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Show 121 railroad, fearing, as was reported, that the White River Indians would come to this agency and compel these Indians either to join them or leave, and stating that the valley would be "filled with blood;" that we were their friends and they did not wish us hurt. I heard them with as much calmness as possible, and after they had finished what they had to say, I told them what I thought of the situation; that there was no great danger at Uintah, and that the safest place was here, that I would remain and take care of their property, as, if I and they left, bad white men might come and destroy it and say that Indians did it, and thus they would get into trouble and lose all they had. It was really pitiable to see their distress. After I had fully given them my views and determination, I told them to go home and think and talk about what I had said, and come back on the morrow and we would talk more. They left somewhat calmed, and the next day came back with much assurance and courage. Tabby, our principal chief, came to me and asked me if I intended taking my family out. I said no; I would "sit down" at Uintah and take care of the Indians and their property. He said, "All right, Indians sit down too." We had another talk, and before they left they were comparatively calm and satisfied. I treated them with perfect confidence; told them I would keep them informed as to what I heard, and insisted on their treating me in the same manner, which many of them agreed to do. I told them that I would not permit any of them to go to White River nor should any of the White Rivers come here, as it would cause trouble, and insisted that they should tell the White Rivers what I had said. From that time the Indians were more calm than the whites at Ashley and vicinity.25 Critchlow was confident about the Indians under his agency. In such perilous times his confidence in them is admirable: It may well be supposed that the position of myself, family, and employes was not a pleasant one. The wildest and most extravagant reports of outrages committed by the Indians, and threats again and again against my life, came to us, and I was urged by friends both in this Territory and the East to leave and take my family to a place of safety, 25critchlow to Commissioner, August 31, 1880, in RCIA, 1880, pp. 272-273. |
