G.S.L. City, March 8, 1860
Hon, W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Brother:-Your esteemed favor of Feb. 7 is at hand, and its perusal afforded me, as usual, much gratification.
Doubtless President Buchanan and his Cabinet are extremely tender footed upon the
subject of removals, being to all appearance, more watchful of the outside howl and the
estimated affect upon some contingent vote, than of the real welfare and just rights of the
people, who seem to be but little regarded by spoils and place men, any further than votes are concerned. Upon this point it simply remains for you to continue in well doing, without becoming discouraged, and leave results where they belong.
In action upon Territories, if any, so far as our lines are concerned I know of no objection to Jefferson's extending west to 107°, but Nevada should certainly be content to stop at 115°, for there is nothing that she can want or use between 115° and 113°, Still, if any prevailing influence insists upon a larger slice of desert for Nevada, there would probably be no serious objection to compromising upon 114°. I have never heard of any opposition in Utah to the organization of Nevada, so her eastern boundary is not extended too far from her settlements and settleable rejions, which she ought to have too much good judgement to ask for.
I perceive that you are sensibly realizing how much this generation are prone to believe lies rather than truth, especially concerning us. Were it not so the "pseudo delegates" you mention would not only have no influence in Washington, but they would be compelled to seek that obscurity their conduct so richly merits.
Of the files of daily papers you mention forwarding, only now and then one comes to hand, and those few often long after date. What is the matter? Or, in other words, how long are contractors to be paid a high price for not carrying the mail?
In regard to the pre-emption law, without stopping to carefully examine the matter, I presume that you and your Congressional friend are mistaken in your position, and that it requires a special act of Congress to extend said law over new territory. Be that as it may, it will doubtless be best to omit useing any effort for the establishment of a land office in Utah during this session, and, if necessary, even operate to counteract a movement of that kind, should such movement be made.
As yet no definite news of army movements has reached us.
As advised upon the 1st inst., I have drawn upon you Draft No 161, ten days sight, favor of Young & Irvin, for $2500 00/100. and as then advised, you are at liberty to draw upon the Liverpool Office to meet that draft should you not at its maturity have sufficient other means of mine in your hands.
By current mail I have written to br. George Q. Concerning br. Henry McEwen, father of John and Henry McEwen who are here. Br. McEwen is said to be a stereotype founder, and I wish br. George to have him sought out and furnished, if he is unable to furnish himself, with such articles as he may deem necessary to bring with him to enable him to carry on his business upon his arrival here. I write this to you that, in case br. George's letter fails to come to hand, you will be able to give him the requisite information of my wishes in regard to br. McEwen.
Be patient the Lord rules.
Your family, and Utah affairs in general, remain as last advised on the 1st. inst.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young
P.S.
The annual expense of our freight and immigration across the plains is so great that I
again call your attention to the subject of the highest point of navigation on the Missouri or Yellow Stone, and I wish you to try and hunt up Richard R. Hopkins (who is running on the Missouri) or some one who will engage in the upper trade and attend our freighting.
They will perhaps require boats that can run where the ground is a little damp. So soon as we learn the practicability of that route, we intend to make a settlement at the head of navigation, and save the enormous cash expenditures to which we have so long been subjected. We think that we can get within about 400 travel miles of this place.
If you think you are not likely to have anough business to occupy your time, upon advise
thereof we will endeavor to supply any deficiency on that score. Of course you will understand this joke. My advise is for you to attend to what business you can without injuring your health, and let the rest go until you can look after it.
Please acknowledge receipt of my letters by their dates, that we may know what you have and have not received.