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Show 3 The Coming of the Mormons 61 them settle their conflicts with other Indians.22 It was apparent that the Nuwuvi were beginning to accept the presence of whites in hopes that they would provide a protective buffer against the raiding Utes. The new settlers "had a visit from the Toquer Captain, (or Black Chief) so called by the South Pah Eed Indians, with about thirty of his warriors. They were from the Santa Clara and Rio Virgin country, and wished to hold a council . . . upon the subject of forming a settlement in their country." 2A Despite these expressions of welcome, conflicts soon developed between the Indians and the new settlers. In March of 1852, a few Nuwuvi from further south stole or killed two animals from Parowan. Two were taken prisoner and were shot and killed while trying to escape.24 This incident undoubtedly convinced many Nuwuvi that even though the new settlements meant a chance to work and attain new goods along with providing some protection from the Utes, there was good reason to withhold complete trust. The settlers also began to impose a disciplinary system on the Nuwuvi. John D. Lee and other community leaders had the Indian headmen administer the punishment themselves. In August of 1852, the brother of Ow-wan-nop, a local headman, struck Lee's wife with a piece of plank. It was decided that the offender would receive forty lashes to be administered by Ow-wan-nop.25 The punishment was administered, but later the whites were faced by a Nuwuvi demand that if they were to accept this system of justice it must be equal. Llewellyn Harris was given thirty lashes for striking one Indian and whipping another. Thomas D. Brown recorded that "Jas Powell was appointed to whip him, this satisfied the Indians and the chains were taken off." 26 The Nuwuvi also were finding that the whites were not holding down the raids of Wakara and other Utes. The local leaders provided Wakara with encouragement in his raids, perhaps in hopes that the children he coerced out of the Nuwuvi would eventually end up in their hands. In March of 1851, George A. Smith gave Wakara a letter of introduction to indicate that he was friendly and wished to trade. It included the statement that "they wished to trade horses, Buckskins and Piede children we hope them success and Prosperity and good bargains." 27 After their arrival, the Mormons did take steps to end New Mexican involvement in the slave trade. They were motivated by |
