Hon. Carl Schurz
    Secretary of the Interior
        Sir:
            I have the honor to request the removal of Mr. P. B. Sinnott as U.S. Indian agent at Grand Ronde, Oregon, and to nominate for appointment in his place Mr. Emilian Trudeau, of Washington, D.C.
    The removal of Mr. Sinnott is asked because he has been for years a stumbling block in the way of the advancement of the mission and schools at Grand Ronde by reason of his failure to carry out the intention of the Peace Policy by working in harmony with the Church in charge of said mission and schools. This we know from the many complaints received at this bureau from the sisters in charge of the schools and the clergy of his lack of interest in the schools, and from his willful and repeated misconstructions of the Grand Ronde school contracts, as shown below, the result of which has been the loss of a considerable sum of money to the sisters, thereby greatly crippling the schools.
    He appended to the vouchers for the quarters ending, respectively, Dec. 31, 1877, March 31 and June 30, 1878, a certificate to the effect that no male teacher had been employed during those quarters--and this in the face of the fact that the school contract did not call for a male teacher. This certificate caused the accounting officers to suspend the payment of the amount of salary of a male teacher for these three quarters, which suspension it has not been possible to have removed, for the reason that Agent Sinnott has persistently refused to furnish the certificate required by the accounting officers, although more than once called upon by the Indian Bureau to do so.
    Under the contract of Aug. 15, 1878 for this school, the month of September is to be regarded as a full quarter, yet Agent Sinnott with this before him perversely certified September as a third of a quarter. The Indian Bureau has tried repeatedly to have Mr. Sinnott rectify this mistake, but without success, thus depriving the sisters of two thirds of the money to which they are entitled.
    From the foregoing it is evident either that Mr. Sinnott is determined to ruin the schools--the main institutions of his agency--by a willful and obstinate neglect of his duties towards them, or that he is unable to fully comprehend the nature and extent of these duties; in either case he is unfit for his position.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. E. A. Hayt
    Comr. Ind. Affairs
Sir,
    Toby Riddle, a Modoc woman, the wife of Frank Riddle, a white man living at Lost River Gap, desire to have her father, an aged and infirm man, and Charley Riddle, who is nearly blind & has been under the treatment of the agency physician for several years, reside with her off the reservation. They need constant care & she is willing & anxious to care for them. I would have said that Charley Riddle is her brother. I would recommend that this request be granted for four months from Feb. 1, 1880.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. E. A. Hayt
    Comr. Indian Affairs
        Washington, D.C.
Sir,
    On  December 8th I submitted for your approval the nomination of Drew Jackson as an apprentice in the carpenter's shop and asked that he be allowed rations for two persons, he being a married man. On December 16 I submitted the nomination of Stonewall Jackson as an apprentice in the saw [mill] & asked that he be allowed rations for himself and wife.
    I would now respectfully ask that these men be allowed two rations each from the time of their nominations. They are the best men for the places that I can get & need double rations for their support.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. E. A. Hayt
    Comr. Ind. Affairs
        Washington D.C.
Sir,
    Your communication dated Dec. 26, 1879 and marked M. Oregon N. 4.10/79 is at hand. In reply I would say that 1st our school room can only conveniently accommodate 30 pupils, our present number. It is quite difficult for two teachers to be employed in the same room at the same time without being in each other's way & creating confusion. We need a school room either for the girls or for primary scholars. Such a school room can be built by either increasing the length of the present building or by a wing addition, which would perhaps be a little more expensive but more convenient, as it will give a front entrance to both departments.
    The sleeping accommodations are limited and poor. All the girls are crowded into a low, cold chamber. This chamber, the only one in the building occupied by the family in charge of the school, is very much needed as a store room for school supplies, which now are kept at quite a distance away. The boys have a separate building, near the main building, with three lower rooms and a chamber, which with suitable changes and improvements can be made comfortable and commodious.
