G. S. L. City Feb. 26, 1863.
Hon John M. Bernhisel, M. C.
Washington City, D. C.
Dear Brother,
Since writing you on the 24th ult., I have received your favors of J [word cut off] 9, 16, 21, 22 and 30.
Please accept my thanks for your permission to draw upon you to the amount of $3000. I will gladly avail myself of the privilege, and will draw as advised for the amount, and in favor of br. H. S. Eldredge, who will soon start for the states on business for himself and others, and to superintend the affairs of our this seasons immigration, and will take the draft with him.
Your statements to the committee, in relation to Governor Harding's message were very correct. The Assembly not only objected to the manner of its delivery, which was a matter of minor consequence and could have been overlooked but they viewed the document as meddlesome, malicious and mischievous, and upon that ground declined to order it printed in pamphlet form, which is merely a usage, but agreed that it might be printed in the journals. Now, what awful crime, what breach of any law was there in that proceeding. No other Assembly within my knowledge would have treated such a document and its author so l [word cut off] iently, and what will congress do about it? or what business is it of theirs? They had far better attend to affairs that are of some consequence, and those too that are within their legitimate sphere of action.
On the 19th inst. Major Adams, U. S. Paymaster, paid off Cap. R. T. Burton command, and it seems poor policy, on the part of someone, that he was not authorized at the sametime to pay Cap. Lot Smith's command.
In regard to Government indebtedness to us there is no doubt but what you are doing best to expidite its liquidation, but the Government is poor [word cut off] daily running in debt at a fearful rate, and it is probable that we are better able to do without the pay than they are to pay us. At the same time that does not do away with the justice of our claims, nor their obligations. A pretence by any Government official that Harding's statements about our loyalty are making any difference in the adjustment of our accounts is merely a subterfuge, for they know full well that our loyalty has proved steadfast all the time and every time, from the mustering in of the Mormon Battalion to the mustering out of Cap. Lot Smith's command in compliance with the orders of the President. And they profess to believe the statements of Harding and few like him, in the face of all our acts and sayings! The idea is nonsensical, and the profession a mere pretext. We cannot think that the President or any member of Congress in the States knew Stephen S. Harding, or they would pay no attention to his statements.
We purpose sending some 500 four yoke ox teams to Florence, as we expect that our immigration will be unusually numerous, judging from the efforts reported as being made abroad. The number would certainly be very large, if all the brethren in foreign lands who wish to come had the means for doing so. Since writing the foregoing lands who wish to come had the means for doing so. Since writing the foregoing your favor of Feb. 6 has come to hand, from which I learn probably the main features in the bill presented by Senator Browning on the 11th of Dec. last, as prepared by Harding, Waite and Drake, and by them recommended to be passed. By their action in this matter alone, were any further proof than the uniformly hostile course of the first named party needed, Harding, Waite and Drake have demonstrated their hostility and treachery to the rights of the people of Utah and to the consistency and welfare of the Government of which they are appointed, in that they recommend and urge unconstitutional and invidious special legislation for this Territory by Congress, when at the same time Congress is overburdened with duties pertaining to the preservation of the very existence of the nation. Whether Congress prove unwise and unjust enough to pass said bill or not, in either event the plotters, framers and recommenders of so illegal and tyrannical a measure and all who favor it will be foiled in their expectations therefrom. The action of Congress touching the admission of Utah will be precisely as the Lord will, but you are certainly correct when you insist that we will not accept of admission upon the unconstitutional condition of being shorn of a single social or political, to say nothing of the more important religious, right as American citizens.
The agent to pay off Cap Lot Smith's command has not yet arrived.
Your family, friends and the people generally continue blessed with the enjoyment of health, and peace and prosperity characterize the progress of affairs in our mountain home.
Your Brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young