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June 1, 2010
Nevada's Online State News Journal
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Regional History:
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., November 30, 1857.
SIR : Special orders No. 41, of the 4th instant, direct your advance to this army, and my letter of the 13th instant expressed the intention of the colonel commanding to have examined, by one or more reliable persons, the route which may enable you to arrive at the earliest date with your animals in a condition for further and immediate service. Jeanise and Mr. Bartleson have been charged with this duty, and are directed to report the result of their observations to you. You know what confidence to place in the opinion of Jeanise; that of Mr. Bartleson, experienced in conducting ox trains, will materially aid you in forming an opinion of the practicability of the route. Mr. Bartleson is a man of intelligence and trustworthy. As soon as you decide which route to move upon, the colonel commanding directs you to dispatch Boiderai (one of this party) with a report of their examination and of your decision, and other information you may have to communicate to him.
All the subsistence of this army at your post is needed at the earliest date practicable. (I enclose a list of what should be with you.) Shoes and stockings in large amount, 500 knapsacks and 2,000 caps will form part of the necessary supplies ; the first two are now wanted.
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You will not encumber yourself with other articles, which, for want of transportation will have to be stored here.
Fifty-three horses were left by the 2d dragoons at your post. If serviceable when you leave, they and all serviceable mules at Fort Laramie not needed for post purposes will be driven with you to this point, employing herdsmen if necessary, while the dragoons left at your post will form an escort.
The colonel commanding, consulting the comfort and convenience of the women and children left at Fort Laramie, as well as the interests of the service, further enjoins it upon you not to permit any of them to leave your post, where they should be well provided for, to come with you. Want of transportation will preclude all possibility of their advancing, while here they will be left shelterless and comfortless. It will be well to leave their husbands with them ; they can all join at a future period, when they will not be subjected to suffering.
The colonel commanding wishes to be informed by the return messenger of the amount of clothing and other supplies at your post for this army, and also directs all official letters and orders directing the movement of troops to be acknowledged by the first opportunity.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Bvt. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
6th Infantry, Comd'g Fort Laramie, N. T.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Black's Fork of Green river, Dec. 13, 1857.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that two additional companies of volunteers have been mustered into the service of the United States for nine (9) months, making in all a battalion of four companies of men for nine months, (with a few exceptions in Captain McGraw's company,) numbering in the aggregate three hundred and twenty-five ; a term of six months would be without utility, as, in that case, the men would be entitled to their discharge in the midst of active operations. A term of twelve months was objectionable, as it would bring the period of discharge at so late a season as to make it impracticable for the men to return to their homes.
They have been organized into a battalion, and having unanimously elected Captain B. E. Bee, tenth infantry, to command, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, I have directed him to be placed in command of the battalion, with the grade which was thus voluntarily conferred upon him.
The peculiar circumstances attending the organization of this battalion have prevented the formalities prescribed by law from being observed.
The first company, McGraw's, was received near South Pass, Nebraska Territory. These men were needed immediately to aid in
109 UTAH EXPEDITION.
protecting the supplies for the army, and the urgency did not allow the time for asking authority for their employment, nor to make the requisition upon the proper civil officers. Not doubting that additional force will be wanting in the spring, and knowing that a large portion of the employes of the contractors and others could not return to their homes this winter, and that they must be subsisted by the government, as there is no other source from which they can obtain food, I did not hesitate to authorize the organization of three other companies of volunteers, and order them to be mustered into the service of the United States.
By this means I have secured to the government the services of a body of men who will be well instructed and disciplined, and who, when required, can render efficient service. In this case, also, from our remoteness from general headquarters, I was obliged to act without reference to the authority of the general-in-chief ; and if I had obtained it, no call could have been made, as a state of rebellion was existing, and still exists, in the Territory. Muster-rolls of the several companies have been forwarded, as required by regulations.
The sanction of the general-in-chief to the employment of these men who have thus bound themselves to serve their country is necessary to secure their rights. I have for that reason, as well as on my own account, to request his approval of my acceptance of their services; and, also, that he will recommend to Congress to provide at an early day by an appropriation for their payment. They are mustered in with the pay and allowances of infantry.
I learn from an examination of the post return of Fort Laramie that the commander of that post, Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman, has been ordered to Fort Leavenworth on a general court-martial by an order from the headquarters of the department of the west.
I send herewith copies of orders transmitted to Colonel Hoffman, who I believed to be in command of that post, and who I thought could not be relieved from his command by any authority but my own, except that of the general-in-chief or Secretary of War, which will acquaint you with the anxiety I feel for the certain and safe transit of supplies for the army in the spring, and how much his experience on this frontier and energy was relied upon to prevent any delay or disappointment in forwarding them. I have to request that Colonel Hoffman may be relieved from any duty he may be engaged in, by virtue of orders from the department of the west, and that he may be ordered to repair immediately to Fort Laramie to put in progress the execution of orders for bringing forward supplies for the army of Utah, which were transmitted to him as commander thereof. I also request that, if additional force or transportation in his opinion may be necessary, he may be authorized to call for whatever may be needed.
The troops are in good health, and very comfortable in their winter quarters.
I have found it necessary to reduce the flour part of the ration to thirteen ounces, and have ordered it to be baked at the expense of the government, and the whole proceeds of the flour, after baking it, to be issued to the men ; in this way they will receive about the usual
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amount of bread ; but they will be deprived of the improvement of their bill of fare arising out of the company fund. In this case there can be none. As a matter of equity, I request that the commissary of subsistence, after deducting the expense of baking, be required to pay to each company the value of the five ounces now necessarily withheld by the government.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Calvary, Com' g Army of Utah.
Major I. MCDOWELL,
Ass't. Adj't. Gen., Headq'rs. of the Army, N. Y. City.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Great Salt Lake City, U. T., November 26, 1857.
SIR: Being reliably informed that your command, and the men belonging to the merchant trains, are much in need of salt, I have taken the liberty to at once forward you a load (some eight hundred pounds) by Messrs. Henry Woodard and Jesse J. Earl. You are perfectly welcome to the salt now sent; but should you prefer making any compensation therefor, I have to request that you inform me, under sealed envelope, of weight received and the amount and kind of compensation returned. There is no design or wish to spy out your position, movements, or intentions, through the men now sent to your camp ; but should you entertain any dubiety upon that point, you are at perfect liberty to stop and detain them outside your encampment, during the short time necessary for the delivery of their loading, in readiness to forthwith start upon their return.
Should any in your command be suspicious that the salt now forwarded contains any deleterious ingredients other than those combined in its natural deposition on the shore of Great Salt Lake, Mr. Woodard or Mr. Earl, in charge of its transportation and delivery, or doubtless Mr. Livingston, Mr. Gerrish, Mr. Perry, or any other person in your camp that is acquainted with us, will freely partake of it to dispel any groundless suspicions, or your doctors may be able to test it to your satisfaction.
I have to inform you that the demonstrations which have been made upon your animals and trains have been made solely with a view to let you emphatically understand that we are in earnest when we assert, freemen like, that we will not tamely submit to any longer having our constitutional and inalienable rights trampled under foot. And, if you are now within our borders by the orders of the President of the United States, (of which I have no official notification,) I have further to inform you that, by ordering you here upon pretexts solely founded upon lies, all of which have long since been exploded, the President has no more regard for the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the welfare of her loyal citizens, than he has for the constitution, laws, and subjects of the kingdom of Belzebub.
Of the persons reported to be retained by you as prisoners, the two who are said to have hailed from Oregon are entire strangers to us;
UTAH EXPEDITION. 111
Mr. Grow, on his way here from the States, is probably treated by you in a reasonably humane manner, for which you have my thanks, as it saves us the expense of his board ; and if you imagine that keeping, mistreating, or killing Mr. Stowell will redound to your credit or advantage, future experience may add to the stock of your better judgment.
Colonel Alexander, I am informed that among the mules that have come into our settlements is a small white one belonging to you, and a favorite of yours. The mule in question arrived in poor condition, and, learning that it was a favorite with you, it gives me pleasure to inform you that I immediately caused the mule to be placed in my stables, where it is well fed and cared for, and is held subject to your order ; but should you prefer leaving it in my care during the winter, it will probably be in better plight for your use upon your return to the east in the spring.
Trusting that the bearers of a welcome and frankly proffered gift will be courteously received, and permitted, with their animals and wagon, to peaceably start upon their immediate return, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON,
United States Army,
If he has arrived on Black's Fork, or
Col. E. C. ALEXANDER,
United States Army.
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IN CAMP, Nov. 30, 1857.
SIR : Enclosed to me came this day a letter from Gov. Young, for you or Col. Alexander, accompanied by a load of salt, also destined for your camp, with directions for me to retain it if I thought it advisable ; but preferring to have it forwarded to you, if the condition of the road would allow, with a view of gratifying the wishes of the governor, and as the wagon cannot proceed further, I have taken pleasure, though in the midst of a furious snow storm, in fitting up Messrs. Earl and Woodard with packs and additional men and animals, in order to ensure its safe delivery. The men I send are Wm. Carloss, Robert Willson, John Carloss and Franklin Stanley, for all of whom I ask the courtesies, as requested by his Excellency Gov. Young, for Messrs. Earl and Woodard, as these are only sent to aid in the performance of the duty which has been assigned to them. I also send you one copy of the Deseret News, which, though somewhat worn, is the latest received by me.
I am, very respectfully,
DANIEL H. WELLS,
Lieut Gen. Commanding Nauvoo Legion.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, U. S. A.
112 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., December 7, 1857.
SIR : Before arriving in this Territory, I accepted the services of a company of volunteers, and invited all American citizens unemployed to enroll themselves in companies of the legal standard. Your absence prevented a call upon you for the militia of the Territory, in conformity to law, while the rebellion of him who was governor for the time being debarred all appeal to that source. From the power invested in me, as commander of an army in the field, and from circumstances and necessity of the case, I accepted the services of three other companies of volunteers. I have asked of the government the confirmation of my course, and that appropriations may be made for their pay and other incidental expenses ; but as your action may be necessary to insure full justice to this body of patriotic citizens, I respectfully call your attention to the subject, and invite such action as may be necessary.
Since your arrival, and the enrolment of these companies, the importance of having a commander cognizant of the rules of service, and capable of imparting that instruction which will render them serviceable to government and creditable to themselves, is fully appreciated, and I doubt not will be by you ; and I have the honor to request that a commission may be conferred by you upon whomsoever they may elect as their commander.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Cavalry, commanding.
His Excellency ALFRED CUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., December 7, 1857.
SIR : I have been personally informed by the captains of the four companies of volunteers enrolled in the military service of the United States of the unanimous election, by the members of their companies, of Captain Barnard E. Bee, 10th regiment of infantry, as their commander, and as a lieutenant colonel.
The command, you are well aware, is that of the rank to which Captain Bee is elected, a rank which the importance of the command renders desirable should be exercised, but which cannot carry its full weight without the commission conferred by you. That the officer chosen is eminently worthy of the position, his past services speak, and warrant a fulfillment of its duties to the satisfaction of government. I have the honor, therefore, to request that he may be appointed, and, at your convenience, commissioned. In the mean time, I wish to be authorized to use your name, as expressed in the accompanying order.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, commanding.
His Excellency ALFRED CUMMING
Governor of Utah Territory.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 113
CAMP SCOTT, Utah Territory.
SIR: Your several communications of the 7th instant, referring to your acceptance of the services of companies of volunteers, accompanied by general orders No. 17, were placed in my hands by Major F. J. Porter, assistant adjutant general.
After a careful examination of the statutes of this Territory, I am compelled to decline making the appointment of a lieutenant colonel, to command the volunteer battalion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. CUMMING,
Governor Utah Territory.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, Commanding Army of Utah.
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CAMP SCOTT, U. T., December 8, 1857.
SIR : I have this day commissioned Captain Barnard E. Bee, 10th infantry, one of my aides-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, in which capacity you will please recognize him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. CUMMING,
Governor of Utah.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, Commanding Army of Utah.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., December 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, in anticipation of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman's return to Fort Laramie in February, you put in progress the arrangements necessary to fulfil the orders and instructions relating to supplies for this army, issued November 4, 13, and 30, from these headquarters to him, as commanding Fort Laramie.
Should Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman not arrive in time to command the expedition, you will assign Brevet Major Gatlin to it, and direct him to carry into effect the instructions and orders referred to, until relieved by Colonel Hoffman.
The colonel commanding directs you to select four of the mounted howitzers and carriages, and a full supply of ammunition for them, and forward them, equipped with harness, &c., if practicable, with trains escorted by the command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Major J. LYNDE, or commanding officer Fort Laramie, N. T.
114 UTAH EXPEDITION.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Washington, February 22, 1858.
SIR : The resolution of the House of Representatives of the United States, adopted on the 27th ultimo, requesting the President, "if not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to the House the information which gave rise to the military expedition ordered to Utah Territory," &c., &c., having been transmitted to this department through the Secretary of State, I have the honor to submit to you herewith a copy of the report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, of the 3d instant, with the accompanying papers, and also a copy of the report of the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, of the 22d instant, and accompanying papers, which comprise all the correspondence and information on the files of this department within the purview of the resolution.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THOMPSON,
Secretary,
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
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GENERAL LAND OFFICE,
February 3, 1858.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, in which was enclosed a resolution of the House of Representatives, passed on the 27th ultimo, calling upon the President for the information which gave rise to the military expeditions ordered to Utah Territory, and a request made upon this office for the preparation of copies of all papers and records in its possession, which furnish information within the purview of this resolution. In reply thereto, I have the honor to inclose to you seven papers pertaining to the subject, as follows :
No. 1, marked A, is a copy of a letter from David H. Burr, surveyor general of Utah, dated August 30, 1856, giving information of a murderous assault committed upon one of his deputies by the Mormons, and including a letter from Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig, speaking of the efforts of the Mormons to prejudice the Indians against the authorities and people of the United States.
