E.A. Graves letters to Governor David Meriwether regarding Indians in the New Mexico Territory, 1853.

ArchivalResource

E.A. Graves letters to Governor David Meriwether regarding Indians in the New Mexico Territory, 1853.

The collection consists of correspondence from E. A. Graves, Indian Agent, to David Meriwether, Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs for New Mexico Territory, Most letters inform Meriwether of situations with the Utahs, Navajos, or Apaches, seeking advice or action on the part of Meriwether. Incidents generally relate to Indian depredations and questions of property ownership. Graves' first annual report to Gov. Meriwether includes observations and suggestions regarding the state of Indian affairs in New Mexico Territory. He opines on the failure of Indian policy, suggesting that the only effective way to manage the Indians is to subdue and then civilize them, via the power of the government and military. He also discusses the relationship between the (New) Mexicans and Indians and specifically discusses conflicts over land grants near the Rio Conejos. One set of correspondence is between Graves and Charles Beaubien; all other correspondence is addressed to Meriwether. Graves often spells Meriwether's name "Merriwether" and uses a variety of spellings for Abiquiu. Letters are sent from Abiquiu, Taos, and Chamita, NM and indicate that his is representing the Apache Agency and then, the Utah and Apache Agencies.

1 oversize folder

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8109783

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Graves, E. A.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qk0s7v (person)

Meriwether, D. (David), 1800-1893

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6db8cn3 (person)

Meriwether, an explorer and trader in his youth, became a Kentucky farmer and politician. He served as governor of New Mexico territory (1853-1857). From the description of Letter, June 3, 1845. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 697839154 David Meriwether was a Kentucky politician. From the description of Broadside, 1835-1840. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49253268 Kentucky lawyer, legislator, and governo...