General E. S. Parker
    Comr. of Indian Affairs
        Washington
            D.C.
                Dear Sir
                    I have a letter from the Rev. J. H. Wilbur of Oregon, asking us to make a change relative to two of our agencies in Oregon.
    We have recommended the appointment of Joel Palmer for the Grand Ronde Agency and L. S. Dyar for the Siletz Agency. Mr. Wilbur asks us to change these, so that Mr. Palmer may be assigned to the Siletz Agency & Mr. Dyar to the Grand Ronde Agency. Mr. Meacham, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon, says this change is important to the success of the service, because of the peculiar difficulties of administering the Siletz Agency & the peculiar qualifications of General Palmer for that post. We therefore request that the change be made accordingly.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 655-656.

Genl. Joel Palmer
    Dear Sir
        Enclosed find notice of appointment and also blank bond. You will understand what is necessary to be done in the premises. If you accept such appointment it is desirable that you should assume the duties of said office at an early day. I have instructions to deliver to you commission and instructions upon filing of your bond and oath of office.
    I propose to leave here for Umatilla Saturday 21st inst. to be absent two weeks and desire to arrange the above affairs before leaving. Should you decline the appointment please notify the office at an early day.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 502-503.



    The following is a copy of a letter written by Most Rev. F. N. Blanchet, D.D., Archbishop of Oregon City, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, setting forth the claims of Catholics in the case, both spiritual and temporal, of the Indians of certain reservations located in his archdiocese.
    "Honorable Sir:--I was much pleased when, on my return from Rome, and traveling through the United States in December last, I reed in the Message of the President that the old system of the Indian agencies was to be replaced by a new one, more liberal and more just, too, in dividing the care of the Indian reservations to the various religious denominations. This wise plan will at last put an end to the suffering of our poor Catholic Indian missions, which hitherto have remained under the care of Protestant ministers or layman agents, notwithstanding our own efforts and the repeated reclamations and the protestations of the Indians. The friends of the old system, on losing their grasp of our Catholic missions, may no doubt complain loudly, and condemn the change, but most certainly all upright and impartial men will rejoice, and praise our excellent President for such an act of justice, so long deferred.
    "I claim under the new arrangement the care of three Indian reservations as Catholic, viz: Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Grand Ronde, and to prove our right to the same it is but necessary to glance at the following facts:
    "In the fall of 1847, at the request of the young Catholic chief, Tawatowe, Very Rev. Father Brouillet, V.G., went to Umatilla to reside among the Cayuses of his tribe. Saint Ann was the name of that mission. He remained there teaching until he was forced to leave, on account of the war against the Cayuses by the Walla Wallas, who had murdered their teacher, Dr. Whitman. Peace having been reestablished, the same mission was continued at Walla Walla, among the Cayuses and Walla Wallas, under the name of St. Rose of Lima. On my request, and with the consent of his Superior, Rev. Father Chirouze, being sent, arrived there on the 7th of May, 1852, and began the mission with the assistance of my diocese. His zealous efforts were so successful that he wrote to me in 1858, saying that he had instructed and baptized 200 Cayuses, 80 Walla Wallas, 35 Nez Perces, 5 Snakes, and 5 Palouses, had blessed 20 marriages, and had a congregation of 420 souls. There then broke out a new war among some of the Indian tribes, in 1855, which passed Father Chirouze to abandon his dear mission and to join, in Puget Sound, the Fathers of his order. When peace had been restored, and the Cayuses and [Walla] Wallas had been by a treaty transferred to the Umatilla Reservation, in 1856 or 1857, neither I, by my representation, nor the Indians, by their reclamations, could have a Catholic teacher among them for six or seven years, by reason of the opposition of the agents, until at last Mr. Barnhart, an agent who was better disposed, consented to receive a Catholic priest as a teacher. He arrived at his post on the 1st of November, 1865. But Mr. Barnhart, having been removed, there came new agents, with their prejudices against the priest and his religion. So much for the Umatilla Reservation.
    "The Warm Springs Reservation was settled in great part by the Wascoes, the Grand Dalles and Tygh Indians, who had been instructed and baptized, with their children, by the priest of our mission at Dallas, from its first establishment, in 1848, until the time when they were transferred by a treaty from the Dalles to the Warm Springs Reservation, about 1856 or 1857. Since their removal there, seventy miles from Dalles City, a priest has been sent nearly every year, at great expense, to visit and teach our Catholic Indians, administer the Sacraments to them, and to baptize their children. I have tried to obtain a Catholic teacher for them, and have even offered to support a priest there, but neither my offer, nor my reclamations, with those of the Indians, have ever been heeded, on account of the prejudiced disposition of the agents. Such has been the situation of our Catholic Indians at Warm Springs Reservation, for fifteen years. The consequence is that our Catholic Indians, who were so well versed in their religion by being taught with the help of the Catholic Ladder, and who knew their prayers and were able to sing many sacred hymns, have now nearly forgotten and lost all that they had learned with so much labor for them and so much fatigue for the priest, and are now falling back into their old pagan practices, and perhaps into worse practices, taught them by unprincipled men, at the expense of the government; for men indifferent, or having but little or no religion at all, cannot give what they have not. No, no; never will the Indians be brought to a true civilization--that is, to a true Christian civilization--by those means.
    "The Grand Rapids Reservation is composed of the Clackamas, Oregon City Molallas, Calapooias, Tualatins, and several other tribes of Indians, who had received religious instruction as early as 1842, and whose children, then baptized, are now men. Having been congregated by a treaty on that reservation, with many Catholic half-breeds, the Catholic Indians desired to have a Catholic priest to teach them and attend to their religious needs. A general meeting was called in the beginning of December, 1859, in order to ascertain the dispositions of all the chiefs of the different tribes in regard to the subject. After a long and careful consideration, it was nearly unanimously resolved that they wanted a Catholic priest to teach them and their children. By a letter of December 15th, 1859, I made Mr. E. R. Geary the Superintendent, aware of the resolve and desires of the Indians in their General Assembly. A priest was sent to the reservation, where he arrived on the 24th of September, 1860. The priest for teaching children laboring under some difficulty, a demand for a Catholic lay teacher was made. By a letter dated August 21, 1860, Mr. John A. Miller, the agent, referred me, on the subject, to the Superintendent, who, by a letter dated on the 27th of December, 1860, answered that my request was granted, and Mr. Healy, a Catholic, having been presented, he accepted him to superintend and govern the school. Mr. Healy taught school until he was advised that there was no more allowance for a schoolmaster. A church being needed there, an application was made for one, and the same Superintendent answered by a letter dated on the 14th of February, 1861, that Mr. Miller, the agent, had been instructed to designate and assign a suitable site, on the Grand Ronde Reservation, for a church, which having been built, at an expense of about seven hundred dollars, paid by the diocese and the priest (who is also supported by the archdiocese), was dedicated to divine service on the 12th of October, 1862. Many efforts have been made since by Rev. Father Croquet, the zealous missionary of that reservation, and myself, as well as by the Indians themselves, to the end of procuring a Catholic teacher, but all in vain. The Sisters of Portland, in 1864, made an offer to the Superintendent to keep a school there at their own expense, but it was refused, with the answer that the school at that reservation was as good as any Catholic school. Sometimes it was the Superintendents, and sometimes the agents that were opposed to our demands for this and other Indian reservations. Indignant, and unwilling to send their children to such a school, the Catholic Indians keep their children at home. Hence the small number of children who frequent that school.
    "To these three reservations, claimed as Catholic, I might add those of Siletz
and Alsea, as partly Catholic, for they have been visited every year by the missionary priest of Grand Ronde since 1860, who baptizes each time a large number of children, and teaches the adults the Christian doctrine.
    "Such is the sad history of our Catholic missions among the Indians. We have been unable to take care of them until now, either by ourselves or by any Catholic teachers. They have been certainly snatched from our hands by a spirit of self-interest and irreligion; nay more, in many instances this has been done to keep away a disagreeable and investigating eyewitness of many foul deeds of injustice, and iniquities, contrary to and destroying the benevolent views of the government.
    "Hoping that the time for a reformation has arrived, and that the new system which has been proposed by our excellent President is not a mere show of vain words, I beg justice for our Catholic missions among the Indians of my diocese, in the state of Oregon.
The Catholic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1871, page 2



Sir
    Joel Palmer Esq. having been appointed U.S. Indian Agent for Siletz Agency, and having as directed filed with me his official bond and received his commission, you are therefore directed to turn over to said agent Joel Palmer upon application whatever public funds and property there may be in your hands, taking his receipt for the same.
    All liabilities for which you have not funds applicable for the payment thereof you will issue certified vouchers, which your successor is authorized to pay "if satisfied they are correct."
    You will make up and forward to this office your final acct. without unnecessary delay.
Benj. Simpson Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Siletz, Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 508.



Sir
    I learn that "Indian Pete" has been captured and returned to the state prison as an escaped conflict.
    From the representations made I suppose he ought to be released. I have talked the matter over with Watkins Supt. and have arranged to have him pardoned out as soon as I can hear from you whether it ought to be done or not. I wish you would write immediately on the subject and let me know what is right about this matter as you doubtless understand all the particulars.
Chas. Lafollett Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Grand Ronde
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 511.


Sir,
    I have the honor to submit this as my report of the condition of Indians &c. in the Alsea Indian Sub-Agency Oregon for the month of April 1871.
    Nothing of interest having taken place during the past month, I have but little to report.
    Spring's work [is] progressing finely and wholly with Indian labor, I having now employed Indians for farmers and all general work.
To
    Hon. A. B. Meacham
        Supt. of Indian Affairs
            Salem
                Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



    INDIAN POLICY.--The Corvallis Gazette says that Gen. Palmer, who has assumed the duties of agent for the Siletz Indian Reservation, "intends to carry out President Grant's policy in regard to Christianizing as well as civilizing the poor Indian." Grant's policy of "Christianizing and civilizing" the Indians while he remained on this coast is regarded among decent and refined people as rather a revolting one, but it may suit General Palmer's high-toned (?) ideas to a dot.
State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, May 5, 1871, page 2



Sir
    Maj. Magone leaves today. Dr. Bayley of Corvallis shipped to Siletz this morning two hundred (200) bushels of oats, two (2) flour, three (3) set of second-hand harness, ten (10) lbs. blue velvet and garden seed. I send you, per Magone, one horse that with proper care may be of good service to you.
    I see by Mr. Simpson's property returns (the last one on file) that he had sixty-three (63) head of work oxen and seventeen head of horses and mules. I doubt not that he has produced and turned over enough stock to complete your spring work when you have forage for them which I send you. I cannot but believe that Mr. Simpson will make things all right. Having confidence in your judgment I have no fear but you will bring everything out all in good condition.
Joel Palmer Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Siletz
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 511.


Rev. Dr. Wm. L. Harris
    Cor. Secy. Methodist Mission
        New York
            Dear Sir,
                I wrote you May 1st inst. in regard to the appointment of Chas. Lafollett and informing you that Mr. Lafollett and Rev. C. C. Stratton, presiding elder of the dist. covering Grand Ronde, would meet to have an informal talk over the matter.
    The result is first that Mr. Lafollett has no official notice that he has been recommended by the Methodist Church from any source, and that no other parties have any official information on the subject, and that until it is definitely understood whether the Methodist Church is responsible for said agency, no further action can rightfully be had.
    The questions arising are, 1st, Is Grand Ronde a Methodist agency? 2nd, If so, how much responsibility attaches to church, to agent and to Superintendent? Who represents the church here in Oregon? And what are his powers, privileges, responsibilities &c.?
    Please give an early answer to these questions and give also any information on this subject.
    I would respectfully suggest that a fair and distinct understanding on this matter be had with the Department of the Interior.
    I will today write Commissioner Parker on this subject, for the reason that no one has any definite instructions in the premises, and some confusion and misunderstanding are likely to arise.
    In this connection I desire to state, for the protection of Capt. Lafollett, that he is recognized by Rev. Stratton as a friend and proposes to him to meet, informally, any charge that can be brought against him, and whenever anyone is qualified to officially prefer any charges he courts investigation and will demand it.
    Rev. Stratton and Agent Lafollett have had a long, full and free conversation upon the subject of implied charges referred to in my communication of May 1st, and the result is that Mr. Stratton says, "I am satisfied that Mr. Lafollett has been misrepresented." My own opinion now is that no charges will be made or could be sustained if they were preferred. He has made a full explanation of all the implied charges and will be ready at all times to answer thereto.
    I am now of the opinion also that fury and bombast has been made by Democrats for political effect and should be treated with the indifference they deserve.
    Rev. Mr. Stratton will write you fully in regard to the principal subject matter of this communication.
Copy furnished for the information of Commissioner E. S. Parker, Washington, D.C.
 NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 816-818.  Another copy is on NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 512-513.



Sir,
    You will proceed without unnecessary delay to erect a suitable school house for the use of Indians on Grand Ronde Reservation, taking care to select a suitable site where it will be easy of access to the Indians, and for this purpose you are authorized to apply one thousand dollars of the school funds now on hand, and further, for the purpose of carrying on a manual labor school, to consolidate all the school funds on hand or that shall be hereafter placed to your credit until otherwise ordered.
    In making up your accounts you will refer to this order.
Chas. Lafollett Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Grand Ronde
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 513.



Sir,
    Being as you are identified with Agent Palmer of Siletz in the service of the Indian Dept., and having some interest in common looking to the welfare of the Indians under you, respectfully I would suggest that in order to get everything on a friendly and well-understood basis that you make Agent Palmer a visit looking to this end at your convenience. I doubt not such a visit would be for mutual benefit to you and the service. I have written Agent Palmer of your probable visit.
Chas. Lafollett Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Grand Ronde
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 513.



Sir
    I desire information on the following propositions.
    1st. Should not an agent holding office by virtue of recommendation by "Church" be notified thereof by some party having authority in the premises?
    2nd. Who represents the "Church" in Oregon?
    3rd. To what extent is an agent responsible to the "Church" recommending said agent?
    4th. May representative of "Church" inquire into official acts of agent prior to notification of his appointment under recommendation of said "Church"?
    5th. May representative of "Church" inquire into official acts of agents at any time, and may he demand access to official books and papers in Supt. or agent's office for the purpose of investigating the official management of agents?
    6th. May agent be suspended or removed on recommendation of "Church" with or without preferring charges against him on account of official management?
    7th. Before [whom] are charges and agent to be brought and tried? Is Grand Ronde Agency considered as under the assignment of the Methodist Church?
    Is Chas. Lafollett agent by virtue of recommendation from and by the Methodist Church?
    Accompanying letter to Dr. Wm. Harris, Cor. Secy., Methodist Mission, will suggest the necessity of an early settlement of these questions about when "Church" power and responsibility begins and ends. Until some understanding is had and circular letter issued, unpleasant episodes will occur. Earnestly asking an early reply,
Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
   
[penciled response]
    Answers--1st. Official notice to an agt. of his appmt. can only be given by the Indn. Office.
    2nd. I don't know.
    3rd. An agt. is legally responsible only to the Indn. Dept. Yet if the religious body recommending such agt. desire his removal an intimation to the Dept. to that effect would receive attention, and the agt. would probably be removed.
    4th. The agt. not being amenable by Dept. regulations to the church they cannot officially inquire into his official conduct & books unless he chooses to permit them as an act of courtesy. The church in its own way may and should inquire into the antecedents of the person whom it proposes to recommend for appmt.
    5th. Is answered above.
    6th. Is answered in 3rd answer.
    7th. Charges should be sent to Ind. Dept. at Washn. & they will determine who will try them.
    Chief clk. will see whether Grand Ronde is assigned & answer.
    Chief clk. can answer whether Lafollett is a religious appmt.
   
[in H. R. Clum's handwriting]
Mr. Waugh,
    Please attend to this.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 516.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 813-815, answers on frames 819-820.



Sir
    Yours of 29th ult. has been received. In reply I have to say that I share with you in regret that we did not meet, make personal acquaintance and have a talk over Indian matters. However, your very gentlemanly chief clerk did the honors of your office in good style.
    I fully agree with you that the enforcement of that particular provision in the last appropriation act, prohibiting over 20 per ct. payment &c. will work much inconvenience and in some cases actual hardship on the friends of the Dept. Our merchants and other furnishers of Indian supplies have had bitter experience waiting on "red tape" and insist that hereafter they must take that experience into consideration when putting in bids. The meaning of which is that we will have to pay 10 or 20 per ct. more for goods and supplies of all kinds bought on contract under the new law.
    I was in Washington when the act passed and did all I could to prevent it; in fact, the original proposition was to pay nothing until the contracts and vouchers were passed on by ex committee and goods and supplies examined and received.
    You perceive the law is much modified. Again, it was said that no charges or complaints were made against the Indian Dept. on the Pacific Coast, that this stringent law was made for "the plains." I believe that is true, nevertheless I suppose that all general laws must be uniform in operation, as per Constitution &c.
    It has been intimated that all goods for our coast was to be purchased East. I hardly think such will be the case. Unless forbidden by order I shall proceed to advertise very soon for summer supplies.
    I think next session we can prevent any such clause in [the] appropriation act, if we make our senators and members of Congress to fully understand the expense and inconvenience arising from this new arrangement.
    It would seem that a Supt.'s bond was a sufficient security to the govt. for faithful and honest expenditure of govt. funds, and contracts that have been made could be as thoroughly investigated and an officer be amenable for his acts under oath and bond when the whole amt. has been passed as well as but one half.
    I have had no communication with Supt. McKinney, but have no doubt he entertains views similar to those you have expressed. If it could be arranged for a meeting of you, Genl. McKinney and myself before next meeting of Congress, I doubt not we could agree on some plan to secure legislation that would be of general benefit.
    Surveyors are now on the several reservations preparing for allotment of lands to Indians in severalty. This move will advance the Indians in Oregon more than anything that has as yet been done for them, besides it is simply an act of good faith and justice.
    Hoping to meet you during the summer and also to hear again from you,
Hon. B. C. Whitney
    Supt. Ind. Affairs Cal.
        San Francisco
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 518-519.



Sir:
    Pursuant to your telegraphic order of April 13th 1871, I took charge of this station on the 19th of that month, relieving I. D. Applegate, who started for Salem on the day last mentioned.
    The Indians I found well contented. They seemed much interested in the progress of operations here, declared their determination to be obedient and faithful and cheerful rendered me such assistance as I called on them for.
    Pursuant to the plans of I. D. Applegate, on my arrival here I organized a force of Modocs to make their proportion of the rails required in enlarging the general farm. They worked quite industriously and in about ten days had made 3,000, the number required of them. I then detailed a larger party of Snakes to make the same number of rails, which they did in one week, working with equal industry but with less skill than the Modocs, the latter having had considerable experience in laboring for the whites before they came onto the reservation.
    During the whole time of my remaining in charge, operations on the farm were energetically prosecuted. All the employees were engaged either in plowing, sowing, harrowing or rolling, and every effort was made to put in the crop in the best manner possible.
    On May 19th 1871, I. D. Applegate returned from Salem and took charge at this place.
    In conclusion, permit me to say in regard to the Indians that I believe them "as good raw material out of which to make civilized Indians as any in the country," and I feel confident that under proper management they would soon reach a stage of civilization which would do credit to them and be an honor to the government, the real policy of which is to civilize and enlighten the original race of the country. Here we have a few bands of Indians that have never been tampered with by men whose design was to enrich themselves by defrauding the Indians out of their just rights, and as a consequence they repose much confidence in the government and in the persons selected to carry out its designs respecting them, and it is to be hoped that nothing may occur to shake their confidence in the good intentions of the government and those who represent it.
Hon. A. B. Meacham Supt.
    Indian Affairs in Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    Having just returned from an official visit to Grand Ronde Reservation, I desire to call your attention to a few items that are of importance:
    First: The Indians have an unusual crop in prospect.
    Second: They fully realize the advantage to result from having lands allotted in severalty, and therefrom arises several questions which I propose to submit. (See paper marked "A.")
    Third: The mills built fifteen years since are totally unfit for service, for the reason that they were not located with good judgment in this--that they were built on a low, flat, muddy piece of river bottom, composed of alluvial deposit that washes away almost like sand or snow, having neither "bedrock nor hardpan" for foundation, constantly settling out of shape and damaging machinery, besides being threatened with destruction at every overflow.
    The lower frame of both mills, but more especially that of the sawmill, are so rotten that it would not stand alone if the props and refuse slabs from the saw were removed.
    The flour mill is a huge, impaired structure, supported on wooden blocks or stilts, and double the proper dimension, with an old patched-up wooden water wheel that has been a constant bill of expense for ten years: machinery all worn out, even the bolting apparatus, rat-eaten and worthless, but with one 42-inch French burr, that, together with mandrel, are as good as new.
    The sawmill is the old-fashioned "single sash" with flutter wheel, only capable when in best condition of making 600 to 1000 feet of lumber per day, but utterly worthless at present for several reasons, chief of which is want of water. The "dam" was originally built about ¼ of a mile above the mills--at an enormous expense to government--across a stream (four times as large as need be for such mill purposes) with flat, soft, alluvial, porous banks and mud bottom.
    The history of said dam is that it has broken twenty times in fourteen years, each time carrying away mud enough at the ends of the dam to make room for each successive freshet.
    I believe that history--since inspecting the works--as evidence is in sight to show where thousands of days' work have been done and many greenbacks "sunk."
    I called to my assistance Agent Lafollett and George Tillotson, of Dallas, Polk County, a man acknowledged to be the most successful and practicable mill builder in our state, who stands unimpeached as a gentleman of honesty and candor. The result of the conference was that it would require $5000 to build a dam that would be permanent, that all the lower framework of both mills would require rebuilding at a cost of $2000, and that at least $1000 would be required to put machinery in good working condition, and when all was done these people would have only tolerable good old mills, patched up at a cost of $800O.
    But mills are indispensable civilizers, and must be had. I am determined to start these Indians off on the new track in good shape.
    There are three several branches coming in above the old mills, any one of which has abundant motive power. On one of these creeks a fall of thirty feet can be obtained by cutting a race at the bend of a rocky cascade, taking the water away from the danger of freshets, and building the mills on good, solid foundations, convenient of access by farmers and to unlimited forests of timber.
    Mr. Tillotson estimates the total cost of removing the old mills and such parts as are useful, and rebuilding on the new site a first-rate No. I double circular sawmill, with Leffel turbine water wheel, all the modern improvements attached, same kind of water wheel for flour mill, with new bolting apparatus etc., at about $4000, exclusive of Indian labor.
    I submitted, in full council, to the agent and Indians the proposition to apply funds already appropriated for the repair of agency buildings, a portion of the Umpqua and Calapooia school fund, that has accumulated to upwards of $5000, and so much of annuity fund as may be necessary to this enterprise, on the condition that the Indians were to do all but the mechanical work.
    The matter was fully explained, and without a dissenting voice they voted to have the mills, if furnished tools, beef and flour.
    The agent has now on hand a considerable amount of flour. For beef, I propose to use a number of the old, worn-out work oxen, as they are now fifteen or twenty years old, worthless for work and dying off with old age.
    To sum up, I have put this enterprise in motion, and propose to have the new sawmill grinding in ninety days.
    I now ask permission to apply the funds I have named to this object, fully satisfied in my own mind that it is for the benefit of these people. If it cannot be granted, then I will insist on funds that may be so applied be furnished from the general funds of the Department. These Indians must have a mill, besides it would reflect on the present administration of Indian affairs, to turn them over to the world without that indispensable appurtenance of civilization.
    Klamath mill is a monument of pride, and has done much to redeem the reputation of our Department, and I propose when I retire to leave every reservation supplied with substantial improvements of like character.
    Klamath flour mill is now under way, and will grind the growing crops.
    Going out of the ordinary groove, and wishing you to be fully posted about such transactions, is my apology for inflicting this long communication. Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10, Letter Books I:10, pages 523-527.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 825-835.



