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Show 173 military force, their vicious propensities might lead them to acts of violence. The attitude of the Indians was shown to be defiant and dictatorial towards the Government officials and employes. Being remote from the settlements they had seen but little of civilized life, and did not seem to know or dread the power of the Government. Mr. Carson stated that he was informed by the Indians that the Mormons had told them that the Indians and Mormons combined could successfully resist the Government troops. Major Bush recommended that a four-company post be established at the junction of the Du Chesne and Uintah Rivers or in Ashley Valley. Inspector Gardner was of opinion that at least five or six companies should be stationed at or near the agency, in view of the wild and almost ungovernable element exisiting among the younger and impetuous men of the tribe. From Special Agent Parsons it was learned that the White River Utes of the Uintah Reservation were also showing signs of restlessness, if not insubordination, the head chief of whom stated that they would no long submit to having the Meeker pensions paid out of their annuity money. These White River Utes will be remembered as the perpetrators of the Meeker massacre a few years since. On the 23rd of June, 1886, I made a report to the Department, recommending that the subject be laid before the War Department, with request for the immediate establishment of a military post at such point as should be found upon investigation to be most suitable to meet the requirements of the situation, the garrison to be sufficiently strong to maintain order and enforce obedience on the part of the Indians. As a result of this, on August 7, 1886, Special Order No. 99 was issued from headquarters Department of the Platte, Omaha, Nebr., establishing a permanent cantonment, to be known as Fort Du Chesne, in the vicinity*of the Ouray Agency, and near the confluence of the Du Chesne and Uintah Rivers, Utah. It is situated about 3 miles above the mouth of the Uintah, on the road between the two agencies. Six companies were designated for the garrison. |
