From the collection of the
7 n ,_ — B in
o Prelinger v Ijibrary
San Francisco, California 2006
ANNUAL REPORT
Pubttc Library Kansas City.
OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
TO THE
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
FOR
THE YE^R 1879
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1879.
CONTENTS.
Page.
Report of Commissioner in
PAPERS ACCOMPANYING ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORTS or AGENTS :
Arizona :
Colorado River, H. R. Mallory 3
Pima and Maricopa, A. B. Ludlam 6 .
San Carlos, Capt. A. R. Chaffee, U. S. A 7
California :
Hoopa Valley, Maj. H. R. Mizner, U. S. A 8
Round Valley, H. B. Slieldon 9
Tule River, C. G. Belknap ' -' 12
Mission, S. S. Lawson 13
Colorado :
Los Pinos, Wilson M. Stanley 15
Southern Ute, Henry Page 16
White River, N. C. Meeker , 17
Dakota :
Cheyenne River, Capt. Theo. Sohwan, U. S. A 23
Crow Creek, Capt. William E. Dougherty 24
Devil's Lake, Janies McLaughlin 28
Fort Berthold, William Conrtenay 29
Lower Brule", Capt. William E. Dougherty, U. S. A 32
Pine Ridge, V. T. McGillicuddy 37
Rosebud, Cicero Newell 41
Sisseton, Charles Crissey 43
Standing Rock, J. A. Stephan :., 46
Yankton, R. S. Gardner 50
Idaho :
Fort Hall, W. H. Danilson ---.-. 52
Lemhi, John A. Wright, farmer in charge 54
Nez Perce", Charles D. Warner 55
Indian Territory :
Cheyenne and Arapaho, John D. Miles 57
Kiowa, Comanche, and Wichita, P. B. Hunt 62
Osage and Kaw, L. J. Miles. 69
Pawnee, John C. Smith 70
Ponca, William H. Whiteman 72
<,Miajww, J. M. Ha worth 75
.Sac and Fox, J. Hertford 78
Iowa : ,
Sac and Fox, George L. Davenport 81
Kansas:
Kansas, H. C. Linn 81
II CONTENTS.
Page. REPORTS OF AGENTS — Continued.
Michigan :
Mackinac, George W. Lee 84
Minnesota: ,
White Earth, Charles A. Ruffee. 87
Montana :
Blackfeet, John Young 89
Crow, A. R. Keller 91
Flathead, Peter Ronan 94
Fort Peck, N. S. Porter 95
Fort Belknap, W. L. Lincoln 98
Nebraska :
Great Nemaha, M. B. Kent 101
. Otoe, Jesse W. Griest 103
Santee, Isaiah Lightner 104
Winiiebago and Oinaha, Howard White , 106
Nevada :
Nevada, W. M. Garvey.. 109
Western Shoshone, John How 110
New Mexico :
Abiquiu, James H. Roberts 112
Mescalero, S. A. Russell .-. 113
Navajo, Galen Eastman...: 114
Pueblo, Ben. M.Thomas 118
Rev. Taylor F. Ealy, M. D., teacher. 120
New York :
New York, D. Sherman 122
Oregon :
Grand Ronde, P. B. Sinnott 124
Klamath, L. M. Nickerson 125
Malheur, W. V. Rinehart 127
Siletz, Edmund A. Swan 131
Umatilla, N. A. Cornoyer 133
Warm Springs, John Smith '. 134
Utah :
Tlintah Valley, J. J. Critchlow 137
Washington Territory :
Colville, John A. Simms 140
James O'Neil, farmer 141
Neah Bay, Charles Willoughby 144
Puyallup, R. H. Milroy 148
Quinaielt, Oliver Wood 153
S'Kokomish, Edwin Eels 154
Tulalip, John O'Keane 156
Yakama, James H.Wilbur 157
Wisconsin :
Green Bay, E. Stephens - 159
La Pointe, I. L. Mahan ..' 161
Wyoming:
Shoshone, James I. Patten 166
J. W. Coombs, teacher 168
E. Ballon, teacher * 169
Report of the Ute Commission 170
Agreement with the Utes 178
Report of commission to reappraise Kaw lands in Kansas 182
CONTENTS. Ill
Page. Letter of Chief Spotted Tail to Secretary of the Interior ..................... 184
Indian legislation by the third session of the Forty-fifth and first session. of the Forty-sixth Congress .......... ........................................... 185
Tabular statement showing the present liabilities of the United States to Indian
tribes under stipulations of treaties, &c .................................... 190
Tabular report of the condition of trust-funds ................................ 197
Statement showing treaty and special appropriations for Indian tribes for 1879-'SO ................................................. .................. 210
Statement of receipts and disbursements on account of sales of Indian lands since November 1, 1878 .................................................... 213
Executive orders relating to Indian reservations issued since January 10, 1879. 214 Schedule giving names, location, and areas of Indian reservations, and the authority for establishing the same ........................................ 218
Statistics relating to population, schools, churches, and general condition of Indians at their respective agencies .................................. .<. ____ 228
Statistics relating to lands, agricultural improvements, live stock, crops, and sources of subsistence of Indians at their respective agencies ................ 246