    There is but one dining room & but one kitchen in the house for the accommodation of the family and asst. matron & all the Indian children. The kitchen is small, much too small for even a good-sized family. It has to be used for all parties. The dining room would answer for about 25 or 30 pupils, provided it were needed for them. It is however too narrow to be convenient for a dining room, being only about eleven feet wide. This room cannot be occupied at the same time by the family & by the Indian children. The pantry accommodations are very poor and limited. We expect next year to have over 20 milch cows to care for with no suitable place for milk and for butter making.
    We have now in use at the school only 38 blankets for 31 pupils. I should have said 38 pairs of blankets. ½ a pair has to be used in place of an under sheet, which leaves only a scanty covering in a cold country, even in summer & when, as in the winter, the thermometer sometimes goes down to over 20 degrees below zero it is very scanty. We had 25 additional pairs of blankets bought last year, but owing to the terrible conditions of our winter roads they have not yet reached us. Even this number will not be sufficient for the wants of 45 or 50 pupils unless we crowd, as heretofore, three pupils into one bed, with narrow blankets to cover them. It will just about be sufficient for summer use.
    I would also say that our cooking stove from constant use is nearly worn out, & will at least be too small for the number of pupils contemplated. It will need a 10-inch cooking range with six boiler places, which will cost, at San Francisco, about $45 dollars, & about $15 for transportation. 20 additional blankets will cost about $100 in Ashland. There is more than enough money in [the] bank in San Francisco for school purposes to meet their expenses. In order to enlarge the school there will need to be an addition built to the main building occupied by the family, for sleeping apartments, a kitchen and a dining room. The sleeping apartments to be in the chamber of the new addition, for the use of the school girls. We have not now the lumber to build with, as owing to the detention of our water wheel in Reading our saw mill is standing still. We will probably have sufficient lumber in seasoned condition about the 1st June next. It will take two good carpenters fully two months to do the woodwork, with what work the employees could be spared to do in addition. This carpenter work would cost about 350 dollars, in addition to our own work. The materials we can mostly furnish from supplies on hand or that will be on hand in the spring.
    I think good house carpenters can be secured for a period of about two months for three dollars per day each.
    Our mechanics are crowded with work for the Indians. Besides we are working important and extensive repairs and improvements on our saw mill and shops. I feel safe in saying that besides the expense of buying a new range for cooking &c. and 20 pairs of blankets (which will be needed before this year's supplies can be got here) the entire cost of the work to be done and of any materials which we may not have will be about $375. One thing more would be very desirable if there is money to buy it; that is, a school bell for a tower. I respectfully submit these statements hoping that the department may be able to afford us means to make the above described improvements.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. E. A. Hayt
    Comr. Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
            Sir:
                Your letter of Octr. 23rd relative to the expense of removing the scattering Indians along the Alsea River to this reservation was replied to on the 23rd of Novr., in which I begged to suggest for your consideration the propriety of allowing them to remain where they now are, until spring &c.--thereby saving to govt. an extra cost as between now and then in transportation, the expense of carrying them through winter, beside supplying them in the rainy season with shelter. In the meantime, as between when I first communicated with you on this subject and now, I have obtained all the information possible both by letter and in a personal way to ascertain the expense of removal in the spring, and to get them started in the way of tilling the lands, such as putting say 15 families in the way of living, building them such houses as needed, supplying them with food and other necessaries until harvest shall come, when enough I trust will be grown to supply most of their wants for the future.
    Removal of say 60 Indians from tide water and other points on the river to the reservation, the distance being from 15 to 20 miles by river, 12 miles by ocean shore to Newport, and 15 miles by wagon road to the agency, with such furniture and implements as they may have on hand,

