G. S. L. City, April 12, 1864
Hon. J. F. Kinney, M. C.
Washington City, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Since my last, March 30, Your welcome favors of March 8, two of March 9, and March 10,11 and 14, with inclosures, have come to hand; I am informed that the seeds and cuttings mentioned came safely to Mr Woodruff's hands, and where by him distributed.
In regard to the Indian Reservation' question, it is not a matter sufficient moment to jeopardize, by passing it, matters of graver import. In this suggestion I also, as I perceive do you, particularly place the question in regard to the notch in our N. E. boundary; it is not sufficient importance to raise even debate upon it or any question about it at present.
Your action in regard to the $10,000 for our Legislative expenses was very judicious, and your success very flattering; but after all I often think it would be perhaps better for us if the Government flatly refused to make any appropriations for Utah. However, they will do in this matter, as in all else, as Providence may direct, which will, as heretofore, be in such channel as will most promote the progress of right.
The "let alone" policy, in reference to those on the Bench, practiced in the Tabernacle, in the "Deseret News", and elsewhere, is becoming so severe upon them that they have come out with down right lying in their paper. On the 11 instant they pub lished the following:-- "One of Bro. Kinney's Loyal Inhabitants. 'They are fighting in the east; let them fight and be d--d! They cannot get any assistance from Utah!" Brigham Young in the Tabernacle, April 8, 1864." The foregoing is a palpable falsehood. I not only did not make any such statement, but I also did not make any statements out of which such a statement could with the least semblance of truth be made. But that lie failed in drawing any notice, and to-day, over the nome de plume of "Cuidado," they publish another as palpable and equally groundless falsehood, as follows:-- "The boys can go up in Parley's canon some [word cut off] morning and clean out the troops before breakfast. The troops are no better than the members of Congress".-- Brigham Young in the Tabernacle, April 8th, 1864." In addition to branding this statement also as a palpable and baseless falsehood, I have to add that it lacks ordinary cunning, for it says "up in Parleys Canon," when they are several miles north of Parley's Canon; and near the mouth of Red Butte Canon, as you are aware. It might as well have read over in Tooele, or anywhere else where they are not. But such is the consistancy of those who will lie. Poor fellows they are to be pitied, for, having failed to create disturbance or to so much as attract attention, they have now restored to clear lying, in the hoped for results of which they will also fail.
Our General Conference adjourned about 5 p.m. of the 11 inst. It was numerously attended, and both speakers and hearers appeared to greatly enjoy the blessings bestowed upon them in the privilege of assembling in conference under so many propitious circumstances. The minutes in tomorrow's 'News' will give you the particulars.
The rains, snows and cloudy weather for many days past prevented a very numerous attendance at conference from a distance, but have been very timely for the soil, soaking the vallies and piling snow in the mountains for summer use, so that all indications are favorable for abundant crops of grains, fruits vegetables &c.
Yesterday six companies of the 2nd Cal. cavalry started on foot for Rush Valley, from whence, as their animals recruit, they will probably work west so as to reach Cal. on or before their time expires.
Gen. McDowell having relieved Gen. Wright in the department of the Pacific, it is probable that the influence which caused that change may also have power to cause that the troops that remain shall soon follow those who have just left, or move in some other direction, until ere long they will all be beyond our borders and in some place where, if possible, they my be of some service to somebody and thus do a little in return for their vast expence to a depleting treasury.
Pres. D. H. Wells, my son Brigham, Jr. and several other missionaries expect to leave with the mule train for Wyoming about the 25th inst. As before advised, please say nothing about Pres. Wells' going until you learn that it is publicly known. The number of missionaries selected this Spring is not large. How many of them will be able to treat themselves to the pleasure of a call upon you I do not know.
So far as I know at this date there are no known worked Gold diggings in Utah, and the lead diggings in the west Mountain are as yet amounting to nothing attractive of
attention. Present indications are that the false reports so widely scattered will fail in alluring many to a waste of their time and means in hunting Gold and silver in Utah.
I crave your indulgence for not reciprocating more frequently your kind favors, but a press of other duties prevents. I will however endeavor promptly to keep you informed upon all items of importance, and trust that you will, as heretofore, write fully, frankly and often, and in so doing oblige,
Truly your Friend
Brigham Young