From the Utah Territorial Militia Records, 1849-1877. No 0063-0081, Sep 1-19, 1850, Correspondence, orders. Series 2210, box 1, folder 7.
Pg 4-5:
Weber Co Sept 16th 1850
Brother Wells
Dear Sir
Pardon me for troubling you on a subject that interests the inhabitants of Weber. I have been called upon as the Capt of the company here to do something with the Indians are getting very troublesome. They ride about in companies of from twenty to thirty well armed with there chief at thier head Whos name is Tarikee they call themselves snakes, their rides are through our fields they Destroy our wheat, corn, and even ride into our gardens pulling up and destroying our vegetables with impunity, and when told to leave they make sport of what we try to say to them and say that the land belongs to them. There is a small company or band of utes who appear to be united with them, their number as near as we can calculate is about 75 warriors. I have thought proper to send you for council as to what course to take as there is no one here that can talk with them I have thought it important that some one should be sent for that could [pg 5] and give them their law if you should be of the same mind I wish you would direct the bearer Mr Hill to some one that will come with your influence We will pay all reasonable charges Mr Hill will tell you more than I have time to write if you will question him about the indians to me the favor to write
The favor your friend and servent
C.C. Canfield
D.H. Wells
[“Mr Hill” — George W. Hill?]
Pg 7:
Ogden City Sept the 17th 1850 2 oclock PM
To Colonel John Fulmer Sir I wish you to Raise from one hundred to one hundred & fifty men forthwith and repare to this plase forth with the Indians has commensed burning Houses Hay & wheat & have taken Broth Camel prisne and then shot & massecred him Our lives & that of our wives & children are exposed with all we have the [ward? world?] is our wheat &c, houses will be in ashes before to morrow morning min oclock the Indians are scattering very fast be sertain to be hear by to morrow morning
Loren Farr President
Our lives is exposed
Jas Brown
Pg 9:
Head Quarters
Nauvoo
Special Order No 3
Great Salt Lake City, Sept 17, 1850
To Lieutenant Jas Ferguson
Sir as Capt Grant is absent you will proceed to raise some company forthwith and repair to Ogden City and cooperate under the direction of Gen Eldridge, in quelling the Indians who have commenced depredations upon our settlements in that region. D.H. Wells
Pg 11-12:
Head Quarters Nauvoo Legion, Sept 17, 1850
To Gen Eldridge
Sir It is stated that the Indians are encamped on this side of the Weber You will not therefore proceed to the scene of action without sufficient force to protect yourselves, [B–ch?] and Moore will return with you, be careful to preserve the lives of your men but in the mean time also consider that the lives of others are endangered therefore act with promptness as well as caution
You will gather force as you go along the route, I would also suggest that you concentrate that Mr Wm Kays not delaying your march until you arrive at that point and then proceed as soon as the force with you will justify
Col Lytle will proceed with you, also Lieut James Ferguson will cast Grants company Col Fulmer will also join you in your March let men be sent out to raise others but do not delay your March on that account until you arrive at [pg 12] Mr Kays aforesaid for more particular instructions I refer you to a letter written to Loren Farr esq in Ogden by the First Presidency
You will order Capt Canfield to join you with his company, he will act under your direction under further orders, you will keep this office [?] of all your proceedings as well as all other matter of interest, as there is no time for delay procure provisions as you go keeping an accurate account of the same all of which together with a full report of your proceedings report to this office
Yours Respectfully Danl H. Wells
P.S. It is considered good policy for you to send out a reconnoitering party in [your?] advance to proceed in sight of the other settlements of Weber and Ogden [hovering ?] in that vicinity until you can up with your force there is a route down the Weber around upon the Rider to a good land opposite Googear old fort which it may wisdom for you to take in order to [?????????] Surgeon [?] William has been directed to accompany you
Pg 13:
Head Quarters
N. Legion
Sept 17, 1850
Special Order No 6
To Capt Wm McBride
Sir you will proceed to raise your company forthwith and join Col Lytle who [parts crossed out here] has been directed to join the Expedition against the Shoshone Indians in Ogden Weber County, under the charge of Gen Eldridge you will provide yourself with a [?] cannon send a supply of ammunition together with wagons & teams sufficient to carry your men send eight days rations and March as soon as eight oclock tomorrow morning. Upon your arrival at the scene of depredation you will report yourself & company to Col Andrew Lytle let nothing delay your March at the specified time it will be safe to go if you have not more than 25 men Accept the services of 50 men more will not be necessary.
