The Mormons and the Indians

Utah Historical Quarterly

Vol. XII, 1944, Nos. 1-4

THE MORMONS AND THE INDIANS

News items and Editorials, from the Mormon Press Selected and arranged

by J. CECIL ALTER

Visit of Chief Walker(The Deseret News, Great Salt Lake City, November 29, 1851)

Parowan, Iron County, November 5, 1851.

Mr. Editor:

Walker, the Utah Chief, visited this place a few days ago, with his warriors. He and his band were complimented with a feast; and after being filled with squashes, turnips, pumpkins, potatoes, bread, meat, &c, &c, they carried off the remnants and had a tremendous dance. They left for the Navahoes, being told by Prest. Groves that in twelve months, if they were good and honorable, he would give them another dinner. None of his people committed the least depredation, and their horses were kept away from the fields.

We are looking anxiously for another issue of the News.

Respectfully yours, Geo. A. Smith

Sketch of A Trip to Pauvan Valley By President Young and Others, To Select a Site for the State Capitol

(The Deseret News, Great Salt Lake City, December 13, 1851)

October 25, 1851. [on the Sevier River] ... A small party of San-Pitch Indians gather round us while we are fixing a crossing place. They were ill clad, looked surly, and told Mr. Bean (our interpreter) that they were hungry; whereupon Prest. Young gave them a liberal meal of bread and meat; but even this did not clear the lowering look from all their countenances... .

October 28, 1851. [at Fillmore] . . . The few Pah-van-te Indians who visited our camp, professed great friendship, their chief remarking that he was not fond of roaming, and wished to be instructed in tilling the soil. The Chief and part of these Indians reside upon Corn Creek (15 miles south of this site) and have there raised corn, beans, pumpkins, squashes, potatoes, &c year after year, for a period that dates further back than their acquaintance with the whites. Major Rose [Indian Sub-Agent], made them some useful presents.. . .

November 3, 1851. [Manti] . . . Coal has been brought in by the Indians from the eastern rim of the basin, against the headwaters of City Creek. ... A small party of Mexicans had just arrived from Santa Fe with horses and mules to trade for Indian children, which they take to Santa Fe and sell for slaves. We were told that this kind of traffic had been carried on for many years back; and what appeared to us as very singular, to say the least, was a license to carry on such traffic, in the possession of this party, and signed by James S. Calhoon, Governor of New Mexico; but President Young, by authority as Governor of Utah Territory, and Superintendent of Indian affairs therein, pointedly forbid their trading for Indian children in this Territory, and instructing them that their license was not valid here; and they promised to return home.. ..

Notice: [Indian Slave Trade](The Deseret News, Great Salt Lake City, January 10, 1852)

The United States of America, Territory of Utah.

First Judicial District Court

United States vs. Pedro Leon, et al.Libel

ALL PERSONS interested, will take notice, that on the 29th day of December, 1851, the United States filed in said court a Libel, setting forth among other things, that the said Pedro Leon and others, did on or about the first day of November, 1851, introduce into the Indian Country within the said Territory of Utah, the following property, viz: mules, horses, goods, and merchandise, with an intent to trade the same to the Indians, without being duly licensed as such, an Indian Trader; that said property, together with seven Indian children and one squaw, claimed as slaves, were found in the possession of the said Pedro Leon et al.; and that the same have been seized by the officers of Government, that they may be forfeited according to law, for violating the laws of the United States, relating to their Indian affairs.

The Court has appointed the twelfth day of Jan. inst. at 10 o'clock a.m., at the Court House in G. S. L. City, for a hearing ol said Libel.

By order of the Court.

W. I. Appleby, Clerk G. S. L. City, Jan. 1, 1852.—

John D. Lee and the Indians(The Deseret News, September 4, 1852)

Parowan, Aug. 7, 1852.

Dear Bro. Richards:—A few days ago we had a visit from the Toquer Captain (or Black Chief), so called by the South Pah Eed Indians, with about thirty of his warriors. They were from the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin country, and wished to hold a council with me upon the subject of forming a settlement in their country. I was absent from Parowan at the time, which to them was quite a disappointment, but fortunately, though accidentally, I fell in with them on their return near Coal Creek. They met me with the greatest warmth of Indian friendship, they all recognized me on sight, and said that I had been in their country, and promised to settle there. They wished to know if I still intended to comply with my promises, and how soon; I replied, whenever the Big Captain told me to go, perhaps it would be within four moons. They expressed great anxiety to have us settle among them, so they could "manika" (work) for the Mormons, like the Pah Eeds at Parowan.

