HARMONY, WASHINGTON CO., U. T.,
November 20th, 1857
To His Excellency, Gov. B. Young, Ex-Officio and Superintendent of Indian Affairs:
DEAR SIR: My report under date May 11th, 1857, relative to the Indians over whom I have charge as farmer, showed a friendly relation between them and the whites, which doubtless would have continued to increase had not the white mans been the first aggressor, as was the case with Capt. Fancher's company of emigrants, passing through to California about the middle of September last, on Com Creek, fifteen miles south of Fillmore City, Millard County. The company there poisoned the meat of an ox, which they gave the Pah Vant Indians to eat, causing four of them to die immediately, besides poisoning a number more. The company also poisoned the water where they encamped, killing the cattle of the settlers. This unguided policy, planned in wickedness by this company, raised the ire of the Indians, which soon spread through the southern tribes, firing them up with revenge till blood was in their path, and as the breach, according to their tradition, was a national one, consequently any portion of the nation was liable to atone for that offense.
About the 22d of September, Capt. Fancher and company fell victims to their wrath, near Mountain Meadows; their cattle and horses were shot down in every direction, their wagons and property mostly committed to the flames. Had they been the only ones that suffered we would have less cause of complaint. But the following company of near the same size had many of their men shot down near Beaver City, and had it not been for the interposition of the citizens at that place, the whole company would have been massacred by the enraged Pah Vants. From this place they were protected by military force, by order of Col. W.H. Dame, through the territory, besides providing the company with interpreters, to help them through to the Los Vaagus. On the Muddy, some three to five hundred Indians attacked the company, while traveling, and drove off several hundred head of cattle, telling the company that if they fired a single gun that they would kill every soul. The interpreters tried to regain the stock, or a portion of them, by presents, but in vain. The Indians told them to mind their own business, or their lives would not be safe. Since that occurrence no company has been able to pass without some of our interpreters to talk and explain matters to the Indians.
Friendly feelings yet remain between the natives and settlers and I have no hesitancy in saying that it will increase so long an we treat them kindly, and deal honestly toward them. I have been blest in my labors the last year. Much grain has been raised for the Indians.
I herewith furnish you the account of W.H. Dame, of Parowan, for cattle, wagons, etc.
Furnished for the benefit of the Chief Owanup, (ss.) for
Two yoke of oxen, $100 each, one wagon and chains
$75. Total ....................................................... $275.00
Two cows $30 ea, for labor $80, .................................... 140.00
Total ................................................ $415.00
P.K. Smith, Cedar City, Iron County,
For two yoke cattle $100 each, and Mo. 2 Weekses Band $20000
One cow $35, do one wagon $80, total, 115.00
Total ................................................. $315.00
Jacob Hamblin's account for the benefit of Talse Gobbeth
Band, Santa Clara, Washington Co., (ss.)
Two yoke of cattle, $100 each, do one wagon, two chains,
$100, total .................................................... $300.00
Two cows $35 each, total 70.00
Total............................................................. $370.00
Henry Barney's account for the benefit of Tennquiches Band, Harmony, (ss.)
For two yoke cattle $100, $200.00
Do one wagon $100, do one plough $40, total... . 140.00
Do four cows at $35 each, total ........................ 140.00
For labor in helping to secure crops, etc .............. 40.00
Total ................... ……………………… $520.00
For my services the last six months, and for provisions,
clothing, etc .................................................. $600.00
Sum Total .................................................. $2,220.00
From the above report you will see that the wants of the Natives have increased commensurate with their experience and practice in the art of agriculture.
With sentiments of high consideration,
I am your humble servant,
JOHN D. LEE,
Farmer to Pah Utes Indians.