Treaty with The Eastern Shoshoni
July 2, 1863
Articles of Agreement made at Fort Bridger, in Utah Territory,
this second day of July, A. D. one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-three, by and between the United States of America,
represented by its Commissioners, and the Shoshone nation
of Indians, represented by its Chiefs and Principal Men And
Warriors of the Eastern Bands, as follows:
Article 1.
Friendly and amically relations are hereby re-established
between the bands of the Shoshonee nation, parties hereto,
and the United States; and it is declared that a firm and
perpetual peace shall be henceforth maintained between the
Shoshonee nation and the United States.
Article 2.
The several routes of travel through the Shoshonee country,
now or hereafter used by white men, shall be and remain forever
free and safe for the use of the government of the United
States, and of all emigrants and travellers under its authority
and Protection, without molestation or injury from any of
the people of the said nation. And if depredations should
at any time be committed by bad men of their nation, the offenders
shall be immediately seized and delivered up to the proper
officers of the United States, to be punished as their offences
shall deserve; and the safety of all travellers passing peaceably
over said routes is hereby guaranteed by said nation. Military
agricultural settlements and military posts may be established
by the President of the United States along said routes; ferries
may be maintained over the rivers wherever they may be required;
and houses erected and settlements formed at such points as
may be necessary for the comfort and convenience of travellers.
Article 3.
The telegraph and overland stage lines having been established
and operated through a part of the Shoshonee country, it is
expressly agreed that the same may be continued without hindrance,
molestation, or injury from the people of said nation; and
that their property, and the lives of passengers in the stages,
and of the employes of the respective companies, shall be
protected by them.
And further, it being understood that provision has been
made by the Government of the United States for the construction
of a railway from the plains west to the Pacific ocean, it
is stipulated by said nation that said railway, or its branches,
may be located, constructed, and operated, without molestation
from them, through any portion of the country claimed by them.
Article 4.
It is understood the boundaries of the Shoshonee country,
as defined and described by said nation, is as follows: On
the north, by the mountains on the north side of the valley
of Shoshonee or Snake River; on the east, by the Wind River
mountains, Peenahpah river, the north fork of Platte or Koo-chin-agah,
and the north Park or Buffalo House; and on the south, by
Yampah river and the Uintah mountains. The western boundary
is left undefined, there being no Shoshonees from that district
of country present; but the bands now present claim that their
own country is bounded on the west by Salt Lake.
Article 5.
The United States being aware of the inconvenience resulting
to the Indians in consequence of the driving away and destruction
of game along the routes travelled by whites, and by the formation
of agricultural and mining settlements, are willing to fairly
compensate them for the same; therefore, and in consideration
of the preceding stipulations, the United States promise and
agree to pay to the bands of the Shoshonee nation, parties
hereto, annually for the term of twenty years, the sum of
ten thousand dollars, in such articles as the President of
the United States may deem suitable to their wants and condition,
either as hunters or herdsmen. And the said bands of the Shoshonee
nation hereby acknowledge the reception of the said stipulated
annuities, as a full compensation and equivalent for the loss
of game, and the rights and privileges hereby conceded.
Article 6.
The said bands hereby acknowledge that they have received
from said Commissioners provisions and clothing amounting
to six thousand dollars, as presents, at the conclusion of
this treaty.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed or taken to admit
any other or greater title or interest in the lands embraced
within the territories described in said Treaty with said
tribes or bands of Indians than existed in them upon the acquisition
of said territories from Mexico by the laws thereof.
Done at Fort Bridger the day and year above written.
- James Duane Doty,
- Luther Mann, jr.,
- Commissioners.
- Washakee, his x mark.
- Wanapitz, his x mark.
- Toopsa+owet, his x mark.
- Pantoshiga, his x mark.
- Ninabitzee, his x mark.
- Narkawk, his x mark.
- Taboonshea, his x mark.
- Weerango, his x mark.
- Tootsahp, his x mark.
- Weeahyukee, his x mark.
- Bazile, his x mark.
In the presence of -
- Jack Robertson, interpreter.
- Samuel Dean.
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