White River Agency, Colorado.
June 1, 1879
Sir: The work of the past month has been devoted, first, to putting in crops, largely by the Indians for their own use, and of these Indians about 14 have six acres of potatoes; on bottom land, the cleared-off brush; and about as many have gardens within the upland field [enclosure]. A great many obstacles have been presented in the soddy nature of the ground, making the surface uneven, and requiring a great amount of labor, and besides the Indians were so ignorant, and yet so self-conceited, that I had great trouble in having seed properly planted, nor did I wholly succeed. However, they showed so much goodwill and worked so faithfully, that there was so much compensation. In addition I have planted about 15 acres in corn, for feed for the mules, but at the best it can only be “sod corn,” yielding no more than half a crop. Considering the difficulties that always are presented on new land, I think I have done as well in farming operations as possibly could be expected.
Second. We have been moving, and we are moving some of the log houses to the new location, and I expect during this week to have the office there. All this work brings much inconvenience, but we shall soon be in possession to commence establishing needed arrangements.
The Indians are usually well. At present the greater part are off on their summer hunt, and but few beside these engaged in farming remain.
The school remains unchanged. During this month I expect to have the school building erected in Powell Valley; then undoubtedly there will be an increase of pupils. I feel that this is among the most important of all our endeavors, and I hope to lay the foundation for wide usefulness.
Our irrigating canal works admirably, and all the details are complete. It is but rare that a work of this kind, carrying so much water, is [affected] in all its parts the first season.
The grass on the range is now excellent and the herd of cattle is in thriving condition.
Respectfully,
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent
HON. E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington D.C.
Department of the Interior
Office of Indian Affairs
June 3, 1879
Sir: Agent Meeker, of the White River Agency, Colorado, under date of the 19th ultimo, reports and exigency purchase of 2,073 pounds of oats, at a cost of $14.50, and asks that the same be approved, and that he be authorized to purchase two buckskins to cost not exceeding $3; also that he be furnished with two very heavy wrought frame breaking plows, for use at his agency; and I have the honor to recommend that said exigency purchase be approved; that the agent be authorized to purchase the buckskins, and this office the two plows, at a cost not exceeding $140, and ship them to said agency.
HON. E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner.
N.C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent, White River Agency, Colo.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The collection of letters between Indian Agent Nathan Meeker and other government officials was found in the White River Museum, chronicling the last months of Meeker’s life and his attempts to bring the Utes into compliance with Meeker’s utopian goals.
