White River Agency, Colorado
February 3, 1879
Sir: The last month has been snowy, and most work was performed with difficulty. Only two male employees are at the agency; the rest, eight, are in Powell Valley. Something is done, when the weather permits, eight, towards increasing dwelling accommodations. The principal work is directed to getting out fencing materials. The line of fence is to be over three miles long, and it will [enclose] about 400 acres; which, of course, is more than we can plow this year, but it was seen to be more economical to [enclose] this plat at once instead of adding to the fence hereafter. As we only have enough wire for one string, we shall put on one heavy pole and another string of wire can be put on hereafter. The posts are of cedar, to be set 8 feet apart, and I think such a fence will protect the crops next season, as there are neither sheep nor hogs on the range.
The blacksmith shop, having been removed to Powell, is in good condition, and considerable repairing of Indian guns is done.
The snow-fall is unusually heavy this year, and the cattle are so widely scattered that quite a force of men is required to drive them in for butchering. The only feed above the snow is “rye grass”, in bottoms and remote gulches. The number of steers fit to kill is rapidly diminishing, and I have cut down the number required to supply weekly rations about two head, and there is not much grumbling. There is no lack of other supplies.
Only four families are at the agency; all the rest are at “Posell” [Powell]. A great many are sick with epidemic colds, some severely, and one has died. There has been more sickness the last month than in six or nine months previous. The white people suffer some, but not much.
The teacher has three pupils who are under care night and day, everything being provided for them the same as if for her own children. They are orderly, obedient, and they make fair progress in learning, manners; &c (etc.). The example will undoubtedly result in such an increase of numbers as can be cared for when spring opens and a removal has been made below.
As previously reported quite a number of Indians expect to go to farming next season, and from the present outlook there will be more than can be provided with houses and implements, and especially with broken and [enclosed] ground. I have asked for many things needed to this end, and I expect a favorable response soon. Perhaps I shall do well if only liberal garden-patches be put in cultivation, with fair breadths of potatoes, by these Indians.
One Indian, named Johnson, has requested us to break a pair of his horses, and he wants to do teaming, and he wants harness and a wagon. The horses are under training, and I shall lend him wagon and harness.
I have a full supply of seeds of grain and vegetables, and such garden plants as require a long season will be started early in order that after frosty nights are gone plants of a good size may be set in the open ground, and of such I intend there shall be as full supplies as the Indians may need. They would not be likely to make much progress in sowing small seeds, which when up require a practiced hand and eye. I think I can promise you that we shall raise a great abundance of all kinds of vegetables, which will diminish the demand for both groceries and meat. The adverse party of Indians are still off the reservation, as I have previously reported, Douglas, the chief, and all his band are here, and in teachable and good-humored state of mind.
Respectfully yours,
N. C. MEEKER
Indian Agent.
HON. E.A. HAYT
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.