The settlements at Parowan and Cedar City are in a flourishing condition; crops of almost every kind look well. The Iron company have labored under many disadvantages which are common in every new country, which has caused the work to move on slowly, yet the most of the brethren are determined never to cease their exertions until iron is made, and I believe they will accomplish it. The health of the saints is good in general. The spirit that led them to form this colony in the depth of winter, and that, too, under many adverse circumstances, is still here to unite the people together in their exertions to build up the Kingdom of God.

The natives in general are peaceable and well disposed, though some few are reckless and have need to be looked after. On Saturday, the 7th inst., one of those characters, a brother to Ow-wannop the Chief, came into my house in my absence, and was very saucy. Mrs. Lee bid him leave which he took as an insult, and instead of going out, struck her over her left eye with a piece of plank, leaving the skull bare" about four inches. He struck her three blows, which used up his present weapon; he then seized a stick about three inches over, and aimed the fatal blow, when she was rescued by br. Wm. Barton, who caught the blow with one hand, and struck him two licks with the other hand, almost dislocating his neck; this ended the affray. It is but due to Mrs. Lee to say that she fought like a heroine to the last moment, although her face and clothes were bathed in crimson gore. This transaction caused a doleful sensation throughout the camp for a little season.

This morning Ow-wan-nop, the chief, and a Pahvante chief, together with a few of their leading men met in council at my house. President Smith, Br. Steele, Br. Lunt, and myself told them through my boy, who was our interpreter, that we were not mad with all the Indians, but were not pleased with the Indian who had abused our squaws, and if they wanted to be our friends, they must bring and tie him to the liberty pole, and give him forty lashes, well put on, and we would then be satisfied for that and other offences which he had previously committed on other females. We sat in council about two hours, and fully explained our intentions and feelings towards them. They readily promised to comply with our proposition and be friendly.

Accordingly, about sun-down the two chiefs, with twentytwo of their braves, marched the criminal to the spot appointed, armed with their bows and arrows. We told them that if they were our friends, they would leave their weapons at their camps as a token of their sincerity; they were disarmed in a moment, and two men were appointed to convey them without the Fort. The victim was then stripped and tied to the liberty pole, and with a raw hide lasso doubled five times, received thirty-eight lashes, pretty well tucked on. He was whipped by his own brother, the chief, who, while repeating the blows, said, "you would not hear, your ears were stopped up, but now I will open them so that they will always stay open." He then told him that if he attempted to shoot our cattle in retaliation, he would kill him. We told the chief to stop, that we were satisfied.

The pipe of friendship was then smoked, though previously a prayer was offered to the Great Spirit by one of their chiefs, as an evidence of their innocence of the misdemeanor alleged to one of their tribe. In return for their prompt compliance with our request, the chiefs were presented with a shirt each, and the braves with bread. A greater degree of fidelity in the performance of their promises was never before witnessed among any of the Indian tribes, and they set an example worthy to be followed by many of the more civilized and enlightened whites.

With grateful feelings, I subscribe myself your friend and brother in the new and everlasting Covenant,

John D. Lee

Editorial Viewpoint (The Deseret News, Great Salt Lake City, Vol. 3, No. 1, November 27, 1852)

November 27, 1852.

We feel that it would be wiser for the brethren to exert themselves in strengthening Fillmore, and other weak settlements, than in opening new Valleys; for when the brethren extend their settlements beyond their own inherent power to maintain themselves against Indian invasions, their lives, property and all are endangered; and if by extending beyond that point, they should need protection, they must be dependent on others who already have enough to do to protect themselves, and thereby the whole community are liable to suffer.

Brigham Young on his Travels

From Stenhouse's Rocky Mountain Saints

Return of Brigham Young, Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, U. T.

(The Deseret News, June 8, 1854)

May 30th, p.m., after an absence of nearly four weeks, Gov. Young and suite returned in good health and spirits, having gone as far south as Harmony, our most southern settlement, and about 300 miles south of this city.

