G. S. L. City, March 30th 1853.
Professor Orson Pratt
Dear Brother,
We have frequently written to you, as we presume that you have also done to us, but nothing as yet has reached either way. Still we felt to again write, that when you should receive, you might be posted up to the latest dates. I have this mail, made a Semi-annual Report to the Indian Department, and given Drafts for various expenses, which have been returned to me, as the Merchants here refuse to purchase them owing to the difficulty which they experience in getting their pay upon them from the Governments.
I forward them to you, to collect; and retain the funds subject to my Order. I also forward to you, a power of attorney, appointing you my Attorney, to receive my Salary- the appropriations for Contingent Efficiency, and any monies coming to me from the Government, the same as heretofore given to Dr. Bernhisel; who, I suppose will soon be upon his way hither. I usually make out Quarterly Reports, but the entire blocking up of every Express by the snow, rendered this useless.
Major Holeman has not made his Quarterly Report, nor his Semi-Annual Report either, that is, for the Last Two Quarters ending now, he has made none. He has been to Bridger all winter,
I heard that he had come once, as far as the Weber, but could come no farther on account of the Snow. It will be a happy thing for us, if the Government should remove him from Office, his influence is not good among the Indians; his Report is not to be relied upon, and I believe that he seeks to injure us at the Department with the Government, and every <where> else that he can.
Mr. Ferris, the Secretary, is going to California with the Livingstone about the first of May. He says: that he is going home that way, so we shall again be soon without a Secretary; that is, we might be, but I shall again take the liberty to appoint one, as before. Mr. Ferris says: that he will recommend the appointment of any one whom we may select. We have given him the name of Dr. Willard Richards, for that Office, and with that you
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would urge this appointment, (in connection with Dr Bernhisel if not gone,) upon the President Senate.
Mr. Ferris, we understand has written for them to hold on, and <not> remove him, until he shall return to Washington City; where he says, he intends to be, about the first; or middle of July next. You must be aware that is very uncertain business, as we cannot of course know anything about it. Tis true he may intend to make for home, and he may accomplish his intentions, if they should not happen to alter, when he gets to the Mission, and no accident happens to befall him upon the way. I advise you of all these things, that you may act in the proper manner, at the proper place, in the proper time.
We enclose, all the papers to the Department to you, which gives you an opportunity to deliver them, and thereby help you to an acquaintance.
I have also written to the President. I do most earnestly hope, that no person will be appointed to Office in this Territory, without it is distinctly understood that he remains during his term of Office. A copy of the Letter to the President is enclosed to you, lest you may not get a chance to see it, or hear it read.
I expect to go South again this Spring, immediately after conference. The Corner Stones of the Temple will be laid, on the Sixth Profimo. We have had a beautiful Shower this morning, and now it has faired off, and is very pleasant; this will give the Grass a fine Start. Many are Gardening, and Sowing wheat, but the Spring is backward; much fencing to be done, and as yet, no access to poles, or Timber in the Kanyons on case of deep Snow. They have Succeeded in obtaining an excelent article of Iron in Iron County, about 2800 has been made; a small specimen was forwarded to this City by Bro. James, a Welch Brother, who came on last year. He says: that it is as good as any Iron ever made in the “old country”. This is good News to us. The men will soon be able, to make our own Sheet, and manufacture all our castings for Machinery, Hollo<w>ware, Stoves &c.
We are quite anxious to hear from you, but willing to forego the privileges of frequent communication, in consideration of the peace, and security which our isolated position yields. No! Could I have these Mountains removed, by a single wish to that effect; I would not make that wish. Could I lessen the distance across the Sage plains, or remove a single obstacle, by a wave of the hand; I still would not wave it; for well aware am I, that the world is as full of Devils, as ever it was; and their hatred to the Saints
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is also as great. I therefore feel thankful unto the Lord, for the Protection Security, and Peace, which we find in the valleys of the Mountains; be it our happy home, and may are over prove worthy of this rich inheritance.
Praying my Father in Heaven, for all his Kind blessings to rest upon you and yours.
I remain as Ever
Your Brother in the New & Everlasting Covenant
Brigham Young