August 1, 2010

Nevada's Online State News Journal

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Nevada History:

 

[From the Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 1859, pp. 21-22]

 

            The reports of the condition of the Indians in Utah present a melancholy picture. The whites are in possession of most of the little comparatively good country there is, and the game has become so scarce as no longer to afford the Indians an adequate subsistence. They are often reduced to the greatest straits, particularly in the winter, which is severe in that region ; and when it is no uncommon thing for them to perish of cold and hunger. Even at other seasons, numbers of them are compelled to sustain life by using for food reptiles, insects, grass seed, and roots. Several farms have been opened for their benefit in different localities, and many of them have manifested a disposition to

22        REPORT OF THE

aid in their cultivation ; but, unfortunately, most of the crops were this year destroyed by the grasshopper and other insects. Many of the numerous depredations upon the emigrants have, doubtless, been committed by them in consequence of their destitute and desperate condition. They have at times been compelled to either steal or starve ; but there is reason to be apprehended that in their forays they have often been only the tools of the lawless whites residing in the Territory. In some of the worst outrages of this kind, involving the lives as well as the property of our emigrants, the latter are known to have participated. That this was the case in the atrocious and dreadful massacre at " Mountain Meadow," in September, 1857, the facts stated in the report of the superintendent, in regard to that occurrence, leave no room for doubt. The lives of from one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and twenty peaceable emigrants, of all ages, and both sexes, were inhumanly and brutally sacrificed on that occasion ; some young children, only, being spared. These children, seventeen in number, were afterwards, under instructions from the department, found and taken possession of by, the superintendent; and, Congress having made an appropriation to defray the expense, fifteen of them have been brought back and restored to their relatives in Arkansas. The remaining two are now probably on their way in.

            The presence of the military in the Territory during the last two years has, doubtless, tended materially to check these outrages ; yet they still, and will continue to occur, so long as the administration of the criminal laws shall depend, in any degree, upon the fanatical and vengeful people who comprise the population of the Territory, who contemn and disregard our laws, and are, therefore, practically in a state of rebellion; and yet whom the presence of the army is absolutely enriching. Until some means shall be devised for the certain and prompt punishment of the perpetrators of crime, it will be impossible to protect the emigrants from being murdered and plundered by the lawless and fiendish whites and Indians ; and I know of none that would be effectual for that purpose but declaring martial law, and placing the administration of affairs entirely in the hands of the military.

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[Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 1859, pp. 362-381]

362      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            *           *           *           *           *           *           *           *           *           *          

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No. 174.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,

September 29, 1859.

            SIR: In accordance with the regulations of the Indian department, I have the honor to submit the following as my annual report for the year 1859.

            Since the date of my last annual report, certain acts occurred in the vicinity of Spanish Fork Indian farm, which have been detailed to the department in letters.

            Two Indians belonging to the above farm were charged with attempting to commit a rape on a Danish woman and her daughter. These Indians, Mose and Looking-glass, were arrested in October, 1858, by a detachment of the United States army, on a requisition from Governor Cumming. It is a matter of much regret that an inoffensive chief of the Utahs was killed by a dragoon in the supposed performance of his duty.

            The death of this chief caused great commotion among the southern bands of Utahs. It required my presence in their midst several times. During this period of excitement, two inhabitants of the Territory were found dead near Fillmore, supposed to have been killed by Indians. An Indian was found dead in the vicinity of the dead bodies of the white men. My investigations have not enabled me to identify the murderers.

Mose and Looking-glass were arrested, as I before stated, and were subsequently discharged by the United States judge presiding in that district.

INDIANS.

            The Indians, claiming a home in Utah Territory, are evidently the offspring of two nations who migrated west of the Rocky mountains from the northwest many years ago. It is probable that most of the descendants of those nations are now within the boundary of this Territory. They have greatly decreased in numbers, and proportionately in their mental and physical condition, during the past thirty years. Their degeneracy in the mode of living and comforts has been more manifest during that period.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         363

            This I learn from old mountaineers who have lived among them, corroborated by Indian testimony.

            The descendants of the two nations above alluded to are now called Sho-sho-ne or Snake, and Utah or Ute.

            The only exception is a small tribe of Bannacks, numbering about five hundred. " Horn," the principal chief of these, with his people, visited Fort Bridger in April, 1858, where I had an interview with them. This chief claimed a home for himself and people in this Territory, and informed me that he and those old men around him were children, young men, and now old men, in this country.

            Major Bridger, my interpreter at the time, assured me that for the last thirty years he had traded, almost yearly, with this tribe in that section of country, and that, when he first knew them, they numbered twelve hundred lodges.

            I granted to this tribe of Bannacks a home in the portion of this Territory claimed and inhabited by Wash-a-kee and his tribe of Shosho-nes, and with that chief's entire consent. These two tribes are extensively intermarried, and live together amicably.

SHO-SHO-NE OR SNAKE.

            This division of the Indians is subdivided into fourteen regularly organized bands.  One of these, by common consent, is denominated a tribe, and is under the complete control of Chief Wash-a-kee, assisted by four to six sub-chiefs. These number, at least, twelve hundred.

            The remaining thirteen bands have each one principal and several sub-chiefs.

            Five of these bands, numbering about one thousand, roam through Salt Lake, Weber, Ogden, Bear River, Cache, and Malad valleys, and the adjacent mountains and canons. One band, of one hundred and fifty to one hundred and eighty, mostly confine themselves to the regions along the northern California road, from Bear and Malad rivers to the Goose Creek mountains.

            Seven bands roam through the valleys of the Humboldt, and in the regions over one hundred miles south of the Humboldt, to the Peyute country, and east and west about two hundred miles. These bands frequently subdivide into many small squads, to clean thoroughly the country, through which they roam of everything containing a life-sustaining principle.

            Included among the Sho-sho-nes is a band called Go-sha-utes, who speak the same language, and live in and roam over those portions of the territory claimed and inhabited by the latter. This band is a mixture of Snake and Ute, the former preponderating. A few years ago the Go-sha-utes were a considerable tribe. Their principal and only chief died about four years ago, since which they have remained broken and subdivided into small fragments, except about sixty, who have organized into a band, and have a quiet and well disposed chief to control them. This band is now permanently located on the Deep Creek Indian farm. The remainder roam over a region of country from forty to two hundred miles west of this city. A concentration of them all

304      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

into Deep Creek valley is in progress. I have had intercourse with every tribe and band of Sho-sho-nes in the Territory, and have endeavored to learn from them their number. And, in my opinion, they number about forty-five hundred. They occupy about one-third of the Territory, the northeast portion.