No. 2, marked B, is a copy of a letter from the same officer, dated September 20, 1856, representing a depredation committed upon the property of Deputy Surveyor Charles Mogo by a person supposed to be high in the councils of the Mormon church, and expressing the opinion that there is no safety for life or property under the Mormon rule, except where persons belong to that sect.
No. 3, marked C, is a copy of a letter from the same officer, stating that the clerk of the United States supreme court, the acting district attorney, and territorial marshal of Utah, claimed the country as theirs, and asserted the right to appropriate the public lands to their use.
No. 4, marked D, is a copy of a letter from the same gentleman,
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dated March 28, 1857, stating that the Mormons utterly repudiate the authorities of the United States in their country, and that they are in open rebellion against the general government, and relating the threats made against his office, and some outrages of their perpetrating.
No. 5, marked E, is a copy of a letter from the same officer, dated June 11, 1857, giving his reasons for leaving the Territory, and repeating the statements in his letter of February 5, that the Mormons claimed the Territory as their own, and regarded the officers of the United States surveying service as mere trespassers.
No. 6, marked F, is a copy of a letter, dated October 19, 1857, from the same gentleman, repeating his reasons for leaving the Territory, and enclosing a letter from .C. G. Landon, former clerk in the surveyor general's office, giving an account of the outrages committed by the Mormons upon a colleague of his, named Wilson, and narrating the means he (Landon) adopted for making his escape.
No. 7, marked G, is a copy of a letter addressed to the Hon. Geo. C. Whiting, Acting Commissioner of the General Land Office, on the 30th October, 1855, enclosing a blank form of a deed of trust which the Mormon church uses in requiring its members to convey to it their possessions, not only in the city, but in the entire Territory.
The foregoing are all the papers in the possession of this office, which pertain to the existing rebellion in Utah Territory.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner.
Hon. JACOB THOMPSON,
Secretary of the interior.
A.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Great Salt Lake City, August, 30, 1856.
SIR : I have the unpleasant duty of informing you that one of my deputies, Mr. Troskolawski, was assaulted and severely beaten a few days ago by three men under the direction of one Hickman, a noted member of the so-called " Danite Band." Mr. Troskolawski was acquainted with Hickman, and they met at the store of Messrs. Hooper & Williams, a few moments previous, and conversed in a friendly manner, and no suspicion was excited in the mind of any one that Hickman had aught against Mr. T. The other three were entire strangers to him. When he left the store, in the dusk of the evening, they followed and knocked him down, then kicked him, and beat him with the butt end of a loaded horsewhip, Hickman assisting and urging them on to " kill the damned rascal." Messrs. Hooper and Williams interfered and prevented them from carrying out their designs.
Hickman asserted that he had high authority for his acts, and subsequent events have confirmed me in the impression that he only obeyed counsel. The authorities refused or declined to institute crim-
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inal proceedings against the offenders ; on the contrary, they justified the act on the ground that he had been talking and railing against their religion. We, " the Gentiles," all feel that we cannot rely upon the laws for protection, and are only permitted to live here at the pleasure of the rulers. I think the attack was made upon Mr. Troskolawski, in order to produce a salutary effect upon us " Gentiles," and make us afraid to express our opinions.
Mr. Troskolawski was so badly injured, that for several days his life was despaired of. He is slowly recovering, but probably will never entirely recover from its effects. I also send herewith enclosed a copy of a letter from Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig, which will give you some idea of the feeling of this people towards us.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. THOMAS A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of General Land Office.
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Copy of the letter of Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig, above alluded to.
CAMP IN YOUAB VALLEY,
August 1, 1856.
DEAR SIR : From information derived from the Indian interpreter, who resides on the farm reservation near this place, it appears that the Mormons endeavor to create a prejudice in the minds of the Indians, not only against the Americans, (as they term us who are not Mormons,) but also against the surveyors. The interpreter informed us that several chiefs had been to him inquiring as to certain stories which the Mormons had told them concerning our operations. They said they were told we were measuring out the land in order to take possession of it, and would drive away the Mormons and kill the Indians. The Indians said they did not believe these stories, for the Mormons talked double ; that they had come to ascertain the true reason of our proceedings. Some of them also visited my camp, and told me that the Mormons represented to them that the Americans were poorer than the Mormons, and had nothing to give them; but said " they knew the Mormons lied in this, for all the Americans they met with had plenty to eat and plenty of presents, which they often shared with the Indians, and that it was the Americans that were making a farm and raising grain to feed them in winter."
Arapeen, a noted chief of the Ute nation, who has been baptised in the church, said to me, afterwards, that he " had been told by Mormons, in Salt Lake City, that we intended, after surveying the lands, to put the Indians in chains, and drive off the Mormons." These facts, given to us by the Indians themselves, confirm a suspicion which I have had respecting the policy which the Mormons have been pursuing in regard to the Indians, which is, that they have been endeavoring in every possible way to establish a difference between Mormons
117 UTAH EXPEDITION.
and Americans, to prejudice them against the latter. Although these designs have been in some degree prevented by the unceasing efforts of the efficient Indian agent, Doctor Hunt, who has endeavored to counteract the impression in the minds of the Indians that there is any existing difference between us, yet I have been credibly informed that among those Indians more remote from the settlements the difference has been established to a degree which may prove prejudicial to the surveying operations in those districts. I made it a rule, when they visited my camp, to feed them, treat them kindly, and make them some presents, and tell them "we are all one people."
Notwithstanding the suggestions made in the Deseret News to the settlers, that they should prosecute the surveyors in their courts for trespass upon their lands, we have hitherto met with no difficulty with them. I have always apprised them of our business and instructions given by you to deputy surveyors, which instructions I have strictly adhered to, yet I had a writ served upon me the other day, issued by the mayor of Payson City, (a small settlement containing some two hundred and fifty inhabitants,) to answer a charge for damages incurred by running a line across their fields. I declined to appear, and took no notice of it, and have not learned anything further about it. My work has progressed in a satisfactory manner so far, and I am pushing it on as fast as possible, consistently with that accuracy which is required. I hope to be able to make returns of my work in the early part of next month.
I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
DAVID H. BURR, Esq.,
Surveyor General of Utah.
B.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, September 20, 1856.
SIR : I have made a contract with Charles Mogo for surveying San Pete valley and the remainder of Youab valley, and he is at present engaged on the work. * * * * * * * *
Mr. Mogo had made all his preparations for leaving the city to commence his work. The night previous to his intended departure ten of his oxen were stolen from the pasture. He spent several days in fruitless search for them, and then was compelled to buy others. He had all of his cattle in the same pasture, but as some of them had another man's brand on them, they were supposed not to belong to him, and consequently were not taken. Suspicion falls upon a noted character who stands high in the councils of the church ; but to convict or punish him would be impossible, and it is but another evidence that the laws here afford no protection to life or property. Two persons acknowledge having seen some men driving off the cattle, but refuse
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to say who they were, knowing full well that their lives would not be safe if they did so.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington.
C.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, February 5, 1857.
SIR : About two weeks since I was called upon by Mr. Cumming, the clerk of the United States supreme court for this Territory, Mr. Stout, the acting district attorney; and Mr. McRay, the territorial marshal. They presented a copy of my letter to the department, of the 12th May, 1856, in which I notified the department of certain trespasses on the public lands.
They asked very peremptorily if I wrote the letter. I told them I did. They did not deny the truth of the charges I had made, but asserted the right of doing what they did, stating that the country was theirs, that they would not permit this interference with their rights, and this writing letters about them would be put a stop to ; that " I need not think I could write without their knowing it ; that I could not send letters down in " cracker sacks" without their finding them ; and if I employed persons to carry them, I had better employ those who would not betray me, &c." The object of the visit I could not divine, unless it was to intimidate me and prevent my writing.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
D.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, March 28, 1857.
SIR : In your letter of 17th of last October, which I received a few days since, you refer me to the act of 1830 for the remedy against the opposition that may be made to United States deputy surveyors in the progress of their work. I hope there will be no serious interference or interruption to the surveyors ; should there be, that law will afford no relief, as there is no tribunal here to enforce it. The United States courts have been broken up and driven from the Territory, and the
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Utah courts, with their usurped power, will not recognize the United States laws, and scarcely their own, when they conflict with their schemes.
Judge Stiles, the only United States judge remaining here, intends trying to make his escape from the Territory as soon as it is possible to get over the mountains, but he fears attempts will be made to "cut him off." Knowing that our correspondence through the mails was examined, he has been afraid to write an account of affairs here, but intends reporting in person if he can get away. The fact is, these people repudiate the authority of the United States in this country, and are in open rebellion against the general government. I have sent all of my letters, excepting those relating purely to business matters, by private hands, and believe that most of them have gone through without being opened. Brigham Young has declared openly that the surveyors shall not be suffered to trespass on their lands as they did the last season, and threats are frequently made that any party attempting to survey will be " cut off." In their public meetings the Mormons have been told not to engage in the service of the surveyors, for they would be destroyed. They have hitherto failed in their endeavors to excite the Indians against us, and we think will not succeed hereafter. We have from the beginning had no fear except from the Mormons.
So strong have been my apprehensions of danger to the surveyors, that I scarcely deemed it prudent to send any out; but Mr. Mogo, anxious to be at work, concluded he would venture to make the attempt. He took twenty-seven men with him, all well armed. Reports are already coming here that the party have been cut off, but I am satisfied that the reports are at least premature. If he is vigilant, with the force he has, I think he may avoid an attack.
For the last three months my friends have considered my life in danger. I have been cursed and denounced in their public meetings, and the most diabolical threats made against me. I have remained at my post, partly to protect the office, but more for the reason that I have been hemmed in by the mountains of snow, and could not get away. Several houses of " apostate Mormons" have been pulled down, and at one time an attack was contemplated on the office, to destroy its contents and " wipe me out." I got notice of it in time, and kept well guarded. Several friends volunteered to protect me. I had five or six men in the office for nearly four weeks, and have not had less than three any time this winter. The Mormons, knowing we were prepared for defence, hesitated to make an attack, and we have thus far escaped. Affairs are rather more quiet now.
We are all, " Gentiles" and Mormons, waiting the arrival of the next mail from the States with much anxiety. If it should bring us no tidings or assurance of protection from the United States, every " Gentile" officer may be compelled to leave the Territory. We find our position a critical one. We are by no means sure that we would be permitted to leave, for it is boldly asserted we would not get away alive. The same threats have been made against disaffected Mormons. We were inclined to think them idle menaces, until a few days since, when three men were killed at Springville, sixty miles
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from this place, for making the attempt. They were shot, their throats cut, and their bowels ripped open. Another party were fired upon, and three of them wounded, one of them seriously. These outrages are perpetrated by Mormons, and we have every reason to believe by the orders of Brigham Young. No efforts are made by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR, Surveyor General of Utah.
E.
WASHINGTON, June 11, 1857.
SIR : Having become satisfied that it was no longer safe for me to remain in Utah, without the special protection of the general government, I determined to leave ; and it becomes my duty to state to the department the causes which impelled me to do so. In common with all who do not belong to the Mormon church, I had, from my first advent among them, been looked upon by the rulers of that church and people as an alien, an enemy, and an intruder upon their rights. But while they looked upon my operations there with no friendly eye, and through their newspapers advised the people to commence suits against the surveyors for trespass upon their lands, no open hostility was evinced against me personally, until last February, when a copy of a letter which I had addressed to the department in the month of July preceding, charging Brigham Young with extensive depredations upon the public lands, was received there.
This accusation against the head of the church provoked their special displeasure, and I was waited upon by three prominent men, namely : Hozen Stout, acting United States district attorney ; James Cummings, clerk of the United States district court, and Alexander McRay, the territorial marshal, who, after demanding whether I had written such a letter, and receiving a categorical answer that I did, told me, in the most peremptory manner, that I would not be permitted to write such letters, declaring that all my letters would be examined ; and if adverse to their views and interests, should never leave the Territory, saying that I could not send them out clandestinely, for they would pl event every effort I might make to do so. These threats were accompanied by asseverations that the country, and all that appertained to it, belongs to them ; that their exertions had made it what it was ; that they had earned it, and were determined to keep it, and would permit no interference with their rights. From that time forward continued attempts were made to excite the populace against me. Demonstrations of mob violence and inflammatory appeals by the leaders to the worst feelings of the people were frequently made, and I was repeatedly warned by friends that my life was in imminent danger, and they advised me to seek safety in flight.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 121
A concerted scheme to mob me and destroy the office in the night was concocted, and only failed to be executed by dissensions among the leaders of the " Danites."
Unwilling to abandon my post, I remained until I saw that the laws and authority of the United States had been set aside and repudiated, the federal courts broken up, and the judges and other officers thereof prevented from exercising their functions, and they had, with nearly all the " Gentiles," determined to leave the Territory. I hold myself ready to return to my post as soon as I can do so with safety.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner General Land Office.
F.
WASHINGTON, October 19, 1857.
SIR : I have heretofore apprised the department that fears for my personal safety compelled me to leave Utah Territory in order to seek protection from the general government.
The following accounts make me apprehensive that the office of the surveyor general may have been destroyed by order of Brigham Young. When I left I thought the hostility of the Mormon leaders was directed against me only, and that neither the office nor the clerks would be molested during my absence; but it appears I was mistaken. Some Californians, who passed through Salt Lake City the latter part of July, reported that, while there, the Mormons went in the night to the surveyor general's office, broke it open, and took out Mr . Wilson, one of the clerks, put a rope around his neck and a pistol to his head, and, under threats of his life, made him answer questions, (the nature of the questions I did not learn,) and released him only on a promise that he would bring Mr. Mogo, one of the deputy surveyors, to them the next day. They went after Mr. Landon (the other clerk) at the same time, but he, by jumping out of a second story window, made his escape, and it was rumored that he had gone south, and had been killed.
The Californians left the next morning, and did not know how the matter ended. Mr. Mogo, fearing for his life, left immediately with them, and came as far as Laramie.
This account is corroborated by the accompanying letter just received from Mr. Landon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR.
Hon. THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of General Land Office.
122 UTAH EXPEDITION.
PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA,
September 18, 1857.
