[From Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1862, pp. 4-5]

            As early as the 5th of August last, the superintendent of Indian affairs in Utah wrote to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS        5

several prominent chiefs were endeavoring to effect a general rising of the tribes in that region, to exterminate the white settlers.

            On the 26th of August the agent of the overland mail company telegraphed the Postmaster General that "general war with nearly all the tribes of Indians east of the Missouri river is close at hand."

            The evidence of a general hostile disposition on the part of the Indians was so strong that this department considered it proper to instruct the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to publish an advertisement, warning the public of the dangers likely to be encountered on the overland route to the Pacific.

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[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1862, pp. 32-33]

32 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            Our relations with the Indians of this superintendency are still in an unsatisfactory condition. But little progress has been made in subjecting the Indians to the policy we have adopted for their government.

            The efforts of the superintendent and agents to ameliorate the condition of the Indians are very much restricted for want of adequate means, and I have but little doubt that many of the depredations committed by Indians are induced by want and privation. Another cause for the restless and rebellious spirit manifested by the Indians is attributed to an unwarrantable interference, on the part of the Mormons, with the legitimate discharge of the duties of the superintendent and agents.

            By far the most numerous, powerful, and troublesome Indians within the Territory are the Shoshones or Snakes. These Indians roam over the northern part of the Territory, along the line of the overland emigrant and mail route, and have created serious disturbances during the past season. Vast numbers of horses, cattle, and mules have been stolen, and, large amounts of property destroyed, and in some instances lives have been lost.

            At the last session of Congress an appropriation was made for the purpose of negotiating treaties with these Indians. A commission has been appointed to effect this negotiation, consisting of Superintendent Doty, Agent Mann, and Henry Martin, esq. But, owing to the remoteness of the country, the difficulty of transportation, and the lateness of the season at which they must necessarily commence preparations, it is doubtful if they will be able to effect a negotiation in time for the constitutional action of the Senate during its approaching session. This is much to be regretted, as there can be no reasonable prospect of quiet within the Territory while the present relations of the government with the Indians continue.

            Serious apprehensions were entertained, during the latter part of the summer and early in autumn, that a general uprising of the Indians of the plains was imminent. From the nature of the information received, it was deemed proper that a notice should be given, warning those contemplating the crossing of the plains by the overland mail route of the danger. It is worthy of remark that a despatch was received from Salt Lake, dated 26th August last, directed to the Postmaster General, informing him that an outbreak on the part of the Indians east of the Missouri river was at hand. That this despatch should be dated almost contemporaneously with the bloody scenes enacted in Minnesota would seem to indicate that the wild and disaffected Indians of the country, however widely separated, are well informed as to contemplated movements on the part of any of the tribes. I think there can be but little doubt that emissaries of the rebellion have, by every means in their power, endeavored to bring about a general war with the Indians, and that to these wicked schemes much of the unusual disquietude and hostility of the Indians is to be attributed.

            As stated in my last annual report, the farms and reservations of Utah were

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.       33

found almost destroyed at the incoming of the present administration, the former agents having deemed it indispensable to strip them of everything of value in order to prevent famine among the Indians. The meagreness of the appropriations made for the Indian service of the Territory has made it impossible for the present officers to restore these farms and reservations to a productive condition. The game of the country is well nigh exhausted. The Indian service in Utah cannot be otherwise than discreditable to the government, unless Congress shall, by liberal appropriations, enable our agents to conduct their operations upon a scale in some measure corresponding with the absolute necessities of the Indians under their charge.

            We have no report from the superintendent of Nevada. From the latest intelligence received from that Territory, the remarks in relation to Utah are believed to be applicable thereto.

            I respectfully ask attention to the remarks upon this subject contained in my first annual report.

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[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1862, pp. 198-229]

198      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

No 39.

SUPERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Territory of Utah, Great Salt Lake City, September 12, 1862.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit, in compliance with instructions of the department, the annual report upon the affairs of this office, and the condition of the Indians within the superintendency.

            The annual estimate of provisions, goods, farming utensils, and stock for the use of the Indians, and the appropriation required for the Indian service, during the year ending June 30, 1864, was duly prepared and transmitted by mail on the 6th instant. The Indians along the lines of the telegraph and overland mail companies have required more attention and received more presents than those in any other section of this Territory. On my arrival here in December, I found them in a state of destitution, and suffering severely from the want of food and clothing, and no provision had been made for their relief. To keep them from robbing the stations and committing depredations upon them, and upon the settlers and travellers, the largest expenditures were incurred for flour, wheat, and beef; but it was impossible, with the funds applicable to this object, to furnish them a constant and adequate supply. Notwithstanding their destitution and hunger, they committed but few acts of violence during the winter months, and they received what was given them with many expressions of thankfulness. The depredations on the road east of this city, within this Territory, were by a few Shoshonees and Bannacks from Oregon and Washington. It is hoped the appropriation will enable the Commissioner to have larger supplies of food and clothing provided for their wants, at several places along the road, before the winter season commences, that their sufferings may be prevented and they may have no excuse for committing depredations and interfering with the transportation of the mail. The safe and speedy transportation of mails and of treasure over this route has now become of such vast importance to the commercial world, as well as to the government, it is supposed the funds appropriated, and the services of the officers of this superintendency, cannot be devoted at the present time to a more useful purpose than the protection of the mail and telegraph lines. I beg leave to refer to so much of my letters to the Commissioner of the 21st of December and 13th of August last as relates to this subject.

            No expense has been incurred in the cultivation of either of the farms on the reservations, excepting those at Corn creek and San Pete, the Indians at all other points having refused to do anything for themselves. The product of those farms (upon which the department has expended, for 500 rods of fencing, tools, seed, and labor, $1, 003 25) is estimated at 990 bushels of grain, 210 bushels of potatoes, besides a quantity, of beans, peas, squashes, pumpkins, sugar-cane, &c. The Commissioner is aware, from former reports, there were no fences, cattle, or farming implements on these or any of the farms, the chief expenditure was for these items. I was desirous to show the Indians that if they would take charge of farms for themselves and work them, government would assist them, and especially that the product produced would be their own. They appear much pleased with this system, and are now rejoicing in the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor. Several individuals of these bands have a few cows and horses, and they are all anxious to have more. I am satisfied, if they were furnished with all of the domestic animals, they would, under the supervision of the agent, take good care of them. The bands of the Utah nation, and some of those of the Shoshonees, can be readily induced to settle permanently, if proper locations made, and to become herdsmen, for which they appear to be well fitted.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         199

            An exploration of Uintah valley confirms the information heretofore given the department of its adaptation to the purposes for which it has been reserved. Settlements of from twenty to fifty families can be formed at different places along the Uintah and its tributaries, with small farms of from five to twenty acres each. This division into small settlements, which is recommended, would allow to each separate pasture lands and separate tracts for each band, with natural boundaries. The streams are numerous and rapid, well supplied with fish, and can be employed for irrigation without expensive dams and ditches. It is the best valley for grazing in this Territory, but its greatest advantage is its remoteness from white settlements, being separated from them by the Uintah mountains on the north, the Wausatch range on the west, and bounded by the deserts of Colorado river on the south and east. Antero, a principal Utah Chief from Uintah valley, and his band of twenty ledges, were last month on a visit of ceremony to the superintendent. In an interview, and in reply to my inquiries, he said the valleys of the Uintah and its branches are as good, or better, for cultivation as the valley of Salt lake ; that there is plenty of pine and cottonwood in the vicinity of the streams, and the best of grass on the hills and in the bottoms ; that his home is on the north fork of Uintah, where he has lived many years, and there is very little snow there. He has four cows, and one of his band has eight, and they have several horses ; and he asked that they may be given more stock—cows, oxen, mares, sheep, and hogs—and that a house may be built for him there, where he wishes to permanently reside. He has no doubt many of his band would soon follow his example, if they did not at once join him. He said he was ashamed to talk with me about settling there with his band, and having a house and more stock, as Dr. Hurt and all the agents have heretofore promised him this for years past, but still he has none ; that he is no beggar, &c. The report of Mr Amos Reed of a tour of exploration of Uintah during the last and present months is herewith presented, and also, an extract from the journal of W. Berthoud, who explored the route from Denver, and located a road through this valley in the year 1861, in which accurate descriptions of the country are given. The snow on the Wausatch range, and, after its disappearance, ill health and other causes, prevented me from making a personal examination of the valley according to your instructions, but I trust the information now communicated will be satisfactory.

            I beg leave to adopt the views of the Commissioner contained in his annual report of last year in regard to " cattle husbandry" by all of the Indians in this Territory, and hope the system may be commenced this fall in Uintah valley with the Utahs and with the Shoshones, at such points as may be hereafter selected. These people are naturally inclined to a pastoral life, and if they can now receive the aid and encouragement of government, it is believed the most of the Utahs may be collected and permanently settled either in Uintah valley or the vicinity of the Colorado, south of this Territory, near the Mojaves, as was suggested in a former communication, where a large reservation can be made without interference with the white settlements already formed. Whenever they are established, a military post upon the reservation is deemed necessary (garrisoned by two or more companies) to maintain order, and to protect the Indians and the officers of government, and the reservation itself, from intrusions by white settlers.

            A sale of the Spanish Fork reservation is recommended, if the Commissioner decides upon the occupation of the Uintah reservation, and also the removal of the agency to that point.

            I feel it to be my duty to again recommend that treaties be entered into with all of these tribes to extinguish their right of occupancy. Justice and the peace of the country require it, and it seems to be absolutely necessary in order to bring them under the control of government, and to give proper effect to the laws of the Territory, and to those regulating Indian trade and intercourse. Although the title was obtained by the treaty with Mexico, these Indians were

200      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

then the occupants of every portion of this Territory, enjoying the same rights and privileges as the Indians east of the Mississippi river. The United States accepted of the cession, subject to all of the just rights of this third party then in the actual possession, but who was not a party to the treaty.

            Respectfully submitted.

JAMES DUANE DOTY,

Superintendent.

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GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,

September 12, 1862.

            SIR : On the 20th of August I left this city to execute your orders, previously received, to make an examination of the valleys of the Uintah river and its tributaries, with a view to their adaptability for a settlement therein of the Utah Indians. I returned yesterday, having been as far east as Colorado, or Green river, at the mouth of the Uintah. Accompanying me were C. A. Huntington, as Indian interpreter, S. M. Johnson, as guide, Caleb Rhodes and Richard Pangborn, as guards. These men were previously engaged for the expedition by your direction. Most of them were somewhat acquainted with the country we went to examine, having hunted and trapped therein.