Yours &c D.H. Wells
Maj Gen Commanding
Pg 17:
Head Quarters
Nauvoo Legion
Special Orders No
To Gen. H.S. Eldridge
Sir
Since my former communication I learn that the Indians have actually commenced depredations at Ogden Precinct therefore it becomes necessary to repair to that place immediately with a force of one hundred men.
You will therefore detach from your Brigade fifty men which may be selected indiscriminately for immediate service choosing officers and men as can mount themselves at the shortest notice and repair forthwith to the scene of action you will then act with promptitude in preserving the lives of our brethren and subduing the Indians, as soon as they can be brought to a parley explain things to them and make such peace as shall be most conducive for the interest of our Settlements in the mean time keep this office advised of all matters of interest
We shall send you reinforcements as fast as they can be raised.
D.H. Wells
Major General
Commanding
Sept 17 1850 – 9 p.m.
Pg 20:
G.S.L. C. Sept 17, 9 p.m.
Brother Barney Ward
From despatches just received from Ogden City we have received the unwelcome news that the Shoshones have killed our brother Cammell [Campbell] – are firing the wheat & grain stacks, our women and children are fleeing for protection.
It is necessary that you return with our messenger forthwith in order to bring about a peace (by the blessing of the Almighty) if so be that you can prevail on the Indians to deliver up the murderers make peace.
On your arriving at this place, you will learn full particulars and instructions what to do.
D.H. Wells
General Commanding Nauvoo Legion
Pg 22-23:
G.S.L. City Sept. 18th, 1850 10 A.M.
Head Quarters, Nauvoo Legion
Major Generals Office Special Orders No 9
H.S. Eldridge, Brigadier General &c.
Sir: We forward to you by the bearer Mr Fairbanks, sundry provision &c, as per bill. Col Rockwood accompanies it and is directed to join the Expedition.
Keep out your reconnoitering parties, to ascertain the whereabouts and intentions of the Indians. Be careful not to get into any further difficulty with them if it is possible avoid it, let them understand that they must quit their stealing if they want to live in peace. Find out what they want, we will still live on those lands if they want us to, and they will quit molesting our people. You will not leave until something is known of the Indians, and the people are secure in their families and wheat. The citizens will probably have to keep a sharp look-out after you leave – but this is anticipating. Do not let your men expose themselves in unfrequented and secluded places, for if the Indians intend any further depredations, the first you know, they will be creeping upon you unaware, therefore be vigilant as well as circumspect and endeavor to make yourself well acquainted with that region of country. It is a glorious opportunity, time, season, and circumstance, all considered, therefore improve it well, without making too long an Expedition. We wish to leave this matter settled peaceably if we can, but they must understand that we expect them to quit stealing.
Yours Resp, &c, D.H. Wells. Ma. G.
[pg 23] P.S. We want to you to take pains to keep a current account of the number of days spent by each man, and to state the date when each man was mustered into service, by whom mustered, and who they serve under. We shall also want a correct specification of the number of mounted men separate from foot men, and the time they serve, also the names of teamsters, amount of team, time employed, and all other expenditures appertaining to the expedition. And should there be any Provisos, forage, ammunitions, or any thing else obtained for the Expedition by you as the proper officers, we want a correct account and a full report made to us, so that we may be prepared to make a full report to the authorities of State when called upon –
Daniel H. Wells
Maj Gen Comdg
Pg 24-25:
Head Quarters, Nauvoo Legion
Sept. 18, 1850 9 p.m.
Special Order No 8
To Gen. H. S. Eldridge
Sir your express of this evening is just received. We are happy to learn that Matters are no worse.
Those Indians of the Utah tribe should be directed to return to this vicinity where they can live in peace.