This trip was highly opportune, as our red neighbors were thawing out of their winter retreats, had come into the valleys, and were as yet undecided on the course they would pursue. Their summer haunts being within easy proximity to our settlements, the Superintendent was enabled to hold talks with the great majority of the Indians concerned in the difficulties of the past year, among the most noted of whom were Walker, the master chief of the Utahs, Grospene, and Washear, who joined his party at Chicken Creek. All the talks were favorable to a good peace, and the Indians were much pleased, and gratified with the presents of beef cattle, blankets, shirts, tobacco, &c, which enabled them to contrast strongly their present friendly and favorable position and prospects with the doubt and wretchedness of the past winter. All the natives met with, even to the distant Paiedes, rejoiced exceedingly at the visit, and were highly pleased with the words and counsel of the Big Captain of the whites who are settled in Utah.

The Southern settlements are reported to be full of industry, energy, and enterprise in farming, building, and various other useful avocations, and rejoicing, in the midst of prosperity, in peace, general health and union.

(The Deseret News, October 26, 1854)

Governor Young and suite returned on the 18th inst., having been absent eight days on a trip to Manti, and the intervening settlements. Talks were held with the Indians on the route, who, with few exceptions, manifested friendly feelings, and a strong desire for the continuance of peaceful relations. Much counsel, and instruction on the policy to pursue with our red neighbors, and on other matters, was given to the inhabitants in each settlement.

The notorious Washear, or Squash-head, told Governor Young, "that he had been mad, and had acted foolishly, but had got over it now, and would do better, and as he was very poor, if he would give him a blanket he would go out hunting, and get his living honestly." The Governor overlooked Squash-head's past folly, and gave him a blanket, being well aware that as we have been twenty-four years in severe drill to learn what we know, we should be very lenient to the natives who have to start from a position so far below the vantage grounds we had at the beginning.

To Brother James A. Little

Notes From the Indian Country(Millennial Star, May 26, 1855)

Parowan, Iron County, Jan. 7, 1855.

Beloved Brother

... Now a few words respecting our peaceful homes. All has been peace here. I believe I have had only one expedition since you left. Although our red brethren, the Utahs, are all around us, all is peace, and is likely to continue so. Many of the old Piedes are dying off, and the Utahs are somewhat afraid of Colonel Steptoe's soldiers, that have come into the other valley.

We spent our new year here inside our big walls, which are 12 feet high, 6 feet thick at the bottom, and 2 l / 2 feet at the top. Our gates are hung, they are 12 feet wide, and 6 inches thick. Some of the wall is not as high as 12 feet, on account of the frost setting in upon the workmen, so that the materials would not stick together.

Brother Johnson has built himself a snug fort 8 feet high, with two corner bastions on it, two stories high, well constructed, out on the bottom from the bluffs.

The people of Harmony are well situated inside their fort, 200 feet square, 9 feet high. It is to be two stories high, no windows in the lower story, which is 3 feet thick of adobies. ... At Harmony there are about sixty men, which makes that place able to defend itself. Major Lee is still in command, both spiritual and temporal. W. H. Dame is Colonel commanding the district, but is now gone to the Legislature.

I remain your brother in the bonds of the Covenant, John Steele

Praise for Brigham Young's Policy(The Deseret News, June 13, 1855)

Editor, Desdrer News: Home Correspondence, G. S. L. City, June 11, 1855.

.,. We [Brigham Young and suite] were accompanied by Kanoshe and some of his band, from Millard County to Cedar City, where they met their southern brothers in council to elect three subchiefs, and I was surprised and gratified to find them so generally well clad, and every way improved in their appearance. It speaks volumes in favor of the benign and pacific course recommended by Governor Young, and pursued towards them by the people, for it has accomplished more in advancing them in civilization and ameliorating their condition during the short period this policy has been tried, than all the efforts of the general government are ever able to effect through unqualified agents, who usually consult their own interest more than the improvement of these children of the forest; though I have known a few honorable exceptions. . . .

E. P. Thomas

Bro. Geo. A. Smith:

Mormon Indian Aids Set Apart(Th& Deseret News, July 11, 1855)

Iron County, Parowan, May 30, 1855.

. . . Tom Whitney, an Indian, was set apart as chief of these Paiedes, and Aunt Mary Smith, sisters Meeks, West, and Fish were set apart as nurses and teachers to the females, to teach them their organization, the taking care of children, &c, and to nurse according to revelation, that is, by laying on hands, anointing, and with mild herbs.—Yours, &c J. H. M. [Martineau].

Report of Bishop David Evans(The Deseret News, July 11, 1855)

Fillmore, 12th June, 1855.

