Autobiography Volume 2 circa 1865
We met in the morning with the Omahas chiefs and
braves in Council. We smoked the pipe of peace and then
President Young spoke to them through their Interpreter. He told
them it was our desire to winter there and that if they wished we
would do some work for them—make them a field fix their
guns &c and said many other things which I did not report.
The Big Elk replied:
"My Son, Thou hast spoken well. I have
all thou hast said in my heart. I have much I want to say
We are poor. When we go to hunt game in one place we meet an
enemy, and so in another place. Our enemies kill us. We do not
kill them. I hope we will be friends. You may stay on these
lands two years or more. Our young men may watch your
cattle. We would be glad to have you trade with us. We will
warn you from ^of^ danger from other Indians."
Much more was said by Big Elk. The
Council closed and the Indians were fed and returned home.
On Sunday we held meetings in the
Camp of Israel and on the Monday B. Young H. C. Kimball
Willard Richards W Woodruff George A Smith and A Lyman
of the Twelve with others started in search of Council Bluffs
we had a pleasant day's ride and we all enjoyed ourselves well
