Salt Lake City. U.T.
April 20. 1872.
Hon. W.H. Hooper & George Q. Cannon
Washington, D.C.
Dear Brethren,
A letter from Elder Geo. Q. was received yesterday; it was like all your letters very welcome. We were sorry to hear that Bro. Hooper's health was poorly, but we trust this will only prove temporary, and that health and strength and the power of the Almighty will attend you both in the discharge of all your duties.
On the 15th about 6.30 p.m. news reached this City of the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Englebrecht case which caused general satisfaction among all classes. Many of those who were in the habit of so enjoying themselves had "a high old time" but our people conducted themselves as usual, seemingly, as if nothing had happened. Subsequent dispatches fully confirmed the news that Judge McKean's entire judicial proceedings here and those of his co-adjutors were illegal. Notwithstanding the telegram from Mr. Bates to his deputy & marshall Patrick neither Strickland, Hawley nor the marshal are willing to acknowledge the official character of these dispatches. The marshal stated he was willing to liberate his prisoners on the recommendation of Attorney General Williams and telegraphed accordingly. A dispatch asking for this recommendation or order was at the same time sent to Mr. Bates, and a third to Bro Hooper to forward by express immediately a copy of the decision, properly certified. Unless this is done, or the Attorney General shall order action in the premises there will be no liberation of parties imprisoned, and, as it appears now, it is by no means certain that Strickland will respect even a certified copy of the decision. The grip they hold on us they are not willing to loose, and they will try to retain it while awaiting congressional action, or, if they do not loose their hold, to regain it by bench warrants, in fact I received a letter confirmatory of this suspicion yesterday from a party knowing to the fact, stating the intention of the ring is to re-arrest immediately after release was granted.
There is a determination to create excitement here, or make the public believe that it exists and so influence Congress. The Associated Press Agent is very busy in this line, assisted by Lawyers. The latter is credited with the enclosed dispatch which speaks for itself. We regret the interference with Silver just at this particular time, as with such a character, it was morally certain some trouble would ensue; however, the fact is that the warrant or summons for his appearance was issued two days before the decision was received, and the enclosed clipping from the News tells the circumstance just as it occured.
A Telegraphic dispatch signed exclusively by Gentiles of this city was forwarded today as follows:-
"Salt Lake City, April 20. 1872.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C. Washington D.C. Infamous dispatches sent from here are disgracing Associated Press--There has been no excitement over decision of U.S. Supreme Court as all citizens here know -- the aim of this lying agent is to create excitement to make it appear to exist to provoke Congressional action and facilitate passage of Vorhees bill-special dispatch to San Francisco Chronicle April 16. is another mass of malicious falsehoods."
Another to Simonton of the associated press for the removal of Gould is also in hand signed by parties among whom is Hussey, and Walker Bros. It is understood, however, that this is first to be shown to Gould, and if he will promise to cease his lying about things here, it will not be sent now, but will be held in abeyance.
The present appears to be an excellent time to press our State Constitution, and I have no doubt if such is the fact, the delegation will seize the advantage and make the most of it. In the event of our admission now, a strong effort should be made to have a Territorial Judiciary that will not disgrace themselves and the administration, such men for example as Bates, Hoge, & Snow. With this done and the right of appeal in criminal cases we could do very well for the present. May good peace be with you, remember me kindly to Mess. Fitch & Fuller & all friends.
Your Bro in the Gospel
Brigham Young