I arrived at this place about 4 p.m., from the desert country, with a portion of my company, all in good health and spirits. We were gone fifteen days across the desert; had a first-rate time, none of us suffered any; our animals stood the trip well, and we lost none. Saw Indians that had never before seen a white man, and when they saw us it alarmed them as much as it would the whites to see a Negro, if they had never seen or heard of one before. They are not a warlike people, never having had war among themselves, nor with any of the tribes.

Our guide said they did not know how to fight, as they never had fought. They wear no clothing, and have no shelters only such as are made of sage brush and willows, and sometimes cane, which will neither turn snow nor rain. These Indians know nothing only what they know naturally; their food is snakes, roots, locusts, and reptiles of every kind, in short every and anything that hogs will eat, and some things that hogs will not eat, such as dogs, cats, &c We killed a large wild cat, and gave to them, and they eat it insides and all. They have become very friendly with us since they have got over their fright.

I have got a good company of boys with me, that I think will do pretty near right. Silvanus Collet, and Henry and James Lamb crossed the desert with me; they are well. We expect to stop in this place two days to rest our animals, and then go to the balance of the company.

Excursion To Fillmore, By Hon. John M. Bernhisel and Lt. Gen. D. H. Wells

( The Deseret News, August 29, 1855)

. . . Kanoshe and all the Indians met with on the route were very friendly, though as usual, very burdensome upon our young settlements, in their affectionate method of constant begging, and supplying themselves liberally with corn and potatoes from the fields. . . .

Letter to Editor, Deseret News, from George A. Smith(The Deseret News, September 19, 1855)

Historian's Office, G. S. L. City, Sept. 14,1855.

. . . P.S. While at Provo, I had a visit from Sowiette. The old Utah Chief seemed quite well—said he would be glad to visit the Superintendent of Indian affairs, but was so old he was not able. He visited Major Armstrong and received from him the promise of some presents on the following Tuesday at Springville, where his band was then encamped. Major Armstrong went on Monday, and to his surprise found that Sowiette and his band had started for Yampah land. The Major followed and overtook him at Spanish Fork. On interrogating him as to why he did not remain at Springville until he got his presents, Sowiette replied, that some of the young men of his band were taking corn out of the white people's fields, which might make a disturbance, if he had remained, and he preferred to do without the presents rather than run the risk of difficulty. The Major gave him a rifle, some blankets, shirts, and other necessaries, and left him in the finest kind of spirits.

Yan-Tan, son of Wanship, a hereditary chief of the Cumum-bahs, who we found living on the site of G. S. L. City, in 1847, and familiarly and favorably known to the whites as having arrested the murderers of the sons of Bishop Weeks, died recently near Provo. His family living at Lehi, evacuated their house, requested Bishop Evans to exchange it for another, as they could not bear to remain in the house where he had lived. He was one of the best dispositioned and most friendly chiefs in the mountains. G. A. S. [George A. Smith]

Proclamation By the Governor(The Deseret News, October 17, 1855)

Whereas, reliable information has been received that the Shoshones and a portion of the Utah Indians have commenced hostilities against the whites of Green River and other counties by killing Edward Edwards, Wm. Behunin, and Wiseman Hunt, and are continuing to commit depredations upon the people by killing cattle, destroying their grain, &c, by fire and otherwise; this is, therefore, to the military forces of the Territory of Utah, to hold themselves in readiness to march, at a moment's notice, to any point that may be the scene of disturbances in the Territory.

The Lieutenant General will cause such force as may be necessary to be called into immediate service, to proceed without delay to Forts Bridger and Supply, in Green River county [now Wyoming], and to other counties, and render such effective aid and protection to those posts and the mails and emigration on the roads as may be necessary for their safety.

The eastern frontier counties and settlements, and all distant and isolated locations in the Territory are cautioned to be on their guard, to secure their defences and keep a strong guard on their cattle, horses, and other property.

It is especially enjoined upon all the whites to act only on the defensive, and to omit no opportunity for conciliating the Indians, and securing their friendship.

Done at Great Salt Lake City, this 12th day of October, A.D., 1855, and of the Independence of the United States the eightieth.

Brigham Young

Governor, and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs

Done by the Governor, A. W. Babbitt, Sec'y. of Utah Territory.

