TRADE. 365 



latest and most approved pattern of breech-loading rifles, 

 pistols, &c., and, although utterly ignorant of the manufac- 

 ture of powder or lead, they are nevertheless always 

 fully supplied with these indispensable necessaries. 



Where does the Indian get his arms ? This is a very 

 serious question to the army and to the frontier settlers, 

 but a question to which there is never an answer. Who- 

 ever is responsible is also responsible for the life blood 

 of many a good and brave man, and for the tears and 

 sufferings of many a widow and orphan. There would 

 be no doubt, no mystery, did not the abominable greed 

 for money cover up every crime and every villany. 1 



A few years ago I met a man said to be possessed of 

 a very considerable share of the world's goods, who, in 

 a communicative mood, told me that he had made his 

 first step towards fortune by being selected to pay a 

 sum of money to a tribe of Indians on the Pacific fron- 

 tier. Going to San Francisco, he proceeded to expend 

 one-half of the money in a most careful and judicious 

 selection of the most suitable goods in that market. 

 The other half of the money (less a sufficient sum for 

 transportation) was expended in the purchase of rifles, 

 pistols, powder, lead, caps, liquor, and articles of finery. 

 He arrived in the Indian country in the most fortunate 

 season, sent out runners, got the tribe together, and, after 

 a talk, opened and distributed his gifts. The Indians 

 were more than delighted. They had never seen such 

 excellent articles, nor had a tithe of the quantity ever 



1 The following has been told me as true. If so, it will afford some light 

 on the question, Who sells the arms? The names of all the parties can be 

 furnished : 



A. few years ago an army officer of high rank was in command of a force 

 confronting a large body of Indians who were believed to be getting ready 

 for an outbreak. The officer learned from his spies that a wagiron train 

 loaded with arms and ammunition was on its way to the quasi-hostile 

 Indians. He immediately sent out and captured the train. He reported his 

 action to the proper authorities at Washington. The Indian agent also made 

 a report, and the result was that the officer received a most decided snub. 

 He was ordered to release the train, and mind his own business. 



