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July 24, 2006
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Nevada History:
Letters From Nevada Indian Agents - 1861
[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.]
FRAGMENT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN W. DAWSON, GOVERNOR OF UTAH TERRITORY, ADDRESSEE UNKNOWN, DATE UNKNOWN
compelled to endure mortification as often as we look back upon a feeble, a powerless & nominal administration—the negative character of which we could not prevent, & against criticism on which, we can not escape.
Respectfully Submitted—
John W. Dawson
Governor of Utah Terr
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LETTER FROM F. DODGE, UTAH TERRIORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO A.B. GREENWOOD, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Washington D.C.
Jany. 2nd. 1861.
Hon. A.B. Greenwood
Commissr. of Indian Affs.
Sir
I have the honor to submit the following estimate of funds required for the Carson Valley Agency, in Utah, for the 4th qr. 1860 and for the 1st qr. 1861.
For the Pay of Agent $ 500
“ “ “ “ Interpreter 250
“ “ “ “ Teamster 240
“ “ “ “ Employee in charge of Reservations
600
“ “ “ “ Blacksmithing 100
“ “ “ “ Stoves & furniture for office
195
“ “ “ “ Forage for animals, Fuel &c
300
“ “ “ “ Provisions for employees and Presents to
Indians 1500
“ “ “ “ Incidental & traveling Expenses in Utah
Territory 400
________
Total $ 4085.00
I respectfully request that the above sum be place subject to my draft with the asst. Treasurer at San Francisco California.
Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
F. Dodge
Indian Agt.
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LETTER FROM BENJAMIN DAVIES, SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS FOR UTAH TERRITORY, TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Off ice Superintendent Indian Affair
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Ter.
January 20th 1861.
Commissioner Indian Affairs,
Washington City, D.C.
Sir:
On the 27th of November last I had the honor to advise you of my design to start on that day on an expedition to the Indian tribes on the Western line of mail transportation from the States via this city – through Carson Valley to Sacramento and San Francisco in California. Pursuant to arrangements, I proceeded to visit the several bands who had so much annoyed the Mail carriers and emigrants traveling that long line of road, and distributed presents among them at various points where they met me by hundreds in the deep snow, many of them being almost naked and too feeble from cold and hunger to drag their exhausted frames faster than at a very slow gait--say at the rate of perhaps one quarter of a mile to the hour. There are no settlements along this whole line of four hundred miles travel, and no habitations of white men except the rude cabins of the mail company at distances of from twenty to fifty miles apart—and they have no improvements—not so much as a patch for garden stuffs—and are occupied by a few rough and reckless employees of this company. The country over which I passed is inhabited mainly by the Gosha-Utes, a band numbering, as nearly as I could ascertain from the most reliable sources, about five hundred warriors, three hundred and fifty squaws, and three hundred children, mostly boys. It is destitute of timber, except scattering cedars and scrubby pine barely sufficient for firewood, which must be hauled very long distances, and is very mountainous; whilst the intervening valleys are generally unproductive for the reason that large quantities of alkali are imbedded in the soil. The sterility of the country renders it incapable of subsisting wild animals, and there are none except rabbits and wild ducks. These Indians are very wild, and live principally on Pine nuts, which are gathered from the pine trees and roasted, dried lizzards and ants during the Winter. They formed a portion of the great Utah tribe, but the settlement of white people in their country and the death of their head chief has divided their once numerous tribe into small bands, entirely broken up their powerful organization, and reduced them to the lowest ebb of destitution, suffering and want. I could not discover a vestige of any article of any description that might have been given to them by agents of the Government, and their poverty, sufferings and distress are beyond description. They received my presents with eagerness and joy and devoured the flour, bacon and beef I furnished them like ravenous wild animals—including the hide and even the contents of the stomach and bowels of the beef cattle. The main body assembled at the Deep Creek Reserve, where I held a council and told them they must now reunite under one common leader and not ramble in small bands and steal and murder as they had done, and desired to know whom they wished for their principal chief. I named several petty chiefs of small bands but they demanded Adide-seen who was then absent, and Mr. Severe, the farm agent at Ibimpah or Deep Creek, who was present having represented him as their best man for the position, I appointed him chief of the entire band of Gosha-Utes, and so proclaimed him to all and everywhere. In a few days Adideseen came to see me, when I dressed him in a cloth coat with hat and feather, boots, pants, and, a red cloth shirt with large fancy buttons, which pleased him and then them amazingly, He accompanied me to several point on my route where my messengers had directed the different bands to meet me; was present at several distributions made to his people, and several times mounted a wagon, wood pile &c. and harangued them vehemently—telling them, as I did him, the I was no Morman—that my presents came from the Americans—from “Washington” as they call the President, and urging them to be peaceable and friendly with the Americans hereafter, which they all promised to do. When asked how there happened to be so few children among them they answered that since the white people came the buffalo