G.S.L. City, Nov. 15, 1860.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington, D.C.,
Dear Brother:-We have learned that you were at Laramie on the 18th ult., and had thus far been prospered on your journey; and trust that health and prosperity have attended you all in your travels, and are still continued with you.
On the 11th inst the express brought a rumor of Lincoln's election, and on the 13th it brought a confirmation of that rumor; but we have not yet received full details from the different States. Whatever course Lincoln may take, we certainly feel gratified that the fiendish advocate for applying the knife to correct the religious belief of American citizens, has so far proved himself a rotton and "loathsome ulcer" that he has but a poor prospect for even a hundred or two majority in so much as one State. After the acquaintance he enjoyed with the Prophet Joseph and this people, and the knowledge he had of their integrity, industry, morality, and strict observance of law and all good rules of order, it is but just and proper that, taking the course he did, his coat tail, which Benton prophecied was too near the ground, should ignominiously trail in the dust.
On the 24th ult., in company with Prest. Wells, my brother Joseph, and a few others, I started on a visiting tour to Manti and the intermediate settlements, Pres. Kimball, who was unwell when we started, overtook us at Payson. We held twenty meetings, had beautiful weather, enjoyed ourselves much, and returned on the 7th inst., having, we trust, mutually benefitted ourselves and the many brethren we met and <visited> with during our absence from this city.
Upon his arrival, Judge Kinney, for some cause, felt extremely urgent for the assignment of the Chief and Associate Justices to their several Districts, and, in
connection with Judge Crosby, induced Gov. Cumming to call an extra session of the Legislative Assembly. In complyance with the Governor's Proclamation, the Assembly
convened in the Social Hall in this city on the 12th inst., act assigning the Judges, Kinney to the 3d District, Crosby to the 2nd, and Flenniken to the 1st; and an Act
appointing the times and places of their holding courts in the several Districts for the transaction of Territorial business therein; and there being no exigency in their view
requiring further legislation until the regular meeting of the Assembly, the Council and House dissolved. I understand that the Governor has not signed and is not likely to sign the two acts passed at the extra session, and should he not, it will leave the where it originated, viz:-- with the Judges, without detriment to any one, farther than considerable inconvenience to members from a distance.
I herewith send you a copy of a letter from Commissioner J.W. Denver to Senator James S. Green, in relation to the amount due from the Government for expenditures in the Indian service in Utah, also a copy of the Senate's proceedings, therein, Jan. 31,1859, thinking that they may be of some benefit to you in your endeavors to procure the liquidation of just claims so long neglected. We take it for granted that our constitution and our petition for admission will not be forgotten by you; but will receive the best attention and direction circumstances will permit, so far as in your power; you remembering, at the same time, that we do not care a groat about the matter. We also trust, should you or should you not see the President-elect, that you will use all the influence at your control that our officers may be elected by the people, as they of right should be, or, failing that, that they be appointed from among our citizens, whenever a change is to be made in the present incumbents, or a vacancy is to be filled.
Dr Darwin Richardson died on the 13th inst., and I attended his funeral to-day. Br. John G. Lynch, Clerk of the County and Probate Courts, died at 6 o'clock this morning. As a general thing the health of the people is improving from the colds and fevers somewhat prevalent at your departure.
Home affairs continue favorable, and the power of those in Utah who would hinder the truth is daily becoming weaker.
Br's Carrington's and Hale's powers of Attorney for collecting dues in printing are promised by Judge Smith to be in readiness for next mail.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young