G. S. L. City, May 11, 1861,
Hon. W. H. Hooper, M. C.
Care of Hunnewell, Hill <&> Co. Cincinnati, Ohio,
Dear Brother:--
Your welcome favor, of April 25, came to hand by pony on the 8th inst., and we were much gratified to learn that yourself and family were in the enjoyment of such good health and so comfortably situated. I congratulate you upon the timely departure of your family from Washington, ahead of the Harper's Ferry and subsequent disturbances.
The last dispatch, State dates May 2, contained no word about Utah appointments; neither have we seen any notice of Mr. Bell's appointment as Postmaster in this City, save the mention of it in your last, though we had previously heard the appointment rumored. It was doubtless wearying to your patience and annoying to your senses of justice to have occupied so much time in seeking an interview with the President upon the subject of Utah appointments; but, as you suggest, the war fever probably oversloughed them for the present, and may for some time.
The mail of to-day brought a letter from br George Q. date March 30, containing a cheering account of the state of the work in England and Scotland, and stating that he had chartered the "Manchester" and "Underwriter", the first to carry 330 passengers, the other about 530, to sail on the 15th and 22nd, of April and was intending to charter still another vessel, hoping to arrange for it to sail on the 29th of April. With the liberal assistance in teamsters and trams, en route for Florence, we trust to be able to clear that place of all who may be there in time (about July 1) wishing transportation across the plains, toward accomplishing which the 136,000 pounds of flour forwarded to deposit east of the South Pass will materially aid.
Should our immigration require more flour from here, we expect to furnish this side the Pass from this point after harvest.
I am pleased that you was so kind to permit br Thomas to assist br Jones, as he will doubtless be of material service to him, in the hurry of receiving and forwarding passengers.
As previously advised, in addition to draft and power of Attorney already forwarded, the power of attorney forwarded by you was duly attended to and returned by pony, and doubtless is or soon will be in your possession.
In relation to a carriage and carpeting, br H. W. Lawrence has bills to fill in excess of funds, so much so that, unless the Government pay enough on the war appropriation of Indian Department a/c's, or both, to make funds easy, I wish you to omit purchasing either the carriage or any carpeting, as I do not wish to have any liabilities incurred further than necessity requires, and under that rule those articles can be dispensed with until a more opportune period, unless merchants should see fit to take your draft on Government in full payment without recourse
upon you.
At 3.55 this afternoon the pony arrived with Kearney despatch date of May 6, from which we perceive that Pres. Lincoln appears to have been too prompt for the Southern plan of attacking Washington.
I think it would be well for you and your family to make your way home as soon as convenient, without spending much upon ceremony or leave taking.
Home affairs generally as last advised. It is rumored that Gov. Cumming expects to start East on the 16th inst., but may not.
On the 15th inst. I purpose, in company with br Wells and others, starting on a trip to our most southern settlements, to be absent from four to six weeks. Br Heber will remain and attend to home affairs, his health also not being very rugged.
Your Brother in the Gospel
(signed)
Brigham Young