G. S. L. City, Nov. 29, 1862.
Hon. John M. Bernhisel, M. C.
Washington City, D. C.
Dear Brother:
Your favors of Sep. 30 and Oct. 3 and 30 came safely to hand.
On the 3d ult. I forwarded to you the a/cs of Cap. Lot Smith and his command, inclosed with a letter soliciting your influence and attention toward their being paid at the earliest practicable date.
On the 13th ult. I again wrote you, inclosing with that letter an indemnity bond, executed by Messrs. N. V. Jones and Jacob Gates, for the American exchange bank of New York City, and also advising you that the draft and check for Ann Mattson were received. Bro. Jones has just returned from the South, and has signed his affidavit, which signature has been witnessed as you requested, and the affidavit will be enclosed with this letter.
Please expedite, so far as possible, the payment of Captains Burton and Smith's companies, as the service was rendered in good faith, to the detriment of the private interests of nearly or all engaged in it, and many are needing the little pay due them. Mr. Holladay and Senator Latham may be able to render you much assistance in this matter.
Br. Hooper expects to leave for Washington on or about the 1st of December, and, going by Galena and stopping there a few days, will probably be in Washington about Christmas. deemed advisable for br. Cannon to come over, unless It is not circumstances touching our admission require his presence, of which br. Hooper will advise him. It is very probable that congress will do nothing about our admission during the coming short session, but it has been thought best for br. Hooper to be there, to assist you and our friends in improving any favorable opportunity that may offer.
Agreeable to intention, as I wrote you on the 13th ult., I visited our northern settlements as far as Logan in Cache Valley, where we held a two-day's meeting, as we also did in Ogden City, and meetings at North Ogden, North Willow Creek, Brigham City, and Kaysville, during an absence of eight days.The brethren manifested much gratification at our visiting them, and we feel assured that our trip was mutually agreeable and beneficial.
Col. Conner and his command, ostensibly ordered to Utah for the protection of the overland mail and telegraph lines, have, except a company or two left at Ruby Valley, safely encamped on the bench land near the mouth of Red Butte Canon, and within the corporate limits of this City. What such an uncalled <for> utterly useless, extravagant, and nonsensical operation means is probably more than Col. Conner and all his command can explain, though it may be in keeping with the Cabinet views of economical expenditure for ordered services, since the command is within sight of a short oration of the lines professed to be in want of the protection they are professedly ordered to render, and they are safely ensconced within the limits of a large City, secure from depredation and attack by Indians. But Doctor, it is written that "The well laid plans of mice and men gang aft agee", and so will theirs in all their plottings and acts to thwart the purposes of Jehovah. Does Government expect revenue from taxes, imposts, and all sources sufficient to enable them to keep so many troops resting in camp within A City, when they are so much needed in active service? And if they are so foolishly improvident, do they expect to long keep such conduct from the knowledge and just comments of an abused and insulted public?
Thus far Col. Conner has maintained strict discipline in camp, so far as I am informed, but why are they where they are? This is a question that we are satisfied we can correctly answer, but at the sametime would be much pleased if you could induce <the> Secretary of War to give an answer equally correct, or [?] any answer.
The weather continues remarkably clear and pleasant, and all out door operations are being vigorously prosecuted.
Your family and friends are well, as are also the people generally.
Your Brother in the Gospel,
Brigham Young