Letters from Nevada Indian Agents 1856

July 23, 2006

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Nevada History:

Letters From Nevada Indian Agents - 1856

[Compiled by the publisher of The Nevada Observer in 1980-1981 and transcribed from handwritten originals in the collection of Letters Received by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Utah Superintendency, National Archives microfilm; spelling as in original documents. Funding for the project was provided by Grace Dangberg, of Minden, Nevada.]

LETTER FROM JOHN M. BERNHISEL, CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

Washington City February 2, 1856

Hon George W. Manypenny,

Commissioner of Indian Affairs,

Sir,

I have the honor to transmit to you the following extract from a letter dated Genoa, Carson County, Utah Territory, December 4, 1855:

"It really needs an Indian agent or Sub-agent in this county. There are two tribes that rendevous or roam here. The Washoos and the Pah Utahs, many of the latter are very good workers. An agent here would be very useful to them, and a relief to the people."

I am, Sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

John M. Bernhisel

Delegate from Utah

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Great Salt Lake City March 2nd/56

Sir,

In several of my preceding communications through His Excellency Brigham Young, I have endeavored to impress upon your mind the importance of making conversations with some of the Indian tribes of this Territory, that they might be brought to a proper understanding of the policy of the government towards them. I was prompted to recommend such a course from a firm conviction that the exigencies of the case ¬imperatively demanded it. For I am satisfied, that if these tribes are not soon located upon suitable reservations, and some attention paid them to divert their minds from the great injury which they claim his been committed upon them, by their expulsion from the favorite spots of land and its occupation by the Whites, that a horrid state of war and bloodshed cannot be averted. And in order to divert the minds of the most friendly and partially civilized bands, I have marked out some reservations, (a map showing the location of which accompanied my last report, which I hope his reached you before this) and have encouraged them with the promise that they should be supplied with seed grain, farming implements, and such other assistance as may be necessary to induct them into a system of farming. But notwithstanding all my assiduity a Utah chief by the name of Tintick has declared his intentions to make war, and after placing his men in a hostile attitude commenced their depredations by stealing some horses and cattle in Utah County and Cedar Valley and finally by murdering two herdsmen by the names of Carson on the west side of Utah Lake, and subsequently resisting by force and arm the officer and possey, who went to arrest then under an indictment by the grand jury, killing one of the men; and killing and stealing stock since that time. The friendly bands are in great destitution. The winter has been long and severe. Their extreme want will be a strong inducement to many of them to join Tin-ticks band, which has induced me to supply their wants as much as possible till the return of warm weather, and I think if I can be permitted to prosecute my plans for introducing farming among them, that a general war may yet be averted and Tintick’s band dispersed of without a serious state of hostilities.

But as there are no appropriations for that purpose I find myself greatly embarrassed under these circumstances, and am anxious to learn if there will be an appropriation to meet my disbursements for these purposes. I sincerely hope that my views may meet your sanction and that it may suit you to place them before Congress in their proper light and to secure an appropriation to enable me to carry them out.

Very respectfully --

Your obedient Servant

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent, Utah

Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny

Coms. Indian Affairs

Washington D.C.

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LETTER FROM GEORGE W. ARMSTRONG, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR AND SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Duplicate

Indian Agency

City of Provo Utah Territory

March 31st 1856

Sir

It becomes my duty to inform you that our relationship with the Southern Indians are not of that peaceful character which has heretofore characterized them for the last six months.

On the 12th of February I received a note from R. McFete, a resident of South Cedar fort in Cedar Valley informing me that a difficulty had taken place between the Indian Chief Tintick and a man named Marston a resident of that place. As soon as circumstances would admit I repaired to the Fort and was there informed by the Citizens that for some time previous some of Tinticks band as well as himself had been very insulting although they had not up to that period committed any acts of violence except the one of which complaint had been made and that was that Tintick, Squash, and Showashoketts had entered the house of Marston early in the morning of the 10 of February before the wife of Marston had arisen from bed. Marston ordered the Indians to leave the house which they refused to do when he took his gun and pointed at Tintick and told him he was determined to protect his wife and children Tintick and the other Indians being unarmed then withdrew the Indians took offence at Marston and demanded of the Citizens of the fort that he should be surrendered into their custody which was refused. After hearing their statement I proceeded to Tinticks camp where I held "a talk" with him Battick and others of his band. They told nearly the same story although they denied offering any insult either to Marston or his wife. I expostulated with them on the course they had pursued at the same time telling them that they had no right to enter the houses [of] settlers and behave in an indecent manner and when asked to leave the house they should have withdrew immediately and not create difficulty. To all my conversation on the subject they took exceptions and demanded of me the surrender of Marston so that they could punish him for ejecting them from his house. This demand I of course refused they then demanded Ten Kegs of powder or Ten head of cattle this demand I likewise refused telling them at the same time that I did not come to buy their friendship neither would I do so at this or any other time. I found that I could not bring them to terms by any persuasive means and finally told them that if they did not settle the matter before I left that I should take a course to settle it that would not be agreeable to them in fact I would arrest them and bring them to justice when they learned that I was not to be intimidated nor would not buy their friendship they yielded and promised that for the future they would not enter the houses of the citizens. I deemed this course the most prudent at the time as it would allay any suspicion that they might have and as my force was not sufficient to arrest the Indians I determined to return home increase my guard return to Cedar Valley and take them by stratagem and if I should fail in that then to take them by force. I should have made the attempt then to arrest them there but my guard being too small (only five armed men) to compete with fifteen indians well armed with rifles bows & arrows. On my return to Provo I learned that an indictment had been found by the Grand Jury then sitting at Salt Lake City and that writs had been issued by Chief Justice J.F. Kinney of the U.S. District Court for the arrest of Tintick, Showashockets and others and placed in the hands of T.S. Johnson U.S. Deputy Marshall and that he and his posse had already proceeded to springville where he had learned that the Indians for whom he had writs were camped. This being a mistake he retuned to Provo increased his posse and marched for Cedar Valley. In the interim Tintick had learned that the Marshall was sent to arrest him and others and had moved his camp from where it was when I visited him. While the marshall was at Springville a bench warrant was issued by Associate Judge W.W. Drummond on the oath of James Ivie of Provo for the arrest of Squash on a charge of murder and for Tintick, Showashoketts, Cotton-legs and others on a charge of stealing cattle and horses.