Sir,
    I desire to know whether employees on agencies are to be worked eight hours or to comply with the usages of the country.
    This question has been raised, and I have invariably overruled the eight-hour proposition. The customary time is ten hours among mechanics, and all day with farmers.
    Please settle this matter or I shall enforce ten hours, because it is right and just whether law or not.
Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 527-528.



    GRAND RONDE RESERVATION.--The Dallas Republican says that there is about 700 acres of grain sown on the Grand Ronde Reservation--120 acres on the government farm, and the remainder in patches by the Indians. This, added to the large amount of ground they have in garden, will give them a much larger supply of provender than usual. They have on hand from last year's crop quite a surplus of wheat, oats and hay.
The New Northwest, May 26, 1871, page 3



Sir
    Mr. Tillotson reported to this office on yesterday. We have decided to proceed with the sawmill as soon as you can have Indian laborers to assist. It is desirable that we push this enterprise and in order to do so it would seem necessary for you to "call in" enough men to make a gang of say twenty working men, and as soon as this is done notify Mr. Tillotson at Dallas.
    I have ordered all the tools required to be forwarded to you at Dayton, and have no doubt they will be awaiting your orders. I think you can send immediately without fear of disappointment. In the meantime you will arrange subsistence for the Indian work parties. It would be well also to assist Mr. Tillotson about a boarding place. My arrangement with him is that "the mechanics are to board themselves." He [is] to have the entire control of the work, we to furnish the laborers. I have said to Mr. Tillotson that he could employ such mechanics as he wished, including S. D. Reinhart and A. J. Monroe, and when dissatisfied with their services to certify to the time through your office and forward to this office for payment.
    I think it best to not transfer funds until a reply is obtained from Commissioner's office. In regard to diverting the funds we cannot expend or anticipate a fund not yet remitted, as I find a rule laid down to that effect. If we meet with a favorable reply from Commissioner we will then proceed with the flour mill. You may find employment while waiting for tools for Mr. Reinhart at such wages as you may agree on. Hoping you will give this enterprise sufficient attention to secure success &c.,
Capt. Chas. Lafollett
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Grand Ronde
P.S. In absence of Agent Lafollett, Mr. Crawford, acting agent, will proceed to execute the orders within suggested.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 530.



Sir:
    I have the honor to submit the following report for the months of April and May 1871.
    In my report for March I mentioned the fact that agricultural operations, under the supervision of Capt. D. J. Ferree, Supt. of Farming, were being vigorously prosecuted. The same energetic measures were continued in April, and by the 19th of that month I had the gratification of seeing the greater part of the Dept. farm sown and planted in the best manner possible, besides considerable farming done for the Indians on their various little farms on Williamson River and at various points on the lake shore.
    On April 19th, in accordance with your telegraphic order of the 13th of that month, I placed Capt. Ferree in charge and started en route for Salem in company with I. D. Applegate, commissary for Camp Yainax, and did not return to this agency and assume control again until May 19th. Consequently it is unnecessary to offer any explanation for not sooner making a report for the month of April. On my return I found affairs in a very satisfactory shape and ample evidence that both farm hands and mechanics had been during the whole time industriously employed for the best interests of the service.
    During the months for which this report is made every available means has been employed in the prosecution of agricultural operations. The Department farm was planted and sown at an earlier date than usual here and in the very best manner, but as the season has been very backward, heavy frosts having been frequent, I regret to say that the prospects for a good crop of grain are not flattering. The weather for the past week has been much more favorable, and we have reason to hope that the frosts are at an end for this summer and that the crops may yet succeed tolerably well.
    The sawmill has been running quite busily in sawing the logs cut by the Indians last winter. The blacksmith, carpenter and wagon and plow maker have been diligently engaged in making and repairing agricultural implements, and the two last in laboring on the agency buildings to make them more comfortable and convenient. In fact, the employees have labored energetically for the interests of the service.
    The Indians have been quiet and peaceable, and some of them have labored quite industriously on their little farms in fencing and in assisting the employees in planting for them. They are nearly all of them engaged in digging various kinds of edible roots, and some of them have received permission to visit some parts of the country adjacent to the reservation where such roots abound.
A. B. Meacham, Supt.
    Indian Affairs in Oregon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir:
    I would very respectfully report as follows for the months of April and May 1871.
    From April 1st until the 19th of that month all of the employees, both whites and Indians, were kept busily employed in putting in grain on the general farm at this place. The two mule teams were engaged in breaking prairie, the ox teams, managed entirely by Indians, in plowing old ground, in harrowing in grain, rolling &c.
    On April 19th in accordance with your instructions O. C. Applegate was placed in charge of this station and on the same day I started en route for Salem in company with John Meacham, commissary for Klamath Agency. As you are already informed of my services during my absence, I feel that no report from me for that time is necessary. On my return I relieved O. C. Applegate on May 19th, finding everything in satisfactory shape. For a statement of operations during my absence, you are respectfully referred to the report of O. C. Applegate, which is forwarded herewith.
    During this spring every available means has been employed in prosecuting farming operations. 6,000 thousand [sic] rails have been hauled out to be used in enlarging the general farm. 80 acres have been sown in grass and 20 in peas, turnips and a variety of garden vegetables on the general farm, and 6 acres of turnips have been sown on separate farms lately commenced by individual Indians. All this ground was carefully prepared and sown, and all the crops, although they have been kept back by the lateness of the spring frosts, now look quite well, and we confidently expect quite an abundant harvest.
    On my return here I was met by the chiefs of the several bands of Indians, all intensely anxious to know the feeling and intentions of the Department towards them. They appear delighted at their prospects and say they are ready and willing to do everything in their power to become more like white people. The likeness of Commissioner Parker excited them very much. It was decidedly encouraging to mark with what interest they looked at the picture of this man, of whom they have heard so much, and with what feeling they asked me questions about him as to what he would do for them, etc. These Indians, having never been deceived by the whites since peace with made with them, and on the contrary having learned by experience that our real motive is to do them good, place unbounded confidence in the government and its agents, and I do earnestly hope and trust that there may never be cause for a change in their present confidence and respect.
Hon. A. B. Meacham, Supt.
    Indian Affairs in Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir
    I have the honor to transmit this, my monthly report of condition of Indians and agency at Alsea during May 1871.
    The first part of the month all hands engaged [in] planting potatoes, after which gardens were prepared and seeded.
    The month has been very cold and backward, consequently everything put in late. Grain sown in April looks backward, with very poor prospects.
    We have had no warm weather during the month.
    Indians all appear contented and quiet, although there has been a great deal of sickness among them this spring, mostly, however, bad colds and violent coughs. During the month I visited, Umpqua and Coos Bay returned quite a number of Indians who had been long absent in those parts without passes. Quite a number more are in those vicinities which I believe will come in during the summer.
    The Indians that are out now are those who have been absent a long while and never did have any desire to remain on the reservation but have been consistently running away almost as soon as being back.
    Stock look well, and everything in general pertaining to the agency is in a good and healthy condition.
Alsea Indn. Sub-Agency
    June 10th 1871
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Dr. W. C. McKay
    Dear Sir,
        You are directed to take charge of such persons as may be sent by Commissary Applegate from Yainax, together with the outfit of animals, saddles &c., for the purpose of hunting up and returning to the Snake tribe of Indians at Yainax such persons as were taken prisoner during the Snake Indian War.
    Commissary Applegate has been directed to select such persons of said tribe as may be best adapted to the accomplishment of the object above indicated, putting them first under charge of messenger O. A. Brown, who has been directed to turn them over to you at whatever place you may meet him. You will take the necessary precautions to prevent said Indians from being transferred or sent off beyond your reach.
    To prosecute this purpose to success you are authorized to employ interpreters, purchase necessary supplies and pay all necessary expenses of said expedition, not to exceed in the aggregate the sum of 1000 dollars.
    It is probable that some of said Indian captives are now held as slaves by the tribes of Washington Territory. Supt. McKinney has been requested to make the necessary order to agents and others within his Superintendency as will facilitate the object you have in view. I have requested him to furnish this office with a letter recognizing our right to enter his Territory for the purpose mentioned above.
    You will prosecute your search for captives wherever you may have reason to believe they can be found within Oregon, Washington Territory or Idaho Territory.
    You will be careful to explain to the Indians that you are executing the will and orders of Commissioner Parker and that no more slavery will be tolerated within the United States, that no compensation will be made for these captives and that they must not be detained against their will.
    Wherever they may of their own free will elect to remain where they now may be be found you will not seek to remove them. In event you should find any of them married and they elect to take with them either husband or wife, this you will allow them to do, on the express condition that such persons renounce all allegiance to all other tribes. This, however, must be by consent of such government agent as may have charge of said Indians who may elect to emigrate to Klamath on account of marriage relations.
    The service will require the exercise of much patience and care in order to fully meet the promises made to Ocheho and at the same time do no injustice to the Indians in general.
    I have confidence in your ability to manage this expedition with discretion and bring it to a successful termination.
    I have directed Commissary Applegate to send a sufficient number of animals so that none need be purchased.
    Agent Smith of Warm Springs reports that he has a surplus of horses and mules, which he is willing to transfer. Should you require more animals than Commissary Applegate furnishes you may make a requisition on Agent Smith for supply.
    Supplemental instructions will be furnished you from time to time as may be necessary.
    You will be careful to keep a correct account of all expenditures.    
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 544-545.



Messenger James Brown
    Will proceed to Klamath with such dispatches as may be delivered to him by C. S. Woodworth, and remain at Klamath or Yainax until such time as Commissary Applegate shall have completed arrangements for expedition to hunt and return Snake Indian captives, when he will unless otherwise ordered take charge of said expedition in detail and proceed to Warm Springs or such other point as may be arranged with Dr. McKay and unless otherwise directed will transfer to Dr. W. C. McKay the whole charge and control of said command including men, horses and everything pertaining thereto, taking therefor a memorandum receipt for the same, after which you will return immediately to Salem.
    In the event that John Meacham shall be relieved from duty at Klamath, he will have charge of the entire outfit until junction with McKay.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 545.



Sir
    You will select from Ocheho's band suitable men to hunt up the Snake captives, say three or four, put them under charge of messenger Brown, who has been instructed in the premises to turn them over to Dr. McKay. You will mount the whole party and furnish everything requisite including say ten or twelve spare animals. Be careful to send some Indians along that can be used as interpreters.
    You will also--in conjunction with acting agent at Klamath--forward to Salem, in charge of Geo. Barger (or your mule teamsters, the large eight-mule wagon with six mules, the best you have for freighting.
    See that the mules are shod and wagon put in repair at Klamath before leaving.
    I will write you again at Ashland. This entire outfit to be placed under command of John Meacham, provided he shall have been relieved from duty as commissary at Klamath, otherwise as above directed.
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary
        Yainax
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 546.



Sir
    You will forward in charge of messenger Brown one four-mule team to Salem, to arrive at junction of the Albany, Dalles and Klamath road by 20th of July next.
    Have four large good team mules shod and harness and wagon in good repair before leaving Klamath (do not send little mules). Commissary Applegate has been directed to forward large wagon and six mules. You will assist him in putting this team in good repair. Should he require other assistance pertaining to expedition to hunt up Snake Ind. captives, you will see that he is supplied to the extent of your resources.
    The object of these teams is to transfer mill machinery and goods to Klamath, to arrive about 25th of August. The whole outfit to be put in charge of John Meacham, commissary, provided he shall have been relieved from duty at Klamath.
To
    Acting Agent
        Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 546-547.



Sir
    Having been officially notified by Commr. Ind. Affairs of your appointment as sub-agent at Klamath, I have directed John Meacham, commissary in charge, to transfer to you, on presentation to him of your commission, all the property and effects of said agency belonging to the Ind. Dept. You will give him triplicate receipts in the name of Supt. of Ind. Affairs.
    You will be furnished with funds within a few weeks.
    I would suggest but few if any changes of employees for the present.
    You will carry out the instructions now in force by Commissary Meacham. On assuming control, you will report immediately to this office, after which you will receive instructions from time to time. In the absence of any law or instructions on any point, be governed by common sense and justice.
J. M. High Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Sub-Agent
        Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 547.



Sir,
    I would most respectfully report the following for the month ending with the above date.
    The employees have been busily engaged on the farms in hauling rails and completing the fencing. The Indians have mostly been absent on leave, gathering roots, killing game, fishing etc. A Modoc Indian absent on leave was shot and killed on Lost River on the 19th of June by "Captain Jack," the chief or leader of the disaffected band of Modoc Indians now off the reservation. As soon as I was informed of the outrage, I made application to Maj. Jackson, commander of Fort Klamath, for the arrest and confinement of the murderer and his accomplices.
    Some of the Snake Indians under Chief Ocheho have gone to Camp Warner without permission. The exact number I have not been able to ascertain. A few, probably seven or eight, have gone to Camp Bidwell. On their way thither, passing through Goose Lake Valley, they showed some insolence towards settlers. I have sent reliable Indians to notify all these stragglers to return without delay to the reservation, which I believe they will do within a short time. The grain crop, particularly the wheat, bids fair to make an abundant yield. The Indians have generally been active and industrious in accumulating Indian provisions and have responded to every call for work on the farm. At one time the crops were threatened to be destroyed by crickets, but the employees, assisted by the Indians, either killed or drove them away, and the crop was saved.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir
    May offenders be prosecuted for selling liquor to Indians who do not now or never have belonged to any reservation under U.S. intercourse laws?
    Has not Superintendent authority over all the Indians in the state?
    The U.S. prosecuting Atty. is in doubt on the first proposition.
    I am resolved to break up, if possible, the liquor traffic with my people.
    Whiskey sellers seek to evade the U.S. law as above indicated. State laws are efficient. Please give instructions.
Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c,
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 548.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 885-886.



Sir
    You will either proceed immediately to Yainax yourself or arrange with Oliver Applegate or John Meacham to execute orders forwarded by messenger Brown to this effect. Select from Ocheho's band proper persons to hunt up Snake prisoners, under charge of Dr. McKay, and to furnish them necessary outfit including animals, placing them under command of John Meacham if he is relieved, otherwise under command of messenger Brown, who has special instructions in the premises. He will be awaiting you. You will also find instructions about mule teams.
    I regret that so many important things are to be done just at this particular period of your history, but you are equal to the emergency.
    I desire the teams to leave Klamath at the earliest day convenient and to arrive at the point mentioned in order sent per Brown, 20th inst.
    I have purchased a new storm flag for each agency. I have also a promise from Genl. Canby of all the army clothing we may need.
    I further propose for you to meet me at Camp Harney about the 10th of Sept. with a delegation of Snake Indians, but will write fully on this subject hereafter.
    I have ordered Mr. John High to take charge of Klamath and not Yainax.
    How did you settle with Dr. McKay?
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary
        Yainax
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 55O.



Sir,
    Chas. Lafollett, U.S. Indian Agent for Oregon, and in charge of Grand Ronde Indian Agency, has this day filed with me a letter of resignation to take effect on the 31st inst., a copy of which letter is herewith transmitted.
    The reasons intimated as being known to me are 1st that he is unwilling to serve as agent under recommendation of the Methodist Church because of the undefined authority with which said church, through the membership thereof, seek to control his official acts.
    2nd because he is fully convinced that the said church as an organization are dissatisfied with him as a Methodist agent.
    3rd that he has business prospectively more remunerative than the Indian agency.
    Agent Lafollett assures me that these reasons are a sufficient justification for him in taking this step, and that had not the assignment to the church been made he would willingly serve out his present term of office, and that his relation with the Indian Dept. having been pleasant and satisfactory, he regrets the necessity of severing such relationship by his own act.
    I have carefully looked the matter over and, in view of all the facts in the case, would respectfully request that his resignation be accepted.
    Unless otherwise instructed, I shall appoint a commissary to take charge of Grand Ronde Agency at the time designated in his letter of resignation, and conduct the business myself until such time as the church shall have recommended his successor and he shall have been appointed and commissioned.
    Trusting that Agent Lafollett's resignation may be accepted and my action approved,
Hon E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 550-551.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 887-889.



Sir,
    I respectfully submit a few items in connection with the survey of Indian lands, in addition to my letter to you of 3rd inst. on same subject. Under treaty the Klamath Indians are to have-- "To each head of a family shall be assigned and granted a tract of not less than forty nor more than one hundred and twenty acres according to the number of persons in each family. And to each single man above the age of twenty-one years a tract not exceeding forty acres."
    Under the stipulation it would seem that an estimate might be made of the amount of survey necessary.

	Whole No. of	Men	Women	Child.	Total
	Klamaths	140	244	196	580
	Modocs	40	34	107	181
	Snakes	91	115	152	358
	Not on reservation but belonging there				635

    It is not expected to permanently locate at Klamath the latter. And it is doubtful if any of the Snakes are finely [sic--"finally"?] located. Hence, for the present, estimate for the Klamath and Modocs. From this data you may be able to approximate the amount required for Klamath.
    I will furnish similar statement as regards to other reservations within a few days.
    As to when you let those subsequent contracts I have no doubt you will do justice and arrange wisely.
    I think in most cases it would be good policy to allow those who have surveyed on any certain reservation to complete the work. Moody expects it and I have assured him that as far as my influence extends, he should have it for a contract to finish up Umatilla.
    On my return from Siletz I will endeavor to meet you. If you have business here, say within two weeks, please let me know.
    Hoping I have given you such information as you desired,
Wm. H. Odell
    Surveyor General
        Eugene City, Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 552-553.



Sir
    The Surveyor Genl. is now ready to subdivide Klamath Indian lands preparatory to allotment. His deputy will report to you. You will give the subject particular attention so that the surveys are made of such lands only as are suitable for allotment.
    It is desirable that at least 320 acres of choice land be located as a Dept. farm.
    You will also direct O. C. Applegate to proceed to enroll the Klamaths preparatory to allotment. This should be done in such a manner as to preserve the identity of individuals and also of families.
    Reference to the treaty will enlighten you on the subject, also show you what should be done.
    It is desirable in making up this statement [that] each person at least should have some plain American name, in addition to the Indian one. Be careful and not duplicate surnames.
    You will explain this matter to the chiefs about surveying and new names and consult them about the latter especially.
    In making the arrangement for Indian lands, you will not include the Snake Indians now at Yainax.
    I doubt whether the Modocs can ever be induced to locate at Klamath, but in compliance with the treaty with Klamath and Modocs, it would be well to make an estimate for them.
    You will receive a further instruction before making any allotment, and in the meantime assure the Indians that when everything is ready, the apportionment shall be made fairly and justly.
Agent in charge of Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 553.



Oregon Iron Works
    Portland
        Please forward without delay to Dayton marked "Agent Grand Ronde" sawmill complete as ordered by Mr. Tillotson, also 23½ inch water wheel as agreed, with Myers Jr., that is to say, the wheel that has the piece broken out of the rim. Send bill to this office.
    Please overhaul the Klamath flour mill irons to see that they are ready to ship on notice.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 554.



(Telegram)
To Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
            Lafollett resigned Grand Ronde Agency. Sub-Agent High not yet reported at Klamath. If possible transfer him to Grand Ronde.
    Presiding Elder Stratton approves.       
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 554.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 883-884.



Sir:
    I have the honor to transmit this, my report for the month of June as to the conditions of Alsea Indian Sub-Agency Oregon.
    Since my last report nothing of interest has transpired.
    I have only to state that crops so far look very bad, owing to cold, wet month of May and dry June, not having had one drop of rain during the whole month.
    Large quantities of rutabagas were sowed during the month and scarcely a seed came up. Oats & barley will be a failure this season.
    All of which is most respectfully submitted.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. of Indn. Affairs
        Salem
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.






Sir
    Your communication of 6th inst.has been received, also those addressed to Commissioner Parker and Hon. Vincent Colyer. The latter have this day been forwarded.
    I regret that such action has been had without first advising Superintendent and agents of the complaint, setting forth the grievance.
    I doubt not that the Indians around Oregon City as elsewhere are troublesome. I have endeavored to do my duty and have not failed to insist on agents in charge of reservations doing theirs.
    It is almost impossible to prevent the Indians from visiting fisheries, and especially those located at their old homes.
    We of the Indian Dept. propose to protect white people from any annoyances by our people, and we ask you as officers and citizens to assist us by executing the laws against citizens who sell whiskey to these people. You would not complain of them if no whiskey was sold by your own citizens. Now since there is a necessity for these people visiting fisheries and sometimes other places for trade and labor, let me with all respect to you and in a spirit of fairness and justice suggest that your county government enforce the state laws against the persons who are the real cause of all the trouble with Indians by selling them liquor. We on our part promise to protect all persons from any wrong by Indians who may visit our reservations with or without passes.
    We compel our Indians to respect the rights of all persons who may pass through their country. Can you not compel your citizens from violating your laws when our Indians visit them?
    By reference to Statutes of Oregon to an act approved Oct. 21st 1864, you will find a law to prevent Indians and half-bloods from unlawfully running at large &c.
    Now suppose your citizens live up to that law and refuse to have trade and intercourse with any and all Indians who are not provided with passes. We would have little or no trouble to control them. I mark these suggestions because perhaps you have never looked at both sides of this question, and I doubt not you will be candid enough to admit that if you are justified in filing complaint against the officers of the Indian Dept. in Oregon without first asking at our hands such relief as we could give, that we are justified in prosecuting every citizen who fails to comply with the law above referred to passed in 1864.
    Messenger Brown of this Dept. visited your city a few weeks since to look after Indians. Every man that rendered assistance either did so with seeming indifference or on promise of pay. Brown reports the Indians most troublesome as belonging to Washington Territory.
    I have written Supt. McKinney on this subject and await his reply. Would suggest that you communicate with him to the extent at least that he should know that some of his Indians are annoying your citizens very much, and that the Ind. Dept. of Oregon is held responsible for what they are not to blame.
    I will this day order Agent Lafollett at Grand Ronde and Palmer of Siletz to see that our Indians are either called in or removed from the danger that threatens them by remaining at Oregon City.
    Hoping soon to restore peace and quite at your city,
Hon. J. K. Wait
    County Judge
        Clackamas Co. Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 555-556.



