| OCR Text |
Show the emigration traveling the plains, eyt a state of war has existed between them and other tribes, which agreeable to the usage of the Indians, has justified each tribe in sending their war parties to harrass and plunder the other these war parties, when on their excursions in the enemies country, would plunder and rob the emigrants, while their depradations would often b§ charged to other and innocent tribes. Thus, the country of the Snakes is frequently made the rallying ground, and as the road to California, Oregon, and the Salt Lake City passes through their lands, these war parties are constantly committing depradations, which in many instances are chared to the Snakes. And although the Snakes are friendly to the whites, and do not participate in these roberies, yet the emigrants do not feel secure while there is an Indian or Indians sing in view. And not being able to distinguish one tribe from another thly are constantly in fear of an attack; to present which, they assembe together in such numbers, as to render tt impossible to get grass for the subsistence of their cattle, or enclose them in correll in either case, the result is the same, their cattle are starved to death, and their property scattered over the plains. Seeing the distress wliich these scenes present it; I therefore determined to use all efforts to get the Snakes attend the treaty-and although attended with more expense and trouble than I had expected, yet I do not hesitate to say that it has been time and money well spent as they met there, and made peace with several tribes with whom they were at war, among whom were the Shoshonnes and Sioux tribes who were the principal disturbers of the peace on this route. This will insure safety to emigration in future, it will put a stop to the excursions of these war parties, and I feel well assured that the Snakes will not only |