The Marshall divided his posse into squads or numbers of ten well armed with Colts revolvers rifles &c one of his squads found where Tintick was camped and immediately proceeded to read the writ when Tintick refused to surrender and drawing his rifle threatened to shoot where upon a fight took place when four Indians were killed three mortally wounded three slightly they balance escaped and among those who escaped were Tintick, Showashoketts, Cotton legs & others for when the Marshall had writs previous to the arrival of the Marshals posse. Squash had left Tintick's camp and gone over to Spanish Fork he was enticed from there by friendly Indian to Springville where he was arrested and well secured. The Indians that escaped then commenced their system of plunder and murder and succeeded in driving off a large number of cattle and horses and killing seven of the herdsmen General Conover of the Utah Military District who was ordered out by proclamation of your Excellency succeeded in recovering sixty five head of cattle and eleven American horses that had been driven off by Tintick and no doubt would have recovered many more had not his men and [sic] animals been compelled to return from fatigue and want of provisions the weather at this time being very severe and the snow in many places from two to three feet deep yet notwithstanding he succeeded in pursuing the Indians son the Desert where they mounted the best American horses which they had stolen stampeded the catle and fled in every direction. I received a letter from T.S. sJohnson U.S. Dep. Marshall dated feby 28/56 informing me that Squash (or Washear) had that morning committed suicide by cutting his throat with a case knife during the temporary absence of his guard. I obtained a copy of the proceedings of Coroners inquest which I forward with this report during this time the friendly bands became considerably excited and I deemed it my duty to use all my influence and if possible prevent them from joining the hostile Indians consequently I visited their Camps frequently and assured them of the friendship of the Whites to all well disposed Indians and also protection to such as remain peaceable I made them a number of Presents which inspired confidence in them and I am pleased to say that it had the desired effect and as far as my knowledge extends but very few if any have joined the hostile band.

Your letter dated the 17th inst (was duly received) requesting me to visit Arrapene principal Chief of the Utahs and if possible to induce him by the aid of his band to recover the property stolen by Tintick and others I accordingly repaired immediately to his camp which I learned was a few miles south of the City of Manti ion Sanpete County as soon as I arrived at Manti I sent for Arrapene and held a talk with him reading your letter which was written to him and explained your wishes to him but he declined every proposition which I made to him saying that Tintick was now a big Chief and that he was fearful of his own life as well as those of his band and I am well persuaded that not only him but the Chiefs of all the friendly bands stand in fear of Tintick and that they now consider him the big Chief of the Utahs.

During my trip to Arapene I recovered twenty one head of cattle and eight horses which had been stolen by Tinticks band and were in possession of the friendly Indians some of which I have in my possession and will be restored to their owners the remainder I left in the southern settlements to be forwarded as soon as their condition will admit of travelling. I also noticed that the herds in the different settlements south were but indifferently herded there not being a sufficient number of herdsmen to protect the cattle in case of an attack by Indians and would suggest that the herdsmen be increased at least until Tintick is secured and the present excitement dies away. I learned from some Indians as Manti that Tintick was camped on a mountain on the west side of Sevier Lake that he has about two hundred and fifty head of cattle and from twenty five to thirty American horses the place where he is camped is well known from the fact that Captain Gunnison was murdered near the spot. On my contemplated visit to the Indians on the Rio Virgin I shall of necessity pass his camp and I have concluded to take a sufficient force with me should I be so fortunate as to fall in with him to arrest him and his accomplices and recover what property he has in possession.

I have the honor to be

very Respectfuly Your obt Servant,

Geo. W. Armstrong

Indian Agent

His Excellency

Brigham Young

Gov & Ex officio Supt. Indian Affairs

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR AND SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office Indian Agent, Utah

Sir,

I transmit herewith an account current, together with abstracts of disbursement and vouchers for my expenditure in this agency, for the quarter ending March 31st 1856, which I trust you may find correct.

Owing to the severity of the winter and the scarcity of provisions, I have had to provide of the subsistence of some of the friendly bands in the vicinity of the white settlements, or permit them to starve or steal. This appears the more necessary on account of an attempt on the part of a chief of the Utahs by the name of Tintic, to raise a war party. About the first of Feby last I received a petition signed by sundry citizens of Grantsville, stating that the Gosh utes in that vicinity were all starving and freezing to death; whereupon I sent my interpreter Lyman S. Wood to look after them and if he found such to be the fact, to procure something for them to eat and give them some clothing, which he did and reports that out of about fifty there were not more than a dozen squaws, and only three children that had survived the winter.

The circumstances of an attempt made by Dept. Marshal T.S. Johnson to arrest Tintic and a portion of his band are so well known to you that I need not allude to them here.

It is quite evident that Tintic has decided upon war, and had actually commenced his operations, prior to his being molested by the officer. And it is to be regreted that Mr. Johnson did not succeed in cutting him off with his whole band without leaving one to tell the tale. For as it has turned out, they can boast of a decided victory, in which they have killed eight whites, and driven off about 130 head of catte, 35 or 40 head of horses and some sheep. While there have only been three Indians killed so far as heard from, and one of them (Squash) cut his own throat. This flattering success has induced many of the young bucks to brake away from the friendly bands to join Tintic, and I fear he may yet assume the character of a powerful war-chief, if he is not disposed of soon.