            I took the ambulance to Rhodes prairie, a valley in the Wausatch mountains, forty miles southeast of this city, and containing the extreme settlements in that direction. To this place there is a good road. From thence we rode horseback, and used pack animals. We travelled east from Rhodes prairie, up Beaver creek, a tributary of Weber river, for ten miles, where we crossed the "divide," a very slight elevation between the waters of Weber and Timpanogos or Provo river. Four miles further southeast brought us to Provo river, up which we passed for five miles, then followed up a branch to the southeast for about five miles to the summit of the Wausatch mountains, and the "divide" between the waters of the Great Salt lake and those flowing into the Gulf of California, through Green and Colorado rivers. On this summit is a beautiful valley, in size about one by two miles, finely watered by springs and creeks, and surrounded with timber. To this point a good wagon road is practicable. We descended from this summit southeast, through a steep cañon, the best pass we could find, but entirely too steep for a road to be built, for six miles, and reached a branch of the northern and principal fork of the Duchine river, along which is a valley of excellent land, very suitable for cultivation, about two miles wide by four miles long. This branch empties into the main stream, ten miles northeast, from which point the river runs a little south of east. From this junction, extending down the river about sixteen miles, is a valley, varying from two to six miles in width, of the very best quality of land, extremely well watered and timbered. On the bluffs on either side are broad table-lands of fine stock grass. Everything indicates for this place a warm climate and mild winters. It is by far the finest section of country we saw on the trip. In the bluffs along the north side of this valley are vast quantities of fine red sandstone, a specimen of which I hand you. From this, to designate the valley, we called it the "Red Butte valley." Below this valley, for fifteen miles, the bottom is narrow, and can only be cultivated in small pieces. Here a large, fine stream comes in from the north, on which and its branches the men with me say are small but good valleys, fit for cultivation. From this stream, down the river for eighteen miles to where this fork empties into Duchine river, the valley is from one and a half to two miles wide, generally good soil, and portions of it can be irrigated and cultivated. From this junction to the junction of the Duchine with the Uintah river, the bottom continues from one to two miles wide. Some portions of it

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         201

can be cultivated; but alkali begins to make its appearance in the soil. The bottoms of the two rivers unite three or four miles from the junction, and some portions of them have been overflowed the past season, which, however, has been an extraordinary season for snow and rain, and it may not overflow in ordinary seasons. About the junction of the Duchine and Uintah rivers is a strip of timber, say three miles long by one mile wide, of cottonwood, quaking aspen, &c. The rivers, also, have trees along their banks. The Uintah, which here comes in from the north, has a wide strip of timber; and, for fourteen miles above the junction, has a bottom from six to eight miles wide of good land, which could be irrigated by damming the river above and turning a portion of its water, at the same time making a good water-power. This is a fine location, and is the one designated to you by Antero, one of the Utah chiefs, as the place where he wished a house built for himself. Above this the valley comes through a cañon, three or four miles long, above which the bottom widens again to five or six miles ; some of it good for cultivation. Here the Uintah is formed, by the junction of three forks coming in, respectively, from the northwest, north, and northeast, on which the men with me say are good valleys, all excellent grazing, and considerable tillable land. It is at the junction of these streams that Robideaux, years ago, had a post for trading with the Indians. From the mouth of the Duchine the Uintah runs nearly due east to Green river, fourteen miles, the bottom from one to two miles wide till near its mouth, where they unite with those of Green river. Green river is well skirted with timber, has a bottom, including both sides of the river, of ten or twelve miles wide, presenting a very fine appearance. The soil, however, is by no means as good as that we have passed over, containing too much alkali; but still no more, I judge, than some lands in this Salt Lake valley, which produce fair crops. I did not cross Green river, there being no good ford; but the lands on the east side had the same general appearance as those on the west.

            In returning we followed back our own trail to where we first reached the Duchine river when going out. We then followed up the Duchine to where the Strawberry river joins it from the west, the Duchine coming in from the southwest; then up the Strawberry to a point about thirty-five miles from the mouth of the Duchine. Thus far these rivers have no bottoms worth mentioning, running generally through deep gorges in the mountains. Finding the ascent of the Strawberry difficult, we left it entirely, crossing over the Mountains to the northwest about ten miles, where we came into a fine open country on a tributary of the Strawberry, having small bottoms suitable for cultivation, and on either side a wide scope of excellent grass and grazing land, extending north nearly to Red Butte Valley, which we considered about ten miles distant. Through here the Overland Mail Company laid out their new road from Denver City to Utah lake last year. We passed up the Strawberry, leaving it to the south for some distance to avoid the hills, and crossing several of its tributaries, with small but good bottoms, till we entered Strawberry valley on its southeast side. This valley lies from northwest to southeast, is about twenty-five miles long, and varying from six to twelve miles wide. It is intersected by numerous small spring creeks, which unite, forming the Strawberry river, flowing out of its southeast corner. This is a beautiful valley of very superior grass and grazing land, but is supposed to be altogether too high to be useful for cultivation. Its altitude may be judged from the fact that, on coming out at its northwest end, we had only to make a gentle ascent—by no means difficult for a wagon—for thirty or forty rods, and we were again on the summit of the Wausatch mountains—the "divide" between the waters of Great Salt lake and the Gulf of California. This is also the western boundary of the Uintah reservation. It is a gradual rise from Green river to this summit, and a good road is not only practicable, but of easy and comparatively cheap construction. From this summit we descended to Round valley, on the Provo river, through Daniel's

202      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

Creek -- sixteen miles, which has a very gradual descent, and admits of a good road being built up it. It is now filled with a thick growth of timber and small brush. I am informed there are good passes for roads out of the southwest side of Strawberry valley, down streams entering Utah lake at or near Spanish Fork and Springville, thus affording a nearly straight road from Utah lake to the mouth of the Uintah river, and, indeed, to Denver City and Leavenworth, on the Missouri river.

            The Uintah Indian reservation is entirely free from white settlers. It may be considered—the bottoms, the table-land, and even the mountains—as a fine grazing country. The valleys are as I have described. It is well watered and abundantly timbered. The climate is warm, and from all accounts the winters are so light as not to prevent stock living on the range and doing well all winter. I consider it most admirably adapted for the permanent location of the Indians in small settlements on its various streams. Of course, an agent would be required to reside in their midst, whose proper location would unquestionably be on the Uintah river, at the place designated by Chief Antero for his residence. From this place he could with facility visit and superintend all the settlements in the reservation.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AMOS REED,

Clerk of Superintendency.

__________

Extract from E. D. Berthoud's journal of his trip from Denver City to Utah lake, by J. D. Doty.

            In the month of July, 1861, the Central Overland Mail Company fitted out an expedition under the command of Mr. Berthoud, known as one of the best engineers in the Pike's Peak gold region, with the old mountaineer, Major Bridger, as guide, for the purpose of exploring a new route for a road from Denver City to Salt Lake City. This route lay westward by the sources of the Blue and Yampah rivers, and through the Colorado and Uintah valleys.

            "Leaving Denver," he says, "the night of the 6th of July we encamped at the foot of the mountains, at Golden City. On the 7th we ascended the mountains over the wagon road already established, and encamped that night on Clear creek. The 8th we passed through the Clear Creek mining region, Idaho, and Empire City, and encamped on Clear creek near the latter place—the most beautiful spot I have seen in the mountains. It is situated near the head of Clear creek, in a beautiful valley, surrounded by magnificent mountains, cañons branching off in different directions, forming long vistas through which one sees in the distance the mountains of the Snowy range towering to the skies, their summits clad in almost perpetual snow.

            " We resumed our journey on the 9th up Clear creek, and encamped at night on the summit of the Rocky mountains, in Berthoud's Pass, fifty-five miles from Denver. There was no snow in the pass, but we could see it in the ravines on either side, a thousand felt above us, with streams of water, like threads of silver, running from it to feed the numerous streams which head in the Snowy range. Waters which flow to the Pacific and the Atlantic take their rise in the pass within a hundred yards of each other, in a beautiful prairie covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, interspersed with a great variety of flowers.

            " The next day we descended over a gentle incline into the Middle Park. On the morning of the 11th we were joined by Mr. Vial, Indian agent of Western

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         203

Colorado Territory, and his party. We saw no Indians upon the entire route until we reached Provo, on Utah lake, although the whole distance passed was in the country of the Utahs.

            "We travelled through the Middle Park, and arrived at the Springs on Blue river, ninety miles from Denver, on the morning of the 12th, where we laid over to arrange our packs and enjoy bathing and fishing. The trout in the river were splendid; we caught several, weighing two pounds each. On the west side of the river are several hot springs, strongly impregnated with sulphur. One can scarcely bear his hand in them. On the east side there is a spring of apparently the same chemical properties, but it is as cold as ice.

            " The Middle Park consists of wide, fertile valleys and prairies, enclosed on all sides by high mountains. Small detached mountains are scattered through it, their sides covered with timber. The valleys are free from timber, excepting occasionally a grove of aspen.

            " From the Blue to the Yampah or Bear river, we passed over a very picturesque country, and arrived on the Yampah river, near its head, one hundred and fifty miles from Denver, on the 15th ; laid over a day, on account of the sickness of Major Bridger, and then bore him on a litter between two mules for two days. The valley of the Yampah is very fertile. Along it are groves of large cottonwood, and the hills on either side are covered with fir and aspen.

            " We followed the Yampah about eighty miles, to where it enters deep, narrow cañons, and becomes very crooked, whence we crossed over to the northern head of Tayshahpah or White river, which we followed down about eighty miles to its mouth, at Colorado or Green river. We crossed the Colorado above the mouth of the Uintah, which enters above, but nearly opposite the Tayshahpah ; it is about one hundred and fifty yards wide, and quite deep. We made a raft, with which we crossed our provisions, &c., in two trips, and swam our animals across, drowning two mules.

            " We followed up the valley of the Uintah and the Duchine fork of the Uintah, gradually ascending to the Wausatch range, which we crossed, through a very good pass, to a stream, (Daniel's creek,) which we followed down to its junction with the Timpanogos river. Here we first found Mormon settlements, and struck a finely worked wagon road, over which we passed through Timpanogos cañon thirty miles to Provo City, near the margin of Utah lake, where we arrived on the 18th of August, making the trip in twenty-seven and a half days, including the loss of five and a half days in exploring the route and resting in camp.

            " We have found a good route, not only for a wagon road, but for the Pacific railroad. The distance cannot be much more than four hundred and fifty miles from Denver to Utah lake. It will shorten the route from the Missouri river to California at least two hundred miles. There is an abundance of water and grass along the whole route. On the lower part of Tayshahpah river timber, for building is scarce, but there is plenty for fuel. With this exception, timber is abundant ; it consists of pine, fir, cottonwood, aspen, cedar, and piñon. The soil along all the streams is excellent, and will admit of the highest cultivation. For the last one hundred and fifty miles up the Uintah there is evidently little rain, but the land can be easily irrigated, and the grazing for stock is excellent. We passed through a long distance of tertiary sandstone, with occasionally a strata of gypsum or limestone, and we saw several outcrops of coal. Near the mouth of Tayshahpah river we noticed bluffs of white limestone. When we first entered the Wausatch mountains they were composed of sandstone, but on the west side they are of blue limestone. Some of it is intersected with white veins, admitting of a polish, and forms a beautiful marble."

            Returning from Utah lake, be located, surveyed, and marked the road to Denver, nearly upon the route described, varying from it only from the head of Tayshahpah river to Blue river, by which it was made more direct. The route

204      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

is on or near the 40th degree of latitude, and is at all times within half a degree of the line, from which it seldom diverges.

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No. 40.

FORT BRIDGER AGENCY,

Utah, September 20, 1862.

            SIR : I have the honor of submitting the following report relative to the affairs of this agency.

            There is but one tribe in care of this agency, (the Shoshones ;) there are, however, several small bands of Utes, numbering some thirty or forty lodges ranging upon the lands of the Shoshones by permission, awaiting, no doubt, the action of the government to settle them upon their own lands, the Uintah reservation.

            The Shoshones within this agency number, as near as I can ascertain from information derived from the mountaineers, (some of whom have been living in this country for the last thirty years,) four thousand souls. The relative number of males or females of the different ages I am unable, with any degree of certainty, to state; suffice it to say, however, that the females very largely predominate.

            I arrived at my agency December 19, 1861, entirely destitute of the means of transportation, or of funds belonging to the department to procure the same. I am unable, therefore, to give you but a limited amount of information in regard to the Indians under my charge. Those, however, who have ranged in the vicinity of this agency are in a very destitute condition, and from the best information that can be obtained, the whole tribe are unquestionably the poorest Indians that range in the mountains. A few ponies constitute their entire wealth.

