E.A. Graves letters to Governor David Meriwether regarding Indians in the New Mexico Territory
Collection
Identifier: MSS-876-OV
Scope and Content
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.
Dates
- 1853
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Extent
1 oversize folder
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection consists of correspondence from E. A. Graves, Indian Agent, to Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs for New Mexico Territory, David Meriwether. Most letters inform Meriwether of situations with the Utahs, Navajos, and Apaches, and seek advice or action on the part of the Governor.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the E.A. Graves letters to Governor David Meriwether regarding Indians in the New Mexico Territory, 1853
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451