our latest eastern dispatch by pony was dated at Sweetwater bridge, and the operators expect soon to telegraph to us from the Rocky Ridge, everything being nearly completed between those points, which will bring us very near to Washington, so far as news of the doings there is concerned.
During this season I have visited nearly all our settlements from the extreme southern to almost the farthest north, and every where have found the people peaceful, industrious, prosperous, and happy. Cereals, fruits, and vegetables have flourished luxuriantly, and yielded abundant returns, producing plenty to crown the joy of peace.
Besides the prosecution of the customary industrial pursuits in fields and gardens, many creditable improvements are being made in various localities. Our paper mill is in successful operation, and the material, which we can produce here, is all now lacking toward our being able to supply our wants in every description of excellent paper. Many workmen are busily engaged in building a commodious theatre 80 X 144 feet, with walls 40 feet high, and so designed as to be suitable for convening large assemblies to hear lectures, &c., when not in use for theatrical and kindred amusements; we expect to have it sufficiently completed to use during the coming Winter.
Our immigration this season has been signally prospered, and have all arrived in good season, and the great majority rejoicing much in their escape from the tumult abroad in our land, and hardships pressing with increased weight upon the poor in foreign lands.
Your friends Presidents Kimball and Wells are enjoying usually good health, and desire a kind remembrance to you; Pres George Q. Cannon, now in Liverpool, was also, at latest date, in good health, and admirably conducting the affairs of our Office in that City, and, in connection with Presidents Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, the operations of our foreign missions.
Not that I would wish you to shrink any duty dictated by your conscience in your present field of labor, as heretofore, I again renew my invitation to yourself and family to pay me, at your earliest convenience, a visit, to be of longer or shorter duration at your pleasure, deeming unnecessary an assurance that you will be cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained by myself and your many friends in Utah.
I trust that, so far as circumstances will permit, it will be compatible with your feelings to extend to our worthy friend Dr. Bernhisel the aid of such suggestions and information as your judgement may dictate for facilitating the performances of the arduous duties again devolved upon him as our Delegate.
A word to you, my Friend; Your present position and calling will bring no credit to you, nor to any other man. They are afraid of you, and will not give you your just dues. They will find out in time that the strife they are engaged in will bring no desirable celebrity. This is for your own eye and benefit.
Please give my kindest regards to your faithful mother and family, your dear wife, and beloved children, and accept for yourself and them the best wishes for your welfare, of,
Truly your Friend,
Brigham Young