UTAH OR UTE.

            The Utah, Pah-vant, and Pey-ute, constitute the second division of the Indians.

            Although these are designated by several different names, yet they all emanate from one nation or tribe, and speak the same language.

            The Utes are subdivided into several tribes and many bands. Those known as Uinta-utes, claim Uinta valley and the country along Green river. A portion of these have lived, part of last and this summer, at the Spanish Fork Indian reservation.

            This tribe is governed by four chiefs, and numbers about one thousand.

            There is a band of Utes, with several chiefs, numbering about five hundred, who, in pursuance with my request, mostly located last May on the Spanish Fork reservation, where it is presumed they will continue. Another band of about eighty are living on the San-Pete Indian farm.

PAH-VANT.

            These are Ute Indians, but are a distinct, organized tribe and number about seven hundred. They obey and are controlled by one principal, and several sub-chiefs. About half of them have their home on the "Corn Creek" Indian farm. The other wing of the tribe lives along the "Sevier lake" and surrounding country, in the northeast extremity of Fillmore valley, and about fifty miles from Fillmore city.

            There are seemingly two distinct, organized divisions of Pey-ute Indians. One division inhabit the Humboldt, north, from about fifty miles west of Strong Point to the California line, and northwest to the Oregon line. These are estimated to number about six thousand, by Agent Dodge.

            For further particulars, I refer you to the accompanying report from Frederick Dodge, Esq., Indian agent in Carson valley.

            There is a tribe of Indians who dwell along the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, from Honey lake to one of the forks of Walker's river : these are called Wa-sho, and are supposed to number from five to eight hundred. I am not certain whether or not they belong to the Ute division.

            The ten bands (Ute Indians) inhabiting the southern portion of the Territory are scattered along the California road, generally adjacent to the settlements, from Beaver valley, along the Santa Clara, Virgin, Los Vegos, and Muddy rivers, to the California line and New Mexico. These bands number about two thousand and two hundred. I am credibly informed that there are large numbers of Ute Indians roaming at and in the neighborhood of the Elk mountains, in the southeast

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         366

part of the Territory. The number of these is variously estimated at from one to three thousand.

            The supposed total number of Indians in Utah Territory is as follows :

                        Sho-sho nes, or Snakes                        4,500  

                        Ban-nacks                                               500

                        Uinta Utes                                           1,000  

                        Spanish Fork and San Pete farms          900

                        Pah-vant, (Utes)                                      700

                        Pey-utes, (South)                                  2,200  

                        Pey-utes, (West)                                   6,000  

                        Elk mountain Utes                              2,000

                        Wa-sho of Honey lake                            700

                                                                                  18,500

                                                                                ========                       

            The Sho-sho-nes claim the northeastern portion of the Territory for about four hundred miles west, and from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five miles south, from the Oregon line. The Utes claim the balance of the Territory.

CONDITION OF THE INDIANS.

            I have visited within the last twelve months every portion of this Territory where it is supposed Indians are living, except the Carson agency and Elk mountain.

            The public interest required me to visit different portions several times during the last year, and my almost constant intercourse with the Indians has afforded me ample opportunities to become familiar with their true condition.

            The tribe of Snakes, under chief Washakee, and the small tribe of Ban-nacks, living in the regions northeast, near Fort Bridger, go east yearly to hunt the elk and buffalo ; this, with still considerable game in their country, keeps them from absolute want.

            The balance of the Indians in Utah are extremely poor. The utmost ingenuity is put in requisition to sustain life ; they eagerly seek after everything containing a life-sustaining element, such as hares, rabbits, antelope, deer, bear, elk, dogs, lizzards, snakes, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, roots, grass-seeds, bark, &c.

            Many men, women, and children are entirely naked.

            With some of the Indians, stealing cattle, horses, mules, &c., is a matter of necessity—steal or starve.

            It is my clear conviction that the immigration of a white population into the Territory has had a deleterious effect upon the Indian. Game cannot exist except in the fertile watered valleys ; these, with a few exceptions, are occupied by a thrifty population, and, consequently, the game is exterminated.

            It is proper to remark that those Indians who roam adjacent to the settlements, have received, and are receiving, considerable aid from the inhabitants.

            All the tribes and bands visited by me have received presents, such

366      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

as blankets, various kinds of clothing, and ammunition : the last was not dealt out indiscriminately. To some of the bands I have given frequent material aid in flour, beef, &c., especially to those who have been forced to give up to whites the valleys which furnished them with subsistence.

            About five bands of the Sho-sho-nes are severe sufferers by the influx of whites ; those who inhabited Great Salt Lake, Weber, Bear, Cache, and Malad valleys, extending eighty miles north. These valleys, which, in their natural state, furnished the Indians much subsistence, are now entirely occupied by permanent inhabitants.

            Game in this country must become extinct when the valleys adapted to farming purposes are occupied by white men, which is already the case, with few exceptions : so much so, that it will be difficult, even now, to procure an advantageous location for a reservation for the Sho-sho-ne bands above alluded to, without paying for more or less improvements.

            With the exception of the Uinta and Elk Mountain Utes, the country of the Utahs is fast filling up with settlers. The government has, however, made three eligible Indian farms in the country claimed by the Utes. The Uinta Utes, the band at Spanish Fork, the one at San Pete, and the Pah-Vants, at Corn creek, have received much more assistance heretofore than all the other Indians in the Territory ; and, unless I am much deceived, these same Indians have been guilty of more depredations than any others in the Territory. It is gratifying, however, to be justified in saying that these Indians have done better this season than ever heretofore, and they promise fair for the future. I am endeavoring to have them permanently located on the several farms ; and, until this is accomplished, no salutary improvement can be expected in their habits and condition.

            The bands of Pah-Utes, in the southern portion of the Territory, are extremely destitute ; the country they inhabit is almost a continuous desert. This is especially the case with those bands south of Cedar city, and which constitute by far the largest portion of them. Almost every band yearly cultivates small patches of wheat, corn, beans, &c., along the banks of the streams. The small expenditure I made the last year among the southern Pah-Utes has had a salutary tendency.