Table showing prevailing diseases among Indians, number of cases of sickness
treated, &c .......................... > .................................... 263
List of agencies assigned to religious denominations .......................... 265
List of members of the Board of Indian Commissioners, with their post-office
address ................................................................... 266
List of agents, with their post-office and telegraphic address .................. 267
List of inspectors, with their post-office address .............................. 269
Abstract of proposals received and contracts awarded for supplies, transporta- tion, annuity goods, and medicines for the Indian service ................... 270
MAPS:
United States, showing Indian reservations ....................... ....... I
California: Tule River reserve ............................ . ......... . ............... 12
Dakota : Lake Traverse reserve ............................ . .................... 43
Indian Territory: Ponca, Nez Perce", and Pawnee reserves ............. . ...... ........... 72
Quapaw, Peoria, Ottawa, Shawnee, Modoc, Wyandott, and Seneca re- serves .............................................................. 75
Sac and Fox, Pottawattomie, and Seminole reserves ..................... 78
Minnesota :
White Earth reserve ................................................. )
Leech Lake and Winnebagoshish reserves ............................ )
NYv.-tda : Duck Valley reserve ............. * ..................................... lift
Oregon: Grand Ronde reserve .................................................. 124
Siletx reserve .......................................................... 131
Washington Territory:
Nisqually and Chehalis reserves ...................................... \
Shoalwater Bay reserve .............................................. > 148
Puyallup and Muckleshoot reserves ................................... )
S'Kokomish and Squaxin reserves ...................................... 154
Lumni and Swinomish reserves Tulalip and Port Madison reserves
ERRATUM. Page ix, line 22, for 1877 read 1878.
) )
REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
WASHINGTON, D. 0., November 1, 1879.
SIR : I have the honor to submit herewith the Annual Keport of the Indian Bureau for the year 18 71).
During the year there has been a steady and manifest progress in civilization which has had no parallel in any previous year in the his- tory of Indian civilization under this government. The spirit of progress cannot be said to have pervaded all tribes alike, or with equal force ; but, as a whole, the Indians of the country have taken a long stride in the right direction toward complete civilization and eventual self-sup- port. The most decided advance in civilization has been made by the Ogalala and Brule Sioux, and their progress during the last year and a half has been simply marvelous. They have manifested an excellent disposition and shown commendable zeal in carrying out the plans of the government for their benefit.
It is no longer a question whether Indians will work. They are stead- ily asking for opportunities to do so, and the Indians who to-day are willing and anxious to engage in civilized labor are largely in the major- ity. There is an almost universal call for lands in severalty, and it is remarkable that this request should come from nearly every tribe excepit the five civilized tribes in the Indian Territory. There is also a growing desire among Indians to live in houses, and more houses have been built, and are now in course of erection, than have been put up during any previous year. The demand for agricultural implements and appli- ances, and for wagons and harness for farming and freighting purposes is constantly increasing, and an unusual readiness to wear citizens' clothing is also manifest.
The loss of the buffalo, which is looked upon by Indians as disastrous, has really been to them a blessing in disguise. They now see clearly that they must get their living out of the soil by their own labor, and a few years' perseverance in the beneficial policy now pursued will render three-fourths of our Indians self-supporting. Already very many tribes have a surplus of products for sale.
The only exception to the general improvement for the year is shown in the bad conduct of the White River Utes and the marauders in New Mexico, which will be referred to hereafter.
