OCR Text |
Show degree observant, that whenever a community, which is prudent and industrious, comes in contact with one that is careless and indolent, they are necessarily obliged to meet them at a disadvantage in almost every particular, except in the philanthropic channel of voluntary disbursements for their benefit, and the constant exercise of a high moral forbearance in their behalf. Under a full understanding of the necessities of the case, and in compliance with the instructions from your Department above referred to, knowing that five dollars expended in presents often prevents the necessity of spending five thousand in war, I have from time instructed judisious persons in all the settlements, to extend such aid to the Indians when in a suffering and destitute condition, as would tend to preserve their lives, give some little comfort to their bodies, sooth their untutored feelings, and create in them some respect for their great father the President, whose kindness and liberality to their brethren of the tribes in all regions, except theirs, they are familiar with, and have often asked upon what principle they are thrown away or neglected. The aid thus extended in presents of provisions, clothing, smithing &c, has been as small in amount as circumstances would admit of, when the large numbers thus received are considered; as will be seen from the accompanying vouchers from No. 4 to 9 inclusive, and its judicious application so far as returns are as yet made has without doubt been the means of saving many lives, and a great destruction and waste of property. The farmers at Iron, Millard, and San Pete counties have plowed the soil, sowed, tended and preserved the crops for the Indians, furnishing teams, tools, and seed to much greater extent than the highest renumeration allowed by the Department, |