and deer had all gone away, and they had nothing to feed them with, wherefore they laid them by the stone, which means that they laid them on the ground to die and be eaten by the wolves. They were overjoyed at being dressed in “citizens” clothing, and said they would gladly work if “Washington” (meaning the Governmental authorities) would furnish them the opportunity by going on with the farm commenced for their benefit at Deep Creek, or Ibimpah, as they prefer to call it because their fathers so called that valley, and old Ibim, a great chief among them now dead, once made it his home. Ibim-pah means Ibim’s waters or the waters of Ibim, as the streams in that valley are called by all Indians. Several bands of these Gosha-Utes have fled to the mountains under various petty chiefs named Tabby, Wom-bi-jinne, Green Jacket, Jack, and Tabby-weep-up, and live exclusively by pillage and murder. I have penetrated as far into their mountain haunts as animals could convey me, but could get no direct communication with any of them. Adideseen and a few of his braves sought sought them out—told them who I was, what I was, what I had done for the rest, and what I proposed to do for them all if they would come down from the mountains and be friendly. They returned for answer that if I would prevent their being Killed they would come in, which I promised to try to do; but this is a strange community, and no man can tell what a day may bring forth. I found the place where the farm house and corral of this reserve once stood, but they are gone now, and the farm agent, Mr. Severe, is living two and a half miles off, and is acting as keeper of a mail Station. I found him to be well enough disposed, and apparently popular with the Indians; but as the farm is not in operation, I saw no necessity for continuing his services. He had wheat and oats, and told me that he had raised the wheat on the farm out of his own means and for his own use, and was authorized so to do by my predecessor in office, Supt. Forney, on the ground that the Department furnished no means to work it for the benefit of the Indians. The wheat is very fine, and I send herewith a specimen of it and also of the oats grown there. The land in this valley is very rich. There is plenty of timber and water, and the location is excellent for an Indian reserve.
Since the farm was commenced, several persons have built and others are intending to build houses around the station house or shanty of the mail company, with a view to making a “settlement” there. I regard this movement, unless arrested, as fatal to the prospect of maintaining the Indians there in peace and quietness, and suggest that the jurisdiction of the Government of the United States of America over the whole of Ibimpah Valley, as a reserve for the Indian, be at once asserted, and that the boundaries be surveyed and marked at as early a day as practicable. There are not more than twenty acres of land plowed here, and this is all that constitutes the “Deep Creek Indian Farm.” Mr. Severe, the late Farmer there, furnishes the accompanying paper marked A, which is respectfully submitted. I feel well assured that these Gosha-Utes, although the worst Indians in these mountains, can be as easily taught to work as any band within this Territory. I know several who work regularly for the Settlers, and have begged me to let them learn to plow and make wheat for themselves and their suffering families. Passing on through various detachments of these Gosha-Utes, everywhere distributing presents among them, I proceeded to Ruby Valley and was there met by about eight hundred Western Shoshonees or Weber Snakes, some Bannacks, and some Pah Utes form Carson, whose principal chief is named Tsu-kup. Maj. Wm. Rogers is the farmer there and is an excellent man for this position. Although he had no means to carry on the farm he stood his ground among this fierce band during the late troubles, and by living as one of them and making them his companions he has succeeded in gaining their confidence and diffused a fine feeling and sentiment towards the whites (especially the Americans) among them. These Indians have been very troublesome and dangerous, an[d] being numerous and brave, they are much feared. Some of them have horses and cattle, but like other tribes the great mass of them are very poor. After waiting three days for my Interpreter, I held a council with and distributed among them a good supply of flour, beef, bacon, blankets, sugar, coffee, &c. &c. which they seemed to appreciate. In my councils with all Indians I strive to impress them with the idea that I am no Mormon; that their Great Captain at Washington who sent me here is no Mormon; that the goods I give them are American—not Mormon goods; and that all that is done for them by me and my agents is done by the Great American Captain at “Washington.” They often repeated the sentences after me and appeared to be much interested in understanding what I said I urged upon them the duty of trying to support themselves and of living friendly with other tribes and also with the whites. Their chief replied that he wanted his people to be honest and peaceable, and that they all desired to learn to work. He inquired if I was going on with the farm at Ruby. I told him I expected to do so in the Spring, but could not say positively. My interviews with these Indians were entirely satisfactory, and they and their chiefs gave me positive assurances of their good feelings toward the “Big Captain at Washington,” and future determination to live peaceably and learn to work to support themselves if opportunity be given them. The farm here is very limited, and the tract embraced in the reserve being only six miles square is too small. The land is very productive, timber abundant, and water without limit. I recommend that the whole valley be declared their reserve—so that white men may be kept away from them—and that farming operations be resumed there at once. On this point I have the honor to refer to the accompanying paper from Major Rogers marked B.
I have not as yet visited the southern Indians or the farms at Spanish Fork, Corn Creek and San Pete, but have solicited and procured from Mr. Bishop, farmer at those points the enclosed report marked D, and have to say here that further inquiries satisfy me that Syphilis, or the Pox, in its most virulent form has been spreading among the Indians at Spanish Fork, Corn Creek and San Pete for several years past, and is infecting and cutting off their offspring at a fearful rate. It is supposed to have been introduced among them by Mexicans who sometimes visit them for purposes of traffic. Arrapeen, their Great Chief, lately died of it. Ammon, one of their prominent sub-chiefs is now ill of it. San Pitch, their new chief, has it, and is much excited and threatens war, if something be not done to save his people form it. They say and believe that it is “bad medicine of the Americans.” I do most urgently entreat the Commissioner to provide some means for their immediate relief. The Carson Valley Agency in charge of Mr. Dodge, seemed to constitute a matter of some importance in connection with this Superintendency, and as my attention was directed to it by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in August last, accompanied by the suggestion that he desired me to visit that point during the approaching Spring Season, I have availed myself of the presence of several distinguished gentlemen from thence in this city in attendance upon the Supreme Court, now in session here, to learn as far as practicable the condition of affairs among the Indians there. The accompanying letters of Col, Reese marked E, Mr. Trumbo, the Postmaster at Carson, marked F and the Hon. J.H. Ralston, formerly of Illinois, marked G, were addressed to me in response to inquiries made of them by myself; and I have to say that these gentlemen all stand high in the public estimation, as I am informed by eminently respectable gentlemen of my personal acquaintance. It is my intention to make a personal inspection of the Carson Valley Agency during the approaching Spring, when I shall be better prepared to speak on this subject than at present. Carson Valley is only about three hundred and fifty miles from the Indian reserve at Ruby Valley, and my present impression is that an efficient agent stationed at Ruby Valley who would devote his time to his business, might superintend the reserves at Ibimpah (or Deep Creek) Ruby Valley, and Carson, all of which are directly upon the public highway from the States to California. Ruby Valley lying between the other two points the agent living there could be in weekly communication with each reserve by mail; and with a good farmer at each he could so divide his time among them as to manage the all—especially if the Superintendency should make an annual visit to each, as required by his instructions, which is quite practicable in this Superintendency. This would also place the agent in such proximity to the Superintendent at this city as would subject his acts to that observation and inspection contemplated by the first section of the circular from the Interior Department dated April 11th 1860.
There is a nominal agency in this Superintendency, and the office is held by Mr. Wm. H. Rogers, who resides in this city. Mr. Rogers claims jurisdiction over the bands of Weber Utes, of which Little Soldier is the principal Chief, who inhabit this valley of the Great Salt Lake, and likewise of the famous tribe of Snakes and Bannacks who, occupy the Green River country, three hundred miles east of us. The accompanying letters of Governor Cumming and Surveyor General Stambaugh, marked I and J are respectfully referred to for further information on this particular point, and I have to add that I can see no manner of use in the continuance of this third agency in this Superintendency unless the appropriations of Congress are extended sufficiently to justify the opening of farms for the Indians somewhere North of this city, say in Cache or Salmon River Valleys, two hundred miles north—or eastward in the vicinity of Green River, three hundred miles distant. Office rent, furniture, contingent expenses and salary expended in the support of this third Agency, amounting to fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars, is just so much drawn from the fund appropriated for the relief of the Indians of this Territory without any corresponding benefit to them. This city being a central position and the business mart of this Territory, makes it the proper point for the headquarters of the Indian Service here, and the residence of the Superintendent at this place entirely supersedes the necessity for an Agent here; wherefore I recommend the immediate discontinuance of this third Agency.
I have to regret that I arrived here too late to be of any service to special agent E.F. Ruth Esqr. deputed by the Commissioner to adjust the unsettled business of my immediate predecessor, Jacob Forney Esqr. I did my best to reach this city prior to the departure of Captain Ruth, but sickness, cold and stormy weather, and the scarcity of forage to keep up my teams rendered this impracticable. I cannot however perceive in what manner I could have been of service to Mr. Ruth, who is an experienced and skillful officer, and much better qualified for the execution of the trust committed to him than I, and entire stranger, could possibly be. Although many persons now set up claims which were not presented in time to be adjusted by Special Agent Ruth, he had the good fortune to secure much respect as an “efficient officer and high-minded gentleman,”—a compliment quite unusual in this country towards faithful officers of the Government of the United States.
The citizens of this Territory have for many years been in the habit of carrying on an unrestricted traffic with the Indians, and by this means everything of value given to them has been very soon afterwards abstracted from them. To prevent this I have had almost every yard of my goods purchased from them made into garments for men, women, and children, and have had them well made and of full size, by persons residing here, at moderate prices for this Meridian. Heretofore six yards of linsey, calico, or domestic cotton give to a squaw was swapped off for an old worn-out dress. A yard and a half of fancy colored cloth, a blanket &c., was soon traded off for whiskey, an old shirt, vest, &c. Now, most of the Indians refuse to trade off their new garments and wear them with seeming pride and satisfaction. There are however, still some exceptions to complain of. I have published laws against the trading without licenses and threatened an indiscriminate prosecution of all who violate them. Several have complied with the law, and to these licenses have been granted upon the filing of bonds as provided by law.
It has become customary with many tribes to divide off into small bands and create a number of petty sub-chiefs. Each band roves ad libitum and thefts and murders and other offences are committed with impunity because of the impossibility of detection. This has been caused by the failure of the Head chief, where there is one, to exercise the necessary authority. His failure to do this is founded on the competing associations of the whites with the Indians. Each Indian has contracted the notion that he is as good as his chief—hence no Subordination. If the chiefs undertake to punish, whites interfere, and thus the influence of the chief is destroyed—the offending party declared himself a chief and leads off a few others, which constitute his “band.” To break this up, restore the power of the chiefs, and reestablish their organization is the policy I have inaugurated. My plan is to appoint a chief, if there is none, and refuse to hold communications, give no presents, mend not guns, or bows, or traps, or allow any Indian to eat or sleep in my Wik-kiup (as they call a lodge) who is not endorsed by his chief; and to extend the greatest favors to those who stand highest in his estimation. By thus investing him with a degree of moral influence, he gathers around him enough braves to coerce the balance and in the course of time he resumes his sway, their divisions are healed, the again become one, and are strong enough to defend themselves against the surrounding tribes, who taking advantage of their former weakness, had seized and carried off their women for wives, their children for slaves, and their horses, traps and ammunition wherever they found them. So far the system works admirably, and I have the satisfaction to believe that I have secured the confidence and respect of all the Indians whom I have seen or who have heard of me. I have had considerable labor and trouble in recognizing and diffusing a friendly sentiment and feeling, among them, and have been much annoyed by the interference of selfish white men in different localities who have beef, flour, goods &c to sell. They instigate the Indians to become discontented, and their editors to raise the cry of alarm in hope that I will hasten to buy their goods for presents to quiet them and avert certain terrible calamities they pretend to dread. Others seize and imprison Indians and recently one has been wounded by a pistol shot and two others are missing in the neighborhood of Tooele, whilst another has been missing and they suspect he has been murdered by some employees about the Willow Spring Mail station on the Western Mail line. I move forward on my own judgment, and give them what the Government has placed in my hands for their benefit according to the best lights before me; disregarding the smiles and frowns of either clamorous traders or their hired scribblers, and thus hope to secure the sanction of the Department whilst I enjoy the approbation of my own conscience.
I shall forward my returns as soon as Mr. Edwards and I can arrange them in such a form as will be likely to secure their approval, which has never been done, I believe, by any Superintendent or officer connected with the Indian service in this Territory.
With Great Respect,
I have the honor to be,
Your Ob’t. Serv’t
Benjamin Davies
Supt. Ind. Affs. U. Terry.
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LETTER FROM JOHN REESE TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
F. 3 1861
Sup Ind Aff
Utah Territory
Sir
Your letter addressed to me in November last was received as I was leaving home on a trip to this City, where I have been attending to a case in which I was interested in the Supreme Court now in session in this City. My business being pretty well through and being now at leisure I proceed to answer the inquires contained in your letter as follows.
Answer to first question
I have lived in Carson Valley ten years and was the first white person that ever settled there. My place of residence is near a point now called Genoa a town laid out since I settled there.
Answer to second question
I established a store there and opened an extensive trade with the Indians, I sold my stock & finding the Indians friendly and disposed to work I opened a farm and have since followed farming and stock raising, Indians being my principal laborers of whom I have often had as many as twenty five to work for me at one time. They are fine Indians and are very much inclined to labor. The will work at any kind of employment faithfully. I have an intimate knowledge of their and am well acquainted with them throughout Carson Valley. They have been long expecting and hoping to be permitted to go to work on their lands to support themselves and families and are very anxious to do so.
Answer to third question
I am well acquainted with the tracts known as the Indian reserves in Carson Valley. They are two in number. One is called the Pyramid Lake reserve, lies north of the valley. The other lies in the south part and is called the Walkers Lake reserve. They are about 60 miles apart and the waters on which they are respectively located abound in fish. These reserves are both occupied by the Pah Ute Indians. There are in Carson Valley two or three thousand Washoe Indians who have no reserve selected for them.
Answer to fourth question
I was at the Walkers Lake reserve in May last and at that time there was no building or fence or any sign of cultivation or improvement of any kind on said reserve nor have I heard of any being made there since, my best information and opinion is that there is no improvement there. There is no enclosure and no land in cultivation at Pyramid Lake nor are there any buildings there that I know of except some rude tenements erected by the troops quartered there last year during the Indian trouble. I have not seen these reserves since July last. But the Indians have constantly been around my premises and they complain daily of the intrusions of the White Gold Hunters, and the failure of their father, the Indian agent, then Major Dodge, to provide the means for them to go and live and work of these reserves as they said he had been promising to do. I am well satisified from the best information I have that there is nothing like farming going on or attempted on either of these reserves.