Hon. E. S. Parker,
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington, D.C.
            Sir,
                I herewith transmit, at request of J. K. Wait, county judge of Clackamas County, Oregon, an "appeal" to you in behalf of the citizens of said county as against Indians and Indian agents.
    I have to say in this connection that I have no doubt these Indians are troublesome to the citizens, and that they have cause to complain. It seems rather a difficult matter to manage. A large proportion of the Indians in this case are "renegades" from Washington Superintendency. Referring to official letter of July 1 to Commissioner, the question is submitted whether a Supt. has jurisdiction over Indians that do not belong to his Superintendency, although within the state. I hope to receive instruction on this point at an early day.
    Those who belong to Oregon, as named in the complaint, are out on passes to fish at Oregon City, a custom of long standing, and one that cannot be abandoned until such times as subsistence shall have been provided either by government or the Indians themselves on the reservations, under the wise provision of the Dept. of the Interior last spring in providing for the survey and allotment of lands in severalty to Indians.
    I am confident that hereafter less cause of complaint against these Indians will exist for the reason that every family will have an inducement to remain at home and cultivate the land.
    While I respect the hon. county judge's statement, I do not overlook the fact that many white men employ Indians as laborers; indeed, agents are besieged with applications for help, and many citizens would protest against the refusal of agents to grant "passes."
    I would respectfully suggest that the county court of Clackamas County and all good citizens thereof should enforce the civil power of law against white offenders in their midst who sell liquor to and associate with our Indians. We are doing all in our power to break up this traffic and regret that so few citizens lend assistance in the matter. And we may justly complain of the officers of the county government, and citizens who compose juries, that no convictions are ever had under state laws.
    We admit our Indians are immoral, but we know well who it is that makes them so.
    Assuring you that we of the Ind. Dept. are endeavoring to do our duty to all parties and will continue to do so, and that the complaint from citizens may receive the consideration due them.
   
Genl. Parker
    Com. Ind. Affairs
        Sir:
            Knowing that the general government has made appropriations for the care and maintenance of the Indians near here, and that there have been reservations selected and designated as their homes, we are extremely anxious that every one of them should be moved (excepting such as have bought land and, living on the same, have adopted the modes of civilized life) whether their true reservations are known or not, as we are greatly troubled with them in our county, more particularly in the vicinity of our towns and villages, some under cover of a pass from their reservations, others without. Sometimes the Indian agents manifest a very slight desire to take them home, and with very unsatisfactory results to no citizens [sic], for here they are continually, a pest, a nuisance, a curse and a constant expense to our county.
    Managing by some means to obtain liquor, they make night hideous with their diabolical yells, their deadly combats, their bacchanalian orgies. (And white men, or whose who claim to be such, often join them in their deviltry.) The squaws that are with them are almost invariably licentiously disposed, and many of our young men and boys (being enticed) are morally and physically corrupted and contaminated to a degree that is most frightful to contemplate. While a great part of the criminal expense in our courts is caused by these Indians being in our midst.
    Now, dear sir, we the county court of Clackamas County, Oregon appeal to you to know if there is no mode of redress, or if we must calmly submit to these wrongs. It would be better, far better, were these Indians our professed enemies and on the warpath against us with deadly tomahawks and scalping knife than under the guise of friendship to be quartered in our very midst, constantly sapping the very foundations of all that tends to promote the happiness, peace and prosperity of the community.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 890-896.



Genl. Joel Palmer
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Siletz
Dear Sir
    In addition to suggestions already submitted as regards survey of Indian lands in your agency, I have to add that it is the intention of the Indian Dept. to consolidate Alsea Sub-Agency with Siletz, conditional, however, that sufficient land shall be found suitable for settlement of all the Indians on the two reservations.(Alsea and Siletz). This fact can only be known by actual surveys. Now in order that everything may be properly understood and satisfactorily arranged it is necessary to enroll all the Indians now on Siletz anew, arranging them in families, and it is good policy to enroll them under their old names and at the same time giving to each family and person an American name in connection with the Indian name, the latter to be dropped after the record of allotment shall have been made. In making up the new roll, be sure to preserve the identity of persons and families as to former tribal relation.
    It would seem to be of importance also that the respective ages of all persons should be estimated together with sex and relationship to family with whom they may be identified at the time of making allotment. I am aware that the loose marriage customs will make this thing a very difficult matter to arrange, but I see no other way, only to classify them as above indicated.
    Should any other Indian than those belonging to your agency elect to take land with your people and both parties agree thereto, you will enroll them among your Indians, and hereafter they are to be on equal footing with all others. Half-breeds who live among Indians are considered Indians.
    It would seem that the present is the exact time to put a stop forever to polygamy. Therefore on making up the new list of enrollment, you will recognize only one wife to each man. All others now claimed in excess of one should be liberated and allowed to find a husband or find homes with parents or other families aside from their present owners. All orphans made so by death of parents should be assigned homes with families, taking care that their identity be not lost and also that when allotment shall be made the lands allowed to families on account of their connection therewith shall be identified with the name of said orphans by number of lot in each case, as also you will do in all other cases. I mean, for instance, such grass widows as may be placed in new position or with other than the families with whom they now live under polygamy.
    I have looked the matter over very carefully and can see no amendments to make at present. If, however, you have any propositions or amendments to offer, they will be fairly considered, and I trust you will communicate your ideas freely on this subject.
    Now as to the basis for allotment, I have decided that inasmuch as a large portion of your Indians are now treaty Indians, and as the whole matter has been left for me to arrange in absence of treaty, to take the following from treaty of 1855 with Willamette Valley.
    When your enrollment is completed and the estimate made for all the Indians--whether under treaty or not--under foregoing rule you can then ascertain the amount of land required.
    But as this may not be finished in time to furnish Deputy Surveyor Davenport with the number of tracts or lots necessary, it would seem well for him to subdivide into twenty-acre lots all the available lands as far north as the mouth of Siletz River.
    You will doubtless have some difficulty with your Indians about the allotment, and I would suggest that you should give this matter especial attention from and after this time and until the allotment has been made. Every Indian will want his present home. Instances will occur where two or more families may be in the same lot. In similar cases on other agencies I have said to the Indians that the house nearest the middle of the lot should hold it, and that as near as possible every man should have his own home, and that no man should have the improvements of another without paying for it, and that this allotment should be made fairly and impartially, without fear or favor, but with strict justice to all parties.
    You can do much to prepare these people for the new march towards manhood by frequent talks in a friendly way.
    Your employees when made acquainted with the subject can and should assist you in preparing the Indian mind, but be sure that they--the employees--understand it well first.
    You will of course await special order before proceeding to make the allotment.
    This is the grandest step ever prepared for those under our charge, and as we are employed to think for them and to teach them to think, it is the business of every man in the Indian service to work faithfully for the welfare and advancement of these poor neglected people. See to it that your subordinates do their whole duty, and if they are unwilling or incompetent, or have no heart in this work, you will discharge all such persons.
    Any Indians of any tribe or band who are held in bondage, under any pretext whatever, are hereby liberated and declared forever free.
    Any of such persons who may belong to other reservations or tribes must be allowed to elect for themselves whether they remain where now located or return to their own proper reservation. In either case they are to be enrolled and placed on equal footing in every respect with other Indians. Again, any Indian who may for good reasons desire to change from one reservation to another may be allowed to do so upon consent of all parties, agents and Indians of both reservations.
    There are many other points coming up in this new state of our Indian affairs that have been submitted to Commissioner for instruction, the result of which will be furnished you at the earliest moment.
    Trusting that you will give particular attention to this communication,
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 558-561.



Sir
    I am informed that each agent is required to furnish your office with monthly reports, to be rendered in duplicate at the end of the month, giving a general outline of the business transactions, and as my report for the month of May was omitted, I will now consolidate the months of May & June in one report. This report will more particularly set forth the condition of the agency stock &c. at the time of my taking charge in justification of the large outlay of means and number of persons employed during these months.
    Upon arriving at the agency April 30th 1871 I found that but little progress towards putting in the spring crops had been made, and the continued rains up to the 10 of June so retarded the work that every variety of cereals and roots are more backward than usual. The teams belonging to this agency were greatly reduced in flesh, so much so in fact that portions of them were entirely unfit for service and were turned out to graze, as there was no grain belonging to the agency to even feed the working horses and horses and mules, beyond about forty bushels of oats at the lower farm. Quite a number of the work oxen were so old that they could not well masticate dry hay and so poor that they actually staggered when walking about after food, and two or three have since died from old age, poverty & poison. The remainder of the stock is improving in flesh since completing the spring crops, as they were turned out to graze. I selected a number of the best oxen to make a breaking team and with them have broken up some forty acres of sorrel sod at the upper farm with the intention of summer fallowing it with fall wheat and am now breaking up an old meadow of about twenty acres at the home farm for the same purpose. One hundred and nine bushels of oats recd. from Supt. A. B. Meacham were sown for government and issued to Indians for seed. I succeeded in purchasing from Messrs. McAlpin & Dodge (with a small quantity from the Indians) a sufficient quantity of oats to subsist the agency teams until the spring crops were put in. The only sown grain is very poor and will yield but a poor crop. A portion of that sown by Indians bids fair to be a moderate crop, while a great portion of the late-sown grain failed to germinate in consequence of the excessive dry and warm weather since the cessation of the spring rains and the lateness of sowing, and I fear the crop will be light. Nearly all the ground cultivated since my taking charge was so foul with sorrel and other weeds that it was necessary to mow down and haul off the weeds before planting.
    The fences were old and dilapidated and required much repairing, and portions had to be rebuilt, to do which we were compelled to make rails. The greater portion of fencing around yards and gardens has been made from pickets or clapboards, nailed to strips split out years since and are so decayed as to require new fencing altogether, while that around fields has been so indifferently constructed as to but partially keep out hogs and other stock, but as the allotment of land in severalty to these Indians is now in contemplation, thus necessitating a change of locality, I have deemed it best to temporarily repair the improvements for the season. One of the greatest drawbacks to the carrying on of farming successfully is the want of teams. There are but two Indians upon the reservation who have serviceable teams of their own, and one of these has to rely upon the agency for wagon and harness; with these exceptions all the team work of the agency has been supplied by the government, and during the season of putting in crops it is a constant source of trouble in caring for and subsisting teams while in use by Indians, and the constant change of teamsters, many of whom appear to have but little or no knowledge of the management of teams, renders it very difficult to keep the stock in a condition to work.
    When I assumed charge, many of the Indians belonging to this agency were absent without leave, and during the latter part of June, the crops being in and their supply of provisions being exhausted, I was necessarily compelled to give passes to a large number, as I had no means to subsist them upon the reservation.
    I employed quite a number to improve the agency roads, as also the road from the agency to the depot slough, the point from which supplies for the agency have to be transported by land with agency teams.
    These roads were almost impassable, having been washed out by winter rains and obstructed by landslides & falling timber. During the month of May and the early part of June considerable sickness prevailed among the Indians. But six deaths occurred, however, three of whom were adults and three children.
    I am endeavoring to break up their superstitious notions in regard to the treatment of their sick and burial of their dead. Their medicine men and women, as they are called, exert a powerful influence over the minds of these people and sometimes actually cause the death of persons by their persisting efforts to drive the bad spirits or temanimus ["medicine"] out of the system, and after death the great destruction of property, burning houses, tearing up clothing, breaking stoves and generally destroying whatever effects the party may possess. I have had coffins made and furnished suitable apparel for the deceased and with the employees have attended and assisted in the burial service and have designated ground for burial purposes instead of permitting each family to bury their dead in their yards & about their houses. By changing their mode of burial and eradicating their superstitious notions in regard to their dead I am of the opinion that much good will be accomplished.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Salem
            Or.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
Sir,
    I would respectfully request that a copy of the papers concerning the purchase of Grand Ronde Indian Reservation, and plot of same defining the boundaries, be furnished this office without delay.
    It is necessary that this office be in possession of these papers in order to determine the boundaries of said reservation prior to the survey for allotment of lands to Indians.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 901-902.



Sir
    In the matter of Modoc Indians who have committed murder, it would seem that when you have exhausted your power to control them that they are no longer under your authority or of the Indian Dept. and therefore are subject to military supervision. Your duty under such circumstances is to notify the commander of the post at Klamath or dept. at Portland of such resistance and let them do as they may feel authorized in the premises. I have no doubt about the authority of the Military Dept. to deal with the Modocs. I have some doubts about our right to punish Indians who are not under our authority.
    The Modoc Indians, being in a state of rebellion against the authority of the Indian Dept., are beyond its control. Again this being the case I have no doubt that they--the Modoc Indians--are amenable to the local laws, and may be arrested and tried as other offenders are. Doubtless the people of Jackson County feel averse to any action on their part in such cases, but if the military neglect or refuse to take action in this matter you should lay the subject before the grand jury of Jackson County without delay. I cannot see the matter in the light you seem to, that is, that you should take charge of any expedition for the arrest of the Modoc murderers. If, however, you choose to accompany any such expedition as guide, interpreter or a guard of any officer of military or civil dept., I can see no objection thereto.
    Mr. Woodworth will visit your station during August for the purpose of settling up the accounts. (His family will accompany him.) Dr. McKay has reported with his Indians as ready for the service required of him to leave the Dalles in a few days.
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary at Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 568.



To Knapp Burrell & Co.
    Portland, Ogn.
        Gents,
            I have to request you will fill the following orders and send bills of each to this office.
Mark Acting Agent Grand Ronde Agency and ship to Dayton, Oregon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 568-569.



Sir,
    You will proceed at once to Portland Oregon and remove to proper reservations all unemployed, dissipated or vagabond Indians who belong to Oregon Superintendency. Also all other such Indians that you may find in said city of Portland or elsewhere you will remove from the limits & the state.
    To execute this order you are authorized to employ such assistance as may be necessary.
    You will use economy and keep a correct account of all your expenditures. You will keep separate those incurred in removing such Indians as do not belong to Oregon Superintendency. You will also obtain and keep a correct list of such Indians as to what agency of Washington or Idaho superintendencies they may properly belong, and furnish the same to this office.
    You will also endeavor to obtain the names of all persons who are engaged in selling liquor to, harboring or employing Indians in violation of the state law or the intercourse law of the United States.
James Brown Esq.
    Messenger to Ind. Dept.
        Salem, Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 569.



Sir,
    Your letter received. Reference to your instructions will show you what I propose to do. If those Indians so long residents at Oregon City are industrious and temperate you will allow them to remain without consulting anybody. Such was Mr. Parker's instructions to me last winter. The scalawag vagabonds you will remove. Messenger Brown, from long experience, will be able to afford you assistance. If on consultation you think best you may join with Brown or otherwise turn the whole job over to him. You will see by his instructions what he is authorized to do. We cannot stop to quarrel with citizens. Let all such matters go by.
Maj. Magone
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 570.


Sir
    You will please send out, at earliest reasonable time, four (4) yoke of oxen suitable for freighting to Klamath.
    I leave you to make the selection relying on your judgment. If your business will permit, it would be well to bring them yourself. As to the proper route, you must decide.
    If you have suitable ox yokes and chains that are not needed on your agency, it would be good policy to send them along.
    If you send the oxen with other hands, caution should be used that they are not driven too hard. A plug of a pony would come in good play to go out with the ox team.
Saml. Case Esq.
    Commissary
        Alsea Agency
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 570.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit the following as my report for the month of July.
    The Indians have throughout the month been busily engaged in collecting native food, and for that purpose have been moving around from one part of the country to another visiting the various places where edible roots and seeds abound. As usual at this season their health has been good, probably mainly on account of their leaving their close and smoky winter quarters and living in the open air. They have been quiet and law-abiding, no difficulties having occurred among them of any consequence.
    In relation to the subject of schools, I would say that I have no doubt but that the good being of the service would be promoted by the opening of a school, if conducted by an efficient teacher and one acquainted with Indian character. It is well known that Indian schools have not generally been very successful on our reservations, and this may have been due in a measure to the teachers' want of interest in their work. I am of the opinion that if a good, reliable, educated Indian, one who would take a pride in the enlightenment of his race could be had to take charge of the school, I think he would be more likely to succeed than almost any white man that could be found. He would himself be a living example of the result to be achieved by study, and this fact alone I believe would be a great incentive to effort on the part of the children.
    Work is being vigorously prosecuted in the erection of the flouring mill, but with the limited force at hand progress on the work is necessarily slow.
    On the farms the men are working energetically in haying and soon will have finished putting up a large quantity of hay of splendid quality. The grain will also be ready for the reaper in a few days. Having been damaged seriously by late frosts, it does not promise a very abundant yield, but will yield better than was anticipated a month ago.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir:
    I would most respectfully report the following for the month of July--
    In accordance with instructions received from your office, Mr. P. W. Caris was temporarily placed in charge of this camp. On the 10th I left en route for Ashland. During my absence the employees, assisted by several Indians, were employed in cutting and putting up hay. On my return, near the end of the month, I found that everything had progressed finely; about (75) seventy-five tons of hay had been stacked. The Indians generally had behaved well; many are still absent, gathering roots and killing game in the mountains. The grain crop as also the more hardy kinds of vegetables looks very promising. Several of Ocheho's headmen met me here. They say Chief Ocheho will be here in two weeks. He is very anxiously awaiting the return of "Chocktoot" and party, sent out by your order to collect Snake captives now with Indian tribes in eastern Oregon. The return of these captives will do very much indeed toward establishing firmly the confidence of these bands in our government.
    There are many reports of probable danger from the Modoc Indians under the leadership of "Capt. Jack," but from the best reliable information I can get I think there will be no open outbreak.
Hon.
    A. B. Meacham
        Supt. Indian Affrs.
            for Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    Sec. Delano telegraphs "Lafollett's resignation not accepted at present. Await my letter of today."
    I do not know what is up. Under the circumstances you may as well return to Salem, unless your presence at Grand Ronde is necessary to the well being of the people there; use your judgment. I will leave instructions here for you.
    You will furnish the bearer, Mr. Loosley, with the Ind. Dept. horse, the one I sent over last fall known as the Umatilla horse. Lafollett will understand. The mare that Loosley rides over will be in your personal charge; you can either put her in pasture or ride her home and then put to pasture. Charles Gillingham takes Dunbar's work. I leave here tomorrow or next day at furtherest.
E. N. Gillingham
    Asst. Clerk to Supt.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 571.



Sir,
    The enclosed copy of telegraph from Sec. Delano puts a new face on things generally. I do not know what it means, can only conjecture. It seems that the only way now is for you to continue in charge until the letter referred to shall have been received. I will arrange here to have it forwarded to me at Umatilla on its arrival.
    I have written to Dunbar to come immediately so that I can arrange for him to go to Warm Springs.
    Let Charles Gillingham take charge of the work Dunbar has in hand. Other arrangements must await the "letter."
    You can make such explanations as you think best to the Indians and others. Much confusion and annoyance may be avoided by keeping cool and saying nothing.
Capt. Chas. Lafollett
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Grand Ronde
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 572.



John Loosley,
    Sir,
        You are hereby authorized to arrest and remove from the towns of McMinnville, Lafayette and Dayton all vagabond unemployed Indians, and either return them to their proper reservations or find them employment away from the towns referred to. You are authorized to employ necessary assistance to execute this order.   
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 573.




Sir,
    You will proceed immediately to the city of Albany and arrest all vagabond Indians who are not citizens (or so regarded) no matter to what reservation they may belong, or whether to any reservation or not. You are hereby authorized to employ all necessary assistance, to either return to agency or find employment away from the towns of all such persons.
    Should any be found who do not now belong to any reservation you will, if possible, [omission] to what agency they belong by treaty or tribal relation, and remove them in conformity thereto. This order is to apply and extend to all towns and places where vagabond Indians may be found. You will endeavor to obtain the names of all persons engaged in selling or giving liquor to Indians or having other unlawful intercourse with them.
    Make special report to this office and to agents to whom any of such Indians may belong.
    This service will require discretion and patience besides much shrewdness and courage. See to it that you give no cause of complaint that the Indian Dept. lacks either of the above virtues. We are much censured by the citizens. Let us see that the censure is not just.
Maj. Jos. Magone
    Acting Special Commissary
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 573.



Sir,
    Since my last report nothing has transpired here materially changing the condition of affairs as then indicated. Many of the Indians are absent with leave; those having crops have generally returned to the agency and hoed their potatoes and gleaned their grain. This process of gleaning or cutting out fern, wild cucumber or man-in-the-ground and other weeds peculiar to this climate and soil must be resorted to in almost every instance or else the crops are wholly choked out and rendered useless. This is doubtless owing in part to shallow plowing and continued cropping. All the meadows were equally foul, so much so that before the timothy began heading I was compelled to mow down a rank growth of lupine, which covered the entire meadows.
    This growth of fern and other weeds adds materially to the cost of producing crops in this locality, but the late rains this season has doubtless made it more than usually so, and I am of the opinion that this can be remedied to a great extent by burning the stubble and fall plowing.
    The hay crop has been very good and is now mostly all stored away in the barns, yet the quantity is limited considering the number of stock to be fed, and we must rely greatly upon straw to subsist the stock during the coming winter.
    The Indians have several small patches of club wheat, which gives promise of a fair yield. A number of small fields of Noah Island and other varieties will hardly pay the expenses of harvesting, but this is owing more directly to the indifferent manner of cultivation than the fault of the climate or soil.
    The agency crops will yet require a considerable outlay of means to glean them, and the potatoes will require being worked over several times more.
    Owing to the late frosts, the fruit crop will be a failure.
    The health of the Indians is generally very good, yet there are quite a number of chronic cases that require the constant care & attention of the physician.
    As yet no steps have been taken looking to the establishment of daily schools; in fact, there are no suitable buildings for the purpose, and there is no lumber to build school houses, no funds with which I can purchase, and could I purchase, the distance to haul the lumber over these mountains could the limited number of teams at my disposal would necessarily lessen our ability to carry on agricultural operations. The sawmill at the upper farm is hardly worth repairing; besides, it is difficult getting logs to it, and it is but a trifling affair, though the stream of water on which it is located furnishes a column of water that would answer a very good purpose.
    If it be found impracticable to obtain funds to construct a mill at a more eligible point, it may be well to overhaul and repair the one in hand, as with the present limited number and decayed condition of the government buildings at this agency much lumber will be needed for construction and repairs.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Indian Affairs
        Salem, Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Genl. Joel Palmer
    U.S. Ind. Agent
        Siletz Ogn.
            Sir,
                I desire to call your particular attention to the fact that there is a general complaint coming from the various towns and cities against the Indians, Indian agents and Superintendent. Brown and Maj. Magone are devoting their time, clothed with authority to arrest and remove all vagrant Indians wherever found. I have to suggest that you exercise a great deal of care in granting "passes," and make your Indians understand that they must not hang around the towns, also suggest that in granting passes they be made to state particularly where they extend to, always stipulating that they are not to visit towns; with this precaution, also withholding from improper persons, it would seem that we may avoid unjust censure. There are two sides to all questions and one side of this question is to do our duty faithfully and promptly.
    I regret that so much fault-finding is made directly to the head of the Dept. at Washington on account of our vagabond Indians, but it is no more than we may expect if we do not take care of them.
    Maj. Magone will report to you as soon as he shall have executed the order above referred to. You will continue him in service at your own option. I have found him very energetic and faithful to the orders I have given him. His time will be continued on your papers although in detached service until you finally dismiss him. His expenses incurred by my order will be settled in this office.
    It seems to me that some of your Indians are scattered a great deal and should be collected, also that there may be a few Indians who have been on any reservation that may have tribal relations with your people and should be brought in. You can post yourself on this matter and exercise your own judgment about who to send for them. I think the major (Magone) efficient, faithful and economical.    
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 574-575.



