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Show TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO 49 Shortly after this occurrence, and while the Utes were stil] bewailing the loss of their chief and warriors, a small caravan, under the charge of Dr. Josiah Gregg, happened to pass their village. Gregg’s entire force only mustered about thirty-five men. Camp had hardly been made by the Americans until the Utes began to flock around them in large numbers; the warriors were very sullen and morose, now and then muttering a curse upon the Americans because of the treatment they had recei ved from the Shawnees, whom the Utes considered as half-castes and allies of the Americans, Suddenly a young warrior seized a fine horse belonging to the Americans, and, leaping upon his back, galloped off at full speed. The Amerleans at once resolved to make a perem ptory demand for the return of the animal. The principal chief treated the reque st with contumely, when the Americans sent in a declaration of war and immediately began preparations for a descent upon the Indian village. The war-whoop resounded in every direct ion, and as the Utes bore a high reput ation for bravery and skill, the readiness with which they accepted the American challenge creat ed some alarm among the Americans who had defied them to morta l combat merely by way of bravad SST o. It was too late, however, to withdraw. No sooner had the alarm been given than the Indians began exhibiting their preliminary feats of horsemanship, and: the Squaw s and papooses scattered like partridges to the adjoining rocks and hills. One-third of the party with Gregg was composed of Mexicans, and the first step of ren the Indians was to proclaim a general indul to to them, in hopes of hurt you; so leave those Americans, for we intend to kill every one of ‘‘Al diablo! We have not forgotten how you treat us when you catch us alone; now woe ‘Se nly et wr oe +. force. A young warrior rode up and exclaimed in good Spanish, ‘‘My Mexican friend s, we do not wish to et tae es * td reducing the American Peat —~AU them.’ The Mexicans, however, only answe red, that we are with Americans, who will defend their rights, expect ample retaliation for past insults.’’ In truth the Mexicans were anxious for a fight. The Indians now seemed less disposed to have troubl e and Sent in an old squaw for the purpose of opening up hegotiations for peace. The stolen horse was returned, peace was Proclaimed, and the capitanes exchanged ratifi cations by a social Smoke, The Jicarilla Apaches also harbored an enmity for the Americans. |
