OCR Text |
Show 196 REPOBT OF THE of any other portion of our extensive territories; and I can but trust that your honor, and all candid men, will at once subscribe to the cor-rectness of my briefly expressed though firm belief. The hitherto small amount of expenditures ; the expectation (right-fully, perhaps,) raised in the minds of the Mary's River Indians by Major Hurt's predecessor; the general understanding of the various tribes, through some source, that a large appropriation had long ago been made for the purpose of making treaties with them, and the actual extensive occupancy of their lands, will easily account for what might otherwise be deemed the large disbursements for the quarter now ending, more especially those made by Agent Garland Hurt; still, after a careful examination of all the accounts and reports now for-warded, I am not able to state in what particular the total could be lessened in justice, and presume the department will come to the same conclusion, and duly honor the corresponding drafts. . I have at different times divided the Territory, and allotted the agents and sub-agents, the last division being by the territorial road running north and south nearly through the centre, which was made on account of its definiteness and to accommodate the officers so far as consistent, all of whom hitherto have preferred to live in this city, with the late exception of Agent G. W. Armstrong, whos eresidence is at Provo. Death, changes, &c., have caused the last named line to remain until now, but as the present agents bid fair for a greater permanency, another division may ere long be deemed necessary. On the 7th instant I had the gratification of meeting large bands of Shoshonees (Snakes) and Utahs in council in this city, where they made a L'good peace," which I hope will prove lasting. They came into this city during the latter part of August, had a friendly meeting on the 2d instant, and of course had to be fed and required presents; this I caused to be complied with as economically as my judgment could dictate, as will be seen by a portion of my own and Agent Hurt's vouchers. That you may become cognizant of the minute particulars of this visit, I take the liberty of forwarding to you Nos. 27 and 28, volume 5, of the Deseret News. You will at once perceive that not o111y myself, but the subordinate officers of this superintendency, find it impossible, as proven by our united heat endeavors and judgments, to carry out your admirable policy-which we all most heartily coincide with-except at consi-derable expense; hence may I not rely upon your powerful mediation with the next Congress for appropriations commensurate with the justice of the case and the magnanimity of our nation ? I take pleasure in forwarding the reports and accompanying papers of Agents Major Garland Hurt and Major G. W. Armstrong, for the quarter ending September 30, 1855, trusting that their suggestions will meet with due consideration, their papers prove every way ac-ceptable, and their accounts be satisfactorily adjusted. So far as careful supervision gives me information, I am happy in being able to commend the diligence, economy, and success of the few employ6s under our control. To prevent future misunderstanding, permit me to enquire whether I have a right to request agents and sub-agents to lodge in my office |