Great Salt Lake City

July 19, 1849

Dear Sir,

We have not changed our politics exactly, but our policy. Whereas we were only a Territory, we are now a State, a sovereign and independent state in our organization, for our own and in common benefit of the great family of nations, we ask admission into the Union upon an equal footing with the original states. That system of government which was commenced and partly accomplished when you left, has resulted in the adoption of our state constitution and having received maps by the arrival of Bro. Babbitt a little variation in our boundaries rather following the more natural barriers. The country east of us, between us and the Sierra Madre mountains will not afford territory for another state if they should only give us the basis, nor would that upon the south and south-west and for either of these sections of country to be attached to foreign states, say Western California or New Mexico, would be manifest injustice to us in cutting us off from an outlet south as well as forming arbitrary boundaries that would be of no practical benefit to either of those states, but if they will cut and carve us, they can keep a slice of the Colorado at or near its mouth, of as extensive width as possible. The reasons for our preferring a State to a Territorial Government are these. We are separated far from the appointing power, where influences adverse to our interests might predominate; where access to remedy no matter how favorably disposed they might be, would be attended with great expense and delay; and the trouble, expense, and difficulty of a change from a Territorial to a State Government, which at no distant day would naturally occur, would be avoided. We were also (as you are already advised) compelled to institute a provisional government, until the action of Congress could be had in the premises which we knew under the most favorable auspices could be of no possible benefit or utility to us until another summer should have poured another flood of emigration upon us. Moreover, under a State organization, we have no material changes to make, for we actually have a full and perfect State organization as we now are. Then why not be admitted at once as a State? There is no good reason against it: and further, this was actually under the form (at least however a semblance) of a State Government, which Mexico recognized to exist as a Territory to exist. In lieu of a State would be a palpable absurdity. Let these reasons go, and others more forcible that will doubtless suggest themselves to you appear, be thrown into the right form, circumstance, and place, and we will have a State wherein we can govern ourselves, elect our own officers and be as independent as heart can wish. Bro. Almon W. Babbitt is our delegate, never mind, we are as much Whigs as ever, nevertheless we expect your hearty cooperation with him in obtaining admission as a State; and other grants and immunities for our benefit as the New Administration and Congress shall be disposed to yield. We think that you and Bro. Hoge on the one side; Bro. Babbitt and perhaps Oliver Cowdery on the other, and Col. Kane upon whose interest we fully rely, will make a pretty strong team, with that long list of names to back you up, and that you ought to obtain anything you have a mind to ask at their hands. In regard to slavery, free soil, &c.: questions I presume that you will have to meet, I can only say that to the latter principle we are favorably disposed, and adverse to the former, nevertheless we do not wish a prohibitory clause to attach itself to our Territory in relation to that subject.