	Estimated cost	$300.00
	Expenses of 15 houses $60 each	900.00
	Food for support of 60 persons from April to Sept. 1st	400.00
	Estimated total cost	$1600.00

    If removal [sic] now, the cost would far exceed this sum, as the cost of transportation would be large, the whole country being flooded, and added to this would be food for three months additional, extra cost of getting out lumber and drawing the same, beside no place to put them until their dwellings could be built.
    I submit the foregoing for your consideration with a willingness to carry out such measures as by you is deemed best, and at such time as you may designate.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.





 
    The Grand Ronde Indian Reservation located in Yamhill County, which is under the efficient management of Mr. P. B. Sinnott, the agent, is, we learn, in a very prosperous condition. There are about 500 Indians included within the limits of the reservation, composed of remnants of various tribes. The Indians are very quiet, orderly and industrious and seem perfectly happy with their surroundings. There are small remnants of the Rogue River and Umpqua tribes who resist the influences of Christianity and civilization by refusing to allow their children to attend either the day or the Sunday school. However, the children are very susceptible to these influences, and the old Indians are gradually passing away, and before many years have elapsed most of them will be numbered with the dead. Removed from the personal influence exerted by the parents, it is thought that the children can readily be induced to attend schools and become educated. This reservation is under control of the Catholic Church, and Rev. Father Crockett is the resident priest. There are five sisters employed in teaching on the reservation. The total number of pupils in school is 50. The females are taught by the sisters and the males by Prof.  Lynch. The children are quite attentive and intelligent and make very creditable proficiency in their studies. About the center of the reservation Mr. Sinnott has laid out a little village with trees and walks, which presents a very neat appearance. The village consists of the Agent's residence and others, the convent, school houses, a blacksmith shop, a wagon shop and several other buildings. Blacksmithing and wagon making are carried on exclusively by Indians, who are very good artisans, and their work gives entire satisfaction. Many of the Indians on the reservation show considerable skill as carpenters. One of the bridges which spans the Yamhill River was constructed entirely by Indians. Farming is the chief pursuit, most of the Indians owning in their own right a piece of land. They are industrious tillers of the soil, and are as successful as the average white farmers. This season they will raise several thousand bushels of grain. They have mowers, reapers and threshing machines and know as much about operating them as the whites. The Indians with but very few exceptions are contented and prosperous. Mr. Sinnott, the agent, conducts the general affairs of the reservation in a very economical manner.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, August 19, 1880, page 4



Sir,
    Replying to your favor of the 3rd inst. marked "A Oregon B 381/80," I have the honor to say,
    The school house referred to by the Rev. J. B. A. Brouillet was built under instructions from and at the expense of the Department by the agent in 1875, and an addition for a boarding house was constructed in 1876 at the joint expense of the church and Department, the government furnishing the material and the church paying for the labor.
    The building claimed to belong to the school by the Rev. Brouillet, which is now occupied by myself as a dwelling, was erected for that purpose about the year 1856, and was at that time and has been ever since used and occupied by the different agents as a dwelling, but to afford greater room and to increase the efficiency of the school I moved from the building and allowed the sisters to occupy the same for school purposes temporarily until the new school building could be completed, which was about the month of June 1877 when the sisters moved into the same and have since occupied the same for school purposes.
    While the building in question was occupied by the sisters for school purposes, I was repeatedly informed by the Most  Rev. Archbishop Blanchet (the head of the church in this state) that he would be compelled to remove the sisters from the agency as he was fearful that the building (the agent's dwelling) would fall down upon the sisters and stated that the building was unfit and unsafe for school purposes, and in Dec. 1876 I was informed by the Sister Superior of Oregon that she would immediately remove the sisters as the house was not fit for occupation, but being informed that in that event I would employ other teachers and continue the school, she allowed them to remain.
    It was more than a year after the sisters removed from the agent's dwelling before it was again occupied by me as a dwelling, and although the house was during this time vacant, yet no claim was ever made of it or for it by the school.
    In the month of July 1877 the house occupied by the agent as a temporary dwelling was destroyed by fire, as was reported to the Hon. Commissioner soon after the disaster occurred, and the condition of the building being at that time shown to the Department I was soon after by letter instructed by the Department to put in repair for my occupancy the building in which I now live. I am unable to agree with the Rev. Brouillet as to the necessity of any additional room for the school, as will be observed by reference to the school reports of the principal for the months of March & April 1880. The building now occupied is sufficiently large to accommodate 75 boarding pupils, and an additional number of 35 day scholars, yet as will be seen by computation the average number of pupils in attendance for the year ending June 1880 was only 29, not half the number for which the teacher & principal claims she has accommodations.
    There is in the school building two separate school rooms, one for male & one for female pupils. There is two separate dining rooms, one for male & one for female pupils. There is also in the school building an attic room 30x66 feet unoccupied that could be ceiled and used as a sleeping room for the large boys, also a half-story room over the sisters' & fathers' dining room 25x40 feet unoccupied that could be fitted up for the same purpose, also a similar room over the school room 25x65 feet that could be easily fitted for that purpose. There is also a finished room 25x30 feet now used by the sisters as a chapel that is very suitable for a sleeping room for large boys that can be used for that purpose as the church is less than fifty yards from the school building and the Hon. C. C. Watkins, inspector, when here recommended this change to be made.
    There are also one or two old buildings that would be added to the school but would require to be repaired at some considerable expense.
    If the Department desire it I will have a diagram of the school building made giving the size and dimension of each room and the purpose for which each is used, so that the Department may fully understand the position, size &c. of the school. It is not true, as the rev. gentleman seems to understand, that I have in any instance taken possession of any of the school buildings for my residence or otherwise or have any desire to do so, but I have endeavored in the past to promote the interests of the school to the utmost of my ability and authority and am still willing to do so and also to erect any and all buildings the Department may desire for the use of the school, or otherwise, so soon as I have funds for that purpose and authority to proceed, and in conclusion would recommend that in my judgment it would be to the best and greatest good for the school at the agency to have some suitable male teacher, who should have the complete charge and control of the large boys, and one who can instruct them during school hours in all the common English branches of education, and who would at the same time be competent and qualified to instruct men in the principal branches of mechanical work and farming industries, as in my judgment female teachers are not qualified for this branch of the service.
Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Commissioner Indian
        Affairs, Washington D.C.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.




Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Comr. Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
Sir:
    I am in receipt of your letter of the 4th inst. marked "C," relative to the removal of the Alsea Indians. In the selection of persons to visit them in June to persuade them to come, I sent men with whom the Indians take counsel in their private as well as public matters, and who have a greater influence with them than any white man in these parts, and the reasons why they did not come was as follows.
    With the Indians are two of their number, who speak our language well and who are looked up to by them. They are shrewd, cunning and unscrupulous. These two urged the Indians to go to the Siletz before, and in the presence of our agents, but was secretly telling them to remain there. This I am assured of.
    Then some of the white men living down there who have been foremost in pressing the removal of these scattering red men, really, are urging them to remain; telling them the govt. will not fulfill their pledges &c. Thus the ignorant and honest of these Indians are held by these designing and bad men.
    A letter came a few days since from one of the two Indians, saying that they would all come here in four or five weeks, as soon as their early vegetables are suitable to be gathered. I deem it advisable to grant their request and try them, for then they will have gathered in their gardens. They will also have secured their fall stock of fish, beside I can then leave here far better than now, as our grain harvest is just commencing and my presence is very much needed here in the securing of their grains. If, at the expiration of their own time, I go down and they then refuse coming, shall I use force, and if so, will it be made of men that I can gather up, or shall I ask Genl. Howard at Fort Vancouver to send me a squad of soldiers? Or will you give me orders to arrest and send to Vancouver the two Indians who have been the ruling cause of their refusal? Upon the receipt of your orders I will at once go down and act. NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Sir,
    In reply to your letter of the 13th ulto. marked "A. Oregon B 683/80," I have the honor to say, I wrote the Department quite freely in the early part of the present month regarding the wants of the school at this agency and gave the Department something of a detailed statement of the school building now in use by the sisters.
    The main school building is about 30x65 feet, two stories high with an attic above these. To this is attached two wings, one 25x40 feet one & half stories high, the other 25x65 feet one story high with an attic.
    I am unable to see the necessity of any additional building or room for the school, with the probable number of pupils that may be induced to attend. I think the room in the school building sufficient as it now stands to accommodate 50 boarding pupils in comfort, and by the completion of the attic and half-story rooms I think seventy-five pupils could easily be accommodated. I called upon the Sister Superior since the receipt of the Dept. letter referred to and requested her to inform me what was desired in addition to the present school & lodging rooms, and was informed by her that she had no information of any additional buildings being required & hence could give me no dimensions whereby I might submit an estimate of the probable cost of erecting any additional building. I will say in this connection that at this late season of the year any building will be more expensive than if contemplated earlier in the season, as the cost of obtaining logs would be greater, and it would be almost an impossible thing to obtain any dry lumber, as none is now on hand, besides the building if erected would only be completed a short time before the termination of the present school contract.
    I beg to submit for the consideration of the Department the impracticability of making any change (if any is contemplated) in the management of the school at the middle of the winter season, when freights are high & supplies difficult to obtain, the present contract expiring Dec. 31, 1880. If the government contemplates the conducting of the school by the agent as formerly, the expense of making the change at that time will be much greater than at any other. I would respectfully suggest that if contract is to expire permanently it may be with the end of the school year June 30, 1881.
    I think there are upon the agency about 85 or 90 pupils on the agency who should be in school.
    If a separate building for the boys or for the agent's use is to be erected this season, it will cost from 1200 to $1500 should the building required be of any considerable size.
Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Commissioner of
        Indian Affairs
            Washington D.C.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



