The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-23

Savage record scarcely furnishes deliberate and
cruel butchery, baletaccd and transparent at
tempt at deception, than is here presented thought
the Indians more astute than to expose themselves
to such criminal detection, and d,ngly multiply
their deeds OF crime The murdered boy may have been
captive, and in the hope of screening from justice
guilty cupn of their own tribe and by the bascst and
most unmitgated deception, prevent war; the poor fell
low, while resting, doubtless from the fgues Of the day,
sent INFO eternity without knowing how what for
During the examination between 400 and 500 warriors
all mounted and armed, into the garrison to await
the result doubtless believing that the trick would be
successful After the examination their agent met them
in general cooncil frankly told them of the double
crime they had committedof the fatal consequences of
war to their people and propertyo the loss of conf
dence of government in their honesty and friend
shp-of the necessity far the enforcement of laws
wherever flag oated and then informed them that his
functions their agent for the present suspended
and that they referred to the commanding officer of
the post Maj Brooks, Col Miles refusing or speak
to them after the cxamination who would inform them
of the intention of The military department.. This he
did in very few words,
After this conversation the Indians en- masse, held
council at which several Of the principal spoke
They then dispersed, having determined to fight
This morning Mt o'clock, in obedience to the order
Issued by Col Miles, declaring against the Navajo
Indians, the forces mentioned in my last letter
marched into couuln and proceeded in high spirits in
pursuit of the enemy. There about 1925 men, com
posed of Capts. Elliott and Hatch and Lieut. AverIls
three companies mounted rifles Lcus. Whipple and
ildts two companies infantry, and Capt Bias Luceros,
with small party of Mexican spies and guides
About hundred effective and three officers were
left to guard the post. The officers Maj Brooks who
has been suffering for some time with chs and fever
Capt Geo Mc-ane, mounted rifles who is slowly recov
ering from the wound received in the engagement at
Bear Spring on the 10Th ult and Lieut. Dickinson Sd
infantry These, with the Indian agent and the sutters
constitute the posts defence.
with these Indians is to be regretted on many ac
counts look upon them as finer material for improve
men and civilization than any other tribe under the III
risdction of government They sefsustaining
people, and entirely independent Of the chase They
raise wheat corn, fruits &c. i'll great guam titles Their
herds of horses and sheep arg and large while
they have cattle and goats in sufficient numbers for all
useful purposes These elements of progress and pur
suits of civilization have been inherited and arc not the
result OF any system OF management adopted by our
government eridencing clearly that at one time
this country must have been inhabited by race superior
in all respects to those who occupy it, They are
of the few tribes il not the only one in our coun-
try who Increase in population instead Of detcrorating
more striking singnayiiy with them yet is the position
and influence OF their women Some of these have as
large property and their opinions much respected
if not more, i'll grave matters affecting the veal OF the
nation, as the men, They arc becoming richer every
year They have been at peace for long time that
their herds have increased tcnfold much indeed that
it has contributed greatly to their nsolence and inepend
ence. But war against them absolutely necessary
They had recently, and frequently lormer OCCASIONS
violated our laws and insulted our flag II permitted to
sc unpublished for it, in short time they would become
intolerabe, much TO defy upon our own
ground. They powerful tribe numbering some
10 600 IL 900 people, and able 10 muster 600 war
rors well armed and mounted on feet ponies at any
time We have by the arts and persuasion OF peace at
tempted 70 give them idea of power-to impress
them with the humane and liberal wishes of our govern
ment but these they have taken evidences OF our
fear and weakness until they have brought upon them
selves calamity from which it win take them years to
recover. vigorous and successful campaign against
them will bring them eventually iumblcd and pleading
for peace at our feet lesson will have been taught
significant in its future effects upon them, opening the
way for correct understanding OF their relations
to us, and the design of government towards them
The Navajo Indians present most inviting field for
the growth of genuine good and the erection upon the
destruction OF savage usage and barbarity of system
of poty which would Eventually bring forth the fruits of
peace prosperity civilization, and Christian happiness
Immediately at the close of the present war; agency
should be at built, and mission, shops, and
farming department established Though their means
with the influence OF agent who could command their
dxyAn ucu not e afra N vfStt hatn