The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City
January 15th. 1869

Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.
Washington. D.C.

Dear Bro.

I have just received a telegram from Hon. S.B. Axtell of ley's scheme to dismember Utah & of his bill being postponed two weeks.

I really had thought Ashley & the dis-memberment of Utah were among the things of the past; however, it seems, "The cat will mew, the dog will have day" & the dog in this instance feeling his day is short, sets up his last howl, preparatory to his last kick. Ashley is a "trump"--eter of his own downfall; let him blow. Take no trouble to yourself on this account; let Ashley & such men whine & fret & froth, they disturb nothing but their own bile, an ejection of which may do Ashley good.

Please to ask the gentleman what he expects to gain from this step, does he think to plunge us into oblivion, or to help us to increased territory, popularity & power? He is powerless to do either; (& of course it cannot be that he expects to make a few thousands by it;) but for his good wishes, we will reward him with quiet piece of advice;-- Better mind his own business, & let other people's alone.

I wish to remind you with regard to his excellency, the governor, the old gentlemen has returned to the bosom of his family; you had better advise him to stay there.

I sincerely hope this will find you in the enjoyment of health & peace, we pray for you & will continually do so, that you may triumph over all the enemies of Zion, who wickedly come in contact with our measures, or seek to gainsay, or bring evil upon her.

Yours affecionately
in the gospel of peace

Brigham Young