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Show 17 The areas of most interest in the early stages were Colorado and northern Utah. » For the native folk, the penetration probably did not represent a heavy burden in its early stages. The natural trust, so characteristic of the Utes, gave a great advantage to the intruders. This trust was not quickly dispelled. It has been the habit of the historicans of the West to dwell overmuch on the conflict with the Indian tribes. Conflict there was, but not in proportions that would seem justified by so aggressive an invasion as the trappers visited upon them. Violence often arose only after the most assertive penetration by the intruders. There was a rapid appreciation in the fur trade following the Arze-Garcia report. Even though illegal, some of the Americans entered into areas controlled by Spain. LeRoy R. Hafen relates: For two years Chouteau and De Mun operated on the headwaters of the Arkansas and Platte. The leaders took furs 'to Missouri in l8l6 and brought back a party of forty-five trappers. De Mun sought permission of the Spanish authorities to trap at the head of the Rio Grande and in other New Mexico areas, but although he received a favorable reception at first, he was later ordered Out of Spanish territory. Finally, in May, 1817, Spanish troops came suddenly upon the Americans as they were about to set out for home with their accumulated peltries. The Chouteau and De Mun party was escorted to Santa Fe , where their furs and property were confiscated and the men thrown into prison. After forty-eight days' confinement the men were released; but all their property was retained by the officials, except one horse for each man. Upon their return to the United States, Chouteau and De Mun sought redress through their own government for losses amounting to $30,000. A. P. Chouteau now gave up the |