    Last week the Jacksonville Sentinel noted on Jackass Creek an Indian named Oregon Big Tom as having died on the 17th of this month, of typho-malarial fever, and stated that his squaw lay at the point of death with the same complaint. The squaw alluded to, Old Mollie, died the next day after Tom and a third Indian, Old Aunt Peggy, is now suffering from the same disease. A rather important fact has come to light about these deaths, which was not at first known and which set people a-thinking who are in the habit of catching salmon for food this time of the year. These Indians came over from the Klamath Reservation about three weeks ago to visit their old home here and to fish salmon in Rogue River. The salmon which they caught and ate, it seems, were diseased, and as a consequence the Indians got sick, resulting as above stated. As they were without means and non-residents, the Jackson County authorities furnished them medical treatment and burial at the expense use of the state. The salmon run up from the ocean during the dog days have always been noted as unsound, and persons posted never eat them.
Vancouver Independent, Vancouver, Washington, September 9, 1880, page 1



Hon. R. E. Trowbridge, Commissioner
    of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Sir,
    I would respectfully ask permission to issue to the Industrial Boarding School 10 lbs. of flour, 8 lbs. of beef per pupil per week for the following reasons.
    1st. We cannot raise grain or vegetables to add to the ration allowed. The dry and frosty summer has killed all that we have sown this year, both in the field & in the garden.
    2nd. This is an unusually cold climate both in summer & in winter. We are about 5000 feet above the sea level and are surrounded with mountains that are covered with snow nearly the whole year. On this account the pupils need a liberal supply of food.
    3rd. The pupils frequently complain to us & to their parents that they have not a sufficient supply of food. This prejudices the people against the school.
    4th. We have a large proportion of larger sized pupils.
    5th. We are only using about half the amount of sugar, two thirds the amount of syrup & none of the coffee, tea, dried fruits & vinegar allowed us. We have none of the last three to use. I have heretofore allowed an increase of 2 lbs. of beef & 3 lbs. of flour to each pupil per week in consequence of the non-use of the above articles but find this is not enough as we have not been able to raise any vegetables & grain to add to our issues. The school employees are all in accord with me in this matter and if required are ready to endorse their application. I respectfully ask that my issue of 7 lbs. of beef & 8 lbs. of flour per week to each pupil since Sept. 1, 1880 be approved & that from Nov. 1, 1880 I be allowed to issue 10 lbs. of flour & 8 lbs. of beef per week to each pupil during the present fiscal year.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Comr. Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
Sir:
    A report reached me some days ago that a murder had been committed on the person of one "Tillamook George," an Indian at the mouth of the Salmon River on this reservation, distant from the agency some more than 50 miles. I at once dispatched a force of our best men to ascertain the truth of such report, and very much to my regret found it too true--two of the three Indians who it is said were the murderers was arrested and brought here in irons. The third had escaped and gone some 60 miles to the valley outside. I sent two of our men in pursuit and they brought him in, and the three are closely confined. In looking over our library I find no law for the manner of procedure in such cases on reservations, and hence I addressed Judge Deady of the United States court at Portland, and Hon. Rufus Mallory, U.S. District Attorney of the same city, for the desired information--am now awaiting letters from the above-named gentlemen. If your office has any directions in the matter, will you please communicate them by telegram.
    The Indians at the mouth of the river are in the most distant portion of the reserve, and I am told have always been a great source of trouble, indeed, but some two years since two murders were committed in the same locality. These Indians, in all some 70, pledged me last fall if aid was rendered them in the way of farming implements, goods, seed &c., they would change their mode of living and adopt a life of civilization. In accord with their desire, last spring I sent men down with such articles as requested, hoping thereby to lead them up to a higher and better life, but I regret to say out of some 20 heads of families, only about three or four availed themselves of the means afforded, the remainder preferring to lead a life of idleness, or at most hunting and fishing, simply keeping soul and body together. NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Comr. Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
Sir:
    I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3rd inst. marked "R" with special statement of funds accompanying in the sum of $499.45.
    Relative to the amount allowed for the purchase of four horses for use at this agency, allow me to say that in the tabular statement of funds for the 3rd and 4th quarter 1880 the figures made for the purchase of four horses is $200.00, though I find that in the total footings $500.00 is allowed.
    Up to the time of opening our boarding school house, October 25th as previously advised you, our matron with some outside assistance made up the ticks, sheets and such other bedding as was needed in starting, but additional help was required at once, for in a few days the number of children increased from 12 to 30 and over. I was obliged therefore to find a cook who began work here on the 15th ulto. and a seamstress on the 12th inst. and have been on the alert for a laundress ever since.
    It may seem that $300.00 per annum for woman's labor is high, but when we take into account that they are to board themselves, and that on this coast ordinary servants command from three to five dollars per week, board included, that the sum allowed is but ordinary compensation. I am pleased to say that our selection has been exceedingly fortunate, as they seem well calculated to fill the positions to which they have been chosen.
    I should exceedingly regret their dismissal for then the discontinuing of the boarding school would of necessity follow, and to the end that they may be retained, I hereby ask that they may be paid from the funds allowed for the payment of irregular employees until Jany. 1st 1881, such funds being now in my hands. I trust such request will be granted.
    Enclosed please find the names of these two persons proposed, in regular blank form.
    I also ask that the matron be allowed at the rate of $500.00 per year, the difference between the $400.00 and $500.00 be taken from the fund previously stated. NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



Hon. R. E. Trowbridge
    Commissioner Indian Affairs
        Washington D.C.
Sir:
    I forwarded you a telegraphic dispatch of which the following is a copy.
Comr. Indian Affairs
    Washington
        "Murderers still here, get no reply from United States District Attorney at Portland, what disposition shall be made of the case? See my letter sent second instant."
Collect govt. rates.
    As advised you in my letter of the 2nd inst., I wrote Hon. Rufus Mallory, U.S. District Attorney at Portland, asking for such information as would enable me to act promptly and wisely in the punishment of the three prisoners now in confinement here, stating that our library at this agency furnished me no knowledge as to jurisdiction, manner of procedure &c. After waiting some 12 days and getting no reply, I addressed another letter with a like result.
    These men have been confined since October 22nd, and feeling to wait no longer, I felt myself obliged to forward the above dispatch in justice to the men as well as to the Department at whose expense they are being fed.
    I am daily looking for a reply from your office, at which time immediate action shall be taken in the case. NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 630 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



    During the month just closed we can report progress in all departments of the school. The pupils as a rule have been kind, obedient and have shown an increased interest in their studies as will be seen by the number reported as advanced to higher grades. Our supplies are now mostly in and we hope during the coming month to increase our numbers largely. The teachers and pupils are pleased to know that an organ can be had if asked for by the agent, a need we have long felt. We have taken our own to the school room for Sabbath school and church service for nearly 4 years a greater part of the time. The children sing well, and learn tunes readily. When George S. Nickerson was asst. teacher he taught vocal music ¾ an hour each day and several learned to read simple pieces of music. Should an organ be obtained I shall make the effort to have two or more instructed in instrumental music. They are much pleased with the new globe, as it illustrates to them geography, which they like much as a study. We have 19 pursuing this branch of study at present.
"Remarks" section, Dec. 1, 1880 Monthly Report, Industrial Boarding School, Klamath Agency, NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