Disturbance With Indians(The Deseret News, February 27, 1856)

For some time past a few Indians in Utah and Cedar valleys have been disposed to be mischievous, stealing cattle and horses when opportunity offered, threatening to kill cattle when they pleased, and resisting a legal examination into their conduct. Matters were in this condition until recently, when, from all now known (10 a.m. of the 26th) some Indians killed two herdsmen on the west side of Utah lake on the 21st, or early on the 22nd inst., and another herdsman is missing.

On the 22nd, a posse of ten men, with writs from the first and second U. S. District Courts, called at an Indian camp near the south fort in Cedar county, to arrest the Indians named in those writs.

Soon as the attempt was made to execute the writs, the Indians showed fight and fired upon the officers, and in the melee one Indian and one squaw were killed, the latter accidentally, and Br. George Carson was mortally wounded, and died about 2 a.m. of the 23rd.

(The Deseret News, April 30, 1856)

NOTICE IS hereby given to those who have lost stock during the late Indian difficulties, that we have in our herd, five horses that were brought into Manti by Arapeen, who had succeeded in getting them from the Indians that had driven them off from some of the herds below. A light roan mare 7 years old; a dark bay mare, white stripe in the face, 3 years old; a bay horse, blind in right eye, 5 years old; a sorrel mare colt and a bay horse colt one year old. The owners are requested to prove property, pay charges and take them away.

Geo. Snow John Crawford

Manti, April 10, 1856.

Trip To the Santa Clara(The Deseret Ne\ws, September 23, 1857)

Parowan, August 22, 1857.

Br. Carrington:

. . . Here [Twenty-five miles above Santa Clara], we were met by Jackson, a chief of the Pah-Utes, with many of his band, who were very anxious to have us stop with them all night; but as we were desirous of proceeding farther, we traveled about 5 miles and came to another band of natives with their chief, Kahbeets, who insisted on our stopping with them. We accordingly camped, the natives assisting in taking care of our animals, roasting corn for us, &c, and inviting us to help ourselves to their corn, some 5 acres of which stood close by.. . .

.. . Br. Rufus C. Allen and the brethren associated with him have done much in ameliorating the condition of the natives, in teaching them the arts of civil life and in inducing them to cease their robbery and warfare, and the prospect is fair that in a few years they may be made useful and industrious citizens. .... "

James H. Martineau.

Governor's Message to the Legislative Assembly(The Deseret News, December 23, 1857)

Great Salt Lake City, December 15, 1857.

Gentlemen of the Council and House of Representatives:—

. . . The Parent Government exercises a general supervision over the Aborigines within its borders, yet a brief allusion to the red men within and around Utah may not here be inappropriate, the more especially since the expense of their care and support has, from the beginning, fallen almost exclusively upon us, and from present appearances bids fair to do so altogether; and still, after we have invariably fed and clothed them and treated them with the utmost forbearance, in proper consideration for their degraded condition, if we do not turn out and safely and without charge escort to their destination those passers-through who have cheated, and then poisoned and wantonly slain untutored savages, lying and corrupt presses throughout the Union will send forth against us a united and prolonged howl of base slander and false accusations, charging upon us all the murders and massacres occurring between the Missouri river and the Sierra Nevada mountains, with the sole intent to excite to frenzy a spirit for our extermination. However much we may be disposed to deplore that savage usage which wreaks indiscriminate vengeance, we still more deeply deprecate that double-dyed villainy of fiendish editors and their lie-loving readers, who willfully suppress and falsely color facts and subvert truths for the sole purpose of raising an unhallowed hue and cry against an innocent people, for those editors and readers have been better taught; and suggest that if all such characters would organize themselves into patrolling Vigilance Committees for the purpose of restraining the cruel and outrageous conduct of a portion of the annual passing emigration, they would soon learn that the Indians are far oftener, if not always, when difference of education and habits is included, 'more sinned against than sinning,' that the most forbearing will not forever patiently endure a continued tirade of unjust threats, abuse and vituperation, that kindness is much more winning than severity, and that the inhabitants of Utah, as ever, are at home noiselessly pursuing their peaceful avocations and struggling to mete out even-handed justice to all, irrespective of creed or party. But however Government may neglect and however enemies may rage and falsely accuse, the experience derived from a long observation of the yearly improvement in some of the most degraded Indian tribes upon the Continent, strongly prompts me to again recommend the continuance of that humane policy so uniformly pursued by Utah towards her wild denizens, gradually leading them like children in the rudiments of civilization, which has so often resulted and will ever result in saving lives that would otherwise have been and otherwise will be destroyed, and which my judgment dictates to be the wisest, most humane and even cheapest policy that can as yet be adopted.