The following table shows the substantial results of Indian labor dur_
IV REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
ing the year, as well as the increase over the amount given in last year's report. But for the severe drought which has prevailed in the Indian Territory and among the Navajos during the past season the increase in crops would have been much larger, especially in the corn crop, which is considerably below that of last year.
Indians exclusive of five civilized tribes.
1879. 1878.
|
Number of acres broken by Indians |
I 24, 270 |
22, 319 |
|
Number of acres broken by government |
I 2, 861 |
2 072 |
|
Number of acres cull ivated by Indians |
157,056 |
128, 018 |
|
Number of bushels wheat raised by Indians |
i 328,637 |
266, 100 |
|
Number of bushels corn raised by Indians |
643, 286 |
971 303 |
|
Number of bushels oats and barley raised by Indians Number of bushels vegetables raised by Indians |
189,054 390,698 |
172, 967 315. 585 |
|
Number tons hay cut by Indians Number of Indian apprentices |
48,333 1 185 |
36, 942 104 |
|
Five civilized tribes. |
||
|
Number of acres cultivated 1 . . |
273, 000 |
245, 000 |
|
Number of bushels wheat raised |
565, 400 |
494, 400 |
|
Number of bushels corn raised |
! 2, 015, 000 |
2, 642, 000 |
|
Number of bushels oats and barley raised Number of bushels vegetables raised |
200, 000 336,700 |
201, 000 320, 000 |
|
Number tons hay cut |
176,500 |
116, 500 |
A PATENT FOR LAND.
The more intelligent and best disposed Indians are now earnestly asking for a title in severally to their lands as a preliminary to sup- porting themselves from the products of the soil. The number of per- sons who can be employed in stock-raising is small, since comparatively little labor is required and a few men can herd and take care of a thou- sand head of cattle; but the cultivation of the soil will give employment to the whole Indian race. The only sure way to make Indians tillers of the soil, under the best conditions to promote their welfare, is to give each head of a family one hundred and sixty acres of land, and to each unmarried adult eighty acres, and to issue patents for the same, making the allotments inalienable and free from taxation for twenty-five years.
A bill to carry out this beneficial object was submitted to the extra session of the Forty-sixth Congress [H. E. 354]. It was carefully pre- pared by the department to meet all the wants of the situation, and was similar to a bill which had been introduced into the Forty-fifth Congress and had been favorably reported on by committees in both Houses, but which had failed to receive action. The speedy passage of such a bill would be a greater boon to Indian civilization than any other that could be bestowed. As will be seen throughout this report, the willingness of the Indian to work has already been demonstrated. Give him the land and the opportunity, and the result is a foregone con- clusion. But so long as he has no individual title to the land he is asketf. to cultivate, the fear that it will some day be taken from him will oper- ate as a serious hindrance to his progress. With the Indian as well as the white man industry and thrift have their root in ownership of the soil.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. V
The patenting of lauds in severally creates separate and individual inter- ests, which are necessary in order to teach an Indian the benefits of labor and to induce him to follow civilized pursuits.
In this connection I desire to call attention to House bill 352, 46th Congress, ls£ session, which confirms certains entries of lands made by Chippewa Indians in Michigan, and also to House bill 355, introduced during the same session, amending the deficiency act of March 3, 1875. This latter bill extends the limitation placed upon the conveyance of lauds taken by Indians under the homestead law to twenty-five years from date of patent instead of five years. It also includes other limita- tions embraced in House bill 354 referred to above. Under the provis- ions of this act a large number of Indians in Oregon, Washington Ter- ritory, and other portions of the Northwest, who are not on reservations, could be readily and advantageously settled.
PENAL SETTLEMENTS.
Iii former years when Indians committed serious crimes it was cus- tomary to inflict punishment therefor by sending them to Saint Augus- tine, Fla., to be kept in close confinement at Fort Marion. They were thus deprived of their liberty until they were believed to be in a fit frame of mind to be permitted to go back to their tribes, with a reasonable pros- pect of their remaining quiet in the future. Of late years the military, who have acted as custodians of these captive Indians, have objected to keeping them, 011 account of the expense of feeding them from the Army appropriation, and for the last two years it has been a difficult matter to cause Indian criminals to be held in custody beyond a very brief pe- riod of time, although the Army appropriation bill makes special pro- vision for the support of Indian prisoners.
