Milwaukie 1st March 1853

Bought of Anson Dart
Supt. Ind. Affairs for Oregon

(signed) Anson Dart

Copy

Copy

			Hardware
	1		set fire irons & stand	$10.50
	2		feather dusters 2 / ea., 4 fruit baskets 6 /	6.00
	1		fender 8.50, 1 doz. ivory-handled knives 8.00	16.50
	2		pair brass andirons 9.00	18.00
	2		waiters 4.50 & 2.00 crumb brush 9 /	7.62
	1		doz. tea knives & forks	3.00
	1		brit castor	6.00
	6		brass candlesticks	3.00
				$70.62
			Table and Bed Linen
	10		damask tablecloths 3.50	$35.00
	12		towels 4 /	6.00
	17		towels, crash 2 /	4.25
	7		pair sheets 3.00	21.00
	10		pillow cases 4 /	5.00
				$71.25
	4		yds. best ticking
	45		china matting
	1		wash tub, one wash board
	4		flat irons, 1 keg vinegar, 1 ruler
	2		water pails, 1 tin pail, 1 sack salt
			dried apples, kitchen crocker, dried peaches

    Being informed that a party of thirty or forty men was about to set out in a few days along the route of the new road from the Willamette Valley to Fort Boise for the purpose of completing that work, yet in an unfinished state on the eastern end, I have availed myself of this safe and economical escort to send Agent Garrison to visit the Indian tribes through whose country the road pases.
    The consideration that these Indians have never been visited by a government officer, that they have repeatedly evinced hostility to white men passing through their country, and that a large portion of the emigration of the present season will pass that way to their destination in the southern part of our Territory, who will be subject to annoyance and injury, if not destruction, from those savages unless they are speedily conciliated or intimidated, has induced me, without awaiting the instructions of the Indian Department at Washington which could not be obtained in time to meet the emergency, to assume the responsibility of the step referred to above, which I trust will meet your approval. I have directed Mr. Garrison to call the chiefs of the tribes together as opportunity may offer for conference and have supplied him with a few Indian goods as presents. I have also directed him to take notes on all topics of interest respecting the country and its inhabitants for the use of the Department, all of which will more fully appear by reference to the copy of his instructions which I herewith transmit. Owing to the absence of funds I am compelled to purchase the goods and outfit of the expedition on credit till the appropriate remittance is made.
    No official information of the appointment of Indian agents, except that of I. M. Garrison Esq., has been received. I have however seen a notice of the appointment of Messrs. Samuel H. Culver and Robert R. Thompson in the New York Herald.

    The agency in the southern part of the Territory being vacated by the resignation of Mr. Skinner, and the interests of the Department demanding the early presence of an agent in that quarter, presuming on the accuracy of the statement in the Herald, I have assigned Mr. Culver to it and have written to him at his post at Port Orford (a point with which communication is slow and difficult), directing him immediately on receiving his commission to proceed to this office for instructions preparatory to his entering on duty in that field.
    Mr. R. R. Thompson is said to be on his way over the plains and will probably arrive in September. The presence of an agent is pressingly demanded in Middle Oregon, and I have proposed the matter to Mr. Philip F. Thompson, one of the recently appointed sub-agents. He is, however, unwilling to go unless allowed the pay of a full agent, and in view of the state of affairs in that quarter, which you will have learned from my former letter, the long acquaintance of Mr. Thompson with Indian character, and his well-attested integrity, I have determined to locate him temporarily at the Utilla Agency till the arrival of Mr. R. R. Thompson, and earnestly recommend that the Department comply with his terms in regard to salary.
    I at first intended to assign Agent Garrison temporarily to the Utilla Agency, but on reflection deemed that the service would not be promoted by doing so.
    Had Isaiah L. Parrish Esq. received the appointment of agent, his long service in that Department, intimate acquaintance with Indian character, and business tact, would have ensured a favorable result in his assignment to the duty of visiting the Indians on the new route from the head of the valley to Fort Boise, but as sub-agent, the meager salary of $750 per year, scarcely equal to that of a common laborer, is wholly inadequate. I would respectfully recommend that, in the event of a vacancy, Mr. Parrish be appointed to a full agency.
    I would call the attention of the Department to the fact that a general restlessness and dissatisfaction exists among those tribes with whom treaties were negotiated, on account of their non-ratification.
    They have become distrustful of all promises made them by the United States, and believe the design of the government is to defer doing anything for them till they have wasted away. The settlement of the whites on the tracts which they regarded as secured to them by solemn treaty stipulations results among the Indians of the valley in frequent misunderstandings between them and the settlers and occasions and augments bitter animosities and resentments. I am in the almost daily receipt of complaints and petitions for a redress of wrongs from both parties.
    The increasing settlements are rapidly diminishing the roots and game on which the Indians of the valley mainly subsist, and the increasing difficulties in obtaining subsistence, in the absence of moral restraint, impels them to the frequent commission of petty thefts, a source of annoyance, loss and irritation to the settlers.
    A few of the Indians are inclined to industry and are useful as laborers; but the mass are exceedingly indolent and improvident, and the propensity to gamble, so strong and universal in the red man, exists in all. Advantage is often taken of this habit by unprincipled whites to strip the Indians of their horses, blankets and other property, to absolute destitution. The same hand, despite of every effort to prevent it, and regardless of the heavy penalty of the law, often introduces ardent spirits into their lodges, where the savage is still further degraded by intoxication and polluted by other vicious indulgences.
    This is a dark picture, and strikingly in contrast, I admit, with some that have been drawn of the social condition of these tribes and bands, but I believe none of its lines are too darkly traced, and other not inviting or redeeming features might be added.
    That these Indians cannot long remain on the reserves in the heart of the settlements granted them by treaty, even though Congress should confirm those treaties, is too clear to admit of argument. Vice and disease, the baleful gifts of civilization, are hurrying them away, and ere long the bones of the last of many a band may whiten on the graves of his ancestors. If the benevolent designs of the government to preserve and elevate these remnants of the aborigines are to be carried forward to a successful issue, there appears but one path open--a home remote from the settlements must be selected for them. There they must be guarded from the pestiferous influence of degraded white men and restrained by proper laws from violence and wrong among themselves. Let comfortable houses be erected for them, seeds and proper implements furnished, and instruction and encouragement given them in the cultivation of the soil. Let school houses be erected teachers employed to instruct their children; and let the missionaries of the gospel of peace be encouraged to dwell among them. Let completeness of plan, energy, patience and perseverance characterize the effort, and if still it fail, the government will have at least the satisfaction of knowing that an honest and determined endeavor was made to save and elevate a fallen race.
    Should the government adopt the plan of colonizing these tribes, the selection of a proper territory in which to place them is an important consideration, and the selection should only be made after extensive and careful exploration. With this view I have given special instructions to Agent Garrison in regard to the country through which the expedition on which he is now entering will pass.
    The Cayuses, Nez Perces and other tribes of the middle region express much opposition to having the coast and valley Indians colonized in their territories, as they dread with good reason indeed the introduction of a people among them with whom diseases loathsome and fatal, contracted by their intercourse with white men, have become hereditary. Nor do the coast and valley Indians in general feel less reluctance to being removed east of the Cascade Range, and most probable, should it be deemed best to place them in that region, it would be necessary to give them military protection from the Indians now inhabiting them.
    The habits and languages of the Indians of the valley are, for the most part, more coincident with those of the coast tribes than those of the interior, and they are generally on terms of friendship and free intercourse. It has on this account been suggested that a portion of the Pacific coast might be designated as the future home of the Indians of the Willamette Valley.
    On the coast generally, game, such as elk, deer, bear, pheasants and waterfowl, abounds; the numerous small streams in the proper season are crowded with salmon, and the rocks and beach afford a variety of clams and mussels.
    There are many small valleys well adapted to the culture of grain and vegetables, especially the potato; while the tide meadows near the streams and the hills on the coast are covered throughout the year with luxuriant grass. Wholesome berries and roots are also abundant.
    Rugged mountains separate this tract from the valley of the Willamette. The want of safe entrances at the mouths of the rivers and of harbors repel ingress from the sea; the valleys, though numerous, are too small to invite for many years the settlement of the whites. These features seem peculiarly to mark this region as the proper retreat of the waning Indian tribes.
    This description, derived from reliable sources, refers to that part of the coast between the Yaquina and Alsea rivers. During this summer, if the duties of the Department permit, I intend to explore this region and other parts of the coast, and my personal examination will enable me to speak more certainly of the adaptation of the coast region to be made the future home of the Indians of the valley.
    It is evident that delay in coming to a full and definite understanding with the Indian bands residing in the settlements serves greatly to increase the difficulty of final adjustment. In the absence of instructions from the Department, I feel much embarrassed how to proceed in adjusting existing difficulties. My conviction from what I have said may be easily inferred, that these evils can scarcely be mitigated by any means in my power, and only abated by the removal of the Indians. The peace of society, the security of property, the welfare of the Indian, demand it. I would, therefore, respectfully request your early consideration of the subject, and instruction in the premises.
    In consequence of the increasing violations of the laws prohibiting the giving and selling of spirituous liquors to the Indians, and the great difficulty of convicting persons so engaged, I have deemed it advisable to appoint a special agent to visit the different points where this traffic is most extensively carried on, and collect such information as would enable the agents of the Department more effectually to break up these establishments and bring the violators of the laws to justice. I have appointed Mr. Cris. Taylor to this service, and information is already obtained deeply implicating several persons heretofore not suspected.
    Washington Territory being no longer within the Superintendency, yet in an unorganized state, many persons have established themselves for the sale of spirituous liquors on the north side of the Columbia River and hope thus to violate the laws with impunity. The special agent above alluded to has placed in my possession information which will enable the proper officers of that Territory to bring those persons to justice.
    It may be proper to state that I have employed Mr. Edward R. Geary as clerk in this office, at a salary of eighteen hundred dollars per annum. This is the amount of salary allowed to the clerk of my predecessor, and the services of a competent and reliable person could not be secured for a smaller sum.
    His services commenced on the 28th May last.
    I beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the propriety of removing a band of the Klickitat Indians, who have been roaming through the Willamette and Umpqua valleys for a few years past, to their proper country, north of the Columbia. This band consists of about thirty warriors, with their families. Being more warlike and better armed and mounted than the Indians on this side of the river, and of predatory habits, they often with impunity appropriate the horses and other property of weak and scattered bands, and are an annoyance and terror to all, nor has the property of the white settlers always been respected by them. They have not the least show of claim to any portion of country in these valleys.

Dayton O.T.
    June 9, 1853

Sir
    I have the honor in accordance with instructions to forward to you for use of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs my first annual report.
     I entered upon the discharge of my duties as sub-agent for this district on the 5th day of August 1852, and arrived at this place on the 11th day of September following, and found the Indians in the immediate vicinity of this point quiet and generally friendly, though complaining very much of the delay in the reception of annuities stipulated to be paid in the treaties made with them by Dr. Dart. It was not without difficulty I made them understand the cause of this delay, but have reason to think I finally succeeded in doing so. The bands with which treaties were made by him are the Quar-toes, U-que-ches ["Euchres"] and Tututnis, whose country is situated contiguous to this town.
    Within the limits assigned for this sub-agency there are eleven 11 bands of Indians. Commencing on the north are the Na-sast, who inhabit the country bordering on the Coquille River, and distant from this place about thirty miles. They are at this time friendly to the whites, although they were not so until since March last at which time in company with a small detachment of U.S. dragoons, Lieut. Stanton in command, I visited them, and succeeded in forming a peace with the band, which has up to the present time been strictly observed, and has the appearance of being permanent. They number about eight hundred.
    Next south upon the coast are the Quartoes. Their country embraces this sub-agency (Port Orford). They are friendly and have but few bad habits, as is the case with all the bands in my district. The one most to be dreaded is the use of ardent spirits, but they have not as yet acquired it, nor have any of the Indians within this district. I have not seen or heard of an intoxicated Indian among them since my residence here, although there have been considerable supplies of liquor in the country during all this time. They have not been permitted to cultivate a taste for it. They number about two hundred.
    Next south are the U-que-ches. They are friendly and appear to be well disposed towards the whites, and peaceable among themselves, as are all the bands of whom I shall speak in this report. They number about two hundred & fifty.
    Next south, and at the mouth of Rogue River, are the Ja-shoes. This band has been unfriendly and hostile to the whites, although they have at times permitted parties to pass through their country unmolested, but as they admitted to me, only when the party was too strong to attack, or so small as to make the booty not worth the trouble and risk.
    Their principal village is located at the mouth of Rogue River, and they number about four hundred.
    Following this stream next above are the Tututnis, distant about twelve miles from the Ja-shoes. This band also number about four hundred. They have been from the first commencement of the settlement here uniformly friendly to the whites, which when it is considered that the bands immediately above and below them on the river have been hostile cannot but be considered as quite remarkable.
    Next above on the river is what has been called the Upper Ja-shoes, but more properly and as they term themselves the Mikonotunnes. Their principal village is about twenty miles above the Tututnis, and they number about three hundred. This band, like the Ja-shoes at the mouth of the river, have not heretofore been friendly with the whites, but on the occasion of a visit I made to the adjoining band, of which I shall speak hereafter, I succeeded in making a peace with them, which has since been observed.
    Still following up the river, we next reach a band which has also been called the Upper Ja-shoes, but their proper name and the one by which they call themselves, and are known to the other tribes, is the Cis-ti-coas-tas ["Shasta Costas"], distant about twenty miles above the Ma-qui-no-tons. The two last mentioned bands have been called branches of the Ja-shoes, because of their having heretofore acted in council against the whites. They number about six hundred. Their principal villages are located near the Big Bend of Rogue River. After having made several fruitless efforts to induce the unfriendly bands above named, that is, the Ja-shoes, Ma-qui-no-tons and Cis-ta-coas-tas, to come into the agency for the purpose of making or endeavoring to make a peace, and becoming daily more and more assured of the necessity of something being done to prevent hostilities between them and the parties of whites frequently passing through their country, and others engaged in mining within and above its borders, I without further delay started on the first of April in company as before with a detachment of dragoons, Lieut. Stanton in command, for their country, or rather for their village occupied by the Tututnis, deeming it best to visit their village, because of them I could obtain messengers (this band as aforesaid being friendly) to send both above and below to these bands with whom I desired a council. On the third day after setting out we reached the village, and as anticipated had no difficulty in obtaining messengers to send to the Ja-shoes below and the Ma-qui-no-tons and Cis-ta-coas-tas above, and they were dispatched accordingly in their canoes, bearing an invitation to them to meet us at the village of the Tututnis, but as before they all declined doing so, and sent word in reply that "if the Bostons wanted to fight to come on." Upon receipt of a second reply similar to the above Lieut. Stanton started down to the Ja-shoes village and made a rapid march upon it, and when he arrived near them, they immediately manifested a desire for peace. A short parley followed, and I had but little further difficulty in making a treaty with them, which they have to this time observed with apparent good faith.
    The Ma-quo-no-tons and Cis-ta-coas-tas above, upon learning the result with the Ja-shoes (who had been the principal cause of the hostility of the other two bands to the whites) immediately sent in deputies with intentions to make a treaty of peace, and one was made with each of these bands, which they have since adhered to.
    Since the above treaties were made the chief men of all these bands have frequently visited me at the agency, and as often made, I believe, sincere professions of friendship.
    Next south of Rogue River upon the coast, and on a small stream known as Ford River [Pistol River?], is located a small band that call themselves Uhe-cin-nat-tins, distant from Rogue River about ten miles. They number about two hundred, are peaceable among themselves and friendly to the whites.
    South ten miles further on Rock Creek are the Nat-te-na-tons. This band numbers about the same as the one [on] Ford River and are equally well dispersed.
    Located adjoining to the last described band on the south are the Chetcoes, about three hundred in number, also friendly.
    Next south twelve miles on Illinois River are the Whoa-quits, a large band containing some seven or eight hundred members, whose country I suppose extends to the line between this county and California. There is no other band in this territory west of the Coast Range south of these, and whether they occupy any portion of the country south of the forty-second degree of north latitude, I am unable to state.
    It will be seen that there are few bands south of Rogue River. I have not been able to visit either of their villages, through I desire to do so, but have frequently seen some of the chiefs, and others belonging to the three first bands south of the river, and they uniformly professed friendship to our people, and I have no reason to doubt their sincerity. I have not seen any of the Indians belonging to the most southern band. There has been no difficulty between them and the whites, or with the other bands of Indians since my residence here, that has come to my knowledge, and my means of obtaining information has been such that a misunderstanding or meditated attack could hardly exist among them without information of it coming to me at an early moment. There has in fact been no serious difficulty between the whites and Indians, or amongst the Indians themselves, since my residence at this point, and although slight misunderstandings have from time to time arisen, I have succeeded by prompt attention, aided by the forbearance of our citizens, and when necessary assistance promptly given by the officer in command of this post, in bringing about, without delay, an amicable settlement of all matters in contention.
    A part of the Indians in this district, previous to my arrival here, and for some time afterwards, were hostile to the whites, and it was not without difficulty and danger that parties traveled through their country. The bands occupying the district bordering on the Coquille had committed serious depredations upon exploring and other companies of our citizens passing through this country, the history of which is familiar to the public. After making treaties of peace with the unfriendly bands, which was done at as early a moment as possible, I was compelled being without any goods at my disposal for distribution among them in case of necessity, to use every exertion by frequent conferences with them, and otherwise to maintain the friendly relations established, and have the satisfaction of stating that so far I have been able to do so.
    The country occupied by the various bands of Indians in this district lies upon the western slope of the Coast Range of mountains, and extends from the seaboard to their summit, a distance on the average of some forty or fifty miles. It is generally mountainous, though not precipitous, and small valleys between the hills, well watered and timbered, and offers many inducements to the settler. A few claims have already been taken in the vicinity of this place, with the view of permanent settlement and cultivation. The streams I have mentioned in describing the location of the different bands of Indians all empty into the ocean but afford no harbors, nor with the exception of the Coquille are they navigable.
    From the best information I have been able to gather a small light draft steamer might run up the Coquille some forty or fifty miles. The country on both sides of the stream is represented as generally very good farming land, so far as it has been explored, which is some sixty miles.
    The ascent from the coast to the summit of the mountains is generally gradual, and hence the difficulty of crossing them is not as great as has been represented.
    The whole number of Indians in this district I estimate at about five thousand. Their principal food consists of the ordinary kinds of fish found in the streams in this country, including most varieties of shellfish, which are obtained by them along the seacoast bounding on one side of their country in great abundance, together with elk and deer meat procured by their hunters, with the aid of the bow and arrow, to the extent of all their wants and with little difficulty.
    There is no season of the year during which any of the bands in this district meet with the least difficulty in obtaining abundance of foods. I am not acquainted with any tribe of Indians in Oregon, or elsewhere, whose country affords so abundant, and at all times reliable, supply as this, and they live with ease and apparent contentment. Cheerful among themselves and to all appearances happy, they exhibit little of the moody and morose disposition so frequently manifested amongst Indians roaming, with a few exceptions, throughout any part of this large extent of territory at will, without hindrance or fear from other bands.
    A report has been for some time current among the miners and others in this vicinity, and more particularly in the Rogue River Valley, that two white women were in captivity among some of the Indians in the southern part of the territory. It has been said that they were taken some years ago from some of the immigrants who traveled the southern route to Oregon, and at the time [were] supposed to have been killed. Various rumors have been afloat with regard to the matter, and some to the effect that indications have from time to time been discovered along the trail over which parties of Indians had recently passed, confirming the suspicion that white women are among them.
    I first heard this rumor during the summer of 1851 in the Rogue River Valley, and inquiries were then made of the Indians by Gen. Lane relative to it, but without any satisfactory result, either as to the truth or falsity. Upon arriving at this place and finding the same suspicion quite prevalent, and knowing the hindrances in the way of obtaining any reliable information from the Indians in the Rogue River Valley by reason of the frequent difficulties arising between them and our own people in this section, I determined to use every exertion with the Indians in this district to learn the probable facts in the case. To this end suitable rewards were offered, and other inducements held out, to Indians in whom I placed most confidence, for any information which would lead to their discovery if held in bondage, as was reported, either among the Rogue Rivers or any other Indians in this part of the Territory. But I have not been able to ascertain anything going to confirm the suspicion, and the result of several subsequent efforts were equally against the report.
    The communication between the Indians in the valley of Rogue River in the east, and those in this district in the west of the Coast Range, though not very frequent, is sufficient to give them, at least, a general knowledge of the facts in a case of this nature. I am therefore of the opinion that if there are white women among any tribes in Southern Oregon they are held by Indians east of the Rogue River Valley.
    Sometime in the latter part of April last discoveries of gold were made at this point. It has since been found north and south of here, for a distance each way of some twenty or thirty miles. It is mixed with large quantities of black sand, and is very fine, the particles of gold being nearly as small as those of the sand itself. Some five percent of platinum is also found mixed with the gold, which by using quicksilver is easily separated from it. The diggings have up to this time been mostly confined to the beach, commencing in the sand above on a level with the water at high tide, and running back nearly on the same level, finding gold in the sand as far back as they have been worked, paying the miner from five to twenty-five dollars per day, and in some instances more. Exploring parties have recently visited the interior for the purpose of "prospecting" "coarse gold" and they have, I believe, in every instance succeeded in finding it, but to what extent is now unknown. How much these mines will be worked hereafter, and what returns will generally be obtained from them, is uncertain, but the district has every appearance of being a good gold country.
Gen.Joel Palmer
    Superintendent Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 7; Letter Books F:10, pages 10-14. The original letter is found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 28. Another copy can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 227-240.



    INDIAN BATTLE.--The Marysville Express states that there was a fight between the Indians at the Empire Ranch, a few days since. They were drawn up on a plain, in regular battle array, the chiefs mounted, and all the rules of war observed. Some three or four hundred were engaged in the fight. There were three killed and seventeen wounded, when victory perched on the banners of one of the parties, who remained on the battle field, built fires, sang, danced, and evinced many other signs of joy over their triumph. The weapons chiefly used were bows and arrows, but there were a few guns brought into requisition.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, July 30, 1853, page 2



Sir:
    Your letter of the 15th June ultimo, informing this office of the resignation of Agent Skinner, has been received.
Joel Palmer, Esq.
    Supt. Ind. Affrs.
        Milwaukie
            Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 46.



Sir,
    I have the honor to inform the Department of Indian Affairs that the official bond of Samuel H. Culver Esq. as Indian agent, duly executed and approved, has been filed in this office. Mr. Culver has been assigned to duty in the agency of the Rogue River Valley, and a copy of the instructions furnished him for his direction in the discharge of the duties of his office is herewith transmitted.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 191-192.



