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
This was the commencement of what is known as the Walker War. It caused
a general moving in of those who had settled out on farms, making towns
and villages spring up like magic. I remember President Young remarking
in public that the people seemed readier to obey Brother Walker's
invitation to live together in towns, than they did his counsel.
Brother Brigham always gave Walker great credit for helping to build up
Utah. There was plenty to do as soon as the war commenced. An attempt
was made to follow and chastise the Indians, but nothing that resulted
in much good was ever done by fighting them. The counsel was for all
to move in, gather the stock together, and in every way possible
guard against attacks or surprises. There was a general move in this
direction; cattle were gathered and herded under strong guards. Guards
were also placed at the different trails leadings into the valley. This
had a much better effect than following the Indians, getting shot at
and having to retreat in good order.
There was quite a band of Provo Indians who took no part in the fight;
they were camped on the bench near the river bottom. I had not yet
moved into town; the Indians were around me daily and I believed them
to be friendly. An order was issued by some one in Provo to have them
taken prisoners and brought in. Accordingly a company of militia was
called out for the purpose. Happening along just as they were starting
on the expedition, I was asked to go and help take the Indians, but
declined, and protested against the move, well knowing that they would
not be taken, as they had done nothing to justify any harsh measures
against them. My remonstrance was in vain, the Indians had to be taken,
and I was ordered to go as interpreter. So we marched over in good
militia style, every man keeping step with himself. I felt much amused
at our turnout going to war. The flower of our army was then out after
Walker. As we neared the camp of Indians I asked permission to go
ahead and tell them what was wanted. I was on horseback and unarmed;
the Indians were up at once and ready for fight. They said that
taking them prisoners meant to kill them, and they would not go. The
company numbering some twenty-five men--about the same number as the
Indians--had now come up and stood about fifty yards off, facing the
camp. I went and told the captain what the Indians said. He replied,
"Then we have got to take them by force." At the same time ordering his
company to load their guns. I now became frightened, for I knew if they
commenced loading, the Indians having their guns ready, would fire the
minute they saw the whites making such a movement; but as long as they
did not know that the guns were not loaded we were safe. I asked the
captain to hold a minute and let me ask a few questions. He agreed.
"How many of you have loads in your guns?" I asked.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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