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Show CHAPTER III Prelude to Expulsion If the years immediately following the arrival of the whites were troubled times for the Utes, those following the close of the * Walker War were even worse. In a letter to John Elliott dated October 4, 1856, Dr. Garland Hurt, Indian Agent in Utah, explains the situation of the Utes with insight: Dear Sir: I wrote you in relation to the condition of my affairs at Washington by the last Eastern mail which started on the first instant. But as news has reached us today that the mail probably will not get through. I take the liberty of writing again by way of California as I have felt myself somewhat under the necessity-in extending the credit of the government beyond the amount appropriated for incidental expenses in Utah-I desire to acquaint you with the circumstances under which I have been called upon to act. Soon aVter my arrival in the territory I became impressed with the fact that the fund for incidental expenses had been used among the Indians in such manners as to exalt Brigham Young, without giving government any credit whatever in the matter. It has been my policy to inform them the source from whence they derived their favors, and in doing so I have occupied an exceedingly delicate position between the two races. The policy of His Excellency of feeding and clothing the Indians has caused them to become clamorous and insolent, and has imposed upon £he people of the Territory a most oppressive burden. But His policy is to endure all manner of insult-rather than be at war with the Indians, This however is done to pursue a Christian relationship with a few chiefs, whom they have baptised into the church. But the burden of this policy falls upon the poorer classes who |