It is counseled by the President that the Inhabitants North of Ogden come to the place selected for the city and built a Fort upon the edge thereof, for them to haul and store their wheat as fast as practicable at that place the people should remain in that situation until the intentions of the Indians can be ascertained.
The propriety of this course will appear manifest when we consider that if they do not do it will be necessary to continue a force in that vicinity If you will not weaken your force by discharging until you can find out something concerning the intentions of the Shoshone, and matters arranged in some satisfactory manner.
We wish them to understand that we are their friends and not their enemies. And if any white man tells them that we are not their friends they are Liars. We did all that we could to hinder the Utes of Walkers Band from going against them the past summer but they would not listen to us [pg 25] Provisions will be forwarded tomorrow, in accordance with your wishes. Barney Ward and [Col S?] will carry this express Col Rockwood will accompany the Expedition tomorrow Pres Young returns this afternoon and approves of all that we have done thus far.
The instructions to which you was [refused?] in order No 5 were by some oversight not sent.
Procure a parley with the Indians after Barney shall arrive there if you can without causing to [extreme measures] against them.
It is absolutely necessary for all citizens of that vicinity to secure their wheat from being burnt and prepare to release the troops as soon as possible.
Let the citizens build their fort at a safe distance from the [?] and brush of Ogden Let all the citizens go to work and make [?] corrals in which to stack their wheat, and stack it therein and build a fort forthwith
The men and teams under your command not otherwise engaged should assist them that your [?] [?] [?] enabled to return as soon as possible
There are some families on the Box Elder you will take measure to ascertain if they are safe and inform us concerning them
D.H. Wells
Mag Gen
Commanding
Pg 26-27:
Head Qtrs, Shoshone Expedition
Camp by Ogden City Sept 18 1850
General Orders No 1
I. The companies mustered and encamped near this place under Colt Fulmer Capt Canfield and Lieut Kimball and the detachment of Capt McBride’s Co will assemble at the ford of Ogden river, provisions and equipped for three days and will march from that place at 8 oclock tomorrow morning for the Spring creek North of Box Elder where it is reported that the hostile Shoshones are encamped.
II. Capt Andrew Lytle and Capt Danl S. Carn will march at ½ past 7 to morrow morning, with an escort of a Lieutenant and twelve men, selected equally from the Companies in service, and carefully reconnoiter the most likely places for Indian camps north of this settlement, trace out the enemy ascertain their intentions and proposals of treaty if they wish to make such, and report the same to the Commander of the forts en route.
III. Lieut. Green will remain in charge of the settlement with twenty men and be relieved by Capt McBride on his arrival at this place, and act under his direction. Capt. McBride will proceed with a portion of his Company immediately on his arrival here, up the Weber river, to the mouth of the Canon and bring to this place and retain in custody all the Indians that he may find in that neighborhood. He will also keep constantly out, vigilant patrols, until further orders, inform himself of any movements that may be made on the part of the Indians, and report his proceedings to the commander of the Expedition at his camp or en route [pg 27]
By Order of Brg Genl Eldridge
James Ferguson
Mag Genl
Pg 28: Copy of above order.
Pg 30:
[nearly the same letter as pg 24-25, more legible]
Head Quarters, Nauvoo Legion
Sept. 18, 1850 9 p.m.
Special Order No 8
To Gen. H. S. Eldridge
Sir your express of this evening is just received. We are happy to learn that Matters are no worse.
Those Indians of the Utah tribe should be directed to return to this vicinity where they can live in peace.
It is considered and counseled by the First Presidency that all the Inhabitants North of Ogden come to the place selected for the city and built a Fort upon the edge thereof, and for them to haul and store their wheat as fast as possible at that place and the people should remain in that situation until the intentions of the Indians can be ascertained.
The propriety of this course will appear manifest when we consider that if they do not do it will be necessary to continue a force in that vicinity
You will not weaken your force until you can find out something concerning the intentions of the Shoshones, and matters arranged in some satisfactory manner.
We wish them to understand that we are their friends and not their enemies. And if any white man tells them that we are not their friends they are Liars. We did all that we could to hinder the Utes of Walkers Band from going against them the past summer but they would not listen to us. Provisions will be forwarded tomorrow, in accordance with your wishes. Barney Ward and Col Snow will carry this [pg 31] express Col Rockwood will accompany the Expedition tomorrow. Pres Young returns this afternoon and approves of all that we have done thus far.
