Copy of November 20, 1857 letter from John D. Lee to Brigham Young, Superintendent of Indian Affairs

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Harmony, Washington Co. U.T. Nov 20th 1857 To His Excellency Gov B. Young Ex-officio & Superintendent of Indian Affairs

Dear Sir--

My report under date of May 11th 1857 relative to the Indians whom I have charge as farmer showed a friendly relation between them & the whites which doubtless would have continued to increase had not the white man been the first aggressor? As was the case with Capt. Fanchers Co of Emigrants passing through to California about the middle of Sept. last on Corn Creek 15 ms. south of Fillmore City, Millard County. The Co. there poisoned the meat of an ox which they gave the Pahvant Indians to eat, causing 4 of them to die immediately besides poisoning a number more the Co. also poisoned the waters where they encamped, killing many of the cattle of the settlers; this unguided policy planed in wickedness by the Co. raised

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Utah State Archives and Records Service
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the ire of the Indians which soon spread through the Sourthern Tribes firing them up with revenge till blood was in their path & as the breach according to their tradition was a national one consequently any portion of that nation was liable to atone for that offence, about the 22nd of Sept Capt Fauchers & Co fell victims to their wrath near Mountain Meadows their Cattle & Horses shot down in every direction, their wagons & property mostly committed to the flames & had they been the only ones that suffered, we would have less cause of complaint. But the following Co of near the same size had some of their men shot down near Beaver City & had it not been for the interposition of the citizens at that place the whole Co would have been masacreed by the enraged Pahvants from this place they were protected by military force by order of Co. W. H. Dame through the Territory besides providing the Co. with interpreters to help them through to the loss vages on the Muddy some 3 to 500 Indians attacked the Co. while traveling & drove off several hundred head of cattle, telling the Co. that if they fired a single

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gun that they would kill every soul; interpreters tried to regain the stock or a portion of them by presents but in vain the Indians told them to mind their own business or their lives would not be safe?

Since that occurence no Co. has been able to pass without some of our interpreters to talk & explain matters to the Indians.

Friendly feelings yet remain between the Natives & the settlers & I have no hesitancy in saying that it will increase so long as we treat them kindly. I deal honorably towards them I have been b'lest in my labors the present year much grain has been raised for the Indians.

I herewith furnish you the acts of the W. H. Dame of Parowan for cattle wagons &c furnished for the benefit of the chief Owanup (SS) for 2 yoke oxen $100.00 each, one wagon & chains $75 total $275.00 2 Cows $30 each, for labor $80 total $140.00 $415.00

P.A. Smith Cedar City Iron Co. for 2 yoke cattle $100 for Wms & Moqueeteses Bands 200.00 $100 for 1 Cow $35 do to 1 wagon $80 total $115.00 Total $315.00

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Filed Dec 20, 187[5] James R. Wilkins Clerk

Jacob Hamblin act. for the benefit of Tatsegbbitts Band Santa Clara Washington County (SS) two yoke of cattle $100 do 1 wagon 2 chains $100 total 300.00 2 cows $35 each total 70.00 Total $370.00 Henry Barney act for the benefit of Jennquiches Band Harmony (SS) for 2 yoke cattle $100 $200.00 1 wagon $100 1 plough $40 total $140.00 4 cows at $35 each total $140.00 for labor in helping to secure crop, &c $40.00 $520.00 For my services the last six monthes & for provisions clothing &c $600.00 sum total $2220.00

From the above report you will see that wants of the Natives have increased commensurate with their experience & practice in the act of agriculture with sentiments of high consideration, I am your humble servant

John D. Lee Farmer to Pahute Indians

Gov. B. Young Ex-officio & Superintendent of Indian Affairs

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