OCR Text |
Show 12 " It is difficult to estimate the degree to which the fur trade was controlled by the Indiana, while its far reaching counter- influence upon the tribes cannot, at this remote time, be adequately realized. The relation of the trader to the Indian was the most natural and congenial of any which the two races have ever sustained toward each other. Properly conducted it fitted perfectly with the Indians1 previous mode of life, really promoted his happineeU and gave him no cause for complaint. It enabled him to pursue hia natural occupation of hunting, while it introduced just enough of the civilized customs of exchange to furnish him with those simpler articles which direotly promoted the comfort of hia daily life." But that the fur trade did not always furnish ideal relations between white and Indians wven Utah gave evidence. Though the fur trade is not closely related to tho Indian problem there, its results are seen in the attitude of the Indians toward subsequent explore rs Colonel Frenont who passed Fort Uintah in June 1344 on his second exploration recorded that the fort was attacked shortly afterward by the Utah Indians, and all its garrison massacred except Robidoux who happened |