On the morning of the 28th inst a delegation of friendly Indians from Utah County, came to inform me that Tintic is now about 40 miles west of [the] head of Utah Lake. And that Nioquich his band, the Indians that killed Gunnison, had joined him, and that the White-Knives had also joined him. They state that he has fortified himself in a deep canyon of the mountain, and is making preparation for further mischief. I have not yet learned what course the government designs pursuing with the Indians of this country. When I reached here more than a year ago, it was currently reported among them that treaties would be made with them, and that they would be paid something for the lands; but the season passed away and nothing was done; I have done all I could to prevent disappointment and loss of confidence, which always should be avoided in our intercourse with these treacherous creatures. I have had great hesitancy in adopting the policy, which appeared to me to be the most wise. As I have yet to learn that the government will sanction that policy. Notwithstanding, I have made considerable expenditures, for stock, seed grain, farming implements, provisions &c for the purpose of opening farms and trying to induce them to work and the friendly chiefs, Arripins Kinosh, and Petete en-ete are highly pleased with the idea, and are setting their men to work. I have been very much importuned by the citizens of this Territory, to know if there be any chance to get a remuneration for damages done to their property, by Indians in the war of 1853 and subsequently. With the view, to the proper investigation of these claims, and that justice may be attained, I have permitted them to file their accounts, to which I have required them, to make oath, and to substantiate them still further by the testimony of two or more credible witnesses. They will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington for further investigation and I shall have discharged my duty towards them.

Very respectfully

Your obedient Servant

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent, Utah

March 31st 1856

To Brigham Young

Gov. & Ex officio

Supt intendent Ind. Affairs.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Great Salt Lake City U.T.

April 10th 1856

To the Hon. Geo W. Manypenny Com. Ind, Affairs

Washington D.C.

Sir

Owing to the great extent of the area of this Territory and the constant increase of business connected with the Indian Agency of this Territory, I would earnestly recommend the appointment of an additional Indian Agency to embrace Carson County and Humbolt River County which lie adjacent to the state of California, and six hundred miles from the settlements of this Territory in the central portion thereoff. The cost of the travel of an Indian Agent from Salt Lake City to Carson County would exceed the salary of a full Agency. An agent could be located there only two hundred miles from Sacramento City, and as the Indians are very numerous in that region a great saving to Government would be made in establishing the agency. I hope you will establish an agency there at an early day, and for the office would recommend Decatur J. Thompson of this City who is a Gentleman well qualified and in all respects worthy the position. Mr. Thompson is a Kentuckian, of fine education a warm friend of the administration party and hostile to factionists. With sentiments of very high regard I am

Your obt. servant.

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent, Utah

We most cordially endorse in the fullest sense of the word all that is embraced in the above communication and hope it may meet the approbation of the President and all others to carry this proposition into speedy operation.

Respectfully Your ob[t svts.]

J.F. Kinney

Ch. Justice Sup

Court U.S. Ter of Utah.

W.W. Drummond

Associate Justice U.T.

William Bell P.M

David H. Burr

Surveyor General of Utah

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LETTER FROM JOHN M. BERNHISEL, DELEGATE TO CONGRESS, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

House of Representatives

Washington June 17, 1856

Hon George W. Manypenny,

Commissioner of Indian Affairs,

Sir,

Having recently received several communications from citizens of Carson County, in the Territory of Utah, urging the establishment of an Indian Agency in that region of country, and the appointment of an Indian Agent, I would respectfully request you favor me with your opinion as to the necessity and propriety of the disired agency, and that you would state what would ne the amount of the salary of aa minor agent.

I have the honor to be, Sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant.

John M. Bernhisel

Delegate from Utah.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office Indian Agent, Utah

Great Salt Lake City, Aug. 30th, 1856

Sir,

As your letter of July 9th, and copies of two of Nov. 1st & March 19th were received on the 28th inst which informs one of the non acceptance of Draft No. 18. I take occasion to make a brief statement of the motives that prompted me to pursue the course which I have.

Soon after my arrival in the Territory (Feby 1855) I became impressed with the fact that the Indians have made a distinction between Mormons and Americans, which was calculated to operate to the prejudice of the interests and policy of government towards them. I have endeavored to apprise you heretofore of the policy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of sending missionaries among these Indians and of the character of the mormons generally chosen. These facts were embodied in a letter to you (April 25/55). I determined to counteract these impressions if possible, but in attempting so to do, a liberal policy was necessary, otherwise their prejudices towards government, and myself as its agent might have been confirmed.

As the course pursued by His Excellency Brigham Young has been a liberal one in making presents to them, I thought it inefficient to relinquish that policy unless a better and more popular one could have been adopted immediately in its stead. And in fact I was not authorized to deviate from his policy, for in a letter from your office I had been directed to look to him for all my instructions in the discharge of my official duties. And I have letters of instruction, from him authorising all the expenditures that I have made since entering upon the discharge of the duties of this office.

I confess however that the policy of introducing manual labor among them was suggested by myself: but even in that I had received his most cordial approbation. Believing this to be the more judicious policy it has been my chief concern to impress this fact upon your notice through His Excellency. Consequently in all my quarterly communications I have alluded to this subject with the liveliest feelings of interest. Being fully convinced of the propriety and necessity of this policy I applied through him (for I supposed that the proper channel) on the 31st of Decr. last for an appropriation to meet my expenses in this undertaking. And as necessity required it in the progress of this enterprise I drew for money, and as I was not yet advised of any other provisions having been made to meet my engagements I drew upon the fund for incidental expenses. I had used all deligence to have the necessary provisions made, my engagements were such that i could not relinquish them. To have done so would have been disastrous in the extreme, blighting at once and perhaps forever the growing confidence which was arising in the minds of the Indian towards government and its accredited agents, and it was reasonable to suppose that His Excellency, after having encouraged me in every way possible in the policy of farming, would have relinquished in some degree his own peculiar policy, that a larger portion of the funds appropriated might be applied to that of farming, as he was fully advised of the course I expected to pursue and had given his sanction to the same. But contrary to my expectations so soon as spring opened i received a note from him requesting me to make a visit to the valleys of the Humboldt, Carson & Truckee Rivers, which he know would require an absence of near four months from my farms, adopted such measures as rendered it impossible for me to retrace my steps, and when the trip could not be made without the expenditure of some five or six thousand dollars of the funds on hand. But no doubt His Excellency saw a necessity for these arrangements and I confess it does not become me to speak in terms so plain of a superior officer. But I am charged in your letter of the 19th march with neglecting to consult His Excellency & Agent Armstrong as to the manner in which the public funds should be taken up I feel it due to myself to make these explanations, and I will say further that i called at his office directly after receiving the letter of instructions to visit Carson and expressed my fears that there would not be funds enough to meet our engagements for farming purposes, that the agency had been expensive during the winter that I had been purchasing stock and farming implements, bread stuffs &o and that I had fears of over running the appropriations. His only reply was that he had no doubt but my drafts would all be paid.

