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Show INDIAN AFFAIRS. 259 REPORT OF UTE COMMISSION.". WASHINGTON, D. C.. January 20,1831. STR: The undersigned, commissioners appointed by the President, in pursuance of the act of Congress approved Jane 15, lbSO, en titled " An act to accept and ratify the agreement submitted by the confederated bands of the Ute Indians in Colorado," for tLe sale of their reservation in said . State, and for other purposes, and to make the necessary appropriations for carrying out the same," respectfully Teport the progress oade in the duties confided to them under said act of Congress and in pursuance of your instructions of the date of June 21, 1880. Immediately after the close of the meeting held for consultation between yourself and all the members of the commission ( except Mr. Mears), in your office on the 19th . and 21st of June, it was agreed that the board meet at Denver,* Colo., on the 2Sth day of June. Oa that day Messrs. Manypenny, Bowman, and Mears met at the Grand Central Hotel in Denver. Mr. W, S* Stickney, the gentleman appointed disbursing c. lerk of the Commission was also present. Mr. Manypenny, having been designated as chairman, called the meeting to order and declared a quorum present. The law and your instructions were read, followed by a desultory conversation in relation to the duties confided to the Commission, when it was determined that, While awaiting the arrival of Messrs. Meacham and Russell, who were unavoidably detained, the disbursing clerk be authorized to proceed at once to purchase an outfit of provisions and the necessary furniture for camp life, for the use of the Commission and clerk, and forward the same without delay to" Alamosa. Mr. Mears was requested to assist Mr. Stickney in his work. . . " On the 29th of June a telegram wa9 6ent to Agent Berry, at the Los Pinos Agency, advising hici that it was the desire of the board to meet" the Uncompahgre . Utes in council on or about the 12th of July. At the same time the members present agreed that the Commission assemble at the Los Pinos Agency on or about the 8th of July. On tbat day a majority of the members being present at the agency, an informal council was held with several of the leading men of the Uncompahgre bands, who were then present, with reference to the business with which we were entrusted. In This conference it was made apparent that there was not at the agency any one sufficiently acquainted with the Ute language to act as interpreter, and it was deemed necessary to have such an one. On making inquiry as to where a competent and reliable ra: in could be found who could render the Engiish into the Ute language, the name of Capt. U. M. Curtis was suggested. The Indians all concurred in the wish that he be employed. On further consideration of the subject, and when all the members were . present, it was decided that, if the services of Captain Curtis could be had, he be employed. . On inquiry it was found that he was then engaged in the Ruby mining district, and that it would require several days to reach and bring him to the agency. It was the 15th day of July when Captain Cnrtis arrived. A Spanish interpreter was also deemed necessary, and I. Sabina Espinosa was employed as such. Oa the 10th of July, Chief Oaray, by request, met* the members of the Commission to consult as to the proper time when a preliminary council should be held. We were informed that there was a deficiency in the supply of flour at the agency, and tbat all then on hand would be issued on the following day,, and the ageut was unable to indicate with any degree of certainty when he should receive additional flour. This fact was commuricated to Ouray, who, being ill, asked that we advise with Sapavanari and Cbavanaux and learn their views a9 to the propriety of converging the Indians in council in the absence of flour ration. The chief at the same time expressed a desire that the erst council should be deferred until the White River Utes arrived, and stated that he had dispatched . a runner for them the day that the Commission 6eut a messenger for Captain Curtis. He thought these should join the Uncompahgre Indians in the first council. Oa consideration of the suggestions of Ouray to await the arrival of the White River Indians, and in order that the agent might have time to procure flour, the first formal open council was set for 21st day of July. Ou the 17th of July, Mr. Stickney, our secretary and disbursing clerk, was unable from illness to attend a business meetiug of the Commission, At that time his illness was not regarded as serious. He died suddenly at 12.30 p. m. oa the 20th July. His death was calm and quiet, and he was surrounded by his friends and physician. Mr- * Tr, e S « port of the Ute Commission, the ratification of the Ute acr- wipecr. and the oorreapoiideuoe b* t^ e* tt the Commiwion are also published in Sen. Ex. Doc, No. 31,46th Cocj., 3.1 Seas. |