A second meeting between Chief Narbona with…
November 1846 CE
Doniphan informs the Navajo that all their land now belongs to the United States, and the Navajo and New Mexicans are the "children of the United States".
The Navajo sign a treaty, known as the Bear Spring Treaty, on November 21, 1846.
Given that the Navajos cannot read or write, it is unlikely that they completely understand the Treaty they signed.
The "Memorandum of a treaty entered into between Colonel A. W. Doniphan, commanding the United States' forces in the Navajo country, and the chiefs of the Navajo Nation of Indians", declares in Article I: "A firm and lasting peace and amity shall henceforth exist between the American people and the Navajo tribe of Indians".
Article 2 notes the definition includes New Mexicans and Pueblo peoples as being Americans, that Article 3 says free trade is guaranteed by both sides, with protection of any molestation and Articles 4 and 5 say the prisoners and property taken by both sides are to be restored.
After the treaty was signed, gifts are exchanged as an expression of good will, according to John Hughes from 1847.
The treaty will do little to end the conflict between the Navajo, the New Mexicans and recently arrived Anglos.
The Navajo warriors will continue to raid the New Mexicans and take their livestock.
Likewise, New Mexican militia will continue to raid the Navajo for livestock and slaves.
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