G. S. L. City, April 15, 1862
Pres. George Q. Cannon,
42 Islington, Liverpool England,
Dear Brother:
I wrote you quite fully on the 12th inst., but to-day's receipt of your welcome favor of the 7th ult., and other circumstances prompt me to write a few additional items.
The portrait of myself I wish engraved from the First Presidency and Twelve Plate is now in my Office here, and I will forward it to you by br. C. W. West or some other one of this Springs Missionaries to Europe.
When I receive your suggested corrections, &c., to the Hymn Book, I will give you my views thereon, and such other suggestions as I may then deem best.
We were much gratified to learn of the continued prosperity of the cause in foreign lands, and of the general good health of the Elders in the British and Channel Islands.
The General Assembly of the State of Deseret convened in the State (former Council) House in this City on the 14th inst., organized and met in Joint Session, when the Governor's Message was presented and read. The election of two Senators to Congress and the State officers made in the Constitution elective by the Assembly coming off tomorrow, and being aware that br. W. H. Hooper had been selected by them for one of the Senators, and that both br. Hooper and the Assembly wished you to be elected for the other, I this day telegraphed to you as follows:-John Senator Hooper in Washington, May 25th. Leave Office in charge."
I at first thought it would be almost out of the question for you to attend to the Senatorial duties, but br. Hooper and all your friends were earnest and anxious that you should labor with him in Washington, for many cogent reasons, and I concluded that you could do so during the few weeks it may be necessary, by leaving some judicious person in charge. This temporary charge need not be mentioned in the Star nor in any other public manner; and you will doubtless be able to select some proper unreleased person, either in the Office or out of it, for so short a time, or at least until br. Chauncey W. West can reach there, when he can assist or take charge, as <I have requested him to do,> you choose on his arrival in Liverpool under such instructions as you may give him in passing <if you meet> for he will accompany Cap. Hooper to Washington on his way to England.
It is not expected that the assembly will continue in Session over a few days, as they only at present design to rig the State machinery in readiness to be put in motion at the appropriate time.
The weather is still stormy and lowery, but I expect our Florence train will be able to leave here in good season, perhaps as early as usual.
Your family, friends, and the people generally are well; and God our Father continues to thwart the designs of the ungodly against His people.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young
P. S. I wish no change in the affairs of the Office, nor, as I have already stated, any notice made of this temporary change. Should your judgement dictate, you are at liberty to call br. W. G. Mills to assist in the Office during your absence.
B. Y.