The policy of giving presents to the Indians is a popular one, with them, but its' benefits are of a transient character, and leaves them disappointed and dissatisfied, or to remain a burden upon the government and her citizens without any permanent good.

Any one conversant with the feelings and prejudices which prevailed for some months after my arrival in the Territory will bear me out in the opinion that my policy has been the best that could have been pursued under the circumstances, and has in all probability averted some of the most serious calamities that could have arisen between the two races.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient Servant

Garland Hurt

Ind, Agent, Utah

Hon Geo. W. Manypenny

Coms. Ind. Affairs

Washington

D.C.

(not to be published)

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORY INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR AND SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office Indian Agent U.T.

Great Salt Lake City

Sept 1856

Sir,

I have the honor of transmitting herewith an abstract of disbursements and account current, which embrace the expenditures of this office during the quarters ending June, and September 30th, except those incured at the Corn Creek farm in Millard County, which were not included for want of proper forms.

Pursuant to instructions received from your office early last spring, I left this place on the 17th day of May last on a Western tour, for the purpose of lending my influence for the protection of the lives, and property of emigrant citizens along the Western road, between these settlements and Carson Valley. A minute detail of the trip would I think be interesting, but would render an ordinary communication too prolix. Passing beyond the settlements, we saw but few stragling Indians till we reached Thousand Spring Valley on the 31st day of May, where we met a small band of about sixty, men, women, and children, who had heard that we were coming and had been watching the road for several days. They appeared harmless, but very destitute and degraded. Their Chief however, whose name is Setoki was well dressed in skins, and quite intelligent. On the following morning, Mr. A.P. Haws, came to our camp, having left--the bridge on the Humboldt the evening before and travelled all night. He reported the suspected massacre of Carlos Murray and family, who had started early in May from the Humboldt on their return to Salt Lake. The Chief appeared ignorant of the affair, but said he thought it was right, for he had understood that Murray was a very bad man, and had killed an Indian the year before, at the place where we were then camped. Mr. H also reported a larger band of Indians in the Canyon at the head of Thousand Spring Valley whom he suspected to be the perpertrators of the massacre. On approaching the canyon at about noon, we discovered a party of some thirty or forty riding at full speed towards us, but halted on reaching the open plain, and awaited our approach. They were dressed and painted in the most fantastic style. Though friendly, their movements excited suspicion, and when we drove up and camped near their lodges, they were in a state of great confusion. Some of their Squaws commenced crying and the young men were seen driving their horses across the mountains towards the west in great haste. I sent my interpreter to invite them to camp, but it was with difficulty that he persuaded them to come. I asked them what their Squaws had been crying about, but they hesitated, and at length said that a pappoose had died. I told my men to treat them sociably, and to propose to trade with them, with the hope that they would offer something, that would give a clue to the death of the lost family, for we suspected them for the murder. But we got nothing but a gold pencil and an ear-ring, which were recognised as the property of Mrs. Murray. But they did not remain long in camp after receiving some presents which I gave them, and on returning to their lodges, we were greatly suprised, that in less than fifteen minutes not an Indian could be seen. The whole band consisted of about one hundred and fifty and in this short space of time, had effected their escape from our sight. They were composed of Utahs, Cum-um-pahs, Snakes, Banacks, and Diggers, who had evidently collected here for the purposes of plunder. We reached the bridge on the Humboldt on the 4th day of June, where we met a large band of the Diggers who live near Haws Station, and who were parties to the treaty of peace, which I made last summer. They were well disposed, and promised to try to get back the cattle and horses that belonged to Murray and turn them over to his brother in law. From this point, we found the road thronged with Indians every day, who would flock to our camp by hundreds at night, until we passed Stony-point on the 12th of June. They presented a sad state of destitution, and said that many of their children had perished during the winter. They are all parties to the treaty of last summer, and seem to be trying to live up to their treaty stipulations. The Indians about Stony-point are called To-sow-witches (White Knives) and derive their name from a beautiful flint found in the mountains of that region and formerly used by them as a substitute for knives in dressing their food. We saw but few of them on our outward trip except a party of about fifty whom we met on the evening of the 15th and who said they lived north and had come over to trade with the emigrants. They were well supplied with guns and horses and were anxious to trade for ammunition.

At the meadows, and about the sink of the Humboldt, we met in all some two hundred belonging to the Py-Ute tribe, whom we found in the same degraded condition, as the Diggers, but what is most strange, the most of them speak the english language sufficiently well to be understood. It is evident that the most of them have lived more or less in California, and have fled from thence, prefering indolence with all its privations to the benefits of civilized life. We learned that there were about four hundred of the same tribe camped in the mountains north of the sink, whom the Indians desired to send for, but I declined waiting for them, as the grass was poor and we were anxious to reach the Carson River.

We arrived at Ragtown on the Carson, on the morning of the 23rd, having travelled all night, when we saw about eighty more Py-Utes, who are of the same grade of those we met at the sink, and on the 25th 26th and 27th we met other bands of this tribe as we passed up the river, amounting in all to some hundred and fifty. The most of these Indians have evidently once lived in California, which we accounts for their knowledge of the english language. Many of them have become domesticated, and are employed by the settlers of the Valley as herdsmen and laborers, on their farms. There is another small tribe called the Was-saws, who live mostly in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but claim the Carson as their land, and have made several attempts to collect rent off the settlers, but being not very numerous have found a mild course the better policy.

