Hon. W. H. Hooper, M. C.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Bro:-
I take occasion to drop you these few lines to inquire after your health, & the progress of affairs generally, in your department, trusting this will find you if not entirely recovered, at least much improved. It is darkest just before the break of day & we sincerely hope and pray, not only for the complete recovery of your health, but that the blessings of our Heavenly Father may rest down abundantly upon you, to strengthen your body, comfort your heart & give you great joy in your labors.
On the 6th inst. Jos. A. Young mailed to you one letter of date: one copy of Railroad act: one copy of his letter to Mr. Wheeler, Chair. Comm. U.P.R.R. & one copy of petition to Congress; he also mailed to Mr. Wheeler same time, one letter of date; two printed maps; two traced do; Petition to Congress & verified copy of Railroad Law, all of which we trust came safe to hand.
On the 10th inst. the Telegraph flashed the news from California that Bishop C. W. West-- <was no more;> he died of that disease of the throat and lungs with which he had been so long afflicted.
On the day, also, we celebrated the laying on the last rail of the U.C.R.R. It was a general holiday and a very large concourse of people assembled to witness the ceremonies. In addition to our own most prominent citizens, there were present about twenty officers of the U.P. & C.P. R.R. & about 14 army officers from Camp Douglas. I had the honor of driving the last spike, which took place nine minutes past two o'clock. After prayer by Elder Woodruff, Speeches were delivered by myself; Vice Prest Wm. Jennings; & Supt. Jos. A. Young; Col. B. O. Carr & T. B. Morris Esqr. U. P. followed by Elder John Taylor & Mr. Campbell, E. P. In consequence of a light cold, Elder Cannon read for me a short speech which I had prepared, he also read congratulatory telegrams from representative men east & west who were unable personally to attend.
In the evening a grand complimentary ball was given in the Theatre & the assemblage was indeed a brilliant one & never did the Theatre appear to a greater advantage. Officers, Civil & Military public men, without regard to religion, party or politics were invited & all expressed themselves delighted with the whole affair. A large bon-fire on Arsenal hill & a general illumination of the City were attractive features of the programme.
So, now, the Railroad to Salt Lake City, from the Atlantic on the one side, & the Pacific oceans on the other is a fixed fact, and our road is, as toasted on the occasion, "The first fruits of the marriage of the oceans." I omitted to mention that there were present on the terminus block, in company with our own cars, during the celebration, one Pullman Palace Sleeping Car, & also one Silver Palace car.
Mr. Cullom's bill, or rather R. V. Baskin's bill "in aid of the execution of laws" &c. was published in the "News" of the 4th inst. It is difficult to conceive how men can become so recreant to every principle of manhood as to even conjure up such a disgraceful document. Our sisters here, are in high dudgeon over it. I send you a clipping from the "News" which speaks for itself. On Thursday 13th a general indignation meeting of the Ladies of Salt Lake City, is to be held in the Tabernacle on this subject, and I understand they intend to address Congress, remonstrating against the passage of the bill. We will send you full particulars in due season.
You remember the much talked of conversation with senator Trumbull with regard to walking obnoxious officials out of the Territory, now there is an excellent opportunity looming up to put this to the test, if government will only give Baskin some lick-spittle office here, I think our sisters would be very apt to she<w> him his walking-papers in the shape of a forest of broomsticks.
As to its meeting with the slightest degree of favor, in its present shape, we can hardly believe it. If, however, we should be mistaken, and the despotic creation should pass, we hope it will retain all its present obnoxiousness, and, in this event, you may expect to see two senators knocking for the admission of a State.
Whatever may result from this, or any similar action of Congress, against us, or whither they shall lend a favorable ear to our "Memorial for Admission," we are content to rest the issue with the great disposer of all events, firmly assured that he will control the results of their acts for the well being of his people, and, that the very evil they would bring upon us, will be converted to a still greater good.
My health, I am thankful to say, is good. Bro. George A. is also feeling well, though not yet able to move around much. Bro. Wells, Cannon & the rest of the brethren with whom we chiefly associate are also well.
Business is rather stagnant though perhaps not more so than is usual at this time of the year. The Salt Lake House is closed -- undergoing repairs & a general re-fitting up. The Townsend House, Theatre & other public places are doing very little business, but parties are quite frequent & the people are enjoying themselves & pursuing the even tenor of their way in harmony & peace.
May God bless & preserve you & give you strength to come off triumphant over every foe is the prayer of your many friends.
Your brother in the Gospel
Brigham Young
P. S.
I had the pleasure of attending a party last evening (12th) at which Sister Hooper was present, she was well & apparently enjoying herself.
B. Y.
P. S. Give yourself no concern whatever about the acts of our enemies-- all that is required or expected of you is, to perform your duty & leave the result with the Almighty. He will see to his people & their rights in spite of all the malice arrayed against us. We trust you will be successful in getting favorable action on our petition on Railroad matters & would like to hear from you as to the probabilities of its success.
B. Y.