Salt Lake City, U.T.
Feb. 26th 1869.
Hon. W.H. Hooper. M.C.
Washington City. D.C.
Dear Bro:-
Although there is nothing special on my mind to communicate to you, yet I thought that a few lines might prove interesting. I am happy to inform you that my health continues good & that of my immediate associates with the exception of Bro. George A. who has been quite indisposed though generally able to attend to his duties. He has been actively engaged in Legislative business which has probably been the cause of his illness. The Annual Session of the Legislative Assembly closed on the morning of the 20th inst. at about 3-1/2 a.m. After a busy term, in consequence not so much of an increased amount of business as of the absence of Members, engaged in Railroading. Acting Governor Higgins, or rather Governor Hempstead through the Acting Governor has exercised the veto privilege on several Bills, amongst others the "Act for general incorporation" &c. & though this may not really hamper us, yet it is another reminder how important we are in a Legislative capacity while at the mercy of those who are opposed to us.
Notwithstanding the veto on the incorporation bill by this Lilliputian politician "Zion's Wholesale Co-operative Institution" is fairly under weigh. At a meeting of the Board on the 15th inst. a committee of three, viz:--Elders H.B. Clawson; John Needham; & Henry W. Naisbett was appointed to negotiate for the purchase of Goods in this City & also to ascertain where suitable buildings could be rented & the rate; the object being to open forthwith a Wholesale Parent Cooperative Store. Large purchases were made by the Committee, amongst others Bro. Jennings & Eldredge & Clawson's entire stock, Whose buildings were also rented. Upon the whole the Merchants have come up to the mark in a manner quite praiseworthy. Subscriptions are rapidly coming in. Store opens March 1.
Our railroading contract is nearly completed. The Cars are now at Devil's Gate, or about 3 miles beyond the mouth of Weber Kanyon; by the latter part of the week we expect the grading will be completed to Ogden, so that the laying of the track is but a small affair & might be finished in a few days provided the Material can be brought up, but there is considerable snow on the track.
Though out of sight we are not unmindful of you. We pray for you continually that you may have all the power and influence necessary to the discharge of your mission in accomplishing good for Israel. Our reliance is in God who rules & reigns above & who directs the result of the acts of the children of men according to his will & pleasure & for the good of his kingdom. We have nothing to fear, and we have every thing to encourage us if we are only faithful.
I will say with regard to entertaining strangers, that I think your views are very correct, & we mean to do the best that circumstances will admit of.
There is one matter I wish to lay before you so that if any interval of leisure presents itself, I would be pleased to have you attend to it. Someone by the name of Simpson P. Moses, Washington City writes me in the blandest manner possible for payment of some service he claims to have performed. (in 57 I think) in getting an appropriation through a committee of Indian Affairs. if this person was authorized to do anything for us, I would like to be correctly informed. The Amount of his fee is 20% on the claim, which was $38.487.53 that would make $7697.50 but with great magnanimity he will be satisfied with $540.00 said to be his actual expenditures. He alleges that among other gentlemen, Hon. Cyrus Aldrich is familiar with the facts; I think it quite probable that you have already some knowledge of the case.
I understand that certain parties intend petitioning Congress for a City Charter -- it seems too absurd -but this is a marvellous age. Such a Petition was brought before our Legislative Assembly, signed almost exclusively by transients, graders &c. who had no local interest there, and, it was very properly killed. Everything of this kind which savors of organizing vice & putting power into the hands of Gamblers, Black-legs & Cut-throats should be promptly checked.
We contemplate building our own <rail> road from Ogden City, & to commence forthwith. If you wish to take Stock therein, you are hereby invited; we will reserve $100.000.00 till we hear from you again. The estimated cost is $1,200.000.00
I would like you to purchase for us, & forward by express, One 30 inch focal length Portable astronomical Transit -- best quality. It will cost about $440.00. It should be packed in a stout wooden Box, thickly lined with wadding inside to form a perfect cushion; the box should be well strapped with hoop iron, & packed on the Dealer's responsibility, & at his risk. Mr. Wurdeman's is said to be the best house in Washington for these Instruments. As this Instrument is to enable us to get the correct time it should be selected with great care. Mr. Wurdeman has two sizes, the smaller will do. Accompanying is a letter from Professor Geo. W. Dean which may serve the purpose of securing a good Instrument. Still if you were accquainted with some skilled practitioner, as, a friend from the Smithsonian Institute, he might assist you with selection. If you can obtain them, we would like you to forward the "Nautical Almanac" for 69 & as far ahead as they may be printed.
I will now conclude, sincerely hoping this will find you well in body & spirit & praying God to bless & strengthen you, for the successful discharge of every duty. Remember me to all public & personal friends.
Yours in the Gospel.
Brigham Young.
P.S. I have kept this back in consequence of the Blockade to add such items as may present themselves. Yours dated 21st Feb. has come to hand just as I am mailing, I was much pleased to hear from you. & of the progress of your labours. Your remark about the Constitution is strictly correct & your allusion to the President & the people quite amusing. By the way, I wish you would procure & forward to me the names of the President's Grandfather & family & where he & they formerly resided. I cannot find the information in any Biography of the President here. Joseph A. Young will give you all information of the Utah Central Railroad & other items. I trust to your perfect satisfaction. My impression with reference to the President's family is that he is the Grandson of one G. Isaac Grant who was born in Mass. there married & had born to him five sons one of whom was Lorin, a celebrated Methodist Preacher, another Jesse, who I think is the fa may be the father of the Prest.
B.Y.