            There is very little game in this Territory, by which the Indians are enabled to procure the necessary means of subsistence. Large herds of buffalo that used to range in this vicinity have entirely disappeared, depriving them of their usual amount of food, likewise a great source of comfort derived from the manufacturing of the skins into tents and clothing to keep themselves comfortable in cold weather. The small amount of provisions and clothing distributed to them by Superintendent Martin, before my arrival in this Territory, was entirely inadequate to their wants. Owing to the limited amount of means placed in my hands, I have been unable, as fully as I should have desired, to supply their wants, thereby preventing them from supplying themselves by unlawful means.

            Large numbers of the Shoshones, in conjunction with the Bannacks, who range along the southern boundary of Washington Territory, have been committing upon the emigrants travelling to California and Washington some of the most brutal murders ever perpetrated upon this continent.

            I am glad to say, however, that Washakee, the head chief of the Shoshones, and his band, have abstained from any acts of violence or theft, which have characterized a large portion of the tribe. From conversations or talks recently held with Washakee, I am apprehensive that a general outbreak of hostilities will take place throughout this entire region of country. Large herds of stock have been stolen and driven off by predatory bands of Shoshones, during the present season, none of which have as yet been chastised for their stealing propensities, thereby emboldening them to commit farther acts of theft and violence upon the whites living or travelling through this country.

            In view, then, of the threatened or anticipated hostility of the Indians against the whites, as well as for the protection of the overland stage and telegraph lines, I would most earnestly recommend that three or four companies of soldiers

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         205

be stationed at this post, its capacity being ample, without the expenditure of but a very small amount of means, to quarter that number.

            In obedience to the request of circulars, I will transmit to the department separately the information desired : first, as to the employes ; second, as to schools ; also as to farms and farming.

            I cannot too strongly urge upon the department the necessity of placing the Shoshones upon a reservation to be located at one of the three points, viz : The Wind River valley, which is said to be one of the finest valleys in the mountains. It lies in the western portion of Nebraska, east of the Rocky range, and is susceptible of a high degree of cultivation. The only objection that can be urged against its location is its close proximity to other tribes with whom the Shoshones are at war. The next location that I would mention is the valley of Smith's fork. This valley, however, is embraced within the limits of the large military reservation, twenty by twenty-five miles square. Large bodies of land along the fork are susceptible of a high state of cultivation. Judge Wm. A. Carter, the sutler at this post, is successfully farming some three hundred acres in that locality.    The last and only location that I would call your attention to is the valley of Henry's fork, in conjunction with the Green River valley. This location is situated north of the Uintah range of mountains, and south and east of the military reserve. Large numbers of the mountaineers who are living in this locality have been in the habit of wintering there. The amount of lands susceptible of cultivation is somewhat limited.

            Hoping that the department will approve of my recommendations in this report, alike vital to whites and Indians, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LUTHER MANN, JR.,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. JAMES D. DOTY,        

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Great Salt Lake City, U. T.

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No. 41.

UTAH AGENCY, SPANISH FORK INDIAN FARM,

Utah Territory, September 16, 1862.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit to you my first annual report, which will not be as full and satisfactory to myself as I could wish.

            I entered upon the duties of my office the 26th day of October, and found the Indian farms located within my agency in a destitute condition, stripped of their stock, tools, and movable fences, and no one living upon either of them. Two notes came into my hands, on which I collected 230 bushels of wheat and 700 barrels of flour, being the only means I have received for the large and numerous bands of Utah Indians. And to relieve their wants, having no means at my disposal, I have been compelled to purchase on credit from the inhabitants, and using most of the salary I have received, for the immediate and absolute wants of these Indians. It will require the sum of one thousand dollars to pay the employes and liquidate the debts of this agency.

            I am happy to report there have been but few depredations committed which have come to my knowledge, immediately within my jurisdiction, of much magnitude. Most of the Indians have been peaceable and loyal.

            Within my agency proper, if I understand it correctly, there are five different tribes of Indians Utahs, Shoshones, Goshee Utes, Par Vans, and Pie Edes, and each is divided into several bands, with chiefs, besides several small bands with sub-chiefs.

206      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The Utahs are divided into six bands, of which Sowyett, White Eye, Tabby, Anthrow, Jo, and Kibe are their chiefs. Kibe's (or mountain) band is the only one that makes their permanent residence at this reservation, who are the remains of the two once powerful bands of Worker and Pee-tee-neete, and expect to be supported by the general government ; who least appreciate their presents ; who never ask in a courteous and becoming manner, but demand all kinds of food and clothing used by the whites. A refusal brings threats and insulting language. I have endeavored to deliver the goods to the well-disposed, and teach them that government sent the goods to the good Indians, not to the vicious ; that threats would not produce food nor clothing ; which, I am happy to say, has changed the conduct of many of them. As a whole, I think they are the most depraved, superstitious, addicted to all manner of crime, under the least restraint, of any of the Indians within this agency, in consequence, in a great measure, a being associated with some white desperadoes who infest this country and furnish them whiskey. They number 275 souls -- 78 Indians, 74 squaws, and 123 children. They claim this reserve as their grounds and home, which is situated upon the Spanish fork stream and Utah lake. Although federal jurisdiction is denied by many citizens, I would respectfully suggest the propriety of still holding the reservation for the convenience of the superintendency to herd stock, &c., and for the use and benefit of these Indians. It is also the concentrating point for all the different bands of Utahs once or twice a year.

            Some may be induced to work, but food and clothing, without work, has been their former usage, which has made them indolent, lazy, and run them into all manner of vices. Little improvement with the older onces [sic] can hardly be expected.

            Immediate steps should be taken to remove trespassers upon this reservation, who have built houses and taken up a permanent residence, or surveyed out farms thereon, which is a great outrage upon the Indian department and agent.

            Were the farm and house put in repair, and a new dam built, the old one being entirely gone, with white labor enough, simply to keep it so, assist and teach the Indians, I have no doubt it would be self-sustaining. The income of renting lands to citizens for cultivation, mowing, herding stock, &c., whatever the Indians did not require, would produce all that would be required for these Indians. But a constant trespassing, making new surveys, staking out new farms from this reservation, with impunity, would infer that it was only a question of time when all the improvements might be surveyed and the federal officers be permitted to stay at the will of the trespasser. The new dam, when built, to turn the water into the race for irrigation, should be built up the stream, above the old one about 150 rods, which would be beyond the boundaries of the reservation. Therefore, I would recommend a small addition to be made to the reservation, not for the value or want of it for cultivation, which is of no value whatever for that purpose, but to save any after trouble of the right to flow, or the fee simple to the land on which the dam will be built. I enclose a diagram of the reserve, and the piece I would recommend to be added to it.

            Sowyett's band, whose hunting grounds are at Uintah valley, numbers 210 souls -- 58 Indians, 56 squaws, and 96 children. Too much praise cannot be said of them. Their influence to suppress the evil conduct of the vicious is immense, and never wanting. Always thankful for the smallest favor from their agent, free from bad habits, and worthy of all confidence, they should not be neglected by the general government.

            Anthrow and Tabby bands inhabit, most of the year, at Uintah valley also, and sustain themselves mostly by hunting and fishing. They number about 300 souls, who seem to be peaceable and well disposed, and some of them could be induced to settle and labor.

            White Eye band, whose hunting grounds are upon Green river, makes a visit

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         207

to this place once or twice a year for presents. They number about 102 souls -- 32 Indians, 30 squaws, and 40 children. They seem to be orderly and well disposed, and no Indian is allowed to live in their camp who will not obey the instructions of their chief, which are good and against all immorality.

            Jo's band is located in and about San Pete reservation, who claim great negligence on the part of government.

            Par Vans and Pie Edes I have not visited, having no means of conveyance, but have been credibly informed of the extreme poverty of the Pie Edes, and their great desire to be assisted in cultivation of lands, and to become agriculturists.

            As per your instructions, I visited the western part of the Territory. I found the Goshee Utes, White Horse being their chief, settled in large numbers along the California mail line, from Simpson Springs to Egan cañon, mostly at Deep and Shell Creek stations. They appear to be very friendly and well disposed, and were in a deplorable condition in the middle of winter, not one-half of them with either blanket or shirt, and but one wickiup among them, except sage brush or boughs. Without the aid of government the past winter they must, a great portion of them, have perished. I issued goods to them in February last, although but a small amount, not one-half what they ought to have had. They signified that it was more than all they ever got before from their Great Father, and were well satisfied, with great rejoicing among them that they had not been forgotten.

            There being no settlements upon the road except the mail stations, the country almost entirely destitute of fish and game, it seems absolutely necessary that something should be done for their permanent good and maintenance. The Indian reserve at Deep creek is well located, with a good quality of land, and no Indians have I seen that are more anxious a farm should be started than these. They proposed to make the adobes and help build a house if I would come and improve the farm, which seems to be very necessary for several reasons : 1st, the general face of the country is the poorest I ever saw, which abounds in deserts and mountains, and is almost destitute of game, which makes it absolutely necessary, the Indians should be supported, starve, or steal from the Overland Mail Company; 2d, the distance from a wheat-growing country, cost of transportation makes it very expensive to feed them ; 3d, their great anxiety to cultivate the land, raise their own provisions, and become agriculturists; 4th, their extreme poverty requires government to sustain them, or provide means whereby they can sustain themselves; 5th, those Indians whom government has fed and clothed for a number of years, without requiring their services to help sustain themselves, their minds being without employment or anxiety for their own maintenance, have run into all manner of vices, superstitions, and drunkenness, and large numbers of them die with venereal diseases; 6th, it is better their time should be occupied, which keeps them from bad society, accumulating all the bad habits, and very few of the good ones, white people are subject to, which is characteristic of the Indian, and irretrievable loss, for it is almost impossible to improve on an Indian of these habits — time is lost and money thrown away. I cannot too strongly recommend the improvement and the locating of these Indians upon this reservation ; also upon the creek running through this reserve I would suggest the propriety of building a small flouring mill, with a-two and-a-half-feet burr-stone, with a bolt cloth of No. 4 or 6 fineness, it being about one hundred and twenty-five miles to the nearest mill, and the country is so poor it will never sustain but few inhabitants; consequently it will be a good many years, if ever, a mill is built by individual enterprise. A mill here would be sufficient for the present for all the Indians in the western part of the Territory. Also, I would suggest the propriety of the erection of a blacksmith shop and employing of a blacksmith for the benefit of the Indians of this reservation.

            The Shoshones, or Snakes, of which Tomoke, Buck, and Quads are their

208      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

chiefs, which come within this agency, are in and about Ruby valley, Humboldt river and mountains. 'They are not so destitute for clothing as the Goshee Utes, but were it not for the aid of the Overland Mail Company they must have suffered the past winter from starvation. Feed, rather than fight, was their motto, and their good order and friendly treatment to the Indians merits great praise to the officers of the western division, which is well appreciated by the Indians.

            The same reasons hold good with these as with the Goshee Utes, they being almost half-way between Great Salt Lake City and Carson, about two hundred and fifty piles from either place. Mud in the fall and spring, snow in the winter, compels freighting to be done in the summer for the next winter, which makes it very expensive to transport flour and wheat to support the Indians. Therefore I would impress the necessity of cultivating the Indian reservation in the valley, and locate these Indians upon it.

            I made them presents the last of February of the substantial goods you forwarded, although not to a very large amount. They seemed well pleased, and promised (I have no doubt they will fulfil) their aid to sustain the mail and telegraph lines, and would act as a police against all Indians committing depredations against them. Snow being so deep in the mountains, your contractor failed to deliver the wheat. The Indians turned out with their ponies and packed wheat sixty to eighty miles, at my request, with great cheerfulness.

