The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City Oct 31/54

Hon. John M. Bernhisel
Washington City D. C.

Dear Brother

The mail which arrived on the 30th Inst. brought two letters from you dated Sept. 8th & 15th & a Copy of one written to Prest. Peirce, dated Augt. 8th.

I perceive by the tenor of your letters that there is no particular storm blowing in regard to Utah, and that you are enjoying a pleasant, and very necessary rustication from the wear and tear of official duties during session. I have written a letter to Col. Thomas L. Kane, one copy of which I forward to him, and one I envelope and address to him but put it in your package that you may examine the Contents and perfectly understand the nature of its contents, after which I wish you to seal, and forward it to Col Kane.

As the Col. is gentlemanly sensitive in his feelings, I wish to enjoin upon you to have no communications nor correspondence upon the subject of my letter to him, only with him and me,lest he might take exceptions.

I have invited Col. Kane to aid you if possible in our assembly route for the Pacific Rail Road, and on any other questions that may arise beneficial to the interests of Utah, & presume that you may be essentially benefitted by freely consulting him whenever your judgement may dictate. I take this course that you may fully understand my feelings and views on public matters as fully as though you were here in counsel with us.

I have not as yet received any draft for the appropriation for the supression of Indian hostilities, and this mail has not brought so much as any line about it from any quarter.

I have authorised Bro. Erastus Snow at St Louis to draw upon you if necessary to enable him to fill my orders, & I expect you will honor his drafts for that purpose if in your power, but this will only be for the time being, and in case of any unforseen emergency, as I do not expect to be obliged to draw upon you to any great amount.
Your family are pleasantly located in your new house and apparently are getting along quite well, though Bro. Cain will doubtless furnish you particulars.
The Sugar Works will probably be in operation in about Six weeks, and there is a large quantity of sugar beets ready for the factory.

We are still moving on peacefully, harmoniously, and prosperously, and continue to enjoy general good health, but want of time compels me to refer you to our papers, and your private letters for minute items.

May the Lord bless you is the Prayer of Your
Brother in the Gospel

Brigham Young