Item Detail
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17322
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0
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0
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English
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Memorandum, Account Book and Diary of Alfred N. Billings
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Provo, UT
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Brigham Young University Library
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May 21, 1855 to October 30, 1855. Billings is called to head an Indian mission. He leaves Manti, Utah; noting the distance traveled and place camped until he reaches the Elk Mountains. Billings establishes a fort, commences farming, and dams the Colorado River. Initially, the mission is successful. He mediates between the local Utes and Navajos, leaving the fort to visit the latter. While driving cattle, two of the missionaries are ambushed by Indians, resulting in a shoot-out. Other missionaries enter the fray and Billings is wounded. All retreat into the fort and the Indians set fire to the haystacks and corral. The attackers are identified as a recently baptized Ute band from Green River. With two missionaries dead and another mortally wounded, Billings decides to abandon the fort. Clark Huntington and two others are left to negotiate for the dead and the cattle. Billings and his men arrive in Manti, but one missionary has fallen behind. After several days, the lost missionary is found and Billings prepares to go to Salt Lake City for his official mission report.