Sir
    In accordance with the regulations of the Indian Department, the following instructions are prepared for your guidance in the discharge of your duties in the agency of the Rogue River Valley to which you are assigned.
    Your knowledge of the character and condition of the Indians of this coast, derived from your official experience in the service of the Department, and your acquaintance with the laws of Congress regulating intercourse with the Indian tribes, render minuteness and detail in the instructions from this office superfluous.
    In general, the instructions furnished your predecessor will regulate your course except as you may be now or hereafter otherwise advised.
    The late agent has been instructed to turn over to you the property of the Department in your agency upon your executing to him the proper receipt therefor.
    This office has just received reliable intelligence that the difficulties for some time existing between the Rogue River Indians and the whites have assumed a formidable aspect, that several of the settlers have been killed by the Indians and their property stolen or destroyed, and that an extensive combination of the tribes of the southern part of the Territory is believed to exist with a view to cut off the whites. The citizens of Jackson County are in arms in cooperation with a detachment of United States troops from Fort Jones under Capt. Alden, and it is probable that a decisive blow has been struck ere this.
    A requisition for arms and ammunition has been made by the acting Governor of this Territory on the military authorities at Columbia Barracks, and sixty rifles and four thousand cartridges are now in progress of transmission to the seat of hostilities.
    In this state of affairs no other than general instructions directing your prompt and prudent cooperation with the military authorities for the suppression of hostilities and the early restoration of peace can be given. Keeping in view the regulations of the Indian Department, you will govern yourself as in your judgment the exigencies of the occasion may demand, being careful to keep this office duly and fully apprised of your proceedings.
    In the event of the submission of the Indians, every exertion should be made to ferret out and bring, after fair trial, to exemplary punishment such Indians as have perpetrated murders and other injuries on our citizens.
    The greatest care should be taken in such proceedings to avoid all excitement and appearance of retaliation and revenge, and to impress on the minds of the Indians that the punishment inflicted is an act of justice for the wrongs they have done.
    The Indians should also be instructed that in case of injuries sustained by them from the whites the proper mode of redress is through the Indian agent, and that in no case are they to take the matter of redressing their injuries into their own hands. On your part you will endeavor in all cases wherein you deem it proper, by a prompt and fearless interference in their behalf, and by bringing the wrongdoers among the whites, if possible, to justice, to convince the Indians that their reliance on you for protection and redress of injuries is well placed.
    In order that you may be properly sustained in the discharge of your duties--that the Indians may receive proper impressions of respect for the authority of the United States--and for the more efficient protection of the white inhabitants, I have some time since addressed a communication to Bvt. Brig. Genl. Hitchcock, commanding in the Military Department on the Pacific Coast, requesting him to place a detachment of soldiers at some proper point or points in the Rogue River region.
    In the event of the arrival of those troops, you will observe all due care to secure the harmonious and efficient cooperation with the military arm of the public service, so far as occasion may require.
    It has long been reported that two white women have been held in bondage by these Indians since 1846. Many efforts have heretofore been made by yourself and others to discover these captives, if really existing, and obtain their rescue. These efforts have resulted in no discoveries confirmatory of these reports, but the reverse. Yet it may be well to persevere in your inquiries respecting those captives, if such there be, or till you have the fullest assurance of their nonexistence.
    In view of the early authorization by Congress of treaties with the Indian tribes of this Territory, you will endeavor as soon as the state of affairs will permit to sound the Indians of Rogue River and Umpqua on the subject of selling their lands to the United States, and report thereon as early as practicable to this office. You will also furnish such data as will aid me in making an estimate of the probable expense of the treaties necessary to secure the above named object. In doing this you will have regard to the cost of assembling the different tribes and bands, their subsistence while assembled, and all contingent and incidental expenses; also, you will ascertain as far as practicable the location and extent of each tract of land to be treated for, the probable value they will place on those lands, the kind of payments likely to suit them, and whether they can be prevailed on to remove east of the Cascade Mountains.
    These matters if practicable should be reported at an early day so as to enable me to submit an estimate to the Department of Indian Affairs at Washington in time for the action of Congress at its next session, as early treaties with those and other Indians of the Territory are pressingly demanded by the general interests of the people, and as nothing in the premises can be done unless authorized by Congress and the proper appropriations made.
    The boundaries of your agency will hereafter be as follows: Beginning at a point on the coast of the Pacific Ocean due west of the highlands dividing the waters of the Umpqua and Systicum rivers; thence easterly along the Calapooya Mountains to the summit of the Cascade Range; thence southerly along the summit of said range to the 42nd degree of north latitude; thence west to the summit of the Coast Range of mountains; thence along the summit of said range to the summit of the ridge dividing the waters of the Coquille and Coos rivers, and thence westerly along said ridge to the ocean.
    You are authorized to make a selection of a site for the erection of the agency building in such locality as you may judge most conducive to the good of the service, and report thereon to this office. In the meantime, till the erection of the agency house, you will procure a suitable building by rent or otherwise.
    Blank forms of a comparative view of the languages of the Indian tribes and a schedule for statistics are herewith transmitted, which you will fill up and return to this office.
Samuel H. Culver Esq.
    Indian Agent
        Southern District
            Oregon Territory
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs, Reel 11, Instructions and Reports 1853-1855, pages 96-99.  A copy of the document can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 193-196.



Sir,
    In pursuance of the intention expressed in my letter of the 23rd June last I will in a few days set out to explore the country west of the Coast Range of mountains which lies between Tillamook and Umpqua rivers with a view to find in a portion of this region a home and asylum for the Indian tribes of the Willamette Valley.
    Sub-agent Parrish, who speaks the Indian jargon with facility and can act as interpreter, and Mr. E. R. Geary, clerk of the Superintendency in the capacity of draftsman to delineate a map of the country, will accompany me. I will also take with me three white men to perform the duty of packing and other manual service of the expedition.
    The Indians of the valley seem much interested in this matter, and I have resolved to permit several of the chiefs and headmen to accompany me to act as guides and perform the duties of herdsmen.
    I expect to be absent about four weeks and will leave Charles P. Culver Esq. in the temporary charge of the office of the Superintendency.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner of Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 187-188.



Sir,
    It becomes my painful duty to inform you that the difficulties so long existing between the white inhabitants and Indians of Rogue River Valley have eventuated in a state of actual war. Several persons have been murdered by the savages, among them the Hon. John B. Hardin and Dr. Rose; the settlers have taken refuge in forts, and business is generally suspended in that part of the Territory.
    An express arrived at the capital on Friday last with a request from the Commissioners of Jackson County to the Actg. Governor that a requisition be made on the Ordnance Department at Columbia Barracks for arms and ammunition to be forwarded with dispatch to the scene of hostilities. The clerk of the Superintendency proceeded immediately to Columbia Barracks with the Acting Governor's letter and obtained sixty rifles and four thousand cartridges, which are already well advanced toward their destination.
    When the messenger left Jacksonville a small body of regulars from Fort Jones had arrived and with two hundred volunteers were under the command of Capt. Alden, 4th Infantry.
    General Lane is also said to have marched with a company of volunteers from Umpqua Valley.
    There was a gathering of the Indians some short time since at Table Rock, and several hundred warriors are now believed to be in that vicinity. Many of the Indians are well armed, having obtained guns and ammunition by trading with the miners, and it may require considerable effort to subdue them.
    In view of the then existing difficulties in the Rogue River Valley and in apprehension of those of a more serious nature I addressed a letter to Bvt. Brig. General Hitchcock requesting him to station additional troops in that region, a copy of which is herewith transmitted.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City D.C.
   
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 204-208.



    It will be seen by the news which we publish this morning from the war now waging between the whites and Indians in Rogue River Valley, that there seems, at present, even less probability of a cessation of hostilities than at the time of our previous dates. In every instance where the two parties came to an engagement the whites met with a reverse. Of course this but adds to their exasperation, while it correspondingly elevates the spirits of the savages, and thus both way tends to lessen the chance of a speedy and peaceful settlement of the difficulties. Indeed we apprehend that the war has already progressed too far--too many lives have been sacrificed--too much suffering endured and too great an amount of property destroyed, to justify even the privilege of hoping that peace will be secured without further bloodshed. When Californians see their brothers shot down by the savages, and behold the women and children flying to the towns for protection, they are apt to do as their fathers did before them on the other side of the mountains--wage an exterminating war. They usually make the savages pay terribly for their outrages before they give them peace. And we knew that the people of Northern California and Southern Oregon in this case are not likely to pursue a different course.
    The Mountain Herald says: "Let extermination be our motto! It must be our motto in all opposition." To those who are distant, and have never lived where they were liable to be shot down by the lurking savage any moment that they stepped beyond the threshold, this may seem semi-barbarous, unchristianlike. But, we surmise, it will matter little to the people of the North what persons wholly disqualified to judge may say of their mode of securing a lasting peace with the Indians. The men of the North know that the Indians can be induced to preserve a state of friendship by superior force alone, and the only possible way to convince them that the white people possess that superior force is to destroy the greater number of their warriors. It would be folly in the extreme--folly amounting to criminality--for the whites to attempt to settle their difficulties with the Indians at this stage of the game by forming treaties. Treaties indeed! humbugs!--and most stupid ones too. Away with all treaties, say we. The Indian Chief Sam, and his numerous well-armed, well-mounted, and well-provisioned warriors, must be ousted from their stronghold on Table Rock, and the greater number of them destroyed before the men of Rogue River Valley can return to their ranches in any sort of safety with their wives and little ones.
    In this connection we may state that a numerous body of Pit River and Trinity Indians--some 500 strong--are now congregated on Trinity River, near Vary's Ranch--less than a day's travel from this place. The express messengers inform us that they are growing more insolent every day--a never-failing sign of an approaching outbreak. At present they are industriously engaged in securing a winter's supply of salmon. These are the same Indians who infested the Sacramento trail last winter, and killed and robbed a number of white men. That it is their intention to renew those hostilities the approaching fall and winter, no one acquainted with them can doubt. This being as certain as any future event can well be, men naturally ask what should be done? Shall they be permitted thus, right in our midst, in time of peace to prepare for war against us--or should they be destroyed or run off? Is it not rendering "aid and comfort" to the enemy thus to permit them to furnish themselves with the very means necessary to enable them to war against us--to destroy our property and kill our people?
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, August 27, 1853, page 2



Sir,
    Since S. H. Culver Esq., now agent for the Rogue River Valley, left Port Orford there has been no one in charge of that sub-agency, the sub-agents appointed feeling reluctant to go to that remote and expensive part of the field on the limited salary allowed them, and their services being pressingly needed in other quarters.
    In view of the hostilities existing in the neighboring tribes of Rogue River Valley and the importance of maintaining friendly feelings among the numerous tribes of our southwestern coast, especially at this juncture of affairs, I have appointed F. M. Smith Esq. of Port Orford special agent to take charge of the business of said sub-agency temporarily, with the salary of a sub-agent.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 211-212.



    THE INDIAN WAR IN THE NORTH--CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.--An appeal is made by Mr. McMahon, in behalf of the citizens of the northern section of the state now exposed to the immediate danger of extermination by the Indians. There must be those who have the humanity and the opportunity to extend succor in this extremity. It is most important that relief should be extended at once.
    TO THE PEOPLE OF SAN FRANCISCO.--By the arrival of the steamship Thomas Hunt at this port on Saturday last, you have received intelligence of the resumption of hostilities by the Pit River, Klamath and other tribes of Indians against the white settlers in the Rogue River Valley. The Indians are bent upon an indiscriminate massacre of the whites, and they have sworn to drive them from the northern portion of California or to die in the attempt. All who are familiar with the character of Indians inhabiting that region know that this is no vain boast. They know that in battle there are no more resolute or desperate savages on the continent of America.
    I am and have been for many years a citizen of the county of Klamath, and represented that county in the last Legislature.
    From the period of the earliest settlement of Northern California by the whites the Indians have waged an incessant warfare upon them. They seem now to have concentrated their forces, and to have suddenly formed the desperate resolution of utterly expelling the whites from that portion of the country.
    The steamer Thomas Hunt will return to Crescent City, near the scene of hostilities, on or about Thursday next, the first proximo. The settlers in Rogue River Valley have appealed and are appealing to us to aid them in protecting their property and their lives. Language would be inadequate to describe the losses which they have sustained, in life and in property, by the hands of these infernal savages; it is sufficient to say that women and children are butchered with the same indifference as men. I therefore announce to the citizens of San Francisco that I am anxious to raise sixty volunteers to accompany me to Crescent City, and to render to the people of Rogue River Valley such aid as their necessities require. To all who are able and willing to join me in this expedition, I can truly say that their aid and cooperation will be gladly received, and gratefully acknowledged. I desire to raise a company of sixty men; each man to have $200, and to be armed with a rifle--a Colt's pistol (if possible) and a Bowie knife. I am poor, and can promise no pay to volunteers; their passage in the steamer, which will probably be reduced, and their other incidental expenses must be borne by themselves until such time as provision made for their compensation by the state or federal government.
    It must be remembered that Northern California is thinly settled by whites, and that a war of extermination has been commenced against them by several powerful and warlike tribes of Indians. This call is therefore only made upon those who are ready and willing to undergo the privations of a frontier life, and to fight when it is necessary. Should a company volunteer they will, of course, elect their own officers.
    Volunteers are respectfully requested to register their names at Daly's Mountaineer House, corner of Commercial and Kearny streets, where a muster roll will be in readiness.
    Editors of newspapers who are willing to aid me in carrying out the object indicated in the foregoing communication are respectfully requested to publish the same.
San Francisco, August 29, 1853.
Placer Herald, Auburn, California, September 3, 1853, page 3  A treaty was signed before any volunteers could have reached the Rogue Valley. The only women and children butchered were those of the natives.



