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Show Ute Delegations, 1863-1905 The history of the United States government relations with the Native Americans is not just one of conflicts and hostilities. It is also one of diplomacy. The diplomats were Indians who went to see their Great White Father. They came as leaders and spokesmen to negotiate directly with the President. However, the government followed this policy of bringing Indians to Washington, D.C., not so much to settle the details of land loss and removals, but to impress upon them the strength of the Euro-Americans. The government tried to convince the Indians of the futility of resistance.1 Ute People were among the hundreds of delegations. In their many dealings with the government, the Ute People trusted in the President and believed that he would deal fairly with them. The Ute way of life had always been to respect another person's property. The Ute People were, therefore, confused and angered by the invading traders, settlers, and government officials. The Ute People felt that they could go to Washington, D.C. and solve problems of non-payment of promised money or supplies, trespassing whites, and other issues. On the other hand, the government realized the uniqueness of the surroundings in the "big city" and the impression of power it would have on the People. The government used these trips to overwhelm them. This, coupled with their trust in the President, encouraged the People to give up land and property which they might have fought to retain. 1863 Delegation The first Ute delegation to go to Washington, D.C. went in February 1863. The trip was organized as part of the government's efforts to put all the Utes on one or two reservations. Leaders of seven groups of Utah and Colorado Utes traveled with LaFayette Head, the agent at Conejos. They went by horse and wagon to Denver and then to Washington, D.C. by stage coach and other means. These leaders were given a tour of the city in a four horse carriage. They were shown General George McClellan's Army of the Potomac, the naval yards, and the thousands of soldiers being mustered into the Union |