            There are quite a number of small bands with sub-chiefs, among the Utahs in particular, which I have endeavored to discountenance and discourage as much as possible, and persuade them to acknowledge and be subject to some of the acknowledged chiefs ; also the rambling Indians to choose some one as their chief. I shall, without ordered to the contrary, in the future issue the presents to more fully accomplish that object. I am satisfied most of the depredations that are committed are by the straggling Indians that have no restraints by consolidation. I have urged the main chiefs to gather in as many of the Indians as possible, which will be the best possible step for a treaty some future day. A large body are roaming about most of the year from this to other Territories. They very soon find out what agent has the most provisions and clothing. I know those who roam to Fort Union, Sante Fe, Navajo county, and all over New Mexico, and receive presents from ten or more agents the same year, which serves as a strong inducement with them why they should not locate upon reserves. Therefore I would respectfully recommend, to guard against such frauds and teach the Indians of my agency the manners and customs of civilized life more fully, that wherever and whenever farms are cultivated Indians there locate; that schools should be established among them where the parents are located, and not upon the chase, where they will be taught, not only at the school-room but at home, the agricultural or mechanical pursuits, which should be taught with a book education. The girls should be taught housewifery, knitting, sewing, spinning, and weaving. No teacher should be employed unless she could teach how to cut and make clothing, both for males and females, sufficient for Indian purposes. And no man should be employed, as teacher or otherwise, unless he is a practical farmer or mechanic, sufficient to teach the Indian the use of tools, preserve meats, grain, &c. The mere fact of producing, without the Indian receiving any other benefit than the grain or vegetables produced, would be far more expensive than to purchase what might be produced. Combine labor with book education, for a book education without a practical knowledge of some science produces as often baneful as good results among them. Make labor primary and book learning a secondary consideration. Inculcate in their minds the idea that labor is ennobling and honorable, and lies at the foundation of all power and greatness, and that idleness tends to vicious and bad habits, which are disgraceful and lead to sickness and a premature grave, which is the reverse of all their preconceived ideas of manhood and greatness.

            All clothing delivered to the Indians should be made in these schools, and

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         209

none should be delivered except to those Indians who in some degree conform to the habits of civilized life.

            The strong feeling among some against leaving off the habits and customs of their fathers for a more civilized life is a great barrier against their improvement. Those who so tenaciously adhere to them, and use their utmost endeavors, by threats or derision, to prevent others who are more willing to change their manner of life should be obliged to adhere to their ancient custom of living and clothing also.

            The greatest inducement to action with the Indian is to supply the stomach, and the more directly we can act upon that the more fully we can accomplish our desires. Feed and clothe those who locate upon reservations and who labor. Let those who prefer the chase take chase feed and the rabbit-skin clothing, and my opinion is that not many years will pass before they will be anxious to locate and labor.

            The policy of issuing the goods, and feeding indiscriminately the good and bad, the industrious and the lazy, is all wrong, and gives but little inducement or encouragement to labor, but stimulates them to rove about and receive presents from as many agents as they can reach.

            The Indians have an instinct to become herdsmen, and but for one antique idea among them, to kill all the animals and destroy all the property belonging to a deceased, they would become a wealthy people. I have no doubt that in some bands property enough is destroyed every year to feed and clothe them comfortably, which can only be overcome by locating and civilizing them. Means should be placed in the hands of the superintendent to purchase cows or heifers for the Indians ; not to be thrown out broadcast, but have them issued to such Indians, and none others, as will rear and herd them, and not to be destroyed at the death of a member of the family ; and it appears to me, after a few years of patience, they will become a self-sustaining people, but who now are the most helpless mortals on earth. There is a vast amount of sickness among some bands of these Indians, which is caused, in a great measure, in my opinion, by having their flour ground and bolted too fine. Bread made as they usually make it, mixed with water, baked in the ashes, and eaten without discretion, which lies like a stone upon the stomach, and performing no manual labor to assist the digestive organs, is the great cause of most of their sickness, and will be a sure process for exterminating the Indian ; and the finer and the more of such flour you feed then the sooner it will accomplish its work. Flour for them should not come from a bolt-cloth finer than No. 4 or 6, which would give them flour far better adapted to their manner of cooking, and more conducive to their health. In the absence of a physician the agent should be furnished with a small quantity of the most common medicines, such as he would be competent to administer, to relieve in some degree the great sufferings and diseases which are common among them. I purchased some medicine and administered it to over 40 Indians with good results, but two deaths occurring. I have had them frequently come 20 or 30 miles for medicine. I think $50 worth purchased in the States, or $200 worth purchased here, would be sufficient.

            The agent should be furnished with the field-notes, dimensions or size of the reservations, inasmuch as some of the more loyal citizens, not wishing to trespass upon the reservations, are desirous of knowing the boundaries thereof, to guard against trespassing.

            As this agency extends over a large extent of country, with no means of conveyance, it requires a light ambulance and a span of mules or horses, and with a good farmer upon each reserve cultivated, with one interpreter, and with constant attention, I shall be able personally to attend to each reservation. Owing to the lamentable condition of our country (your attention has been heretofore called to it, and to the necessity of husbanding the funds) there has been a necessity of making all the purchases here for my agency. I am still

210      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

strong in the opinion that one-half of the amount required here for purchases, judiciously expended in the States for such articles as are required to open up farms and supply the Indians, would purchase us more goods of a better quality, and give better satisfaction than the whole amount expended here.

            I cannot close without speaking in the highest terms of Wm. S. Berry, esq. my interpreter, for his firmness and assiduity in the management of these Indians, which has been far more difficult on account of so much less I had to give the past year than former agents.

            Trusting, as I do, another year my condition and experience will be such to enable me to report alike more satisfactory to your honor and more creditable to myself,

            I remain, sir, your obedient servant,

T. W. HATCH,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. JAMES D. DOTY,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Utah Territory.

__________

            Diagram of Spanish Fork Indian farm, Utah Territory, and proposed new dam. [For diagram, see original report.]

            Having no field-chain to measure, or field-notes to plot from, the reservation I have drawn it from the eye, which will show the relative position in which it lies sufficiently to give you an idea of the strip of land which I suggest to be added to the reservation, which is marked off in dotted lines, and position of the new dam.

            Respectfully yours,

F. N. HATCH, Indian Agent.

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No. 42.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, August 13, 1862.

            SIR : On the 6th of March last I deemed it my duty to advise your department, as also the Secretary of War, of the threatened attacks by the Shoshones upon the emigrant trains passing through the mountains the then coming season, and to suggest the occupation by a regiment of troops of some point in the vicinity of Fort Hall, on Shoshone river, near the point of intersection of the northern California road with the roads to Oregon, and, from this city to Salmon river gold mines.

            Subsequently, as additional information was received from friendly Indians that it was the intention to assemble a large force, estimated by them at two thousand, sufficient to overpower any train, I ventured again to call the attention of the government to the threats and conduct of these Indians, and the prospect that many emigrants would lose their lives or be robbed of their property if military protection was not given at that point, and asked of the Secretary of War a portion of the $25,000 appropriation for the defence of emigrants, to provide for their protection at the place threatened.

            The subject was renewed in my letters of April 11, with the further information that they would certainly commence their depredations upon the overland mail line east of this city.

            All the officers of the United States then here, and the officers of the overland mail and telegraph companies united in a telegram to the Secretary of War, a

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         211

copy of which is enclosed herewith, conveying to him the same intelligence, which they deemed altogether reliable, and urging that troops be raised here for temporary service, and until the troops of the United States could reach this country. No notice appears to have been taken of these representations, certainly no favorable response was given, and it is supposed, from the published letter of Brigham Young, also herewith enclosed, and from other information, our efforts to protect the lives and property of our citizens and the overland mail and telegraph lines have been counteracted by his, or some other invisible influence, and that our exertions have resulted only in increasing his power in this country and not that of the United States. The President having conferred upon him the authority to raise troops and withheld it from the officers of the United States.

            The events which have occurred since our communications were made confirm the correctness of our information, and prove that the assertion of Brigham Young was not reliable, that " the statements of the aforesaid telegram are without foundation in truth," as he believed.

            Before the emigration appeared on the road the Shoshones, in connexion with the Dacotahs and Cheyennes, robbed the overland company of their stock upon more than three hundred miles of the road west of Fort Laramie, killed several of their drivers and employes, and effectually stopped the mail.

            Early in June, Smith, Kinkaid, and others, forming a small party, on their way from California to the States, were attacked by the Eastern Bannacks, who hunt with the Shoshones between Raft river, near Fort Hall, and Bear river, and all but Smith and another were murdered, and the entire party robbed. Smith was shot in the back, with an arrow, but succeeded in reaching the settlement on Bear river, with the arrow yet in him.

            In that month three emigrant trains were waylaid by the Shoshones near Soda springs, and the people robbed and killed. During the month of July I am informed of several trains being attacked and robbed and many people killed.

            A man returned from Salmon river informs me that at the crossing of the Salt Lake and California roads he saw two wagons standing in the road, and the dead bodies of three white men lying beside them.

            There is no doubt that there have been many murders committed there of which no account has been given. The robbery of two hundred head of stock last month, owned by Jack Robinson and other settlers, took place near Fort Bridger, and within six miles of the camp of the forces put into service by Brigham Young.

            I also transmit herewith a statement of the chief "Little Soldier," of the danger of a proposed general rising of the Shoshones and Utahs, made to the interpreter, and yesterday I received information that the Indians in Tavilla and Rush valleys declared their intention to commence robbing on the western road.

            They have stolen many horses and cattle of late from the settlement, and they enter the houses of farmers and in an insolent manner demand food, and that meals shall be cooked for them.

            A regiment of California volunteers, under the command of Colonel Conner, are said to be at Fort Churchill, in Nevada, six hundred miles west of this, on their way to this city, but unless their march is hastened they will not reach here until winter.

            A telegraph order from the Secretary of War to increase their speed would soon bring them upon that part of the road which is threatened by these Utah Indians.

            It is stated that General Craig is five hundred miles east of this city, and

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         212

that he has no orders to advance his troops into this Territory nor into the Washington Territory.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES DUANE DOTY.

Hon. W. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

            The federal authorities. in Utah and Brigham Young have between them a question of veracity to settle, as will be seen by the following correspondence. Brigham does not want any troops sent to Utah. It might interfere with his pretended State government.

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GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,

April 11, 1862.

            The Indians in Utah are robbing the Overland Mail Company of their horses and provisions, and destroying their stations, and declare the paper wagons shall be stopped within two months. They are killing the cattle of the inhabitants and demanding provisions of them and of the superintendent, in an insolent and threatening manner, and 2,000 Shoshones are now entering the northern settlements, demanding food and clothing. An imperative necessity demands immediate military protection for the mail company and settlers.

            We ask that the superintendent of Indian affairs, James Duane Doty, be authorized by the Secretary of War to raise and put in service immediately, under his command, at the expense of the general government, a regiment of mounted rangers from inhabitants of the Territory, with officers appointed by, him, each man to furnish his own horse, clothing, arms and equipments, to serve three months, or longer if required, or until troops of the United States can reach the Territory, and that he be authorized to procure the necessary subsistence.

FRANK FULLER,

Acting Governor of Utah.

I. F. KINNEY,

Chief Justice Supreme Court, Territory of Utah.

LEONARD R. FOX,

Surveyor General, Utah.

FREDERICK COOK,

Assistant Treasurer Overland Mail Company.

H. S. R. ROWE,

Superintendent Overland Mail Company.

E. R. PURPLE,

Agent Overland Mail Company.

JOSEPH HOLLADY,

Agent Eastern Division Overland Mail Company.

W. B. HIBBAD,

Assistant Superintendent Pacific Telegraph Company.

Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,

            Secretary of War, Washington.

__________

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,

April 14, 1862.