Sir
    I am informed by what appears to be a reliable source that Gov. Joseph Lane while canvassing for reelection as Delegate to Congress stated publicly both at Salem and Albany in Oregon in May last that I was guilty of having used government money for private purposes, and that I was a defaulter to the govt. for a large amount &c.
    Will you please to inform me whether Gov. Lane derived information from the Indian Office that would warrant the above statements, if not whether there is any evidence of the truth of such a statement in your office.
The Hon. Commissioner
    of Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 64-65.






    Stipulations of a treaty of peace made and entered into by Joseph Lane, commanding forces of Oregon Territory, and Joe, principal chief of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, Sam, subordinate chief, and Jim, subordinate chief, on the part of the tribes under their jurisdiction.
    A treaty of peace having this day been entered into between the above-named parties, whereby it is agreed that all the bands of Indians living within the following boundaries, to wit: commencing just below the mouth of Applegate Creek on Rogue River, thence to the highlands which divide Applegate from Althouse Creek, thence with said highlands southeasterly to the summit of the Siskiyou Mountains, thence easterly along said range to the Pilot Rock, thence northeasterly following the range of mountains to Mount Pitt, thence northerly to Rogue River, thence northwesterly to the headwaters of Jump-off Joe, thence down this stream to a point due north from the mouth of Applegate Creek, thence to the mouth of Applegate Creek, shall cease hostilities, and that all the property taken by them from the whites, in battle or otherwise, shall be given up either to Genl. Lane or the Indian agent. The chiefs further stipulate to maintain peace and promptly deliver up to the Indian agent for trial and punishment any one of their people who may in any way disturb the friendly relations this day entered into, by stealing property of any description or in any way interfering with the persons or property of the whites, and shall also be responsible for the amount of the property so destroyed . . .
    It is stipulated by the chiefs that all the different bands of Indians now residing in the territory above described shall hereafter reside in the place to be set apart for them.
    It is further stipulated that all firearms belonging to the Indians of the above-named bands shall be delivered to Gen. Lane, or to the agent for a fair consideration to be paid in blankets, clothing &c., except Joe, principal chief, seven guns for hunting purposes, Sam, subordinate chief, five guns, Jim, subordinate chief, five guns.
    It is further stipulated that when their right to the above described country is purchased from the Indians by the United States, a portion of the purchase money shall be reserved to pay for the property of the whites destroyed by them during the war, not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars.
    It is further stipulated that in case the above-named Indians shall hereafter make war upon the whites, they shall forfeit all right to the annuities or money to be paid for the right to their lands.
    It is further stipulated that whenever any Indians shall enter the territory above described for the purpose of committing hostilities against the whites, the chiefs above named shall immediately give information to the agent and shall render such other assistance as may be in their power.
    An agent shall reside near the above-named Indians to enforce the above stipulations, to whom all complaints of injuries to the Indians shall be made through their chiefs.
Signed this 8th day of September 1853.
Witnesses
    The above stipulations of treaty were entered into and signed by the respective parties in my presence, and with my approval.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 28, Records of the Oregon Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Records Pertaining to Relations with the Indians.  Copies can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 279-281 and frames 460-463.


Rogue River
    Stipulations of a Treaty made and entered into at Table Rock near Rogue River in the Territory of Oregon this 10th day of September A. D. 1853 by and between Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and Samuel H. Culver, Indian agent, on the part of the United States; and Jo, Aps-er-ka-har--principal chief, Sam, To-qua-he-or and Jim Ana-chah-a-rah subordinate chiefs and others, headmen of the bands of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, on the part of said tribe.
    The Rogue River tribe of Indians do hereby cede and relinquish for the considerations hereinafter specified to the United States all their right, title, interest and claim, to all the lands lying in that part of the Territory of Oregon, and bounded by lines designated as follows; to wit:
    Commencing at a point one mile below the mouth of Applegate Creek on the south side of Rogue River; running thence southerly to the highlands dividing the waters of Applegate Creek from those of Althouse Creek, thence along said highlands to the summit of the Siskiyou Range of mountains; thence easterly to Pilot Rock; thence northeasterly to the summit of the Cascade Range; thence northerly along the said Cascade Range to Pitts Peak, continuing northerly to Rogue River; thence westerly to the headwaters of Jump-off Joe Creek; thence down said creek to the intersection of the same with a line due north from the place of beginning thence to the place of beginning.
    It is agreed on the part of the United States that the aforesaid tribe shall be allowed to occupy temporarily that portion of the above described tract of territory bounded as follows to wit: Commencing on the north side of Rogue River at the mouth of Evans Creek, thence up said creek to the upper end of a small prairie bearing in a northwesterly direction from Table Mountain or Upper Table Rock, thence through the gap to the south side of the cliff of the said mountain, thence in a line to Rogue River, striking the southern base of Lower Table Rock, thence down said river to the place of beginning. It being understood that this described tract of land shall be deemed and considered an Indian reserve until a suitable selection shall be made by the direction of the President of the United States for their permanent residence and buildings erected thereon, and provisions made for their removal.
    For and in consideration of the cession and relinquishment contained in Article 1st the United States agree to pay to the aforesaid tribe the sum of sixty thousand dollars, fifteen thousand of which sum to be retained (according to the stipulations of Article 4th of a treaty of peace made and entered into on the 8th day of September 1853 between Genl. Jo. Lane, commanding forces of Oregon Territory, and Jo, principal chief, and Sam and Jim, subordinate chiefs on the part of the Rogue River tribe of Indians), by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs to pay for the property of the whites destroyed by them during the late war, the amount of property so destroyed to be estimated by three disinterested commissioners to be appointed by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs or otherwise as the President may direct, five thousand dollars to be expended in the purchase of agricultural implements, blankets, clothing and such other goods as may be deemed by the Superintendent or agent most conducive to the comfort and necessities of said tribe on or before the 1st day of September 1854, and for the payment of such permanent improvements as may have been made by land claimants on the aforesaid reserve, the value of which to be ascertained by three persons appointed by the said Superintendent. The remaining forty thousand dollars to be paid in sixteen equal, annual installments of two thousand five hundred dollars each (commencing on or about the 1st day of September 1854), in blankets, clothing, farming utensils, stock and such other articles as may be deemed most conducive to the interests of said tribe.
    It is further agreed that there shall be erected at the expense of the United States, one dwelling house for each of the three principal chiefs of the aforesaid tribe, the cost of which shall not exceed five hundred dollars each, the aforesaid building to be erected as soon after the ratification of this treaty as possible, and when the tribe may be removed to another reserve, buildings and other improvements shall be made on such reserve of equal value to those which may be relinquished, and upon such removal in addition to the before mentioned sixty thousand the United States agree to pay the further sum of fifteen thousand dollars in five equal annual installments commencing at the expiration of the before named installments.
    The said tribe of Indians further agree to give safe conduct to all persons who may be authorized to pass through their reserve, and to protect in their person and property all agents or other persons sent by the United States to reside among them; they further agree not to molest or interrupt any white person passing through their reserve.
    That the friendship which is now established between the United States and the Rogue River tribe of Indians shall not be interrupted by the misconduct of Individuals, it is hereby agreed that for injuries done by individuals no private revenge or retaliation shall take place but instead thereof complaint shall be made by the party injured to the Indian agent, and it shall be the duty of the chiefs of the said tribe that upon complaint being made as aforesaid to deliver up the person or persons against whom the complaint is made, to the end that he or they may be punished agreeably to the laws of the United States, and in like manner if any violation, robbery or murder shall be committed on any Indian or Indians belonging to said tribe, the person or persons so offending shall be tried, and if found guilty shall be punished according to the laws of the United States, and it is agreed that the chiefs of the said tribe shall to the utmost of their power exert themselves to recover horses or other property which has or may be stolen or taken from any citizen or citizens of the United States by any individuals of said tribe and the property so recovered shall be forthwith delivered to the Indian agent or other person authorized to receive the same that it may be restored to the proper owner, and the United States hereby guarantee to any Indian or Indians of said tribe a full indemnification for any horses or other property which may be stolen from them by any citizen of the United States, provided that the property stolen or taken cannot be recovered and that sufficient proof is produced that it was actually stolen or taken by a citizen of the United States, and the chiefs and headmen of the said tribe engage on the requisition or demand of the President of the United States, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, or Indian agent, to deliver up any white person or persons resident among them.
    This treaty shall take effect and be obligatory on the contracting parties as soon as the same shall have been ratified by the President of the United States by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
      In testimony whereof the said Joel Palmer and Samuel H. Culver on the part of the United States, and the chiefs and headmen of the Rogue River Indians aforesaid have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year aforesaid.
Signed in the presence of
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 28, Records of the Oregon Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Records Pertaining to Relations with the Indians.  A copy can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 464-470.  This treaty was amended on April 12, 1854.

Sept. 19	To	Goods for distribution to Cow Creek band of Umpqua
		Indians as per propty voucher A. on acct of treaty stipulations
		127½ yds brown sheeting	15.90
		135¾ yds prints	21.75
		1¼ doz pr pants	52.50
		¼ doz pr pants	12.00
		1½ doz scarlet flannel over shirts	31.50
		3 coats	28.00
		¼ doz vests	10.50
		1¼ doz hats	18.75
		¼ doz fine drab hats	6.00
		2 doz flag handkfs	2.50
		1 doz spools cotton	.45
		3 pr woolen socks & cravats	4.50
		2 skeins sewing thread ¼ m needles	1.13
		9 pr white blankets & 2 pr green blankets	54.00
		1½ doz pr men's shoes	31.50
		102 lbs. tobacco (gratuitous distribution)

1853

Dec. 1	By	Goods distributed this date to the Cow Creek band Umpqua
		Indians as per abstract received at this office, to wit, on acct of
		treaty expenses
		3 coats
		18 shirts
		3 vests
		18 pants
		18 blankets
		18 pr shoes
		3 pr socks
		18 hats
		135¾ yds calico
		127½ yds domestic
		12 spools thread
		3 skeins thread
		5 papers needles
		24 cotton handkfs
		3 cravats	291.01½

NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 29; Bound Financial Records 1850-1872, volume II "Journal Indian Agents," pages 62-63.