Answer to fifth question
I am of opinion that the outbreak among the Indians in Carson Valley last summer, was caused mainly by the Indiscretion of Agent Dodge, as follows. In laying out these reserves he assured the Indians that the Whites should not come upon them either to graze their stock, to mine, or for any other purpose. The Whites did go there to graze and to dig for Gold. The Indians demanded protection from their father Major Dodge, and he became alarmed. The Indians then demanded pay for the use of their lands of the Gold hunters which the latter refused to give. As quarrels sprung up, Major Dodge left them in this condition and went as he said to Washington City on business. Soon after his departure the Indians killed & eat several head of cattle belonging to the Whites, and said it was done to get their pay for the use of their lands because the Whites had driven their game away and were eating up their fish. The Whites shot some of the Indians, and the Indians retaliated which brought on the war. If Agent Dodge had remained at his post and done his duty, I believe there would have been no fuss. He is regarded by many and by myself as one injudicious, impulsive, indiscreet man, not at all suited to his Office and white is equally bad he has lost his influence with the Indians and the Whites. difficulty by no means ended. The Indians will breakout again during the coming spring in my opinion. Many who worked for me refuse to work now untill this matter is settled, and my opinion is Mr. Dodge cannot settle it, I speak without predjudice, Mr. Dodge lives near me and we are well acquainted and friendly. I speak only what I think & I have answered truthfully as far as my best knowledge and judgement go.
Yours respectfully,
John Reese
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LETTER FROM JOHN K. TRUMBO, POSTMASTER CARSON VALLEY, TO COL. DAVIES SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
Great Salt Lake City UT Feby 11, 1861
Col Davies. Sup Ind affs
Great Salt Lake City
Utah Territory
Dear Sir.
You desire of me in your letter per Mr. Edwards an answer to certain Questions. I have no desire to interfere with other Peoples business but as a Public officer I deem it a Public duty to respond to your Inquirys According to best of my information & belief. I have therefore to say in answer to your first and second Questions==that I have lived in Carson between three and four years I have been Postmaster there for some time been a merchant there also and my facilities for knowing that Country have been good. in answer to 3rd Question as to “Reserves.” I have understood that Pyramid Lake north of Carson Valley was set asside for an Indian reservation, also houses being built I understand that soldiers of the government built a tempory fort or fortress at “Pyramid Lake” during their short stay there and afterwards it was ocupyed by some prospectors and miners. As to Lands being fenced ditches dug or Walls being built or lands being farmed or tilled I never heard of it. “Walkers Lake,” Southeast of Carson Valley, I know of no houses being built, Lands framed, Walls being built nor Lands farmed or tilled. Such was the talk of both Indians & Whites within the circle of my acquaintance as above stated. Those reserves are called “Pyramid Lake” and “Walkers Lake” reserves, and are called by those names. In answer to fith Question—as respects the Indian difficulties there last spring. I am perhaps not an Impartial Judge, as “Major Ormsby” who was killed in the engagement at or near Pyramid Lake was my brother in Law and my prejudice may influence me too far to judge rightly, but in honesty and Sincerity of my most unbiassed judgement I do believe that the timidity and flight of Ind. Agent Dodge there precipitated the whole difficulty. Had he gone one—made his Promised Improvements and staid and did his best to prevent intrusions of the Whites upon those Reserves I have no doubt all would have remained Quiet, but from all accounts he promised much and did but little—comparatively nothing as has been away say two thirds of his time—
Answer to sixth Question. Why is he away or for what purpose. Cannot answer unless he is trying to get a new hold on the new in Coming Administration or it may be that he is trying to form a mining company East in order that they go into operation in Carson. If Indian Agent Dodge still remains Agent for Carson or Western/Utah I seriously fear before sixth months another outbreak may be expected. Judging from the Past, it would be far better in my humble opinion for Western Utah to have no agent all rather than have Such a one as Major Dodge, and I do think that 9 tenths of the citizens of Western Utah would concur in that opinion. Another cause of complaint which has caused or produced a great prejudice against him is that he forcibly Seized and carried away an Indian boy named Dick, Who was an adopted child of an old settler there by the name of James McMarlins this boy came into their possesion & in to McMarlins family when Quite Small. McMarlin having no children and the consequence was that him self and wife came very much attached to the boy—the story goes that Major Dodge went to the house of McMarlins and boarded untill he got into the good graces of the boy and got the boys confidence made him great promises and decoyed him away. Mrs McMarlin cried and went on and tried to get the citizens to assist her in geting the boy back but the people pursuaded both him and her that all would come right when the thing was put forth at Washington in its proper light—Ind. Agent Dodge having demanded him as an interpreter in the name of the Government of the United States, and they thought further more that he had a right, but it made him very unpopular. So much so that the People complained through the Press. And last Question is he partial to the different tribes.—Yes, he is. The Piutes are his favorites. So much so that the citizens of Carson Valley and lake valley have to keep Peace or do as much or more for the Washo tribe as Major Dodge does for the Piutes—Capt. Jim, Capt of the Washo tribe tells me—using his own language—“no like him Major Dodge—him like em Piuta: no like Washo injun.” Very Respectfully your obedient servt
John K. Trumbo P.M.
Carson Valley
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LETTER FROM S.C. STAMBAUGH, SURVEYOR GENERAL, UTAH TERRITORY, TO COL. B. DAVIES, SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
Unofficial
Surveyor General’s office.
G.S.L. City, March 15, 1861.
