Letter to the chief of the Omaha Indians-- Many present-day Latter-day Saints are totally unaware of the role played by the Omaha Indians in the Exodus of the Mormon Pioneers of 1846-1847. Were it not for the permission granted by their three Chiefs on August 31, 1846, for the Mormons to occupy Omaha lands on the west side of the Missouri River near Council Bluffs, Iowa "for two years or more, or as long as may suit their convenience," the famous Mormon Trek might not have been accomplished as it was to the credit of an intrepid Brigham Young and his followers. This letter to Big Elk, Chief of Omaha Indians, is part of the correspondence and relations between the Indians and the Mormons which were so vital to the Mormon cause. For this reason it is reproduced here. The Pottawatomie Indians also aided the Mormon cause. For additional background see: CHC 3:136-151; RCH 2:166-178; BY-Nibley, pp. 78-80, 110.
A LETTER to the Chief of the Omaha Indians Winter Quarters, Camp of Israel November 6, 1846 Omaha Nation To Big Elk, Chief of Omaha Indians. Brother:-According to promise I send you by George D. Grant one barrel of powder and 100 pounds of lead, to prepare for your hunt.
May you prosper and get plenty of buffalo, and I want you to counsel your men not to kill any more cattle. If you want some guns repaired for your hunt, send word when and where by George, and I will try to get a smith to do something for you. From your Brother, BRIGHAM YOUNG. {1846-November 6-RCH 2:166}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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