We reached the settlements in Carson on the 28th day of June, having been forty three days out, and remained until the 30th of July when we started on our return trip, travelling by the way of Wassaw and Trucky Valleys, in which we met several small parties of the Py-utes. We reached the meadows at the sink of the Humboldt on the 6th of August where we again met some two hundred or more of the Py-utes, busily engaged harvesting the grass seed. A species of grass somewhat resembling the millet in size and taste of its grain, and grows in great abundance upon the shore of the Lake, after its waters recede in summer. This seed constitutes an important article of food with them, and large quantities of it are stored in deposits under ground for winter. We again saw but few Indians after leaving the meadows, until we passed Stony-point, but learned from emigrants whom we met almost hourly, that they had become exceedingly treacherous, provoking open hostilities by attacking them both by day and night. We were also told that a large amount of money had been seen among them, consisting of five, ten and twenty dollar pieces of gold and that the bodies of three white persons had been found and buried about fourteen miles below gravelly-ford. But we camped within two or three miles of where this murder should have been committed on the night of the 14th of August, when some hundred and fifty of the To-sow-witche band were also camped, and with all the diligence and stratagem that I could use, I could find no money with them, nor, could get any clue to the murder of the emigrants. A large number of emigrant trains, with some two thousand head of cattle and horses had camped for the night upon the same bottoms. The Indians of this band appeared quiet, which rendered an incident that occurred at about 9:PM the more mysterious. An attack was made upon one of the emigrant camps (Mr. Thompsons of Mo). Three shots were fired in quick succession, one of the balls killing a fine man at the stern of the wagon, the other two passing through the cover of the wagon without further damage. This feat was so daring and unexpected that Mr. T could not believe it to be Indians, and as they had a difficulty with some robbers on Raft river he supposed that they might still be in pursuit of them. But as I drove out of camp the next morning, I discovered the tracks of three Indian ponies, which I followed into the canyon about two miles above gravelly-ford, where I came suddenly upon a band of about fifty fierce warriors, who on seeing me sprang instantly for their guns and horses, and in a moment were ready for battle. I requested my Interpreter to speak to them, when two of them who had seen me before dropped their guns and came running to shake hands. We moved about half a mile below them, where in a short time they were all in our camp. They acknowledged that three of them had fired into the emigrant camp the night before, but said that the cook belonging to that company had struck one of them upon the head with a stick when he asked him for bread. I noticed that he was slightly bruised on the side of the face, which showed plainly, that the cook or some one else, had been taking too much liberty with these lords of the soil. The most of them were from the north and said they had visited the road to trade, but their eagerness for ammunition induced the emigrants to withhold it from them and this appears to be the cause of the difficulty. I learned that Nim-ah-tu-cah the old chief, was camped about twenty miles up the river, and told them that I desired to go to his camp that night, whereupon five of them offered their services to go with us, as they said it would be dark before we could reach his camp, which I accepted. We did not find the chief until noon the next day, when I told him the many complaints that were made against his people. He said that some of his men were to-wick (mad) but he had done all he could to keep their hearts good. He thought that the emigrants were to blame some, for I had told them the summer before that the Sho-Sho-nees and Americans were to be friendly, and treat each other as brothers, but now, when his people were starving for meat the americans wouldn't sell them any powder. He said if we were friends he did not understand why we could not trade. He and some of his men followed us on foot about twelve miles to our camp at night to talk as they said, but perhaps to get something to eat. I was informed that a band under a Chief named Sho-cup-ut-see, had undertaken to farm at Haws Ranch this season, and was told by the Indians upon the road that they had made shamits (plenty_ of wheat, potatoes, and squashes. Mr. Peter Haws informed me that they had planted about fifteen acres, and had done it principally with some hoes which I sent them last spring, he having furnished them their seed.

We continued to hear of depredations being committed in Thousand Spring and Raft River Valleys, and about the junction of the roads, but after leaving the Humboldt, we encountered the same difficulty in seeing the Indians of this region, that we had the summer before. Except the chief Setoki, who came to us in Thousand Spring Valley, and told us the particulars of Murrays massacre, who he said was killed about two weeks prior to our passing on the outward trip, by the same band of Indians whom we met in the canyon. We saw none, till we reached the settlements; yet it is upon this part of the road between the Humboldt and Bear Rivers that the Indians have been most troublesome this season. We scarcely met a train who had not had some of their property stolen, or been fired upon while on this section of the road. One man (Mr. Stratton from Mo) lost seventy two head of cattle and a mule and had himself, and one of his men wounded in an attempt to recover them. From an estimate which I made from the reports of different trains, no less than three hundred head of cattle, besides some sixty or seventy head of horses and mules, have been stolen or destroyed upon this section of the road this season. A part of the road here lies in Oregon Territory, and the country over which it passes is neutral ground between the Banacks, Snakes, and Cum-um-pahs, and the most reckless, and unprincipled men of each of these tribes haunt the road here during the season of emigration for the purposes of rapine upon the defenseless traveller. If government should not take steps to check this growing insolence, their success will encourage others to adopt their practices, and in a short time, perhaps in another season, their merciless deeds may exceed anything known to the history of Indian barbarity.

There is no part of our extended country more exposed to savage ferocity, than this great western thoroughfare. And there is perhaps no class of our people more deserving the fostering care of government than the emigrant citizens, who, with a patriotic reliance in the strong arm of his country, seeks through privation and danger to rear her standard and establish her institutions upon her most distant borders, yet upon this road, the lives and property of thousands of these citizens are annually exposed to the ferocity of a race of men, whose cruelty is scarcely a shade removed from that of canibalism [sic].

But I desire to allude more particularly to the course which has been pursued toward the Indians in the immediate vicinity of the settlements in Utah. Having become fully satisfied of the impracticability of sustaining peaceful relations with these tribes, by a course of policy, which at every step of its progress was calculated to fill their minds with expectations that could not be realized, and which, instead of bettering their condition, tended rather to lull them into submissiveness and leave them in the end in a worse condition that they were when we found them. I was admonished of the necessity of adopting some more practical course for their civilization.

Prior to my report of Dec. 31st 1855 it became evident that our relations with the Utahs, were of the most delicate character, and but for the timely intervention of propositions which I made them for designating certain tracts of land as their future permanent homes, and to assist them in opening farms and putting in crops, there is scarcely a doubt that a general state of hostilities would have been commenced before this time, exposing the exterior settlements to the most savage havoc, and rendering the prosecution of the United States surveys in the Territory impossible without the aid of an armed force. But without authority from government for making permanent arrangements of this kind, and without funds to meet expenditures thus incurred the adoption of such a course was, to say the least of it, assuming high responsibilities. But the only apology I shall offer is, that the circumstances left me without an alternative.