DEAR SIR : I embrace the earliest opportunity after my arrival here of transmitting you a few facts that may be of some interest, if not of importance. I reached here on Saturday, the 12th instant, weary, worn, footsore, and nearly famished, having walked nearly all the way from Salt Lake City barefooted and nearly naked ; but I will confine myself to the statement of a few facts for the present, and the next mail you may expect my deposition in due form, giving the particulars of the Mormon doings and some of their intentions.
On Saturday, the 25th of July, while engaged in conversation with some emigrants, I was assaulted by a posse of Mormons, headed by Dick Pettit and — Thompson, who beat me with stones and clubs most unmercifully. The emigrants were about to rally to my protection and assistance, but I dissuaded them from their purpose, telling them that it would only result in the destruction of them all. I made my way home, and by the time I reached there I was perfectly insensible. I was then living next door to the office. Matters were quiet enough until Monday, with the exception that they (Mormons) made an attempt the same afternoon to stone Mr. Mogo, who was coming to the office. He had to retreat in a store. On Monday night, the 27th July, about midnight, I being awake, trying to soothe the many pains of the wounds that the Mormons had inflicted upon me, I was startled by hard knocking at the front and back door of the office. I heard Mr. Wilson ask from the window above what was wanted. They demanded that he should come down and give himself up, by the authority of Brigham Young. The next I heard was a crash, the door being burst open, and Mr. Wilson in conversation with them. Amid the shrieks and cries of his wife, begging them not to take him away, they brutally telling her to keep her mouth shut and stop her noise, or they would make her. I heard Mr. Wilson ask where they were going to take him, and what for? The answer was, "come along, and no fuss, or we'll d—n soon show you." I was almost powerless from my wounds, and could form no idea what to do. I was trying to think, when suddenly my back door was forced open, and in rushed a party of ruffians and assassins. Among them I was able to distinguish the voices of Pettit and Thompson, who demanded that I should come down stairs. I arose and put on my pants and one stocking, when the thought struck me that, if they secured us both, we would surely be murdered. I resolved to try my best to escape, and cautiously took out the window sash, when Pettit called me to make haste and come down. I told them I was coming ; they made a rush for the stairs. As they did so, I jumped out of the window and escaped to the house of a friend, where I remained until daylight. Having procured a disguise, the next evening I travelled along the banks of the Jordan and Salt Lake until daylight, when I struck for the mountains. I had not more than reached a place of concealment, when I saw seven mounted men in pursuit of me. I escaped narrowly twice. Once, near Weber cañon, they came within ten feet of me. They followed me to Willow creek, where the Indians were levying a tax of a
UTAH EXPEDITION. 123
blanket and shirt on every emigrant. My pursuers were heard to say, "let him go, the Indians will get him before he goes far down the Humboldt."
The Indians have got many a poor fellow on that river this summer. Men, women, and children, have been slaughtered by wholesale. One woman was scalped alive, and her child's brains knocked out over the wagon wheel. The woman is still living. I could tell a dozen such instances, but have not time. I saw on the road the Indian Peter who used to come to the office. He told me that Brigham Young had sent him out to get pungo (horses) and carabines (guns.) He knew me, and said I was wano, (good,) because I had often given him biscope, red paint, &c. He said "there were heap Indians on the Humboldt, got heap pungos, heap carbines," &c. I had not left him an hour before he shot a man with four balls, but the man escaped not much injured. I cannot recount the sufferings I endured while on the road. I travelled from Carson Valley here with but two biscuits to eat, and now I am working in a stone quarry, nearly naked and barefooted, for very little more than my food.
The Mormons are all leaving here and Carson Valley for the purpose of defending Zion.
Your humble servant,
C. G. LANDON.
DAVID H. BURR, Esq.
__________
G.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, September 30, 1855.
SIR : The accompanying map of Salt Lake City exhibits the extent to which the streets have been opened and the ground built upon. The corporate limits extend several miles each way, but there are very few dwellings outside of the lines exhibited on the map. The out-lots are used by residents in the city for agricultural purposes.
The Mormon church has called upon its members (and they embrace almost the entire population) to convey to it their possessions. I send herewith a blank form of a deed of trust used in such conveyances. Many, if not most, of the people have yielded to the requirement, and it is expected that nearly all of them will do it. This call embraces not only the city property, but that of the entire Territory.
The provisions of " An act for the relief of the citizens of towns on the lands of the United States," &c., passed May 23, 1844, will not meet the exigencies of the case in this city. It will be seen that the city proper occupies more than three full sections. Therefore, if the government should deem it expedient to give the residents (who have not surrendered their possessions to the church) the right of pre-emption to the lots they occupy, some special legislation will be necessary.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. G. C. WHITING,
Acting Commissioner General Land Office.
124 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Be it known by these presents, that _____, of _____, in the county of —, and Territory of Utah, for and in consideration of the good will which _____ have to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, give and convey unto Brigham Young, trustee, in trust for said church, his successors in office, and assigns, all _____ claim to, and ownership of, the following described property, to wit: __________ together with all the rights, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging or appertaining. _____ also covenant and agree that _____ is the lawful claimant and owner of said property, and will
warrant and forever defend the same, unto the said trustee in trust, his successors in office, and assigns, against the claims of , heirs, assigns, or any person whomsoever.
Witnesses :
TERRITORY OF UTAH, County of _____
I _____, of _____, certify that the signers of the above transfer, personally known to me, appeared this ___ day of _____, A. D. 185—, and acknowledged that —, of _____ own choice, executed the foregoing transfer.
__________
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, February 22, 1858.
SIR : In obedience to your instructions of 30th January, to furnish you with copies of all papers on file in the Indian office which are embraced in the resolution of the House of Representatives, dated January 27, calling for information as to the Utah expedition, &c., I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the papers called for, and numbered in the accompanying schedule from No. 1 to No. 46. The correspondence being quite voluminous, I beg leave to invite your attention to its more prominent and pertinent parts.
As early as February 10, 1852, complaints reached this office against Governor Brigham Young and his followers, who are represented by Agent Holeman, in his letter marked No. 1, as encroaching upon "the Indians, and making settlements throughout the Territory on all the most valuable lands ;" that it was generally believed that all the letters of the " Gentiles" were opened by the Mormon postmaster, and that Brigham Young " made use of his office as superintendent and of the money of the government to promote the interests of his church."
This statement was confirmed by the report of Sub-Agent H. R. Day, (marked No. 2,) who had left his post, and who gives the reasons for so doing in his letter, marked No. 3.
Agent Holeman, in his letter dated December 28, 1851, marked No. 4, being at that time the only government officer not a Mormon left in the Territory, relates a singular instance of how the Mormons went to the work of annoying him, with the view, no doubt, of inducing him to return to the States.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 125
All the documents herewith presented, from No. 4 to No. 20, inclusive, covering the space of two years and a half, gradually develop the policy pursued by the Mormons, which aimed at the establishment of an independent Mormon empire.
To effect this they incited the Indians against the " Gentiles," arrogated the eminent domain over the Indian territory, over which the Indian title was not yet extinguished, and taxed the emigrants passing through Utah on their way to California and Oregon. For substantiation of these points, allow me to invite your attention especially to Nos. 6, 11, 13, and 17. If any doubts, however, had been entertained with regard to the truth of these statements, they were set at rest by Governor Young in his letter to this office, dated June 26, 1855, in which the following passage occurs : " I do not care a groat whether the department or the government ever contribute a penny towards the support of the Indian relations, for the suppression of Indian hostilities, or any other public purpose or object in or for the Territory of Utah."
As early as April 10, 1854, this office made a report (marked No. 17) to the department, requesting that immediate steps should be taken to separate the superintendency of Indian affairs for Utah from the office of governor of said Territory, which, however, was not effected until during the last session (the thirty-fourth) of Congress. In 1855 Colonel Steptoe was appointed governor and ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs in Utah, but he never entered upon duty. In relation to this matter, I beg leave to invite your attention to Nos. 20 1/2 and 20 3/4.
In May, 1855, information reached this office from Agent Hurt (No. 22) that the Mormons had resolved to send out a large number of missionaries to the Indians, with the intent to teach them that the Indians were the rightful owners of the American soil, that it had been wrongfully taken from them by the whites, and that the Great Spirit had sent the Mormons among them to help them recover their rights.
The letters marked Nos. 25, 26, and 27, written August 30 and October 31, 1856, respectively, show that these statements of Agent Hurt were not mere assertions.
No. 28 is a letter of Governor Young, dated September 12, 1857, which -was replied to by this office (No. 29) on November 11, 1857.
The documents from Nos. 30 to 46, inclusive, show forth the measures taken by this office to meet the emergencies created by the treasonable designs of the deluded Mormons and their ambitious leaders, and display further outrages and indignities of these fanatical men against the government and its officers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
Hon. JACOB THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
126 UTAH EXPEDITION.
List of documents, numbered 1 to 46, transmitted by the Acting Commissioner of _Indian Affairs, in obedience to the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, dated January 30, 1858, to furnish copies of all papers on file in the Indian office, embraced in the resolution of the House of Representatives, dated January 27, 1858, requesting the President of the United States " to communicate to the louse of Representatives the information which gave rise to the military expedition ordered to Utah Territory," &c., &c.
1.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, November 28, 1851.
2.—Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Washington City, January, 2, 1852.
3.—Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Washington city, January 9, 1852.
4.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, December 28, 1851.
5.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, February 29, 1852.
6.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, March 29, 1852.
7.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 29, 1852.
8.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Governor Brigham Young, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 19, 1852.
9.—Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Washington city, June 2, 1852.
10.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 2, 1852.
11.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 8, 1852.
12.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, August 30, 1852.
13.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, November 3, 1852.
14.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Webber Station, March 5, 1853.
15.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 29, 1853.
16.—Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 12, 1853.
17.—Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated April 10, 1854.
18.—Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated September 15, 1854.
19.—Letter from Lieutenant H. B. Fleming to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Fort Laramie, August 15, 1854.
20.—Letter from John M. Hockaday, esq., to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, June 17, 1854.
UTAH EXPEDITION 127
20 1/2.-Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated March 21, 1855.
20 3/4.-Letter from Secretary of the Interior to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated March 22, 1855.
21.-Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, data Great Salt Lake City, June 26, 1855.
22.-Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated July 10, 1855.
23.-Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 2, 1855.
24.-Memoranda for the Secretary of the Interior from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated August 15, 1855.
24 1/2.-Letter from Brevet Lieutenant Colonel E. J. Steptoe to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 5, 1855.
25.-Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, August 30, 1856.
26.-Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Governor Brigham Young, dated Office of Indian Agent, Utah, October 31, 1856.
27.-Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, November 20, 1856.
28.-Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, September 12, 1857.
29.-Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Governor Brigham Young, dated Washington city, November 11, 1857.
30.-Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Superintendent J. L. Collins, Santa Fe, dated November 24, 1857.
31.-Letter from Agent and Acting Superintendent S. M. Yost to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Santa Fe, January 14 1858.
32.-Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated September 22, 1857.
33.-Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Raw Hide creek, July 13, 1857.
34.-Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the Interior, dated November 7, 1857.
35.-Letter from Superintendent John Haverty to Commissioner or Indian Affairs, dated St. Louis, November 2, 1857.
36.-Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Raw Ride creek, September 15, 1857.
37.-Letter from Secretary of the Interior to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated November 9, 1857.
38.-Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Superintendent John Haverty, dated November 11, 1857.
39.-Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Deer creek, November 7, 1857.
40.-Letter from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Agent Thomas S. Twiss, dated January 11, 1858.
128 UTAH EXPEDITION.
41.—Letter from William Henry Forbes to Major W. J. Cullen, dated St. Paul, February 2, 1858.
42.—Letter from Superintendent J. Forney to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Camp Scott, December 14, 1857.
43.—Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Superintendent J. Forney, dated Fort Bridger, December 4, 1857.
44.—Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Colonel A. S. Johnston, dated Camp on Sweet Water, October 24, 1857.
45.—Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, October 7, 1857.
46.—Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Agent Garland Hurt, dated Great Salt Lake City, September 26, 1857.
Addenda.
47.—Letter from George W. Armstrong to Secretary of the Interior, dated City of Provo, December 1, 1857.
48.—Letter from Brigham Young to George W. Armstrong, dated Great Salt Lake City, October 16, 1857.
__________
No. 1.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
Utah Territory, November 28, 1851.
DEAR SIR: I have, according to instructions, made a report to his excellency Governor Young, ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs, in which I have given a statement of my accounts and transactions generally. But owing to a difficulty which occurred between the governor, Judge Brocchus, and other officers of government during my absence at Laramie, I did not think it prudent to touch on matters connected with the conduct of the governor, and the Mormons in general, in my report, as it had to pass through hands of the governor. It was not, however, because I feared that anything I would state could or would be controverted by the governor, but because I feared that if I said anything which he might not like in my report that it would never reach you. The " Gentiles," as we are all called who do not belong to the Mormon church, have no confidence in the management of the post office here. It is believed by many that there is an examination of all letters coming and going, in order that they may ascertain what is said of them, and by whom it is said. This opinion is so strong, that all communications touching their character or conduct are either sent to Bridger or Laramie, there to be mailed. I send this communication, through a friend, to Laramie, to be there mailed for the States.
I alluded in my report to the necessity of adopting such measures by the general government as would protect the Indians in this Territory ; they are becoming very much excited by the encroachments of the Mormons, as they are making settlements throughout the Territory on all the most valuable lands, extending these settlements for near three hundred miles from this city. In the first settlement of this city and the adjoining country by the Mormons, they at first conciliated the Indians by kind treatment; but when they once got a foothold, they began to force their way; the consequence was a war with the Indians, and in many instances, a most brutal butchery. This they fear will be the result wherever the Mormons may make a settlement. The Indians have been driven from their lands, and their hunting grounds destroyed, without any compensation therefor. They are in many instances reduced to a state of suffering bordering on starvation. In this situation some of the most daring and desperate, approach the settlements and demand compensation for their lands, when upon the slightest pretexts they are shot down or driven to the mountains. These scenes frequently occur; but the other day an Indian was found dead in the vicinity of the city, shot through the body.