            I saw many of those Indians last spring, and it was my intention to send an agent to remain among them for some time. This, heretofore, has not been possible ; but I will instruct Agent Humphreys to start for that quarter in a few weeks, to visit all the bands, if practicable, with instructions to ascertain their true condition, and the geographical character of the country they inhabit.

            An intelligent gentleman, who was guide to the first emigrant company which passed through the southern part of the Territory to California, twelve years ago, informs me that he then saw wheat and cornfields, with at least six acres in each, successfully cultivated by those southern Pah-Utes, and that his company would have fared badly but for the wheat, corn, peas, and beans purchased by them from the Indians.

            It is to be regretted that this condition of things has not been con-

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         367

tinued. These Indians have evidently degenerated very rapidly during the last twelve years, or since white men have got among them.

RESERVATIONS.

            I alluded partially to the Indian farms in my last report. These farms would have exhibited a result this fall that would prove, beyond all peradventure, the practicability of the system ; but, for causes not within human control, the result is not as was anticipated.

            The grasshoppers and crickets have nearly denuded the San Pete and Corn Creek farms.

            The Spanish Fork reservation, in Utah valley, was commenced about four years ago, for a portion of the Utah Indians, who claim and have always lived in this valley.

            I have been endeavoring to induce the Uinta tribe, or, at all events, a portion of them, to locate on this reservation. My efforts, so far, have proved unsuccessful. I held my last interview with them upon this subject the past month. They earnestly desired me to give them work cattle, and a few farming appliances to take to Uinta, and to send a white man to instruct them in the art of husbandry.

            This farm and reservation are advantageously located in Utah valley, bounded on the northwest, for four miles, by Utah lake, and several miles on the northeast by the Spanish Fork creek, both containing an abundance of trout and other fish.

            I have included in this reservation nearly thirteen thousand acres, have had it surveyed, and sent a draft of it to the department a year ago. When this farm came under my supervision, the improvements on it were one large, well-built adobe house, a dam and ditch for irrigating purposes, and a ditch around about nine hundred acres, which was intended to protect the crop, but proved an entire failure. By my directions, a Spanish wall fence, six feet high, is built around about one thousand acres, which was done at a reasonable expense, less, at all events, than the previous ditch. Two large corrals, made with rails, were built this season ; as also a good well dug and curbed. Other minor improvements are in contemplation, but are postponed for the present. There are about five hundred acres under cultivation.

            The accompanying report of ex-Agent Hurt will show the condition of and prospects on this farm to the latter part of July.

            I regret that my expectations about the wheat crop will not be fully realized. It is estimated to not exceed twenty-five hundred bushels. When I was last at this farm (about August 15) there was every prospect of a full crop. I have not ascertained the cause of the light crop, but am assured that it is not in consequence of any want of attention on the part of those who have immediate control of the farm.

            Notwithstanding this, the farm is now in a more flattering condition than ever before. The various products upon it will feed, during the coming winter, those Indians living on the farm, and render aid to others. There has been more labor performed by the Indians this season, and more interest manifested by them, than heretofore. The chiefs and some others are desirous to have houses to live in. This farm will be managed in future by a person in whom I have confidence.

868      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

SAN PETE FARM.

            This farm is in San Pete valley, on a creek of the same name. It is one hundred and fifty miles south of this city. The improvements upon it are two hundred acres in cultivation, substantial water ditches for irrigation, two adobe houses, and a corral.

            This farm was intended for a band of Utahs, not exceeding eighty in number. Many more, however, visit the farm and receive assistance. It has been, this season, under the management of an excellent person, who had one hundred and seventy acres in wheat, and about thirty in corn, potatoes, &c., the labor being principally performed by Indians ; but the grasshoppers and crickets have nearly made a clean sweep of every thing. There may be two hundred and fifty bushels of wheat left, and a few potatoes.

CORN CREEK FARM.

            This farm is located on Corn creek, in Fillmore valley. It was commenced about three years ago. The improvements are three adobe houses for the Indians, one log and adobe house for the farm agent, one corral, a considerable amount of fence, and about three hundred acres broken up. This year there were about one hundred and eighty acres in wheat, and about thirty-five in corn, potatoes, &c. The grasshoppers and crickets have here also made nearly a clean sweep. There will be but little to harvest—perhaps one hundred bushels of wheat.

            The farms heretofore mentioned were not in a promising condition when I assumed their supervision. There were upon them scarce any farming appliances or work cattle, and the Indians for whom they were commenced were in a state of excitement, and scattered and roaming through the southern settlements, annoying them greatly.

            Abandonment, or an effort at improvement in the future management of these farms, demanded my serious consideration. The dictates of humanity, and the public interest generally, urged the latter policy as the most proper. I furnished the farms, during the winter and spring, with the necessary appliances to put in and work large crops ; and but for the crickets, grasshoppers, &c., there would unquestionably be a surplus on each farm, sufficient, in my opinion, to materially aid in liquidating the expenses incurred on the farms. I see no just cause for discouragement.

            For reasons which I stated to the department, I last March instructed agent Jarvis to proceed to Deep creek and Ruby valleys with instructions to explore them, and if deemed practicable, to designate a spot for a reservation, and, commence a farm in each valley: in the former, for the concentration of the miserable, starving fragments of the Gosha-Utes ; and in the latter valley, for the Humboldt and other Sho-sho-nes.

            A farm was accordingly commenced in each valley under the direction of Agent Jarvis, and I regret that he abandoned those sections of the Territory so soon.

            I refer you to the accompanying report of ex-Agent Jarvis.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         369

            I have already explained to the department my motives for opening farms in Deep Creek and Ruby valleys, and think it unnecessary to reiterate them. I returned, two weeks ago, from a visit to these farms and the Indians in that region. I met many small bands on my way to and from those valleys, and some at the farms.

            The farms are well located, on a rich soil, and some of the Indians have worked well, and many more manifest a desire to do so as soon as they can be fed. To work and have to hunt food elsewhere is impracticable. We could not furnish food to all those who showed an anxiety to work. This difficulty, I trust, will be obviated next year.

            There were about twenty-five acres of wheat on each farm, and it appeared more promising than any I have seen elsewhere in this Territory. There was a good prospect also for potatoes, beets, onions, turnips, melons, &c.