            I am informed that a telegram has been forwarded from here over the signatures of Frank Fuller, I. F. Kinney, and six others, not one of whom is a permanent resident in this Territory, to the Secretary of War, asking him to

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         213

authorize James D. Doty, superintendent of Indian affairs, to raise and officer a regiment here for three months, or until United States troops can reach here, under the general allegations that the property of the Overland Mail Company and the settlers are in danger from the Indians. So far as I know, the Indians in Utah are unusually quiet, and instead of 2,000 hostile Shoshones coming into our northern settlements, Washhekuk, their chief, has wintered in the city and near it, perfectly friendly, and is about to go to his band. Besides, the militia of Utah are ready and able, as they ever have been, to take care of all the Indians, and are able and willing to protect the mail line if called upon so to do. The, statements of the aforesaid telegram are without foundation in truth, so far as we know.

BRIGHAM YOUNG.

Hon. JOHN M. BERNHISEL, Washington, D. C.

            To these I will only add that I deeply regret the collision of these two despatches. I very much respect Fuller and Doty and the chief representatives of the overland mail, but am forced to say that the Indians have, I think to them, been greatly misrepresented by interested persons. I have seen times in the mountains when there was anxiety, but that is not the present time. If the traders on the eastern road, who are buying up stock for the Salmon river mines, were all gibbeted, there would be less, if any at all, loss of mail stock.

UTAH.

__________

INDIAN SUPERINTENDENCY,

Utah Territory, August 5, 1862.

            At midnight on the 2d instant Little Soldier, chief of the Cum-um-bahs, or Utah Digger Indians, who has always been a good friend to the white people, and who has always notified them of any approaching danger, arrived at the residence of D. B. Huntington, interpreter for the superintendency, and informed him as follows: That the Shoshone, or Snake Indians, and the Bannack Indians, inhabiting the northern part of this Territory and the southern portion of eastern Washington Territory, have united their forces for the purpose of making war upon, and committing depredations on the property of, the white people, settlers in this Territory, and the emigrants to the Pacific coast by the northern route ; that, for this purpose, the Shoshone Indians have set aside Wash-i-kee, the great chief of that nation, because he is a man of peace and a friend to the whites, and have chosen in his place as their leader Pash-e-go, because he is a man of blood ; that they are trying very hard to get the Cum-um-bahs, the Gos Utes, and Shoegars, or Bannack Diggers, to join them ; that they have already killed a number of emigrants, and committed many depredations on the property of the settlers and emigrants, stealing horses, cattle, &c.; that lately they have stolen and run off one hundred and fifty horses and mules at and about Fort Bridger, a large number in the northern part of the Territory, and three head north of and within ten miles, and seven head within fifty miles, of Great Salt Lake City ; that they are now removing their families to the Salmon river country to get them out of danger, and that when the leaves turned red in the fall is the time they have agreed upon to assemble, and, when the leaves turn yellow and begin to fall, the time they are to fall upon and exterminate all the settlers in the Territory ; that all these war movements are instigated and led on by War-i-gika, the great Bannack prophet, in whom the Bannacks and Shoshones have unbounded confidence and faith, who lives in the vicinity of Walla-Walla, in Oregon or Washington Territory.

            Little Soldier very urgently warns the people of the great danger hanging

214      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

over them, and advises them to have their guns with them at all times in the cañons and in their fields.

JAMES DUANE DOTY, Superintendent.

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No. 43.

SALT LAKE, August 26, 1862.

            SIR : A general war with nearly all the tribes of Indians east of the Missouri river is close at hand. I am expecting daily an interruption on my line, and nothing but prompt and decisive action on the part of government will prevent it. The lines should be protected by soldiers at intervals of one hundred miles. General Paige's force is too small. I think it my duty to give government this information through you. Colonel Conner's forces are four hundred miles west, travelling slowly.

            I leave for home in the morning. Hope to see you by September 10.

BEN. HALLADAY.

Hon. M. P. BLAIR.

(Rec'd August 27, 1862.)

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No. 44.

WASHINGTON CITY, September 5, 1862.

            SIR: In compliance with your request, I give you in writing the following statement :

            Whilst in the upper plains of the Missouri river last June and July, at Fort Berthold, among the Gros Ventres, the Ariccarees, and Mandans, at Fort Union, among the Assinaboines, and Fort Benton, among the Blackfeet Indians, I heard it frequently stated by American traders, that the Indians of the plains had been greatly tampered with by the English traders along the boundary line, and incited to assist them in the then expected war between Great Britain and the United States. This excitement took place when the news reached the upper country of the difficulties created between the two countries by the arrest of Slidell and Mason. A great number of Indians of the various tribes had been induced to come and trade their furs on the British side of the line, and were promised that they would be provided in due time with all that was necessary to expel the Americans from their Indian country.

            I give the above statement on mere hearsay, without proof to substantiate the assertion.

            I had an intention of spending three months in visiting the Sioux bands at my return from Fort Benton, towards the middle of July. On my arrival at Fort Pierre I learned that the Bear's-rib, the great chief appointed by General Harney over all the Sioux bands, had been murdered by his own people, because he had accepted the annual presents sent by government. (I understood that many Indians labor under the impression that by accepting these presents they tacitly renounce their lands.) From what I heard, the murder of the chief had created great excitement against the whites among several Sioux bands. It was also rumored that the tribe or band punished by General Harney in 1855 on the Platte river, for the killing of a lieutenant and twenty men, were ready to revenge their dead, about eighty in number, against the whites.

            With sentiments of the highest consideration of respect and esteem, I remain, honorable sir, your obedient servant,

P. J. DE SMET, S. J.

Hon. Mr. Mix,

            Acting Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C.

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No. 45:

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Office Indian Affairs, September 19, 1862.

            TO THE PUBLIC: From information received at this department, deemed sufficiently reliable to warrant me in so doing, I consider it my duty to warn all persons contemplating the crossing of the plains this fall, to Utah or the Pacific coast, that there is good reason to apprehend hostilities on the part of the Ban-nack and Shoshone or Snake Indians, as well as the Indians upon the plains and along the Platte river.

            The Indians referred to have, daring the past summer, committed several robberies and murders ; they are numerous, powerful, and warlike, and should they generally assume a hostile attitude are capable of rendering the emigrant routes across the plains extremely perilous; hence this warning.

            By order of the Secretary of the Interior.

CHARLES E. MIX

Acting Commissioner.

__________

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 46.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Carson City, N T., February 3, 1862.

            SIR : On the 19th day of July last I had the honor to submit to the Secretary of the Interior quite a full report in regard to Indian matters in this Territory; since which time I have been twice to the reservations and fully investigated all matters pertaining to them in their present condition, and formed the best judgment I could as to what is best for their future.

            The opinions I expressed in my former report I beg leave to reiterate and repeat.

            If the department should not agree with me in the opinions therein expressed, I recommend that a treaty be made with all the tribes embraced within the Territory for the extinguishment of their real or pretended titles to the land.

            One great source of difficulty between the whites and the Indians is a continued series of encroachments on the part of the whites upon the reservations of the Indians. I refer to the reservations of the Pah Utes.

            These reservations cover a large portion of the best grazing lands in the western and middle portions of the Territory. The increasing population bring in their train a large increase of stock, and the great scarcity of forage in the Territory makes it almost a necessity for them to occupy a portion of the reservation. The Indians are exceedingly sensitive to any infractions upon their supposed rights, and a series of trespasses makes them testy and uneasy. The principal chief of the Pah Utes has quite a propensity to speculate, and is a great lover of money. Designing white men take advantage of this weakness, and are constantly making bargains, which they know to be inoperative, for the keeping and herding of stock on the reservation.

            I have steadily opposed all such operations, and compelled the whites to take the cattle off the reservations for the reasons, first, I desire to discourage all such contracts, as they end in loss of cattle and other stock to the owners, and then they claim payment from the government for all losses, even though the stock dies from natural causes ; and, second, if the whites are allowed to make contracts of that kind, they will claim the right to make contracts of other natures, which will lead to serious consequences.

216      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

            I have been strongly importuned by many persons since my sojourn here to, grant licenses to them to trade with the Indians. I have steadily refused to grant such licenses, apprehensive that it would end in difficulty, strongly believing that the only reason that induced them to make such applications is to be in a position to cheat and defraud the Indians.

            I have expended the small amount of money I have received in furnishing the Pah Utes and Washoes such articles as seemed to me to be the most necessary for their subsistence. The extreme severity of the winter, and especially the high waters, the long continued rains and heavy storms, have produced a degree of suffering, both among the whites and Indians, heretofore unknown in this Territory, and there seemed no other way to keep the Indians peaceable and controllable but to feed them and furnish them blankets. There has been a constant apprehension through the season that the overland mail and telegraph would be attacked and interrupted by some hostile demonstration of the Indians. I think the danger has been greatly magnified by the ungrounded fears of many of the station keepers and the attaches of the overland company, as well as by the employes of the telegraph company. To prevent that they have adopted the course of furnishing at the different stations to the Indians as they appeared provisions.

            While this has been done with the best of motives on the part of both companies the result has been pernicious in this, that the Indians, naturally indolent, and only induced to action by their necessities, have been made more so by knowing that they could be supplied at these several stations. Acting under such impressions, they did not exert themselves as much as usual to lay in their accustomed amount of provisions before the inclement season sets in.

            On the 26th of November last I received a letter from Brigadier General G. Wright, United States army, in command of the United States forces of the Pacific department, of which the following is a copy:

"HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

"San Francisco, November 22, 1861.

            "SIR: I have received instructions from the headquarters of the army to send a regiment of troops, or more, if I deem it necessary, to protect the overland mail route. The command will be under Colonel Carleton, and will move as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. I am informed that it is next to an impossibility for troops with their supplies to cross the mountains at this time, and my object in addressing your excellency is to obtain reliable data as to the practicability of the route, and particularly as to the condition of the Indians and the probability of their committing depredations on the stock of the mail company. As soon as practicable I design to establish troops at Simpson's peak, Ruby valley, and Camp Floyd; and in the meantime it is within your power to issue such provisions to the starving Indians along the route as may be necessary for their existence. I have an extra supply of provisions at Fort Churchill, and although I am not authorized to issue to Indians, except in small quantities, yet I should not hesitate to sell it to the Indian department under existing circumstances, even if the department should not be in funds, not doubting that such a course would be approved. I shall esteem it a favor to receive your views on the subject, with any suggestions you may deem pertinent.

            "I have been assigned to the command of this department, and remain on this coast. A service of more than nine years on the Pacific has familiarized me with the whole country, and also with the character and temper of the inhabitants. The Union loving people on this coast are vastly in the ascendant, their fiat has gone forth, and no secession doctrines can flourish here. Nevertheless, it behooves me to be watchful at all times. I shall not assume a threatening attitude for the purpose of warning our enemies to refrain from unlawful acts, but pursue the even tenor of my way, ever observant of impending events, and ready at all

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    217

times to enforce a due respect and observance of the Constitution and laws of our country ; and should it become my duty to act, I shall do so fearlessly and without regard to personal consequences, feeling assured that I shall receive the cordial support of every true and loyal citizen on the Pacific coast.

            " With great respect, I have the honor to be your excellency's obedient servant,

"G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier General U. S. Army, Commanding.

"His Excellency J. W. NYE,

            "Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City."

            To which I replied, on the 4th of December, as follows :

"EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

" Carson City, December 4, 1861.

            "SIR: If you will give me an order, or, rather, if you will cause the commandant of the fort to deliver to me as Indian superintendent such supplies as may be necessary for the immediate necessities of the Indians, I will take charge of their direction in such manner as to be entirely satisfactory, and insure peace with all the tribes in this Territory. All they want is some provisions, such as you have at the fort. I entertain no doubt of the propriety and necessity of the move, and just as little that both the Departments of War and Indian affairs be well satisfied with the efforts made to insure the happiness and peace of the Indians.

