John M. Bernhisel letter to Brigham Young

Commentary by James F. Cartwright from BYU studies, volume 22, followed by original manuscript of letter, dated April 23, 1850, Washington City (D. C), to Great Salt Lake City, Deseret; Bernhisel, John M., to President Brigham Young; Letter informs Young of events in the capital. Tells of the death and burial of Honorable John C. Calhoun, senator from South Carolina, who died March 31, and of his activities in the Senate. He has been identified with all the great events in the political history of the country. Bernhisel describes a long animated debate that took place on the first of April that terminated when Senator Benton rose from his seat and threw his chair on the floor, rapidly approaching Senator Foote. Senator Foote then ran to the vice president's chair, drew a revolver, and pointed it at Benton, who shouted he was unarmed and for the "Cowardly assassin to fire." After things calmed down, Senator Clay asked them both to pledge that nothing further would take place between them. Colonel Benton said he had done nothing wrong and would rot in jail before he would take any such pledge. Bernhisel tells of bills introduced to establish territorial governments in California, Utah, and New Mexico. Is sending Young a copy of these bills. Senate has also appointed a committee of which Clay is chairman, for compromising and adjusting the slavery, California, and territorial questions that have been topics of discussion in both wings of the capital this session. There has been much noise, confusion, frequent threats of dissolution of the Union, and attempts at personal violence, where usually there is decorum and mutual respect. Colonel Benton said these were merely skirmishes, when the California bill came up for discussion, the war would commence. Bernhisel feels there will be a territorial government for Utah by the end of the session. Bernhisel will be looking for a letter from Young by fall. Has made proposals at the United States Post Office Department for Phineas Young to carry the mail twice a year between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Oregon City for an annual sum of $17,000. Will know the outcome by the fourteenth of May