            This is the first effort to introduce agricultural labor among the Sho-sho-nes, and the result is satisfactory; showing evidently that these Indians only want an opportunity to work.

            I have heretofore, in letters to the department, and also in this report, adverted to the distressed condition of the Indians in this Territory generally, attributable to their having been dispossessed by the whites of the land which produced for them the elements of life, and as yet they have received no remuneration for any of their lands.

            What, under the circumstances, is to be done? The Indians must have assistance from some source, or steal, or starve. The extension of the farming system is, in my opinion, the proper remedy.

            The five farms already alluded to have afforded much material aid to many Indians. Three additional general reservations, judiciously located and properly managed, with congressional intervention to authorize the absolute concentration of the Indians on the contemplated reservations, would obviate the difficulty. This does not include the Indians in the Carson agency.

            A liberal appropriation for one year, say $150,000, would enable me to provide farms for all the Indians in the Territory not already provided for, and to defray all the other necessary expenses of this superintendency.

MOUNTAIN MEADOW MASSACRE.

            A company of emigrants from Arkansas, emigrating to California, arrived and camped at a spring in the west end of Mountain Meadow valley, on the 3d or 4th September, 1857. On the 9th of said month, and near the said spring, one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and twenty were inhumanly massacred. The lives of seventeen children were spared, who were from two months to seven years old. This massacre was brought to my official notice by a letter from the Honorable C. E. Mix, received June, 1858, instructing me to make inquiry, and recover, if possible, certain children, who, it was supposed, were saved from the massacre and were supposed to be living with Mormons and Indians. Sixteen of the surviving children were collected in July, 1858, and were placed in a respectable family in Santa Clara, 350 miles south of this city, and were provided for by my directions.

370      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The seventeenth child was recovered last April. None of the children were claimed by or were living with or among the Indians. They were taken from the field of slaughter the evening of the day their friends were killed, and conveyed in a wagon to Mr. Hamblin's house, in the east end of the valley, by John D. Lee and Daniel Tullis, and perhaps others. The following day the children were divided out and placed in different Mormon families, in Cedar City, Harmony, Santa Clara, &c., from whence they were collected, in pursuance of my directions.

            A massacre of such unparalleled magnitude, on American soil, must sooner or later demand thorough investigation. I have availed myself, during the last twelve months, of every opportunity to obtain reliable information about the said emigrant company, and the alleged causes of and circumstances which led to their treacherous sacrifice.

            Mormons have been accused of aiding the Indians in the commission of this crime. I commenced my inquiries without prejudice or selfish motive, and with a hope that, in the progress of my inquiries, facts would enable me to exculpate all white men from any participation in this tragedy, and saddle the guilt exclusively upon the Indians ; but, unfortunately, every step in my inquiries satisfied me that the Indians acted only a secondary part. Conflicting statements were made to me of the behavior of this emigrant company, while traveling through the Territory. I have accordingly deemed it a matter of material importance to make strict inquiry to obtain reliable information on this subject ; not that bad conduct on their part could in any degree palliate the enormity of the crime, or be regarded as any extenuation. My object was common justice to the surviving orphans.    The result of my inquiries enables me to say that the company conducted themselves with propriety. They were camped several days at Corn creek, Fillmore valley, adjacent to one of our Indian farms.

            Persons have informed me that, whilst there camped, they poisoned a large spring with arsenic, and the meat of a dead ox with strichnine. This ox died, unquestionably, from eating a poisonous weed, which grows in most of the valleys here. Persons in the southern part of the Territory told me last spring, when on a southern trip, that from fifteen to twenty Pah-vant Indians (of those on Corn Creek farm) died from drinking the water of the poisoned spring and eating of the poisoned meat. Other equally unreasonable stories were told me about these unfortunate people.

            That an emigrant company, as respectable as I believe this was, would carry along several pounds of arsenic and strichnine, apparently for no other purpose than to poison cattle and Indians, is too improbable to be true. I cannot learn that the Pah-vants had any difficulty with these people. The massacre took place only about one hundred miles south of Corn creek, and yet not any of those Indians were present. Bad white men have magnified a natural cause to aid them in exciting the southern Indians, hoping that, by so doing, they could be relied upon to exterminate the said company and escape detection themselves. Thus, on the Monday morning subsequent to the Friday, 4th or 5th of September, the day they camped at the spring, the Indians commenced firing upon them, and continued daily until and during the

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         371

eighth day of their encamping, but without accomplishing much. Several were killed, however, and a few wounded. When the company first apprehended an attack, they formed a corral with their wagons, and filled up with earth to the wagon-beds, which made a protective fort. White men were present and directed the Indians. John D. Lee, of Harmony, told me, in his own house, last April, in presence of two persons, that he was present three successive days during the fight, and was present during the fatal day. The Indians alone made their last attack on the 8th of September. On the 9th, John D. Lee, and others whose names I gave in my letter of the 23d ultimo, displayed a white flag, and approached the corral with two wagons, and had a long interview with the company, and proposed a compromise. What there occurred has not transpired. The emigrant company gave up all their arms, with the expectation that their lives would be spared and they be conducted back to Panther creek and Cedar city. The old women, children, and wounded, were taken in the wagons, and the company proceeded towards Panther creek, when suddenly, at a signal, the work of death commenced, about one and a half miles from the spring, at a place where there was about an acre of scrub-oak brush. Here not less, I think, than one hundred and fifteen men, woman, and children, were slaughtered by white men and Indians. Three men got out of the valley, two of whom were soon overtaken and killed; the other reached Muddy creek, over fifty miles off, and was overtaken and killed by several Indians and one white man.

            Thus terminated the most extensive and atrocious massacre recorded in American history. Whoever may have been the perpetrators of this horrible deed, no doubt exists in my mind that they were influenced chiefly by a determination to acquire wealth by robbery. It is in evidence, from respectable sources, that material changes have taken place in the pecuniary condition of certain individuals suspected of complicity in this affair. It is to be regretted that no well-directed effort has been made to bring the guilty to trial and punishment. I furnished to the proper officials the names of some of the persons who, I had reason to suppose, were instigators and participators is this unparalleled massacre, and also with the names of witnesses.