Cow Creek band of Umpquas
    Stipulations of a treaty made and entered into on Cow Creek, Umpqua Valley, in the Territory of Oregon, this 19th day of September, A.D. 1853, by and between Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, on the part of the United States, and Quin-ti-oo-san, or Bighead, principal chief, and My-u-e-letta, or Jackson, and Tom, son of Quin-ti-oo-san, subordinate chiefs, on the part of the Cow Creek band of Umpqua tribe of Indians.
    The Cow Creek band of Indians do hereby cede and relinquish, for the consideration hereinafter specified, to the United States, all their right, title, interest and claim to all the lands lying in that part of the Territory of Oregon bounded by lines designated as follows, to wit: Commencing on the north bank of the south fork of Umpqua River, at the termination of the highlands dividing the waters of Myrtle Creek from those of Days Creek, thence running easterly along the summit of said range to the headwaters of Days Creek, thence southerly, crossing the Umpqua River to the headwaters of Cow Creek, thence to the dividing ridge between Cow Creek and Grave Creek, thence southwesterly along the said divide to its junction with the ridge dividing the waters of Cow Creek from those of Rogue River, thence westerly and northerly around on said ridge to its connection with the spur terminating opposite the mouth of Myrtle Creek, thence along said spur to a point on the same northwest of the eastern line of Isaac Bailey's land claim, thence southeast to Umpqua River, thence up said river to place of beginning.
    It is agreed on the part of the United States that the aforesaid tribe shall be allowed to occupy temporarily that portion of the above-described tract of territory bounded as follows, to wit: Commencing on the south side of Cow Creek, at the mouth of Council Creek, opposite Wm. H. Riddle's land claim, thence up said creek to the summit of Cañon Mountain, thence westerly along said summit two miles, thence northerly to Cow Creek, at a point on the same one mile above the falls, thence down said creek to place of beginning. It being understood that this last described tract of land shall be deemed and considered an Indian reserve until a suitable selection shall be made by the direction of the President of the United States for their permanent residence and buildings erected thereon and other improvements made of equal value of those upon the above reserve at the time of removal.
    For and in consideration of the cession and relinquishment contained in Article 1st, the United States agree to pay to the aforesaid band of Indians the sum of twelve thousand dollars, in manner to wit: one thousand dollars to be expended in the purchase of twenty blankets, eighteen pairs pants, eighteen pairs shoes, eighteen hickory shirts, eighteen hats or caps, three coats, three vests, three pairs socks, three neck handkerchiefs, forty cotton flags, one hundred and twenty yards prints, one hundred yards domestic, one gross buttons, two lbs. thread, ten papers needles, and such other goods and provisions as may be deemed by the Superintendent or agent most conducive to the comfort and necessities of said Indians, on or before the first day of October, A.D. 1854. The remaining eleven thousand dollars to be paid in twenty equal annual installments of five hundred and fifty dollars each, commencing on or about the 1st day of October 1854, in blankets, clothing, provisions, stock, farming implements or such other articles, and in such manner as the President of the United States may deem best for the interests of said tribe.
    In addition to the aforesaid twelve thousand dollars there shall be erected for the use of said tribe, at the expense of the United States, two dwelling houses, the cost of which shall not exceed two hundred dollars each, and a field of five acres fenced and plowed, and suitable seed furnished for planting the same.
    The said band of Indians agree to give safe conduct to all persons passing through their reserve, and to protect in their person and property all agents or other persons sent by authority of the United States to reside among them.
    That the friendship which is now established between the United States and the Cow Creek band of Indians shall not be interrupted by the misconduct of individuals, it is hereby agreed that for injuries done no private revenge or retaliation shall take place, but instead thereof complaint shall be made by the party injured to the Indian agent, and it shall be the duty of the chiefs of said band of Indians, upon complaint being made as aforesaid, to deliver up the person against whom the complaint is made, to the end that he may be punished agreeably to the laws of the United States; and in like manner if any violation, robbery or murder shall be committed on any Indian belonging to said band, the person so offending shall be tried, and if found guilty, shall be punished according to the laws of the United States. And it is further agreed that the chiefs shall, to the utmost of their ability, exert themselves to recover horses or other property which has or may hereafter be stolen from any citizen of the U.S. by any individual of said tribe and deliver the same to the agent or other person authorized to receive it. And the U.S. hereby guarantee to any Indian or Indians of said band a full indemnification for any horses or other property which may be stolen or taken from them by any citizen of the U.S. provided the property stolen cannot be recovered, and that sufficient proof is produced that it was actually stolen or taken by a citizen of the U.S. And the chiefs further agree that upon the requisition of the President of the U.S., Superintendent of Indian affairs or Indian agent, to deliver up any person resident among them.
    [It is agreed between the United States and the Cow Creek band of the Umpqua tribe of Indians, that, should it at any time hereafter be considered by the United States as a proper policy to establish farms among and for the benefit of said Indians, it shall be discretionary with the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to change the annuities herein provided for, or any part thereof, into a fund for that purpose.
Article 8.]
    This treaty shall take effect and be obligatory on the contracting parties as soon as the same shall be ratified by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
    In testimony whereof the said Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, on the part of the United States, and chiefs of the Cow Creek band of Umpqua Indians, before named, on the part of the same band have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year aforesaid.
Signed in presence of
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 28, Records of the Oregon Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Records Pertaining to Relations with the Indians.  A copy can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 469-474.



Sir:
    Your letter of the 12th July last, enclosing one from C. M. Walker, respecting the pay of himself and party for services rendered on Rogue River in 1851, has been received.
    In reply, I have to state that the only paper discovered of file in this office having reference to the claim of Mr. Walker is a letter from himself to H. H. Spalding, Esqr., late agent &c. of Sept. 22 1851, in which he gives a list of the cost of supporting himself and party in the Rogue River country from the 15th July to the 10th Sept. 1851. He states in this letter, "The papers &c. connected with this business are in my possession, which I will take down when I hear from you."
    Congress having, by an act approved 3rd March last, made provision "for the payment of the accounts of Gov. Jno. P. Gaines and Courtney M. Walker, for expenses incurred by them in quelling the difficulties with the Rogue River Indians of Oregon, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-one," it will be necessary that Mr. Walker shall furnish this office with the accounts and vouchers
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 63.



William Martin Esqr.
    You are hereby appointed a special agent for the Indian tribes residing upon the waters of the Umpqua and Coos rivers and around Coos Bay. Your salary will be that of a sub-agent and commence from date.
    Instructions for your guidance will be given you from time to time.
    A bond conditioned for the faithful performance of your duties will be forwarded, which you will have executed and returned to the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs immediately.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 247-.



Dear sir
    As you have been appointed a special agent for the Indian tribes residing in the country drained by the Umpqua and Coos rivers, I desire that you will meet the various bands and tribes at as early a day as practicable, ascertain as far as you can their condition, numbers and feelings towards the whites, the extent of country to which they lay claim to, as also their means of subsistence and whether any portion of them have adopted the manners and customs of the whites, particularly the cultivation of the soil, or whether they are inclined to do so. Learn also whether they are disposed to sell to the United States the country claimed by them and remove to such parts as may be designated for a permanent home. You can inform them should they agree to do so that they will be aided and protected by the government in all their rights.
    This information, and such other as you may deem of importance to the better knowledge of the condition and wants of this unfortunate people who are so rapidly passing away, you will gather and report to this office at the earliest moment practicable.
    I desire that you will visit the Indians on Coos River and around Coos Bay immediately and endeavor to peaceably incline them, and if necessary to preserve peace make them a few presents.
    A treaty has been concluded with the Cow Creek band of Umpqua Indians by which that band have ceded to the United States all the land claimed by them, and a part of the purchase money is to be expended in the erection this winter of two log cabins, the cost of which is not to exceed two hundred dollars each.
    The cabins should be built in a cheap manner, and about twenty-five feet square on the ground, to be erected on a small piece of bottom land opposite W. R. Riddle's upon the temporary reserve to which they have been assigned. A few articles of clothing are to be sent them, which will be forwarded to you for distribution among them as per agreement. As soon as you return from Coos Bay you will visit those Indians and cause the cabins to be erected, the expense of which will be paid so soon as funds are remitted.
    Additional instructions will be given you from time to time.
To
    Wm. J. Martin Esq.
        Special Ind. Agt.
            Winchester O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs, Reel 11, Instructions and Reports 1853-1855, pages 100-101.  A copy can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 244-246.



    S. H. Culver, Indian agent, has gone to Rogue River, under instructions from Gen. Palmer.
Shasta Courier, Shasta, California, September 24, 1853, page 4







Dear Sir,
    In the hurry of departure you omitted to leave with me an abstract of articles delivered (as presents) to the Indians by yourself, or I have misplaced it, which is quite probable. If you will have a copy made & sent to me you will oblige, also a copy of the treaty for the purchase of their land & Gen. Lane's treaty of peace.
    Gen. Lane will give you the reasons for purchasing some presents for Tipcue's ["Tipsy's"] band in addition to those obtained heretofore.
    It will require two pieces of prints, eight pieces domestic & another box of tobacco (same size) to go around.
    It would be well to hold in reserve two or three hundred dollars, in money, of the amount to be paid to the Indians this winter to pay damage in case of thefts by them. This will be necessary to preserve peace. There has been one instance of the kind already, of course others will occur.
    I think that it will be very necessary to buy two or three tons of flour to be distributed to the Indians this winter. They must necessarily suffer without it & hunger may drive them to rob when otherwise they would not.
Joel Palmer, Supt. Ind. Affrs.
    Milwaukie, O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 58.



Secretary of the Interior
    Sir
        On the 8th Sept. 1853 a treaty of peace was concluded between Gen. Joseph Lane and the Rogue River Indians wherein it was stipulated among other things that whenever the government of the U.S. should purchase the lands from the Indians that a sum not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars should be deducted from the purchase money to pay for depredations committed by them during the late war.
    On the 10th of Sept. 1853 Gen. J. Palmer, Supt. of Indian Affairs for Oregon, concluded a treaty for the purchase of their lands, the board of commissioners of military affairs consisting of Doct. Edward Sheil, Rich. Dugan, Geo. Dart and L. A. Davis at the suggestion of Gen. Lane appointed three appraisers to ascertain the amount of property destroyed and which was to be paid for under the provisions of the two treaties above mentioned. The appraisers, Col. John E. Ross, Doct. George H. Ambrose and W. W. Fowler, were sworn on the 15th day of September 1853 and at once entered on the discharge of their duty. They made a personal inspection of all the premises and took testimony and ascertained the value of the property destroyed to be thirty-seven thousand four hundred and twelve dollars and ninety-eight cents ($37,412.98).
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 312-314.

Port Orford O.T. Oct. 1st 1853           

    I accept of the office you have tendered me and shall immediately enter upon the duties thereof. Mr. Culver took with him all the papers belonging to the office, so that I am wholly without guide or precedent in the performance of the requirements of the office. Will you please instruct me fully by return mail--also please forward me all the papers belonging to the sub-agency, such as duplicate returns &c. &c.
    A few days since I had occasion to visit one of the tribes located near the mouth of Rogue River. My talk with them was productive of much good. They are desirous of peace and expressed a determination to deal with "good heart" toward all "Americans." If our people will but do the same, our difficulties with the Indians would soon cease. There is more necessity for a military force here to restrain the white man than to subdue the Indians.. I hope to hear from you soon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 4; Letter Books C:10.



Dr. Sir
    I accept of the appointment you have tendered me and shall immediately enter upon the duties thereof. Mr. Culver took with him all the papers belonging to the office, so that I am wholly without guide or precedence in the performance of the requirements of the office. Will you please instruct me fully by return mail, also please forward me all the papers belonging to this sub-agency, such as duplicate returns &c. &c.
    A few days since I had occasion to visit one of the tribes located near the mouth of Rogue River. My talk with them was productive of much good. They are desirous of peace and expressed a determination to deal with "good heart" toward the "Americans." If our people will but do the same our difficulties with the Indians would soon cease. There is more necessity for a military force here to restrain the white man than to subdue the Indian. I hope to hear from you soon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 88.



P. Clayton Esqr.
    Sir
        Your favor of 12 August last came to hand a few days ago. It surprises me that the accounts have not been handed to the proper department. And it now places me at a loss to know how to act. I shall herein give you the amount & will also enclose to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs all the papers relating to that expedition. That this will be of any useful avail is also with me a doubt. Since the payment of these debts has been made a subject of special legislation, having had the refusal of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to liquidate, I will get ex-Gov. Gaines to write you at this time.
    In the account I send I have given what is due each individual, although much of it has been paid by me. And should you remit a draft or drafts to any person to settle these several accounts I can then draw from them, or if the whole amount is sent to me for distribution I can then adjust them myself.
    Hoping that this may meet your earliest convenient attention
   
    An account of expenses incurred by Capt. C. M. Walker in quelling difficulties of the Indians on Rogue River in the year 1851.

#	For supplies of Joel Perkins	$442.50
	For supplies of Mr. Williamson	199.75
	For supplies of Mr. Geiger	56.25
	For supplies of D. D. Bayley	38.75
	For Mathew Hall's services	218.75
#	For James P. Day's services	249.00
	For James Jackson's services	103.00
	For F. West's services	86.00
	For T. Bayley's services	68.62
	For John McGee's services	120.00
Z	For Vanriper's services	39.00
Z	For J. Miller's services	39.00
Z	For J. Johnson's services	39.00
	For D. D. Bayley's services	60.00
	For C. M. Walker's services	330.10
		2089.72
	By C. M. Walker

N.B. Those a/c marked # have been in part paid by me. Those marked Z have been entirely paid by me.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 327-331.

Sir
    I have this moment completed the census of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, those that inhabited the country embraced in the late purchase.
    I have not had sufficient time to be as particular about it as I would desire, but it is not far from correct.

	Number	of	men	334
	"	"	women	368
	"	"	boys under 13 years	131
	"	"	girls     "       "      "	148
			Total	1000

Joel Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affrs.
        Milwaukie, O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 65.


To the Hon.
    the Commissioner of Indian Affairs
        at
            Washington City D.C.
                Sir
                    Accompanying this I send you all the papers and documents relating to my course on Rogue River in the year 1851. I do this that the amount due myself & party may be forwarded us, as is provided by an act of Congress of last session. As the 2nd auditor of [the] Treasury Dept. says to me, he cannot forward the amount until accounts are presented.
P.S. I have asked the Hon. Mr. Benton and the Hon. J. R. Underwood to introduce my name to you as a petitioner for the appointment of Indian agent at Puget's Sound in Washington Territory. I am aware Mr. Garrison has been placed at that station, but I know that my experience & knowledge of Indian character and language besides other qualifications are superior to those of Mr. G. or in fact any other agent in the Territory, having been a resident in this Territory since the year 1834 and my business being almost entirely with the Indians & commanding from them the highest respect. I refer you to Col. Benton, Mr. Underwood & Genl. Joseph Lane for a knowledge of my competency & character & hope you will give my petition your kind consideration.
   
