| OCR Text |
Show met a deputation of the Uwinty Utes, sent by their chief Soweates, who confirmed the information I had before received and expressed their decided disapprobation to any settlement being made on their lands'by the whites, and more particularly by the Mormons. This same deputation was directed by their chief, to request, that I would send them some traders, towards whom and the government they pledged friendship in the strongest terms. I sent them two different companies of traders, one from Fort Bridger, who they treated with great kindness and respect - the others went from this city--upon learning they were from the Mormon city, the Indians immediately demanded to know if they were compelled to deny it - such was the feelings of hostility expressed towards the Mormons, that if they had been known to be so, they would have been driven from the village. The Shoshonies or Snakes, were equally opposed, and expressed their disapprobation to the Mormons settling on their lands, in the strongest terms. I thought I was in the discharge of my duty in giving to the department, as I conceived it of some importance. The Indians of this Territory, have, in the general, been badly treated-upon some occasions, so much so, as to produce resistance. Then upon the most trivial occasion, would follow, as the Mormons call it, an "Indian War"-and being better armed and equipped than the Indians, a most brutal butchery would follow. For all these services, in all the "Indian Wars," I understand, that there is a petition presented or will be presented to Congress, for the Government bo pay the Bill. Before they do so, however, I hope they will inquire into particulars-as these people seem more inclined to fleece the Government of her money, than to render her any |