            It was my intention to visit the southern portion of the Territory early last fall, for the purpose of bringing to this city the surviving children ; but the public interest, the safety of emigrants, and of the United States mail, then carried on the northern California road, required my presence among the Indians in the Humboldt Valley, which place I visited in September and October, 1858. Upon my return from that region, the weather was too inclement to travel, with so many little children, northwardly.

            I started as early this spring as practicable, and arrived back with the children the beginning of May. It is proper to remark that when I obtained the children they were in a better condition than children generally in the settlements in which they lived.

            In pursuance of instructions, I started fifteen of the surviving children the 29th of last June for Leavenworth City, under the general supervision of Major Whiting, United States army) and special care of

372      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

several females. When I leave for the States, under your authority, I will take with me the two boys, who, at the time of the massacre, were, respectively, six and seven years old, and who were detained here by the United States attorney general in the hope that important facts for testimony might be elicited from them.

            It is proper, in connection with the foregoing, to state that this emigrant party, previous to the massacre, was in possession of a large quantity of property, consisting of horses, mules, oxen, wagons, and other valuables, as well as money, clothing, &c., not one particle of which has been satisfactorily accounted for, and which, in my opinion, was distributed among the white inhabitants who participated in this affair.

NORTHERN DIFFICULTY.

            On the 3d of August last, I received a letter from a reliable person in Box Elder, in the extreme northern part of the Territory, advising me that an emigrant train had been attacked by Indians on Sublet's Cut-off, in Oregon; that the Indians had brought into the settlements horses, mules, cattle, and other property, which they, attempted to sell to the inhabitants, but without success.

            Upon the receipt of this information, I addressed a note to his excellency, Governor Cumming, requesting that a military force be dispatched without delay to that point, and proceeded myself immediately to Box Elder. Upon my arrival, I learned that the Indians had fled with their stolen property, and had gone north, through Cache Valley, towards Bear River lake. I was subsequently advised by his excellency, the governor, that General Johnston, commander of this department, had ordered a company of dragoons to repair to the northern settlements. I have no information relative to the character of the orders issued by General Johnston to the officer in command of this detachment.

            I was further advised by his excellency that the general in command of this department had notified him that the military force had been ordered north, not in consequence of his official requisition, but as a matter of public service, based upon what seemed to be reliable information. I therefore inferred that the general in command had assumed the exclusive control of all matters connected with these Indian outbreaks, and acted in virtue of his command of the army in this Territory. Under the circumstances, I deemed it proper to return to this city, where my presence seemed more likely to promote the public interest, than by remaining where my official authority, to say the least, was considered questionable.

            Soon after my return, I met Lieutenant Gay, who was in command of the company of dragoons above alluded to, who was then en route to the north. Our interview was entirely unofficial, he making no report to me in relation to his orders.

            Under the circumstances, however, I deemed it my duty to furnish him with every item of information that might facilitate him in operating successfully against the hostile Indians. I have been informed

CARSON VALLEY AGENCY.          373

(unofficially) that Lieutenant Gay had a skirmish with a party of Indians near Box Elder.

            This officer subsequently formed a junction with Major Lynde, who, in command of four companies of United States troops, was on his return march from the Humboldt river and Goose Creek mountain.

            Since that time, I have learned that another train has been attacked and destroyed, near Marsh creek, in Oregon.

            After inquiry on this subject, I am induced to believe that the parties who have committed these outrages are renegades from the Bannacks of Oregon and Sho-sho-nes : depredations of a similar character have been committed by these outlaws for many years.

            I presume the proper department will consider it necessary to establish permanent posts between Fort Hall and the Goose Creek mountains.

            The Sho-sho-ne Indians of the Humboldt and the Goose Creek mountains, and who claim a home in Utah Territory, have not committed any depredations since my visit among them last fall. It is quite obvious to me that the Bannack Indians of Oregon have instigated all the northern difficulties ; and that the Sho-sho-nes of this Territory are only performing a secondary part.

            Robert B. Jarvis, Esq., appointed Indian agent for Utah in October, 1858, entered upon his official duties January 1, 1859, and, in pursuance of my instructions, he visited Deep creek and Ruby valleys last March and April, to determine upon the practicability of commencing an Indian farm in each of those valleys for different portions of Shosho-nes Indians. Mr. Jarvis resigned June 30, 1859.

            Andrew Humphreys, Esq., successor to Agent Garland Hurt, whose commission expired in August, 1858, arrived here last June, and entered on the duties of his office on the 1st July last.

            I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. FORNEY,

Superintendent Indian Affairs U. T.

            Hon. A. B. GREENWOOD,

                        Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 175.

OFFICE INDIAN AGENT,

Carson Valley, U. T., January 4, 1859.

            SIR : In accordance with your instructions to me, dated Humbolt valley, October 6 and 7, 1858, I beg to submit to you the following facts in relation to the Indians within this agency. As near as I can ascertain at present, the Pah-ute nation numbers some 6,000 souls. I have seen and given presents to 3,735, which are located as follows :

            Wun-a-muc-a (The Giver) is the head chief of the nation. He generally stays on Smoke creek, near Honey lake ; his family and small band that stay with him number 155 ; San Joaquin's band stays in Carson valley, at the forks of that river, and numbers 170 ; Had-sa-poke's (Horse Stopper) band stays at Gold cañon, on Carson river, and numbers 110 ; Wa-hi's (Fox) band stays at what is known

374      CARSON VALLEY AGENCY.

as the Big Bend of Carson river, and numbers 130; O-duk-e-o's (Tall Man) band, Pe-tod-se-ka (White Spot) band, To-sarke (Grey Head) band. These three bands are the largest I have seen since my arrival in the Territory. They stay in the country around the lakes and sinks of Carson and Walker's rivers. I had a talk with them at Carson lake, on the 26th of November last, and gave them some presents. They then numbered 848 men, 372 women, and 405 children. Total number in the three bands,                         1,625

            To-no-yiet (Woman Helper) band stays below the Big Meadows, Truckee river, and numbers                                                                                   280

            To-Repe's (Lean Man) band stays near the lower crossing of Truckee river, and numbers                                                                                   360

            Ge-nega's (Dancer) band stays at the mouth of Truckee river, and numbers

                                                                                                 290

            Wat-se-que-order's (Four Crows) band stays along the shores of Pyramid lake, and numbers                                                                                   320

            Wun-a-muc-a's (The Second) band stays around the shores of Lower Mud lake, and numbers                                                                                   300

            Total Pah-utes visited                                                 3,735

                                                                                              =======

            The Wa-sho nation numbers about 900 souls, and inhabit the country along the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, from Honey lake on the north to the west fork of Walker's river on the south. They are divided into three different bands. Captain Jim's band is located in the vicinity of Carson, Wa-sho, and Eagle valleys, and Lake Bigler. This band numbers 145 men, 110 women, and 87 children; total, 342. I have had a talk with this band, and given them some presents. Captain Jim is the head chief of the nation. Pos-Souke's band is located in Little valley, between the east and west forks of Carson river, and numbers about the same as Captain Jim's band, 340. Deer Dick's band lives in and claims Long valley southeast from Honey lake, and numbers about the same as the others, 300.

