G.S.L. City, Jan. 31, 1861.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.,
Washington, D.C.,
Dear Brother:-We have had no mail since the 19th inst., and have received no word from you since our last to you on the 24th. Were it not for the Pony from Karney we should be considerably behind in our dates of what is doing in the outer world. By the last Pony, which arrived at 6-30 p.m. of the 26th. we received dates from St Louis, Jan. 18, a.m. and from Washington, New York, Charleston, &c., &c., Jan. 18, 17.16, and so on back to dates by preceding Pony. The amount of our latest States news can be summed in saying they are very generally, trying to fix up a patch for the old trousers. How they succeed in their political tailoring we had hoped to have learned by the Pony due on the 28th, but not yet arrived.
Some seem to think that there is quite a probability that both Pony and mail will not only fail in their accustomed regularity, but may soon fail entirely, in which event we must wait, with what patience we may, further news of the exciting events now agitating the length and breadth of our nation.
As heretofore advised, we are making preparations to send some 200 ox teams and a large number of loose oxen to Florence, to start as early as snow will permit, and to arrive from about the middle of June to the 1st of July. I expect to meet with the Bishops of this City to-night, when they are to report their doings in this matter, and we want to send 50 of the 200 teams from this City alone, to transport from Florence the Saints who are unable to provide teams or prefer paying for their passage, and such
Church freight as we may wish to bring. The loose cattle are designed for sale to those who wish to purchase, with a view to giving ourselves a chance to turn our money once more to advantage, before it leaves our hands.
As the brethren are recommended to send to Florence only Chicago wagons, [line cut off in typescript] to send for that class of wagons, I have advised Mr. Schuttler to be prepared to furnish quite a number on short notice, aside from what may be wanted by that portion of our this year's immigration that wish to buy for themselves; every wagon to be of the best thoroughly seasoned material and workmanship.
Judge Elias Smith has examined the printing bills you forwarded, and has made out an explanatory statement concerning them, which I herewith inclose, as also the bills you forwarded. Please do the best you can with the matter, using your own judgement under the circumstances to have it finally closed on the best terms you may be able to obtain.
Home affairs continue in the even unexciting tenor characterizing them for some time past. Pres. Well's health is so far improved that he has taken a short ride each day since the 27th. Yesterday morning (30th) Charles W. Little, son of Jesse C. Little, died, aged 13 years last November. I attended his funeral to day, at 2 p.m. He was a most excellent, kind, active, and intelligent little boy, and myself, his parents, and all who were acquainted with him were keenly grieved by his departure.
Snow in the vallies is softening, and stock on the ranges have generally done and are doing tolerably well.
Whether the Pony is withdrawn and the telegraph wires fail to reach here or not, we presume you will have an eye to our being provided with the best mail facilities and the best postmaster in this City that it may be within your incluence to secure.
As heretofore advised, and especially as modes of communication are becoming more irregular and uncertain, it will frequently be necessary for you to operate the best
you may be able on the spur of the moment.
Hoping that yourself, family and br Williams are well, and that you may be blest in the right accomplishment of all that should be done, I remain, as ever,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young