    The estimate of crop mostly made from judgment and not measurement. Hay and oat crop is all that has been harvested; spring very late and cold, consequently crops late and very light. Land allotted to each family after it was seeded. Each has tended his own crop and will take charge of proceeds when harvested. All that will be taken charge of by me will be enough for sick. The houses are not actually frame but are constructed by standing posts in the ground and covered with split shakes, made by their own hands.
"Statistical Return of Farming &c. at Alsea Indn Sub-Agency, 1871," NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir
    I wish you to proceed at once to the Modoc country and make one more effort for peace. I am induced to make this request on reading a long and intelligent letter from Jesse Applegate Esq. who has had a talk with Capt. Jack's 1st officer "Capt. Jim." It appears that they are anxious to see me, and that they are willing to talk this matter over and if possible avoid bloodshed..
    It is impossible for me to go at present on account of the Umatilla council. You can go and say to them that you represent me, my heart, my wishes and --, and that I have authorized you to talk for me. You are familiar with all the facts in the case and do not need special instructions except on one or two points. 1st. That I will try to get a small reserve for them in their country, but it will take time to bring it about, and until such time I desire them to go onto any unoccupied land on Klamath Reservation. That I will lay the whole matter before the Dept. at Washington and put it through if possible. That you will protect them from insult or imposition from either Klamaths, Snakes or whites until such time as the authorities shall order otherwise. I mean by this that Capt. Jack and men shall be free from arrest until I am ordered to investigate the affair. And that he shall, if ever arrested, have the benefit of jury trial by his peers or white men under civil law, on the condition, however, that he and his people return to Klamath and remain there, subject to the authority of the Ind. Dept. That if ordered to trial he will surrender himself and accomplices.
    You can say to him that in the event I succeed in getting a home for them on Lost River, they will be allowed their proportion of the funds of Klamath and Modoc treaty, with the privilege of the mill at Klamath to make lumber &c., that if I fail in this they may elect to go into the Snake country beyond Camp Warner on the new reservation to be laid out there this fall. You can say further that while I do not approve of their conduct, I am not unmindful of the bad treatment of Capt. Knapp and the Klamaths, and that I do not wish to have them destroyed; that if they refuse to accept these terms, they are under military control and subject to military laws and commanders.
    You will confer with I. D. Applegate and together with him with the commander at Fort Klamath. I will request Genl. Canby to allow any order now out for the arrest of Jack to rest until you have made this effort to prevent war.
    I have requested I. D. Applegate to accompany you and advise with you, but this you will understand that you are charged with this mission. I think going as my brother may give you more influence. The Modocs can appreciate that inasmuch as the Supt. could not come he sent his brother.
    I have confidence in your coolness and sense of justice and with I.D.A. as counselor I hope you may bring this unhappy trouble (so heavy laden with death to many persons) to a peaceful solution.
    Do not take more than two or three persons with you, and whatever the result of "the talk," you will be faithful and true to yourself and the Indians.
    Mr. Jesse Applegate is somewhere out in that country, and is a safe advisor. I have no doubt he will assist you in this hazardous undertaking. You will report the result of this visit promptly to this office. In the event that the military commander at Fort Klamath may have already gone after Capt. Jack, and opened hostilities exist, I do not wish you to take any hazardous chances.
    This matter I leave to the circumstances that may exist on the receipt of this letter. I see clearly from Jesse Applegate's letter that hostilities are imminent and that many good men may lose life and property unless the threatened hostilities are prevented. I have never seen the time when we could have done otherwise than as we have, but I fully realize that we may be held responsible by the citizens of that country, who do not understand the power and duties of the Ind. Dept.
    Go on this mission realizing that you may carry in your hand the lives and happiness of many persons and the salvation of a tribe of people that have been much wronged and seldom if ever understood. John Meacham Esq.
    Commissary at
        Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 575-576.



Hon. Jesse Applegate
    Dear sir
        Your letter of 27th ult. has been received, for which you have my sincere thanks.
    I have this day requested John Meacham, commissary at Klamath, and I. D. Applegate, commissary at Yainax, to visit the Modoc country and make one more effort for peace. I have instructed them to say to the Modocs that if they will return to Klamath Reservation or any part of it and remain subject to the authority of the Indian Dept. that no arrest will be made until the whole matter can be laid before the Dept. at Washington, and that if ever tried for the alleged offense they shall have the benefit of a jury &c., also that I will make the effort to secure a home for them on Lost River, and in case of failure, they might choose between Klamath and the new reservation near Harney or Warner. These are the main facts; I hope they may be successful in making peace.
    It is impossible for me to visit that country at present, on account of the approaching council with the Umatillas. I have confidence in the young men I have sent to represent me and the Dept. They are both cool, cautious, discreet, brave men and have hearts that feel for the Indians, and I believe they are very just men.
    I have placed John Meacham in charge, thinking that the fact of him being the Supt.'s brother might have weight with the Modoc, but no fear of any collision on that account with iron [sic--"irons"?]. Should you find it convenient or ever possible to accompany them, I will feel much gratified, and will not forget my obligation to you for your kind letter and friendly interest generally.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 576-577.



Sir
    I desire you to accompany John Meacham on a visit to the Modocs. I have put him in charge, think that he being the Superintendent's brother might have weight with the Indians.
    From Uncle Jesse Applegate I learn that hostilities are imminent. I have written fully to Meacham what to say &c. Let us do our whole duty that no blame may attach to us. I have confidence that you may succeed in preventing war. You will confer with John about when and how to make this visit. No time should be lost.
    Uncle Jesse is somewhere in the Modoc country. Secure his company and counsel. I leave tomorrow to hold the council with Umatillas. Hoping for your success,
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary
        Yainax
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 577.



Sir
    I have the honor to submit this, my monthly report for July 1871 of condition of Alsea Ind. Sub-Agency.
    In reporting the condition of the Alsea Indn. Sub-Agency for this month, I am pleased to state all things in a flourishing condition, considering the unfavorable season.
    The month has been a very busy one with all the Indians on the agency.
    The crops has been finely tended during the month, and the general crop, also the gardens, begin to look a little more favorable. The wheat is fine, potatoes medium, but oats and barley a failure. The oats have all smutted, and the barley ruined by the cold month of May and dry June.
    The hay crop will be light, but I think there will be a sufficient for all the Department stock. Most of the hay is cut, but as yet a very little of it is housed owing to the rainy days the last week, rather unfavorable for haying but of great advantage to the gardens and potato crops.
    The Indians are all very orderly and obedient, and from all appearances are improving in civilization every month.
    There has been but little sickness during the month, and everything has passed off pleasantly. Therefore I feel highly compensated for all the untiring labors I have bestowed in trying to instruct all Indians under my charge in the various duties pertaining to a farmer's life.
    At the commencing of the month I divided all the potato ground equally among the respective families and assured them they should have all they raised and should control it themselves. This appeared to stimulate them greatly, and all hands have tended their crops nicely this month, and I am satisfied that could these people have a portion of land allotted to each family they would make good use of it and be much better satisfied and raise larger crops and be less expense to the government.
    Stock looks fine and everything running smoothly.
    All of which is most respectfully submitted.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. of Indian Affairs in Oregon
        Salem
Alsea Indn. Sub-Agency
    Aug. 2nd 1871
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Hon. H. R. Clum
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 9th inst. concerning claim of George Nurse for supplies furnished Klamath Indian Agency was forwarded to me at this place.
    If there are no other funds applicable to the payment of these claims I have no objection to their being referred to the Supt. Ind. Affrs. for Oregon for payment provided he has funds for the payment and is instructed or authorized to pay them. If he has no funds applicable to the payment I prefer they should not be referred to him, as the proceeding would be of no avail. He informed me that he had repeatedly urged the payment of these claims but did not state whether or not he had funds for that purpose if instructed to pay them.
    Will you please advise me at this office of the disposition you make of the claims. If sent to Oregon, please accompany them with the power of attorney with request to make the payment to my agent, Mr. Albert, whom the Superintendent knows, or advise me and I will so instruct him. I represent two other small claims--one of H. L. Pittock and one of A. L. Stinson. Please let this take the same course the Nurse claims do.
    The Oregon Supt. is cognizant of all the facts pertaining to these claims, and providing he has the funds for their payment is authorized to so apply them I shall be glad to have them referred to him, otherwise not.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 577-580.



Sir,
    If you can without too much inconvenience use in the sawmill at Grand Ronde the wheel already there I wish yo to do so, otherwise we may have some difficulty in getting things properly arranged in my papers. I would rather send the shaft below and have it remodeled than to change wheels. Write me the result of the conference with Mr. Myers. It appears that he had sold to another party the wheel we desired. It is also doubtful whether we can build the flour mill this fall, and I do not wish to have a wheel on my hands.
Mr. Geo. Tillotson
    Jefferson
        Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 580.



H. R. Clum Esq.
    Chief Clerk Ind. Affrs.
        Dear Sir
            With first of next week I desire to leave here, returning to Oregon. Before doing so, I would like to be informed of what action has been taken upon the George Nurse claims. If the Supt. of Oregon has no funds applicable to their payment, is there not the appropriation that can be so applied? Some of these claims (those of the late Supt. Huntington) have been recently paid.
    Will you have the kindness to advise me so that I may know whether or not it will be important for me to visit Washington before returning west? By so doing you will greatly oblige
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 582-583.



Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington, D.C.
Sir,
    I have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the diagram of the Grand Ronde purchase, also a copy of the map of the Indian Coast Reservation with the executive order attached thereto &c.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 906-907.



Sir
    I received the letter herewith enclosed from Agent Lafollett on the 19th inst.
    After considering all the circumstances I decided to receipt to him for the government property in his charge and placed the same under S. D. Reinhart as special commissary on the 22nd inst.
    I have no fear of either the ability or integrity of Mr. Reinhart and take pleasure in saying that this agency is going along smoothly and with satisfaction of Indians and the Dept. once more.
    I would most respectfully suggest that the question as to whether it is a Methodist or Catholic agency be settled at an early day.
    The Indians are very much excited and will not be quieted until it is fixed permanently. They are also very anxious about a flour mill. The new sawmill will be running in twenty days.
Hon. E. S. Parker
    Commissioner &c.
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 586.



Sir,
    Your private letter of 19th inst. in regard to talk with Capt. Jack--Modoc--has been received, also Commissary Meacham's report of the same. I am gratified and fully appreciate your success. You have my thanks. Dr. McKay is writing you the particulars of the disappearance of Chocktoot, Ski-dat and the other Snake Indians.
    I cannot see that the Doctor is to blame in the matter and certainly not willfully to blame. I very much fear they have met foul play somewhere. Now should they not put in appearances at your agency very soon it is reasonable to suppose they are murdered. Should such be the case, you must be very careful how you treat the news to the Indians under your care and remember that they are not far removed from savage warfare.
    I would not cause you needless trouble, but it appears to me that you had better remove your family from Yainax. Secure all your arms and have some considerable force on hand when you attempt "the explanation." In fact I would not allow the least intimation to get out until the Doctor arrives at Yainax. He will not be there for one month or six weeks yet, and maybe you may learn of the whereabouts of those lost Indians.
    Now as to the Harney trip, that is not yet decided on positively and cannot be at present. I will write you in time to make preparation.
    I have turned over to Sub-Agent High Klamath Agency, not Klamath Reservation. I think well of him as a man and expect him to make his administration a success. I have posted him as well as possible about how things are arranged, and he will doubtless cooperate with you. I see no reason why Oliver cannot take charge [of the] agency during your absence. I intend to visit you this fall if possible. Have your annual report in early.
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary at Yainax
        Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 586-587.



Sir,
    I have this day received the enclosed report of the commissioners appointed to visit Capt. Jack (Modoc chief). I would respectfully request the return of the report at an early day. My office help being somewhat reduced prevents me from copying, otherwise I would have furnished you the report for retention.
    If you consider it of sufficient importance I will hereafter forward certified copy. Please send to this office the "Applegate letter" submitted to you some time since. I propose to visit the Modoc country at an early day.
Gen. E. A. [sic] Canby
    Comdg. Dept. of Columbia
        Portland Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 587.



H. R. Clum, Esq., Acting Com.
    Dear Sir
        Yours of 24th relating to the George Nurse claims against Ind. Dept. of Oregon is received. As I know expect to return to Oregon in the course of two weeks. I have placed those claims, together with those of A. L. Stinson and H. L. Pittock, in the hands of Messrs. A. E. & C. E. Tilton, 95 Liberty St., N.Y. Anything of interest to the claimants you will please communicate to them hereafter.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 584-585.



Sir,
    In reply to yours of the 30th ult. I have to say that a copy of said letter has been forwarded to U.S. Dist. Atty. Cartwright at Portland, with request that immediate action be had. I doubt not that the parties implicated will be arrested without delay and dealt with according to law.
    You have the thanks of the Ind. Dept. for your very prompt action in the premises. In this connection I would suggest that hereafter you will promptly arrest any and all Indians who may be found intoxicated, place them in confinement until sober and then put them to hard labor until they are willing to divulge the names of persons furnishing liquor to Indians in violation of law. Do this promptly and you can soon put a quietus on the Indian whiskey traffic.
    I hear nothing from Mr. Brunot, and cannot say when I will visit you again. In the matter of belting for the mill and saws &c. I have to say that the saws were ordered one week since and are doubtless now at Dayton. I have also ordered two beltings, provided the party furnishing is willing to accept the one returned in lieu or credit of the new belt, otherwise we will be compelled to utilize the one now on hand. I have a "log truck" under contract and it is fast assuming shape. When completed it will be necessary to send a team here to haul it to the agency, of which fact you will be notified and can arrange matters accordingly.
    As to the Spaniard mistreating his wife, you can act your judgment. It might be well to arrest him and have him tried by a jury of his peers. You will also do as you may think right about discharging Lawrence. I think, however, that he can do you more service about getting in your harvest. If you think not, "all right."
S. D. Reinhart, Esq.
    Comsy. in charge Grand Ronde
        Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 591.