A penal settlement for the confinement and reformation of the more turbulent and troublesome individuals anioug the various Indian tribes is a pressing want, and immediate action should be taken for the estab- lishment of such a settlement. For the worst class of refractory Indians, one settlement should be in Florida, which is far enough away from Indian reservations to make any attempt at escape hopeless. Another settle- ment should be established in the Northwest, at some point where a con- siderable quantity of arable land can be found, so that Indians who are thus restricted in their liberty may be taught to work for their support.
It is impossible to properly govern a barbarous people like our wilder Indians without being able to inflict some punishment for wrong-doing that shall be a real punishment to the offender. At the present time the military are called upon to suppress insurrections, and to chastise, by the penalties and losses of war, those who rebel against the govern- ment. These are temporary Devils to the Indians, and unless the punish- ment inflicted is unusually severe the lesson is soon forgotten. More- over, in such cases chastisement often falls heavily on innocent parties instead of the guilty. If the Indian Office had a penal settlement where
VI REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
turbulent individuals among the tribes could be placed, they could be taken from their homes to the place of punishment without disturbing the general peace, and the prompt infliction of a punishment of this kind would tend to curb the evil-disposed and prevent them from stirring up outbreaks. In fact there is nothing the Indian would dread more than to be deprived of his liberty.
Such a settlement should be guarded by a sufficient force to exercise perfect discipline, and such prisoners should be taught trades as well as agriculture. A school of correction of this kind would be of inestimable value to the Indian service, and it would exercise a reformatory influ- ence that could not be obtained by simple confinement. Useful occu- pation provided for the captives, with some encouragement to industry, would in most cases enable them to be returned to their homes in an advanced condition of civilization.
SALE OF ARMS TO INDIANS.
During the last two years the sale of arms and ammunition by In- dian traders has been strictly forbidden and no case is known where the prohibition has been violated. Such vigilance has been exercised by the Indian Office in this matter that trader's licenses have been re- voked whenever there was the slightest suspicion of the existence of this contraband trade. Nevertheless, outside of Indian reservations, men are everywhere found driving a thrifty business in selling breech- loading arms and fixed ammunition to non-civilized Indians, and the sales thus made are limited in amount only by the ability of the Indians to purchase.
Previous to the late Ute outbreak the Indians were amply supplied with Winchester and Spencer rifles and fixed ammunition obtained from traders outside of their reservation. Game was abundant on or near their reserve, and for some time the Utes had been making sales of peltries to a large amount, and were thus enabled to provide themselves with such arms and ammunition as they desired. Their largely increased purchases of arms just before the outbreak might have served as a notice to these unscrupulous traders that an outbreak was impending in which the lives of innocent people would be sacrificed. There is no offense against the commonwealth showing greater moral turpitude than the crime of those persons who recklessly place in the hands of savages all the improved patterns of arms, which they know will be used to de- stroy the lives of innocent white citizens.
There is no statute against this crime, and the only semblance of pro- hibition is contained in the following joint resolution and proclamation, viz:
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
November 23, 1876.
A joint resolution adopted by Congress August 5, 1876, declares that —
Whei'eas it is ascertained that the hostile Indians of the Northwest are largely equipped with arms •which require special metallic cartridges, and that such special ammunition is in large part supplied to such hostile Indians, directly or indirectly, through traders and others in the Indian country : Therefore,
I REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. VII
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to take such measures as, in his judgment, may oe necessary to prevent such metallic ammunition being conveyed to such hostile Indians, and is further authorized to declare the same contraband of war in such district of country as he may designate during the continuance of hostilities.
To carry into effect the above-cited resolution, the sale of fixed ammunition or me- tallic cartridges by any trader or other person in any district of the Indian country occupied by hostile Indians, or over which they roam, is hereby prohibited ; and all such ammunition or cartridges introduced- into said country by traders or other per- sons, and that are liable in any way or manner, directly or indirectly, to be received by such hostile Indians, shall be deemed contraband of war, seized by any military officer and confiscated ; and the district of country to which this prohibition shall ap- ply during the continuance of hostilities is hereby designated as that which embraces all Indian country, or country occupied by Indians, or subject to their visits, lying within the Territories of Montana, Dakota, and Wyoming, and the States of Nebraska
and Colorado.