            "If you desire me to do so, I will share the responsibility with you. I will fully explain to my department the matter, and set forth that there was no other course to pursue. It would be next thing to impossible to march troops over the mountains, and entirely so to transport supplies with the arrangements you propose. I will guarantee protection to both the telegraph and overland mail lines until spring, when both troops and transportation can find their way over the snows of the mountains. My Indian agent is now out among the Pah Utes, and reports all quiet, but great need of food. Such directions as you may think proper to give shall be faithfully carried out.

            "I am gratified that you are keeping a good lookout for the secession element. It requires it. I am trying to do so here, and have thus far succeeded in keeping it under. I have twenty soldiers from the fort, guarding the jail in this place, to prevent the rescue of a most desperate and bloody villain, one of the leaders of that tribe, and one who wakes up all their energies to extricate. Doubtless Captain Rome [Rowe], who promptly responded to my call, has reported the facts. I hope he will be sustained in his effort to second me in sustaining the laws, and in putting down this secession propensity for butchering any one who desires to be a Union man.

            "I should have answered yours earlier, but have been afflicted with rheumatism to such an extent that I could not write. I shall at all times be happy to aid you in any way in endeavoring to hold the great western slope true to the old Constitution and Union, and aid her along the pathway of her destiny.

            "I am keeping one of the Indian agents, who belongs at the Humboldt, until I hear from you.

            "With the kindest regards and best wishes for your success, I remain yours, truly,

"JAMES W. NYE,

"Governor of Nevada Territory.

Brigadier General WRIGHT,

            U. S. Army Commanding, San Francisco, Cal."

218      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

            On the 6th December I came in receipt of the following communications:

"HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,

"San Francisco, December 2, 1861.

            " SIR : I have given instructions to the commanding officer of Fort Churchill to transfer to you such amount of flour and bacon, or pork, as you may deem necessary for issue to the Indians along the overland mail route. The commanding officer at Fort Churchill has been directed to keep a supply of subsistence for his present command sufficient to last until the end of July next, Although I am not authorized by the regulations to dispose of these provisions, except for cash, yet, under the pressing circumstances of the case, I have not hesitated-about ordering them placed at the disposal of your excellency as superintendent of Indian affairs for the Territory; and if you are without funds of the Indian department the transfer can be made at Washington, which I doubt not will be approved by our government. It is probable that the quantity of flour and meat which can be spared at Fort Churchill will amount to at least sixty thousand rations of the former, and twenty thousand of the latter ; possibly more.

            "With great respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

"G. WRIGHT,

"Brigadier General United States Army, Commanding.

His Excellency J. W. NYE,

            "Governor of Nevada Territory, Carson City."

            On the 16th December I visited Fort Churchill, for the purpose of starting teams with provisions to the Indians along the line of the Overland Telegraph Company, under the direction of John C. Burche, one of my employes, assisted by Thomas Smithson, a trusty person with whom I have been long acquainted, with directions to distribute at the several stations, in such quantities as to them seemed necessary, after learning the number of Indians in the habit of frequenting the stations. While there, and engaged in said employment, I received a telegraphic despatch from Mr. Buckley, the superintendent of the Overland Mail Company, that the station at Robert's creek, about fifty miles west of Ruby valley, had been attacked, and that Ruby valley station was threatened by the Indians. I immediately made a requisition upon Captain Rowe, the officer in command at Fort Churchill, for twenty-five mounted men, to guard and protect the provisions then ea route, and to remain at any point between the fort and Ruby valley, or at that place, as directed by Warren Wasson, the then acting Indian agent. Captain Rowe immediately and very promptly responded to my request, and the next morning the men started, under command of Captain McLean, and arrived at Ruby valley on the 27th. Agent Wasson left on the 18th of December, together with an Indian interpreter, in the overland stage, passing the teams and soldiers on the way, and arrived at Ruby valley on the morning of the 22d December. The troops arrived at the same place on the 27th, and still remain there. The report was exaggerated, the difficulty proving to be among the Indians themselves, for the particulars of which and the exact condition of the Indians I refer you to the following report made by the agent to me:

"CARSON CITY, January 28, 1861 [1862].

            " SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my trip to Ruby valley. In accordance with your instructions under date of December 16, 1861, I started by overland stage on the evening of the 18th December for Ruby valley, and arrived at Smith creek on the 19th December at 8 o'clock p. m. This is the first station in the Shoshone country, the summit of the mountains west of Smith's creek being the boundary between the Pah Utes and Shoshones.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    219

            "On the 20th December, at 6 a. m., I arrived at Ruse [Reese] river, and here met the chief To-to-a and about one hundred of his band. I had a very satisfactory interview with them. The chief assured me of his friendship for our government, and that none of his band would, under any circumstances, molest the stage or telegraph lines, or any whites that might want to visit or reside in his country. He seemed to regret that there was any disturbance between the whites and Shoshones, and volunteered to go with me and assist in bringing about a settlement. I thanked him, but did not avail myself of his proffered service, although I should have done so had I deemed it necessary. His band numbers between three and four hundred, are very destitute, having no manner of property excepting fire-arms, obtained from the emigrants and traders, and the usual rude instruments used by savages in the collection of seeds, roots, fresh game, &c.

            "I left Ruse [Reese] river on the morning of the 21st, passed Simpson's peak, Dry creek, Grub's wells, and arrived at Robert's creek at 6 p. m. Here I found fifty or sixty half-starved Indians, and I observed from fifteen to twenty-five at most of the last named stations, in a most deplorable condition, subsisting principally upon the undigested barley obtained by washing the manure from the overland stables in baskets, after the manner of separating gold from earth with a pan.

            "I may as well state that I here met Mr. Cook, assistant treasurer of the Overland Mail Company, who informed me that he had given orders to the station keepers to issue rations of grain to the Indians at such points as it seemed necessary, and in quantities sufficient to prevent starvation.

            "I remained only one hour at Robert's creek, and arrived at Ruby valley on the 22d, at 8 a. m. Here I found about one hundred Indians, headed by a young chief called Buck. They were subsisting chiefly upon the charities of the mail company and other settlers in the valley. I was informed that about one-half of the Indians belonging in Ruby valley had left for White Knife country, in the Upper Humboldt, on account of the late difficulties consequent upon the death of their chief Sho-kab, the circumstances attending which are substantially as follows: Previous to Sho-kab's death, and after he had become satisfied of his rapidly approaching dissolution, he expressed the wish that Buck should be successor to his position as chief; that he should take his wife, (a very intelligent squaw, named Julia,) and also his horses, arms, and other effects. Now, this disposition of the estate did not accord with the established and time-honored custom of the tribe, and in consequence, immediately upon the death of Sho-kab, his friends proceeded to slay his horses, collect his arms and other effects, and, to complete the horrid rite, the almost frantic widow must be added to the funeral pile, that she might accompany her husband to the happy hunting grounds of the 'Great Spirit.' But she shrank from the dreadful sacrifice, and fled to the mail station, asking protection of the whites, which was granted. The Indians followed, demanding her surrender, and threatening to burn the place, and kill every white man in the valley, unless the woman was given up. This the whites refused to do. A guard was placed around the station, the excitement meanwhile increasing until a young Indian of the White Knife band shot and killed an old and favorite Indian doctor of the late chief Sho-kab. Whether the doctor's death obviated the necessity of killing Sho-kab's widow, or not, I cannot say, but certain it is that the excitement ceased ; and upon the promise of the Indians that they would not kill her, the squaw was given up by the whites, and Buck escorted her to the Indian camp, about one and a half mile distant.

            "Buck returned again to the station in the evening, and a few moments there after the report of a gun was heard in the direction of the Indian camp. It was immediately rumored that Julia was killed. Buck ran to get on his horse, but was ordered by a white man to stop or he would shoot him, at the same

220      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

time firing at him with a revolver. Buck reached his horse, but was prevented from mounting him by another white man, who got ahead of him, and, mounting Buck's horse, gave chase, at the same time shooting at him; but Buck, through the fleetness of his legs, and the darkness of the night, escaped unhurt. The alarm was soon ascertained to be false, Julia was safe. The whites engaged in this shameful affair were said to be intoxicated. Buck returned to the station the next day, and the difficulty was amicably settled.

            " Captain McLean, with his detachment, arrived on the 27th December, and reported themselves to me. Enclosed you will please find a copy of my instructions to him.

            "The danger of interruption by Indians to the mail and telegraph lines apprehended during the coming spring is from a band of the Shoshones called 'White Knives,' occupying the country between the Upper Humboldt and the present mail road; and also from the Gose Utes, who reside east of Ruby valley. The former are quite numerous, and are said to be very hostile. I sent for them to come and meet me at Ruby valley, but bad weather prevented them from coming, and the same reason prevented me from visiting them. I would respectfully recommend that they receive early attention in the spring.

            "The remaining provisions sent out by you for the Indians I placed in charge of Mr. G. W. Jacobs, the road agent, who will see that they are properly issued to the Indians from Ruse [Reese] river to Robert's creek ; and we estimated that the supply would be ample for their necessities until spring. In view of the vast number of wild Indians in the eastern portion of this Territory, who were not included in the estimate of expenses of this superintendency for the present year, and the increasing necessity for prompt action to keep them quiet, from the fact of the rapid settlement of that portion of the Territory by the whites, and for the protection of the overland mail and telegraph lines, as well as the overland emigration, I would most respectfully suggest that this Congress be urged to make at least as large an appropriation for this service as for the 'Pah Utes' and Washoe tribes.

            "I would also humbly recommend two more Indian reservations—one to be located near Grantly [Gravelly] Ford, on the Humboldt, and the other in the neighborhood of Ruse [Reese] river.

            "I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"WARREN WASSON.

"His Excellency JAMES W. NYE,

            "Governor and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs."

            Before Mr. Wasson left I delivered to him written instructions, a copy of which I herewith submit. You will observe by his report that he followed his instructions, and left with Captain McLean, on his departure, the following instructions:

"RUBY VALLEY, January 12, 1862.

            " SIR : Important business demanding my presence immediately in Carson City, for which place I shall start by stage to-day, I have to direct you to remain in this vicinity on the mail route with your detachment until further orders.

            " In case of any hostile demonstrations by Indians sufficient to demand your attention, you will be informed by Mr. G. W. Jacobs and governed by him in your action in the matter; but above all things prevent hostilities, except as a last resort, in the defence of the lives and property of whites. Confine your action to the defensive purely.

            " It is the policy of the government to peaceably secure the friendship of all the Indians in the Territories. You are therefore instructed to improve every opportunity to cultivate friendly feelings in them towards the government, and to assure them of its protection in the peaceable enjoyment of all their rights so long as they do right.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    221

            "I regret the necessity of having to call your attention to the illegal practice along this route of furnishing intoxicating drinks and ammunition to the Indians. I trust you will use all the means in your power to prevent it in future.

            " I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

" WARREN WASSON,

" Acting Indian Agent.

" Captain D. McLEAN,

            " Commanding Detachment, Ruby Valley."

            While I was busy at the fort, on the 16th December, the Indian agent, Mr. Lockhart, arrived, and immediately repaired to the fort. I explained to him my plans and arrangements, all of which he approved, but was too much worn and exhausted from his long journey to accompany the expedition.

            There is a large band of the Pah Utes at the Humboldt, at a place called the Big Meadows, in a very destitute condition. Messrs. Burche and Smithson have gone with provisions to them, taking two teams.

