Courts; Federal Government; Indian Agency/ Reservations; Indian/White Relations; White Mesa Utes
Place names
Denver, Colorado; Utah
Tribe
Paiute; White Mesa
Description
HARRY ZIMMERHACKEL CARLES AVERY
ZIMMERHACKEL &. AVERY,
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS
SUITE 522 SYMES BLOG
DENVER COLORADO
TELEPHONE CHAMPA 2531
April 20, 1915
General Hugh L. Scott,
Chief of Staff,
War Department,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
The writer and Mr. Henry McAllister have been appointed
by Judge Robert E. Lewis to conduct the defense of Tse- Na- Gat, the
Indian recently taken into custody by you. One of the first, and
most difficult, tasks which confronts us is to gain the confidence
of the Indian and to obtain an interview with him so that we may
understand his version of the events attendant upon the death of
the Mexican, who he is alleged to have killed. It seems to us
that it is highly important that we should get in touch with some
interpreter who can explain to the Indian that we are his friends
and are anxious to assist him, and that it is necessary that he
should tell us just exactly what occurred. We understand that you
have confidence of the Indian and that you have taken some interest
in his case. We therefore take the liberty of asking you
if you can put us in touch with someone who can act as an interpreter
for us.
The writer plans to go to the scene of the alleged
crime shortly after he has learned from Tse- Na- Gat what the facts
were. It will doubtless at that time, be necessary for us to have
the services of an interpreter who can speak the Ute tongue. We
have heard it suggested that there were some Navajo Indians mixed
up in the affair. If such be true , it may be that we will need
the assistance of an interpreter who can speak the Navajo language.
The Court here has entered an order authorizing us to employ at
the expense of the United States, such interpreters as we may reas��onably
require. Therefore the question of expenses is eliminated.
It is highly necessary that we get in touch with interpreters who
will not disclose what they learn from us to any of the agents of
the Department of Justice. We shall greatly appreciate any suggestions
which you may be able to make us in connection with this
phase of the matter.
It may be that from your personal dealings with Tse- Na- Gat
you learned something of his claims; if so, we shall greatly appreciate
it if you will state to us what you learned.
Awaiting your reply, we remain,
Yours very truly,
Chas. L. Avery
Publisher
Digitized by: J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah
