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Show The White River Ute People 95 1868, and 1873. He and his people used the agency at Denver for supplies and rations. They were, therefore, also called the Denver Utes.6 Hot Sulphur Springs Agency In 1858 gold was discovered in Colorado which resulted in an invasion of prospectors and settlers on the Ute lands. Agent Henry M. Vaile was instructed by Colorado Governor William Gilpin to explore the territory from Denver to Salt Lake City and note the conditions of the Indians in that area. Along the western boundary of Colorado he met about 3,000 "Green and Grand River Utes." They complained to him that they had never received any presents from the government and believed that only those who killed some settlers received gifts from Washington.7 Observing the condition of these and other Ute groups, Vaile concluded that something should be done for the Indians or necessity would compel them to rob and steal in order to stay alive. There was also increasing danger of conflict between the gold-seekers and the Ute People. In 1862 Congress authorized an agency for the Parianuche and Uinta-ats People to be established in the Middle Park of Colorado. There were hot mineral springs in the area; the agency was named after them. It was not until April 1863 that the agent Simeon Whitely reported for work. The Conejos treaty council further delayed Whitely from taking charge until late in the year. In the meantime Whitely sent Uriah Curtis, the agency interpreter, to locate the Ute People assigned to the agency. Curtis found them at the council at the Spanish Fork Agency in Utah Territory. He reported his shock at their weakened condition: "Chiefs who, a few years before, led hundreds of warriors, now do not have as many dozens."8 In 1865 Daniel C. Oakes was appointed agent. He distributed goods to his charges not at the agency but at Empire City. In council with him that September, they promised not to interfere with the new stage route which was being established through their land by Ben Holladay's Overland Stage Company. Empire City served as the distribution point for supplies and annuities through 1867. |