Sir:  I have the honor to submit the following report of the condition of Alsea Indian Sub-Agency, Oregon, since the 1st of Nov. 1870, at which time I relieved Agent F. A. Battey of the duties of this agency.
    On taking charge here, my first duty appeared to be to the looking after the general interests both of Indians and stock and preparing comfortable [quarters] for winter, which I did by having Indians' dwellings repaired and also government buildings patched up and made tight and warm as possible.
    This completed, there was but little to attend to until spring except to look after and care for the stock, which was properly attended to, and repairing for spring work the farming implements which were out of service.
    Spring opened rather unfavorably owing to cold late rains, which puts everything back, although the wheat and oats were all sowed by the 20th of April and the potatoes planted during May.
    The summer has been very dry and cold here on the coast, and consequently crops were very slim.
    There was an abundance planted and sowed, and had it been a favorable season all the Indians on the agency would have had a surplus; as it is, however, they will have a plenty. Crops have been well tended, both in garden and field.
    In the spring I divided up the ground, giving to each family a certain piece, with the understanding that all they raised should be their own. The result was the best attention was bestowed on the ground and everything tended with care and neatness.
    Up to the 1st of May 1871 Mr. G. W. Collins was employed as supt. of farming. Since then [I] have carried on all the business of the agency with Indian labor and find it works well and is certainly an advantage to these people.
    They are much better satisfied with this manner of business and are at all times ready and willing to perform all the duties required of them.
    After the crops were put in attention was turned to fencing, making new fields for pasturage &c.
    During the summer I have had a great deal of plowing done on old land which has heretofore been left to grow up to weeds, and the only way to cultivate it property was to summer fallow. This ground I design for fall wheat, for I believe it much more profitable and I think will do better here than spring grain.
    The oat and hay crop has been secured, both rather light. Wheat is still green and will not be fit for harvesting under two weeks.
    At the time I took charge of this agency, some thirty or more of the Coos and Umpqua Indians were absent without passes, but I am happy to inform you that a portion of those Indians have returned on their own accord, and others I returned last May while on a trip to Coos Bay. Still some are out, but I am inclined to think that during the year about all of them will get in onto the reservation.
    Those that are here are quite able to take care of themselves. All they require is a sufficient amount of land allotted to them and such farming implements as is necessary, and there need not longer be one dollar expense to the government, except a few who are very old and infirm; such ones should have care and attention while they may live. The Indians on this agency are a quiet and well-disposed people, and with fair treatment and honest dealing with them can be made a respectable and reliable people.
    The Indians of this agency enjoy a great many advantages over other Indians, from the fact their fisheries are extensive and their hunting ground far superior to any other I know of on the coast.
    Here all along the shore of the farm mussels and fish are very plentiful; of these they prepare great quantities for winter. They also cure large amounts of dried elk, which they store away for winter use.
    I would most respectfully call your attention to the condition of the government buildings, which are very old and leaky, and also state that a dwelling for the person in charge here is actually necessary, there being but one room in the agency dwelling suitable for a person to live in during the coming winter.
    For a few hundred dollars a good, comfortable house can be erected there that will answer very well the requirements of the place. I have already commenced reroofing the government stable and can by considerable labor make it very comfortable for winter.
    Some of the Indians (especially the aged) have poor dwellings for winter and are unable to work and make boards to build houses of; therefore some provision should be made for these poor beings to make them comfortable the coming winter.
    Stock and other government property in this agency is in fine condition and fix and everything in general is satisfactory here.
    All of which is most respectfully submitted.
To
    Hon. A. B. Meacham
        Supt. of Indian Affairs
            Salem
                Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir
    I have the honor to submit this, my report for the month of August. A large proportion of the grain sowed by Indians has been harvested and stored, though much of the government oats, the principal cereals produced here, was sowed so late in the season, on account of rains and want of team, that it is not yet ripe, nor will it be ready for harvest before the latter part of this month, for reason that the entire team force upon the agency was first applied to putting in crops for the Indians. The wheat is now just in bloom. This wheat and a portion of the oats were sown as late as the 20th June.
    The grain sown by the Indians as a general rule has yielded but light, owing to indifferent cultivation and the presence of sorrel and weeds.
    The late planted potato crop will be an entire failure on account of a severe frost the sixth of this month. A few fields planted early & those in sheltered positions may possibly mature. All kinds of vines are generally killed, and the corn and bean crop greatly injured. The fruit crop as previously stated is a total failure.
    There can no longer be a doubt that the crops produced upon the reservation this season will fall far short of subsisting the Indians until another harvest, and we must look to other sources to supply the deficiency. Fish will constitute one of the chief articles, and many are now preparing to take the fall and winter run of salmon. We are also fitting out hunting parties to take elk and deer; with these two resources we hope to materially lessen the expenses of subsisting these Indians this coming winter. A few of the families will have an abundance of provisions and to spare, while many others will be destitute of food.
    As intimated in a former report we are preparing about sixty acres of summer fallow for winter wheat and thirty or forty acres for putting down to meadow; we expect also to plow a large surface this fall for early spring sowing; this will involve the necessity of mowing down and burning a heavy growth of fern, sorrel and weeds before the land can be plowed, but with the combined reaper and mower recently purchased, the expense will be materially lessened. Quite a number of these Indians desire to sow fall wheat. We will be compelled to purchase all the seed for fall sowing in the Willamette Valley, and I think it best to procure several varieties so as to test the kind best suited to our climate and soil. From the samples of wheat grown here this season, I am confident that an abundant supply can be produced to meet all the demands of the agency.
    We are now preparing to reroof the agency barns and other buildings. Many of these buildings have been recovered from time to time, laying one course upon the old decayed boards or shingles, until five courses are now upon the roofs. The rib poles are rotten and many falling down. The fences must also be rebuilt, for the horses and cattle have become so breachy that it is with great difficulty we have been able to save the crops. Many of the Indian grain fields have been ruined by them.
    We have nearly completed a house for the residence of the commissary; a portion of the lumber used for this building was that turned over to me by Mr. Simpson and which has been hauled from the depot mills, but we were compelled to purchase the flooring and siding at the Oneatta mills, situated on the Yaquina Bay. The doors and windows and nails have been purchased at the cheapest rates that they could be had.
    The Indians are patching up their old dilapidated lodges and houses, as well as fences, and making almost constant demands for nails and lumber, and a number of kegs [of] nails have been purchased to supply their wants.
    The census of these Indians is nearly completed, and thus far it develops a great falling off from former reports. From present indications the aggregate number will be less than one thousand, including the estimated number of absentees, being (150). During this fall I will endeavor to bring in those from the coast settlements and obtain a correct list of absentees.
Honl.
    A. B. Meacham
        Supt. Ind. Affairs
            Salem
                Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
         I have the honor to submit the following as my first annual report of the affairs of this agency. In making this, my first report, I may not be able to set forth all the facts that ought to be known in order to induce the proper kind of legislation to secure the wants of the Indians upon this reservation, and that kind to which they are justly entitled.
    If we take the Indians of this reservation as a criterion by which to judge of the merits of the civilizing progress for the last sixteen years, there is but little to encourage us, for while a little improvement may have been made among a portion in regard to apparel and ordinary work in the held, it is difficult conceiving of a people who have sunk lower in the scale of morals and all the vices to which civilized or savage people can reach than is found among these Indians. If there be an honest or virtuous male or female among them, it is an exception rather than the rule. The child is educated from its infancy to steal. The women are bought and sold like cattle & as a general rule, the number of wives owned by a man is limited by his means to purchase, the price ranging from ten strings of Iroquois shells [dentalium] of ten each, to five horses. The daughters are loaned, hired or sold at from twelve to sixteen years of age, as inducements are offered, sometimes for one night, one month, a year, or a bona fide sale, the purchaser casting her off at pleasure, and when so cast off or divorced, the property originally paid must be refunded. The feelings of the girl or woman are seldom consulted. If they have no parents, the nearest of kin, or if no relations the heads of the family or tribe to which they belong make the sale and receive the purchase price; & it is often the case that, after a woman has been thus disposed of and matters settled, that another relative or tribal claimant makes a demand upon the purchaser, and an additional amount must be paid.
    This plurality of wife system, and the recognized right of the man to cast off the banns, is a fruitful source of contention, for it is often done for the purpose alone of securing a return of the property or gifts originally paid, and one of the worst features of this degrading system is that it extends to the whites, who have been their teachers in many of these debasing vices.
    Considerable progress has been made in the surveys, but the dense growth of brush, fern and weeds & the circuitous course of streams, with precipitous cliffs and mountain ranges, renders it a slow and tedious task. I have had detailed one & sometimes two persons to accompany the surveyors to aid in marking lines and designating corners; yet with even this precaution I fear it will be difficult tracing lines another season, as fires have been raging through the uncultivated portions of the agency, and in many localities have obliterated every trace of surveys. Much interest is manifested among the Indians in relation to the allotment of land, but we cannot hope to amicably adjust the conflicting interests involved until a sawmill is erected so as to obtain lumber to build them houses in lieu of those to be vacated when land is assigned them in severalty.
    At the central or home farm, the greatest number of the Indians are residing upon the land best adapted to the use of a manual labor school and for agency purposes. The government buildings are located upon this tract, as are also about sixty families of Indians, and even if this were allotted to Indians, the greater number of them would be compelled to rebuild, as they are now huddled together in small villages of from ten to fifteen families. The character of the buildings belonging to government are not such as can be conveniently removed, and in fact many of them are too much dilapidated to be longer fit for habitation, and the site now occupied is probably the best location on the agency for such purposes, being nearly central between the upper & lower farms, the extremes being about twelve miles, besides this the largest body of land suitable for cultivation.
    The system of farming heretofore has been to generally have large fields bordered on one side by the river, these fields cultivated by from ten to fifteen families, each having their separate tracts designated by stakes or strips of uncultivated land, but when the allotment of land is made it will involve the necessity of much additional fencing; in fact, nearly all the fence upon the reservation must be rebuilt, for in addition to the fact that changes are to be made, nearly all the fencing is so old and so much decayed that but little remains sufficiently sound to make into new fence. Had we provisions with which to subsist the Indians, they might be induced to make rails the coming winter for new fence, and a portion might also be employed in clearing off brush land, which when assigned to Indians would place them upon an equal footing with those who obtain prairie lands & land already improved.
    The absence of teams among the Indians is a constant source of trouble and embarrassment, being very difficult, with the limited number of agency teams, to distribute them so as to even partially meet the requirements of the Indians. The work animals belonging to this agency, both horses and cattle, with but few exceptions, are entirely worn out and unfit for service. Many of the oxen are so old that they can scarcely masticate dry food, some of them partially and a few totally blind, and I fear quite a number will perish this winter from sheer old age. The horses are, some of them, quite old and many of them badly stiffened by hard and constant use. All the feed, harness, wagons, plows, harrows &c., in fact, all agricultural implements & the expense connected with keeping them in a condition to work or use, has been borne by the government, and [in] the event an Indian produces more than he requires to subsist upon, he disposes of the overplus to whomsoever will pay most, thus losing the lesson of self-reliance, for when he desires his ground plowed, his grain hauled, or any other team work performed, he calls upon the agent; so also if he has use for any agricultural or farming implements of any description, he calls upon the agent and seldom returns any tools so obtained unless specially required to do so.
    We greatly need some thirty or forty span of horses, with wagons, harness and plows &c., yet these implements might be manufactured in the shops upon the agency so as to teach some of the young Indians in each of these branches of industry or perhaps a more effective method would be to apprentice them to mechanics off the reservation and away from the superstitious influences of their people.
    With the foul condition of the cultivated portions of the agency, at least ten additional plow teams should be started this fall, and by this effort to assist the Indians we would remove great doubt from their minds & greatly encourage them to put forth new efforts in agricultural pursuits.
    The present has been a very disastrous season for farming operations upon this agency. The continued rains until the 10th of June so retarded the putting in of crops that nearly every variety is too late to fully mature; besides, several severe frosts about the first of the present month destroyed the greater portion of the potato crop and in fact all varieties of vines, and much injured the corn and beans.
    The hay crop was good, but the quantity of meadow is entirely inadequate to the requirements of the agency. The early sown oats yielded a pretty fair crop, but little, however, was sown until after my arrival for the use of government, & I fear that sown after the date of my assuming charge will but partially mature. For further information upon this subject I will respectfully refer you to the statistical return of farming herewith submitted.
    No successful effort seems to have been made to induce these Indians to obtain domestic animals with the exception of George Harney, a young Rogue River chief, who has nine head of stock cattle, not a single head of the cow kind is owned by these tribes, and with but few exceptions no horses are owned by them suitable to work. It was contemplated at the time of selecting this Coast Reservation to purchase for the benefit of the Indians to be located here herds of cattle and sheep, believing then as I do now that these Indians could be more easily induced to become a pastoral or stock-raising people than as exclusive cultivators of the soil. Quite extensive tracts of tide lands are situated upon this reservation along the shores of the Siletz, Nestucca and Salmon rivers, and rolling sand hills, coated with nutritious grasses, abound along that portion of the sea coast, & the adjacent mountain slopes and valleys all afford the best of grazing for cattle, sheep & goats. If one-fourth the amount that has been thrown away in the purchase of trinkets and useless farming implements, and in unprofitable experiments, now visible at every turn, had been expended in the purchase of that kind of stock, even ten years ago, if properly directed, would have made this a wealthy and prosperous people, and with the additional advantage of the allotment of land in severalty, as originally contemplated, furnishing each family with one or two cows, would have given them an individual interest in their homes that would have made a strong contrast to the roving, thriftless people they now are. It is not yet too late to attempt this policy among them, although much more difficult to accomplish at this late date, as the same number of cattle or other stock could have been bought then for one-half the sum demanded now. Still, if Congress could be induced to make an appropriation of four or five thousand dollars for the purchase of stock for these Indians, it would in the end be great economy to do so.
    The early construction of a sawmill upon this agency is a matter of the greatest importance. The government buildings as well as those of the Indians are generally very much dilapidated, and many so far decayed that the expense of repairing would almost be equal to that of rebuilding; besides the changes of residence in consequence of the allotment of land will require the erection of many new buildings, and a little interest exhibited in the style and manner of erecting these buildings will do much to make the homes of the Indians attractive and aid materially in reforming and changing their reckless habits. I therefore earnestly desire and hope that an appropriation may be secured for this purpose. Under the circumstances, it is my opinion that a portable steam mill would be preferable to any other and would cost, with the addition of transportation, about three thousand dollars. There is an old excuse of a mill at the upper farm, six miles distant, but it is hardly worth repairing, though if repaired it may be made to saw enough lumber to supply the demands at that farm. The only means we now have of obtaining lumber is to purchase of the Oneatta Mills, on the Yaquina Bay, boating up the bay seven or eight miles to the mouth of Depot Slough, thence up that slough three miles to Premier Mills, and hauling from thence over a mountainous road, fording the Siletz River to the agency, a slow, tedious and expensive method of obtaining lumber; besides, during a portion of the winter season it is impossible to cross the Siletz River with wagons.
    We will also require a flouring mill; the one reported as such, recently built, is useless for any purpose. The building, with proper improvements, may be made a dwelling, but it is difficult to imagine any useful purpose to which the mill could be applied upon this agency. The horsepower may be made useful to propel a lathe or some such purpose.
    The samples of wheat grown here the present season warrants us in believing that it can be produced in sufficient quantities to meet all the requirements of the agency.
    At present, all the flour consumed upon the reservation is hauled from Kings Valley, a distance by nearest wagon road of not less than fifty miles. For a time the steam power of the sawmill, if one is obtained, might be applied to propel the grist mill; still, it would be better to have them separate, and in that event it would probably require an appropriation of from thirty-five hundred to four thousand dollars. There are several streams upon the reservation suited to mill power, but none applicable convenient to the home or central farm. It appears that an effort was made by Agent Metcalfe to erect a mill upon a stream emptying into the Siletz River about one mile distant from the agency buildings, and quite an expenditure of government funds seems to have been made, but it was found that the backwater from the river destroyed the power at the only times when the stream afforded a sufficient column of water to run the mill and the enterprise failed, and the entire expense, whatever it was, was lost to the government and Indians. The burrs are still there, exposed to the elements, and the mill dam washed away.
    I have recently been examining the Siletz River as to the feasibility of the construction of a dam across the stream about one & a quarter miles above the agency buildings, and the opening of a race to intersect the river again about one-fourth of a mile below. The entire distance of the race will be perhaps a little more than a mile and a half, while the circuitous course of the river between these two points is not less than seven miles, with a continued succession of rapids. We have no instruments with which to take levels, but it is believed that a fall of at least thirty feet could be obtained by thus damming. The dam need not exceed ten feet in height nor two hundred feet in length, and the banks are very favorable for the construction of a dam at this point. The ground over which the race will pass presents a sag almost the entire distance, decidedly favorable, the exception being a gravel bench of perhaps near one-fourth of a mile, where it would require a cut of ten or twelve feet in depth. Could these suggestions be realized, it would make one of the most valuable water powers in the state, and would be sufficient to propel all the machinery required on the agency. I regard this as a matter of great importance, and would ask that a survey and estimate of expenses might be had of the premises by practical engineers.
    The sanitary condition of these people, I regret to say, is by no means flattering, for many reasons. They have but few comfortable dwellings, mostly living in huts and lodges, destitute of floors, windows and chimneys or any conveniences suited to health and comfort, and in fact many of their houses are but little if any better than the ones occupied by them  previous to their removal to this agency, in their old mountain haunts. Their diet is of an unhealthy character, subsisting upon fish, potatoes and oats often for months at a time, and sometimes even without a sufficient supply of these articles. The distance to their fishing grounds by the nearest available route is some twenty miles. The superstitious notions of the Indians in regard to their Indian doctors or "medicine men" are very difficult to overcome; they, with but few exceptions, believe that one of their "medicine men" can "will" their death, and they must inevitably die. Another great drawback to the treatment of diseases among these Indians is the presence of syphilitic infections among at least four-fifths of all the Indians belonging to this agency; in fact, this disease is so prevalent among them that its effects are becoming apparent among the reckless portion of the whites to an alarming extent. The erection of a hospital, where the old, helpless and crippled Indians could receive attention & subsistence, and be under the immediate supervision of the resident physician, would aid us materially in this great and important work, as it is impossible for a physician to administer to the wants of the sick at their homes, many of them living a distance of six or seven miles from the physician's residence, and his presence required at different points at the same time; some must be neglected. I would therefore respectfully ask for an appropriation for the erection and maintenance of a suitable hospital at this agency. When I assumed charge of the agency (May 1, 1871), many of the Indians being without food, I was compelled to give passes to quite a number to go out to the valley and work or permit them to suffer, as I had no means to purchase subsistence. Some of those leaving were industrious and purchased clothes, provisions and in a few cases work horses, while many others idled their time about the towns, drinking and selling out their women to profligate whites and greatly annoying the citizens and have since returned to the agency, many of them sick, as they were imprudent in their diet as well as habits, ague and fevers prevailing among them, as also bowel complaints. The fatality among them, however, thus far has not been very great.
    The schools upon the reservation have evidently been greatly neglected, and the policy adopted in regard to them very obnoxious to the Indians, for upon my arrival among them the mention of establishing schools was received with great disfavor. There is no building upon the agency suitable for school rooms, nor any seats or desks. The building heretofore used for that purpose is attached to a dwelling and is old and dilapidated and unfit for use. I much doubt whether there are to exceed six children among the tribes under the age of sixteen years who can call off the alphabet. The constant repetition of the great importance of acquiring an education is making a favorable impression among them, and it is my opinion that, as soon as we can get buildings we can gather together a sufficient number to maintain a good school. Owing to the scattered condition of the settlements, we will require at least three day and one manual labor schools. As a general rule, the teachers in the day schools should be females, as they can be had at less figures, and would be received among the Indians with more favor than male teachers, and could by example and counsel among the mothers of the children exert a great influence in this work of reform, and it is among the female portion of the Indian race that we must look for the greatest results in accomplishing this work.
    Much of my time has been consumed in adjusting difficulties between Indians. In the absence of head chief or prominent men, or the existence of any code of laws for their government, the settlement of these cases often involves an unpleasant and difficult task. We have in contemplation the calling of a council for the purpose of electing a number of Indians to act as a jury or court, before whom all minor cases may be adjusted. If this can be done successfully, it will in my opinion give more general satisfaction, and consume less of the valuable time of the person in charge.
Hon. A. B. Meacham,
    Supt. Indn. Affrs.
        Salem Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit the following as my report for the current year.
    Quite early in the month of October 1870 five hundred and eighty-eight Indians, the various bands of Snakes aggregating 451 and the Modocs 137, had assembled at this place, none of them suitably prepared for the winter, and in consequence it was necessary to unite every effort in making preparations for their comfort. The lateness of the season precluded the possibility of accomplishing much in the way of building houses for them before winter, considering that a number of the most available men had to be employed in teaming and packing, in working road, etc., yet the Indians joined with zeal in all necessary labors, and by the time that the heavy snows of early December made it impossible to labor to much purpose out of doors, considerable labor had been accomplished.
    In October, 18 substantial log dwelling houses were built, principally by the Indians, and considerable other labor was done by them in cutting other house logs, in hauling wood etc. In the same month the turnip crop, estimated at a thousand bushels, was gathered. In November, assisted by a small party of Snake Indians, I opened a good road over the Mahogany Mountains between this place and Klamath Agency, a long-needed improvement. During the same month 35 temporary houses for the Indians and a barn, store houses, carpenter shop and an office and dwelling were erected at this place, and much other labor was performed for the good being of the service.
    A heavy fall of snow early in December made it impossible to work to much advantage in teaming, getting out timbers or in any other out-of-door occupation, yet through the winter whenever the weather was not too severe the white employees, assisted by the best Indian laborers, were kept busily employed in making rails, getting out house timbers, hauling wood, building fence etc.
    The Indians having no supply of native food at the commencement of winter worth mentioning, and during the months of December, January and March not being able to hunt, dig roots or fish to advantage, they had to rely for subsistence almost entirely upon the supplies of beef and flour furnished by [the] Department, which fortunately proved quite sufficient for them.
    The issues of army clothing, blankets and other woolen goods made to them during the winter and spring rendered very great satisfaction and prevented much suffering among them, especially among Ocheho's band of Snakes, which at the beginning of winter were quite destitute and actually in a half-naked condition.
    The mules and horses furnished them have also been of incalculable benefit to them in packing game and other supplies in autumn and again in the spring in moving to Lost River while the fish were running there in the month of April, afterwards in packing their dried fish to Yainax, and since in moving from place to place where edible roots and seeds abound. The possession of these animals and the care which they have been required to take of them have awakened in them a great anxiety to possess cattle and other domestic animals like their white neighbors, and I do not hesitate to say that few things would attach them more to their homes, would sooner fill their minds with the ideas of civilization or prove a greater incentive to labor than the possession of domestic animals and the prosecution of pastoral occupations.
    During the changeable weather of spring considerable sickness prevailed among the Indians and several deaths occurred. The distance of the physicians at Klamath Agency and the scarcity of medical supplies were found to be serious disadvantages, and I would again call your attention to the fact that in my opinion a good, intelligent physician, suitably supplied with medicines, could do much towards eradicating the faith of the Indians in their system of conjuration, and the stationing of such a man among the nearly 600 Indians at this place would certainly promote in no little measure the good being of these poor people.
    During the months of February and March a good, substantial bridge was constructed on Sprague River between this place and Klamath Agency; 135 saw logs were cut by Yainax Indians at Klamath Agency; considerable board timber was got out; many rails and stakes were made; the fences were repaired, and the farming implements were put in order for farm work.
    On March 28th plowing and sowing were commenced and continued during the month of April and until the 20th day of May, and during the remainder of that month the teams were employed in breaking prairie and hauling rails. Previous to May 31st 6000 rails had been hauled out to be used in enlarging the general farm; 80 acres had been sown in grain, 20 in peas, turnips etc. on the general farm and 6 acres in turnips on new Indian farms.
    On June 19th a Modoc Indian belonging at this place while absent on leave was murdered by "Captain Jack," leader of the band of Modocs yet remaining off the reservation. I immediately called on Maj. Jas. Jackson, commanding Fort Klamath, to make the arrest of the murderer and of his accomplices. Maj. Jackson responded willingly, but in an effort made soon after failed to secure the person of the murderer.
    During the months of June, July and August most of the Indians were absent gathering roots and seeds or hunting in mountains on and adjacent to this reservation, and a moderate amount of subsistence only was issued to the sick and to Indians remaining here to assist putting up hay, taking care of the crop, getting out house timbers etc.
    The whole amount of hay put up for winter use I estimate at about 75 tons and is of excellent quality. The grain has all been cradled, bound, hauled and stacked, and we only await the arrival of the machine from Klamath Agency to have it threshed. The season has been an unusually dry one; frosts continued at intervals until late in the season, and in consequence the crop is far from being a very good one but will compare favorably with any crop produced on this side of the Cascades this year. The yield of the general farm will not be less than a thousand bushels of grain.
    In reviewing the course of the past year, it seems to me that we have much reason to rejoice at our success in laboring in the interests of the red man. Realizing their condition they have entered into the spirit of the labor in their behalf and have done what they were able to hasten the day of their civilization. They are now quite comfortably clothed and housed and have done away with many of their barbarous customs and have accepted in their stead many of the manners, laws and customs of the whites. A very good crop of grain has been raised, 20,000 rails made, hauled and laid up. 30 substantial log houses have been erected, and numerous other labors have been performed, and these things are in no little measure due to the labor of a people who were only a few months ago wandering vagabonds, seldom knowing in the morning how to satisfy the day's hunger and actually depending on plundering their white brethren to get the wherewith to cover their nakedness and to shield them from cold during the rigorous winters of this high altitude.
    In conclusion I would represent the necessity of providing, at as early a day as possible, supplies for the ensuing winter both of subsistence and clothing, as the supplies gathered during the summer were scarcely more than sufficient for their subsistence while gathering them, and their clothing received several months ago is about worn out. The Indians will anxiously await the coming of these supplies.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Indian Affairs
        in Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir:
    By reference from you I have received the letter dated 26th ultimo from A. B. Meacham, Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon, enclosing a copy of a communication to him from Charles Lafollet, Indian agent at the Grand Ronde Agency in Oregon, in which he expresses his unwillingness to continue in office.
    You will inform Mr. Lafollett that his resignation has been accepted.
    The Board of Missions of the Methodist Church has been requested to submit the name of Mr. Lafollett's successor.
The Acting Commr.
    of Indian Affairs
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 680-682.



Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Indn. Affrs.
        For Oregon
            Sir
                I would most respectfully submit the following report for the month of September. Early in the month the grain was all stacked ready for threshing; as soon as this was done a barn or granary was erected, 20x30 feet, also one house for use of employees, 18x20, timbers cut and hauled for two more houses intended for use, one as a blacksmith shop, the other as a store house. The teams and wagons have been kept in constant use when not used by the employees. The Indians have constant work for them; they have hauled timbers for several dwelling houses, stables &c. as also a large supply of firewood. They have cut and put up quite a supply of hay. Much work has been done this month. All seem well pleased and anxious to make permanent and comfortable improvements. The Indians generally are very anxious to have a school started for use and benefit the coming winter. The blacksmith tools were received during the month, and on the 25th I employed Mr. Wm. Harris, a practical blacksmith, at a salary of $800.00 per annum. What amount of subsistence stores may be allowed for the fast-approaching winter should be brought in soon, as freights will soon increase very materially.
    The Snake Indians under Chief "Ocheho" have not all come in; there seems to be quite a disposition among this band to remain in the Warner country, and as they have been informed that a reservation had already been ordered for them in their country, I would not be surprised if a portion of this band refuse to return here unless a true explanation could be made to them by the authorities at Camp Warner. I will be able in a few weeks to tell about the extent of this influence and its results.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit the following report for the month expiring with this date.
    On the 1st inst. in obedience to orders I relieved John Meacham, commissary, and took charge of the Department property at this agency. During the month changes in employees have been made as follows, viz:

Appointments		Andrew J. Boone, mill laborer	Sept. 1st
		Wm. B. Cardwell, physician	Sept. 1st
		Charles Brown, interpreter	Sept. 1st
		Allan Ferree, farm laborer	Sept. 1st
		John Loosely, miller	Sept. 1st
		John Hanley, mill laborer	Sept. 4th
		James Long (Ind.), mill laborer	Sept. 11th
		John Stone (Ind.), mill laborer	Sept. 11th
		Marian Stout, teacher	Sept. 16th
		H. G. W. Scott, teamster	Sept. 16th
Resignations		Wm. B. Cardwell, physician	Sept. 30th
		H. G. W. Scott, teamster	Sept. 30th
		H. G. W. Scott, teacher	Sept. 15th
		R. B. Hatton, mill laborer	Sept. 30th
		John Kreitner, mill laborer	Sept. 30th

The Indians have been quiet, peaceable and industrious and generally have enjoyed good health. No deaths have occurred.
    They have generally been engaged in repairing their houses, building new ones, hauling wood and hay, packing in their native provisions and otherwise making preparations for winter, in which operations they have been assisted to the extent of the means at hand.
Hon. A. B. Meacham, Supt.
    Indian Affairs in Oregon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Ind. Affairs in Oregon
        Salem, Oregon
Sir,
    In making my report for the month of September I beg leave to state that the harvesting and threshing is all done. The yield was light, owing principally to a lack of proper cultivation and partly to a lack of rain in the latter part of the season. I have also caused the potato crop to be dug; the yield of potatoes was also light, cause as above stated. The straw has all been housed for winter provender for stock.
    The survey of the land has been completed, and the Indians are very anxious to have the land allotted to them as early as possible, which I would earnestly recommend to be done as soon as practicable so that they may get their houses and fences built before the rainy season begins. The reservation for the agency includes all of the Department buildings but the old log barn on the south side of the reservation, the line running through the north end taking about 20 feet of the barn on the agency. The agency grounds contain 200 acres and are well situated for the purposes required.
    The sawmill is expected to start with the next quarter and is rather a botched job. I think the foreman is not entitled to full pay, as it has taken him longer than it would a man that understood the business, and it is not as well done. The Indians are forming companies for getting logs. I have decided to keep the same men in the mill and also with the team, the other men to pay them in lumber. I have also determined to reserve one fourth of all the lumber sawed for the use of the Department, old people &c.
    This week the old sawmill was burned by the carelessness of some boys who were gambling. I have arrested and punished them by ordering them to cut a stated number of cords of wood.
    I would most earnestly recommend that the Indians be allowed the privilege and rendered all necessary assistance in organizing and conducting an agricultural society and have a fairground set apart for them. I can arrange it so as to cost the Department a mere nothing. It is not expected to hold a fair before next fall. You cannot fail to see the vast importance of this plan to create an interest in agricultural pursuits.
    We have on hand two sets of tinner's tools, one of which I would recommend to be sold and converted into something of more immediate use.
    I have made an order requiring the chiefs to act as overseers of the poor and to see that each party supports their old and poor relations.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.


