President's Office
Gt. Salt Lake City
March 14, 1867.
Hon. William H. Hooper, M.C.
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Brother:
We have heard nothing from you since my last, which was written on the 6th instant. Though there is nothing particularly new to write about, still we know your anxiety to hear regularly from us how matters are progressing here. A letter, however brief it may be, must be acceptable to one in your situation, especially when coming from home and containing encouraging and hopeful words. We feel that there is every cause for hopefulness and encouragement. You, who are situated in the midst of our enemies, and brought into immediate contact with the bitter and malignant spirit that is indulged in by them, must feel very differently from us who are so far removed from such scenes and influences. Our position is sufficiently elevated to enable us to look down calmly upon the turmoil and strife that are going on among our enemies, and to be undismayed by their schemes and plots. Notwithstanding all their threats and expressed determinations, they have been unable thus far to deprive us of a single enjoyment and we can plainly see the hand of God manifested in the preserving care which we have experienced. You, who have known for a number of years past the designs of our enemies, should be able to appreciate the peace and tranquility which we at present enjoy. Who but God could have delivered us? We enjoy ourselves in our religion and in the performance of the duties which devolve upon us as members of the Church of God as much as though there was not an enemy on the earth. Had the schemes of the wicked been successful, this would not be the case. But as they have failed in the past so will they fail in the future. They can not prevail against us, and every effort which they may make to bring confusion and destruction upon us will only result in their own overthrow. The deliverances of the past ought to be a constant source of encouragement and strength to us in the future. The Lord will over-rule everything for the accomplishment of His purposes; still the wicked must have their agency. The condemnation that will fall upon them could not be justly administered unless they had had the opportunity of choosing between good and evil, right and wrong, -- the Kingdom of God and the power that is opposed to it. They are permitted, therefore, to do many things, that at the time of doing them seem very threatening to God's work and people, but which He, in His wisdom, controls for the fulfilment of His great designs. There is every prospect of Congress having as much as they can do without interfering with us. Divided as they are from the President, it will require all the time they can devote and all the wisdom they can command to maintain their power in the country.
We still have very quiet times in the City; the only one from we hear is McGrorty. He seems to be in tribulation, and wonderfully exercised over the Delegateship; none but a crazy man would deport himself as he does. Business continues very dull, and there is little or no money stirring. We are having colder weather now than we have had all the winter previously, and there is a good deal of attention being paid to skating in the city by ladies and gentlemen who have leisure for that purpose. There is less complaint about colds among the people than when I wrote last, -- the weather seems to be much more healthy. My own health is usually good.
The people on the hill at Camp Douglas are very quiet we hear of no disturbance among them or created by them, and there is much less complaint against the present garrison than there was against their predecessors the Volunteers, and were it not for the presence, occasionally, of officers and soldiers in uniform on our streets we would scarcely be aware of the existence of Camp Douglas
Before this time I presume you have had a visit from Brigham Junr. and probably from Bro. Geo. D. Watt. We have heard nothing from them since the day they arrived in New York -- Feby. 20th. We are looking for letters from them, Brigham Junr. intended to visit you if he could possibly get time. Under your circumstances a visit from any one of your friends from home must be appreciated.
We hope to see you at home very soon after Congress adjourns. Your family are well.
With love, a in which Presidents Kimball and Wells and Bro. Geo. Q. join, and praying the Lord to bless and to bring you home in safety,
I am
Your Brother
Brigham Young