You will be informed, no doubt, by Judge Brocchus, Secretary Harris and others, officers of the government, who have lately returned from this city to the States, of the conduct and character of Governor Young, his treatment to them, &c. I was not here at the time ; on my arrival in the city, I found the governor absent, on an expedition to the Indians, some 150 miles distant from the city. He had taken with him sub-Agent S. B. Rose, who is a Mormon, with several hundred dollars' worth of Indian goods as presents, for the purpose, no doubt, of conciliating the Indians and getting their permission to extend his settlements, thus making use of his office as superintendent, and the money of the government to promote the interest of his church. Therefore it seems to me that no Mormon should, officially, have anything to do with the Indians. I have no doubt but every effort will be made by the Mormons to prevent the government from peaceably extending her laws over the Territory. Since the departure of the judges, &c., they have levied additional taxes on all classes, of ten cents on the dollar on all description of property; this, it is thought, is for the purpose of preparing to resist the government. I should be pleased to receive some instructions in relation to my duties here. I do not know how to act in many cases, and I fear that in acting from my judgment, I may transcend my powers, if I have not done so already. I think it would be advisable to hold a treaty with the Indians as soon as is convenient ; they are generally friendly disposed towards the whites. A deputation of some of their principal men to visit the States would have a very good effect. They know nothing of the power of the government, or the number and manner of living of our people.
I fear you will think me extravagant in the expenditure of money, but I assure you things are quite different here from what they are in. the States ; every thing here is from three to five hundred per cent., consequently our living, although much more common, is very dear. It was the first attempt that had been made by the government to establish friendly relations with the Indians in this Territory, and I thought that a few dollars was a matter of no importance, when compared with the effect which would be produced upon their feelings by showing,
130 UTAH EXPEDITION.
them, that their "Great Father" would be good to them, if they would treat the whites with kindness, &c.
The Indians are very much scattered in this Territory. We want a few more sub agents ; if the pay could be raised we would all be able to do more good. I will communicate with you again about the last of December.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA, Commissioner Indian Affairs,
Washington City, D. C.
__________
No. 2.
WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.,
January 2, 1852.
SIR : I have the honor to report that agreeably to instructions from your department I proceeded to the Territory of Utah, and after a tedious trip arrived at the city of the Great Salt Lake on the 19th of July.
On the 21st I officially reported myself to his excellency Brigham Young, governor and ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs, for " instructions, location, &c. " as instructed by your department.
After the elapse of a few days I received a note from the governor locating me in the first or " Parvan district," with verbal instructions to remain in the city of Great Salt Lake until spring before I permanently established my agency.
The tribes or bands in my agency are composed of the Snake Diggers or Cum-em-bars, which are the desert Indians, inhabiting west of the Tooele, Yoab, and Sevier valleys.
There is a tribe known as Goships and Wan-Ships band, who inhabit the northern part of this district, north from the Great Salt Lake towards the Weber country, west of the Tooele, and east of the Shoshones, or Snake nation.
South are the Tin-pan-a-gos, who inhabit Utah valley ; they are more commonly called the Tinpany or Lake Utes, and are divided into small bands, each.having a chief Stick-in-the-head-Peteetweet, and others are known as chiefs.
The next are the San-Petes who are south of the last named tribes, roving through the Yoab and San-Pete valleys, and thence south to the Sevier river. South of them are the Parvans, which nation extends to a tribe called the Piedes.
The next and last known tribe composing my district is a roving band, who roam through the whole of the other nations, and are confined to no particular part of the Territory. They are called Chever-ets, and known as Walker's band.
All the different tribes in this Territory show much deference to Walker. Connected with him or his band are Arra, Pines, Grose
UTAH EXPEDITION. 131
Pines, Tab-bas, and some others. These bands frequently rove high up on the Sevier river in search of game, but are generally found in the neighborhood of San-Pete and Utah valleys.
I held several councils or " talks" with some of the different chiefs and braves, and explained to them what their Great Father at Washington desired to do for them, and what he expected of them. They expressed much pleasure and satisfaction.
I made them several presents, which delighted them exceedingly. The Indians in this Territory are mostly very poor. Game being excessively scarce, they are, from necessity, and to prevent starvation often, impelled to steal cattle horses, mules, &c., for food.
Some of the tribes inhabiting this district are fine looking men, and apparently quite intelligent Indians. Others of them, viz : the Snake Diggers or Cum-em-bars, are small in stature, and filthy looking beings ; they subsist mostly upon roots, crickets, insects, &c.; are extremely poor and wild.
All these tribes before mentioned acknowledge Walker as their war chief, and Sow-er-ette as their head civil chief ; but the majority of the tribes obey the mandate or counsel of their civil chief, Sow-er-ette, including Walker. They all expressed a willingness and desire to cultivate the soil, provided the Mormons would not drive them off from their lands.
In the latter part of September I sent out to the Snake or Shoshone nation, and invited Cut-nose, one of the chiefs of that nation, to come in and hold a council or " talk" with me, promising to protect him. My object was to make peace between them and the Utah tribes in my district. He came in, with others, and we held a " talk" of several hours. I gave him some small presents. He expressed himself much pleased to hear from their Great Father, and agreed to meet me at Fort Bridger, one hundred and thirteen miles southeast of Salt Lake City, on the 1st of October.
I also sent word to Sow-er-ette to meet me there with his warriors, promising to protect him. Accordingly I repaired to the fort, and they met me there, as per agreement.
These nations have been at war for many years, and there seemed to be a deadly hatred between them. After a council of several hours, during which time they recounted their alleged causes of quarrel, I told them their Great Father wished them to be at peace with all the different nations of Indians and with the whites, and that they must not steal ; which, after smoking the calumet of peace again, they all clasped hands and agreed to. The Indians complained bitterly of the treatment they had received from the Mormon settlers from the time they first entered the Territory up to the present, such as driving them off of their lands, stealing their stock, &c.
I can, perhaps, convey their ideas better by giving you the language of the old chief, Sow-er-ette, who, raising himself up to his full height, said to me " American good ! Mormon no good ! American friend. Mormon kill, steal."
The chiefs said they claimed all the lands upon which were settled the Mormons, and that they were driving them further every year,
132 UTAH EXPEDITION,
making use of their soil and what little timber there was, and expressed a wish, if their Great Father was so powerful, that he would not permit the Mormons to drive them out of the valleys into the mountains, where they must starve.
Some of these tribes cultivate the soil, raise Indian corn, &c.
About the 9th of August Major Holeman, Indian agent, arrived at Great Salt Lake City, and the governor, after some consultation with him and myself, ordered us to attend the treaty at Fort Laramie on the 1st of September, with a delegation of Indians.
I sent out interpreters among those in my district to prevail upon the chief to attend the treaty. By the governor's orders, purchased a carriage, &c., to convey them down privately and in disguise, it being his opinion and instructions that they should be conveyed in that manner to prevent being attacked by other tribes.
Four only of the different bands came in : Gro-se-pene, a chief; Quon-de-ats, son of Sow-er-ette ; Tomy, sent by Walker ; Sow-er-ette, sent by Wanship ; and Gro-se-pene's sister.
The governor thought they could not properly represent the different tribes, and ordered me not to make the trip, but to purchase them a suit of clothes each, knives, tobacco, &c., which I did.
The reasons given me by Sow-er-ette, Walker, and the other chiefs, why they did not come in and go down was that they believed it to be a trap set by the Mormons to kill them. They seem to have but little confidence in anything the Mormon people say to them, and decidedly stand in much fear of them ; and from all information I could gather not without good cause.
I am decidedly of opinion that a treaty held of all the different tribes in the Territory would be of incalculable benefit, and that a delegation sent to Washington and through the States would add much to give them an idea of the power of the government, and have a much greater tendency to civilize these Indians than any other course that could be adopted. They have no conception of the population and power of the United States.
Christian missions, other than Mormons, would also do much to advance these Indians towards civilization.
I am, respectfully, your obedient,
H. R. DAY,
Sub-Indian Agent 1st District, Utah Territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
__________
No. 3.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 9, 1852.
SIR : In presenting my report to your department a few days since, I did not then state my reasons for having left the Territory of Utah and my agency. I deemed it more suitable to make it the subject of another communication.
My reasons for returning were the public and private abuse of the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 133
government of the United States and its officers, and finding I could not be of that service to the government and the Indians, which I deem that duty required, more particularly as long as the present governor remained superintendent of Indian affairs.
I found it impossible, with due respect to myself and the government of the United States, to perform my duties, in consequence of the open hostility manifested publicly and privately by the governor and the Mormon community to the government of the United States and its officers sent out to Utah Territory.
Although instructed by your department to report through Governor Young, ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs, I have, under the peculiar circumstances of my position, thought it the more advisable and proper course to report to you in person, and knowing the delay of mail communication, and being satisfied that the government would wish to take action independent of Mormon influences, I believed I would be discharging my duty to repair to the seat of government that I might give such information and explanations as a counter report from Governor Young might call for, and to give a more full and detailed account of the difficulties existing between the officers of the general government and the Mormons.
Thus far I conceive that I am in the discharge of my duty, and would respectfully ask for further instructions, and of such a nature as will enable me to act independent of Governor Young and the Mormons, and am ready to perform my duties and return to Utah Territory ; but do not believe that any agent controlled by Governor Young can fully effect the objects of the government in their relations with the Indians.
I would also respectfully suggest that the salaries of sub-agents be raised to such an amount as would enable them to live in a country where everything in the shape of provisions, &c., is much higher than in either California, Oregon, or New Mexico, and in which countries agents receive much larger salaries.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
HENRY R. DAY.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
__________
No. 4.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.
December 28, 1851.
DEAR SIR : Enclosed I send you a document which will give you some information in relation to the manner they do business in this city. It commenced, I have no doubt, with the view of producing a difficulty with me, as I was the only government officer not a Mormon left in the Territory. It was a transaction with which I had nothing to do, when consulted upon the subject by Mr. H. R. Day, sub-agent, and Governor Young. I did not think it my privilege, nor did I undertake to give any instruction to any one, neither did I intend to make
134 UTAH EXPEDITION.
any move in the matter. Subsequently I was called on by Mr. H. R. Day, who informed me that the governor had directed him to make an effort, and, if possible, to get some of the chiefs or principal men of the Utah tribe of Indians, and accompany them to the treaty of Laramie. He stated, also, that the governor had recommended to him that he should send some one acquainted with the Indians to visit them at their villages, and request them to meet him in this city, where, with his assistance, they could perhaps prevail on the Indians to accompany him to the treaty. Mr. Day, having an interpreter employed, he was called upon and directed to visit these Indians ; he wished to have some one to accompany him, and requested Mr. Day to authorize him to employ one or two men for that purpose. Mr. Day asked my opinion with regard to his power of employing persons in this capacity. I told him I could give him no information on the subject, but supposed that the governor could or would advise him what to do, and that he had better consult him. Shortly after this conversation Mr. Huntington, the interpreter, called on me, accompanied by this E. W. Vanetten, to know what would be the pay of Vanetten per day should he take the trip. I told them I could not inform them ; that I had nothing to do with the business ; that I was going to leave the city the next day for Laramie, and, as I could not be here when the Indians arrived, I again advised them to call on the governor, who would give them all the necessary information and instruction. They left me, and in about two hours returned, still urging me to give them directions and instruct them what to do ; Vanetten stating in the most positive manner that he would not go unless he knew what he was to get, and who was to pay him. I told him again that I had nothing to do with the matter, and that I could not and would not fix any price for his labor, nor would I employ him at any price whatever. This was the last conversation I had with either Vanetten or Huntington upon the subject.
I left the city the next day, and heard nothing further upon the subject until I returned here from Laramie. On the 10th ultimo Mr. Vanetten presented his account to me, and in a very peremptory manner demanded payment. I told him that I had not employed him, that I knew nothing of the services, and that I could not pay the bill. He replied that he had been directed to present it to me, and if I did not pay it that he must proceed to collect it. I requested him to see the governor, and that I had no doubt he would do what was right. If the services had been rendered the governor knew it, and certainly would pay him, as he had the control of the whole matter ; that he well knew that I was not here at the time, and that I had refused to employ him in any way. He left me, and returned the next day, and demanded immediate payment, informing me that the governor had instructed him to present the account to me, and if I did not pay it to make me. I stated to him that I did not wish any difficulty either with him or the governor, but that I could not pay an account that I had no agency in creating, or for services which I did not know had ever been rendered ; but, to settle the matter, if he would get the governor's certificate, with instructions to me to pay it, I would do so. But without the certificate of the governor I would not.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 135
About twelve o'clock the constable served a warrant on me for an account against "J. B. Holeman, Indian agent," summoning me to appear before Squire Snow at three o'clock. Attorney General Blair appeared as counsel for Vannetten, had me prosecuted, and judgment rendered against me as a private citizen ; execution issued, and a carriage wagon, the property of the government, was levied on, and taken out of my possession on the same day. On the 13th the constable advertised the carriage for sale. Fearing some difficulty, which might result in the loss of the property, as their law process was singular and speedy when against a Gentile; and as they can prove anything they desire, I determined to pay the debt, the receipt for which is herewith enclosed.