            Total Wa-shos visited                                                    342

            Total Pah-utes visited                                                 3,735

            Total Indians visited within this agency                     4,077

                                                                                              =====

            Thus it will be seen that I have met and given presents to over four thousand Indians, and never before have I beheld as much wretchedness and destitution. The Pah-utes are undoubtedly the most interesting and docile Indians on the continent. By proper management, these Indians may be made to compete with the whites in agricultural pursuits. They are extremely anxious to cultivate their lands, and will make excellent men to work. Some of them can take hold of a scythe, and mow, drive oxen or a four-horse team, equal to a white man. They have never received any presents from the government, or from any government officer until now, except a few things given them by Dr. Hurt some two or three years ago. I am sorry that I cannot speak in as favorable terms of the Wa-sho nation. They are not inclined to agricultural pursuits, nor any other advancement towards civilization. They have no clothing except the merest apology

CARSON VALLEY AGENCY.          375

for a breech-cloth. Whatever policy may finally be adopted in relation to these unfortunate people, I can assure you that none can be worse, or productive of more evil to both them and the whites, than the present joint and promiscuous occupation of the country. And like other tribes, when brought into contact with the humane and christianizing influence of the white man, they have acquired a taste for whisky. The Pah-utes should be allowed to retain some of their present locations, especially the valley of the Truckee river, which would have the advantage of being their home from choice, combined with being the best and only suitable site for a large reservation and permanent agency in this part of the Territory.

            Since my arrival here, I have traversed a large portion of the country for this purpose. I have followed the meanderings of several of the principal rivers for hundreds of miles ; but I have seen none that can compete and offer the same advantages as what is known here by the name of the "Truckee Meadows." It contains some fifteen thousand acres of good land, well adapted for agricultural or herding purposes. In its vicinity is an abundance of the lofty pine. The majestic " Coo-you-e-hoop," or Salmon trout river, can be carried out for irrigation purposes. And, in its season, it affords one of the finest and largest fisheries in the Territory, both of speckled and salmon trout. This, in my opinion, is the best and last chance for a good home for the poor Pah-ute and Wa-sho. The other valleys are in a great measure occupied. There is one settler, whose improvements consists of a tolerable good frame house only, on these meadows; but he has located himself in the center, a situation that I should not select for a building-spot for an agency. Therefore, should you order me to lay off this section of country for a reservation, the proprietary right and title of the land in this Territory being in the government, you can purchase this man's house, or order him off, as you see fit. If you conclude to make a home for these Indians, it will require immediate action so far as making the selections is concerned, and defining the boundaries; for I am informed that as soon as the snow disappears, there will be quite an emigration to these valleys. You will see by reference to a map, that this place is also central for an "agency." The Truckee river takes its rise from "Lake Bigler," and empties into "Pyramid lake." Should this site not meet your approbation, there are several others of minor importance, and such as you saw on the Humboldt, destitute of timber. I would here recommend that a large extent of country be taken up, and all in one body, and to concentrate the whole "Pah-ute" and Wa-sho nations upon it, making one expense do for both ; and the fact of the "Pah-ute" nation being large, requires the same. This policy also agrees with your opinion in the fourth section of your instructions ; and I believe the policy of the government has been to withdraw the Indians from such parts of the country as would necessarily expose them to contact with the white settlers, as the only means of averting frequent difficulties. Indians and whites cannot, as a general rule, live together. It is not in the nature of things ; and it is far from being solely the fault of the Indians. The pioneer invades the hunting-ground of the Indian. He goes to reduce nature's wilds to the dominion of the white man ; to possess the country, and rear in it the institutions of civilization. His mission drives before

376      CARSON VALLEY AGENCY.

him and from the graves of his ancestors, the once mighty but now wretched, whose name we are all proud to own, (the true American,) and naturally and inevitably exasperates him to acts of crime and barbarity.

            It is a well known fact, that the loss of life on the Humboldt river for years past both to the whites and the Indians has been most lamentable. The Humboldt Indians see by the experience of other tribes that roads are the harbingers of civilization, and the certain sign of their own subjugation and final extirpation. All they ask is something to eat. And here lies the true secret of most of the Indian depredations upon this great line of travel. The encroachments of the emigrant have driven away the game upon which they depend for a subsistence. They cannot hunt upon the territories of neighboring tribes, except at the risk of their lives. They must, therefore, steal or starve. Every few miles, too, on this great thoroughfare, both on the Humboldt and Carson rivers, can be found a whisky shop, the proprietors of which have the presumption to call " trading posts." Some of these inhuman venders of poisonous liquor to the poor ignorant Indian, will take the last "badger or rabbit" skin from him. A few joined together, as a woman would patch a quilt, being his only dependence for a covering to protect him from the bitter cold and deep snows of this inclement wilderness. The poverty I saw last fall amongst the " Sho-sho-ne" nation, is not a circumstance compared with this winter, and the sufferings and destitute condition of the poor "Pah-ute" and " Wa-sho." The snow in the valleys here now averages six inches deep. The only shelter these poor houseless wanderers have is to lay about in the artemesia or sage brush ; and their sole dependence for subsistence this winter is a little "grass seed." The rivers are frozen over, which prevents them from fishing, and the "pine nuts," another of their main dependences for food, have failed. There is scarcely an hour that passes in a day but what brings some sad picture of wretchedness to my door begging for a sufficiency to sustain life. A few days ago a " Wa-sho" died from actual starvation and exposure in the vicinity of " Lake Bigler," which is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains. And another was found dead at the base of those mountains yesterday, from the same cause.