    What was formerly known as the Coast Reservation extended, originally, about one hundred miles in length, south from Cape Lookout, and of an average breadth of twenty miles. By an executive order, about twenty miles out of the center of the Coast Reservation (now known as the Yaquina Bay country) was thrown open for settlement. Thus divided, it forms two reservations, under the names of Siletz and Alsea, between which the remaining tribes of Indians are divided, as follows:
    The Indians on the Siletz Reservation are remnants of the most warlike tribes of Western Oregon. The California reader will, no doubt, recognize the names of several of them as having been most active in the Indian war of Southern Oregon and Northern California. How are the mighty fallen, since the Shastas, Rogue River, and Cow Creek Indians sent terror into the hearts of all the white settlers! or since the days when they and the Umpquas made traveling through their country, even for the purpose of trading for furs, a dangerous undertaking! Owing to their natural savagery, their progress on the reservation has been slow, but twelve years of domestication have brought them to a condition where it is thought practicable to divide up the land among them--for which purpose an enrollment is now being made. Those on the sub-Agency of Alsea are quiet and friendly, taking more kindly to agriculture, but are not independent of government aid. [pages 346-347]
Frances Fuller Victor, "The Oregon Indians," Overland Monthly, October 1871



Proceedings of a convention of agents and delegates from the various reservations of the Oregon Indian Superintendency, held at Salem, Oregon, Oct. 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 16th & 17th, 1871, pursuant to an order of Hon. A. B. Meacham, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon.
   



(Telegram)
J. N. High
    U.S. Ind. Sub-Agent.
        Ashland
            Go on with the mill. Two thousand dollars yet on hand.       
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 604.



Sir:
    I transmit herewith a commission from the President for the appointment of Leroy S. Dyar of Oregon to be agent for the Indians of the Grand Ronde Agency in Oregon.
    You will please cause said commission to be delivered to Mr. Dyar when he shall have filed the proper bond and oath of office.
The
    Acting Commissioner
        of Indian Affairs
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 684-685.



Sir
    By referring to the Indian appropriation bill for the fiscal year ending June 30th 1872, I find that the sum of two thousand ($2000) dollars was appropriated "for repairs at Grand Ronde Agency," said amount I asked for in my requisition of May 22nd 1871.
    As the buildings at said agency are in a dilapidated condition, unfit for winter use, I would again respectfully ask that the above-named amount be placed to my credit at an early day.
Hon. H. R. Clum
    Acting Commsr. &c.
        Washington
            D.C.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 918-919.


    From the Salem Statesman we learn that the Indian Convocation in that city last Friday was attended by 300 Indians. "One of the Indian speakers was Joe Hutchins, of Alsea, who told how he saw the first missionaries arrive. They were poor when they first arrived, hadn't horses and came in a canoe. He was glad to see them and treated them well, and felt sorry for them. He went on to say that he didn't understand how it was that they all grew rich and he grew poor, and he proposed to learn the way it was done and begin at this late day to practice the same things that made the white man prosper. Joe Hutchins gave the audience to understand that this site of Salem was his original home, the property of his tribe. His recital of early incidents and his impressions concerning civilized life were interesting. There were several other Indian speakers, but they were hardly as eloquent as Hutchins."
State Rights Democrat, Albany, October 20, 1871, page 2


    At the Indian Council held in the M.E. Church, Salem, last Saturday, Hon. George H. Williams addressed the Indians, making a profound impression. Prof. L. L. Rogers, also addressed them, and others. They were advised by Superintendent Meacham to go to church the next day, first taking pains to comb their heads and put on clean shirts. This they promised to do, if he would furnish the latter garments.
"Pacific Coast News," Albany Register, October 21, 1871, page 2



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit my third annual report of the condition of Indian affairs in Oregon.
    It will be observed that the agents on every reservation have been changed within the year. These changes have produced confusion, and consequently we have some excuse for not accomplishing all we designed. I believe that every man now in charge of Indians in Oregon has his heart in the work.
    The condition of Indian affairs in this agency has been somewhat unstable for several years, owing to the great pressure of outside parties to obtain possession of the lands of this reservation.
    In compliance with instructions from Commissioner Parker, a council was called to meet August 7th at Umatilla Agency, to ascertain on what terms the Indians would consent "to remove to some other reservation" &c.
    N. A. Cornoyer, U.S. Ind. Agent, Umatilla, and Hon. John S. White, together with myself, constituting commissioners on the part of the United States; all the chiefs and headmen of the three several tribes belonging to the reservation, on the part of the Indians; Hon. Felix R. Brunot, Chairman of Congressional Executive Committee, and Thomas K. Kree, his secretary, honored the council.
    A fair and plain statement of the several propositions was made and duly considered, and after six days' council the Indians unanimously rejected any and all propositions "to sell and remove or to take land in severalty."
    This virtually settled the question as to the permanency of these people. It now becomes the duty of the Indian Dept. to make such arrangement and improvement for them as will prepare them for citizenship.
    But few years will elapse until all treaty provisions expire. They are comparatively wealthy, but, when unprotected by an United States agent would fall an easy prey to the sharpers who hang around Indian reservations.
    The agency buildings are worthless and should be rebuilt. The flour mill is eligibly located and efficient. The sawmill should be removed to the immediate vicinity of the timber.
    This agency has been assigned to the Catholic Church, under whose supervision a school is being kept, though not a very efficient one. I think the church is preparing to enlarge its facilities for taking care of and teaching the Indian children. This will probably meet the wants so far as the children of Catholic parents are concerned, but at least one-half the Indians on the reservation are very much opposed to the Catholic religion and will not consent to have their children educated in that church.
    Some liberty of conscience on this subject should be secured to the "non-Catholics." In obedience to the genus of our government, no people can be forced to accept or to reject any form of religion.
    I have confidence in the integrity and ability of Agent Cornoyer and trust that his administration may be successful, but he should be instructed to establish a school acceptable to the non-Catholic Indians.
    Some time must elapse before these people will consent to locate permanently on lands in severalty.
    Unlike Umatilla, these people occupy a tract of country that nobody wants. Indeed it has but few resources to make it available as a home for Indians. The few small bodies of arable land--which are second rate, however--have been surveyed preparatory to allotment.
    The agent has found some new country on the reservation which he thinks will be available for settlement.
    This step is very encouraging to the Indians, who seem to start anew on the road to civilized life. The present season has been unusually dry, and but little has been provided on the reservation to subsist them.
    Agent Smith reports that a fair supply of Indian provisions, consisting of roots, berries and fish, has been secured, which together with such assistance as he can give will enable the people to get through the coming winter. In this connection I desire to call attention to the necessity of having a small portion of the Dalles fishery on the Columbia River reserved forever for the especial use of the Indians of Warm Springs Reservation.
    By treaty of 1855 with Genl. Palmer, acting Supt., this right was reserved by the Indians, but in a supplemental treaty with Supt. Huntington, in 1865, the right was relinquished for a small consideration, which has been paid.
    The Indians claim that they did not understand that they were selling the right to take fish at the Dalles in the latter treaty and claim the right as before. The whites deny the use of the land to the Indians for fishing.
    Now this land still belongs to the United States, and inasmuch as the fishery is an indispensable necessity for the Indians at Warm Springs, I would most respectfully suggest and insist on a reservation being made of, say, one mile on the south side of the Columbia River.
    Capt. Smith is a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, but holds his position under the Methodist, to which this agency has been assigned.
    Some specific and well-understood rules are necessary to be made for the government of church matters on Indian agencies. This precaution should be heeded, although Capt. Smith is, so far as my knowledge extends, acceptable to both Methodists and Indians, "still he is [a] man, and man is mortal."
    The efforts of Agent Smith to civilize and Christianize this people have been in part successful, especially with the Wascoes. He has organized a Sabbath school, the results of which are good and promise much for the future. A large number of the other tribes of the confederation, however, are opposed to the Christian religion and have steadily refused to accept either religion or schools at the hands of the agent.
    They are still in "paint and feathers, following the way of their fathers" and will require peculiar treatment, largely mixed with Christian charity and human kindness, to overcome their long-taught prejudices against the white man's religion and customs.
    The schools are also but partly successful and promise but small and comparatively insignificant good for the funds expended.
    Agent Smith is now preparing to organize among them a manual labor school, the only kind, in fact, that have success in them, but the funds at his command are insufficient to establish such a school on a permanent basis.
    The agency buildings are good, flour mill efficient, sawmill is nearly worn out and should be rebuilt near the timber.
    This agency has changed the management twice within the year, Captain O. C. Knapp having been relieved by John Meacham as special commissary, Oct. 1st 1870, and he in turn by the present incumbent Sept. 1st 1871.
    Notwithstanding the confusion arising from so many changes, the people are steadily progressing and bid fair, though the youngest in civilization, to rival their red brethren of other and older reservations.
    With the present understanding this agency is under assignment to the Methodist Church.
    These Indians, having never been under any kind of religious instruction, find no fault with the arrangement, although they are slow to embrace the Christian religion, nevertheless of all the missionary field this one is the most desirable and hopeful from the fact above stated.
    They are a very peculiar people, exhibiting more enterprise than commonly found among natives. The completion of a sawmill has worked a great reformation and inspired them to extraordinary exertion to amass property of various kinds.
    Savages in skins, paint and feathers, as they were two short years since, they have donned the white man's costume, taken the ax and crosscut saw and hauled to the mill a half million feet of lumber, and today are lumber merchants with stock in trade constantly on hand, evincing shrewdness and business integrity that makes an agent's heart strong to work with and for them.
    The flouring mill is just approaching completion and will do much for their advancement, besides being a profitable source of subsistence.
    Their native food has hitherto been "wocus" and fish, of which they have unlimited sources.
    No schools have yet been established, except a sickly effort several years ago, which resulted in so little good that it was abandoned until such time as buildings could be erected suitable for a manual labor school, which with the abundance of lumber now available may be established at an early day, but can only be made successful by an increased appropriation for school purposes or by diverting annuity funds to that end.
    The exterior boundaries have been run and a sufficient amount of arable land surveyed to allot each person a home.
    This idea of permanent home on a small piece of land, with exclusive privileges, is so new to them that they are slow to comprehend, although not unwilling to accept.
    The altitude of this country being over four thousand feet, consequently the climate is cold and uncertain. The cultivated products being confined to some hardy varieties of cereals and vegetables, all of which are liable to destruction by the heavy frosts. It is safe to say that Klamath is unreliable as an agricultural country, though strangely enough it is a good grazing region.
    Located within the boundary of Klamath Reservation, on Sprague River, this settlement was made in the latter part of 1869 for the purpose of colonizing the Snake Indians with the Wal-pah-pes. Success has attended the labors of Commissary Applegate to a satisfactory extent. He has, with a few white men as employees assisting the Indians, made good and substantial improvements, consisting of a farm of 300 acres, well fenced and cultivated in part, with agency buildings, including houses for employees, barn and corrals, together with eighteen good substantial log houses for Indian families, with windows and doors to each. The lumber for this station is obtained from Klamath Mills, without other expense than that of hauling a distance of forty miles.
    This station was originally a part of the Klamath Agency, but owing to the fact that these Indians have long been at war with those at Klamath, consequently [they] are ancient enemies and still entertaining somewhat the feelings incident to such relationship, which sentiment still lingers also with the Klamaths. It seems impracticable and in fact impossible that an agent located at Klamath Agency proper could prevent the stronger from constantly encroaching on the rights of the weaker; and since the only way to secure peace and justice is that those in charge at either agency should have equal power to punish crime and protect the weaker, and since the appropriations for each were made separate and in no way connected, and these reasons being set forth by the then acting agent, O. C. Knapp, also approved by the chiefs and headmen of the Klamaths and demanded by the chief headmen of the Snakes and Wal-pah-pe tribes, believing also that the success of the Snake settlement at Yainax depended on effective measures being taken, therefore, on consent, and with a distinct understanding with all parties interested, a line was drawn north and south across Klamath Reservation at or near "Mahogany Mountain," the eastern part assigned to the Snakes and west to the Klamaths.
    The success of the movement demonstrates the wisdom thereof, and I would respectfully urge the Dept. to make and create Yainax a distinct agency, and further, that the present commissary, I. D. Applegate, should be appointed agent permanently.
    On no account should he--with his long and successful experience among Indians--be placed subject to the whims and caprices of any inexperienced sub-agent, as he was under former connections with Klamath.
    No kind of religion or church government has been introduced among these people except as the great virtues and principles of Christianity have been exemplified in the management of them by the acting commissary, Applegate and his subordinates, with "Sunday talks" and easy lessons and mild sermons, mixed with common and everyday affairs of life, which is, after all, a very successful way to inculcate correct and satisfactory principles of Christianity.
    Applegate possesses, in a satisfactory quantity, the necessary qualities of both head and heart, combined with industrious habits, uniting energy and hopeful, cheerful manner, to inspire as he has his people with confidence in him and his promises. To his adaptability to the work may be ascribed his success.
    Both Applegate and Indians are clamorous for schools. The present amount of funds appropriated for Snake Indians are insufficient for the establishment on a safe footing of a school with prospects of success.
    I have instructed him to erect, at the earliest reasonable time, a building suitable for church, school and general meeting house.
    No allotment of lands in severalty has been provided for the people at this station; first, because "The Oregon Central and Military Wagon Road Company" have located the alternate sections of land surrounding this settlement.
    In this connection allow me to call the attention of the Dept. to this subject. In few words, "the situation" is that the lines of the reservation were agreed on in council with Indians, by Supt. Huntington, before the organization of the said road company, that the road was located before the treaty was ratified, and the case stands subject to a decision as to priority of right.
    This condition of affairs was not understood by me at the time of making the settlement for Snake Indians, and it would do much damage to the efficiency of the Dept. to be compelled to abandon the location at a sacrifice of the improvements already made and still more the discouragement of the Indians, if compelled to remove, as they "come in" with the distinct understanding (which I felt justified in making with them) that this was to be their permanent home.
    Pardon me for urging on the Dept. at Washington especial attention to this subject, as the success of Yainax depends on said action.
is situated on the Pacific coast and constitutes the southern portion of the "Coast Reservation."
    It is occupied by four fragmentary tribes of Indians, none of whom are under treaty. Their wants are few in comparison with those other reservations, from the fact that they mostly occupy their old homes and still retain somewhat their former modes of living. It need not, however, be supposed that they are lagging behind in civilization. Notwithstanding they are too few in number to justify the establishment hitherto of shops and schools among them, they have nevertheless shaken off many of their old ways and adopted the habits of their white neighbors.
    The present acting commissary, Case, seems to be thoroughly imbued with the most essential qualities for an Indian agent, and from his long acquaintance with these particular people, together with an enterprising pride to bring them up on a level with those of other agencies, he is doing good and substantial work and should be permanently appointed to look over and lead them up the "grade."
    No arrangements have been made to allot lands in severalty on this agency, for the reason that it was thought advisable to colonize these people with those of Siletz, in the event that sufficient land could be found in the latter reservation suitable for Indian homes. The report, however, of Dept. surveyor precludes the possibility of such arrangement, unless funds were furnished to clear up timber lands for their use. I have looked this subject carefully over and now conclude that the only just plan will be to survey and allot lands to the Alsea people on Alsea Agency and will proceed to carry out said plan unless otherwise ordered.
    These people should have a cheap sawmill, church and school house erected, and an appropriation to carry them on, and not until then will they be on equal footing with others of their race. Unless steps are taken to secure them in these necessary adjuncts to civilization they must eventually fall behind.
    The Dept. buildings are fast decaying and in a short time will become untenable. Indeed they are only temporary shanties at best.
    This agency is so fully reported that it would seem almost unnecessary to amplify.
    I do not, however, fully concur in all that Agent Palmer has said and intimated, in this: that the culture of the Indians had been entirely neglected. While it is not my business to defend all the acts of agents, it is mine to see that justice is done those who have served the Indian Dept. under my administration especially.
    The Siletz Indians have always been regarded as the most belligerent and refractory of any in this state, notwithstanding which, however, they are far removed from savage life, having acquired considerable knowledge of the common arts of civilization and, to all appearance, compare favorably with those of other reservations in intelligence and business capacity.
    Somewhere, somehow and by some means or other they have come to the "front," and it is but justice to former agents to acknowledge that fact. No man is devoid of good qualities. Neither should [it], though much has been done for these people, be expected under the old regime to find a nation of people who were steeped in degradation to be brought into all the wonderful and marvelous light of Christianity in the short space of time that they have been under the care of U.S. agents.
    It is Christian-like to forget wrong and accredit good. Deplorably true it may be that Siletz Indians are "minus chastity," but the white people who claim to be civilized have probably contributed largely to the loss of that particular virtue.
    Under the management of Agent Palmer, with his long and successful experience as Supt. of Indian Affairs in former years, together with eminent Christian virtues and heart fully alive to his work, the much-needed reformation has begun. Every facility and encouragement will be afforded him by me in this worthy labor.
    This agency has also been assigned to the Methodist Church, whose well-established reputation for successful missionary labor gives a guarantee that the Siletz Indians will have opportunity and encouragement to throw off some of the bad habits acquired by contact with vicious white men.
    The schools at Siletz have thus far been only partially successful. The cause of failure is the same assigned by all teachers of Indians, i.e., the constant intercourse of children with their parents.
    Agent Palmer is sanguine that he can arrange day schools with white female teachers at a reasonable expense to meet the wants of these people. With the failure of the past fresh in memory, I confess I have not much faith in the plan. Nevertheless, believing that almost any reasonable thing is possible with a brave and true man, I consent.
    The allotment of lands being prepared in severalty for the Siletz Indians is doing much to elevate and encourage them. Some confusion will doubtless arise in dividing these lands, but nothing serious is apprehended.
    The agency is much in need of mills; in fact, they are almost indispensable, both for the purpose of Indians and the Dept. use.
    A large house for general meetings should be built. The school house, agent's, and employees' houses all require repair, for the expense of which see estimates.
    Late Agent Lafollett was relieved, at his own request, Aug. 22 last, the reasons given in his letter of resignation being "the interference of members of the Methodist Church."
    This agency having been assigned to that church, some unnecessary feeling has grown out of the assignment, owing to the establishment several years ago of a Catholic mission in the agency.
    It was understood between Secy. Delano, Dr. Harris, of the Methodist Church and myself, and perhaps others, that this mission was to remain undisturbed, and to satisfy the demand of Father Mesplie of the Catholic Church, Chas. Lafollett, the acting agent, was recommended by Dr. Harris. Not being notified by the proper authorities of his responsibility to the Methodist Church and supposing that he was allowed to remain as a Catholic agent, Mr. Lafollett was unwilling to be questioned as to his official acts by members of the Methodist Church. Hence his resignation.
    The present incumbent has the necessary business qualifications and good moral character and is an efficient agent. Nevertheless, this question of agent should be settled at an early day.
    The school has been discontinued until a manual labor institution can be organized, which with the abundant supply of lumber now available may be accomplished at an early day, provided a reasonable appropriation be made for the erection of suitable building and support of teacher.
    The agency buildings are now being repaired and will require no further appropriation for that purpose. The mills are old and useless for want of motive power, the dam having washed away repeatedly and as often rebuilt at enormous expense.
    After careful examination and due deliberation, the clamor of Indians for mills, the indispensable necessity of the same, a general council of Indians, agent and Superintendent was called. The absence of funds applicable to such purpose being stated and apprehended by all parties interested, the proposition was made and fully explained to build a sawmill on an eligible site near an abundant supply of timber, with this understanding, that all machinery and mechanical labor was to be paid for out of annuity and repair funds, the Indians to perform all such labor on the mill and contingencies as they were capable and the Dept. to furnish subsistence. This plan of operations was submitted to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for his approval, which for some reason has been withheld though not countermanded.
    The mill is completed and is now making lumber and has been built at a cost of about $4,500.
    The Indians faithfully performed their part of the agreement, cutting a race of sufficient capacity a distance of six hundred yards. They are now very anxious for a flouring mill, as evinced during the council with Hon. F. R. Brunot during his late visit, and are willing that the necessary funds may be diverted from their annuity.
    Under this pressure I have ordered such parts of the old flouring mill as are available, together with such other new machinery as may be necessary, to be transferred to a building attached to the new sawmill and put in running order without delay. In this way much expense will be saved by the use of the machinery of the sawmill.
    The long prayed-for allotment of lands to Indians in severalty will be made as soon as the surveys are approved by the Dept. at Washington, to which matter I beg to call your especial attention and speedy action.
    These people fully appreciate the good work of the government in their behalf and will not prove ungrateful or unfaithful when allowed to assume the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
    The people of this agency are a living demonstration of the possibility of civilizing Indians and give back denial to the thoughtless and oft-repeated declaration of "Indian haters," that "good Indians are all under ground."
    There are several bands of Indians scattered over Oregon that do not belong to any agency. Some of these bands have never been treated with and are the real owners of the soil they occupy or have been driven from.
    The Tillamooks and Clatsops formerly occupied that portion of the Pacific coast between the mouth of the Columbia River and the northern boundary of the Coast Reservation. Their number is not definitely known to this office, but their wrongs have been heard and must be redressed.
    White men have actually crowded them onto the beach of the ocean, not leaving them country sufficient for grazing purposes for the few horses they possess.
    There is also a small band on Salmon River and another on the Nestucca. These, however, are within the limits of the Coast Reservation and free from molestation, but are still living in old Indian style.
    It is in this case only a question of political humanity whether to attempt civilization or allow them to remain as now. They would consent to take lands in severalty and receive in full payment for their claim to the country such amounts of money as will place them on a footing with reservation Indians.
    Reference to the records of this office discloses the fact that Supt. Dart made treaties in August 1851 with these bands, together with other bands now broken up, or who have accepted benefits and protection from the government by going into agencies, thereby relinquishing all claim to the country they formerly occupied, but that said treaties were never ratified.
    It further appears that in 1855 Supt. Joel Palmer met the representatives of all the various tribes occupying that portion of country west of the summit of the Coast Range of mountains from the Columbia River to the southern boundary of Oregon, in treaty council, and that a treaty was consummated with the said Indians, though never ratified by the government.
    There is no evidence to show that any of the said Indians above referred to, to wit: Clatsop, Tillamook, Salmon River and Nestuccas, have ever received any benefits or annuities beyond a few presents at long intervals. Hence it is clear that they have never ceded to the government their country and, since the country was not acquired by legitimate conquest, it is also clear that these people have rights that ought and will someday be secured to them.
    Another band is now being oppressed and driven by white men from place to place in a small tract of country about thirty miles wide by forty long, covering the headwaters of the Umpqua River in Southern Oregon.
    I have carefully examined the records and sought all other information possible and find that these Indians were never represented in any treaty council and that the country above indicated has never been ceded by any band or tribe of Indians, nor acquired by legitimate conquest. Neither have these Indians ever acknowledged the authority of the United States, or received any consideration for their country.
    If our government intends to be just and uniform in its treatment of Indians, these people should be provided for without delay. Although they may not be the possessors of enough political power to secure to them the consideration of local politicians, they at least as original inheritors of the soil have a "God-given right' to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," and no race, however strong, under a government claiming to be established on principles of "equal and exact justice" should be permitted to trample on and exterminate a race whose misfortune it is to be "untutored and untaught," nevertheless possessing mental power and innate manhood, if once developed, superior to other races that now enjoy the great and priceless boon of freedom and protection from oppressors of every kind.
    As an officer of the United States Indian Dept., I demand, in behalf of the Indians of Oregon, that their rights be regarded and justice done them in some way, either by paying them for their lands or allowing them to locate homes in common with the white men who are making the Indian country so valuable.
    This subject is one that concerns the welfare of thousands of white people settled on the lands still claimed by these Indians. The importance of prompt action is manifest when it is known that some of them have already taken counsel of able lawyers, who give them encouragement to prosecute their claims.
    The Indians must be provided for, and the peace of the country secured as well.
    There are several bands of Indians living on the Columbia River, all of whom have been parties to treaties, but have refused to comply with treaty stipulations, and who, under the ruling of Commissioner Parker last June have thereby forfeited all right and interest in and to lands and annuities as per treaty and, having been represented in treaty council, have no claim to the country they occupy.
    If this be so, I ask what is to be done with them? They should not be allowed to remain where now located. This subject demands consideration, as also what disposition is to be made of such Indians as refuse to return to their agencies. I have before called the attention of your office to this subject, but have received no instructions.
    Snake or Shoshone Indians are living in the vicinity of Camp Harney. They were subjugated three years ago, since which time they have been under charge of the Military Dept.
    An effort was made to remove them to Yainax in 1869, but no authority being invested in the Supt. of Ind. Affairs to compel them, they persistently refused and hence the failure.
    A large tract of country has been withdrawn from sale and settlement for eighteen months, from March 16th 1871, within the boundaries of which I was instructed to locate for them a reservation. No funds having been appropriated to defray the expenses, I am compelled to await such time as funds shall be on hand applicable to such purpose. The welfare of these Indians and the public necessities suggest action on this subject.
belong by treaty to Klamath Agency and have been located thereon, but owing to the overbearing disposition of the Klamath Indians they refuse to remain. Unavailing efforts have been made to induce them [to] return, but they persist in occupying their original homes and, in fact, set up claim thereto.
    During the past summer they have been a source of annoyance and alarm to the white settlers, and at one time hostilities appeared imminent. The military commander at Fort Klamath made an unsuccessful effort to arrest a few of the headmen.
    Two commissioners were sent from the Indian Dept., and a temporary arrangement made whereby hostilities were arrested.
    They cannot be made to live on Klamath Reservation on account of the ancient feuds with the Klamaths. They are willing to locate permanently on a small reservation of six miles square, lying on both sides of the Oregon and California line, near the head of Tule Lake. In equity they are entitled to a portion of [the] Klamath and Modoc annuity, and need not necessarily be a burden to the government. According to ruling of Commissioner, they have forfeited these rights.
    I would recommend that they be allowed a small reservation at the place indicated above and also a pro rata. division of the Klamath and Modoc treaty funds for employees and annuities. Otherwise they will doubtless be a source of constant expense to the government, and great annoyance to the white settlements near them.
    This proposition will be strenuously opposed by persons who are endeavoring to obtain a large land interest in that portion of the state.
    Though they may be somewhat responsible for not complying with the treaty, yet to those familiar with Indian superstition, it is not strange or unreasonable that great charity should be extended to these people.
    Actual experience demonstrates the impracticability of "consolidating" tribes of Indians, although in theory it looks well, and if we seek to gratify the wishes of heartless white men it can be made a complete success, as the weaker tribes are exterminated by the stronger, despite all efforts of agents to protect them. No people are more ambitious for power, nor exercise it with more tyranny, than do Indians.
    Under the present humane policy of the government, the civilization of Indians is possible. To accomplish it, however, requires some definite, well defined and well guarded permanent regulation, based not on theory but on actual experience and executed by men selected on account of their fitness for the work, men who are thoroughly Christianized and have business qualifications, united with enlarged views of duty, brave, strong and true to the instinct of humanity, fully comprehending the whole economy of our government, fired with ambition to do good by elevating a fast-decaying race to the plane of citizenship and supported with the assurance that their term of office depends entirely on faithfully achieved success, not on the lapse of four years or the change of presidential administration.
    A new day begins with the Indian when such men are placed over them, and funds are furnished them to establish manual labor schools, where more than books is taught, where the American language is laid on Indian tongues, where religion is made a motive power in every human action, thus surely and permanently engrafting into Indian hearts and lives the great principles that govern man in the highest and best civilization of the age.
    In this way will be found the only approach to successfully combat and supplant their old superstitious ideas and practices of savage religion, medicine, marriage, merchandise of women, and the various inborn prejudices against our laws, usages and customs.
    Then, too, another great hindering cause is the existence of the chieftainship and hereditary honors. Within two years a manifest advancement has been made. These Indians have been recognized as people, consulted as to the expenditure of funds, and in no instance have they disappointed the hopes of those in charge of them by unreasonable suggestions.
    On some agencies they have abandoned the Indian mode of making chiefs on account of hereditary right and have taken pattern from white men by electing officers and making success depend on manhood. Also, the "old laws" for the adjustment of difficulties have been ignored and trial by jury instituted.
    Slavery has received an eternal quietus among them. Polygamy has been checked and the sale of women prohibited, and within one year a new and encouraging interest is manifest in church and schools, especially in the latter, on account of the introduction of a new and original series of "object charts," gotten up especially for the Indians of Oregon by myself within the last year. This experiment was proposed to Commissioner Parker and had his sanction.
    The charts were ordered from the house of Carlton and Lanahan, New York City, early in April last. The charts required, being unlike any heretofore published, required new plates and engravings, thus augmenting cost and causing delay. The original design of having ten charts lithographed in colors was abandoned in part, and on account of great expense they were reluctantly cut down to eight in number, with but one in colors, to bring them within the resources of the Superintendency.
    The total number furnished, eight hundred copies (100 each) cost--delivered at this office--$553.00,
    These charts have been submitted to the criticism of every Indian teacher in the service in Oregon and have received in commendation as often expressed in the declaration that "they are worth more for teaching Indians than all the primers and books ever invented." Professors and teachers of schools have importuned for copies of sets for use of white children. They being the property of Oregon Indians, the request has been denied, except for one set donated to the deaf-mute school of Salem.
    One copy of each chart has been furnished your office, also, one to each Supt. Ind. Affairs of Montana, California, Washington Terr. and Nebraska. Faith in the experiment and a desire to benefit the Indian race have induced me to send these samples to other Supt.s without intending to do an act of injustice to our own friends. And if they should meet the approbation elsewhere that they have with "my people," we are not losers by having contributed somewhat to advancement in this indispensable auxiliary to civilization.
    Theory alone is not sufficient to ensure success, and the almost universal report of failures in common Indian schools has been the result of attempting to introduce knowledge into the Indian mind by the same modes that white children are taught.
    It is a well-known fact to those who have been personally acquainted with Indian character that they are apt at illustration, always able to give or receive information by signs, however rude. Something tangible to the senses seems necessary, and in fact indispensable, whereby to instruct these people. These charts are so simple and plain that the mind comprehends the meaning whenever the eye rests on the object.
    An old Indian declared a few days since that he had given up all idea of learning to read, but now these new papers (meaning the charts) have come, I can steal some of the white man's sense and know what he does.
    I believe the investment a good one, the experiment successful and that a new start will be taken by all our Indian children and adults and that another and more advanced series of object charts will soon be required.
    The allotment of land in severalty, now being prepared, is perhaps the greatest boon they have yet received and has already done more to raise the drooping heads of these downtrodden people than anything that has hitherto been done for them by the government of the United States. They start anew, and with proper management the tribal relation will soon disappear and many of them come up to the level, politically, with their white neighbors.
    I would respectfully suggest in this connection that if any impediments now exist under the Constitution and law to their becoming citizens, that congressional action be had without delay to remove such barriers. Also that the laws regulating intercourse be codified and amended so that they can be understood and applied practically to the administration of justice between white men and Indians belonging to reservations and who are not qualified to become citizens, especially the liquor laws.
    The late visit of Hon. F. R. .Brunot has been very beneficial and stimulating to the Indians and especially on the three several agencies which he honored by visiting personally. His words of encouragement to these people have been remembered and treasured, and we hope for another visitation of like character. '
    Believing in the innate pride and ambition of the Indians to become white men in heart and knowing full well that these people are close observers and apt imitators, a convention was called to meet at this office October 9th, to be composed of acting agents and three Indian delegates from each agency.
    Umatilla responded in person of Agent Cornoyer; Indians Howlist-wampo, Winap-snoot and Pierce.
    Warm Springs: Captain Smith, agent; Indians Mark (head chief) Billy Chinook and Pia-noose.
    Siletz: Agent Palmer; Indians Tututni Jack, Push-wash and George Harney. 
    Grand Ronde: S. D. Reinhart, commissary in charge; Indians Louis Lipsank, Joseph Hutchings and Solomon Riggs.
    Alsea Sub-Agency: Commissary Case in charge; Indians Joe Scott, Tyee Jim and Tyee John.
    Klamath and Yainax were too distant to respond. Full proceedings will be forwarded at an early day.
    That great good was accomplished no one doubts who took part in the convention. The Indians were much encouraged by what they saw at the State Fair, then in active operation, also with the speeches made to them by distinguished gentlemen, among them Hon. George H. Williams, ex-U.S. Senator. Nearly every minister in the city, besides visitors from other parts of the state, addressed them.
    Perhaps the most appreciated lecture was delivered by Mrs. B. H. Bowman, a teacher in this city, in which many practicable ideas were advanced bearing directly on Indian civilization.
    The Indians have heretofore been adjudged by the worthless vagabonds that escape from agencies and, by lewdness and dissipation, incurred the displeasure of the better portion of society. But these Indian delegates have won the good will, respect and confidence of our white citizens and demonstrated the transforming power of civilization over savages by their manly bearing, good behavior, personal appearance and strong, logical speeches, which some of them delivered in a strange combination of Indian and American language and with Indian oratory, often winning from the audience enthusiastic applause, the agents and Indians getting more interested as the convention proceeded for seven days, each session "better than the last."
    The churches, schools, colleges and other public institutions were opened to our delegates and every facility afforded by the citizens to make these people realize that the time had come when neither color nor race were barriers to the respect and consideration of mankind.
    No event in connection with the Indian affairs of this state has ever produced so much enthusiasm, so much interest among white people, so much ambition among Indians, as has this convention, which finally culminated in a grand public meeting in the largest church in the city, densely crowded, and continued until a late hour, was finally adjourned against the protest .of the citizens who had taken so much interest in "our people."
    During the convention agents' meetings with the Supt. were held, and after comparing notes and exchanging views on the various subjects pertaining to Indian affairs, among other propositions agreed upon to be recommended was, after the present officers' time should expire, that the welfare of the Indians suggested that it would be good policy to select Superintendent and agents for their fitness for the work, they to hold office during life (subject, of course, to impeachment) and an allowance of $4000 per annum and for Superintendent and $2000 per annum and subsistence for agents, that physicians serving the Dept. should be allowed at least $1200 per annum and subsistence, that every agency should have a commissary clerk at $1000 per annum and subsistence, that agents should have the same control and power over visiting and truant Indians upon their agencies as they have over their own Indians, that tribal relations should be broken up, and the people admitted to citizenship as fast as they were qualified.
    Believing that our government intends well by these people and will do justice to them by furnishing the necessary funds to advance their interest, I would respectfully submit the accompanying statistical table, marked "A," together with estimates required to carry out the policy lately inaugurated of feeding and educating instead of killing, of building up instead of trampling down, of encouraging instead of enslaving these people. These estimates are not exorbitant, and nothing less will fully meet the demand.
    With full appreciation of the prompt support of superiors in office, and words of commendation for subordinates, and a hope for another year of progress and prosperity in the affairs of this Superintendency, Hon. Comsr. Ind. Affairs
    Washington
        D.C.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10, Letter Books I:10, pages 606-621.  Original on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 920-955.