I take the opportunity of again stating to you, as my fixed opinion, that with Governor Young at the head of the Indian department in this Territory, it cannot be conducted in such a manner as to meet the views of, or do justice to, the government. He has been so much in the habit of exercising his will, which is supreme here, that no one will dare to oppose anything he may say or do. His power and influence is so great, that no officer, either of the Territory or the government, who is a Mormon, will dare to disobey his will ; therefore, these officers are managed and controlled by him as completely as if all their powers and duties were invested in him alone. His orders are obeyed without regard to the consequences, and whatever is to the interest of the Mormons that is done, whether it is according to law, or to the interest of the government, or not. From all the circumstances, I feel well assured that he was at the head of this suit of Vannetten against me. He wished to show to his people that he was sincere in his expressions of contempt towards the government and her officers here, by having them annoyed in every possible manner, in order to force them to leave the Territory, or succumb to his will. At our first interview, after my return from Laramie, his conduct was of such a character that I felt it my duty to check him at once. I assured him of my determination to do all in my power to promote the interest of the government ; that, so far as he was concerned, I should be happy to cooperate with him in all measures which had a tendency to effect that object ; but that so far as I was able, and to the extent of my ability, I intended to discharge my duty to the government faithfully, without fear, favor, or affection to any one, and that I wished him distinctly to understand. We separated without much ceremony, and did not meet again for several days. In the meantime, it was rumored about that I was going out to Fort Bridger, and the Mormons generally believed that I was about to leave for the States. This produced a great change ; the governor called on me, was very polite, and has been quite friendly ever since. I expect an outbreak between us, because I believe it to be his intention to use his official station as superintendent of Indian affairs to promote the interest of his people. He has already been on an excursion with the Mormon sub-Agent, S. B. Rose, with Indian goods, as presents to the Indians in a section of the country where they are making a new settlement, and where, I am informed, the Indians have made objections to any further encroachments upon their lands by the Mormons.
136 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Their object is to get a foothold, make a settlement peaceably by purchasing the friendship of the chiefs and headmen with presents furnished by the government, and then bid defiance both to the government and to the Indians. They are a people who have no sympathy or respect for our government or its institutions, and who are frequently heard cursing and abusing, not only the government, but all who are American citizens. Believing it to be my duty, I shall remain here if it should be the wish of the department, and shall, from time to time, advise you of all matters connected with the Indian affairs which I may deem of importance or interest.
As soon as the weather will hermit, I shall visit several tribes and bands who I have not yet seen, when I shall inform you of their situation and disposition. I have felt it my duty to make the foregoing statements, and have forwarded this communication directly to the department, believing that if I attempted to pass it through the superintendent, it would never reach you.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
__________
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH,
November 10, 1851.
Major J. H. HOLEMAN, United States Indian agent,
To E. W. VANMETTEN, DR.
For services of self and horse eight days, on tour to San Pete,
$3 00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24 00
UTAH TERRITORY, )
Great Salt Lake County, ) s.s.
To the sheriff or any constable of said county, greeting :
You are hereby commanded to summon J. H. Holeman to appear before me, at my office in Great Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, the 11th day of November, A. D. 1851, at three o'clock p. m., then and there to answer unto E. W. Vanetten in a plea of debt on account, in the sum of twenty-four dollars. Hereof, fail not, but legal service and due return make, according to law.
Given under my hand this 11th day of November, 1851.
WM. SNOW, J. P.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 137
E. W. VANETTEN vs. J. H. HOLEMAN
Cost bill. Plaintiff's cost.
Summons $1 00
Subpoena 50
Swearing witness, (Huntingdon) 25
Witness 1 00
Rendition of judgment 2 25
Constable's fees 3 00
8 00
========
Suit brought on account.—Amount $24.
November 11, A. D. 1851.—Summons issued and delivered to Rodney Badger, constable, for appearance of defendant at 3 o'clock p. m., of November 11, 1851.
November 11, 1851.—Summons returned endorsed, served by reading to defendant.—Rodney Badger, constable.
Fees, $3.
Half-past three.—Parties appeared, trial had, and it is considered that plaintiff recover of defendant the sum of $24 and cost, taxed to eight dollars.
November 11, 1851.—Execution issued against J. H. Holeman, in favor of E. W. Vanetten, for $24, debt, and $8 cost of suit, placed in the hands of R. Badger, constable, for collection, together with his cost, and one dollar for said execution.
Returnable thirty days from date.
I hereby certify the above to be a true copy taken from my docket in office.
WM. SNOW, J. P.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, November 14, 1851.
__________
E. W. VANNETTEN VS. JACOB H. HOLEMAN.
Judgement rendered by Wm. Snow, justice $24 00
Costs of suit 8 00
Taking a carriage and serving writ in execution. 3 00
Writing and posting up 4 advertisements for the sale of one carriage 4 00
39 00
========
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, November 15, 1851.
Received payment, in full of the above bill, costs, and judgment of Jacob H. Holeman.
RODNEY BADGER, Constable.
138 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Constable' s Sale.
Taken, on execution against John H. Holeman, in favor of E. W. Vanetten, one carriage and harness, which will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, at or near the council house, in Great Salt Lake City, on Saturday, at 2 o'clock p. m., the 22d day of November, 1851.
RODNEY BADGER,
Constable.
TERRITORY OF UTAH, G. S. L. CITY,
November 13, 1851.
__________
No. 5.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,
February 29, 1852.
DEAR SIR : You would greatly oblige me by giving me some instructions in regard to my duties here, and the wishes of the department. I have been, as the saying is, going it blind, pretty much, and, I fear, I may have acted improperly in some respects. I am anxious to be informed of the intentions and wishes of the department in relation to the Indians in this Territory generally. It is expected here that there will be a considerable emigration from the States to California and Oregon this spring ; there will be considerable from this place. As the Indians have been very troublesome on this route, I think it important that something should be done in that direction to protect the property and lives of the emigrants. An agency at Mary's river, some 300 miles from this city, would do much good, and have a tendency to quiet the disorderly Indians, if in the hands of a proper person. I consider it the most important point for operations this spring. There was such destruction of life and property on this route, during the last season, that I should like to be instructed to regulate matters there, before the emigration arrives. I think, by proper management, the route may be made safe ; not, however, without some expense. If I do not hear from you, and the emigration should make a move, I shall use all efforts to give them a safe passage, so far as the Indians are concerned. I shall visit them and endeavor to concilliate them ; and, if possible, establish friendly relations between us : at all events, so far as the limits of this Territory extend. But, as I have before stated to you, I fear that little can be done for the benefit of the government or the Indians, under the present organization of the Indian department here. The superintendent and sub-Agent, Rose, seem disposed to conceal their movements from me ; they never consult with me, or pay any attention to my opinions. They have licensed many traders, some against my wishes, and who I know to be unworthy ; they are traversing the country in every direction, though they reside in this city. Have I the power to stop this kind of traffic ? I have pestered you so much with my communications, that I fear you will think me troublesome ; therefore, I will make the communication a short one. I wrote to Mr. J. J. Critten-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 139
den, concerning matters here, and should be pleased that you would see my letter to him. If you have time, please write me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
Hon. L. LEA, Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
__________
No. 6.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
March 29, 1852.
DEAR SIR : On the 28th of November last I addressed you a letter, containing in substance what you will find in this. Believing it important that the department should be possessed of some of these facts, and understanding that there was a failure in the mail of the 1st of December, I have concluded to write you again, as I have now a safe conveyance by private hand. In my letter above alluded to, I informed you that I had made a report to his excellency Governor Young, superintendent of Indian affairs, in which I had given a statement of my accounts and transactions, generally. But owing to a difficulty which had occurred between the governor and Judge Brocchus, and other officers of the government, during my absence to Laramie, I did not think it prudent to touch on matters connected with the conduct of the governor, and the Mormons in general, as it had to pass through the hands of the governor. It was not, however, because I feared that anything I stated could or would be contradicted by the governor, but because I apprehended that if I said anything which he did not like in my report, that it would never reach you. " The Gentiles," as we are all called, who do not belong to the Mormon church, have no confidence in the management of the post office here ; it is believed by many that there is an examination of all letters, coming and going, in order that they may ascertain what is said of them, and by whom it is said. This opinion is so strong that all communications touching their character and conduct, are either sent to Bridger or Laramie, there to be mailed. I send this communication by a friend to St. Joseph, Missouri, there to be mailed for the city of Washington.
I alluded, in my report, to the necessity of adopting such measures by the general government, as will protect the rights of the Indians in this Territory ; they are becoming very much excited by the encroachments of the Mormons, who are making settlements throughout the Territory on all the most valuable lands, extending these settlements for three hundred miles south from this city, and north to Mary's river and Carson valley. In the first settlement of this city, and the adjoining country by the Mormons, they at first conciliated the Indiana by kind treatment, but when they once got foothold, they began to force their way, the consequence was a war with the Indians, and in many instances, a most brutal hatchery of the Indians. This, they fear, will again be the result wherever the Mormons may make a
140 UTAH EXPEDITION.
settlement. The Indians having been driven from their lands, and their hunting ground destroyed without any compensation therefor, they are, in many instances, reduced to a state of suffering bordering on starvation. In this situation, some of the most daring and desperate approach the settlements, and demand some remuneration or compensation for their lands, &c., when upon the slightest pretexts, they are shot down or driven to the mountains. These scenes frequently occur ; but the other day an Indian was found dead in the vicinity of the city, shot through the body.
You will no doubt be informed by Judge Brocchus, Secretary Harris, and others—officers who have returned from this city to the States —of the conduct and character of Governor Young, his treatment to them, &c. I was not here at the time. On my arrival in the city, from Laramie, I found the governor absent on an expedition to the Indians, some 150 miles distant. He had taken with him sub-Agent S. B. Rose, who is a Mormon, with several hundred dollars worth of Indian goods as presents, for 'the purpose, no doubt, of conciliating the Indians and getting permission to extend his settlements ; thus making use of his office as superintendent and the money of the government to promote the interest of his church. Therefore, it seems to me that no Mormon should officially have anything to do with the Indians.
From what I can learn here, there is no doubt but every effort will be made by the Mormons to prevent the government from peaceably extending her laws over the Territory. Since the departure of the judges and other officers, they have levied additional taxes on all classes of ten cents on the dollar's worth of all description and kind of property. This, it is thought, is for the purpose of preparing for resistance. It is said, upon good authority, that there is an effort being made to form an alliance with the Indians to resist the government, should it be determined to force authority in the Territory ; and, from all the circumstances and information I can gather, something of the kind may be in agitation. It would not surprise me in the least, as many of the Utah tribe have been baptised in their church, and feasted upon all occasions, and treated in the kindest manner. sub-Agent Rose has just returned from another tour, and the governor will leave again in a few days. Neither have spoken to me on the subject, nor do they let me know anything of their actings or doings.
I think it would be advisable to hold a treaty with the Indians as soon as possible. They are generally friendly disposed to the whites. A deputation of some of their principal men to visit the States would have a very good effect. They know nothing of the power of the government, or the number and manner of living of our people.
I have just been informed that the Snake and Utah tribes, who have been at war with each other, have assembled for the purpose of settling their differences ; they are now in council. I suggested this course to both tribes, and have no doubt but it will result in an adjustment of their difficulties. It will set an example to the other tribes, and will ultimately, I have no doubt, produce a very good effect. This is the band of the Snakes who visited Laramie ; they are very friendly to the whites and have great respect for their Great Father. The Indians
UTAH EXPEDITION. 141
are very much scattered over this Territory ; the tribes are split up into small bands, ruled by some favorite chief; some of them are very small. The tribe of Shoshonies, or Snakes, is very large, and being divided into many bands, they occupy a large portion of the Territory, but are all on friendly terms with each other. They have nothing like a settled residence, but roam the country from the headwaters of the Platte, near the South Pass, to St. Mary's river, including a portion of the Territory of Oregon. There are two bands of Utahs of considerable size ; one residing south of the city, and are very friendly towards the whites ; the other, who are called the " Diggers," reside north, and range over a portion of country lying between this and California ; they are said to be a tribe formed by the poorer classes of the Utahs, the Snakes, the Pa-nacks, the Crows, and the Flatheads. They have heretofore been considered as the most worthless and trifling Indians in the Territory, subsisting on roots principally, from which they take the name of Diggers. It is said they eat anything that has life in it, from a cricket to a buffalo. It is principally in their country that the robberies and murders which have occurred during the past season have been committed. Many are of the opinion that they have been encouraged and assisted by white men ; and judging of their past character and their bold and daring conduct now, it would seem that there is strong grounds for the opinion. There are many bands of the various tribes above named, of a more elevated character, who pursue the chase for a living, and travel the country in search of game, from the Platte river to California, and from this city to Oregon. I visited a village of the Snakes about 80 miles north of this city, in January last. It was reported here that they had information of two white women, who were said to be held as prisoners by a band of the " White Knives;" all the information I could gather seemed to justify the belief that they had been killed by the Indians. The name of White Knife has been given to these Indians who have been committing the robberies on the California and Oregon routes, in consequence, they say, of white men being connected with them and their being so completely armed with almost every description of weapon. The Indians I visited professed great friendship for the whites, and seemed disposed to enter into any arrangement with the government which would have a tendency to secure, permanently, this friendship. I have met with many of the Utah tribe, who reside south and southeast of this city ; they are also friendly, and are anxious to make such arrangements, by treaty or otherwise, as will establish, on a firm footing, their friendly relations with the whites.
I have suggested, in my previous letters, the necessity of doing something to protect the route between this and California and Oregon; the Indians have been very troublesome during the last year ; robberies and murders of the most brutal character occur with almost every train. The November mail from California has been cut off, all killed by the Indians, near Mary's river ; the mail contractor, Mr. Woodward, among them, and the mail destroyed. The February mail from the same place arrived here on the 26th instant, after much suffering; all their mules and horses were frozen to death, the men
142 UTAH EXPEDITION.
were compelled to lay by 18 days in a snow storm, and travelled 13 days on foot, packing the mail on their backs, with nothing to eat but mule meat, and four days without anything ; they accidently met a band of the Snake Indians, who fed them, and brought them into the settlements. Something should be done by the government to aid this mail route. The December and January mails could not pass the mountains and return.