                                    Many a weary day went by,

                                    While wretched and worn he begged for bread ;

                                    Tired of life, and longing to lie

                                    Peacefully down with the silent dead.

                                    Hunger and cold, and scorn and pain,

                                    Had wasted his form and seared his brain ;

                                    At last, on a bed of frozen ground,

                                    In the " Sierra Nevada" was the outcast found.

                                    No mourner lingered with tears or sighs,

                                    But the stars looked down with pitying eyes ;

                                    And the chill winds passed, with a wailing sound,

                                    O'er the foot of the mountain where the form was found

                                    But One! when every human door

                                    Is closed to children, accursed and poor ;

                                    Who opens the heavenly portals wide

                                    Ah ! God was near when the outcast died.

PLEASANT VALLEY AGENCY.       377

            Something must be done to better the condition of the "Poor Pahute" and " Wa-sho." His present state is intolerable, and feeble is the helping hand that I am enabled to extend for his relief. But in the sweet name of " charity," I beg in his behalf that a home be made for him—some asylum for the starving outcast, where he can be taught to provide for himself, and be free from the curse upon him now amongst the whites. Truly said, the moral atmosphere about him is deadlier than death.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. DODGE, Indian Agent.

            JACOB FORNEY, Esq.,

                        Superintendent Indian Affairs Utah Territory.

__________

No. 176.

PLEASANT VALLEY, U. T.,

April 20, 1859.

            SIR: In compliance with your instructions to me, dated March 5, 1859, to proceed to " Deep creek" and " Ruby valley," for the purpose of opening farms at these points, and to restrain the Indians in their depredations on the " mail company" and emigrants passing through the country, I left Salt Lake City on the 15th day of March, and arrived at Simpson's Springs on the night of the 17th. On the 18th, a party of fourteen Gosha Utes came into camp, and, after having a talk with them, I gave them a shirt each, and something to eat. I then sent them to gather up their people, and meet me at " Pleasant valley," at which place I arrived on the 25th.

            At " Simpson's Springs," my interpreter, Regis Vassear, was taken very sick, and I had to send him back to the city, and wrote to Mr. Robert Hearford to have some capable person sent out to me. From the 22d to the 9th of April, I have had Mr. C. A. Huntington.

            On the 25th of March, when I arrived at " Pleasant valley," I found about one hundred Indians, in all, waiting for me. They complained of being hungry, not having had anything to eat for some days. I asked them why the others did not come in ? They said that they " were afraid that the soldiers would kill them." They thought it was a trap to have them all killed, because they had been stealing. I sent out more runners to bring them in. Five days after, my runners returned, and said they would not come, as they were afraid of being killed.

            On the 2d day of April, I had a beef killed, and held a council, with seventy-three warriors present. The first thing, we proceeded and elected " Arra-won-nets" (an old man) " head chief," and " Ka Vana " sub-chief, without any opposition. I then told them I had come here to say that the " great father" wishes to treat you as his children, and will make you a good farm, if you will work, so that you will have something to eat. He will help you to build your "wigwams," and help to clothe you, if you will do as he tells you. Are

378      PLEASANT VALLEY AGENCY.

you willing to go and work like the whites, and help to raise grain, from which you can make bread? They all answered, "Yes ; that was good talk; it was what they wanted." I told them I had heard of many cattle and mules being stolen by them, and that the mail had been stopped and fired on while passing through this country, with letters to their " great father;" and I would forgive them this time; but if I heard of anything of the kind occurring again, the " great father" would send many soldiers out, who would not leave one of them alive. Their chief said, in reply, that none of his people should do anything wrong ; they would all be friends to the whites ; and, should any depredations be committed by any of his people, he would bring them in, and justice should be done. I then had a beef killed for them, made them some presents, and they were all well pleased. On the 3d, they all left for "Deep creek."

            That night, the band which had been committing all the depredations, and firing upon the mail party, came into camp, led by the desperado Jack. This band numbers about eighty of the bravest and best-looking ones of the tribe. " Jack" speaks and understands English quite well. I took him off one side from his men, and had a long talk with him. At first he was stubborn, and wanted to have things his own way. Mr. Howard Egan and Dr. Chorpenning expected I would have much trouble with this party, and were much surprised when I brought Jack down like a child. He submitted to everything I said to him.

            On the morning of the 4th, I met them in council with Egan and Chorpenning ; our council lasted over an hour. We impressed upon them the necessity of abandoning their roving and predatory lives, for the pursuit of agriculture as a means of subsistence, and I am pleased to say there was not a single objection made. I feel quite sure that a large majority are ready to commence work as soon as the necessary implements arrive. I was compelled to have another beef killed for this party, after which I made them some presents, and sent them over to " Deep creek" to wait for Sevier. They all acknowledge the chief " Arra-won-nets," and promise to obey him.

            I will here speak of a band of the "Gosha-Utes" that live fifty miles south of this, and about one hundred and fifty miles west of Fillmore. They numbered about one hundred, under chiefs " Ta-goopie" and " Wan-na-vah." I am told that they are engaged in agriculture : we met two of them out hunting with squaws, well mounted on good horses. I got them to return with me to Pleasant valley, and I am much indebted to them for their assistance. They were present at both councils, and in council they told those miserable wretches if they did not go to work and quit stealing, they would bring their warriors over and kill every one of them ; that they were dogs and wolves, and not fit to live.

            They are very anxious for me to come and see them, and give them some instructions about farming. They have no implements of any kind, and I have sent into the city for twelve hoes for them. They say that no agent has ever visited them. From all accounts, they have from thirty to forty acres down in wheat this year, and the only way they have to turn up the ground is with sticks.

PLEASANT VALLEY AGENCY.       379

            On the 8th of April there was one mule stolen from Shell Creek station, by a few Indians under Sambo, who says he will not go to work ; that he can live better by stealing.

On the 10th of April, Mr. Huntington left here for Salt Lake City, on some business of his own, which left me without an interpreter; and, as Mr. Sevier had not arrived at Deep creek with the wagons, I concluded that I had better stop at this place until the mail came along, to see if it had brought me any person out from the city as interpreter, or any word from Mr. Hearford ; which, I am very sorry to say, brought me no word, either way, by the mail due here on the 13th.

            On the 12th, I had my horses up and rubbed down and fed with grain, ready for a trip the next day for "Deep creek," as I expected Mr. Sevier at that place on the 14th; when they went to drive up the animals to send the mail on, thy could not be found, and have not been able to find any trace of them up to this date.

