G. S. L. City, April 18, 1861.
Hon. W. H. Hooper, M. C.,
Washington City, D. C.,
Dear Brother:-Your interesting communication of March 12, with copy of a letter from Commissioner Wilson to you, also copy of a letter from him to the Surveyor General of Utah, a copy of your letter to Commissioner Wilson, and a letter from O. M. Wozencroft to you, came to hand by mail
of the 13th inst. I coincide with your expressed views relative to Mr. Wozencroft's letter, and it is very problematical whether there is any country at all favorably answering his description, in the region he mentions; be this as it may, it is altogether likely that he can make money faster, if at all, in almost any other mode than waiting for us to occupy a locality so far from the channel of our purposes.
Pony news reaches to the 13th inst. but is of no particular interest further than to advise us that matters in the States remain much as they were, rumors and contradictions continuing rife, and not much being done.
The teams for Florence are assembling in this City, preparatory to a start, four having arrived from Parowan and Tokerville, on the 16th inst., with from four to seven yoke of cattle to a wagon. The whole 200 and odd teams are expected to assemble this week, and to be on the way by Monday next, the 22nd inst. How many loose cattle will be driven, for sale to the Saints in Florence, we can not know until about the time the four companies, of 50 odd each, are ready to start; but, as heretofore, we presume there will be enough to materially benefit both the brethren who buy and those who sell, if not entirely enough to fill all the requirements of our this year's immigration. It is really cheering and encouraging to see the cheerfulness, liberality, and alacrity with which so many teams are furnished and so many men step forth to extend a helping hand to those unable to provide teams and wagons for their transportation across the plains, that the poor, in common with their brethren who have been more favored in this world's good's, may also make good their escape from the thraldom and oppression of the wicked and share in the blessings so richly bestowed upon those who are striving to be Saints in their calm retreats in the tops of the mountains.
The Companies for Florence will take quite an amount of flour to deposit at various safe points on the route, toward supplying our immigration. This is another cash saving lift in our operations, an item of much importance when considered in connection with the small amount of money in our hands for rapidly accomplishing the labors devolved upon us.
At latest advices from the East, it seems that the Utah appointments still linger, whether from being less enticing and, consequently, not so eagerly scrambled for until the more coveted are disposed of, or whether (very doubtful) Mr. Lincoln is really waiting for the pressure to so abate as to give some chance for appointing residents of our choice, we are not informed. Appoint as he may, it would appear to be an ill chosen time to again endeavor to foist upon us broken down political hacks and the political hungry and poor from outside our borders.
Where is the Winan's steamer? of late we see nothing in print about it. Can you not forward some information concerning its present condition, and the plans and expectations of its owners? If convenient, I would be pleased to have you do so, for I am considerably interested in the experiment, but do not wish you to put yourself to any particular trouble in the matter; but inquire, thinking that you may have at hand some late information not in our possession.
I understand that Gov. Cumming expects to start for the states on the 10th of May, probably deeming his term expired, and, a native of a seceded and resident of a slave state, not deeming it consistent to prolong his office under a Republican President. Br. Hosea's health is improving, and the people generally are well.
Home affairs are as they were, progressive in the right direction. The weather is propitious; apricot and peach trees are blooming, and prospects are very favorable for an abundance of the rich products of the earth.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young