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Show HARRY ZIMMERHACKEL CARLES AVERY ZIMMERHACKEL &. AVERY, ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS SUITE 522 SYMES BLOG DENVER COLORADO TELEPHONE CHAMPA 2531 April 20, 1915 General Hugh L. Scott, Chief of Staff, War Department, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The writer and Mr. Henry McAllister have been appointed by Judge Robert E. Lewis to conduct the defense of Tse- Na- Gat, the Indian recently taken into custody by you. One of the first, and most difficult, tasks which confronts us is to gain the confidence of the Indian and to obtain an interview with him so that we may understand his version of the events attendant upon the death of the Mexican, who he is alleged to have killed. It seems to us that it is highly important that we should get in touch with some interpreter who can explain to the Indian that we are his friends and are anxious to assist him, and that it is necessary that he should tell us just exactly what occurred. We understand that you have confidence of the Indian and that you have taken some interest in his case. We therefore take the liberty of asking you if you can put us in touch with someone who can act as an interpreter for us. The writer plans to go to the scene of the alleged crime shortly after he has learned from Tse- Na- Gat what the facts were. It will doubtless at that time, be necessary for us to have the services of an interpreter who can speak the Ute tongue. We have heard it suggested that there were some Navajo Indians mixed up in the affair. If such be true , it may be that we will need the assistance of an interpreter who can speak the Navajo language. The Court here has entered an order authorizing us to employ at the expense of the United States, such interpreters as we may reasonably require. Therefore the question of expenses is eliminated. It is highly necessary that we get in touch with interpreters who will not disclose what they learn from us to any of the agents of the Department of Justice. We shall greatly appreciate any suggestions which you may be able to make us in connection with this phase of the matter. It may be that from your personal dealings with Tse- Na- Gat you learned something of his claims; if so, we shall greatly appreciate it if you will state to us what you learned. Awaiting your reply, we remain, Yours very truly, Chas. L. Avery |