As early as the months of February and March, I proceeded to purchase stock and seed grain with the view of carrying out my engagements with them in good faith. But owing to the severity of the winter, and the lateness of spring, nothing of importance was done prior to the first of April except to divert their attempt which Tin-tic, the war chief and his band were then offering, who had effected their escape into the desert with some hundred and fifty head of cattle upon which they were then feasting their allies. The lands selected on the Spanish fork, being covered with a dense growth of brushwood, were more expensive to clear and plow than I had anticipated. Besides, the constructing of a canal for bringing the waters of the river upon the lands for irrigating purposes was a greater undertaking than at first supposed.

But a capacious canal has been completed, rendering a large tract of fertile land susceptible of irrigation and cultivation. Its completion however, was so late in the season, that a large portion of the crop seeded this spring failed to attain perfection. But the accompanying estimates of the crops will show an amount produced, amply sufficient to supply their immediate want, and to encourage them in future efforts. The expenditures at San-pete, and Corn Creek have not been so great, it costing but little at either, to bring the water upon the lands, and as the latter places there had been some forty or fifty acres of land cleared last season.

But the most encouraging feature in this new policy is, the happy influence it has exerted upon the conduct and condition of the Indians. The growing aspect of discontent, portending mischief, has passed away, and a smile of joy now lights their dingy features, giving strong assurances of a permanent change in their life and habits.

Fifty per cent of the amount expended this season, will produce in another year twice the amount of crops, and all things considered, it does appear, that it would be the most consummate folly to pursue any other policy with these Indians.

But it is unreasonable to expect a complete and perfect reformation in these wild nomadic creatures in so short a period, even admitting that they are susceptible of civilization. The history of the Indian is one of strange mystery, and his mental and physical character, not less so. The past to him moves swiftly on to oblivion, limiting his knowledge of things to the century in which he lives. The deeds of his sires, are but dimly seen in the few traditions that descend to him. And, like objects imperfectly reflected through the twilight of evening, are soon lost in the sable curtains that follow. That he is a being susecptible of civilization, and when civilized, capable of erecting, sustaining, and perpetuating the institutions of civilized man, is a desideratum upon the solution of which depends the future policy of government towards him. For it may yet be shown, that the continued presence of a superior race is necessary to direct and control his energies, in order that he may enjoy the benefits of an enlightened government.

Very respectfully

Your obedient servant

Garland Hurt

To His Excellency, Brigham Young.

Gov. and Ex officio Supt

Ind. Affairs, Utah.

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LETTER FROM GEORGE W. ARMSTRONG, UTAH TERRITORY INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR AND SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office of Indian Agency

City of Provo September 30, 1856

Sir,

In compliance with your request contained in your letter to me dated 20th of August last "to make an excursion Westerly and south westerly among the Digger (or Gosh-utes) as well as among the To-se-witches (or White Knives) Indians" I would here take occasion to say that that requisition has been complied with.

As it was deemed necessary by your Excellency that an Agent should visit these lands from the fact that it had been ascertained that Tintick had, a short time previous been among those Indians for the purpose of enlisting them in his hostile movement against the whites. I left this city on the 31st of August last, for the purpose of fulfilling that appointment.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO J.M. ELLIOTT

Salt Lake City U.T.

Oct 1st 1856

Hon. J.M. Elliott,

Dear Sir,

I wish to call your attention to the condition of my affairs at Washington, as it has assumed an attitude somewhat embarrassing. Early last winter, I applied (through Brigham Young) for an additional appropriation to meet expenditures of locating the Indians in the immediate vicinity of the settlements, and of opening farms and making improvements. My engagements with these Indians were soon such that I could not well recede from them. For the time had come when something had to be done. The whole of their lands (except mountains) were occupied by the whites and the game killed out or run out, into the lands of other tribes leaving them to starve or fight. It was a beautiful time for unprincipled men to prejudice their minds against government and myself as its accredited agent. I was left no other alternative than to pursue a course that would inspire them, with confidence in the integrity of government and in so doing preserve the lives and property of hundreds of these poor deluded people, Who have never yet been taught the relationship which they sustain to our government. And when their leaders would readily sacrifice to savage butchery rather than incur the displeasure of a few chiefs and leading men whom they have baptized into the church and ordained, Elders, but who have about as much knowledge of Christianity as levites. I seized the opportunity as one portentous of the future destinies of these people, as well as that of the Indians. For the time is near at hand, when they musts espouse the institution of our government or reap the penalties, consequent upon the practice of the debasing and corrupting doctrines of Mormonism. There are hundreds of honest poor, people here, (I might say thousands) who would gladly renounce the church if they were not afraid, and are ignorant of their own strength. It is this class of her citizens whom the church would gladly see butchered rather than permit them to return and expose their policy and secret intentions.

I make these remarks in order to acquaint you with the motives that have prompted me in the course that I have pursued.

An appropriation had not to my knowledge been made. My drafts have been repudiated upon which I have drawn money to prosecute this enterprise. My disbursements have over run my receipts from the Treasury upwards of twenty thousand dollars already as my vouchers will show. The accompanying estimates of crops and improvements which I copied from my reports to the Commissioner will show the results of this policy for the first year. In another season it would be far more profitable, and it is the height of folly to expend money in any other way with these tribes.

And what I wish to request is, that if an appropriation has not been made for the benefit of this enterprise that you use your influence to secure an appropriation at the next session of Congress for the present and ensuing year. And to advise with the President the Sec. of Interior, & Commissioner for the adoption and confirmation of this policy. For I don think the suggestions and views of one who is here among them to see, and feel their wants ought to be entitled to some consideration.

