The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U. T.
October 26. 1869

Genl. Thomas L. Kane.
Kane Co. Pa.

My dear friend:-

Your esteemed favor of the 13th inst. has been received.

It is none the less welcome from having been the first for many years.

I had much pleasure in conversing with my son regarding yourself-- your prospects & your assurances of affection towards your many friends in the mountains.

As you will learn from my son, Brigham, we hold you in unfading remembrance & will always be deeply interested in everything that concerns your well being & prosperity.

With regard to the future prospects of our beloved Territory, we hope for the best; feeling assured that whatever party leaders may be disposed to do, for or against our admission, God will control the results of their acts for his glory & the advancement of his kingdom.

Eastern Senators need fear no opposition from us to a Protective Tariff, on the contrary, it is one of the very measures we would most desire. The development of Home Industry is of the first importance whether to the Commonwealth at large or to this Territory, & every measure that will protect it from foreign competition demands our hearty support.

As to our views on the Fifteenth Amendment, I will call your attention to Article 7, Amended Constitution, State of Deseret, passed Feb. 4, 1867, which reads "All male citizens of the United States over 21 years of age, having a residence of 6 months in this State shall be entitled to vote"; the words "free, white, male," having been stricken out. The number of votes polled on this amendment was 14000 for, & 30 against.

A memorial to Congress has been prepared & extensively signed by many of the citizens of our Territory, for admission into the Union & energetic measures will be taken by our mutual friend Col. Hooper for favorable action thereon. Whatever may be the issue, we feel assured that we will have the good will of every true republican, who has at heart the welfare of his country.

I start on a trip through some of the southern settlements in the morning which must serve as an excuse for not writing you at greater length.

Peace & prosperity characterize our labours & it is generally a time of health among the people.

Accept as ever our best wishes, & remember me with kindness to your family & friends.

Brigham Young