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Dr. Genl.
        Per last mail I received a letter from P. Clayton Esq., 2nd auditor at Treasury Department at Washington City, in reply to a letter of mine addressed to Mr. Guthrie, Secy. of Treasury at Washington, asking for a remittance of the amount due me from the government, to which Mr. Clayton replies--that no account of mine has been recd. at the office is the reason why the money has not been forwarded, and as soon as the account is forwarded he will immediately remit the amount. I have again written him & said you would write to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs enclosing the papers & accounts I hold against the government.
    I have left with this a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, which will you do me the kindness to envelope with the papers &c. I left with you. And perhaps 'twould be as well to send this letter or a copy to show the authority of your acting in these premises. I am compelled to be absent from here today & perhaps all next week & cannot see  you again in time to speak to you upon the subject, as I desire the letters shall leave the ensuing mail.
    Particularly inasmuch as I have written letters that I desire to arrive simultaneously with the one & the papers from you.
    Hoping this may meet your prompt attention
To the Hon.
    The Commissioner of Indian Affairs
        Sir
            I addressed a letter to you a few days since which you will perhaps receive by the same mail you will receive this.
    I enclose the transaction of myself on Rogue River, being the only evidence remaining with me as evidence of my right to pay as provided by act of Congress at its last session. I have requested the Superintendent of Indian Affairs (Genl. Palmer) to write you upon the subject as an identity of my person &c., which I hope will be done.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 285-291.



Sir,
    I have the honor herewith to transmit to the President of the United States, through the Indian Department, the original treaty for the purchase and extinguishment of Indian title to the lands claimed by the Rogue River tribe of Indians entered into on the 10th day of Sept. 1853 by Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs & Samuel H. Culver, Indian Agt., on the part of the United States and Jo, Sam and Jim, principal chiefs, on the part of said tribe, and also a treaty of purchase and relinquishment of title to the lands claimed by the Cow Creek band of the Umpqua tribe of Indians entered into on the 19th day of Sept. 1853 by Joel Palmer, Supt. Ind. Affrs., on the part of the United States and Quin-ti-oo-saw, head chief, Mi-u-e-let-ta and Tom, son of the principal chief on the part of said band.
    It is deemed important to state in the transmission of these treaties that the Superintendent and agent have been governed by what they believed to be imperatively demanded in order to restore and preserve peace. The Rogue River tribe of Indians are among the most powerful tribes on this coast, and have been held in great dread by travelers by passing through their country, and as they occupy a country traversed by the trail and road from the settlements in Oregon to California, frequent murders and robberies have been committed by them and the surrounding tribes, rendering it necessary till within the last two years for travelers to assemble in large companies when passing through the country claimed by them.
    Upon the discovery of gold in California and more recently in Southern Oregon, great numbers of our citizens have entered their country for the purpose of mining and recently as permanent settlers. This has led to frequent controversies between the settlers and natives in which the lives of many of both parties have been sacrificed.
    In 1851 a state of actual war between the whites and Indians existed, and after several skirmishes and battles a treaty of peace was effected by Gen. Lane, and for a short time peace was maintained.
    But as our citizens were then crowding into the region, excited by the hope of immediate gain in the pursuit of gold, but little respect was paid to the rights of the Indians. Hence misunderstandings, jealousies, criminations and recriminations followed in rapid succession, until all hope of an amicable adjustment was dissipated and a resort to arms followed as the only means of redressing grievances.
    On the 21st of August, I received information that a state of war existed, and as soon as possible with Agent S. H. Culver I repaired to the scene of difficulties. We reached Camp Alden near Table Rock on the 4th of Sept. Gen. Lane, with Major Alden and the troops under their command, had already had a severe engagement with the hostile Indians, in which several on both sides were slain. An armistice for a short time had been agreed on, connected with propositions for a permanent peace, and the time and place designated for the assembling of the chiefs and headmen of the tribe for that purpose. The 4th day of Sept., the day of our arrival at Camp Alden, was the day agreed on for the council. The chiefs with a portion of their warriors were assembled and ready to treat, but preferred to delay till all the tribe should be present and asked till the 8th to collect their people, which was granted them.
    On the 8th Sept. Gen. Lane with Capt. Smith's company of dragoons, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs and Agent Culver repaired to the council ground, where we met the chiefs and headmen of the tribe. The terms of a treaty of peace which had been proposed by General Lane on the field of battle on the 24 & 25 of August were fully agreed on, and on the following day signed by the respective parties, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. It is proper however here to state that before signing this it was fully understood that a treaty of purchase for the extinguishment of their title to the lands claimed by them should immediately follow the treaty of peace. And in accordance with this understanding we met in council on the 10th day of Sept. and agreed on the terms of purchase.
    It was doubted whether according to an act approved Febry. 27th 1851 providing "that such officers and agents in the Indian Department as the President of the United States may designate shall hereafter hold treaties with the Indian tribes," we were warranted in assuming that power, as no person now engaged in the Indian Department in this Territory has been designated in accordance with this act. But the necessity of some immediate and permanent arrangement by which the citizens as well as the Indians could hope to be secured in the possession of life and property, demanded if not warranted by any existing statute, according to the great law of humanity, in consonance with which our government has ever professed to act in her intercourse with the Indians, an assumption of power somewhere to effect such an arrangement. It was believed that a treaty of peace, without extinguishing the Indian title to the country, would fail to restore and preserve it, as treaties of a similar nature had formerly been entered into with this tribe without any permanent good effect. Nothing short of the purchase of their entire country, and the assigning to them of a certain district for their temporary residence until a permanent home shall be provided for them in common with other tribes, could secure the desirable object. There is no doubt that the failure heretofore on the part of the agents of the government & others assuming to hold treaties with these Indians and other tribes to comply with the stipulations of such treaties has and will do much to destroy the confidence of the Indians in the faith of the government, and has exercised a powerful influence in causing the late difficulties. It is therefore of the utmost importance in order to restore that confidence and good faith by which alone we can hope to maintain friendly relations with the Indian tribes that these treaties be ratified and provisions made for carrying them into immediate effect.
    The lands purchased of the Rogue River tribe according to the best information obtained includes about three thousand five hundred square miles--one third of which is well adapted to agricultural purposes and susceptible of a high degree of cultivation, and much of the remainder may be regarded as a pastoral country, but mountainous, abounding in numerous fertile valleys, heavy forests of valuable timber and nearly all rich in gold--being emphatically a gold region. There is little doubt that in some of the gulches near Jacksonville an amount of gold may be taken from 10 rods square sufficient to pay for the entire purchase. The consideration as you will observe for the entire purchase is $75,000, in the event of their removal from their present temporary reserve.
    $15,000 of this sum is deducted to indemnify settlers & others for property destroyed by the Indians during the war and $1062.58 to pay claimants on the reserve for their improvements, a bill of appraisement being herewith transmitted, leaving $58,937.22 to be applied according to treaty stipulations for their use. I have not been able to ascertain accurately the number of persons comprising this tribe, but believe it to be about six hundred souls.
    In addition to the above amt. granted by the treaty to the Indians, it is stipulated to build three cabins for the three principal chiefs, which will cost about $300 each. Goods were also purchased as presents amounting to $1,189.75/100, a portion of which have been distributed according to agreement.
    Should this treaty be ratified by the President and Senate of the United States and observed by the whites, I have good reason to believe that it will be closely adhered to on the part of the Indians.
    It may not be improper here to state that the Indians throughout this Superintendency so far as known are fully advised of the failure on the part of the government to fulfill the stipulations of treaties entered into by the commissioners and my predecessor in office, and as they are unable to comprehend the reasons for such noncompliance, they place but little confidence in the promises of the agents of the government.
    The temporary reserve secured to the Rogue River Indians in the treaty embraces about 100 square miles, ten or twelve only of which being suitable for cultivation, and the remainder rough and mountainous. The lands around Table Rock upon the reserve abounds in the variety of roots used by these Indians for food, and the mountains are well stocked with wild game, while Rogue River on the west [sic] yields an abundance of salmon and other varieties of excellent fish. The reserve embraces the principal villages of the tribe, and has been occupied by them since their earliest existence as a tribe. The ease with which the greatest abundance of food can be obtained renders it a most desirable location for a people who depend so exclusively on spontaneous productions of nature for subsistence.
    With great reluctance they consented to remove from this choice spot, but by explaining to them the great difficulty of maintaining peace between two people whose manners and customs, desires and feelings, are so dissimilar, residing in such intimate neighborhoods, and on being informed that if they desired it they would be furnished, as the treaty provided, with farming utensils such as teams, plows &c. and taught the use of them, and that they should be protected in all their rights from the encroachment of the whites and the invasion of other tribes of Indians, they finally consented, but the head chief expressed a hope that he might be allowed to occupy his old home the remaining days of his life, or till a spot should be found affording equal facilities for the subsistence of his people.
    The treaty for the purchase of the country claimed by the Cow Creek band of the Umpqua Indians seemed to be demanded both as a matter of safety to this band and also as security for their good conduct. This band is [in] no ways formidable, consisting only of eighteen warriors, nineteen women and fifteen children. Nor are they warlike or unusually troublesome. But being in the vicinity of the Grave Creek band, who have ever been regarded as the inveterate foes of the whites, thefts, robberies and murders committed on travelers and recently on settlers in the vicinity of the Cow Creeks led many to believe them implicated in these acts, and this feeling was strengthened by the fact that their usual place of residence is along the road leading from the Willamette Valley to Rogue River and California, the principal scene of these atrocities.
    The occurrences among the Rogue River Indians and Grave Creeks had so exasperated the whites that reckless persons traveling on this road often committed acts of violence against the Cow Creeks, robbing them of their guns & blankets and whipping them, and in one instance attacking the lodge of an aged Indian who bore an excellent character, whom they killed together with a squaw, at the same time firing several shots at a small boy who made good his retreat to the mountain.
    Driven from their homes and continually exposed to similar acts of violence, as they were confounded with the guilty, they were justly much alarmed. In this agitated state of feeling between whites and Indians, the most effectual means of securing the safety of this band and maintaining peace appeared to be to purchase their country and set aside a small district for their temporary residence, a little out of the line of travel and near enough the settlements to secure them from marauding parties infesting that region.
    They justly complained that the whites had driven them from their homes and deprived them of their usual means of subsistence, and said if anything was to be paid them as a remuneration for their losses it should be now when they were in need, that in a few years they would all be dead, then the price of their country could profit them nothing.
    A treaty of purchase was accordingly agreed on, the tract to which the Indian title was extinguished containing about eight hundred square miles, nearly one half being an excellent farming country and the other portion mountainous, but of good soil, and well timbered. Gold is generally diffused, and at a few points mining has been successfully carried on.
    The price of purchase is $12,000, the building of two cabins costing each about $200, and the fencing and plowing of a field of five acres, and the furnishing of proper seeds--all costing about $225.
    No presents were made, but clothing and blankets were to be furnished immediately, the cost of purchase to be on account of first payment for their lands.
    It is proper to state that all articles purchased for the Rogue River Indians and Cow Creek band are to be delivered on or near their respective reserves, the cost of transportation to be paid by the United States. This though not embodied in the treaties was fully understood by the parties.
Honorable George W. Manypenny
    Commissioner of Indian
        Affairs Washington
            City, D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 447-455.