Sir
    I learn from Dept. Surveyor Thompson that the survey of exterior lines and subdivision of Grand Ronde Indian Reservation into lots preparatory for allotment to Indians in severalty has been completed, and field notes and plats thereof have been forwarded from the office of Surveyor General O'Dell of this state to Commissioner of General Land Office of Washington City. I respectfully suggest that all necessary action to secure approval thereof be had at an early day. The Indians are very anxious to go to work on their homes before winter, but more especially on acct. of next year's cropping season, which begins early in March on this agency. The sawmill being completed and making lumber, these people are prepared to begin civilized life in real earnest, and sincerely hope that nothing will be left undone that can forward this great event in Indian life in Oregon.
Very respectfully
    Your obt. svt.
        A. B. Meacham
            Supt. Ind. Aff. Ogn.
Hon. Commissioner
    Indian Affairs
        Washington City
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 960-962.



Sir,
    J. N. High was relieved at Fort Hall Agency June 27th last, reported to my office August 3rd and relieved Commissary John Meacham in charge at Klamath, Sept. 1st 1871.
    Please instruct what time I should settle with him for.
Hon. Commissioner Ind. Affairs
    Washington
        D.C.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 963-964.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit the following report for the month of October.
    The threshing machine was brought up from Klamath Agency, and the threshing was finished up by the 20th inst. The grain crop turned out poorly owing to the frosts which fell while the grain was in bloom. One thousand bushels were threshed, and after feeding the teams used in threshing and issuing to the Indians who assisted in running the machine stacking grain, etc., 875 bushels were stored in the granary. The turnips were gathered early in the month. This crop was heavy, amounting to about 1500 bushels. Since the threshing was finished the employees have been busily engaged in fitting up the Dept. houses, hauling lumber from the Klamath sawmill and assisting the Indians in preparing their winter quarters, getting in firewood, etc.
    During the month Chief Ocheho and a number of his people came in from Camp Warner, where they had been on a visit, and represented that they had been advised by Col. Elmer Otis, commanding that post, to leave this reservation and come to Warner at once, where he would give them abundant rations of beef and flour. I thought it proper to report the fact to you at once and did so by letter on the 27th inst. Through this influence the Ocheho Snakes have become entirely discouraged, divided and demoralized, and their confidence in the govt. in a measure destroyed. Part of them are not satisfied to leave here: families belonging to this band continued to come in, saying that rather than lose the farms and homes given them here and the labor of two years, they part from their relatives and friends who are foolish enough to throw away all to become beggars around a military post, and not only beggars but criminals and prostitutes. How much longer must the Indian Service suffer from such wicked meddling, and right, justice and virtue be outraged by such influences.
    The other bands of Snakes under Chocktoot, Skidat [Wal-aiks-ski-dat?] and Barcley, Le-lu and the Modocs under Schonchin, George and Charley are all here and doing all they can in forwarding operations.
Hon. A. B. Meacham, Supt.
    Indian Affairs in Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit the following report for the month of October. During the month we have been engaged in preparing quarters for the Indians and in working on the flouring mill. The following changes have been made in employees, to wit:

Resignations		Andrew J. Brown, mill laborer	Oct. 1st
		John Hanley, mill laborer	Oct. 1st
		John Stone (Ind.), mill laborer	Oct. 1st
		James Long (Ind.), mill laborer	Oct. 10th
		Wm. H. Chapman, teamster	Oct. 15th
Appointments		[blank] Knight, physician	Oct. 15th
		Andrew J. Brown, teamster	Oct. 1st
		John Hanley, teamster	Oct. 1st
		John Stone, farm laborer	Oct. 1st
		John Kreitner, mill laborer	Oct. 16th

Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Indian Affairs
        in Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir,
    Yours of Oct. 27th is received. Referring to discontent of Ocheho's people, I fully appreciate your efforts to reconcile them and understand the embarrassment you are laboring under. I will try to have a talk with Genl. Canby at an early day, and if possible arrange matters so they will go quietly.
    I have hurried McKay all summer to get the captives returned. It appears that he finds it very difficult to effect the release because of the old Indian laws about returning the pay for slaves. However, I have dispatched messenger Brown to take charge of all such prisoners or captives as he (McKay) may have released, with orders to report to you without delay.
    They have some eight or ten already and will probably leave the Dalles about tomorrow the 6th inst. which ought to take them in to Yainax by say 16th to 17th.
    I have sent per messenger Brown instructions to you to furnish subsistence to such Pit River Indians as he may have in charge.
    I think you had better issue to Ocheho and Chocktoot all the mules and horses not needed to carry on your agency business proper, taking up vouchers therefor.
    The mule teams have been out two weeks and should reach you before this letter, with blankets, flannels &c. I have ordered McCall to put in at Klamath or Link River [blank] lbs. of flour, which I suppose with your own reserves will meet your wants in that line. On your representation I have supposed a liberal supply of ammunition would obviate the necessity of any large purchase of beef. You will, however, make the best arrangement you can, taking care that you use economy in the purchase of beef. If necessary you ought to issue your work oxen before allowing your Indians to starve. Do the best you can with the means at your command.
    I am somewhat surprised that Col. Otis should still interfere with you; be careful to do your duty with the Indians and give no cause of complaint if possible to avoid.
    You can fully assure Ocheho that all the captives that could be found willing are now en route. On arrival you can issue saddles, horses, mules, ropes, blankets, powder, lead and caps and make a big feast at any cost. Keep them with you if possible.
    I have so much on my hands I do not see how I can visit you this fall. I have abundant confidence in your integrity, enterprise and goodness of heart. I feel you will do the best you can. Let me hear from you occasionally aside from regular monthly report.
I. D. Applegate, Esq.
    Commissary &c.
        Yainax Ogn.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 628-629.



Sir
    Mr. Simpson proposes to furnish flour and potatoes. It would seem to be good policy to order enough of each to get you through the winter.
    Dry goods, blankets &c. are under contract and will be shipped to you from San Francisco by Mr. Simpson's vessel. Such other articles as are not under contract but on your requisition I will order from San Francisco.
Genl. Joel Palmer
        U.S. Ind. Agent
            Siletz
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 629.



