Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the nativesJones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
History
Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the natives
Jones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.); Indians of North America; Latter Day Saint pioneers -- Biography
He said he would like to hear what the principal men had to say. I told
the Indians to explain to Mr. Dodge why they had left the agency and
what their desires were. Several then spoke in turn, recounting how
they had been defrauded out of the government appropriations; that if
they could have their rights they could live in peace. Douglas, being
the last speaker, did not use an interpreter. He said: "The man from.
'Washington' talks good and makes good promises, and I hope it is all
true, but I am afraid it will all be a lie pretty soon. 'Washington'
has sent to us a heap of men, All of them talk good when they first
come but in two or three moons, most of their talk proves lies. Some
in two moons, some in three, some in six. One man's talk was good for
one snow; then it was a lie, same as the others. This man here now,
looks like the man who lasted two moons. Maybe the talk is all good,
but I think in two moons may be it will be all lies. I know Washington
means to be good to us. His heart is good, most too good. He has many
hungry men come to him for something to eat; they have slim faces and
long beards and look hungry; and they cry and tell Washington they have
nothing to eat. Then Washington gets tired of their crying and makes
them agents and sends them out here, and they take all Washington sends
us. I don't think this is right. They ought to send men who are not so
poor and starved, then they would not take our flour and we would have
plenty."
This is Douglas's speech in substance. Mr. Dodge did not reply farther
than to say he would see to their wants.
From Sanpete we went down to visit the Indians in Grass Valley. They
had been stealing had taken quite a band of horses lately. They were
not of the Uintah tribe. On visiting them, a treaty was made, the agent
agreeing to make them some presents. The Indians agreed to bring back
the horses.
I knew very well that no treaty would be considered by the Indians
until the goods promised were delivered. I told Mr. Dodge so. He said
the government had not furnished him with any goods, neither would
they get any till he could send to New York for them. I told him I had
goods along with me that he could have. Some $350.00 worth. He said he
was not authorized to pay more than New York prices, and freight. I
replied, "You can take mine now, and when you find what New York prices
are, you can pay me."
He took my goods, enough to ratify the treaty. The Indians kept their
contract to bring in the horses, but I do not know whether Mr. Dodge
ever learned what New York prices were or not.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Whisky Sold to the Indians--I Forbid the Traffic--Douglas and his Band
Demand an Order to get Fire-water--They Threaten to Kill me--My Trick
on them for Threatening me--Mr. Dodge Orders the Indians back to the
Reservation--They Refuse to go--Trouble Brewing--Peaceable Settlement.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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