Brigham Young

Emigration South—Southern Indians(The Deseret News, December 29, 1858)

A great many strangers are said to have gone on to Califfornia by the southern route, and several "Mormons" have taken through loads of passengers, all proceeding safely when even the most oraMary precautions and propriety are observed. Some are said to have traveled in a very jolly style, with wagons conveniently rigged for gambling.

It is rumored that some time last fall a traveling company intrusted their cattle to the Indians on the Santa Clara to herd, and the Indians drove the cattle off. In re-taking the cattle, the company had one ox killed and one man wounded in the thigh.

Since that event eight emigrants stopped at Harmony, sold their horse, bought lumber and made two skiffs, under the ridiculous notion of navigating the Rio Virgin. Six of the party gaveup the foolish plan and proceeded by land. The remaining two, with much difficulty, went in their skiffs to near Heberville where the skiffs were dashed to pieces on the rocks, and the men wended their way on foot to Fort Clara. At that post they hired an Indian to guide them to the California road, but they had not proceeded many miles when the Indian guide shot one of the men throughthe neck, killing him instantly, and the Indian ran one way and the remaining emigrant another. The emigrant returned to Fort Clara, obtained help and went and buried the body of his unfortunate companion. No names of the parties in either affair have reached us.

These reports would indicate the necessity of a little more care on the part of persons traveling through those sparsely settled regions, and less confidence in trusting themselves and property to the guidance or care of the wild natives. Still, with proper precaution and conduct on the part of travelers, we do not apprehend that they will meet with any serious harm or loss.

Settlers Organize Battalions(The Deseret News, February 1, 1860J

Manti, Jan. 16, 1860.

... As this is a frontier country, surrounded by savages of a hostile character, which past history abundantly proves, and being desirous to maintain the first law of nature—self-preservation—a military organization has just been completed, consisting of seven battalions (700 men), and Warren S. Snow has been unanimously elected colonel. . . .

Sanpitch

* The Indians At the North

(The Deseret News, June 27, 1860)

Mr. Randall, of this city who has a herd of cattle in Ogden Hole valley, informs us that when he left that section of country a few days since, the Shoshones were gathering there quite fast, and that there were some sixty or seventy lodges in their encampment, and their numbers were increasing daily. The Indians had made no particular demonstrations of hostility, but were somewhat morose, and evidently were considerably displeased about something. One of the chiefs had advised the herdsmen and the other whites in that secluded valley, to keep away from their camp, as some of the Shoshones were mad. . . .

Expedition of Col. Davis(The Deseret News, December 26, 1860)

Ruby Valley, U. T., Dec. 16, 1860.

Editor News:

As everything pertaining to public affairs in our Territory, especially our Indian relations, is of interest to the public, I avail myself of this opportunity to give your readers a brief sketch of my trip as guide to the expedition of Col. Davis, the newly appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Utah, to the Goshutes and Shoshones, who have been killing, robbing and shooting at the mail and express riders all along this route from Salt Lake City to Carson Valley, ever since last spring. ... . . . When they first approach us they appear timid and suspicious; but, by his superior knowledge of the Indian character and from his past experience, Col. Davis soon dispels their fears, and they begin to laugh and jabber as if we were all Indians together. He has literally fed the hungry and clothed the naked, and carried universal joy into the hearts of these poor, destitute creatures, to an extent they never felt before. He operates in an entirely new and different way from all other Indian officers I have seen in this country.

It is only repeating what is everywhere known, that by mismanagement the confidence and good feeling of the Indians towards the whites has been almost entirely destroyed. Col. Davis has already restored confidence wherever he has met the Indians, as I have witnessed on this expedition, which terminates at this place.

Had the reader been present as I have been, and witnessed their merrymaking and rejoicing as they sported the fine blankets, shirts, leggings, hats, feathers, and other ornaments, women's dresses, sacks, rings, beads, paints, bells, hatchets, knives, looking glasses, combs, boots, shoes, pants, and so on, whilst others were feasting on the.fine flour, beef and bacon he furnished them, it would have done his soul good, unless, indeed, he had no heart to rejoice at human happiness.

