G. S. L. City, March 22, 1862.
Hon. John M. Bernhisel, M. C.
Washington City, D. C.,
Dear Brother:
Your acceptable favors of Feb. 7, 14, and 21 are at hand, and their contents have been carefully noted.
I have also received two printed copies of my accounts with the Department of Indian Affairs, a report of the "Sanitary Commission," a copy of the Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1861, together with sundry speeches, papers, and packages of seeds, for all which please accept my thanks.
The election provided for by the Convention came off on the 3d inst., with a pretty good turn out of votes, considering the feelings and usual practice of our population on election days under the conviction that a few votes will answer where there is no opposition. Returns have been received from all the Countries except two; without those two, over 11,000 votes were cast without a single vote "against" the Constitution. The nominees for Governor, Lieut. Governor, and yourself for our Representative to Congress were unanimously elected; and on the 17th inst. Judge Elias Smith administered to myself and br. Kimball the customary oaths of office. This weeks "News" contains my proclamation <convening> the General Assembly in the Council House in this City on the 14th of April next, when they will elect two Senators to Congress who will, directly after their election, start for Washington with our new Constitution and the Memorials of the Convention and Assembly asking for our admission into the family of States.
Br. Dwight Eveleth of San Francisco, Cal., writes to sister King of this City, widow of the late Edward A. King, who is said to have been Harbor Master in San Francisco during part or the whole of the years 1849-50 and 51, that Mr. King had a claim against the United States Government for some $8000. Said [?] may be entitled claim of Edward A. King of San Francisco, Cal., V.S. the General claims; Samuel L. Harris, Attorney, City of Washington. Should you find it reasonably convenient it may be well to inquire of said Harris, ar at the Court of claims, or of whoever else may be likely to know, what the prospect is for sister King to get anything from said claim, and if so what steps she must take in the premises, and inform me of the result of your inquiries in the case
The Eastern Telegraph Company pass messages for me to and fro between here and Omaha free of charge, which please bear in mind whenever you telegraph to m[?] and only pay to Omaha; the tariff at my last sending from Omaha to Washington was $3 25/100 for 10 words or under, exclusive of date, locality, address, and signature.
I herewith return br. Jacob Gates' affidavit with the required certificate annexed. I trust, as our mail matter has generally gone so safely, that the in demnity bond forwarded to br. McAllister on the 19th of Oct. has ere this reach you; but lest such should not be the case, I will prepare another and forward [?] for the signatures of br's Jones and Gates who are now in Iron and Washington Counties; or, lest it might pass them on their road to our April Conference, wait there arrival here. In either event I will endeavor to have another properly executed bond in your hands by the earliest practicable date.
On the 6th inst. the new Theatre was so far completed as to be dedicated. A numerous audience of invited guests appeared highly pleased with the exercises of the evening, which consisted of a dedication prayer by Pres. D. H. Wells, brief remarks by myself, Pres. Kimball, and Elder John Taylor, interspersed with songs original and selected and music by the orchestra, and closing with the play entitled "The Pride of the Market."
Since writing the foregoing, yours of Feb 28 has come to hand, with Mapes & Lockwood's letters to you and two newspaper clippings. I presumed, at the time that there was more or less exaggeration in regard to the "Tree Cotton"; still it may be well at some time, when reasonably convenient, to try it in our soil and climate.
I was much gratified to learn that our good Friend Col. Kane had entirely recovered from his wounds. When you again see him, please give him my kind regards and best wishes for himself, dear family, and all his father's house.
This week's "News" contains a notice that the mail for the East and West will hereafter be made up every morning, except Sunday; this is a very welcome increase of our mail facilities.
Doubtless the Members of Congress feel highly elated by the recent successes, which is but natural; still by the time our Senators reach Washington with our new Constitution, &c.. affairs may be in such condition as to cause [?] a majority in both Houses to vote for our admission. Be this at it may, when we have taken the proper and Constitutional steps for admission the Lord will rule their action for the best interests of his cause and people on the earth, whichever way that may be, wherefore borrow no trouble in the case, for all will be well.
By letter of the 10th inst. from br. Erastus Snow, dated in St. George (formerly called Tonaquint) near the junction of the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin rivers, we learn that affairs in our "Dixie" are progressing in a very prosperous and satisfactory manner. Br. Walter E. Dodge had lately visited San Bernardino and brought back five stands of bees in good condition, also quite a number and variety of fruit trees and seeds, including olive, orange, lemon and black pepper.
Your family are friends are well, so far as I know; and peace and prosperity continue to characterize Utah's useful and honorable progression in the scale of human rights and freedom.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young