It is not, perhaps, any portion of my duty, yet it may not be amiss to give you some account of the persecution and tyranny of the Mormons towards the gentiles, as all are called who do not belong to the Mormon church. They have levied a very exorbitant tax on all emigrants who have been compelled to winter in this valley ; they collected this tax last fall, and now, when these emigrants are preparing to leave for California and Oregon, they tax them again. The legislature has passed a law giving licenses to men belonging to their church, to establish ferries, and build bridges over all the streams over which emigration will have to pass, and regulated the toll at three dollars for each wagon, and fifty cents for each head of loose cattle, while the citizens of the valley, or members of the church, are exempted from this tax or toll, one-half of which is to be paid into the tithing office, for the benefit of the church. Some of the emigrants, who, from the lateness of the season when they arrived here, were compelled to remain during the winter ; being good mechanics, they were employed by some of the heads of the church to labor on their buildings and public works ; and wishing to leave this spring, have been turned off without pay, or any satisfaction ; they refused even to give their notes. Among these men is Willard Richards, who keeps a harem of some dozen or fifteen women, to all of whom he is wedded. He is acting secretary of state, and postmaster of the city. Every description of tyranny that they can invent is made use of to persecute the emigrants. They issue from the tithing office a kind of scrip, as evidence of the indebtedness of the church, for labor or services performed by individuals. This scrip forms a kind of circulating medium, and is received from the members in payment of their taxes and tithing ; but when it falls into the hands of a gentile, it will not be received from him for his taxes, and he is forced to pay the cash. All he can do with it is to receive such articles of trade as they may choose to give him, at from one to four hundred per cent. above the valley prices for the same article.
They are in the habit of drilling the militia weekly. The commanding officer, in impressing upon them the importance of punctuality attending these drills, has been heard to say, " That they were in the habit of drilling punctually while in Nauvoo, when they had but one State to oppose them, but now they have the whole United States, they should be properly drilled and equipped." Others say, " They do not fear the United States, they have neither respect tor her, or her citizens ; and should they want assistance to defend themselves against the government, they can easily get it from England." They have their missionaries travelling all over the world, almost, collecting men and contributions, to give greater strength to their church. They calculate upon a large emigration this season to reinforce their
143 UTAH EXPEDITION.
ranks, and are using every effort to prevent their people from leaving the valley. Many have made preparations for emigrating to California, but Brigham has put his veto against it, and in a great measure, has put a stop to it.
I could give you thousands of circumstances tending to show their deadly hostility to the government, and their determination to resist her authority in all matters which conflict with their notions and church regulations. They say that " God and the governor commands," and they obey no one else.
I mentioned in my previous letters the difficulty attending the route from this city to California The main route from the States to California and Oregon passes to the north of this, and intercepts the road from here at or near the Goose Creek mountains, about 175 miles from this place. It is then about 130 miles to the head of Humboldt river, where the road strikes it; thence down the river to the cañon is about 60 miles ; making from this to the cañon about 365 miles. It is the opinion of the best informed, with whom I have conversed, that a post or agency, established at or near this cañon, would afford the best protection to this route. The distance from this cañon to Reese's Station in Carson's valley, is about 360 miles. This station is in Utah Territory, near the California line, and is about 180 miles from Sacramento city. There is a settlement about this station of about eighty persons, and extends in the direction to this city, for near forty miles. Should I receive no instructions to the contrary, I have concluded to visit this section of the Territory, and should I find it advantageous to the interest of the government and the Indians, I shall make arrangements to establish an agency at some point which will be the best calculated to give the greatest amount of protection, and at the same time be most convenient for operations with the Indians. As the emigration will be leaving this valley about the 20th of April, I have concluded to leave this city with them. I shall write you again before I leave, and shall advise you from time to time of my operations, the prospects of quieting the Indians, and the state of the country generally.
I fear you will think me extravagant in the expenditure of money, but I assure you things are quite different here from what they are in the States ; everything is from two to five hundred per cent, higher than they are there. Consequently, our living, though much more common, is quite dear. All my expenditures have been as economical as possible, particularly my trip to Laramie. It was the first attempt that had been made by government to establish friendly relations with the Indians in this Territory, and I thought that a few dollars was a matter of no importance when compared with the effect which would be produced upon their feelings, by showing them that their Great Father, as well as the whites generally, would be good to them if they would treat the whites with kindness. They returned to their villages so much pleased with the trip, and the evidences of friendship they received, that they are using all their influence with the other tribes, not only to make peace between themselves, but to establish peace and friendship with the whites.
It may be prudent, perhaps, to keep my name secret in relation to these statements. If it was known here that I had such a communi-
144 UTAH EXPEDITION.
cation, there is no telling what would be the result. I have heard them boldly assert that, if Brigham was to tell them to cut anyman's throat, they would do it without hesitation. I make these remarks to let you know my situation. I do not fear a contradiction ; use your judgment on the subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
__________
No. 7.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
April 29, 1852.
SIR : I have advised you, in my previous communication, of the difficulty and danger to emigrants who travel the Oregon and California route, and of the necessity of doing something for their protection I also informed you that, if not instructed otherwise, I should visit that section of the Territory, and endeavor to make such arrangements with these Indians as would insure safety to emigration in future. I have had several conversations with the superintendent upon this subject without coming to any determination or receiving from him any particular instructions. For the purpose, therefore, of bringing the matter to a close, and that there should be action upon the subject, I addressed to him the enclosed letter. He left this city on the 23d instant on a southern tour, to be absent several months, without giving me any instructions, or even acknowledging the receipt of my letter. He has been in an ill humor with me since the receipt of your annual report, in which is a letter I addressed you from Fort Laramie and in which I speak of the excitement of the Indians on account of the whites settling their lands, and more particularly against the Mormons. In order to justify myself for the statements made in that letter, I have thought it advisable to give you my authority, as I have been threatened with denunciation and a contradiction of all matters concerning the Mormons.
Mr. James Bridger, who was the interpreter of the Snake Indians at the treaty of Laramie, and who is very favorably noticed in the communication of Colonel D. D. Mitchell, informed me that the Utah Indians residing in Uwinty valley had frequently expressed their dissatisfaction, in the strongest terms, against the Mormons making settlements on their lands ; that they understood they intended to do so, and were anxious to know what they should do, or if they had the right to prevent it. This was stated to me in such a manner that I could not hesitate to believe it. In addition to this, Mr. Barney Ward, a Mormon, who was the interpreter of sub-Agent S. B. Rose, in conversation, frequently stated that the Mormons intended to make a settlement in Uwinty valley, and that he was going to reside there as an Indian trader. With this information, believing that if the settlement was attempted that it would cause an outbreak, and another " Indian war," for which government would be called upon to defray
UTAH EXPEDITION. 145
the expenses, I made the statement in my communication from Laramie; not, however, for the purpose of producing unkind feelings towards the Mormons, but to impress upon the department the necessity of adopting such measures as would place both the whites and the Indians in a position to understand their rights and privileges, and thereby prevent further disturbances among them, as there had been, as I conceived, great injustice done the Indians already. I subsequently met a deputation of the Uwinty Utes, sent by their chief Soweates, who confirmed the information I had before received, and expressed their decided disapprobation to any settlement being made on their lands by the whites, and more particularly by the Mormons. This same deputation was directed by their chief to request that I would send them some traders, towards whom and the government they pledged friendship in the strongest terms. I sent them two different companies of traders—one from Fort Bridger, who they treated with great kindness and respect ; the others went from this city. Upon learning they were from the Mormon city, the Indians immediately demanded to know if they were Mormons ; and although one was a Mormon; they were compelled to deny it. Such was the feeling of hostility expressed towards the Mormons, that if they had been known to be so they would have been driven from the village. The Shoshonees, or Snakes, were equally opposed, and expressed their disapprobation to the Mormons settling on their lands in the strongest terms.
I thought I was in the discharge of my duty in giving to the department this information, as I conceived it of some importance. The Indians in this Territory have, in the general, been badly treated; upon some occasions so much so as to produce resistance. Then, upon the most trivial occasion, would follow, as the Mormons call it, an " Indian war," and being better armed and equipped than the Indians a most brutal butchery would follow. For all these services in all these " Indian wars," I understand that there is a petition presented, or will be presented, to Congress for the government to pay the bill. Before they do so, however, I hope they will inquire into particulars, as these people seem more inclined to fleece the government of her money than to render her any important service or friendship. I have thought it to be my duty to inform the department of all matters calculated to produce excitement or dissatisfaction among the Indians. With this view I have made you the several communications relative to matters and things here. I shall continue to do so as circumstances may occur ; and while I confine my statements to facts, I feel confident I shall be sustained by the department.
I shall, in accordance with my previous advices to the department, leave in a few days for the Humboldt, where, if I find it necessary, I shall establish an agency, as it is no doubt the most important point on the route. If it should be necessary and any good can be effected, I will extend my trip as far as Carson valley, near the line between this Territory and California. If I should not succeed in establishing friendly relations with these Indians, I shall on my return have it in my power to give the department such information as will enable them to act more advisedly in future. At present but little is known except that they are murdering and plundering every train that passes
146 UTAH EXPEDITION.
the road. As the treaty of Laramie has given security to emigration from the States to the country occupied by these Indians, an arrangement with them will open a general highway through all the country, from Missouri to California, and give security to the numerous and increasing emigration which is annually passing to California and Oregon, and which at present is attended with so much danger and loss of life and property. The Indians in this section have had but little intercourse with the whites, and what they have had has rather tended to excite them against the whites than to create friendship or respect. The first were a set of traders and trappers, &c., whose practice was to cheat them out of what little they possessed, or take it by force when able to do so ; the second were the Mormons, who forcibly took possession of their country, drove off their game, and killed many of the Indians ; the last was the emigration who often committed depredations on those who were inclined to be friendly, through the mistaken idea that all Indians were treacherous, and by this means frequently caused the innocent to suffer. Such transactions have in a great measure brought about the present condition of things here. Many of the tribes, however, are becoming friendly, and by a prudent and humane course, which has characterized all the acts of the government in regard to this unfortunate race, I hope the balance may be reconciled and the country and the highways be relieved of the distressing scenes which so often occur.
I mentioned to you in my last communication that the November mail, from California to this place, had been cut off by the Indians and the contents destroyed. The remains of Mr. Woodward, the contractor, have since been found some forty miles beyond the settlements in this valley. We have received information from the Indians near Fort Hall, that he and his escort, five in number, were attacked by this marauding band of Indians on the Humboldt, and that four were killed—the fifth, Woodward, made his escape. It is supposed that he must have been wounded and died from exhaustion, as his watch and many valuable papers were found near the remains of his body, which was almost entirely destroyed by wild beasts; it was identified, however, by his clothing, watch, papers, &c.
The Snake Indians who attended the treaty at Laramie returned well pleased with their reception and treatment. They are very friendly with all who pass through their country, giving them every assistance in their power, and pledging a continuance of their friendship, on account, as they say, of the kindness of their Great Father to them. This feeling is diffusing itself throughout many of the other tribes and bands, who regret that they had not been there also. In fact, I believe that there is but one tribe in the Territory who are disposed to molest the emigration, and that is the tribe I contemplate visiting. I shall be compelled to incur some expense, but shall be as economical as possible. I shall have to hire some ten or fifteen men, an interpreter, &c., to accompany me, and shall make all other arrangements, as far as possible, subject to your advice and instruction, which I shall expect on my return.
I regret that I have not been able to receive positive instructions in relation to my duties, and more particularly in regard to expendi-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 147
tures, and the particular kind of expenditures. I fear that I have already gone too far ; all I can say on this subject is, that in attending the Snake Indians to the treaty at Laramie, although somewhat expensive, it has done much good, and will have a very happy effect upon our Indian operations in future. One thing, however, is certain, all operations with the Indians cost money, perhaps more in this Territory than many other places. I have, therefore, thought it better to incur a little expense for purposes which I deemed of importance to the Indians and to the government than to wait for instructions so distant and difficult to obtain. Besides, I can see no use in my remaining idle when there is important work to perform, particularly as it will have to be done at some time, and perhaps at a much greater expense.
Will you be so kind as to say to me, on the receipt of this, what will be the proper allowance to these men who accompany me, either as their per diem or monthly pay. I fear you will consider me somewhat pestiferous, but you must recollect that I have had no instructions by which I could form a correct opinion of the extent of my powers and duties, or the particular wishes of the government. I was directed to report to the governor, which duty I performed without delay. He having no instructions, as he informed me, I was left to act upon your verbal instructions, to take such steps as in my judgment would best conduce to the interest of the Indians and the government. I have endeavored so to act, and hope my conduct may meet the approbation of the department, and that I may hear from you by the return mail.
I received a communication by the last mail informing me that, in consequence of my having failed to render my accounts up to the 30th of September last, I had been reported to the President. I regret that it was not in my power to make my report at the time alluded to. I had been in attendance at the treaty at Laramie, with the Snake Indians, where I was detained much longer than I had anticipated when I left this city ; not doubting when I left but that I should return before the time specified for making my report, I did not take with me many papers necessary to enable me to do so. In addition to this, my horses failed on my return to such an extent as to prevent my travelling at the usual speed. I had to wait on them or to leave them. I thought it more prudent to sacrifice my personal comfort than to leave my animals, which would have been a total loss to the government, and did not reach this city until the 26th of October, too late to make a report. I however forwarded my account by the November mail, which I have no doubt you have received ere this, and which I hope may be satisfactory to the department.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
P. S. May 1. Not receiving any communication from you, and being left to act from my own judgment, I shall proceed to equip ten
148 UTAH EXPEDITION.
men, with an interpreter, and two friendly Indians, and proceed immediately to the Humboldt. It is reported here that these marauding Indians in that station have been making great preparations for their operations on the emigrants ; and as there is nothing else of any importance for me to do at present, it seems to me that my duty prompts me to this course. I shall use every effort in my power peaceably to quiet the Indians on this route, and to get all the information possible concerning them, their habits, disposition, &c., and the prospects of doing anything with them in future. I shall use economy and discretion in all matters, and report the result to the department on my return. If I find it necessary to go as far as Carson valley I may be detained some two or three months. It is unnecessary to take this trip unless a thorough investigation is made of all matters which may be of interest to the government or to the Indians, so as to enable the department to act more advisedly in future. It is very necessary that something should be done, and as speedily as possible, as the longer it is delayed the more difficult and expensive it will be to the government. I shall be compelled to draw on the department for funds to defray expenses. I shall also take with me a few articles to be used as presents, if I can dispose of them to advantage and effect. The April mail from the States has just arrived.
Yours, &c.,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
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No. 8.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
April 19, 1852.
