My Baptism--Walker, the "Napoleon of the Desert"--Raids in Lower
California--He Tricks the Mexicans--Extinction of the Tribe.
During the winter I made several trips to Salt Lake City in company
with Patrick, one of the firm in whose employ I was. The winter was
very cold, we were glad to get under shelter, no matter how poor it
was. At that time, there were few settlements from Salt Lake City to
Manti. The first was at Willow Creek, Ebenezer Brown's farm, then
Provo. The first house in American Fork was built in mid-winter,
1850-51, by Matt Caldwell. A bitter cold night brought four of us to
this humble abode, made of unhewn cottonwood logs, where we were kindly
greeted and housed for the night. Beyond Provo A. J. Stewart erected
the first cabin at Peteteneet creek, which place is now known as
Payson. From there on there were no settlements until Manti was reached.
About this time, mid-winter, I commenced to consider whether it would
not be best for me to go on to California, make a lot of money, then
return and join the Latter-day Saints. Arguing that they would have
more confidence in me then than if I should join now. As I knew that
"winter Mormons" were looked upon with suspicion, my mind was much
occupied in trying to determine what was best. After considering well
the prejudices I would have to meet, I finally spoke to Father Morley,
who baptized me January 27th, 1851. There was over a foot of ice on the
water at the time.
When I spoke to Brother Morley about baptizing me, he was just starting
out after a load of wood with his ax under his arm. He replied, "I am
ready; here is my ax to cut the ice. I have been expecting this for
some time." I wondered why he expected it, as I had said nothing about
my intentions.
After baptism I felt more at ease, although I knew many doubted my
sincerity. This made no difference as long as I knew I was sincere. I
made quite an acquaintance with the Indians during the winter. Walker
and portions of his band came around occasionally to trade. They were
a fine race of people. Walker's life and exploits with his band would
fill a volume; he was sometimes called the "Napoleon of the desert,"
being a great strategist, often out-generaling those he had to meet
in war or whom he designed to plunder. He often made raids into lower
California, robbing the people and bringing away large herds of their
best horses, always laying his plans with great skill so as to not lose
his men.
One of these trips made by him in 1852, I think, shows his ability.
With about twenty-five of his most venturesome braves he went down.
As usual, the Mexicans were expecting them and their best horses were
corralled nightly, their picked saddle horses, valued so highly by
every Mexican gentleman, were kept in stables under guard. Walker
and party succeeded in cutting an opening in the rear of the corral,
turning out the stock and getting away with them. This time the
Mexicans were determined to follow them into the desert, make a good
killing and recover their stock. They had not expected such a bold
move as cutting into the corral, but as soon as it was discovered the
Mexicans started in hot pursuit. Walker pushed on with all speed,
passing a spring where he calculated the Mexicans would make a short
halt. Here he left fifteen of his men afoot secreted near the spring.
Soon the Mexicans arrived, having ridden hard for some distance. As
Walker expected, they were soon unsaddled, their horses tied out to
grass and all hands asleep, expecting to take an hour's rest and then
go on. The Indians waited till all were settled, then quietly loosened
the horses, each one mounted, some taking the lead while others drove
the loose animals. After reaching a safe distance from gunshot they
gave a loud whoop and started to run. I have seen them in mimicry go
through the whole performance, showing how the Mexicans looked when
they realized the situation.
The Indians always claimed that there was nothing hostile in this,
as they killed no one. At the present time I do not know of one
representative of this once powerful band. Walker could meet and
out-general his Indian foes and outwit the Mexicans; in fact, hold his
own with almost anyone whom he met; but neither he nor his band could
stand fine flour and good living. This finally, more than anything
else, conquered them. I sometimes wonder if the Latter-day Saints have
done their duty toward these Indians, professing, as we do, that they
are of the seed of Israel.