Sir,
    In transmitting my annual report at so late a period it is proper that reasons for the delay be given, especially n view of the positive instructions from the Department at Washington requiring strict compliance with the 19th paragraph of Revised Regulations No. 3.
    This circular, however, as you were informed by Mr. Geary, Acting Superintendent during my absence to assist in quelling the disturbances between our citizens and the Indians of the Rogue River country, did not reach this office till the 12th ultimo.
    Although aware of the importance of submitting my report at an early day, little towards its preparation was accomplished prior to my departure to the scene of Indian war in the south, as I desired to receive the reports of agents and sub and special agents before its compilation. I also desired to visit the coast region between Tillamook and Umpqua River, as was suggested in my letters of June 23rd and August 23rd in order to enable me to speak definitely of the propriety of colonizing the valley Indians in that district.
    On the eve of starting upon that tour I was arrested in my purpose by intelligence of the Indian depredations and imminent peril of our citizens in the southern part of the Territory. I at once abandoned the expedition and proceeded to the scene of difficulties, leaving Mr. Geary to perform the duties of Acting Superintendent during my absence. But unfortunately in a few days after my departure Mr. Geary was prostrated by sickness and wholly disabled from the performance of duty.
    I was detained until the 25th September, and on my return, after spending a week in ineffectual efforts to procure a loan of funds whereby to meet the current expenses of the office, and the liabilities incurred in holding treaties with the Indians, I was subpoenaed to attend the court then in session in Oregon City as a witness in a suit there pending against Anson Dart Esqr., late Supt. Indian Affairs, where I was detained till the evening of the 7th instant.
    I very much regret this delay as I fear it will tend much to the embarrassment of the Indian Department in Oregon for the ensuing year, and I deeply regret the circumstances rendering necessary this long apologetic introduction to my report. I hope the reasons above detailed will prove sufficient to exonerate me from blame in the premises.
    Peace at present exists with all the Indian tribes in this Superintendency, but as heretofore intimated a general feeling of anxiety and distrust pervades the tribes and bands from the seaboard to the Rocky Mountains.
    This feeling is more owing to the conduct of evil-minded whites towards them than to any desire on their part to annoy or injure the whites. The non-ratification of treaties has done much also to destroy their confidence in the good intentions of the government, and I may say, without exposing my opinion as to the provisions of these treaties, will tend much to embarrass the action of agents of the government, who may hereafter be designated to interpret treaty stipulations.
    This want of confidence in the declarations of the officers of government is not confined to the few tribes with whom treaties have been negotiated; it extends through the entire country, nor is it presumed that even the ratification of those treaties at so late a day would relieve the general distrust.
    The importance of entering, at an early period, into treaties to extinguish the Indian title to the lands belonging to the tribes residing along the Columbia River and the north Oregon Road, or so much of said country as is within the Territory of Oregon, has been repeatedly presented to the attention of the Department. My convictions of the propriety and necessity of this course are daily deepened, and I am satisfied that unless early steps be taken to effect such treaties, serious difficulties, if not a general Indian war with those tribes, will be the consequence.
    It is also important that measures to extinguish the Indian title to the country bordering on the Southering Road, extending from the Sierra Nevada to the summit of the Cascade Range of mountains, and as far north and south as to give security to our population constantly coming upon the western shores of this continent should be speedily taken.
    If it becomes the settled policy of the government to colonize the tribes residing on the west side of the Cascade Mountains on the east side of that range, the necessity of early explorations and early treaties for extensive tracts of Indian country is apparent.
    The vast district between the Southern Oregon Road and the Columbia River and between the Humboldt and Cascade Range is but little known, but is believed to contain many valuable tracts of agricultural country, of sufficient extent to incite settlers, and the rapid spread of our settlements renders it more than probable that a brief period will exhibit those fertile tracts seats of a thriving population and of the arts of civilized and enlightened communities. Experience moreover has taught us that the settlement of a country prior to the extinguishment of the native title to the soil is in most cases attended with serious difficulties and embarrassments to the government, with annoyance and danger to the settlers, and prove fatal to the best interests--the improvement and civilization of the natives.
    In connection with the subject of exploring the country and colonizing the tribes, I would add that information desired from a party in search of gold, who traveled the mountainous region in the neighborhood of Pitt's Peak and the country between Rogue River and Middle Oregon between the 43 and 44 degrees of N.L. induce me to believe that quite extensive valleys, fertile and well suited to the Indian population of the southern part of our Territory, exist in that region. This statement is partially confirmed by the Rogue River chiefs, who state that persons of their tribes visited some of those valleys many years ago. It is probable, however, that the valleys they refer to are east of the summit of the mountains.
    This evidence of the existence of such valleys, and of their suitableness to be made the future and permanent home of the tribes of Southern Oregon, would warrant their exploration, as well as those of the interiors of Middle Oregon above indicated. A full and complete examination of these portions of Oregon, besides enabling the government, with a fuller knowledge of the facts, to fix its permanent policy in regard to the savage tribes of Oregon, will doubtlessly tend greatly to bring to light the vast and diversified resources of our Territory.
    A different policy in regard to holding treaties with the Indians of this territory, from that heretofore pursued, seems called for, not only as a matter of economy, but on account of the influence exerted on the Indians themselves.
    The gathering of different bands and tribes from remote neighborhoods in mass, to be paraded, petted and feasted at the public expense, has a decidedly demoralizing influence upon the Indians, as it inclines them to indolence and extravagance, gives them an importance in their own esteem to which they are by no means entitled, and impresses them with the belief that our government has a reckless disregard of expenditure. At such places many congregate of a class interested in a large expenditure on the occasion, and for the purpose of present or ulterior gain, exert an improper influence over the minds of the Indians, disinclining them to treat, or inciting them to demand modes of payment suiting the sharper but at variance with their own real interest.
    In treating with the Indians the season of the year has its influence. At some season their wants are so easily and abundantly supplied that no proposition for purchasing their lands or for their removal, however extravagant, would receive their favorable regard. At other seasons their wants are so numerous and pressing that they yield a ready ear, and comply with such terms as may be dictated.
    This applies only to the tribes of the Lower Columbia and of the Willamette and Umpqua valleys.
    I would only avail myself of their necessities the more effectually to promote their general welfare, thus conforming to that humane policy which marks the history of our government towards the Indians. They must be united, instructed in the arts of civilization, and brought under the influence of wise and wholesome laws, in order to be perpetuated, otherwise they will speedily perish on the graves of their fathers. In order to make them the recipients of these benefits, the period of their most pliant mood must be seized upon, and all engagements made with them promptly carried into effect.
    As to the better mode of treating, nothing I apprehend could be more ridiculous and absurd than pomp and display in treating with the miserable bands and remnants of tribes in the region last referred to. The most simple and economical approach on our part becomes their condition, and will alone secure the prompt completion of contracts with families, bands and tribes so feeble and so numerous. Let their usual places of residence be visited when practicable, let them be collected at places as contiguous to their homes and when they are so isolated and scattered as to render this impracticable, let them be collected at places as contiguous to their homes as possible, and there treated with, not with a view of indulging their savage whims and fancies, but with an eye to their real and permanent good, and if possible their duration in the scale of humanity.
    Much credit is due General Lane for the explicit and fair dealing which has always characterized his intercourse with the Indians. He has always scrupulously avoided making promises to them beyond what he was sure of being able to perform. His statements are consequently regarded with confidence by the Indians.
    The beneficial influence of this statement among the Indians was manifest in the late treaty with the Rogue River tribe, the chiefs the more readily acceding to terms which they regarded as having his approbation and sanction.
    The practice now so general of making presents to Indians has I believe rather an injurious tendency than otherwise, as it has created the impression extensively among the Indians that the government is bound to continue the practice as long as they remain among us, and while thus supplied they are less inclined to treat for the sale of their lands and submit to removal. It also tends to foster indolent habits, as they are not inclined to industry and economy while their wants can be otherwise supplied.
    Presents in some instances appear necessary and proper to conciliate the good will of the Indian, reward the good conduct or incline him to peace, but the practice has evidently been much abused, and is at last of little utility.
    In the selection of a district of country for the colonization of the various bands and tribes of Indians who inhabit the country contiguous to the coast, attention is required to their mode of subsistence. They may properly be termed fish eaters, and to assign them a country destitute of this to them indispensable article of food would be disastrous to their existence as a people.
    The country between the Tillamook and Umpqua has already been suggested as among the most desirable locations for the settlement of the Indians of the Willamette and Lower Columbia.
    Those of the Umpqua may be added, but it is somewhat doubtful whether the country is sufficiently extensive for the settlement of the Coast Indians inhabiting the country south of the Umpqua. The designation of an additional tract may consequently be necessary for the settlement of the Coast Indians, and two or more tracts east of the Cascade Mountains for the tribes inhabiting the interiors.
    I regard it as highly important for the successful maintenance of friendly relations with the Indians that in addition to the agencies of Rogue River and Utilla, there be an agency established for the tribes east of the Cascade Mountains to include the Klamaths, Diggers and Shoshones, that portion of the Snakes residing within this Territory, and the Bannocks residing along Lewis Fork of the Columbia and Boise River. And until the extinction of the Indian title to the country and the removal of the Indians, it is important that in addition to the sub-agencies of the Willamette Valley, Clatsop Plains and Port Orford, another sub-agency be established including the Umpqua Valley and the country bordering on the Coos and Coquille rivers, now in the care of Special Agent W. J. Martin.
    The subject of additional compensation to agents and sub-agents is respectfully submitted. That of sub-agents is barely the pay of a common laborer, and is insufficient to secure the services of competent and reliable men.
    A detailed account of the numbers and condition of the Indians of the sub-agency at Port Orford is given in the report of Sub-Agent S. H. Culver, a copy of which is herewith transmitted.
    By the judicious and untiring attention of Mr. Culver, supported by the military stationed at Port Orford, the Indians of that district, though numerous and warlike, have been kept quiet.
    The recent discovery of gold in that region has induced a large number of persons to congregate in the vicinity of Port Orford, which from the number and character of the Indians dwelling thus is more than likely, without the most unremitting vigilance and care, to result in difficulty and bloodshed.
    Many of the adventurers in the mining region are of the most reckless and desperate character, and affected with such feelings of hostility to the Indians that military coercion alone seems adequate [sic] to the preservation of peace.
    My knowledge of the character and condition of those Indians, as well as the character of the country they inhabit, is so limited that I am unable to recommend any measure of policy to be pursued in regard to them. It is evident however that delay in assigning them an abode within fixed limits, remote from the mining districts, where they can be protected from encroachment and violence, must tend to their speedy extinction. Treaties therefore at an early day for the extinction of title to their lands, and provisions for their colonization in a suitable country, are of the utmost importance.
    My letter of the first September informing you that F. M. Smith Esq. of Port Orford in the absence of a sub-agent, P. F. Thompson Esq., being on duty at the Utilla Agency, was appointed special agent for the tribes of the Port Orford district. No information as to his acceptance or refusal has yet been received. Mr. Smith is recommended as well qualified for the duties of the station, and I hope the appointment may meet your approbation.
    On my return from Rogue River to this place I received information rendering it necessary to dispatch an agent immediately to visit the Indians residing along the waters of Coos River and Bay, situated some fifteen or twenty miles south of Umpqua River. The necessity for the constant presence of an agent among the tribes in the Rogue River country renders it imprudent to call away Agent Culver from his post, though Coos Bay is attached to his district. I therefore deputed William J. Martin Esq. of Winchester as a special agent to visit the Indians of Coos Bay, and on the waters of Umpqua River. I transmit a copy herewith of his appointment and instructions.
    While on my late expedition I came to the knowledge of the existence of a tribe of Indians inhabiting the country on the upper waters of the north and south forks of the Umpqua and the headwaters of Rogue River, called the wild Mo-lal-la-las. The name so nearly resembles that of the Mo-la-las, of the Willamette, that they have hitherto been confounded with that tribe, but the information I have obtained satisfies me that they are a distinct tribe, speaking an entirely different language, and having no connection whatever with them.
    They have had but little intercourse with the whites, being located in a remote and mountainous region, off the line of travel from Oregon to California. They roam sometimes as far east and southeast as the headwaters of Deschutes and the Klamath Lake. Their subsistence is chiefly wild game, with which their country abounds, while numerous mountain streams and lakes afford a rich supply of fish.
    Some of these lakes are said to be twenty miles in length, with considerable margins of fertile, level land, and surrounded with precipitous mountains. This information, though chiefly derived from Indians, is so corroborated that I put much confidence in its correctness.
    The several bands inhabiting the coast between Tillamook and the Umpqua River have never been visited by an agent of the government. It was indeed represented that but few Indians dwelt there. I have however conversed with several of a party who explored one of the streams emptying into the ocean on that coast during the summer who found a village at the base of the mountains about six miles from the ocean, sustaining about two hundred souls. In the comfort of their lodges and their abundant supply of provisions they were much in advance of the tribes generally along the coast. They were poorly clothed, had no firearms, and were of a lighter complexion than the Indians usually are.
    They subsist on wild game, fish, mussels and clams, and have but little intercourse with the whites. The greater part of the tribe fled on the approach of the exploring party.
    No detailed report of the condition of the Indians in the Utilla Agency has been received. A copy of a letter from Sub-Agent P. F. Thompson accompanying this report will give you some idea of the petty annoyances to which the agent is subjected from that proud and haughty tribe.
    No report has been received at this office from the agency at Puget Sound. My letter of the 22nd of August informed you of the designation of J. M. Garrison Esqr. to that agency. Agent Sterling was accordingly informed of the fact by letter from this office and directed to turn over to Mr. Garrison the papers and property belonging to the agency upon his executing to him the proper receipt therefor. This Mr. Sterling declined doing, on the ground that he was not subject to the control of this Superintendency, and was acting under instructions of Governor Stephens of Washington Territory. Soon after, Mr. Garrison returned to this Territory, and on the 10th instant notified this office that he had resigned his office of Indian agent to take effect immediately.
    No report has been received from Sub-Agent W. W. Raymond Esqr. of Clatsop Plains, nor from J. L. Parrish Esqr. of the Willamette Valley, but we believe the tribes and bands of those districts are at peace among themselves and sustain friendly relations to the whites.
    It may not be improper to state that several letters from various sources, interrogating me in regard to funds alleged to be due them for past services in the Indian Department, including salary, traveling expenses &c., have been received, the amount of which claims I have no means of ascertaining, as no regular bills have been presented. Among the number is Agent H. H. Spalding claiming one-quarter salary yet due him, E. A. Sterling for salary and traveling and incidental expenses, J. L. Parrish traveling expenses and interpreter's salary and A. A. Skinner Esqr. for traveling expenses and salary of interpreter.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 7; Letter Books F:10, pages 1-9.  Original letter on NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs, Reel 11, Instructions and Reports 1853-1855, pages 102-117.  Additional copies can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 252-268 and frames 422-445.



