Presidents Office
Gt Salt Lake City
June 16th, 1866.
Hon Wm H. Hooper M. C.
House of Representatives
Washington D. C.
Dear Brother:-
Please find accompanying this four Powers of Attorney: two from H. S. Eldredge, one from Hon. J. M. Bernhisel and one from Levi Stewart authorizing you to act for and in their behalf in receiving and collecting all drafts and funds, &c., in the hands of Sutter, Sea & Co. or due them by the Indian Department. A telegram has also been forwarded to your care for Hon D. N. Cooly, Commissioner of Indian Affairs signed by John M. Bernhisel and Levi Stewart, informing him of the nature of the Powers of Attorney, all of which it is hoped you will duly receive. The delay in forwarding these papers arises, firstly, from the delay in your telegram reaching me, that which you first sent me on the 6th not reaching me until the 9th, and that of the 10th until the 15th, and this through the frequent falling of the line east of this City; and, secondly the absence of Judge Smith from the City, he only returning last evening and too late to send by last evening's mail.
Your welcome favors of May 6th and 20th came to hand almost simultaneously, and were perused with much interest, containing, as they did, so much news. The accompanying documents which you sent: Protest of Delegates to the Senate Committee on Territories against the bill altering the Organic Laws of the Territories, copies of your letters to President Johnson recommending Bro's. T. McKean and John T. Caine as U. S. Assessor and Collector, and also about a change of officers, and Mr. Jas. E. Neall's letter to you, have also been received, and the contents noted. We are much pleased to notice the disposition to deal fairly with us which is manifested by President Johnson. It is so rarely that men in authority in these days manifest independence and fairness enough to do us the least justice that it is worthy of notice. The course taken by the committee of Territories, in preparing their report upon Utah matters, is most outrageous and unheard of in our Government, or in any other professing to be free. But who is there that cares! We are only "Mormons." We have no rights that in the estimation of a certain class, should be in the least respected. The Constitution and the laws, and every principle of justice can be violated and trampled upon with impunity whenever we are concerned. Such a course cannot be taken in any nation or towards any people without bringing down retribution upon the wrong-doer; but in our case especially it cannot be done without swift justice overtaking those who so flagrantly violate the principles of liberty and equity. We love our country and its constitution and laws, and we love God, and our highest desire is to keep His commandments, and there is nothing incompatible with the keeping of His commandments and our loyalty to our country and its Constitution.
The men who take the course which the Chairman of the Committee on Territories has taken twards us cannot escape the consequences of such conduct. Their reign of power will be but short-lived, and one after another will disappear from the scene; but the work and people they oppose will grow and increase and flourish after they are lost and forgotten.
It is easy to see from your report of Milward's description of a certain chief Justice that he must be acquainted with him.
The adverse report of the Senate upon the appointments of Bros. Caine and McKean as Collector and Assessor will be the means of retaining, for awhile at any rate, the present incumbents in office.
I have been pleased to learn of your visit to New York and your meeting with the brethren and Saints and the good spirit you enjoyed. You have had our prayers constantly in your behalf, and we have felt that they have been answered, and that you have been blessed. The sympathies and faith of all your friends and acquaintances have been drawn out towards you through your recent affliction. Your wife has borne the death of George with great fortitude. She says that she could not have beleived, had she been told, that she would have endured such an affliction so calmly as <she> has. She is now busy moving into your new home, and herself and the children are well.
The Indians made a raid last Sunday on Round Valley in Millard County, & drove off 150 head of cattle and 75 horses; and killed Father Ivie and another man. A small party of our people had a skirmish with them at the crossing of the Sevier and killed six or seven of them; but they could not recover the Stock, as the Indians, beside the guard they had over the animals, outnumbered them three to one. The only injury to man or horse which our folks received was one of the brethren receiving a wound (not very serious) in the leg. President Wells is now down in San Pete Valley, uring forward the fortification of the Settlements, and if the counsel which has been given be strictly followed, we feel assured that this war will soon be ended. Black Hawk's success has collected together a band of renegade Indians from the surrounding tribes, who follow him to gratify their theivish and murderous propensities and for the sake of the plunder they can gain. The regular bands have not fallen in with them.
With love I remain as ever Your Brother,
Brigham Young