So far as I can discover, General Smith is the nation's man, and the man who will exalt the nation, if the people will give him the opportunity; {270} and all parties will find a friend in him so far as right is concerned. General Smith's movements are perfectly anomalous in the estimation of the public. All other great men have been considered wise in drawing around them wise men; but I have frequently heard the General called a fool because he has gathered the wisest of men to his cabinet, who direct his movements; but this subject is too ridiculous to dwell upon. Suffice it to say, so far as I have seen, he has wise men at his side--superlatively wise, and more capable of managing the affairs of a State than most men now engaged therein, which I consider much to his credit, though I would by no means speak diminutively of my old friend. From my brief acquaintance, I consider General Smith (independent of his peculiar religious views, in which by-the-by, I have discovered neither vanity nor folly,) the_ sine qua non_ of the age to our nation's prosperity. He has learned the all-important lesson "to profit by the experience of those who have gone before;" so that, in short, General Smith begins where other men leave off. I am aware this will appear a bold assertion to some; but I would say to such, call, and form your acquaintance, as I have done; then judge. Thus, sir, you have a few leading items of my views of General Smith, formed from personal acquaintance, which you are at liberty to dispose of as you think proper. I anticipate the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with your citizens at a future day. Yours respectfully, A TRAVELER. A writer in the _Quincy Herald_ reflects very strongly upon the conduct of the _Quincy Whig, New York Tribune_, and other newspapers, for publishing slanderous falsehoods against the Saints. Ten, p.m., commenced snowing again. [Sidenote: Origin of Memorial to Congress.] _Thursday, 21.--_A cold snow-storm through the night. In council in the assembly room, discussing the propriety of petitioning Congress for the privilege of raising troops to protect the making of settlements in the uncivilized portions of our continent. Willard Richards was appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to Congress. {271} _Friday, 22.--_Snow on the ground; cold, bleak north wind; cloudy. At ten a.m., held Mayor's court, and afterwards read German in the reading room. In the afternoon, met with the Twelve in prayer at President Brigham Young's house. [Sidenote: The Seventies' Hall, Instructions on Rebuilding.] I advised the Seventies to pull down the remainder of the walls and rebuild the Seventies' hall on a permanent basis from the foundation and not erect for themselves a trap, but build one two stories high, and strong enough to stand for a generation.