G. S. L. City Oct. 22d/ 58
Col. Thomas L. Kane
Philadelphia Pa.
Dear Colonel,
Since my last letter per politeness of Genl. H. S. Eldredge, and bearing date Sept. 10. but little has transpired that would be deemed interesting beyond our borders, for reason which you,who are so correctly conversant with many of the characteristics of Utah's population, can most readily understand. Nearly all who moved south have returned to their homes, a labor which, in connection with haying, harvesting, repairing buildings and fences, securing fuel and making other preparations against the severity of winter, has pretty closely confined the attention and efforts of all to the management of their individual affairs. And Genl. Johnston, so far as I can learn is no doubt, very anxious to earn that reputation in the management of troops, that should be the pride and just deserved claim of every officer in an american army, seeking to protect and never trampling upon the most lightly prized right of even the poorest and most unpopular citizen; but thus far he fails in his attempts.
The Government Storehouses and other buildings being erected in Cedar valley are reported to be, as a general thing, not of the most durable description, a species of economy which the General, probably, deems politic, while at the same time affording the troops ample comforts and conveniences.
An influx of quite a number of the customary followers of an army and army suttlers and attaches has caused, as fortold to Capt. Van Vliet, the enactment in our streets of a few of those scenes of profanity, drunkenness, &c. hitherto almost unknown here, and which are so properly ever offensive to even the lowest grade of moral decorum. And a few of these reckless and characterless adventurors have defied wholesome law, both in word and deed, two of them having been killed by their fellows in quarrels, and one of them, a few days past, having shot a policeman quietly engaged in the discharge of his duty in guarding a prisoner, from which wound he has since died, and as yet the ruffian has eluded the grasp of justice.
These are a few of the incidents attending the course of those who fain would trample upon all law and virtue, but an efficient police force and the reception of no open countenance from General Johnston suffice to keep affairs partially within bounds, all things considered; and we trust to be able to do so, until the army, whom they look to for support, is withdrawn, when without doubt the rabble speculators will leave.
Our Friend Governor Cumming and his good lady are well, and apparently enjoy themselves quite as much as they could have anticipated in a region so far from their former associations and endearments. The Governor, as hitherto, pursues his impartial and manful course in favor of justice and rights, as he understands them, and continues to be very popular with all the inhabitants who are acquainted with his acts and feelings.
The removal of Hurt, Craig, Morrell and other U. S. civil officials here, whose removal has long since been petitioned for with the best of reasons, and which the Peace Commissioners expressed themselves almost assured would be at once attended to upon presentation, seems as yet to sleep in some hole or corner in Washington, leaving a strong impression that some power outside either "The Golden Rule'' or constitutional law, stands between us and the granting of our just petition, since the "adjustment," for a small share of the cheapest description of american inalienable right.
By the perusal of the "News," which I trust you receive, you will at once observe that we have deemed it most politic not to treat much upon agitating topics, being of the opinion that handling them in detail in our paper would prove more injurious than beneficial, and at any rate that the appearance of that class of articles in the "News" could have but little influence in quarters whose influence will be most effective in producing correct political and social action.
This view of home feeling does not, of course, have any bearing upon what it may be deemed proper to handle in papers outside of Utah, nor upon the when nor how; neither is it known how long the present course in publishing may be best for the "News" columns.
Since the arbitrary, unjust and illegal annulling of the mail contract awarded to Mr Hiram Kimball of this City, we have seen nothing to warrant our intrusting any matter of importance to the conveyance of the mail; and all the facts connected with that annulling tend directly to lessen any confidence which might otherwise obtain <in> the fidelity of our mails. Mr. Kimball, early in February, 1857, and upon the mere newspaper rumor, that the contract had been awarded to his bid, began to put mail service upon the route between this city and Independence, Mo., and very rapidly, for the season of the year and circumstances, efficient and trusty men with numerous animals were placed upon the line, and expensive arrangements gone into for speedily completing and maning the necessary stations for safety, rest and other accommodations until in a brief period, so energetic and well conducted were the operations, the mail was taken through in the hitherto unprecedented short time of sixteen travelling days; so satisfactory and praiseworthy and gratifying a result was attained by the outlay of probably nigh $200,000, and after such a speedy, faithful and reliable public service, so contrary to the customary unsatisfactory and uncertain mode of conduct in mail transportation, the P. O. Department not only annull'd the contract, but, so far as we have heard, have only paid a small part of the amount due under the pitifually low rate of $23,000 a year, the contract bid; and the Postmaster at Independence refused, under orders as he alleged, to let Mr Judson I. Stoddard, one of the Conductors, have the July mail, notwithstanding Mr Stoddard told him that he would bring it through for nothing. There is not an American possessed of the least spark of patriotism but would spurn at the authors of such treatment, and regret that high handed outrage upon the rights of American Citizens, by their fellows, should not only have so ruthlessly cut of the faithful rendering of such efficient public service at so low a rate to the Department, but should also have indefinitely postponed the thick scattering of prosperous and useful settlements along so long a line of now dreary, and unprotected travel. But no, the rate of $23,000 a year could not be paid for carrying a mail in several days short a time than I have yet learned that it has been carried by the contractors at some $200,000 a year. True, the present contract is for a weekly mail, but who does not understand that when a route is stocked the cost of transportation for the three additional trips will fall far below three-fourths of the whole sum, thus giving the present contractors in the neighborhood of $100,000 for what Mr. Kimball was to have received $23,000. It is possible that the Post master General has awarded the contract, allowed the rates, and otherwise laid the wires, that so soon as a little rough weather occurs the service will fail, a strong opposition to the northern route be raised under that plea, and Utah Mail service by the South Pass be discontinued in favor of the so much ( in certain Departments) loved southerned route. And it is more than possible that all we can say upon the subject will not at present do much towards effecting the extension of Mail rights to Utah, still there can be no harm, in stating as I have, a few of the late prominent abuses meted to Utah by the P. O. Department, for they serve to elucidate the rampant workings of political trickery and chicanery, and the proof can be forthcoming when wanted. The annulling of Mr Kimballs contract was a great national loss, in a financial point of view, and a great legal and moral outrage.
How would it answer for George Q. Cannon, to occasionally treat upon the subject of Slavery, at such times, and in such way and manner as your judgment might direct? Bro George has command of all the funds you may deem requisite for the accomplishment of his work
In accordance with what I deem <the dictates of> prudence, my conduct and conversation, continue to be quite reserved, at the same time being easy of access by all that business or courtesy warrant. Senator Broderick arrived in our City from California on the 18th instant, and was tendered the hospitalities of the City. I had a pleasant interview with him in my Office on the 20th; though he appeared somewhat unwell and fatigued by his journey, having encountered some rough weather as he neared our city. He purposes leaving for Washington in the morning.
Bro Kimball says, "my kind respects to Col. Kane and family, and God bless him and his family and all his Fathers house," in which he is most cordially joined by Brother Wells, all your acquaintances in Utah, and by truly
Your friend and the friend of all good men
Brigham Young