The instructions to which you were referred in order No 5 were by some oversight not sent.
Procure a parley with the Indians after Barney shall arrive if you can without coming to extreme measures against them.
It is absolutely necessary for all citizens of that vicinity to secure their wheat from being burnt and prepare to relieve the troops as soon as possible.
Let the citizens build their fort at a safe distance from the banks and brush of the Ogden Let all the citizens go to work and make build corrals in which to stack their wheat, and stack it therein and build a fort forthwith
The men and teams under your command not otherwise engaged should assist them that you may be [enabled?] to return as soon as possible
There are some families on the Box Elder you will take measure to ascertain if they are safe and inform us concerning them
D.H. Wells
Mag Gen
Commanding
I send the letter to Loren Farr last evening
Pg 35:
Head Quarters
Nauvoo Legion
Sept 19 1850 11 A.M.
Special Order No 9
To H. S. Eldridge
Sir
We forward to you by the bearer Mr Fairbanks 923 lbs of flour 60 lbs of sugar of tea and coffee.
Col Rockwood accompanied it and is directed to join the expedition
Keep out your reconnoitering parties to ascertain the whereabouts and intentions of the Indians be careful not to get into any further difficulty with them if it is possible avoid it, let them understand that they must quit their stealing if they want to live in peace. Find out what they want, we will give them presents as we have done and still live on those lands if they want us to, and they will quit molesting our people. You will not leave until something is known of the Indians, and the people are secure in their families and wheat.
The citizens will probably have to keep a sharp look-out after you leave but this is anticipating.
Do not let your men expose themselves in unfrequented and secluded places, for if the Indians intend any further depredations, the first you know, they will be creeping upon you unaware, therefore be vigilant as well as circumspect and endeavor to make yourself well acquainted with that region of country. It is a glorious opportunity, time, season, and circumstance, all considered, therefore improve it well, without making too long an Expedition. We wish to leave this matter settled peaceably if we can, but they must understand that we expect them to quit stealing.
Pg 36-37:
G.S.L. City Sept 19 1850
To the Emigration on the road
We have sent Dr Martin L Robison with a small detachment to inform you that a little difficulty having occurred with the Shoshones or Snake Indians You should be on your guard you should travel in companies and keep a good watch. Especially nights. We do not know as there is any danger but “caution is the parent of safety” therefore be wise and harken to the counsels of wisdom
Head Quarters
Nauvoo Legion
September 19th 1850 two p.m.
Special Order No 10
Qt Mass. L. Robison
Sir it is considered possible that the Indians may have gone back on the Emigration road and that they may molest our emigrations to this place now on the road. You will therefore raise a detachment of four mounted men and rations for six days go back on the road making such observations as you can putting the people on their guard by reading them the instructions here unto annexed and otherwise giving them such information as shall be sufficient for their safety carrying the road back as far as the lines of emigration extend. And upon your return make due report of all your travels and proceedings to this office and in the mean time advise us if you should discover any demonstrations of hostiles in that direction
James Little will accompey you as far back as his friends
Yours Respectfully
D.H. Wells
Maj Gen Comdg N.L.
Pg 39: same as pg 36-37
Pg 41:
Head Quarters Shoshone Expedition
Camp by Ogden City Sept 19th /1850
General Order No 2
I. In compliance with Special Orders No 8 from Maj Genl Wells, the citizens north of the Ogden will proceed immediately to haul in and coral their wheat on the place selected for the site of the city also to build a substantial fort at a safe distance from the banks and brush of the Ogden river at the same place that they may be prepared to live in safety and preserve their grain and that the troops may be relieved as soon as possible.
II. Those of the companies who remain under the direction of Capt McBride and who are engaged in patrols will assist the people of the place in erecting their fort and coral and hauling in their grain that the work may be consummated as soon as possible.
By order of
Brig. Genl. H.S. Eldridge
James Ferguson Adj Genl
Pg 43: same orders as above.
