The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City

October 3d 1862.

Hon. Jno M. Bernhisel,
Washington City, D. C.

Dear Bro:

You are doubtless aware that in April last the War Department telegraphed to me, as by express direction of the President of the United States, to raise, arm, and equip, a Company of Calvary for the defence of the Overland Mail at and about Independence Rock, where the animals had been stolen by the Indians, stations plundered, and men in employ of the Mail Co Killed.

The Company were immediately raised, and under the command of an able officer promptly marched to the scene of the difficulties, and under the command of Brig Genl Craig, U. S. Army, remained on the road during the term of their enlistment, doing good and useful service. By the same authority I supplied all the provisions, and forage, also much of the outfit for the company and freighted the same to the Company during the campaign.

The Accounts for all the above service, have been, I understand, forwarded from the Office of the Adjt Genl, Utah Militia, to your address, for presentation to the Department for settlement, and as my own means have been largely drawn upon to render this service to Government, I trust your earnest endeavors will be given to obtain an early payment of those Accounts.

It is desirable, upon your receipt of those Accounts, that you communicate with Ben Holladay Esqr., 88 Wall Street New York City, who promised his assistance in obtaining an immediate settlement, in as much as he was instrumental in having us furnish the troops. Mr. Holladay said the Department would pay them at once without any difficulty, and his good officers may aid you considerably.

This service was performed in the best part of the season by men whose time was worth at their ordinary business from three to five Dollars per day, although no more has been charged than the regular allowance in such cases. 

Horse & Team service as you are aware, is also much higher and harder to obtain in this Country, than East, as well as supplies of all kinds. Now under all these circumstances I do not wish to hear about any abatements, reductions or disallowances of any kind whatever. The service was promptly faithfully and economically performed, and if the Department are going to higgle, postpone and vexatiously delay the payment of the expenses, we are able to make a present thereof to the government, if we should see proper to do so. If the Department do see proper to pay for this service I want it in funds that will pay taxes, and duties on goods and other government Dues.

Your Brother in the Gospel

Brigham Young