The White River Museum has a collection of letters that Meeker founding father Thomas Baker kept for many years. There are letters from Nathan Meeker and prominent figures like Chief Ouray, ex-Indian Agents, and the violently anti-Indian Colorado Governor Pitkin, as well as various Army officers from 1874-1879. The letters tell a compelling story from a dramatic period of local history to be shared here.
White River
Indian Agency,
White River,
Colorado
May 7, 1877
The very unfortunate mistakes made by Mr. Miller in his intended survey of the northern boundary of the Ute Reserve had led to much talk and discussion as to the rights of the Ute Indians to the White River Valley. It is due to the Indians of this reserve, and to the quiet and well being of the white settlements near, that this agitation should cease; that the mistake made by Mr. Miller should be officially rectified by authorities In the Land Office; that correct maps indicating the true position of the northern boundary of the Ute Reserve in Colorado should be circulated, sent for distribution to Denver, Middle Park, and to other places.
The treaty plainly states that the northern boundary shall be a line fifteen miles north of the fortieth parallel of latitude. All the authorities of the “Hayden Survey” and of all maps which I have seen, place the fortieth parallel about two miles north of the location of this agency. Mr. Miller ran his line for the northern boundary one-half a mile south of this agency, making a mistake of about seventeen and a half miles.
I ask whether I will be supported if I endeavor to remove persons coming upon the reserve to settle or to “prospect”; and where I am to look for assistance to do so.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. H. DANFORTH,
United States Indian Agent.
HON. J. Q. SMITH
Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Special to the Herald Times
