John D. Lee Case File

after his return to Salt Lake City, and that while near Fort Bridger he heard for the first time that the Indianshad massacred an emigrant company at Mountain Meadows.

Deponent futher saith that he never at any time either before or after that massacre was accessory thereto; that he never directly or indirectly aided, abetted or assisted in its perpretation or had any knowledge thereof except by hearsay; that he never knew anything of the distribution of the property taken there, except by hearsay as aforesaid.

Deponent further saith that all charges and statements as pertaining to him contrary to the foregoing are false and untrue.

Geo. A. Smith

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of July A.D. 1875

William Clayton Notary Public

No. 31

38

In 2nd Dist Court, Utah Territory

The People Etc. vs. John D. Lee Impleaded with others

Deposition

Filed August 2nd 1875 James R. Wilkins Clerk

before stated along the line of travel west of the settlements. There have however been more or less depredations the present season North, and more within the vicinity of the settlements owing to the causes above mentioned and I find it of the utmost difficulty to restrain them. The sound of war quickens the blood and nerves of an Indian. The reports that troops were wending their way to this Territory has also had its influence upon them. In one or two instances this was the reason assigned why they made the attacks which they did upon some herds of cattle, they seemed to think if it was to be war they might as well commence and begin to lay in a supply of food when they had a chance. If I am to have the directions of the Indian Affairs of this Territory and am expected to maintain friendly relations with the Indians, there are a few things that I would most respectfully suggest to be done. First. That travellers omit their infamous practice of shooting them down when they happen to see one.

Whenever the Citizens of this Territory travels the roads they are in the habit of giving the Indians food, tobacco and a few other presents, and the Indians expect some such trifling favor, and they are emboldened by this practice to come up to the

road with a view of receiving such presents. When therefore travellers from the States make their appearance they throw themselves in sight with the same view and when they are shot at, some of their numbers killed as has frequently been the case, we cannot but expect them to wreak their vengeance upon the next train.

Secondly. That the Government should make more liberal appropriations to be expended in presents I have proven that it is far cheaper to feed and clothe the Indians than to fight them. I find moreover that after all when the fighting is over it is always followed by extensive presents which if properly distributed in the first instance might have averted the fight. In this case then the expense of presents are the same and it is true in ninetenths of the cases that have happened.

Third=The troops must be kept away for it is a prevalent fact that wherever there are the most of these we may expect to find the greatest amount of hostile Indians and the least security to persons and property.

If these three items could be complied with I have no hesitation in saying that so far as Utah is concerned that travellers could go to and from, pass and repass and no Indian would disturb or molest

and the prospect was at that time that we might have trouble with the United States army then en route for this place, and we wanted to preserve the grain for food. The citizens of the Territory were counseled not to feed grain to their own stock. No person was ever punished or called in question for furnishing supplies to the emigrants within my knowledge.

8th

When did you first hear of the attack and destruction of this Arkansas company at Mountain Meadows in September 1857?

Answer

He saith:-

I did not learn anything of the attack or destruction of the Arkansas company until sometime after it had occurred, then, only by floating rumors.

9th

Did John D. Lee report to you at any time after this massacre what had been done at that massacre, and if so, what did you reply to him in reference thereto?

Answer

He saith:-

Within some 2 or 3 months after the massacre he called at my office, and had much to say with regard to the Indians, their being stirred up to anger and threatening the settlements of the whites, and then commenced giving an account of the massacre. I told him to stop as from what I had already learned by rumor. I did not wish my feelings harrowed up with a recital of details.

Answer

He saith:-

Yes - It was to let this company of emigrants, and all companies of emigrants pass through the country unmolested, and to allay the angry feelings of the Indians as much as possible.

(Signed) Brigham Young

Subscribed and sworn to before me this, 30th day of July A.D. 1875 (Signed) Wm. Clayton Notary Public