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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.

Related Archival Material

Michael Steck Papers Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries Indian Affairs Collection Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries Governor David Meriwether Papers, New Mexico State Records Center and Archives. Selected correspondence of Governor Meriwether of New Mexico, 1853-1856 [Washington, D.C.] : General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, [1957] (ZIM CSWR MFilm F801 M46 1957). New Mexico Indian Agent correspondence and documents Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries
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