    Comr. Ind. Affairs
        Washington, D.C.
Sir
    In looking over your "Instructions to Indian Agents 1880" I read that all issued wagons, agricultural implements &c. must be made only upon specific authority previously obtained. I suppose that this does not refer to wagons, mowing machines, plows &c. bought with annuity money or treaty funds, or even to plows, harrows &c. manufactured at the agency for the Indians. If they are included then I am in fault, for [I] have lately issued a large number of wagons, plows &c. without express authority. I have also 18 wagons on hand & coming for the Indians. I have several mowing machines, horse rakes &c. bought for them with treaty funds.
    If it is necessary to have it in all such cases I respectfully ask authority to make all such issues of these implements. I also ask that all previous issues of such agricultural implements during the last 2 years be approved by your office.
    If it is necessary I can enumerate them.
    If this order, as I suppose, refers only to government property bought for the use of the agency out of other than treaty funds, then I have not, to my knowledge, violated this regulation.
    I am anxious to keep within the line of instructions, and while in charge of this agency, to faithfully perform my duty.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



    Comr. Ind. Affairs
        Washington, D.C.
Sir
    I have just learned from the recently revised Instructions to Indian Agents that Indian boarding schools will be supplied with organs when there are persons to play them. My own organ (a large one) has been carried to and from my home to the school building for the use of our Sunday school (Inds.) for most of the Sundays for nearly four years. During all that time there has always been two or more persons on the reservation who could play the organ well. Both the teachers & the asst. teacher are competent players. Besides them there are two others of the employees' families who are good players. We want the organ very much. The school children appreciate and enjoy instrumental music. These children all sing well and are continuously improving.
    After having made the foregoing statement I now respectfully ask that such an organ as the Department thinks best for our use be furnished us for the use of our school.
    Should I be allowed to purchase one here, I would say that there is one for sale at Fort Klamath owned by Mrs. Whipple, the wife of the officer in command, which is nearly new, a good instrument & can be procured for about $90. I cannot now accurately describe it or give the exact price of it, but believe that it can [be] bought on good terms.
    If we can procure this organ, it will give us the advantage of its use during most of this winter, in the day school, as well as in the Sunday school. I would say, however, that there is no money on hand available for such a purchase.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.



    Comr. Ind. Affairs
Sir,
    After having carefully read and considered sections 262 & 264 of Instructions to Ind. Agents 1880, I respectfully ask your consideration of the following facts, and a modification of these instructions as applicable to this reservation. This reservation contains over 1,000,000 of acres, one half or more of which is heavily timbered. I have no doubt that this million of acres of land would average 10,000 feet of sawed lumber to the acre. This would make 1,000,000,000 feet. This timber is mostly pine, many trees of which are from three to six feet in diameter.
    The Indians on this reservation cannot use for firewood and lumber this timber as fast as it grows.
    A large amount of lumber has been used and is still being used by the Indians for building purposes.
    We have a good saw mill at the agency capable of sawing over 3000 feet of lumber per day. The use of this mill & the cutting & hauling of lots stimulates industry, and affords a means of subsistence.
    On account of the coldness & dryness of the climate but little can ever be done by way of raising grain and vegetables.
    There can be no advantage then in clearing land for this purpose. It may be done however to advantage for grazing purposes as wherever the timber is cut, the grass grows more abundantly. This tribe should, I think, turn their attention largely to stock raising. The military post on the reservation has heretofore obtained its lumber for building purposes from our Indians. There is no other saw mill within 38 miles of Fort Klamath. The road leaking to this mill is very rocky for about seven miles, thus making it quite expensive for the government to secure building material for the use of the military.
    I want to say here, emphatically, that these Indians are good and willing workers, and are capable, almost to a man, of expending their own money to advantage. To all this I would also add that I have never yet seen one of them under the influence of intoxicating liquors, and have seldom heard of their drinking here or elsewhere.
    I would respectfully ask such modifications of these regulations concerning the cutting of timber for lumber as will enable this people to supply any demand that the military at Fort Klamath may have for such building material. There are also 3 or 4 families who have recently settled behind the Fort who also will need a small amount yearly for building purposes. If my requests are granted I will see that no Indian be allowed to cut & sell lumber who has not made commendable building improvements & then not to exceed 5 or 600 feet yearly to each male person or head of a family.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 629 Oregon Superintendency, 1880.

Last revised May 20, 2023