Yours Truly

G.Hurt

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG AND J.M. ELLIOTT

Great Salt Lake City

Oct 4th 1856

Hon. J.M. Elliott,

Dear Sir, I wrote you in relation to the condition of my affairs at Washington by the last Eastern mail which started on the first instant. But as news has reached us to day that the mail will probably not get through I take the liberty of writing again by way of California. As I have felt myself somewhat under the necessity of extending the credit of the government beyond the amount appropriated for incidental expenses in Utah, I desire to acquaint you with the circumstances under which I have been called upon to act. Soon after my arrival in the Territory I became impressed with the fact, that the fund for incidental expenses had been used among the Indians in such manner as to exalt Brigham Young, without giving government any credit whatever in the matter. It has been my policy to teach them the source from whence they derived their favors. And in doing so I have occupied an exeedingly delicate position between the two races. The policy of His Excellency, of feeding and clothing the Indians has caused them to become clamourous and insolent, and has imposed upon the people of the Territory a most oppressive burden. But His policy is to endure all manner of insult rather than be at war with the Indians. This however is done to preserve a christian relationship with a few chiefs, whom they have baptised into the church. But the burden of this policy falls upon the poorer classes who are mostly foreigners inured to servitude and have never learned their true relationship to our government. But many of them begin to see haw they have been duped by a set of lying missionaries and would gladly cast aside the galling yoke but for fear of the Priesthood, and it is this class whom their leaders would gladly see torn to pieces by the ruthless had of the savage rather than see them return from them and expose the wickedness of their secret designs. It has been my object, to introduce a policy, which would be calculated to enable both classes to appreciate the relationship they occupy towards government. It is certainly but just, to those bands of Indians whose lands the white man occupy, as well as to the settlers themselves that a more wise and durable policy should be established among them. They fertile valleys along the base of the mountains, from which they once derived their subsistance are now usurped by the whites, and they are left to starve or steal, or to infringe upon the Territories of other bands. Under these circumstances I have been led to introduce farming among them, but in doing so I have incurred an amount of expenditures which the appropriation for incidental expenses is not able to meet. I have applied for an appropriation to assist me in carrying out this useful interprise, but as yet none has been made so far as I have learned. And now permit me to request that you intercede for an appropriation to meet the expenditures of the present year which are some Twenty thousand dollars yet unpaid. And also to meet expenses that will necessarily be incurred during the ensuing season. It cannot be expected that an Indian will become civilized, so long as we continue to drive him from one point to another without assigning him a permanent home. I am so. The past to him moves swiftly on to oblivion, limiting his knowledge of things to the century in which he lives. The deeds of his sires, are but dimly seen in the few traditions that descend to him, and like objects imperfectly reflected through the twilight of evening, are soon lost in the sable curtains that follow. That he is a being susceptible of civilization, and, when civilized, capable of erecting, sustaining, and perpetuating the institutions of civilized man, is a desideratum upon the solution of which depends the future policy of government towards him. For it may yet be shown, that the continued presence of a superior race is necessary to direct and control his energies, in order that he may enjoy the benefits of an enlightened government.

Very respectfully

Your obedient Servant

Garland Hurt

To His Excellency, Brigham Young.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORY GOVERNOR AND INDIAN SUPERINTENDENT

Office Indian Agent, Utah.

Oct 31st 1856

Sir,

Having just returned from an excursion in the southern settlements in company with Surveyor General Burr and Mr. Peltro, late of the Topographical Corps. I take the liberty of presenting to your notice a few incidents of rather mysterious, and otherwise unpleasant character, which occured to us during the trip. Traveling by way of the Indian farm in Sanpete County we reached Fillmore on the morning of the 23rd inst. but learning that Kenosh the Pah-vante chief was very sick we concluded to go on the the Indian farm at Corn Creek to see him. But we had not proceeded far till we saw between us and the base of the mountains two persons on horse back going in the direction of the Indian lodge at full speed. I supposed them to be Indians, but before we reached the Indian settlement, we saw them returning by the same route. When we drove up to the lodges I asked who they were; the Indians said they were Mormon boys, and on enquiring what they had come down in such a hurry for, they answered nothing. After some little confusion when we first drove up, the Indians became quiet, and appeared glad to see us. We remained with them until the 25th when, as the weather was becoming more inclement we returned to Fillmore, and put up at the house of Mr. Peter Robison where we were received and entertained in a hospitable manner. In the evening we were visited by Mr. Edwin Pugh, who invited two young men of our party R.W. James, and James White to accompany him to his house which they did. But they had not been there long till some persons began to stone the house, some of the rocks passing through the windows and smashing the lights. Mr. P. ran out and asked what they meant; They asked what he was doing with those damned Americans about his house: Mr. P. said they were not Americans but Mormons. They replied that they were no better that American or they would not be with them. I state these facts as they were related us the next morning by the young men. Mr. Pugh also informed us that the young men who went ahead of us in such haste to the Indian camp, had been sent by the Bishop to tell the Indians that the Americans were coming to their camp to arrest the murderers of Capt. Gunnison, and to advise them to look out. As we were about leaving I did not investigate the matter any futher. But as the subject came up again in the evening after we had camped for the night, I thought to ask Pin-tuts who had accompanied us from Spanish fork if he had heard the Pah-vantes say any thing about it. He said when he reached their camps some two or three miles ahead of us the Pah-vantes were in great confusion, and some of them were running off--They said that the mormons had sent them word that the Americans were coming to tie them, but he told them that they were fools, for we were not tying Captains but friends, and were coming to give them presents. On the next day some teamsters whom we met asked Pintuts who we were, the Indian replied that we were Americans. They told him that we were cats-at (not good). He told them they were fools and passed on.

Now I am satisfied Sir that you cannot approve of such conduct, and may easily immagine [sic] how direful the consequences might have been to our little party when we unsuspectingly drove up to this village and camped for the night, had it not been for the interposition of our faithful friend and guide in behalf of our innocence.

Soon after commencing my labors among the Indians of this Territory I learned that they made a distinction between Mormons and Americans, which I thought was not altogether compatible with correct policy, believing that it would ultimately operate to the prejudice of one or the other party. And I have not been backward in expressing my views on all suitable occasions to the people in regard to this matter. And have almost invariably, as my interpreters will verify took occasion in my intercourse with the Indians to teach them that there is no distinction between the two classes, but that we were all the Great fathers people. If they believe me, they will accuse the opposite party with lying and attempting to deceive them, and then, how easy it will be for men to immagine that I am stirring up prejudices among the Indians against the people, and the foul aspersions of slander will brand me, and I am to be hunted down for crimes of which they themselves are the guilty perpetrators.

