Eliza Roxcy Snow

“ Cook, the agent, requesting the privilege of holding meetings on the reservation, to preach, also baptize those wishing to embrace the opportunity.
We pitched our tent and camped on the banks of the
440 BIOGRAPHY AND
Portneuf, seven miles from the agency. The next morning, in company with Bishops Hoskins and Zundel, I proceeded to the agency, where we found Mr. Cook in his office. After introducing ourselves, we entered into conversation, which continued nearly three hours.
Mr. Cook is about sixty years of age, affable, intelligent and prepossessing in appearance. ”

“ He stated that while at the agency the day before, with many other Indians, for the pur- pose of drawing their rations, Gibson Jack, alias Weiragan, one of their principal chiefs, asked Mr. Cook, that inasmuch as he had refused to allow us to baptize their men and women, would he permit us to baptize their children? He answered, No, they must have nothing to do with the Mormons ; if they did, their fate should be as ours: when ive were sent to prison, they should be sent to prison; when we were killed, they would be killed ”

“ Cook, I suppose the man will be what is called a 'Mor- mon/ but from your remarks, I understand you are a politi- cian and not biased by sectarian influences or religious bigotry, therefore, his being a 'Mormon' will be no detriment. ”

“ According to appointment, we visited the Indian school, composed of four girls and six boys (a sufficient number to cheat Uncle Sam out of a fat salary) , who were put through their exercises with considerable credit. Their copybooks were neat, and their acquirements in arithmetic exhibited mental culture. ”

“ Cook, "We will furnish you just such a man as you have described one of large experience, and who will feel an interest in this calling, who will follow your coun- sel and observe your rules, subject to immediate dismissal upon neglecting to carry out your instructions. ”

“ And as to teaching plural marriage to the Indians, it never has been done, and we do not now propose to begin; there is no occasion even should we wish, as they already practice it from the influence of long established customs before the white man \vas known upon this western continent."
Mr. Cook then drew a paper from his secretary, contain- ing instructions, in which he was required to assess a fine of twenty dollars and twenty days' work against every Indian on the reservation guilty of second marriage, and upon a repeti- ”

“ Start for Fort Hall Agency. Meeting in Portage. In Malad. Reach the Reservation. Meet Indians. Pitched tent. With two Bishops Lorenzo visits the agent. Describes Mr. Cook. Lorenzo asks the privilege of preaching to the Indians. Prevarication. An incident. A discussion. Mr. Cook says nothing so much needed as a farmer. Brother Snow pro- poses to furnish one. Mr. Cook will not accept. Grows uneasy and will not have preaching. A grave responsibility. Mr. Cook shoulders it. The school teacher enters and "brothers" Mr. Cook. The brethren start for camp. Meet Indians. Visit school. ”