Dear Sir,
Your letter bearing date of Feby 28th. (ultimo) was received day before yesterday, in which you ask me to state, if within my knowledge, “The particular bands of Indians embraced in the agency of William H. Rogers, Esq. whose headquarters are in this city; and also define the geographical boundaries of said Agency, together with the number of men, women and children in each band, and the names of the Chiefs of each.”
It is not in my power to give you any information, on the subject of your inquiries, that can throw any light upon the matter, other than that you doubtless have already in your possession. You preface your letter above refered to by say that “circumstances placed the Indian Dept. of this territory temporarily under (my) control,” &c. In this you have been misinformed. My instructions from the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs, communicated by his dispatch, dated June 4th, 1860, received by “Pony Express” on the night of the 15th of the same month, related to nothing more than taking charge of the public property belonging to the superintendency, and holding it in safe keeping until I received further orders. They duty, thus imposed, I discharged faithfully, and to the best of my ability. The was no public property transferred to me by Superintendent Forney, except a quantity of Indian goods stored in the house occupied by his office, and certain articles of office furniture and stationary. He was here at the time of his suspension as Superintendent; but although I applied to him several times, verbally and in writing, for the books and papers belonging to the office and for a schedule of the property on the Indian farms, with the names of persons having charge of them, he left the city without complying with any part of my request in this respect. If the livestock and other public property on the farms had been turned over to me as requested, I would have deemed it to be a duty I had determined to exercise, to adopt such measures as I deemed best calculated to protect such property from waste and destruction, as well as to prevent a very useless expenditure of the public money in keeping up and stocking farms at a cost annually, of at least ten times the amount yielded from the soil cultivated. Possessing no such powers, I did not interfere with the “Indian farm” arrangements except by giving such advice to “farm agents” when asked for it as I believed beneficial to the public interests, and that was only done, during the absence from the territory, of the Government Superintendent and Agents.
From what I have here written you will perceive that I have had no means placed within my power, to acquire accurate information on the subjects concerning which you enquire—otherwise I would cheerfully comply with your request. In regard to the Special Agency assigned or intended to be assigned to Wm. H. Rogers, Esqr. I will give you an extract from a letter I had occasion to write to the Commissioner of the General Land office in reference to Indian Reservations or Farms within this Superintendency. This letter is dated Jany 25, 1860—after describing the three farms within the limits of Col. Humphrey’s Agency, I say:--“The following named farms [are] within the agency assigned to Wm. H. Rogers Esqr. recently appointed; but he has not taken possession of his post in that vicinity, and the farms are still under charge of the “Farm Agents” employed by Superintendent Forney, to wit: “Deep Creek farm,” lying 200 miles west of this city it has only about twenty five acres under cultivation and has one farm agent and several white laborers employed in charge of it. All the wheat raised on this farm last season, was stolen about the middle of last month, during the temporary absence of the farm agent (Mr. Severe) and his employees, who had come to this city for a load of flour, as they said, to feed the Indians! 2nd. “Ruby Valley farm” lies about 300 miles west of this place, and has about thirty or forty acres under cultivation. There is one “farm agent,” with four laborers employed on this small farm. A number of cattle were stolen from it, also, within the last two months.” These things existed in January 1860!
The above is all the information I can give you in regard to the extent, and location of the country, embraced within the agency of Mr. Rogers, U.S. Agent. I can not define the geographical boundaries of the agency for the reason that I know nothing about them. The information given above, (communicated to the Land Department at Washington, in discharge of my official duty, under Instructions) I obtained from sources I believed to be reliable—the portion re[specting] the two farms embraced within Mr. R’s agency, I obtained from the Clerk of the Superintendent of Indian affairs, in this city—the portion refering to the amount of land cultivated, and the number of laborers employed I got from him and others acquainted with the facts.
The letter from which I have made the above extract, concerning Indian Reservations and Indian farms, I deem it to be proper to say to you now contains much more reference to the advantages or disadvantages to be derived from their continuance under the management then in progress. I then denounced them as being in my opinion, “a [most] expensive nuisance, supported by the Government.”—You can read the copy of my letter above refered, at anytime you may choose.
It affords me great pleasure to learn that you are about inaugurating an entire new system, with reference to conducting these farms and in the management of the superintendency generally.
I am very respectfully
your obt sert
S.C. Stambaugh.
To Col. Benjamin Davies
Supt. Indian Affr. U.T.
I send you the original draft of this letter—keeping no copy.
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LETTER FROM A. CUMMING, GOVERNOR, UTAH TERRITORY, TO BENJAMIN DAVIES, SUPERINENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
Executive Office
Great Salt Lake City, Mar. 21, 61
Hon. Benj. Davies,
Sir,
I have the honor to adknowledge the receipt (this day) of your note of the 28th, February, I which you refer to the bands of Indians, “Geographical boundaries,” etc., of the agency at present occupied by Wm. H. Rogers, Esq. Indian Agent,--In relation to the number of Indian, I have reason to believe that your predecessor has furnished a report to the Department the number of Indians in the various agencies in the Territory. In respect to the “Geographical boundaries” of the agency, specially referred to, I presume this must be a matter of assignment within the control of the office of your Superintendency. In relation to the number of men, women and children in each band, and the names of the chiefs of each, I respectfully refer you to the report of your predecessor, (above referred to) now in the office of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington.
