Chandler describes his new prospects in Nevada near the Carson and Truckee Rivers. He describes the Mormons in the area as an “awful looking set of people” who “look nearly as bad off as the Piute [sic] Indians which are our neighbors.” He writes about Mormon women, one of which said “she would marry any poor good looking young man who would take her to Cala [California].” He also writes about the Piute [sic], who “are a very civil but numerous tribe” and their agent, Col. Dodge. Chandler writes that the settlers “have had a convention of people for making a new Territory called Nevada Territory.” Chandler visited the Washoe Tribe of Indians, mentioning that “they committed some depredations this past winter” but he thinks “the whites are more to blame than the Indians, they use them shamefully very often.” Notations in pencil on the first page at the top read: “No law here (Utah Territory) – Convention held for making a new territory to be called Nevada Territory. Hardships of Mormons + other Emigrants. Indians treated ‘shamefully.’” Pencil marks highlight certain parts of the text pertaining to the title.
Gold miners Gold mines and mining West (U.S.) History 1848-1860 Pioneers Correspondence Virginia City (Nev.) Utah Paiute Indians Dodge, Richard Irving, 1827-1895 Mormons West (U.S.)
Time Period
1855-1872
Place
Utah Territory
Source
Autograph letter signed, 4 pages; N. A. Chandler Gold Rush Era Letters, D1942.1, box 1, folder 23
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