The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City

Feby 7/1855

Hon. J. M. Bernhisel

Dear Brother
Yours of Nov. 14th. 17 and two of the 18th were received by Mail on the fifth instant from which you can judge how regular we get the Mails from the East, not a word from any reliable source since the foregoing dates We know you must have written, but for some cause we are without your advices -- I wrote to you by Adam's Express by way of California the first of this month which I presume you will receive nearly as soon, if not before you do this -- Bro Well's informs me that all the Vouchers for the expeditions the returns of which were in the Adjutants General office accompanied the abstracts and that the whole new <were> enclosed to you there is nothing sent to any of the departments only through your hands As to the expeditions and other expenses which remain behind, it is always impossible to get all such things together at once and it is usual for Congress to continue her appropriations as such claims are presented. When they are sufficiently vouched for Oregon I find obtains an additional appropriation for the cayuse War but Session of $15.000 You will see by the accompanying accounts that the department were in a great hurry to adjust my accounts as they could not even wait long enough to receive any explanation from me in regard to the suspended accounts, those disallowed I suppose there is no use in trying to obtain but those suspended for want of evidence &c can all be explained and all the required evidence produced -- It is pretty well understood that Col Steptoe is appointed Governor of this Territory, although We have received nothing official in regard to it. It is said by many of his friends and acquaintances that he will not accept it of this I do not know I fully appreciate your anxiety in relation to this matter but it is all right, let it be as it will. Col Steptoe has evinced a friendly feeling since his sojourn with us, and I hope it may continue whether he becomes Governor or not. I am greatly in hopes that some movement will take place soon towards our admission as a State I am gratified on receiving the first number of the Luminary also letters from Bro Snow, Taylor and Spencer, they all appear in good Spirits and seem to be taking hold of the Work right, and in earnest. I shall expect that the fire will open Bravely when they all get into opperation with the press if they follow up the lead the Luminary has given -- having written to you so recently I do not feel that I have much to add, now you will learn by the Deseret News of the death of Indian Walker Chief of Utahs The tribe is somewhat excited just now in consequence of that event but no outbreak except among themselves. When one dies especially a Chief their traditions cause them to vent their anger upon some one to appease as they say the Great Spirit They have in consequence killed some of their women, Indian Ponies Horses &c but all is quiet as regards our people as yet I have sent out Brother L. B. Huntingdon to talk to and pacify them Dr Hurt Indian Agent arrived with this Mail, and reports himself ready for duty The Mormon Battalion are holding a two day's Festival in the Social Hall they have Convened over 150 men of those men who performed that Memorable service give my respect to Col Kane whom I trust has before this time recovered his health.

Praying God my heavenly Father to Bless and preserve you

I remain as ever Your Brother
in the Covenant of Peace

Brigham Young