Very Respectf
A Cumming
Gov
Hon. Benj. Davies
Supt Indian Affairs
Utah Territory
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LETTER FROM WILLIAM H. ROGERS, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO WILLIAM H. RUSSELL
Gr.S.L. City U.T.
April 18th, 1861
Wm. H. Russell Esqr
Dear Sir—
Knowing the interest that is felt in the Great overland central rout, by the public and yourself, I deem it my duty as an Indian Agent to let you know the condition of Indian Affairs in this Territory at present (that is in my agency). I wrote a letter to Mr. Mix about the first of March last, asking him whether the Department intended doing anything for the Indians, also requesting him to answer my letter by Pony. I have not received a line from him, since writing that letter I have had frequent appeals from the “Snake Indians” to make them a visit and give them a few present; but have no means to do so; and I now think if something is not done there will be trouble this summer and I take the opportunity of informing the Department through you that if these Indians, who are the best in the Rocky Mountains and who pride themselves that they have never spilled the blood of a white man are not looked after the Department must answer for it; they have been deceived by promises from Forney and Davis, and have received nothing since the winter of ’57, and then only a small quantity of food—they are a large band—Wahsakie is their Chief, they are the bravest and most intelligent Indians in the Territory; his tribe have deserted him, or as they say they have thrown him away, he has always ruled them and could hold them in complete subjigation until now. He told me last summer that his Indians have lost confidence in him that he had made them promises of good on the word of the Superintendent to him; there is no Indian in the Tribe who can manage them as well as Washakie—he should be restored to his former position as chief, this can be done at present but with little trouble, the Snakes say they do not intend to let the Mail or Emigrants pass through their Country if they do not get some presents this spring; it should be attended to without delay, they seem to think that the bad Indians are the only ones who are rewarded, which is very near the truth as far as this Territory is concerned.
I have had a long conversation with Mr. James Bromley your Mail Agent this morning, he informs me that if something is not done soon, there will be trouble in the Snake Country, which is in his division. There are not enough U.S. Troops in Utah to whip this tribe, they are the best fighters and the bravest in the Territory and better prepared for fighting.
Col Davis the present Superintendent has given out a few goods only to the Indians who hang around the settlements, they do not deserve them, for they are a miserable lazy set who would starve before they would go on a hunt.
You can if you think proper show this letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and state to him that I think these Indians should have at least eight or ten thousand dollars distributed to them in good immediately. If the Department will enclose me such an amount in draft, you can send it by Pony, and I will assure them that Washakie will be reinstated and the whole tribe reconciled; as it is of no little importance to both the Government and to the contractors of the Central overland Mail line.
The Indians in the vicinity of Ruby Valley and Deep Creek west of this on the Mail line are becoming daily more and more hostile towards the Whites who keep the stations. I have had reliable information if something is not done soon that they intend wiping out the stations and stock; they say Col Davis did not give them any food last winter on his visit to their Country, thy are preparing for another summer campain; they are principally Goshutes.
I am very respectfully
your obt. servt.
Wm H. Rogers
Agent
P.S. I am just from the South pass the Snake Country, and have informed Mr Rogers of the above facts in relation to the Snake Indians. If these Indians make an outbreak they will be hard to Stop as I am personally acquainted with these Indians.
James E. Bromley
Agent for
Cent O S Company
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LETTER FROM E.F. RUTH, EX-SPECIAL AGENT, TO DR. J. FORNEY, LATE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
Washington April 20th 1861
Sir
At your request, I have to make the following statement connected with the Affidavit of Wm Rogers, in relation to certain cattle sold by him, belonging to your late Superintendency in Utah.
On my visit to Great Salt Lake City as Special Agent of the Indian Department for the purpose of settling your Accounts, I met with Mr. Wm. Rogers, who related to me in substance the facts contained in his affidavit referred to, learning from him that he sold the property of the United States. I proposed his giving us a statement of the facts, telling him at the same time that I could not tell what would be the action of the Indian Office, in regard to the sale he had made, but that as far as it would go, I desired his affidavit was given, and Mr. Rogers at the same time presented papers to Curtis E Bolton who was acting as your clerk, with the request that he (Bolton) should prepare his account for expenditures he Rogers had made for the Indians and transmit the same to the Indian Office, this Bolton promised to do, and I anticipated that the Account on its presentation to the Commissioner, under peculiar circumstances of Mr Rogers situation during the Indian War, would be allowed and that the amount acknowledged to have been received from the sale of the cattle would be charged to him, and you released, therefrom.
I know that he Rogers has an account against the Government, for at least as much as will cover the amount of property, sold him, and I can only account for its not being transmitted ere this, by the supposition that Mr Bolton, has violated his promise made to both Rogers & myself.
