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
Governor Brigham Young Checks the Slave Trade--The Prosecution of
Offenders--A Noted Trial--A Cruel Argument to Induce Mormons to Buy
Indian Children.
At this time Brigham Young was governor of Utah and had the oversight
of Indian affairs. Some little business in the slave trade had been
done on the trip the summer before by our old guide, who was a regular
trader. Governor Young asked me something about this business, telling
me to look out, and if any of these traders came in, to let him know,
as the laws of the United States, which then extended over this
Territory, prohibited this business, and that it would be his duty to
put a stop to the same. He hoped to do this by advising these traders
in regard to the present conditions. When this party of traders spoken
of arrived. Governor Young was notified and came to Provo. The leaders
of this company came to see the governor, I acting as interpreter. Mr.
Young had the law read and explained to them, showing them that from
this on they were under obligations to observe the laws of the United
States instead of Mexico; that the treaty of Guadalupe de Hidalgo,
had changed the conditions, and that from this on they were under the
control of the United States. He further showed that it was a cruel
practice to enslave human beings, and explained that the results of
such a business caused war and bloodshed among the Indian tribes.
The Mexicans listened with respect, admitting that the traffic would
have to cease. It was plainly shown to them that it was a cruel
business which could not be tolerated any longer; but as it had been an
old established practice, they were not so much to blame for following
the traffic heretofore. Now it was expected that this business would be
discontinued.
All seemed satisfied and pledged their words that they would return
to their homes without trading for children. Most of them kept their
promise, but one small party, under Pedro Lion, violated their
obligations and were arrested and brought before the United States
court. Judge Snow presiding.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account