            It is supposed by all here that they have been driven off by either the Utes or Humboldt Indians. I am satisfied it was not done by any of the Gosha Utes. The number of mules taken from this station is fourteen, and four horses belonging to my agency.

            On Saturday, I started for Deep creek with an ox-team furnished me by the mail company, but had to return, having lost the way, and having nothing to eat for the last two days. This is the hardest country to travel through I ever was in. There are no roads, and it is impossible to travel without a guide. I sent to-day over for Mr. Sevier to come over with two yoke of oxen to haul my carriage to Deep creek. I expect to be there on the 22d, and will commence operations immediately. The Indians are all there yet, except a few who came over to-day to see what kept me. These I sent out to see if they could find any traces of my horses or the mail mules.

            As soon as I get things under way at this point, I will go over to Ruby valley, if I can rig up any sort of a team; at present, the prospect looks very dark. I am very sorry you did not send me more cattle.  I asked for twenty yoke, and you only sent out twelve yoke. It is impossible to do much with so few. I will want ten or twelve head more ; you will please have them sent immediately on the receipt of this. I must pay the mail company back the two I got of them, as they have had all of theirs stolen. If you can, I would like you to send me four horses or mules. At any rate, let me hear from you very soon.

            I have just been told that the Indians ran off the three mules from "Shell Creek station," on the 14th instant. It is also supposed that they drove one yoke of oxen from this station last night. There is an Indian now out on the trail, and I think they will be brought back.

            I don't think it worth while bringing any more wheat out this season: the wagon on the road now will not arrive until the first of May.

            Yours, respectfully,

ROBERT B. JARVIS,

Indian Agent.

            JACOB FORNEY, Esq.,

                        Sup' t Indian Affairs Utah Territory.

380      UTAH AGENCY.

No. 177.

SALT LAKE CITY, July 25, 1859.

            SIR: With the causes which have produced delay in my report, you are well acquainted, and will doubtless make the necessary explanations to the department.

            The incidents of the service connected with the agency, so far as it has been under my charge, have principally been communicated to you heretofore, and I need not allude to them again in detail.

            The bands who abandoned the Spanish Fork reservation in the month of September last, returned to that place again about the middle of April. The sight of their familiar haunts brought the misfortunes connected with their flight fresh to their minds, and caused them to give way for a time to the most woeful lamentations.

            Previous to their arrival there were no Indians on the reservation, and all labor had consequently to be performed by white employes ; and even after their return, it was nearly two weeks before we could get them to settle down and turn their attention to labor.

            This fact, with the extreme lateness of the spring, accounts for the necessity of having to retain a considerable number of the white employes during the entire season.

            There are in cultivation on that reservation this season about 360 acres of land, to wit: 300 acres wheat, 15 acres corn, 20 acres oats, 10 acres potatoes, 8 acres squash, 5 acres melons, and 2 acres turnips and beets; which will yield at least a good average crop, and may be safely estimated at—

            Wheat, 6,000 bushels, worth $2                                            $12,000

            Corn, 300 bushels, worth $2                                                          600

            Oats, 600 bushels, worth $2                                                        1,200

            Potatoes, 2,000 bushels, worth $1 50                                         3,000

            Squashes, beets, turnips, and all other vegetables                          300

                                                                                                              17,100

            To this add—

            Thirty tons of hay, cut and stacked                                                300

            Straw and corn-fodder will be worth                                              600

                                                                                                              18,000

            The cost of producing this crop, including the amount of grain on hand last fall, and all other incidental expenses for hire and subsistence of employes and Indians, will not reach                                                                                                  $6,000

            To this amount add probable expenses that may yet accrue in harvesting                                                                                                        2,500

                                                                                                                8,500

            Will leave a balance of                                                                9,500

                                                                                                            ========

UTAH AGENCY.       381

            The above is a rough estimate, but your own knowledge of the facts will enable you to bear testimony to its near approximation to truth ; and to those who are of opinion that the Indians must be fed, it cannot fail of presenting the policy which I have endeavored, under so many unfavorable circumstances, to establish and carry out among these destitute tribes in a favorable light.

            It seems to be a common error of those who have undertaken to localize and civilize the wild tribes, to labor under the impression that time and patience form no part of the system, and are not necessary to its success.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GARLAND HURT.

            JACOB FORNEY, Esq.,

                        Superintendent Indian Affairs Utah.

__________

No. 178.

UTAH AGENCY, SPANISH FORK INDIAN RESERVATION,

September 30, 1859.

            SIR: Having entered upon the duties of agent for the Utah Indians in the month of June last, my opportunities for acquainting myself with their present condition have been limited, and the incidents of the service so few, as to forbid anything like an elaborate report.

            I have devoted a portion of my time in endeavoring to ascertain the extent of this agency and the number of Indians embraced in it, and find that it covers one half, if not more, of the entire superintendency, being bounded on the north by the southern line of Great Salt Lake country, on the east by Kansas, on the south by New Mexico, and on the west by the Sierra Nevadas.

            According to information received from the most reliable sources, it contains an Indian population of about 15,000, known as Utahs, San-Petes, Pah-Vants, and Pah-Utes.

            It is due to the Indians of this agency to say that, so far as I have any knowledge of their conduct, they have been peaceable and orderly, no depredations of any kind having been perpetrated by them since my services commenced.

            The three farms at Spanish Fork, San-Pete, and Corn creek, which were commenced by my predecessor, were intended for the accommodation of those bands only whose lands had been at the time usurped and occupied by the white population.

            Settlements are still being extended over the Territory, and into valleys claimed and occupied by other bands, which must necessarily deprive them of their hunting grounds, and greatly impair their already too limited means of subsistence.

            The lands adapted for cultivation in the Territory are limited, and are those best qualified for the gratuitous support of its original inhabitants, being the only spots upon which they can subsist during the accumulated snows of winter, in the mountains. These localities, if

382      OREGON AND WASHINGTON.

permitted, will all soon be taken up by the white settlers ; and what is to be the future destiny of these destitute creatures, is for the wisdom of Congress to determine.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. HUMPHREYS,

Indian Agent.

            JACOB FORNEY, Esq.,

                        Supt. Ind. Affairs, Great Salt Lake City, U. T.