Great Salt Lake City

July 11 1851

Bro Lorin Farr

Dear Sir:

Your letter of 8 of July was received last evening. It is surely to be regretted that the property of the saints should be stolen by the Indians. It causes an interruption in their feelings and very frequently serious inconvenience, but much, very much more is to be regretted their due exercise of wisdom, even of that wisdom which they unquestionably have and might bring into requisition if they would only reflect, and not submit their warm feelings to become aroused in consequence of the loss of a little property.

In regard to policy, whether it is better to suffer the loss of a few horses than to slay an Indian, who has all his life been taught that it is the sure way to advancement to steal. Whether it is better to suffer the inconvenience of guarding and watching property, and thereby preserving it from the depredations of Indians or by neglect and inatention to their own interest, throw temptation in the way of the ignorant Indians, and then pursuing them, slay them, and take their property in retaliation not knowing even to any certainty whether they are the guilty ones, or peradventure it may bay some others. I hate to be compelled to think of such things. In all of our intercourse with the snake Indians, they have shown themselves friendly. the very moment our trains entered their country they have always felt safe, and it is believed that the nation at large are decidedly friendly: Tis true there may be some among them who will not listen but will steal, now what if they should? Does it become us to make a wanton attack upon the nation in consequence thereof, and take their property in retaliation, with their spirit and failings; instead of exercising and giving heed to the wisdom which superior intelligence should dictate? But I will no longer dwell upon the past, how shall we heal the breach, how shall we proceed at this stage of the business is the question. If you will permit me to dictate. I would say raise a company of fifty men, take sufficient quantity of provisions, and the Indians horses which were brought in, and return, and seek out the Indians, restore them their property, and make ample satisfaction of killing one of their tribe, give them some presents, and explain to them how it happened, tell them that you did not intend killing him, and would not only to save your own lives But I will no longer dwell upon the past, how shall we heal the breach, how shall we proceed at this stage of the business is the question. If you will permit me to dictate. I would say raise a company of fifty men, take sufficient quantity of provisions, and the Indians horses which were brought in, and return, and seek out the Indians, restore them their property, and make ample satisfaction of killing one of their tribe, give them some presents, and explain to them how it happened, tell them that you did not intend killing him, and would not only to save your own lives

in this way you may pacify them ad still continue in peace. If Brother Lake is poor, it is better if you cannot find his horses, to make use his lots to him do not the people all know that it is cheaper by far, yes hundreds and thousands of dollars to pay such losses than raise an expedition at this season of the year, to fight Indians, but enough of this now. As the carriages are now running to your place, I shall probably visit you soon when I can explain these things better than write them. Until then adieu, and may the God of Israel bless and preserve you, is the prayer of your friend and brother in the gospel of peace.