            Owing to the unprecedented state of the roads, teams can draw but light loads, and transportation is very high, and treble what it would have been in the summer or autumn. It will be apparent to the department that the strength of the force ordinarily employed was insufficient to perform these pressing duties, I therefore was compelled to employ addition force [sic]. The wages in this country are high, and help hard to obtain, and to persons not resident seem exorbitant. I have consulted all the economy in my power ; still the expense will be heavy. This moment I have received a telegraphic despatch from Ruse [Reese] river, informing me that the " White Knife" Indians have made a descent upon them at Ruby valley and stolen some cattle. I have directed them to pursue and recapture the cattle, if possible, without a collision. I shall hear and advise you of the result before this communication is closed. From the best information I can obtain, there are about six thousand of the Shoshone Indians in this Territory. I am informed by Mr. Doty, superintendent of Indian affairs for Utah, that the eastern boundary of this Territory is about sixteen miles west of Ruby valley, which is about three hundred miles east of this place.

            All supplies for the Shoshones who live in that vicinity have to be carted from this place, and from California to this place, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles or more. This is true in regard to flour, blankets, &c.; beef can be procured in the vicinity.

            I mention these facts to show the department that all supplies used here are necessarily expensive, the transportation costing as much or more than the original cost of the article. I hope the arrangements entered into with General Wright will meet with approbation. I acted in the matter as I thought best, and as the exigencies demanded. I will, as soon as the agents come in, report the exact amount distributed, together with the cost, including transportation. The Shoshones are a heterogeneous tribe, consisting of a number of different bands, and do not acknowledge any particular captain or chief in fact, although in theory they pretend to.

            This makes it more difficult to control them. To visit all the different bands is next to impossible. They are of such a roving character that there would be no certainty of finding them if a visit was made by an agent. If I am correctly informed, there is no reservation in this Territory for the Shoshones. I believe there was in Utah. I recommend that one or more reservations be set apart in such place or places as may be found by the person designated to locate them the most advantageous and proper. My experience and observation has convinced me that they must have some place which they regard as their home, both for their own good and the public safety. It is impossible for any agent to control them while they itinerate about the country. There are constant difficulties arising in regard to the two reservations of the Pah Utes,

222      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

from the uncertain descriptions given at the time they were established. I recommend that such a course be pursued in making their boundaries certain as will, for the future, do away with all questions.

            There exists an imperious necessity for a local agent at each of the small reservations, who shall be constantly with that portion of the several tribes who reside in them. The presence of a person clothed with power seems to have a happy influence, and to such person they pay great deference and respect. Such a person, as suggested in a former report, could be well employed in teaching them how to farm, and to read and write. I especially recommend to the department the adoption of my suggestions in regard to furnishing the Pah Utes some cows, oxen, and farming implements. My convictions, by subsequent observation, have been strengthened in this regard. In the vicinity of the Big Meadows, and where a large band of the Pah Utes reside, is an extensive gold and silver mining region, rapidly settling with whites. The Indians regard them as trespassers, and subject them to considerable annoyance. To prevent difficulty I have ordered Mr. Burche to remain there through the winter.

            In regard to the manner of distributing the provisions along the mail route I could not devise any other practicable mode but to leave them with the station keepers of the Overland Stage Company, taking their receipt for the amount left.

            The season is so severe, the roads so bad, and the country so sparsely settled, that it seemed impossible that our agents could distribute them. At the same time, knowing their anxiety to preserve friendly relations with the Indians, I concluded this to be a sufficient guarantee for their faithful application.

            When I arrived in the Territory I found Mr. Wasson, the then acting agent, in charge of all the Indian affairs in the Territory, left so by Mr. Dodge, the late agent. I have always found him a safe adviser, and an honest, upright man. He has had great experience, with the Indians, and they entertain for him the highest regard and respect, and place the most implicit confidence in his word and integrity.

            Owing to the unsettled condition of affairs I regard his services, at this time, as indispensable, and have recommended the new agent to continue him in his employ. A want of experience on my part, as well as on the part of the agent, renders it doubly important. Coming to the discharge of these new duties, in a strange country, entirely wanting in experience, I doubt not I have made mistakes. If so, the department is possessed of them, and an intimation in what respect will suffice for my guide. I shall always receive any suggestions kindly, and follow them implicitly.

            I have the honor to be, with great respect, your humble and obedient servant,

JAMES W. NYE,

Ex officio Indian Superintendent of the Territory of Nevada.

Hon. WILLIAM P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 47.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Carson City, Nevada Territory, June 17, 1862.

            SIR: On the 3d of February last I had the honor to transmit a lengthy report of the condition of Indian affairs within this superintendency, accompanied by Mr. W. Wasson's report of his expedition to the Shoshones, since that time I have not received any communication from the department.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.                223

            About the 1st of March I had a good reason to apprehend a very serious disturbance with the Indians of Owens' river, within the limits of the State of California, would occur, and it appearing very likely to extend to the tribes under this superintendency, I deemed it proper to take such measures as were within my power to suppress it, or, at least, to prevent its spreading into this Territory. For particulars in regard to the efforts taken in this matter I refer you to the copy of Mr. W. Wasson's report, dated April 20, 1862, herewith enclosed. A few days since Wah-ad-ze-bo, an influential chief of that section of country, visited me, and expressed the desire of his people to amicably adjust their difficulties with the whites.

            On the let of May I started on an expedition through the Indian country, accompanied by Mr. Wasson. When we arrived at Walker river, about the 5th of that month, we found the Indians of that section in a state of intense excitement, created by the killing, the day before, of Wah-he, the third chief of the Pah Utes and eldest brother of old Winnemucka, the head chief of the tribe, by San Joaquin. Wah-he's offences were of such a character as to justify the killing. While engaged in pacifying the Indians we received information from old Winnemucka, on Truckee river, that the Tanku river Pah Utes and the Bannacks, friends of the deceased, were determined to revenge the death of Wah-he, and would kill Wasson or any one else that attempted to prevent them. Mr. Wasson, from his knowledge of the business, deemed it very important to visit them at once, and alone. So, returning myself to Carson City, I sent him over to talk with them. On the 10th a rumor reached me that he had been killed by the Indians, and while preparing to go over and investigate the matter I received a communication from him, dated May 10, which is herewith enclosed.

            In accordance with a previous arrangement with old Winnemucka, I started on the 20th of May, in company with Indian Agent J. T. Lockhart, Mr. Wasson, Mr. Burche, and a company of cavalry of California volunteers, commanded by Captain George F. Price, and arrived on the 23d at Pyramid lake reserve. On the 24th I had an interview with Winnemucka and his people, and also some Bannacks who were visiting them at the time. I made them some presents, and succeeded in settling the difficulty resulting from the killing of Wah-he.

            The Bannacks have returned to their own country, accompanied by old Winnemucka, who intends spending the summer with them and returning to his tribe in autumn.

            Ever since my arrival in this Territory the entire force of the superintendency has been actively engaged in the field, its labors extending over a space of country three or four hundred miles in width and over five hundred miles in length. By great exertions we have succeeded in keeping the Indians as quiet as could be expected, considering their poverty and the unusual severity of the past winter. The tribes in this Territory are surrounded by turbulent and hostile Indians, greatly increasing our labors. These circumstances may render it impossible to preserve tranquility with them another winter. It is, therefore, to be hoped that these surrounding tribes may hereafter be more properly cared for by the government officers, whose duty it is to look after and watch over them.

            On my return to this city from Pyramid lake I was seized with a severe illness which nearly proved fatal, and disabled me from making this report at an earlier day.

CARSON CITY, April 20, 1862.

            SIR: You will remember that on the 25th of March last I addressed to you, at San Francisco, the following telegraphic despatch :

            " Gov. NYE : Indian difficulties on Owens' river confirmed ; hostilities advancing this way.

            " I desire to go, and, if possible, prevent the war from reaching this Territory.

224      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

If a few men, poorly armed, go against those Indians, defeat will follow, and a long and bloody war ensue. If the whites on the Owens' river had prompt and adequate assistance, it could be checked there.

            "I have just returned from Walker river. Pah Utes alarmed. I await reply.

" W. WASSON."

            To which on the same I received by telegraph the following reply :

            " W. WASSON : General Wright will order fifty men to go with you to the scene of action. You may take fifty of my muskets at the fort and some ammunition with you, and bring them back. Confer with Captain Rowe.

"J. W. NYE."

            In pursuance of these instructions, I immediately repaired to Fort Churchill, and, after consultation with Captain Rowe, who promptly adopted measures to carry out your designs, it was determined to proceed to the scene of hostilities with the force and arms you designated.

            Lieutenant Noble was sent in command of the detachment, with a letter of instructions, of which the following is a copy :

" HEADQUARTERS FORT CHURCHILL, N. T.,

" March 27, 1862.

            "LIEUTENANT: As commandant of the detachment of fifty men about leaving this post for Aurora and vicinity, you will be governed by circumstances in a great measure; but upon all occasions it is desirable that you should consult the Indian agent, Mr. W. Wasson, who accompanies the expedition for the purpose of restraining the Indians from hostilities. Upon no consideration will you allow your men to engage the Indians without his sanction. As often as practicable you will communicate with these headquarters.

            " Very respectfully,

E. A. ROWE.

" Lieutenant H. NOBLE,

            "2d Cav. Cal. Vols., Capt. 2d Cav. Cal. Vols.,

                        " Commanding Detachment, Commanding Post."

            I proceeded from Fort Churchill in advance of the command, and met the Pah Utes on the Walker river reservation. The excitement was great amongst them, and they apprehended general and immediate hostilities with the whites. Their usual preparations for defence in case of attack were apparent. To quiet their apprehensions of a difficulty and prevent trouble during my absence, I despatched Indian messengers to all the bands of the Pah Utes, with instructions to keep quiet until my return, telling them that on my return from the south I would direct them how to conduct themselves to avoid difficulties, are. These arrangements I found on my return to have had the desired effect. We left Aurora for the scene of action on Owens' river on the 3d of April, sending you at that date a brief report of our proceedings, disposition of the arms, and our plan of operations, as far as we could form them at that time.

            George, the interpreter, having become worn out and unable to accompany me on this expedition, at Walker river I procured the services of Robert, a Pah Ute, with whom I left Aurora, in advance of the command, and proceeded on my way by Mono lake, where I found the Pah Utes of that section congregated and much excited. I had an interview with them, and succeeded in quieting them. They were much pleased that I was going to stop the troubles at Owens' river, as they feared they might themselves become involved in the difficulties. They sent with me one of their tribe who spoke the language of the Owens' river Indians.

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            We joined the command at Adobe meadows, thirty miles from Aurora, on the night of the 4th of April.

            The next day I left the command, with the two Indian interpreters, and travelled eight or ten miles in advance of the troops. About noon we passed the boundary between the Pah Ute and Owens' river Indian country, and twenty-five miles, and encamped. The next day we reached the upper crossing of Owens' river and encamped. Seeing no Indians, but abundance of fresh signs, my Mono lake Indian, on the morning of the 7th instant, informed me that he knew by certain signs that the Indians were to the right, and up the valley. I sent him up towards whence the Indians were, while we proceeded down the valley towards the fort, which was fifty miles distant. I instructed him to tell the Indians that we had not come to fight them, but to inquire into the cause of their difficulties with the whites ; and that if they would do right, and were willing to come to a fair settlement, justice should be done them; that, at all events, I desired to see and consult with them. I also instructed this Indian how to approach our camp that night, in order to avoid the danger of being shot down by the soldiers, and told him that our camp would be twenty miles down below on the river. After we had proceeded about twelve miles down the river, I saw a body of about one hundred men at the foot of the mountain to our right, some eight miles distant. By the aid of a glass I discovered them to be citizens and soldiers. I awaited the arrival of Lieutenant Noble and his command, who were about five miles in the rear. When they arrived, Lieutenant Noble and myself left the soldiers and rode over to see who the parties were. We found them to be Lieutenant Colonel G. Evans, with Lieutenants French and Oliver, and about forty soldiers, 2d cavalry California volunteers ; also, Colonel Mayfield, a citizen, in command of forty-five or fifty men. We made known to them our business and instructions, but found little or no encouragement to make peace with the Indians, their desire being only to exterminate them.