E.F. Ruth
late Special Agent
Dr. Jacob Forney
Present
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AFFIDAVIT OF J. FORNEY, LATE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY
Mr William Rogers, farm agent for the Ruby Valley Indian Farm, received from me during the spring of 1859 a lot of work oxen for the Ruby Valley farm—11 head of the cattle thus received, was sold to different persons on his way to Ruby Valley. Mr Rogers acknowledges under oath the sale of said cattle for $ 417.00—four hundred & seventeen dollars. This sum of $417.00 has been deducted form his claim against the Government for services rendered. I have certified that the balance still due Rogers is just & true. Mr Rogers has accounted for all the cattle received from me.
J. Forney
late Supt. Ind Aff
Sworn and subscribed this 20th April 1861
before W Thompson
a Justice of the Peace in the county
of Washington District of Columbia.
[Forney in error about date—should be 1860 instead of 1859]
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LETTER FROM WM. H. ROGERS, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO CHARLES E. MIX, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Washington City June 10th 1861
Sir
I enclose herewith for file in your office copy of my letter of the 3rd April last to Superintendent Davies with reference to the necessity that existed in my agency for funds and stating that he could not Supply the same it would compel me to return to Washington and also his letter granting me a furlough of sixty days for the purpose of proceeding to this place to make my returns for Settlement.
Very Respectfully
your obt Serv
Wm H Rogers
Hon
Charles E. Mix
Act Commis. Ind. affairs
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LETTER FROM WM. H. ROGERS, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO CHARLES E. MIX, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Washington City June 11th 1861
Sir
I herewith enclose my account for traveling expenses from G S Lake City U Territory to Washington City—please See letter from Supt. Davies which was filed in Indian office this day in regard to my coming to Washington
Very Respect.
Wm. H. Rogers
Agent
Hon
Charles E. Mix
Act Commis of
Ind afs
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LETTER FROM WM. H. ROGERS, UTAH TERRITORIAL INDIAN AGENT, TO CHARLES E. MIX, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Washington City
28th June 1861
Sir,
The 2nd Comptroller of the Treasury in revising my accounts as allowed in the Indian Office and audited by the 2nd Auditor, desires to know whether my letter to you of the 14th instant explanatory of my disbursements as Indian Agent in Utah, was sufficiently Satisfactory for their approval, if not being so expressed on the letter or in any way in connection with my Accounts.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Srt
Wm H. Rogers
Ind Agent
Chas. E Mix Esqr.
Acting Commissioner
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LETTER FROM HENRY MARTIN SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH TERRITORY, TO WM. P. DOLE, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Great Salt Lake City
Utah Territory
Aug 31 1861
Hon Wm. P. Dole
Comsr. Indian Affs.
dr Sir
Under date of Aug 25 I advised you of trouble to an Emigrant Train by Indians in the vicinity of Ogdens Hole—I found upon going there that a Band of Ute Indians took possession of a train of twelve waggons near sublets cut off killing all but four of the party and taking everything from them. The survivors of the train I have furnished with supplies to go on their trip and will I think make no further claims—I had previously made an appointment with the Indians to met me at Ogdens Hole and I think can assure you of no further trouble in that vicinity for I believe the meeting as had the salutary effect of setting them all right as to the condition of our Government (which by the by has been greatly belied to them by Mormons) and manner in which they would be treated if the were good Indians and the awful chastising thy would received provided they were bad.
very truly
Henry Martin
Superintendent
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LETTER FROM A.J. CENTER, TREASURER, OVERLAND MAIL COMPANY, TO G.E. DOLE, COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Office of the Overland Mail Company, 84 Broadway.
New York, Nov. 19 1861
G.W. Dole Esq.
Commr. of Ind Affairs
Washington D.C.
Sir,
I beg leave to send you a copy of a Telegram just received from the Agent of the Overland Mail Co. at Salt Lake City.
“Indians on our line west within Utah Territory need provisions and will break up our line if not fed.
The Indian Agent our of funds, no authority to do more, ask the Department I few may feed them at expense of Government, lose no time.” Signed. Fred Cook
Agent & Asst. Treasr.
It is probably well known to the Dept. that these Indians are not hostile in its usual sense; but being pressed by hunger and want, are induced from sheer necessity to resort to plunder to sustain a bare existence.
Overland Mail and Telegraph Companies, the sole occupants of that region, would suffer, and perhaps, as Mr. Cook expresses it, the Indians might “break up the Line.”
We are of opinion, founded upon the experience & observation of these long resident in that Country, that the best mode of preventing so sad a calamity, would be by timely and judicious distribution of provisions, to the needy Indian families. And we would most respectfully suggest that the department should, under such regulations as they may prescribe, cause supplies to be distribute at such stations of the Co. as are exposed to their depredations.
Overland Mail Co. offer the services of their Station Agents &c for this purpose.
As it is perhaps impossible for the Dept. at this late season, to place provisions at the various points occupied by the Company, the will furnish them, when they can do so, without serious injury to their own interests, charging the cost of the same, the Compy. to be reimbursed by the Indian Agent at Salt Lake City.
Requesting your favorable and prompt consideration of this subject.
&nbs