I am not unmindful of the delicate position I occupy as a mediator between the two races in this Territory, yet I am not unwilling that my official conduct should be subjected to the strictest scrutiny. For I am satisfied that our prospects for success in the policy which has been adopted for the civilization of the Indians in this Territory, depends greatly upon the conduct of those with whom they are daily brought in contact. And it is to be regreted that men will so far forget themselves, and the relations they sustain, both to Indians and to government, as to be guilty of gross misrepresentations so fatal to their own peace and prosperity.

Very respectfully.

Yours &c.

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent

His Exncy. Brigham Young

Governor &c.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO GEORGE W. MANYPENNY, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office Indian Agent, Utah

Great Salt Lake City Nov. 20th 1856

Sir,

As a large number of claims against government for losses of property in consequence of Indians depredations in Utah, has received my certificate, I deem it proper to state that I entertained doubts of the propriety of encouraging them; but as I had already sanctioned some of a similar character before I was aware of the amount to be presented, I have concluded that they would enable you to judge more correctly of the wisdom of the boasted policy of Hid Excellency Brigham Young, which has been conducted at the sacrifice of the lives and property of a deluded populace, who are now groaning in poverty and distress. If His Excellencys boasted civilization of the Utahs is to be sustained at such a sacrifice as these claims show, it is difficult to conceive what advantage has been derived from it. And I would say further, that if half the amount that is here presented, had been appropriated and used in a proper manner for the civilization of the Indians during the last three years, the whole of this same Utah tribe, and all others in the vicinity of these settlements might by this time, been happily located, and in the enjoyment of many, if not all of the comforts of civilized life, and that too without the complaint of a single individual in the Territory for losses.

Very respectfully

Your Obedient Servant

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent, Utah

Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny

Coms. Indian Affairs

Washington

D.C.

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LETTER FROM GARLAND HURT, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO BRIGHAM YOUNG, UTAH TERRITORY GOVERNOR AND SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

Office Indian Agt. Utah

Great Salt Lake City Nov. 29th 1856

Sir,

The accompanying abstract and vouchers embrace all the expenditures at the Corn Creek Indian Settlement to this date, together with those at the Spanish fork since the close of the last quarter, also some expenditures for presents to Indians, which I take the liberty of transmitting prior to your departure for Fillmore.

The expenditures at the Sanpite settlement were both made out in time, and consequently are not included in this report.

I found it necessary to erect an agency house and grainery at the Spanish fork which accounts for a large portion of the expenditures at that place.

I would suggest here, that in addition to the vouchers for the present and two preceeding quarters I have on hand sub vouchers for most of the expenses incured at these Indian Settlements, but as I have not duplicates of them I prefer retaining them in this office.

These Settlements embrace nearly all the friendly Indians belonging to the Utah and Pah-vante tribes who claim the lands now occupied by the white settlements. At Spanish fork there have been during the past season about fifty families belonging to the Petetenete band. There are two other small bands in that county, one at Hobble Creek and the other at Summit Creek, a portion of whom have worked on this farm, and the whole of them, in all about thirty families have promised to move to it in the Spring.

The Settlement at Sanpite numbered at one time during the summer nearly three hundred families, under the Chief Arripin, but owing to a difficulty between him and his brothers the settlement was reduced to about half that number.

The settlement at Corn Creek embraces about fifty families under Kenosh the Pah vante chief. Mr. S.P. Hoyt who superintended the harvesting and cleaning up the crop at that place is satisfied that he underrated it in his former report. And is of opinion that the Pah-vantes, with the aid of a suitable farming agent and proper impliments will be able to conduct their farming without much trouble in the future.

I have endeavored to ascertain how many Indians performed manual labor at the Sanpete Settlement during the past season, but Mr. W. S. Snow informs me that for want of impliments not more than twenty five or thirty could be engaged at a time to an advantage--but nearly all of them evinced a disposition to work. At the Spanish fork there were about sixty including squaws and children who performed regular labor. Some of the men were quite efficient in grubbing and clearing off the land. But we could not expect them to perform as much service as if they had been inured to labor.

Soon after my return from Carson I persuaded these bands to go on an expedition hunting to try to provided themselves with meat for the winter and for this purpose I provided them with some ammunition. They put out for the mountains and the most of them have not returned yet. Those who had spent their time upon the farms were becoming destitute of clothing, and I felt it my duty to supply their wants in this respect as much as I could which accounts for a portion of the expenditures of the present quarter. The responsibilities which are daily accumulating upon me, in consequence of my farming engagements with these bands, affords me a great deal of concern. I am largely in debt for the vouchers that have already gone up, and do not see how I am to carry out my engagements without assistance.

But amid the gloomy anticipation with which my present position inspires me, I have the consolation of seeing the poor natives happy, and in a condition to become prosperous. A want of suitable stationary will, I trust be a sufficient apology for the use of colored paper in making out the abstract and account current:

Very respectfully

Your obedient servant

Garland Hurt

Indian Agent, Utah

His Excellency Brigham Young

Gov. & Exo Supt. Ind. Affairs.

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LETTER FROM J.M. ELLIOTT TO SUPT IND AFF

HR Washington City Decr 20th/56

Sir, I herewith enclose you two letters from Garland Hurt Indian agent for Utah Territory, by which it will be seen that he has had to expend for the benefit of the Indians of Utah more money than was allowed by The Government for ad expenditure. You will in his letters to me see his reasons for this extra expenditure of money. He wishes an appropriation by Government to meet it.

I can say to you what I know to be true from a long personal acquaintance with Doctor Hurt that he is a man of not only fine ability but great prudence and I am satisfied that he has seen the necessity for the policy he has pursued or he would not have pursued it -- I hope therefore an appropriation will recommended and made to meet the demand which Dr. Hurt has indicated in his report -- I will be at your on money in regard to the matter

Your obt servt

JM Elliott

Letters from Nevada Indian Agents 1849-1861 (1981): 1849; 1850; 1851; 1852; 1853; 1854; 1855; 1856; 1857; 1858; 1859; 1860; 1861