            They informed us that the citizens from the fort, some sixty in number, had had a battle with the Indians the day before, on a creek some twelve miles above, and in the direction that my Mono Indian had gone that morning. In the fight the whites had three men killed, and were shamefully defeated. They were retreating towards their fort when they met Colonel Evans, who induced forty-five of them to return with him in pursuit of the Indians, and were so in pursuit when we found them. Evans, being colonel of Noble's regiment, took command of the entire expedition, ordered Noble to bring up his company, and when he had done so we proceeded to the scene of the fight between the citizens and Indians, and camped on the battle-ground. The next morning by daylight Colonel Evans had ordered out scouting parties in all directions, numbering from six to ten men each. About noon that day some of them returned reporting the Indians in force twelve above miles at the extreme head of the valley. Colonel Evans then ordered a rapid movement in that direction, and in two hours we reached the mouth of the cañon in which the Indians were reported to be. Here we encountered a terrific snow-storm, accompanied by a violent wind in our faces; notwithstanding which, Colonel Evans ordered an advance up the mountains, each side of the cañon, a distance of three miles. Fortunately for us, however, we found no Indians there, otherwise an easy victory would have been obtained over us, as arrows assisted by the gale would have had dreadful effect. We could have had no choice of position, and the enemy choosing theirs could have taken advantage of the wind. Becoming satisfied that no Indians were in the cañon, we were ordered to retrace our steps and encamp in the valley three miles below. I remained behind, and the storm having abated, with the aid of a glass I observed Indian signs in a cañon one mile north. I concluded to visit the locality, and when near the mouth of the cañon I discovered a large Indian trail freshly made leading out of the cañon in a northerly

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direction. As night was approaching, I was unable to see any Indians, and turned my horse towards camp, some two and a half miles distant, when I heard an Indian halloo some four hundred yards from me among the rocks. I answered him in the same manner, but received no reply. I then hallooed to him in English, in Spanish, and also in Pah Ute, at the same time making friendly signs, still obtaining no reply. As I would turn to go, the Indian would repeat his halloos. I repeated my calls and gestures to him, but still failed to get an answer. This occurred several times. Becoming satisfied that he only intended to decoy me, I proceeded to the camp. On my arrival there, and, on looking back, I discovered fires in the same cañon.

            The next morning Colonel Evans ordered Serjeant [sic] Gillespie and nine men of Noble's command to reconnoitre the cañon, at the same time moving the whole command in that direction. Gillespie and his party advanced some three hundreds yards up the cañon, when they were fired upon. Gillespie was instantly killed, and Corporal Harris severely wounded in the arm. The party retreated immediately, leaving behind the body of Gillespie and his arms. They met the whole command half a mile below the mouth of the cañon, where as many as were not required to hold the horses were ordered to the attack. Lieutenant Noble and his company were sent to take possession of the mountain to the left of the cañon ; Colonel Evans was to have taken the mountain to the right. Colonel Mayfield and four other citizens accompanied Noble, the balance of Mayfield's company remaining below. Lieutenant Noble succeeded in gaining his position under a brisk fire on both sides from concealed Indians. Here Colonel Mayfield was killed. Lieutenant Noble, finding it impossible to maintain his position without great loss, or to proceed up the mountain on account of its precipitous nature, or return the fire upon the concealed foe with effect, retreated in good order down to Colonel Evans's company, carrying with him the body of Gillespie. Colonel Evans, from the rugged and inaccessible nature of the mountain, being unable to advance to the position he intended to take, retreated with the whole command down the valley; the Indians following and building their defiance fires on our late camping ground before the rear of the column was a mile and a half distant. We encamped that night twelve miles below, at the spot where Sheriff Scott was buried, who had been killed on the 5th instant in the fight between the citizens and Indians. Colonel Evans, being without provisions, except beef obtained in the valley, was compelled to return to his former post, near Los Angelos, three hundred miles distant. Lieutenant Noble, with his company, accompanied him as far as the citizens' fort, fifty miles below, for the purpose of escorting the citizens with their cattle to this Territory—the stock amounted to about four thousand head of cattle and twenty-five hundred sheep.

            During the engagement above mentioned I selected a high rock, at about the centre of operations, from which I could observe all parties, and am satisfied there were not over twenty-five Indians, who had probably been left behind as a decoy to the whites and to protect the main body and families who had gone on into the mountains to the north to avoid a collision with the troops.

            These Indians have dug ditches and irrigated nearly all the arable land in that section of the country, and live by its products. They have been repeatedly told by the officers of the government that they should have the exclusive possession of these lands, and they are now fighting to maintain that possession. They number between five hundred and one thousand, and belong to the California Digger Indian tribes. Many of them are the refugees from Tulare valley, who, in 1852 and 1853, massacred the white inhabitants and depopulated the Four Creek county. At a great expense to the government they were driven over the Sierra Nevadas from Tulare valley, and having taken up their abode here, along Owens' river, as a place of last resort, they will fight to the extremity in defence of their homes. Lieutenant Noble conferred with me, and we had agreed as to the course to be pursued till we met Colonel Evans, who then assumed the

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command. This re-enforcement ruined all our plans. We might have done better — we certainly could not have done worse.

            The morning after the fight, finding it out of my power to do any good in the neighborhood under the circumstances, and fearing the effect of the victories these Indians had gained over us would be to incite the Pah Utes to hostilities, I left, accompanied only by my interpreter, and the following night reached the line of the Pah Ute country. From the time of entering the Pah Ute country I met many of that nation  who were anxious to hear the news from the seat of war, and what would be the probable result. I told them not to participate in the difficulties, and assured them that unless they did so they should not be molested. They promised to be governed by my instructions and advice.

            I arrived at the Walker River reservation on the 16th instant. The Indians were all glad to see me return; said that they had been afraid that I and the interpreter would be killed by the Owens' river Diggers, and that if such had been the case they had six hundred warriors ready to go and avenge our death. I was detained at Walker reservation and at Fort Churchill three days on account of the officers at the latter place insisting upon herding their government stock — cavalry horses and all — thirty miles from the fort, in the Indian country, notwithstanding grass was just as good near the post, (an argument used by the Indians,) having excited and alarmed the Pah Utes who regarded it as a war movement and an infringement of their rights. I took such measures as were calculated to allay the difficulty, and I will here add that, for the first time since the establishment of that post, its present management promises to be productive of more evil than good among the Indians.

            I take pleasure in being able to congratulate you upon the present prosperous condition of our Indians. Surrounded by turbulent and hostile tribes, submitting to many outrages in their midst, emerging from the hardship of an unusually severe winter, yet they remain quiet and peaceable, and have committed no outrages upon the whites. But we cannot expect that this will be the case always.

            I would here respectfully call your attention to a suggestion contained in my report to you, dated August 13, 1861, viz :

            " In April of each year there should be issued to the Pah Utes, in fancy articles         $1, 500

            " To the Washoes in like articles         150"

            The necessity of this might not seem so obvious to one unacquainted with the habits and manners of the Indians, but having observed that at this season of the year they are always better prepared to make aggressions, as they and their animals being well fed and fat, and no longer pinched by the weather, it requires some little presents from the government to keep them quiet.

            I would suggest that the amount above mentioned be immediately issued to them in hickory shirts and overalls.          

            Hoping my proceedings will meet your approbation, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WARREN WASSON.

His Excellency JAMES W. NYE,

            Governor and ex officio Superintendent

                        Indian Affairs, Carson City, Nevada Territory.

            Messrs. Wasson, Ruche, and Smithson, are obtaining certificates of issue ; when obtained, I will forward the statement of all accounts up to the time Mr. Lockhart took possession of the department. I have never received a word from the department whether the policy I am pursuing, or my recommendations, meet with approbation or not. A want of knowledge in this respect makes Me doubtful

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what to do, and places me in that position with the Indians that I know not what to promise them.

            I again respectfully recommend that the superintendent may be directed to determine the exact boundaries of the reservations, and place such monuments as will be an evidence to all where the reservations are.

            All of which is respectfully submitted.

JAMES W. NYE,

Ex officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs, N. T.

Hon. WILLIAM P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington.

__________

CARSON CITY, N. T., June 15, 1862.

            SIR : I beg leave to make the following report of the condition of things within the limits of this agency :

            About the 15th of March an Indian war broke out on Owens' river, California, not far from our border, which at the time threatened to involve the Indians of this Territory in the same difficulty; and would doubtless have done so, had not measures been taken to avert it, by sending Warren Wasson to that country to prevent the Pah Utes from engaging in it.

            A detailed account of W. Wasson 's visit to the scene of action will be found in detail in the ensuing report of the superintendent. Trouble within our limits which seemed at times alarming, has, by timely and judicious management, all subsided.

            For the management of the Indians I am indebted in a great measure to the experience of Warren Wasson, whose experience and council have been essentially useful to the department.

            With difficulties all around us, nothing of a serious nature has occurred within this agency.

            On the 21st of May last, in company with Governor Nye, Warren Wasson, and John C. Burch, I left this place to visit the Truckee River reservation.

            At Fort Churchill we were joined by Captain Price and command, company M, California volunteers, who accompanied us to the reservation, where we arrived on the 23d.

            On the 24th Governor Nye held an interesting and satisfactory conversation with old Wuna-muc-a, head chief of the Pah Utes, after which we distributed some presents to them.

            We remained there two days.

            On the reservation are some 5,000 acres of good land (the cultivation of which has been from time to time earnestly recommended) which certainly should be cultivated for the use of the Indians, especially, since they are so anxious to be aided in the same, and as many of them are so used to work, having learned many kinds of work while living with the whites.

            As to that portion of the Pah Ute tribe which inhabit the Humboldt country, I would say our reports from there (I have not as yet visited there) are of the most favorable character.

            There are about 300 of them in that locality. We have recently sent some presents to them, to be distributed among them by John C. Burch. I deem it just to the Indians, and judicious for the government to establish an "Indian reservation" somewhere on the Humboldt.

            From all I can learn, the place most suitable is one known as the " Big Meadows of the Humboldt."

            That country, on account of its mineral wealth, is rapidly being settled up

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and thereby depriving the Indians of their natural advantages in procuring food.

            For full particulars of the Indians of that country, I beg leave to submit a report from John C. Burch, local agent for the Humboldt Indians.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JACOB T. LOCKHART.

__________

FORT CHURCHILL, May 10, 1862.

            SIR: I have just returned from Pyramid lake, where I found matters in a very bad shape. Old Wuna-muc-a was exasperated at the death of his brother, Wak-hee, and old Sow-a-dab-a-bo, Per-her-ba, Pab-a-noma, and Que-dan-a-soeta, chiefs of the Bannack tribe, with a small band of their warriors, having arrived at the lake from the north, were making great exertions to stimulate his hostility towards the Walker river Pah Utes. I found them friendly disposed towards me, but anxious to obtain my consent to their proposed expedition against the Walker river Indians.

            I represented to them the disastrous consequences of such a course, and after promising them to investigate the causes of Wah-hee's death, and that they should have an interview with you on the 24th instant, I succeeded in inducing them to keep quiet for the present.

            On my way here I met a small war party of Walker River Indians, headed by San-Joaquin, the chief who killed Wak-hee. They heard I was taken prisoner by the Bannacks, and were coming to my rescue. I persuaded them to return to Walker river, and not to provoke hostilities further.

            I will remain between the contending parties until I hear from you. Any orders you may have for me please direct to this place, and they will receive prompt attention.

            I have the honor to remain your obedient servant,

WARREN WASSON.

His Excellency JAMES W. NYE,

            Governor and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs,

                        Carson City, Nevada Territory.