The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-03-31
THE MASSACRE AZ A0USr ALN hEAD0 WSZRE
o0YERY or SEVERAL or THE CAPTIVE CHL.
DREN

H -
The Utah Valley Tan OF the 10th Of February publishes
the following letter from Jacob HAMILTON 10 ID, Fomey.
superintendent Of Indian affairs for that Territory, dated
Santa Clara, Docember Q. 1858
81 think I have discharged uy duty faithfully ma ~
gathering the unfortunate children ! 1 have now fifteen
OF them ia nay possession, 4 am satisfied that there were
seventeen of them saved from the massacre; 4 know there
were two Of them taken east by the Piuten. 4 have
visited the Pranigets, west of there they said they let
the Piutes have the two that they got. and all they ever
had that they wanted 10 take them 10 the Mopuis or
Nayajos, and they would get two on three horses apiece
for them. | could not feel satisfied ia my mind until 1
had visited those two tribes. | accordingly got twelve
mon, packed mules, and thirty days provisions travel.
led east To the Colorado, then up the river three days be
fore we could cross. The third day, after we crossed the
Colorado, or mule that was packed with Hour and dried
meat took fright and run of, leaving us on a desert
without food or water. sent two men in pursuit OF
the animal. As there was no water, the company had 10
proceed.
I" After travelling and fasting Ave days, we came 10
the oribics, a city Of Indians belonging to the Moqais ma
ton, where the Pi-utes children have been sold as slaves
for some years past.
I've visited all the towns belonging TO this nation, ave
in number found many Of the Navajos in these towns
that had been driven back by the United States troops,
save several Of the chiefs, who said they were going TO
try and make peace with the government.
ION our first appearance the Nayajos all left the town,
supposing the u. S. troops from the west to cut them
of. We had u good Spanish interpreter with us, and
found those of the Moquis and Navajos that spoke good
Spanish. | told them the evils that would follow In case
they did not make peace with the government.
tsIhe Moquis advised us not to trust them, as they
would kill us if they got the advantage, as they hated
white faces.
"We could hear of no white children among the Moquis,
except one white child, a boy, three years old they said
they got him Of tho Paohes he was sick and not able 10
leave the town comfortably. Knowing that if we tarriod
long, we would be shut out for the winter by SHOWS on
the high mountains we had to cross, we accordingly start
ed for home, pushing our animals as fast us they would
bear it.
81 had engaged an Indian to hunt and furnish us meat
on our way back near the Colorado. This supply of meat
having been rationed on less than q pint of beans a day
to the man, for five days, our strength reduced for the
want of food snow knee deep and the storm increasing,
and the gnawing of bark, hunger induced US 10 kill q
horse We fcasted ON his flesh over night, and were ona.
bled to pursue our journey. The storm having abated,
so that we could see our course, we arrived home safe
December 3, having been 81 days out.
"IIle Pi-ute Indians of late have been difficult to man
age travellers have passed unmolested until of late.
Soldiers and discharged teamsters have flooded by
there, many of whom pay no regard to counsel, and care
for no one but themselves, trading guns and much am
munition. They are unmanageable to a certain extent.
IL l would stand back and let them steal, aud perhaps
kill, il would be all right. j have spent my time and
means since / saw you to keep peace in this part of tho
Territory, which / could have done Ii there had been
none but Indians to deal with.
: regards the children and our journey to Califor-
MIA, / intend to go with you according to your request
season, after you pass the rim Of the Basin, better than
in summer.
OF anticipate q pleasant trip with you it will rest
my mind from the cares and anxiety that has encumber.
ed me of late. | would be much pleased to hear from
you let me know your mind when you will be here =