G. S. L. City, Jan. 24, 1863.
Hon John M. Bernhisel, M. C.,
Washington City, D. C.
Dear Brother:
Since my last to you, Nov. 29, I have received your favor of Nov. 15 and 29, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, and 29, and Jan. 2.
The services of Cap. R. T. Burton and Company still remain unpaid, notwith standing the order of the paymaster General to Major Hunt at Leavenworth, as advised in yours of the 5th ult. This is rather discouraging to prompt honoring of another call, should one be made.
Col. Conner and his command are still encamped where they first located within the limits of this City. The order for their removal, if it ever reached them, has not as yet produced any motion. Just at present it is probably rather inconvenient for them to move in any direction they may be wanted and to where they might be of some use.
I herewith inclose authority for you to receive and receipt for the sums allowed for supplies and transportation furnished Captain Robert T. Burton's Company, as advised in yours of the 29th ult., (with the exception of br. Hooper's, who is there and can attend to his own), and for such additional amounts as may be allowed.
Doubtless you are doing all in your power to expedite the allowing and payment of Captains Burton's and Smith's Companies for services, supplies, &c., so promptly furnished and efficiently performed, but the departments stand greatly in the way of the nation's interests by being so tardy in adjustment and liquidation, for such tardiness, aside from its injustice, tends directly to hinder prompt and efficient compliance with like calls that may want to be made in the future. Assembly adjourned on the 16th inst. The Territorial There were but few laws passed during the Session, only few being deemed necessary, though the members were quite diligent in presenting, deliberating upon and disposing of business pertinent to a Legislative Body. The General Assembly met on the 19th and adjourned on the 20th inst. An Act making in force in Deseret the laws passed by the last Legislative Assembly of the Territory, and an act in regard to printing and distributing the laws and journals of the General Assembly were all they deemed necessary to pass at present. The message was presented and read on the 1st day of the session and is printed in this week's "News" Lest you receive this letter before your copy of the "News comes to hand, I enclose a copy of the message, and give you permission to make such use of it, if any, as you wish. You will perceive that we are still patiently waiting for Congressional action in behalf of our rights and feel disposed to yet wait, so long as the few rights permitted us are not infringed upon.
What success the labors of yourself and br. Hooper, for our admission, as petitioned for, or the passage of an ennabling act, may meet with we are unadvised, but we are well assured that the result will be as our God in his wisdom may dictate, and that result will most redound to his honer and glory and the advancement of his cause upon the earth, wherefore, in doing the best you can, I trust you will both always be of good cheer, for it is decreed that even the acts of the enemies of truth shall promote its progress. The amounts you receive on the certificates inclosed, and such other amounts as you may receive thereon, I wish you to draw in such funds and on such place as br. W. H. Hooper may prefer and hand the amounts to him, as br. H. S. Eldredge purposes purchasing some machinery for which the funds may be needed, and br. Hooper expects to remain in the States until sometime next summer, and will therefore have time to disburse as he may be advised. Please also hand to br. Hooper the certificate of deposit on the American Exchange Bank, New York City, payable to him his order. I receive letters from you tolerably often, but I find in them few items of news. I do not expect you to write that which we get by telegraph and news papers, but I would like a little more detail on such matters of interest to [?] as are not ventilated by telegraph and papers, if your time and facilities will permit you to furnish it.
The weather continues mild, with alternate snow squawls and thaws <and some 3 or 4 inches> of snow now on the ground. The health of your family and of your friends and the people generally is good.
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young
P. S.
Bishop Hunter is at American Fork, when he returns he will sign the remaining certificate, and it will then be forwarded at once. I have seen the brethren concerned, and all the amounts are to be handed by you to Bro. Hooper, who will disburse as I may advise him.