Sir,
    My annual report, submitted in the month of September, has been regarded a sufficient justification for writing a special report for that month.
    The unusual lateness in putting in spring crops, owing to continued rains, together with the damp atmosphere in this locality, kept back the ripening of much of our grain until past the middle of October. About fifteen acres of wheat owned by Indians had ripened and was ready to harvest at the commencement of a ten days' rain; a portion of this was cut, dried by fires, but the greatest portion sprouted whilst standing in the fields.
    As indicated in former reports a large portion of the potato crop has been killed by the early frosts. About thirty-five acres will not yield more than a quarter crop. The estimate of number of bushels in my annual report is nearly one-half too high.
    Very much of the late sown oat crop could not be cured on account of [omission] and is therefore to that extent a loss. My estimate of number of bushels of oats in my annual report is also too high. Anticipating a limited supply I have prohibited the sale of oats by the Indians outside the reservation; a number have a surplus, and as they desire to purchase various articles, claim that I must either purchase at once or allow them to sell elsewhere, but as we have a supply for winter use on hand, I have thus far omitted to purchase any quantity. Considerable feeling is manifested among the Indians on account of the delay in allotment of lands, as quite a number desire to build, but I have discouraged them from doing so until we can designate the particular tract [to] which each can lay claim. Another subject in which they feel much interest is the opening of a wagon road from the agency to Kings Valley, a distance of about twenty-five miles. Kings Valley, you are aware, is in the direction of the Superintendency and the point from which we are now compelled to pack or haul our supplies of flour, and if hauled by the nearest wagon road now accessible, not less than fifty miles.
    The route over which it is proposed to open a road is practicable and not more difficult than other mountainous districts; in fact there is but one mountain to cross and that by no means very difficult.
    If the government will furnish tools, subsistence and superintendents the Indians will do the work. If this road was opened it would very materially lessen the expense of transporting material goods, supplies &c. for this agency; to make it thoroughly effective we ought to have a bridge across the Siletz River at the upper farm, not exclusively on account of this road, but the success of the reservation demands a bridge at this point, for the upper farm is on the south and the agency or home farm is on the north side, and the pack trail to Kings Valley crosses at this point, and for several months in the year this stream is unpassable on account of high water; besides, the current in this mountain stream during the winter renders it dangerous crossing even in small canoes, and a wagon ferry boat would be exceedingly hazardous. At the period of commencing improvements upon this reservation, sixteen years since, a road was opened along this same route so as to admit the passage of ox teams loaded with tools and supplies, but it has been permitted [to] grow up with brush and fill with fallen lumber &c. until but little trace of the road is now visible. I hardly feel warranted in incurring the expense of feeding these people whilst opening the road unless directed so to do, but I regard it of so much importance to the welfare of these Indians and advantage to the government that I do not hesitate recommending its construction at the earliest day practicable.
    In accordance with your instructions I propose starting on Thursday next to collect and bring to the reservation the runaway Indians from this agency, many of whom it is said has been absent several years.
    The petitions and correspondence from citizens along the coast and on our southern boundary forwarded by you seem to demand prompt action, and no time will be lost in making this expedition. I have no means of arriving at an accurate estimate of the number of Indians in that district, but it has been estimated at about two hundred, and among them not a few desperate characters, quite a number who have been brought here several times in vain and who are reported as being determined to resist to the last all efforts to move them to the reservation. I hope however for better results. The season is unfavorable for such removal, and I anticipate great hardship and suffering among these people coming up the coast at this season of the year. We have not the animals on hand to transport them and their effects, nor have we the means to procure transportation, and of course the trip of two hundred miles along the rough coast trail on foot is not likely to be an easy task.
    We are now engaged in putting in our fall or winter wheat. It has been somewhat difficult obtaining the different varieties of seed desired, but I have finally secured the quantity deemed essential, though at considerable expense. The wheat cost one dollar and twenty-five cents per bushel coin, transportation to Elk City one dollar coin per hundred pounds, thence by steamboat to Toledo, thence by rowboat to the depot and from thence by agency teams. We hope by cultivating winter varieties to secure a crop that will ripen earlier than spring wheat, then by securing a flouring mill upon the agency we will be able to bread these people with more regularity and at much less expense than heretofore.
    In selecting seed it has been an object to obtain different varieties so as to test that best suited to climate & soil.
    Since returning from the Indian council at Salem we have collected our people, and each of the delegates attending that council explained to them the object and gave to them a detailed statement of events and impressions, with which all appeared highly pleased, and there is every reason to believe it will eventuate in great good to the Indians, giving them new hopes and more comprehensive views of the advantages of civilization over barbarism.
    The idea of schools is being fully discussed among them. At our council it was resolved to build four school houses, and if lumber could not be obtained to erect frame houses they would build of logs, and were it not for this coast trip, I should proceed at once to carry out that resolve. The council also took action in regard to this Kings Valley road, resolving that if the govt. would feed them, they would do the work. They elected three jurymen to hear & determine differences among themselves, the agent presiding & acting in the capacity of judge, the court at present to meet on each Saturday. Upon the whole, I feel encouraged in the hope of being able to effect a reform among these people, if we can obtain means to give visible evidence of our intentions.
Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Ind. Affrs
        Salem
            Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Sir
    I find it will be impossible for me to visit you this fall or to keep the appointment to meet the Modocs. I desire you to meet Capt. Jack at such time and place as you may arrange and say for me, in behalf of the Dept.--
    1st. That he and his people must keep the peace with citizens and not beg and annoy them or by unlawful acts incur the penalties of law.
    2nd. That I have represented the case fairly and impartially to the Dept. at Washington and asked instructions in regard thereto, but have received no answer.
    3rd. That I have recommended to the Dept. to allow them a home at or near the mouth of Lost River (see diagram) with the understanding that they would consent to locate permanently thereon, and become like other reservation Indians. And with the further understanding and agreement on their part that they are to acknowledge the authority of the government and obey its agents or representative.
    I have proposed for the Modocs to be allowed a pro rata of the employee and annuity funds still due on Klamath and Modoc treaty.
    4th. That I will probably visit Washington this winter and will insist on the foregoing propositions, provided I am assured that they (the Modocs) will accept the terms offered and that providing the said action on part of the government they are to remain in present or winter quarters, and not in any way interfere with white settlers. And further, in case of failure to secure homes for them on Lost River, they are to remove either to Klamath or Yainax, or to the new reservation to be made for Snake Indians between Warner and Harney next spring.
    5th. You can assure them of my friendship and sympathy and also my determination to locate them at Modoc Lake if possible, but if not there then on some one of the other three places proposed, that they must and shall have a permanent home somewhere.
    You can make them understand that while the government moves slow, it will do whatever it undertakes. You will say to them that whenever they refuse to obey the officers of the Indian Dept. they are liable to the military authorities, that I saved him last summer by sending yourself and John Meacham to see them. The soldiers were all ready to take them by force and only desisted on my earnest solicitation to try "once more" to settle their troubles without military power.
    No action being ordered on Capt. Jack's case, perhaps none will ever be had. In the matter of Capt. Jim breaking open Mr. Bull's house, he is liable to arrest by the civil authorities and should be examined before a justice of the peace and bound over to next term of court when he would be sent to the state prison for a term of years.
    I leave this matter to your own judgment and discretion. I have no doubt from Jesse Applegate's statements that Capt. Jim ought to and could be convicted; the offense being committed off an agency is amenable to the civil courts.
    You can explain this matter to Capt. Jack, and should you conclude not to arrest Jim you can at least leave it hanging over him.
    It would seem proper for you to invite Sub-Agent High to accompany you and be present at your council and with you make report of the result. You will say to him that I have given this matter in your charge from the fact of your personal knowledge of the whole subject and not intending in any way to slight him or his office. If, however, Mr. High does not find it convenient to go, you will proceed to execute the mission and report the result to this office.
I. D. Applegate Esq.
    Commissary in charge
        Yainax
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 630-631.



Sir,
    I have this day instructed Commissioner I. D. Applegate to hold a council with the Modocs and also to invite your cooperation. I have given this mission into the immediate charge of Comsy. Applegate for the reason that he is personally acquainted with the Modocs and all the facts and embarrassment attending the whole thing from the beginning, and knowing full well the intricacies connected therewith, is perhaps the only man that can manage these refractory people. You will, I trust, not feel that any slight to you or your position is intended, but if convenient, give him whatever assistance he may require within your power.
J. N. High Esq.
    U.S. Ind. Sub-Agent
        Klamath
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 631-632.



Mr. Secretary
    Sir
        I take the liberty to write to you to inform you that an Indian came to see me & told me that a Boston man had killed an Indian & that all the Indians all over the state are going to make a break next spring or in the summer. He says the Snake River Indians are making fire & getting [ready] to burn & kill; he says no Boston man knows it & he does not dare to tell it around for they will kill him if they know it. There has been a large immigration here for the past two years of poor people. They are without arms or any [means] of protection. Is there is no military force here of any amount to protect the people. There is one white family that is intimate with the Indians & will join the Indians when they make a break. The woman told me this story also. So I wished to have it published in the papers, but she said they would [hurt] her for telling it & put myself in danger. You will excuse my writing to you, for we are strangers here in Oregon & poor & without a gun of any kind or means to leave & that is the way with the most of the people that have left California to come here. Chinamen have made white people poor. I hope you will pay some attention to this or send some word to the agents.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 1020-1022.



    Particularly is this the case in the agencies in the far Northwest, where the Indians have been wards of the nation for a number of years. The Klickitat and Yakima Indians, to the number of a thousand, located on Simcoe Reservation in the interior of Washington Territory, are not only thoroughly civilized, but are Christianized. Their farms are well cultivated, their houses are neat and tidy. The men and women are well dressed, and the children go to school. They have two churches, with over two hundred professing Christians and two Indian preachers, and are rich in cattle, horses and farm produce.
    On Grand Ronde Reservation there is not an Indian living in a wigwam or wearing a blanket, and a large number of them speak English fluently. On Warm Springs Reservation many of the Indians, for years, have persistently cultivated the soil under the most disadvantageous circumstances. And on Umatilla Reservation the Indians own fifteen thousand head of horses, beside a large number of cattle, At Tulalip Reservation there is an Indian boarding school where there are forty-seven Indian boys and girls, neatly dressed, and showing as much aptness and progress in study as a like number of frontier white boys and girls would do.
    The same can be said of many other reservations. The result of the peace policy has been to keep the Sioux, Blackfeet, Crows, Comanches, Kiowas, and all other other Indian tribes, except the Apaches, at peace. A plan that has proved so economical and successful should, we think, commend itself to all thinking people The opposition to it comes from a class of people in the West who are anxious to dispossess the Indians of the lands given them by treaty, and who too often overlook all the claims of justice, and see only their own selfish aggrandizement. Another class is composed of those who have lived off the ill-gotten gains of fraudulent contracts; who have carried their operations into the remotest agencies, and who have followed every dollar appropriated, and intercepted it on the way or picked it up on its arrival at its destination. This class has openly advocated keeping the Indians in ignorance, as they were the more easily swindled. That it should prove difficult to shake off all these peculators is not surprising, but the President has undertaken it, and is determined, with the aid of the Indian Commission, to fight out the battle of the Indians on that line.
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 23, 1871, page 4



Sir,
    You will proceed to Grand Ronde Indian Agency as soon as practicable and take charge of the property and business of the Ind. Dept. at said agency.
    Your duties will be those of agent. You will report the condition of affairs at least once per month, and oftener if should matters of importance arise requiring advice.
    Commissary Reinhart, now in charge, has this day been instructed to turn over the affairs of said agency to you.
    No changes in employees need be made at present. If Reinhart desires work, employ him as carpenter.
    Your pay will be $1500 per annum with subsistence at the rate of 75¢ per day.
L. S. Dyar Esq.
    Salem
        Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 637.



Sir,
    You will send to Salem without delay one four-horse team for the purpose of conveying agent-elect L. S. Dyar to your agency together with such effects as he may desire.
    You will also proceed to put the Hall house in condition for his use. You will be instructed to transfer the change of all affairs to him on his arrival.
    If you desire to remain in government employ as mechanic you will place yourself subject to Mr. Dyar's orders. He is not agent, but commissary, and until such time as he shall be commissioned will simply act as commissary in charge.
    Give him your counsel and explain the plans for future improvements of building. I will visit your station at an early day and put things in shape.
    Col. Thompson will take charge or at least assist acting agent in making allotment of land. Hoping you may have more peace and pleasure in your future connections with the Ind. Dept. than you have had in the past,
S. D. Reinhart, Esq.
    Commissary &c.
        Grand Ronde Agency
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 637-638.



Sir
    You will not issue plows or harness to any Indian who has plows or harness now or to others unless a pressing necessity demand it, neither goods of any kinds except cases of actual need until further orders.
    You will arrange for allotment of Indian lands as per treaty, but make no allotment in fact. Col. D. P. Thompson, U.S. Deputy Surveyor, has been employed to assist in making this allotment. You will provide subsistence &c. for him.
    If possible get the bridge up at an early day. Commissary Reinhart has the run of things and will post you up.
    Mr. Woodworth has been instructed to purchase stores &c. for you. You will confer with Thompson about what time he can go to Grand Ronde and arrange to send team for him to avoid expense.
    Allow me to say to you to be agent. Tillotson will finish up the sawmill. You will afford him required assistance and have logs furnished for mill, building and repair of homes. Put Reinhart to work as carpenter if he is willing. I propose visiting you about 8th or 11th inst.
L. S. Dyar, Esq.
    Commissary &c.
        Grand Ronde
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 638.



Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Indian Affrs.
        Sir:
            I would very respectfully submit the following report for the month of November:
    Work has been vigorously pushed forward during the month; great exertion has been made to get in a condition to meet the rapidly approaching winter. P. W. Caris [and] R. H. Lee, with ox team, and assisted by several Indians, have been busily at work at Klamath hauling saw logs, assisting in running the mill &c. Sub-Agent High has rendered every assistance in his power and done what he could to enable me to get a supply of lumber.
    The eight-mule team arrived with goods on the 15th, since which time both teams have been hauling lumber. With one employee and the help of Indians I have finished up several Indian houses, built a wagon shed, made four thousand boards, repaired the quarters, erected one dwelling house and two stone chimneys and put in eight acres of fall or winter wheat.
    On the 27th messenger Brown arrived with Snake and Modoc captives, thirteen in number. His train was caught in the snow and lost four mules and one horse, reaching here with 14 mules and 2 horses. The whole party were in a suffering condition. Snow commenced falling on the 25th. The whole country is now under snow to the depth of eight inches in the low valleys and one foot to one and one-half foot on high grounds. The Snake Indians are all in. "Ocheho's" band are in a very destitute condition. Not a pound of flour has yet reached this camp. I am afraid of suffering from this delay.
    In accordance with instructions from your office, I sent a special messenger to "Capt. Jack," asking him to set a day to meet me at some white man's house in the Modoc country. The messenger returned with the answer that if I wanted to see "Capt. Jack," "I must come to his camp at Modoc Lake." However after several days spent in sending and receiving messages, "Capt. Jack" agreed to meet me at the Lost River fishery, provided I would bring no white men with me, and would come next day in company with the three messengers he sent to me. I could not regard these demands otherwise than unjust and insolent, yet as it seemed to be the best that could be done under the condition of affairs, early on the morning of the 29th in company with the three messengers I started on my mission. At the fishery I was met by "Capt. Jack" and "Black Jim" with twenty of their young men, nearly every man armed with gun and revolver. I lost no time in opening the council, carefully explaining to "Capt. Jack" all your instructions. After I had concluded I asked him to speak in answer to the several propositions, which he proceeded to do as follows:
    "I want to live in my own country. I will live on the east side of Lost River. People in Yreka tell me this is my country. Through you I want to talk to the President. I and all my people only want to be let alone. My father died here. I will die here. We do not want to kill whites. Soldiers kill for pay. They are not men with hearts. We do not want to live on any reservation. We want no lines drawn around us. We do not want to see your diagram giving us a small place; that place is covered with cattle. We want our country from Pit River to Lower Klamath Lake. White men may have timber, grass and cold water, but the fish, ducks, roots and warm springs we want; we will keep these. This is my talk. I am a good man and never tell a lie."
    He then said, "I am glad you talk about opening farms in our country" & here I ask him if his people will all stay upon a reservation if established in his country. At this time he becomes excited; all his men are talking at once. After a little while he answers that he "wants the freedom of all his country; we want to live in this country, to travel and camp anywhere in it, to live among our white neighbors."
    "Black Jim," carrying his gun around, acted decidedly insolent; he charged white men with accusing the Indians with running cattle into the swamps and killing them for beef.
    The council lasted about three hours; every proposition was answered throughout with about the same speech: "We want to live here in our own country." At the close "Capt. Jack" and all his men firmly promised to keep the peace, to intimidate no one, to maintain at any price a perfect peace with the whites. While this band of desperadoes are allowed to remain in this country and successfully to put at defiance the authority of law, serious danger may be apprehended at any moment. At this season of the year their removal to the reservation could be, comparatively speaking, done with little danger; this whole country is now under snow, the mercury indicating 5 degs. below zero. Allow me to urge upon you the importance of their removal at as early a day as possible.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Hon. H. W. Corbett
    Washington D.C.
        Dear Sir,
            Seven sets of certified vouchers covering debts incurred during my administration as U.S. sub-Indian agent, unpaid for want of funds, were forwarded last winter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by Supt. Meacham, who hoped thereby to secure their payment. A copy of the letter which accompanied them is transmitted herewith, also a list of the vouchers. You will observe that most of these debts were contracted from three to four years ago, and the persons to whom these sums are due are of course very anxious for their payment, and I feel satisfied that if you will mention this matter to the Commissioner, and ask that funds be placed to Supt. Meacham's credit for the payment of the said claims, that he will not delay in doing so. If you will be so kind as to attend to this matter you will confer additional obligations on
   



Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Sir,
            I have the honor to make the following as a report for the month of November 1871.
    During the month we completed four (4) box houses for Indians who had farming lands.
    The work on the grist mill was pushed as rapidly as the force here would admit.
    The annuity goods and supplies arrived and were highly satisfactory.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.



Gents
    Please forward to Dayton marked Ind. Dept. Grand Ronde the following
5 doz. handled axes 3½ to 4½
4   "     S. and J. 26 in. hand saw
10 kegs 6d. nails
  3    "     4d.  do.
  1    "     8d.  do. finishing
135 ft. ½ in. rope with one single and one double block 10 in. pat. shears with straps
½ doz. good door locks with different keys
½    "    large ox yokes with bows and keys
1     "        "      "   bows and keys
1 set Spaulding inserted teeth No. 6 for 48 in. saw
30 feet ¼ inch chain for turning logs in sawmill
3 sets of common bench planes
1 spirit level
1 oilstone
1 pr. dividers
1  "   large compasses
2 compass saws
1 bbl. lime
2 whitewash brushes
    Send one bill to "Agent Grand Ronde" and one to this office. Messrs. Corbett Failing & Co.
    Portland
        Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 647.



Sir
    Col. Thompson, surveyor, has been employed me to assist you in making the allotment of lands on Grand Ronde.
    Herewith find the only instructions furnished this office, which together with the copies of treaties in your office, it is hoped may be sufficient guide in making the allotment.
    As arranged during my late visit all matters of dispute about priority of right &c. must be settled by a board consisting of Commissary L. S. Dyar, Col. D. P. Thompson and W. P. Eaton or any other you may designate, if Mr. Eaton is unable to act, and on request of the Indians you will add to said board three Indians who are not interested parties in any matter under consideration by your board.
    Great patience will be required in settling the differences that will arise, and I trust that you will at all times bear in mind that you are laboring for a race who are docile and reasonable at all times when they are made to fully understand the whyfor &c. of any proposition.
    I regret that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs has not furnished this office with more specific instructions in the premises.
    This order to make allotment is in anticipation of orders from the Commissioner, which I have no doubt will be forwarded at an early day; at all events the necessity of immediate action is obvious.
    July 20 last Wm. B. Dunbar was instructed to enroll all the Indians of Grand Ronde Agency, including those of Nestucca and Tillamook.
    Mr. Dunbar reported the enrollment completed, a copy of which you will find in your office.
    It is possible that some changes have occurred in the arrangement of families of which you will take note and correct the same in making statement of allotment.
    You will also be particular to see that the original and present name and tribe together with sex, estimated age and relationship to family with whom they are residing at time of allotment be identified with the number of the particular tract allotted to such person or family.
    In this connection it is necessary in cases of plurality of wives that each man shall designate one woman to be his legal wife and all others to be members of his family, with the privilege of forming other marriage relations, taking with them the lands allotted in their respective names.
    Orphan children who are attached to families must have the same right.
    It would seem proper that so far as possible these people should be allowed to retain their present homes, and to adjust their respective rights among themselves, but it will be necessary in some cases to assume control and adjudicate differences.
    Inasmuch as there are several treaties in force with the Grand Ronde Indians and the complication arising therefrom, I would advise that the treaty with Willamette Valley Indians be adopted as a guide without regard to the other treaties.
    Let the allotment be uniform to all persons entitled to land as per instructions of Commissioner in reply to queries and above referred to.
    Should any number of your people elect to remove to Nestucca and then take lands in severalty, it would seem right and proper to do so. Land will be ordered surveyed at the place above referred to, and possibly also at Salmon River.
    I do not know of any other instructions or laws to guide you except this. In absence of law, do justice fairly and impartially. Law is supposed to be in harmony with justice and common sense, and it is not good law if it is not.
    Fully realizing the difficulties in your way in fulfilling this order, and having confidence in your integrity and ability, I can only say in conclusion push this matter through and furnish this office--at an early day--full report of your doings, together with statistical table of allotments made under the rules and instructions furnished you.
    It may be observed by reading the several treaties that the amount of land stipulated to be allotted differs somewhat in the amounts specified.
    From surveyor's reports it appears that there is some deficiency of lands suitable for Indian settlement, and since the several tribes are mixed up and to avoid confusion I have indicated the treaty with the Indians of the Willamette Valley as the proper one to govern your action.
    Now if the question should be raised by the Umpquas, and they refuse to accept the amount named in the treaty referred to (Willamette Valley), you will propose to the Umpquas to have the excess claimed by them set off to them of timber lots, or otherwise let the whole matter stand for further instructions. Should the question come up at an early day, please [omission] and notify me, and if possible I will go in person and adjust the matter.
    I think however that if you make the proposition to the Indians to settle it before allotment, they will agree to the Willamette treaty, and I will arrange for the acknowledgment on their part of the fulfillment of treaty on the part of the government thereafter.
L. S. Dyar Esq.
    Commissary in charge
        Grand Ronde Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, pages 637-639.



Gents
    You will please furnish the castings designated in your letter of 19th inst., viz.: spur gear 2 ft. 5 inches 1¾ inch pitch with pinion to match 14⅝ inch diameter.
    You will please get them out as soon as possible and ship [addressed to] L. S. Dyar, Grand Ronde Agency to Dayton, unless countermanded by Geo. Tillottson, millwright.
Oregon Iron Works
    Portland Ogn.
P.S. You will advise Mr. Dyar at Grand Ronde of shipment when made.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 10; Letter Books I:10, page 639.



Hon. Francis A. Walker
    Commsr. of Indian Affairs
        Sir:
            I transmit herewith an account for $3121.97 in favor of George Mercer for surveys executed with the Klamath Indian Reservation, Oregon, under his contract of May 2nd 1871. Said amount is payable out of the appropriation of $444,480.00 per act of July 15, 1870.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 616 Oregon Superintendency, 1870-1871, frames 705-706.



Hon. A. B. Meacham
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Sir,
            I would most respectfully submit the following report for the month of December.
    Heavy fall of snow early in the month made it impossible to continue the teams longer on the road hauling lumber from the Klamath mill, leaving at Klamath lumber ready cut for three houses complete, 16 by 24 feet, also near ten thousand feet of assorted lumber.
    All the teams, also the pack mules, were next employed in hauling and packing flour from Link River, bad weather continuing. Near the end of the month the roads became entirely impassable, not, however, until we had delivered at this place near thirty-three thousand pounds of flour.
    Early in December I found it necessary to commence issuing rations of flour and beef to the Piute Snake band of Indians. Making a careful count of Indians destitute of means of support, I found I will be driven to the adoption of the most stringent economy in order to pass the present winter.
    Finding the Klamath and Modoc band with still a small supply of Indian provisions on hand, I have not up to this date issued to them.
    As a matter of economy as well as humanity I have put in good, comfortable condition a building for the old and destitute men and women, those who are unable to make their own support, and who have no people to take care of them. The care of these old people, though an act of humanity, does not seem entirely to please the Indians, as they have always looked upon the old and destitute as not at all worthy of their care and attention.
    The issue of horses, mules, blankets, cloth &c. has given very general satisfaction. All seem much pleased and encouraged. The "pictorial charts" seem to please them very much and excite among them not a little curiosity.
    The arrival of the Snake captives and return to their people was celebrated with a five days' dance and many other demonstrations of joy.
    All are clamorous for a school. I tell them I will urge with all my might upon the Dept. the importance of this matter. I have caused a building to be erected and put in readiness for this purpose, to be used also for council house and church. I hope this subject will receive the early attentions of the Department.
    Reports continue to reach me of acts of insolence and threat of violence from the band of Modoc Indians under "Capt. Jack" and "Black Jim." All peaceable means have so far failed to bring them under control. If you could visit them in person it is thought something of good might be the result.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 27; Unregistered Letters Received, 1870-73.





Last revised May 5, 2021