SIR: During the last summer, the emigration on the route to California and Oregon was very much annoyed by the Indians ; many murders were committed, and a vast amount of property destroyed. These murders and robberies were committed, it is thought, by a band of Indians called " Diggers," residing in the northern part of this Territory. I have not been able to get any information which can be relied on respecting their general character ; it is thought, however, that the whole band is more or less engaged in these depredations. I have thought, therefore, that a visit to these Indians would have a good effect. It is important that something should be done to protect emigration, and if it should meet your approbation I will visit them, and, if possible, make such arrangements as will give security on the route, or get such information as will enable the government to act in future. I am of the opinion that an agency established on the Humboldt, or Mary's river, would be calculated to afford protection to emigration, and, perhaps, be the means of conciliating these Indians. An agency at this point would be the means of collecting together the whites in sufficient numbers, not only to protect themselves, but to have great influence with the Indians. It might be necessary, at the present, to make them a few presents as an earnest of our friendly disposition towards them. There is already
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a settlement in Carson Valley, near the territorial limits, and as this would be about midway between the settlements, it would, no doubt, be the best point to make an establishment for future operations with the Indians and for the protection of the route.
As there will be a considerable emigration from this city to California and Oregon this spring, and as they will be leaving in a few days, a small escort to accompany me would be sufficient, particularly as our object would be of a pacific character, and to establish friendly intercourse between the whites and Indians.
If you concur with me in any of these views, I would be pleased to have your advice and instructions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
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No. 9.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 2, 1852.
SIR : Your chief clerk, Mr. Mix, having this morning shown me a letter from Major Holeman, Indian agent for Utah Territory, I deem it proper to state, in justice to myself and that gentleman, that upon his arrival at Great Salt Lake, at his request, I introduced him to Governor Young, and that they, upon consultation, agreed that the attendance of the Indians at the treaty, although not parties thereto, would be of incalculable benefit to them, as well as for the interest of the United States government.
Governor Young desired Mr. Holeman to address him a letter containing his views on the subject, and the impressions he had as to what would meet the wishes of your department, which was done. This letter was shown to me by Major H., as well as the answer of Governor Young, in which he (Gov. Young) instructed Mr. H., Mr. Rose, and myself to make the proper preparations for conveying the Indians to the treaty ground ; a copy of these letters was promised me by Mr. Holeman, but has not been received.
The governor pledged himself that the men who might accompany me as assistants, and in connexion with my interpreter, should receive a reasonable compensation.
The man Vannettin, of the number, whom Mr. Holeman speaks of as having sued him, refused to serve upon my authority, and I therefore went with him to the governor, who assured him that he should be paid.
It was also the express order of the governor that the Indians should be conveyed to the treaty ground (those under my charge) in disguise, and in a private carriage, and furnished with all necessary supplies. Under his order and authority I purchased the means of conveyance, anticipating, from his representation and that of the interpreter, that there would be no reluctance on the part of the Indians to go. But,
150 UTAH EXPEDITION.
as heretofore stated in my report to your department, after all arrangements were made, the Indians (that is, the head chiefs) declined going, alleging that it was a mere ruse on the part of the Mormons to massacre them. This was the report of my interpreter and his assistants, from whom I was necessarily obliged to derive my information. Thereupon the governor ordered me, in the presence of my interpreter, to make presents to the few chiefs who had expressed a willingness to go, which was done, as stated in my report above referred to, which is accompanied by a certificate of my interpreter and voucher.
I wish to endorse to the fullest extent that portion of Mr. Holeman's letter as to the unjustifiable conduct of the Mormon authorities of Utah, and their seditious and violent expressions with regard to the government of the United States, and all who do not belong to their so called religion, whom they term "Gentiles;" and I am still of the opinion, as expressed in my report to you, and to which I again beg to refer you, that no officer of the government, other than a Mormon, can reside within that Territory, if officially under the surveillance of Brigham Young, as governor, without compromising his own self-respect and the honor and dignity of this great republican government.
I also agree in the opinion expressed by Major Holeman of the present sub Indian agent, J. B. Rose, who is a devoted Mormon, and as unprincipled as any of the sect. I trust you will not consider my opinions as meaning to be at all intrusive.
Thanking you again for your uniform kindness to me and for the appointment received at your hands, I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. R. DAY,
Late Sub-Indian Agent for Utah.
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No. 10.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,
May 2, 1852.
SIR : The mail did not leave here yesterday ; it was snowing and storming all day. The snow fell to the depth of six inches. I have been informed this morning that a Mr. Williams has received a letter from a friend of his, a Mormon, stating that he is associated with a company of white men and Indians, who are stationed near Carson valley, and that their object is to plunder and rob the emigrants. He advises Williams, who is a Mormon also, to paint the horns of his cattle, so that he may be known, as they do not wish to molest the brethren. We ought to have troops here. These whites, associated with the Indians, are committing so many depredations on this route that something ought to be done. I have not time to write more as the mail is closed. I have to send this by private hand to be mailed
UTAH EXPEDITION. 151
at Laramie. I will endeavor to ascertain more particularly all these matters, and inform you by next mail.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
Hon. L. LEA.
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No. 11.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,
May 8, 1852.
SIR : I advised you by letter, dated May 2, that I had received information of the organization of a band of robbers, whites and Indians, who had located themselves on the road leading from this city to California. I have since learned that the individual who made the communication to Mr. Williams is a notorious character, by the name of " Reading," and although he was once a member of the Mormon church, he is now held by them in utter contempt, and looked upon as a great scoundrel ; but in consequence of some act of personal friendship which was shown him by Mr. Williams previously, he has given him the information, thus fulfilling the old adage of " honor among thieves." I am not, however, to be understood as including Mr. Williams. From what I can learn, there is no doubt of the existence of this band, and that their object is to plunder the emigrants and all who travel that road. The road from this city intersects the road leading from the States to California, at or near the Humboldt or Mary's river, beyond which the principal robberies are committed.
I shall leave for the Humboldt to-morrow, with an escort, and shall use every exertion to reconcile the Indians, and, if possible, prevail on them to withdraw.from the land.
I have expressed the opinion in my previous communication that white men were the instigators of the disturbances on this route. It is now reduced to a certainty, as the information just received may be relied on. I am aware that it would be more proper for me to await instructions upon this subject. In frequent conversations with Governor Young relative to the disturbances on this route, and the importance of doing something for the protection of the emigration and the travel generally, although he did not give me instructions, yet he strongly advised it, and requested that I would address him a communication on the subject, as it would "be better for all these matters to be in writing." I done so, as I have previously informed you, but received from him no reply. He being absent, and not having it in my power to confer with him, or to receive any instructions from him, the distance from Washington, and the delay which must occur in getting advices, the danger of delay, and the necessity for immediate action, all seem to justify me, if it does not absolutely make it my duty to take the trip. Besides, delay at present would greatly lessen the chances for making arrangements and quieting these Indians. A large emigration has already left, and others are leaving almost
152 UTAH EXPEDITION.
daily ; all expect difficulties with the Indians, and are prepared to meet them. With such feelings as exist, they may bring on difficulties by imprudent or hasty conduct ; and should this occur the breach will be widened, and it will be more difficult to do anything with them. It is my intention to put myself in front of the emigration and meet these Indians in friendship. They know nothing of the friendly disposition of the government towards them, of the power of our people, or the vast resources of our country ; and having been treated sometimes, no doubt, badly by the white man, with their general feeling and disposition to revenge, they have become the enemy of our people. If, by a pacific course and kind treatment, I can induce them to abandon their practices of plundering and murdering, the whites who are associated with them, and who no doubt have instigated them to these acts, will be left to their own resources, and not having the Indians to shield them, they may be easily managed ; but so long as they have the Indians associated with them, and assume the Indian costume, which I am informed they do, the Indians of other tribes will take advantage of the prospect for plundering which is thereby afforded, and parties will be frequently found harassing the emigration, and keep the road in constant turmoil. Therefore, situated as I am, I have either to "take the responsibility" or remain inactive until I can hear from you. As I consider it of the utmost importance, from the best information I can get, that an effort should be made, and that immediately, to give peace and security to this route, and as I have been left to the exercise of my own judgment, I have thought it my duty to visit these Indians.
If I can do nothing more, I shall have it in my power to give the department such information as will enable the government to act advisedly in future, for act she must, sooner or later, and the longer it is put off the more difficult it will be, and the greater the cost.
As this will be the great thoroughfare for emigration and travel from the States to California and Oregon, government will be bound to take such steps as will give security to the road, cost what it may, even at the point of the bayonet.
Should this or any other course which I have deemed it my duty to pursue not meet the approbation of the department, you will please inform me, and give me such instructions as will enable me to comply with the wishes of the government. It is due to the department, as well as to myself, that I should be candid. I have no idea, with Governor Young at the head of the Indian department, that I shall be able to do anything that can be of service to the government, or to the Indians, or creditable to myself. Therefore, if Governor Young is continued as superintendent, I had as well leave, for it must be evident to the department, from his course recently, that his personal feelings towards me, or something else, has induced him to neglect the interests of the government in a matter in which but a short time since he seemed to be deeply interested, and which he considered of the greatest importance to the government, to the Indians, and to this Territory. Whether any other Gentile could succeed better with him than I have done is extremely doubtful, as I have studiously avoided meddling with their peculiar notions of religion in any manner, and have en-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 153
deavored to avoid giving them any offence personally. So far as my public duties have prompted me to speak of them, I leave to the department to judge. I have spoken of them and their acts, as I believed to be my duty ; I have misrepresented them in nothing, for I have had no personal enmity to gratify.
If I should find it important to the interests of the government and necessary for future operations with the Indians, I shall establish an agency at some point on the Humboldt or Mary's river, as it will have a tendency to protect the route and afford facilities to emigration. If I should establish this agency, and if it should be the wish of the department that I remain in this Territory, I would be pleased to have this agency assigned to me. As nothing can be done here of much importance during the winter season, I should be gratified, if it would meet the views of the department, to be ordered to Washington this fall, and directed to bring with me some of the chiefs and braves of the several tribes who reside in this Territory. A few of their principle men, who have an influence with their tribe, could do more good, by explaining the extent and resources of our government and people, than could be effected in any other way by the same amount of trouble and expense.
Since writing the above, we have received intelligence that an advance train of emigrants from this place for Oregon, numbering about thirty men and several women, have been attacked by Indians, and all the men killed, the women taken prisoners. The information was brought by Indians who profess to be and who have always been friendly to the whites. Mr. Bullock, the private secretary of the governor, is of the opinion that the information is true, as he has received it from a source which, he says, can be relied on ; several circumstances seem to justify the report. For myself, I cannot believe it, yet it may be true. I shall, therefore, increase my number of men, if possible, and proceed without delay to ascertain the facts, and report to you by next mail, should anything serious have occurred. There is a great want of certain information relative to the condition and numbers of these bands or tribes, which renders it very difficult to form any opinion of the best course to pursue. From such information as I can get, they seem to have no fixed location, but assemble on the road as the season for emigration approaches ; they then infest the road from the Goose Creek mountains to Carson valley, a distance of about five hundred miles.
We are in great confusion here ; we want a few troops on this route very badly. The white Indians, I apprehend, are much more dangerous than the red. The renegades, deserters and thieves, who have had to fly from justice in California, have taken refuge in the mountains, and having associated themselves with the Indians, are more savage than the Indians themselves ; by their cruelty to the whites, they have stimulated the Indians to acts of barbarity which they were never known to be guilty of before.
It has not been known until recently, although strongly suspected, that whites were engaged with these Indians, and believing that the Indians, alone, were the depredators, our people have shown them but little favor or kindness, often, no doubt, treating the innocent with
154 UTAH EXPEDITION.
severity. This has produced a state of feeling unfriendly to the whites, generally ; and although it cannot be said that we are really in a state of war with these Indians, yet the effect upon our people is the same. These Indians, by their frequent depredations on the whites, are supplying themselves with horses, arms, ammunition, &c., and if not checked, they will very shortly be able to make a formidable resistance.
The rugged state of the country, and their knowledge of the mountain passes will enable them to flee wherever and whenever they may wish ; this will render it almost impossible to subdue them by waging war upon them.
The best mode to be pursued, at present, is to conciliate them, if possible, by kindness. Should this course prove unsuccessful, we shall then have left no other alternative but force.
The most intelligent of our citizens with whom I have conversed advised me, and seem anxious that I should make an effort, to quiet these Indians and give security to this route.
My feelings and judgment prompt me to do so ; yet, having no instructions which seem to authorize me, I fear that the department may not justify me in the course I have taken. But when I look at the peculiar situation of this route at present—the great number of emigrants, and the vast amount of property which will pass this road, it is important that something should be done, and I cannot hesitate. And although the expedition will cost the government some money, I am clearly of the opinion that the peculiar situation of the country makes it necessary that the effort should be made.
I have had no instructions in relation to interpreters. I see, by your annual report, in your instructions to the agent in Texas, that you say " each agent will be allowed for the service of an interpreter within his district at the rate of seven hundred and thirty-three 33/100 dollars per annum"—while the allowance, as stated in your appendix, is fixed at $500. I presume the $233 33 is for the purpose of defraying the expense of the interpreter. I have in my employment, as interpreter, a man who speaks the Snake and Ute languages. I find him much more convenient and useful than if he spoke but one language. Would it be proper to allow him an addition to the $500 ? He is very efficient ; has been in the country several years, and is well acquainted with these tribes. I fear I shall not be able to retain his services at $500 and he pay his own expenses, as he can engage in no other business, and living is very dear. Why is it that agents in California are allowed $3,000 each, and those in Mexico and Utah but $1,550 ? The labor and expenses are as arduous and as costly in Utah as in California. Many articles necessary cost more than double the amount here that they do in California, and the general expenses of living are higher. I think they should be equal in salary; and, if I mistake not, I was led to believe that the salary of agent and other officers in this Territory would be increased.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA.
