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NAUVOO, May 26, 1844.
Orson Hyde, Esq.:
SIR.
Yours of April 30th is received. The council convened this afternoon, and, after investigation, directed an answer, which must be brief to correspond with the press of business.
All the items you refer to had previously received the deliberation of the council.
Messrs. Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball will doubtless be in Washington before you receive this, from whom you will learn all things relative to Texas, &c. Our great success at present depends upon our faith in the doctrine of election; and our faith must be made manifest by our works and every honorable exertion made to elect Gen. Smith.
Agricultural pursuits will take care of themselves, regulating their own operations and the rich also; but the poor we must gather and take care of, for they are to inherit the kingdom.
Nauvoo will be a "corner stake of Zion" forever, we most assuredly expect. Here are the house and the ordinance, extend where else we may.
Press the bills through the two houses, if possible. If Congress will not pass them, let them do as they have a mind with them. If they will not pass our bills, but will give us "something," they will give what they please, and it will be at our option to accept or reject.
Men who are afraid of "hazarding their influence" in the councilor political arena are good for nothing. 'Tis the fearless, undaunted and persevering who will gain the conquest of the forum.
Sidney Rigdon, Esq., is about to resign the postoffice at Nauvoo, in favor of Gen. Joseph Smith, the founder of the city. He has the oldest petitions now on file in the general postoffice for that station, and has an undoubted claim over every other petitioner, by being the founder and supporter of the city, and by the voice of nineteen-twentieths of the people. and every sacred consideration; and it is the wish of the council that you engage the Illinois delegation to use their influence to secure the office to General Smith without fail, and have them ready to act on the arrival of Mr. Rigdon's resignation, and before too, if expedient.
We are also writing to Justin Butterfield, Esq., U. S. Attorney for the district of Illinois, who has kindly offered his services to secure the post office to the General, he having been here and seen for himself the situation; and probably his letter to the department will arrive nearly as soon as this.
The election on the principle of Jeffersonian democracy, free trade and protection of person and property, is gaining ground in every quarter. All is well in Nauvoo, although some of the Anties are trying to do us injury; but their efforts are palsied, and they make very little headway. You remember the Preston motto, "Truth will prevail! Therefore we go ahead.
You have the best wishes of the council and friends here. I am, sir, most respectfully yours,
W. RICHARDS, Recorder.
By order of the council.
N. B. Your families and friends were well last information.
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