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Show CHAPTER II The Whites Come to Stay The war between the United States and Mexico probably did not surprise the Utes; they were accustomed to conflict on their borders. The Spanish and Mexican governments they had known and dealt with for over two hundred years were overcome in less than two years. It is not the purpose of this study to review the causes or events of that war, except as they impinge on the destiny of the Ute Indians. As was noted in the preceding chapter, the Utes were unhappy with the decline of the fur trade, the reduction of horse trading, and a greatly reduced traffic over the Old Spanish Trail. Explorers, who were coming with increasing frequency, may also have contributed to their disquietude. The Indians, who lived simple lives and who saw few of the implications of the acts of the whites, thought that relations would go on much as before. In this they were quite mistaken. Especially during the years of Mexican rule, 1821-1846, the Utes lost additional lands to grantees who were taking up large tracts on the area of the Upper Rio Grande Basin. The most * • important invasion of Ute land since Spain established its northern outposts was made in 1847. The Mormons, misfits of the American frontier, began their hegira in that year. What had been a sacred homeland to the Ute became the sacred home of the "Saints" in a very |