Series 13844
Governor Young Letterbook
Dates: 1853-1857.
1 microfilm reel
These records are housed in the Utah State Archives' permanent storage room.
Historical Note
An agency history is available.
Scope and Content
This letterbook consists of 713 pages of outgoing correspondence covering the years 1853-1858. These letters were written by Brigham Young in his capacity as Utah's first territorial governor and as superintendent of Indian Affairs. The bulk of the correspondence relates to Indian Affairs--e.g. property and trade negotiations, reports of attacks, and the licensure and bonding of individuals to act as Indian agents. Communications to sundry federal offices, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Treasury Department, and the War Department, are common too. Letters to governors of other states and territories, authorizations to the territory's public servants, and pardons of convicted individuals appear as well.
Arrangement
Chronological by day, month, and year
Research Note
Alfred Cumming was appointed the second governor of Utah territory in May 1857 by President James Buchanan. Complications tied to the Utah War resulted in his not arriving in Utah until April 1858. Thus Brigham Young functioned as de facto governor until that time--which the letterbook reflects.
Related Records
Territorial executive papers from the Territorial Secretary, Series 241, include a record of all acts and proceedings of the territorial governors.
Indian affairs account book from the Governor Young, Series 2235, provides additional information about Brigham Young's work as the federal Indian agent for Utah.
Access Restrictions
This series is classified as Public.
Preferred Citation
Cite the Utah State Archives and Records Service, the creating agency name, the series title, and the series number.
Processing Note
This series was processed by Anissa Taylor in October 2002.
Finding Aids
Indexes: The letterbook is preceded by an index to addressees. For the most part entries are alphabetical by the first letter of the surname. At times correspondence is indexed by document type, such as bonds or licenses; or by official title, such as Clerk of House of Representatives or California Governor.
Indexing Terms
- Young, Brigham, 1801-1877.
- Indian agents—Utah.
- Utah—Governors—Records and correspondence.
- Utah—Politics and government.
Page Last Updated October 18, 2012.