If the course adopted and pursued by Superintendent Davis be followed up, I hazard nothing in saying that a few years will suffice to make all the Indians in these mountains contented and happy, and there will be no more complaints of wars and robberies among them. Whilst I am writing, their merry songs in the wikkiups are ringing in my ears, and their chiefs and head men are delighted beyond measure.

I have written this to let the public know that we have seen hundreds and hundreds of these fighting, troublesome Indians, and that they promise to be peaceable and orderly; and their chiefs assure us that they will punish the refractory ones, until they break up stealing and fighting altogether.

Wm. A. Hickman

THE MORMONS AND THE INDIANS 63

The Uinta Indians(The Deseret News, May 1, 1861)

Tsha-pwe-unt-White Eye, the principal or head chief of the Utes, accompanied by about twenty lodges of the Uinta band, arrived at the Spanish Fork Indian farm, on Friday last, intending, as reported by Mr. D. B. Huntington, Indian interpreter, to remain there during the summer. They should be sent back to their own country by the Superintendent without delay, as they will have to be sustained by the whites while they remain there, but when on their hunting grounds they can support themselves.

The old chief came to the city on Sunday to see the Superintendent, and get some presents, and remained a day or two and then returned to the farm, well satisfied with his visit.

The sojourning of Indians from other and distant valleys should not be tolerated in the settlements, and if the government agents do their duty, White Eye and his attendants will be sent back to the Colorado instanter.

Progress in Civilization and Improvement Among the Indians in Millard County

( The Deseret News, May 21, 1862)

It is reported on good authority, that the Indians on Corn Creek, and on the Sevier in Millard County, are making rapid progress in civilization, and are very busily engaged this spring in plowing, sowing and planting, and in other farming operations, exhibiting considerable skill in the performance of whatsoever they undertake to do. Superintendent Doty has furnished them with the necessary teams, farming implements and seed. He has also made arrangements for feeding the infirm and those who labor, but not the idlers, a most excellent plan, and which cannot fail if strictly carried out, to make a favorable impression upon their minds and induce them to become industrious rather than idle, the reverse of what the feeding operations of most of the government agents has hitherto produced. . . .

Lamanite Thieves(The Deseret News, August 13, 1862)

Four Indians were arrested yesterday by Sheriff Burton on a warrant issued by Judge Drake, on a charge of stealing about forty sides of leather from the tannery of Mr. Pugsley, in the 19th Ward. The case will be examined today as we understand. There is no doubt of their guilt, as some of the leather was found in their possession.

Editor Deseret News:

Note on Chief Toquer(The Deseret News, October 1, 1862)

St. George, Washington County, Sunday, Sept. 14, 1862.

Dear Sir:

. . . Toquer, in the Pahute language, signifies black, and was the name of an industrious Indian chief, who was found here when our first explorers traveled through this country. At that time he had a farm of five acres, on which he raised wheat, corn, pumpkins and melons.. He was somewhat aristocratic, when compared with his brethren, living in a respectable sort of shanty covered with the broad-leafed cane, which grows in great abundance in the bottoms adjacent to the river. From him this place derived its name. . . .

. . . But we were rewarded for all unpleasant travelling when we reached the pretty little site on which is being built Virgin City (the inhabitants complain that the vulgar call it Pocketville), situated on the banks of the Rio Virgin. The Indian name of this river is Pah Roosh. . . .

. . . The scenery around Grafton is quite picturesque and romantic; hence there is something that is both pleasing and attractive to the stranger. . . .

J. V. Long

Indian Depredations in Tooele County(The D&seret News, March 18, 1863)

On Friday morning last, as we have been informed by letter from Mr. William Empy, a company of eight Indians made their appearance at Garr's herd ground, in Skull Valley, Tooele County, on a depredatory visit, soon after daylight. The first intimation given of their presence was a discharge of firearms at the tent, in which there were at the time only two persons, John Garr and Empy. They continued to fire at the tent till the men thought it best to retire for safety, when Garr ran to the corral, which was not far distant, to loosen their horses, and Empy proceeded to the rear of the yard and let down the fence, the Indians firing at them the while without doing any injury further than the wounding of one of their horses. As soon as possible they mounted each a horse and fled. . . .

Governor's Message to the General Assembly of the State of Deseret

(Millennial Star, March 17, 1866)

Executive Office, State of Deseret, January 22, 1866.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Deseret, in a General Assembly convened.

