Thomas D. Brown records David Lewis speaking about utilizing Paiute as a "battle axe."
Thomas D. Brown, Journal, May 14, 1854, 38, MS 386, Church History Library
The second time I heard a Mormon preach, he declared holding up a book of Mormon, that this was a record of the red men, and of God's dealing with their fathers, and that one day we should carry this work to the Indians, and we are now living among them, and to teach them of this work. We must treat them like children by degrees, to quit their savage customs. Shall we have no opportunities? We shall. no conquest without a struggle, no victory without a fight. Be diligent, faithful and patient, and the Lord will reward you when you have been proved. Ephraim is the battle ax of the Lord. May we not have been sent to learn and know how to use this ax with skill?