Presidents Office
Great Salt Lake City, Aug. 6. 1858
J. W. Coward Esq
Dear Brother:--
Having an opportunity to send a line aside from the Mail which is very uncertain, I improve the oppertunity of writing to you.
I rejoice to learn as I have by Bro. Horace and others of your welfare and well doing and the commendable interest which you feel and exhibit for the success and prosperity of the cause of truth and salvation which is so dear to us all.
Well, Bro Coward the ship Zion continues to sail well notwithstanding the obstruction which was aimed to hinder her progress and overwhelm her in utter destruction by the effective stroke of her powerful foe, but she has out rode them all, the storm is subsiding, the principal danger past. The Saints saved alive, and the cause so far from being even crippled, more prosperous than ever. Have we not cause to rejoice in that God who has so often delivered us from the power of our adversaries, and has this once again turned aside and restrained the wrath and wicked designs of our enemies, thwarted their purposes and brought their evil devices to naught.
A portion of the Army are camped in Cedar Valley about 35 miles from this City, in a very secluded place. The soldiers are so far kept very close, not being permitted to leave their camp, and were it not for the occasional visit to the City of a few of their Officers, we would scarcely know they were here. True some of the so called "Civil" Officers yet officiate and Gov. Cumming appears anxious to do justice and accomplish some good, but they are generally acting upon the principle that their duties are to the Government instead of people, and being appearantly willing to take their pay with as little actual service as possible renders their idle sojourn less obnoxious to the people, as well as more profitable to both themselves and the Government, to themselves. because the do-nothing policy is less expensive to them, and to the Government because that policy is more apt to keep them from raising a muss with the people which might prove expensive for them to again adjust.
So far all remains quiet. Altho the Indians are exhibiting symptons of disquiet. We therefore still most earnestly desire the entire withdrawal of the troops, and yielding us our Constitutional rights in regard to a choice of our Officers, so that we can preserve ourselves and property from their depredations and avail ourselves of that peaceful policy which hitherto has proven so efficient in restraining them and keeping them within proper bounds. The policy and acts to say nothing of the motives of the Government Officials is so different, and their desire for interference so great, that it becomes exceedingly difficult to work in unison with them, with the hope or expectation of accomplishing the least good.
Bro. Coward I realize that you have made many sacrifices, and met with considerable losses in property &c. but I am happy to know that you have borne and endured all things so far and kept good your integrity towards your God and our most holy faith which is above all price.
May God bless you forever and I feel to bless you, and I trust that you will continue faithful and finally obtain the victory over all.
I shall be happy to hear from you every opportunity, and to receive such scraps of news as may be interesting or worthy of note.
In regard to business matters it is yet impossible for us to say anything more than has heretofore been written to Bro Horace, to which we presume that you have had access.
All is well, and we feel to give thanks giving and praise to the Lord for his goodness to his people. May heavens choicest blessings rest and abide with you and that you may live long upon the earth to accomplish all the good you can for the salvation of the honest in heart; and preparing the earth for the Kingdom and coming of the Son of God in power and great glory.
I remain very truly Your Brother in the Gospel.
Brigham Young