Sir,
    On the night of the 7th two Inds. shot a man by the name of Kyle, who was a partner of Wills, one of the persons shot at the commencement of the late war.
    It occurred near Willow Springs at about 10 o'clock at night.
    The two Inds. belong on the Klamath, though they have spent much of the last year with those in this valley. One of them is related by marriage to Tyee Jo & they both have many friends among the young Indians here. And it was a severe test of the Inds. desire for peace to be compelled [to] deliver them up. But they did so yesterday morning. They are now in the guard house, where they will be kept until the next term of the dist. court.
    I think peace now more firmly settled than ever.
Joel Palmer Supt. &c.
    Milwaukie O.T.
Oct. 13. P.S. Kyle died this morning.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 66.


Dear Sir,
    The first of this month I acknowledged the receipt of my appointment to the office of sub-agent of Indian affairs at this place. I beg to inform you that I am without law or semblance of law appertaining to the duties of my office. My attention never having been directed to Indian matters, I am to a great extent ignorant of the service required of me, and know but little of the powers invested in me. I hope therefore to receive from you, as soon as possible, full and complete instructions, that I may attend to the duties of the trust reposed in me to your satisfaction and to the satisfaction of the general government. Mr. Culver, on leaving here, took with him all the papers belonging to the office, such as vouchers of money expended, duplicates of quarterly reports &c. &c., thus leaving me to act upon my own judgment without the aid of instruction or even precedent. I would respectfully return you my thanks for the appointment, and beg to assure you that I shall attend to the duties of the office to the best of my ability.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 89.


Mr. Joel Palmer
    Supt. of Indian Affairs O.T.
        Sir, on my arrival at Coos Bay I proceeded to ascertain the disposition of the Coos Indians. I found them entirely friendly with the whites. I could talk but little with them on account of none of them being able to speak the jargon. The Coos Bay Company deserves much credit for the good judgment that they have shown in their proceedings with those Indians never promising them anything which they have not performed.
    The Coos Indians are all enjoying fine health. They are stout, robust men. I was not able to ascertain their number on account of not being able to talk with them as I would like to have done. I made them no presents, as I thought it was not necessary until such a time as I would be able to talk with them. I have found an Umpqua Indian which speaks the Coos and jargon well. All that is wanted is some goods, shirts, blankets and a few pieces of calico. They are anxious to sell their lands and make a small reserve to live on. They live entirely by fishing, don't wish to move at present. They claim all of the country commencing at Ten Mile Creek ten miles north of the mouth of the Umpqua down the coast to near the Coceal [sic] River, then back to the summit of the Coast Range of mountains, which will include all of the Coos Bay country. The country is mostly level and covered with spruce, pine and white cedar and contains an immense quantity of fine stone coal. The Coos country in my opinion will make one of the largest and richest countries in Oregon. The soil is as rich as any land in the Territory.
    The bay is a beautiful sheet of water running back into the country some twenty-five miles completely landlocked, as I could not learn the depth of the water in the bar at the mouth of the river.
    I would propose buying the land of the Coos Indians as soon as possible, for the sooner the better for both whites and Indians, as it will be no doubt save both trouble and expense. There is no doubt but all of our Indian difficulties in this country have their origin in behalf of the Indian believing that the whites intends taking their lands from them without paying them for it, but when they find that not to be the case they at once have the most implicit confidence in the white people. After their lands are bought all that is needed is to never deceive them in the first instance, for if they ever lose confidence in the whites it is a very hard matter to get them to replace the same confidence again. I have just let out the building of those two houses for the Cow Creek Indians to J. B. Nichols for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars.
    On my way back from Coos I saw the Lower Umpqua Indians, those at the mouth of the Umpqua River, and some at the great fishing near Scottsburg. They are all willing to sell their lands to the United States and make a small reserve. They claim to be Umpquas and always have been willing for the whites to have all of their land except a small piece covering their fishery. The Indian here in the valley says that the Indian below the old H.B. fort is a different people from them, but I have no doubt but they are all the same people. Those here in the valley say they do not want to sell their land but wants the white to have it to take and settle on all of it as they have no use for the land and only wish to live among the whites. I told them that the President did not want to cultus iscum ["take for nothing"] their land but wanted to pay them for it, which pleased them very much. All the Umpqua Indians live by fishing and digging roots.
    I have not been able to find out their number, as they are scattered all over the country in small bands. From all I could gather from both whites and Indians I will set the Coos Indians down 200, the Lower Umpquas from the H.B. fort down 200, and from the fort up on the waters of the Umpqua 150, supposing them to be in all this amount 550. It would be well to have some presents to give to all of those people. They are anxious to have some goods as the winter is now approaching and take these as part pay for their lands. It will be no trouble to call all of them together at about three or four places.
    I may perhaps come down to see you about some goods for the Indians. In the meantime I will leave Mr. Magruder, my interpreter, here to figure out all the Indians in this valley and their numbers. I find it quite a job to get things straightened and in proper shape. I feel confident of being able to accomplish much with those Indians after I shall get them to understand what I want.
Gen. Joel Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affrs.
        O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 61.  A copy can be found on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 272-275.




Sir,
    Enclosed is bill of purchase for my office, being articles actually necessary. I have ventured the conviction that government will not repudiate such purchases. Am I right in my conclusions? When I shall receive full and complete instruction of the duties of my office and the power invested in me by virtue of the office, I shall then be able to conform to the strict letter of the law. Until then I shall act only upon mature reflection and with great caution.
    I hope to hear from you by return mail.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 90.






Sir
    Enclosed are letters from C. M. Walker Esqr. and a memorandum book and journal kept by said Walker, who claims that the amounts contained in said memorandum are due him and others mentioned therein severally. The memorandum book is the only evidence in this office giving any information on the subject, and it is transmitted with accompanying papers.
    I am satisfied that his claim is a just one, as well as those of others named in the accompanying abstract of accounts.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner
        Indian Affairs
            Washington City
                D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 283-284.



Sir:
    I have to acknowledge the receipt of three letters from you: one dated Sept. 1st last, enclosing a list of the persons employed within your Superintendency, one dated same day, requesting a few copies of the laws and regulations of this bureau to supply your Superintendency, and the other dated Septr. 13th stating that in view of the hostilities existing among the Indian tribes of the Rogue River Valley, you had appointed F. M. Smith Esqr. special agent for that valley, temporarily, with the salary of a sub-agent.
    In accordance with your request I herewith transmit to you four copies of the laws and regulations of this bureau.
    In view of the circumstances mentioned in your letter of the 13th Sept., your appointment of Mr. Smith as special agent for the Rogue River Valley is approved, but it is expected that his employment in that capacity will be discontinued as soon as the relations of the Indian tribes in that vicinity will allow his services to be dispensed with.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Superintendent
        Milwaukie
            O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 72.



Dear Sir
    I reached my home and post of duty on the 3rd inst. Soon after my return news was brought me by a gentleman residing near the mouth of Rogue River of the manifestation of hostility on the part of the Cis-ti-cos-ta Indians. Benj. Wright and party of four men were up at the "big bend" of Rogue River a few days since, making exploration for coarse gold. They were there met by the Cis-ti-cos-tas and ordered to immediately leave their country.
    Wright endeavored to convince them that they were there only for peaceful purposes and wished to meet with their people as friends, but no overtures of peace or good will would be received. Wright was told by the chief that he would not allow white men to live or even pass through his country--that his people were strong, had good arms, and were willing to fight. Wright and party left with all possible speed, so apprehensive were they of an attack at that time. I am impressed with the belief that there exists an actual necessity of this post's being strongly garrisoned immediately. I am told that there are now at "Table Rock," "Fort Lane" three companies of troops under command of Capt. Smith. I hope you will deem it advisable to urge upon Gen. Hitchcock the necessity of removing to the "big bend" of Rogue River a portion of the troop now stationed at "Table Rock." The necessity of this appears to me to be imperative, particularly if this post is to remain in its present feeble state. At present I am powerless to do good. There are but seven men in the garrison of Fort Orford, a force totally insufficient for any purpose incident to my duties as sub-Indian agent. We are daily receiving accession to our population, and many of those arriving are of the most reckless character, having no regard for law, order or life. I need the protecting arm of a military force to prevent outrages being committed upon the Indians by lawless whites. I propose to visit the Cis-ti-cos-tas immediately and shall do all in my power to establish friendly relations with the tribe. On my return I will at once acquaint you with the result of my efforts.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1853, No. 91.



Sir,
    In view of the enormous charges made for transporting freight I would suggest that the Superintendent be allowed to purchase and retain in the service teams and pack animals with the necessary fixtures for transporting goods and supplies to those parts of the Superintendency for which they are intended. I would also recommend that the Superintendent be allowed to purchase for the service three or four horses or mules and each agent and sub-agent be allowed to purchase or be furnished by the Superintendent with two or three each as circumstances may require to be used as saddle animals in traveling.
    As a matter of economy, these arrangements seem necessary in order to avoid the extravagant charges of public conveyance. At most points the cost of forage for animals while not in actual service may be avoided and also frequently while in service, as the country abounds in nutritious grasses. When the service requires dispatch and in traversing the settled portions of the country forage of course will be requisite.
    The same is required for hired animals since the price of hire would in most cases more than meet the expense of forage, nor is it presumable that the animals would depreciate materially in value.
    The sub-agent at Tansy Point should be allowed a rowboat, as most points he will be required to visit can only be reached in that way.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affairs
        Washington City D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 502-504.



Sir,
    I respectfully request instructions on the following points connected with the duties of my office.
    Am I warranted to pay the salaries of agents and sub-agents in any case in advance, or the salaries of their respective interpreters, before the salary account is passed on and approved in your office?
    Is the payment of house and office rent of agent and sub-agents provided for by the regulations of the Department? If so, is it proper to pay said accounts before they are passed on and approved as above stated, and are the traveling and incidental expenses of agents and sub-agents only to be paid after the accounts are approved in your office and ordered to be paid?
    In an emergency requiring the employment of persons on special service, is the Superintendent authorized to pay for such service and the expenses incident thereto before the accounts of said persons are approved in your office and their payment ordered?
    I would also ask instructions in reference to the mode of purchasing goods designed as presents to the Indians.
    Is it expected that the Superintendent should make all purchases for this purpose in this Superintendency, and when so purchased and turned over to agents should a bill of purchase and a duplicate receipt of said agent be forwarded to the Department at Washington?
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 505-507.