White River Agency, Colo.
August 11, 1879
Sir: In a letter of this date (A) are several things connected with the subject of this letter. I have a strong belief that a raid is to be made on our herd through the connivance of the Indians, and what I want is sufficient military force to be sent hither to awe these savages, so that they will stay at home. When this shall be done the Indians will be in a condition to improve, but now it is simply impossible; indeed, I fear they are already so demoralized that years upon years will be required to make anything out of them. A few, say twenty or thirty, I have under my control, and I have great hopes of them; but the rest, fully seven hundred, will not stay here. It is useless for anybody to tell me to keep them at home while there is no obstacle to their going away, and even while they are welcomed by white men who teach them all kinds of iniquities.
I had a conversation the other day on the cares with Major Thornburgh, commandant at Fort Steele. He said he had always sent my requests forward and that he had received no orders, and he added that if you should request the Secretary of War to command him to keep the tribes on their reservation he could not go 10 miles from the fort.
Another trouble lies in the stores on Snake and Bear Rivers, or even nearer by, which sell ammunition for goods, playing-cards being in large supply. Let me ask you what is the use of my warning these traders when they know I have no power to back me? It is only a farce. I once wrote to the governor of this State about the violation of the law, and he told me if I could apply to the deputy United States marshal for the district he would move. I did not apply to him, because said deputy dept an Indian store himself.
The things to be done are three: Have the military break up the selling of ammunition (and liquor), and the buying of annuity goods at these stores. Then, as the Indians could not hunt they would work to get money, perhaps trap some, and a store would be established here. Of course the military must keep them on their reservation, and white men off. When these things shall be done the Indians will begin to consider the question of sending their children to school, and they will open farms. Now they will not. Already are making their…
(The conclusion of this letter is missing from the Museum’s files.)
White River Agency, Colorado
August 13, 1879
Sir: I sent you by this mail a sample of our wheat crop, now harvested in good order, and in shock, there were 20 acres of agency and 3 acres of the Indians. The quality would sell for first-class seed-wheat in the best farming community. The total yield will be from 150 to 200 bushels although on sod. The greater portion should be used for seed next year, when I shall certainly have 75 acres of well-rotted sod, on which the yield should be from 25 to 40 bushels per acre, so rich is the soil. Perhaps I may have even 120 acres of mellow ground.
Respectfully,
N.C. MEEKER
Indian Agent
HON. E.A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.