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Show (090) E. J. Steptoe to Comm Ind Aff RG 75 Microcopy 234 April 5, 1855 Reel 897 Great Salt Lake City, Ut. Ty. April 5, 1855 Sir You may be aware that I had instructions from the War Dept. to demand the surrender of some of Capt. Gunnison's murderers. Discovering that any attempt to seize them would be certainly resented, I felt it proper for manifest reasons, to advise with Gov. Young before visiting the Pah-vants. The Governor assured me that he knew the Indians well, and that not one of the criminals could be obtained unless by some appeal to the Avrice of their Chiefs, and he advised me to offer to Wah=Kan and Kinosh=a, a few ponies, &c. which I did. Six of the Indians engaged in the massacre were surrendered, and Dr. Hurt, the Ind. Agent, kindly redeemed the promise made by me. Since, that event, it seemed to me eminently proper to show our sense of such remarkably good conduct and I caused, some more presents (for which the Agent also paid) to be given to the Tribe. The whole value of these presents will amount to about $500, which, I question not you will under the peculiar circumstances of the case, permit to be deducted from the sum appropriated, by Congress for the Utahs: In any event, please hold me solely responsible. I also found it necessary to expend some money in aiding the Chiefs to get witnesses, etc. before the Court; also to issue provisions for a few days to many Indians attending the trial-in fairness, these items should likewise be deducted, but of that you can judge best. I will write on the |