Presidents Office,
Great Salt Lake City,
18 January 1868
Hon. Wm. H. Hooper, M. C.
House of Representatives,
Washington D. C.
Dear Brother:
Your letters, Nos 3 and 4, dated respectively December 29 and January 5 have both been received, the latter yesterday, the former two days previously. They are very interesting and we were pleased to hear from you and to learn of your continued prosperity and of the satisfaction which you seem to have in your labors. I am glad to know that President Johnson feels as well as he does and that your relations with him are so friendly. From your letters we gather the idea that those who have formerly been most bitter against us in the House are softening in their feelings. The change that has taken place of late in the political horizon has doubtless had considerable influence in bringing about this modification of feeling. For their own sake we would much prefer that they should not fight against the work of God as such a course will inevitably result in the destruction of all who take it. Your remarks respecting the political prospects of the Church are interesting. We get a good many items by telegraph, but they are very meagre and in many instances, quite unreliable. Your letters, being more in detail and written from our standpoint, possess an interest that the letters and statements of others who do not view things as we do, do not possess. From the telegrams recently received it seems that there is no prospect at present of a reconciliation between Congress and the President. What the result will be it is very plain to be seen unless there is a great change on the part of those who hold the leading positions in the country, Intoxicated or made men, one wold think, could scarcely be any more lost to a sense of the terrible consequences which must follow than they are. God's word must be fulfilled <however,> and He will bring it to pass in His own way and at His own time.
We have very quiet and peaceful times in the Territory. The people are calm and dismayed. They have been called to pass through so many trials and have experienced so many deliverances that they rest assured that God, who has so often delivered them, will still continue to do so if they put their trust in Him.
The Legislature convened last Monday in the upper rooms of the City Hall. They have elegant quarters for the session and they enjoy them. They have scarcely got to work yet, though the Committees to whom the various portions of the Governor's Message have been assigned are busily engaged. You have doubtless seen the message in the News. It is a very good document and envinces no disposition to stir up strife or to quarrel with us.
The weather is very cold at the present time and we are having excellent sleighing. A good many are complaining of influenza. Money is scarce and business continues dull. We have not met for the past two weeks in the School of the Prophets, but intend to do so again next Monday. We have very interesting meetings, much valuable instruction is given and we hope that great results will be achieved through these meetings. To accomplish what we desire here must be union, and oneness of purpose and view among the leading men. If we can only get the leading officers of the Church to comprehend principle and to see things alike, it will not be so difficult to guide and control the people. But it is a difficult thing to get the bishops and others to act clearly and understandingly upon principle, and not to allow selfishness to influence and blind them. We hope to obtain such a portion of the spirit at our meetings that our hearts will be united and the darkness which beclouds the understandings of the people dispelled.
We are trying to get the brethren awakened to the importance of complying with the provisions of the Town Site act, so that we may obtain the full benefit thereof. The Legislature, at an early day, will take the necessary steps to do what is required of them. We are pleased to hear what you are doing in relation to the admission of Utah as a State. we hope you will not slacken your diligence in this matter, but urge the propriety of Congress granting unto us our constitutional rights. Their treatment of us is most unfair. There really ought to be something done respecting Bridger. Government had no more right to take Bridger than they had to take a piece of property belonging to any private citizen. They did a great wrong and they should make reparation. I paid eight thousand ($8000.00) dollars in gold for Bridger when property was very low.
I will keep before me the subject of having a Bank of our own. My impressions are favorable as they have been; but I can not do anything at present or until you move in the matter.
With love, in which President Kimball and Wells and Brigham Jr. join and praying the Lord to bless you continually, to preserve you and to bring you safe through every scheme that may be laid to injure you.
I remain
Your Brother
Brigham Young