Gentlemen,—

... It is hoped that the Indian Treaty, which was effected early last summer with the chiefs of the various Indian tribes in the Territory, will accomplish beneficial results, and be the means of collecting them at a point where they can be taught the arts of industry. Some of their number—roving outcasts from the various tribes—have committed many depredations upon some of the outer Settlements during the past year. The feeling, which is too common under such circumstances, is one of vengeance—a vengeance that does not distinguish the innocent from the guilty, but visits all of the same nation and color with indiscriminate punishment. This merciless policy, I am happy to say, has found but few advocates among our citizens; and, if they are true to themselves and to our common humanity, such a policy will always be discarded. We have proved that the pacific, conciliatory policy is in every sense the better course for us to pursue. Experience has taught us that it is cheaper to feed Indians than to fight them—a statement that has been so often repeated that it has become a recognized axiom among us. They are an ignorant and degraded race, and their condition should excite our commiseration. But it would be both unwise and dangerous for our citizens to allow their feelings of sympathy to blind them to the necessity of taking every precaution to guard themselves, their families, Settlements and flocks against their depredations and attacks. While they are so unthinking and unreasoning, and of such predatory habits as at present, they cannot be trusted with any safety; and our citizens ought to exercise great vigilance and caution in protecting themselves against sudden surprises. . . .

Brigham Young

Letter of Brigham Young to Horace S. Eldredge(Millennial Star, Nov. 1, 1870)

Salt Lake City, Oct. 4, 1870.

President Horace S. Eldredge

Dear Brother,—

. . . Myself and President Wells, with a few Elders, all in 6 two-horse vehicles, left this city August 27, on an exploring trip to the Kanab country. We crossed the mountains from Parowan to the. Sevier, thence following up the Sevier and passing over the rim of the Basin on to the head of the Rio Virgin, stopping the second night out from Parowan at Roundy's [now abandoned settlement on the upper Kanab Creek. Thence two days' trave we reached the Paria, a place suited more for an Indian farm anc lookout than anything else. Our next night was passed at the Kanab Settlement, where we found brother Levi Stewart and a few other families, also quite a number of Indians; all seemed much pleased to see us. At this place we located and surveyed a town site, and on the Sabbath after our arrival, at a meeting of the citizens, brother Levi Stewart was chosen and afterwards ordained Bishop to preside over the Kanab Ward. From Kanab we went to Pipe Springs, where we located a rock fort, to be 152 by 66 feet, to be so arranged as to accommodate a number of persons in case of an Indian attack. The fort will enclose a fine spring of good water, and when completed we propose naming it "Windsor Castle." From Pipe Springs we went via Virgin City, Toker, &c, to St. George, where we tarried a day, and thence we returned home, reaching this city Sept. 24. We held numerous meetings, both going and returning, which were well attended by attentive audiences. The roads were good but dusty, and the weather was fine. . . .

. . . Black Hawk, the Indian chief who took so conspicuous a part in our last Indian wars, died on the 27th of last month, near Spring Lake Villa [Utah County], and in a small ravine near by, his tribe buried him. That locality, I understand, was the place of his birth; there he commenced his depredations, and thither he went to die. He was the most formidable foe amongst the red men that the Saints have had to encounter for many years. The Indians generally appear to be inclined to peace throughout the Territory, though there are some rumors of horse stealing expeditions to be entered upon by the Green River Indians this present fall. Were there no white men to purchase stolen stock and supply the Indians with whisky and ammunition, there would be fewer Indian thieves and scarcely any Indian difficulties. . . .

Brigham Young

Indians Baptized(Millennial Star, April 19, 1875)

St. George, March 20, 1875.

Editor Salt Lake Herald:

. . . The next marvel was the arrival, last night, of about 200 Shebit Indians, who came and demanded baptism—the result of some supernatural influence through their prophets and "medicine men," similar to like demonstrations in other parts of the Territory. Early this morning a large concourse of red and white people were gathered around the pool on Mount Hope.—Savage, of course, with his [photographic] instrument, was present and took several views. Several persons were appointed to administer, and after singing and prayer, nearly 200 of the dusky denizens of the forest—men, women, and children—went down into the water and were baptized, after which, food to sustain them for the time they remained was donated and collected by the citizens. [See frontispiece illustration in Utah Historical Quarterly for October, 1932].

For full citations and a reprint of a song written by Thales H. Haskell please view this article from a desktop.