P. S. May 12.—In consequence of the scarcity of horses and men, I have been compelled to delay, as I could not get a sufficient escort. I have been compelled to purchase horses, as the men I could get to go with me had none of their own. The horses I have purchased will command the same money if I should be able to return with them in good order, in which case the department will lose nothing.
I have drawn on the department for the sum of two thousand dollars, in favor of Holliday & Warner, dated May 13, 1852, which is for outfit and horses, and the equipment of twenty-seven men, all I can raise.
We received information this evening from Box Elder, seventy miles north of this city, that two hundred Indians, of the Pa-nack tribe, had made a move for the Humboldt, for the purpose of joining in the plunder of the emigrants. This intelligence compels me to start the force I have already equipped. I shall make an effort to engage more to-morrow, and follow them with all haste. I made this move from the extreme necessity of the case.
There being no one here to give me instructions, I must rely on the generosity of the department if I should have transcended my duties, for I really do not know what they are. I shall spare no pains or trouble to correct these abuses ; and, should I fail, I shall be able to give the department such information as will be of importance for future operations, with as little expense as possible.
Yours, &c.,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
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No. 12.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
August 30, 1852.
SIR : I addressed you two communications from Carson valley, dated June 28 and July 19, in which I informed you of my operations up to that time. I subsequently visited a village of the Pi-Utah tribe of Indians, who reside in and about that region of country, numbering about three hundred and fifty, whom I found friendly disposed, but somewhat excited, on account of the frequent abuses which they had received from the whites. I held a talk with them of several hours—four of their chiefs and many of their principal men were present—in all of which they manifested the greatest friendship, and seemed very much pleased with the idea of being on friendly terms with the whites. They said they " did not wish to be mad with the whites, or to war with them ; but that the whites had got mad with them, and were always at war with them ; that they could not hunt or catch fish for their squaws and children, for fear of the whites, who were constantly shooting them ; that the whites would profess friendship, call them to their camp, and shoot them ; that the whites would steal their horses, and sometimes take them by force," with many other charges of an aggravated character." All this they said " they had borne
156 UTAH EXPEDITION.
for a long time ; at length, some of their young men determined to retaliate, and that they had killed as many whites as the whites had killed Indians, and taken as many horses from the whites as they had taken from them. They were now satisfied, and if the whites would let them alone, they would disturb the whites no further." They said they had " never wished to be at war with the whites ; that they wished peace, and had kept from the road to be out of the way ; that they could see them passing every day, but had not interrupted them in any manner, and that they would not, if the whites would let them alone." The candor with which they talked, and the seeming justice of their course, induced me to put much confidence in their professions of friendship. That they have been treated badly there is no doubt. These whites who loaf about the country, pretending to trade with the emigrants, are principally men of a reckless character, and care but little what they do ; they even talked of driving me from the country, because I had manifested a disposition to protect and befriend the Indians. These Indians seem to be very poor ; but few of them have guns ; they use principally the bow and arrow. Two of the chiefs and six warriors returned with me to my camp. I gave, them some provisions and a few presents, and sent the other two chiefs also a present. They were much pleased, and promised me that none of their men should disturb the whites in future. If the whites would pursue a friendly course towards these Indians, and treat them kindly, I do not think there would be any trouble with them. I travelled down Carson river to the desert, by slow marches, expecting to be able to find the whereabouts of another village ; but they had moved off, and I could not learn where.
I crossed the desert on the 29th ult , and arrived in this city on the 22d inst. I travelled up the Humboldt, slowly, with the hope of meeting the Indians and their friends whom I had talked with on my trip out. In this hope I was, to some extent, disappointed. The vast number of emigrants on the road, and the disposition of some to kill the Indians, had kept the Indians from the road. I occasionally laid by, sent out my interpreter through the hills, and made every effort to collect them, but without success. Those I found were in small parties, very shy, but friendly. They informed me that the Indians I had seen and conversed with on my outward trip had told them that the great captain of the whites had sent them word to be friendly to the whites travelling through their country, and they intended to do so; and to prevent difficulty, they had moved their lodges far from the road. They were all much pleased with the kindness of myself and company, and promised that there should be no disturbance with the whites by any of their tribe; and, judging from the fact that there have been no depredations or attacks on the emigrant trains this season, during the whole route from the Goose Creek mountain to Carson valley, where last season not a train passed without murders and robberies, it seems they are determined to carry out their professions of friendship. On my return from Carson valley, along the whole source of the Humboldt, I met with hundreds of wagons daily, with many small companies, some on foot, some packing, and frequently a solitary traveller, and none had been molested, as they informed me,
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by the Indians ; many had not even guarded their stock at night, yet they had gone through without any difficulty.
There had been some few robberies, cattle or horses stolen, but those who were robbed assured me that it had been done by white men. In fact, I took the description, brands, &c., of several horses thus lost, and found two of them in the hands of the traders who had stationed themselves on the road. I took them in possession and disposed of them according to the direction of their owners. There has been a great many outbreaks and difficulties between the emigrants themselves ; companies have quarreled, killed each other, and broken up ; some, from their bad conduct, have been driven from their companies; many of these men are scattered over the road without means, living on the charity of others ; they also steal and commit other depredations, which they endeavor to lay upon the Indians. The truth is, this portion of the emigration and these pretended traders are decidedly worse than the Indians, and cause nearly, if not all the troubles on the road. It is the universal opinion of the emigrants that the Indians have been quiet and have acted friendly throughout, and that all the depredations are the acts of white men ; these, however, have been few.
In getting up this expedition, as I have previously informed you, I was advised to do so by Governor Young, who afterwards refused to render me any assistance whatever. I have also informed you of his conduct in relation to the whole matter. I have used the utmost economy in every respect. I was compelled to purchase some horses for the expedition, but these I shall be able, after recruiting them a little, to sell at cost, or nearly so. I lost three; one got crippled, which I had to leave, another gave out, and one failed, so as to be unable to travel home, and I sold him for little or nothing. To save expense, as soon as I arrived in Carson valley I discharged as many of my men as I could spare, keeping only a sufficient number to answer the purpose of herding and guarding the horses, &c.
Not having time to make a detailed report of my operations by this mail, I merely write to inform you of my success, and my arrival in this city. In my September report I shall give you a full account of all matters, and have no doubt but the success of the expedition, as well as the expenditures, will meet the approbation of the department; for, judging from the difficulties which have occurred during the past two seasons, hundreds of lives and thousands of dollars worth of property have been saved, to say nothing of the suffering of the emigrants themselves ; besides, the government is made acquainted with facts which will enable her to establish peace and quiet on this route in future. At present there is no difficulty on the road, so far as the Indians are concerned; but I fear the conduct of the whites may excite the Indians, and cause another outbreak. I had great difficulty in restraining the whites while there. I should have remained there until the emigrants had ceased passing, but the expense of living in that country is so great, and all seemed to be quiet, that I concluded it was best for me to return and discharge my men, as they were under pay of $25 per month, which was the lowest price at which I could engage them ; those who furnished their own horses I allowed ten
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dollars more, making $35 for the services of man and horse per month. This was low, considering the price of wages generally throughout this country.
With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, U. T.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City.
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No. 13.
FORT BRIDGER, UTAH TERRITORY,
November 3, 1852.
SIR : During the past summer there has been some excitement with the Indians and whites in this Territory, in consequence of the establishment of a ferry and bridge across Green river by the legislature of Utah Territory. It seems that for several years previous ferries have been established by the mountaineers for the accommodation of travellers on the various roads crossing the river. At the last session of the legislature a charter was granted to a Mr. Moore, (a Mormon,) giving to him the exclusive privilege of ferrying, and thereby excluding all others ; a certain portion of the tolls were set apart by this act for the benefit and use of the Mormon church. A charter was also granted to a company, (all Mormons,) for the purpose of building a bridge across this river. These charters, and the occupation of the country by the Mormons, have produced much excitement among the Indians, who express their disapprobation in the strongest terms. I received a few days since the following letter :
"FORT BRIDGER, October 9, 1852.
" DEAR SIR : I beg to call your attention to the disturbed state of the Snake Indians at this moment, in consequence of the occupation of a part of their country by the Mormon whites. Being an American citizen, and having the welfare and honor of my country in view, I believe it is imperative for you, without delay, to allay by all the means in your authority the present excitement. I saw the chiefs here in council at this fort, and heard them assert that they intended to immediately drive the whites from their lands, and much persuasion was used to pacify them for the present time. And now, dear sir, if you do not use the authority vested in you speedily, I do believe and fear scenes of destruction and bloodshed will soon ensue.
" Respectfully, yours,
" A. WILSON.
" Major J. H. HOLEMAN,
"Indian Agent."
The above letter is from a gentlemen passing through the country on his return to the States from California, and who was remaining at Fort Bridger a few days. I visited immediately the section of
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country alluded to, and found that a company of Mormons, under the charter of the legislature of Utah Territory, had assembled on Green river, and commenced the construction of a bridge ; but finding so much opposition on the part of the Indians, they determined to abandon it for the present, and all have returned to Salt Lake City. This satisfied the Indians; who immediately left ; all is quiet. The Mormons, I understand, intend to resume their efforts to build this bridge in the spring. The Indians, I also understand, have resolved that the Mormons shall neither occupy a ferry nor build a bridge on this river, which is some 160 miles from the settlements in Salt Lake valley. Both parties, I understand, are determined. Should the Mormons persist in their determination, a war will be the consequence, and great distress and suffering must follow, as it is on the main emigration route from and to California and Oregon.
In regard to the occupation of the Indian country under these charters from the legislature of the Territory, and their authority to grant them, I should be pleased to have advice and instructions immediately. Major Hockaday, who will hand you this, is fully advised of all the circumstances; I refer you to him for further information. In relation to these ferries and bridge, the charter provides that ten cents in every dollar received as toll shall be paid into the tithing office for the benefit of the church. This seems to me to be unconstitutional ; advise me in relation to this matter. I am called upon almost daily for information and am not able to give it, not knowing the power of the territorial legislature.
I wish, also, advice in relation to the use of spirituous liquors. On the route from the States to Salt Lake City there are two establishments for the accommodation of travellers and emigration. I have given them license as Indian traders, being in the Indian country ; they keep spirits for the use of the travel, but in no case do they permit the use of it by the Indians ; they are what may be termed tavern keepers. If it is improper for me to allow them this privilege, please advise me.
The Mormon authorities have levied a tax on these mountaineers, and have collected it in some instances. As the tax is considered extravagant, and partly for the use and benefit of the Mormon church, it is producing much excitement, and I fear will produce bloodshed. These men declare their willingness to pay any tax which the government may demand, but refuse to pay a Mormon tax, as they term it. As I am frequently called upon for information on these subjects; I should like to be fully advised, as it may prevent difficulty and trouble in future.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
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No. 14.
WEBBER STATION, March 5, 1853.
SIR : I addressed you a hasty note in November last, from Fort Bridger, in relation to difficulties between the Mormons and the Indians. I remained on Green river ; had frequent conversations with the Indians, until all matters were quieted for the present ; but I fear a disturbance if the country should be settled and occupied by the Mormons, or if they should attempt to build bridges and establish ferries, under the acts of the territorial legislature alluded to in my note of November last. I am at a loss to know how to act. I have so frequently asked for information and instructions on various matters without receiving any, that I fear my communications have not reached you. I hope, however, that they have not miscarried, and that I shall receive them by the first mail. We have not had a mail from the States since October. There has been so much snow that the mountains and roads have been impassable, except on foot, with snow shoes. I have been unable to reach Salt Lake. I was compelled to remain at Bridger until January, when a warm spell dissolved the snow, and I made an effort, but could get no further than this place, where I have been compelled to remain ever since—some three months —living upon the wild game that we could kill. There are three Mormon families living here. All they have to live on is flour. They have no meat but such as they can kill. From these we have been enabled to get bread, and such other accommodations as they can afford, but at a very high price, and none of the best at that. They have but a scant supply for themselves. I have remained here in this predicament on account of my horses, being satisfied that if I left them they would be lost. I have a hired man with me, and by our constant attention we have been enabled to save them through the winter. The snow is disappearing on the south hill sides ; the grass is commencing to grow ; and I hope to be able in a few days to reach Salt Lake City, when I will communicate to you more fully. There being no mails from this Territory to the States since October has prevented me from writing before. The mail carrier of October was compelled to leave his horses and part of his mail here, and take the letter bag to the city on foot. He has just arrived from the city with the March mail, after a laborious travel of five days, only forty miles, and will make an effort to reach the States. He reports the mountains impassable for horses, particularly weak as ours are, but I hope to be able to leave in a few days. You will please receive this as my excuse for not communicating to you at the end of each quarter.
My situation with Gov. Young, as superintendent, is rather an unpleasant one ; while I feel disposed to treat all parties fairly, and protect the Indians, so as to prevent difficulties with the whites, he seems to have no other anxiety but to favor his own church and people. If things are not changed, I feel satisfied I can be of no great service to the Indian department. My course is well known to the department; I have acted from circumstances and to the best of my judgment, and hope that my conduct has been justified by the department. If
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matters are not changed so as to produce a better feeling in the Mormons, towards the government ; or if the authority and laws of the government are not enforced, if it should be the wishes of the department I would like to be called home, as my duty to the government compels me to act in such a manner as to give offence, frequently, to the Mormons, who seem to recognize no law but their own self-will. This is a very unpleasant situation and one that can be productive of not much service either to the government, to the Indians, or to myself. They seem desirous to hold all the offices themselves ; and when a Gentile is appointed, be is never treated with respect, but is abused, let him do as he will. I have, and do yet, disregard their abuse, but feel that my efficiency as a government officer, is impaired by such conduct.
I have heretofore suggested to the department various matters, having taken some pains to acquire information, and at the expense of the government, and having formed a friendly acquaintance with the Indians, and made myself acquainted with the country, if my suggestions should meet the views of the department, I will, with pleasure, give them such attention as the department may direct, as I do not feel disposed to relinquish a duty imposed on me, however arduous and disagreeable the service may be, particularly having recommended them.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
P. S. I have written in a great hurry, on a board on my knee ; you will therefore excuse the scrawl.
J. H. H.
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