U. S. GRANT.
The foregoing resolution is, at best, only a specimen of very loose legis- lation. In lieu thereof a well-considered penal statute should have been enacted forbidding such sales not only in the Northwest, but wher- ever there are non-civilized Indians, whether on or off reservations. The danger always is that such trading will be carried on just outside reservation limits, where all sorts of contraband sales are effected and where Indian agents are powerless.
Again, the joint resolution prohibits the sale of "metallic ammunition" only, and not of arms as well. The right of purchasing arms ad libitum is ,the evil complained of. Without arms, ammunition would be of no use, and the latter can be traded in to any extent with little danger of de- tection, since it can be easily carried concealed about the person. The sale of arms, on the other hand, could be readily detected and exposed ; and it is against such sales that legislation should especially be directed. It would almost seem as if the very men engaged in this murderous traffic had framed the above resolution to protect their guild and to enable them to ply their trade with impunity. When it is considered how many lives have been lost during the time which has elapsed since the pas- sage of this resolution (which virtually permits this unhallowed trade in the implements of death), it is strange that no adequate legislation has been had for the protection of human life. A law by Congress pro- hibiting under severe penalty the sale of both lire-arms and fixed ammu- nition to non-civilized Indians, is the only common-sense and practicable method of putting an end to this dangerous traffic.
INDIAN EDUCATION.
The work of promoting Indian education is the most agreeable part of the labor performed by the Indian Bureau. Indian children are as bright and teachable as average \vhite children of the same ages ; and while the progress in the work of civilizing adult Indians who have had no educational advantages is a slow process at best, the progress of the, youths trained in our schools is of the most hopeful character. During
VIII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
the current year the capacity of our school edifices has been largely in- creased, and some additional schools have been opened. The following- tables will show the increase of school facilities during the year :
1879. 1878. Number of children, exclusive of the five civilized tribes, who can be
accommodated in boarding-schools 3, 461 2, 589
Number of children who can be accommodated in day schools 5, 970 5, 082
Number of boarding-schools 52 49
Number of day schools 107 119
Number of children attending school one or more months during the
year, male, 3,965, female, 3,228 7,193 6,229
Number of children among the five civilized tribes attending school
during the year 6,250 5,993
111 the last report of the Indian Office an account was given of the plan of Indian education initiated at Hampton, Ya. The progress of the chil- dren sent to Hampton last year has been very satisfactory. They have learned as readily as could have been expected, and the success attend- ing the experiment has led to the establishment of a training school of the same kind at Carlisle Barracks. Carlisle, Pa., under the immediate charge of Lieut. E. H. Pratt, U. S. A. He has now in full operation a school consisting of 158 Indian children of both sexes, three-fourths of whom are boys. These children have been taken in large numbers from the Sioux at Eosebud, PineEidge and other agencies on the Missouri Eiver, and from all the tribes in the Indian Territory except the civil- ized Indians.
Carlisle is pleasantly situated in the Cumberland Yalley. The soil is fertile and the climate healthy, and not at all subject to malaria. In the grounds surrounding the barracks a large amount of gardening- can be done advantageously. The buildings are comparatively new brick buildings, in a good state of preservation, and furnish pleasant and commodious quarters for those already there, with a capacity to pro- vide accommodations for at least four hundred more children. It is hoped that Congress will make further provision by which the number of pupils at this school may be largely increased.
These children have been very carefully selected, having undergone the same sort of examination by a surgeon to which apprentices for the Navy are subjected, and only healthy ones have been accepted. The pupils will not only be taught the ordinary branches of an English educa- tion, but will also be instructed in all the useful arts essential in pro- viding for the e very-day wants of man. The civilizing influence of these schools established at the East is very much greater than that of like schools in the Indian country. All the children are expected to write weekly to their homes, and the interest of the parents in the progress and Avelfare of the children under the care of the government is at least equal to the interest that white people take in their children.
In addition to the scholars at the Carlisle training school, the num- ber during the coming year at Hampton will be increased to about sixty-
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. IX
five. Benevolent persons all over the country are taking a deep interest in both of these schools, and are contributing money to promote the im- provement of the pupils, by furnishing articles that cannot be supplied and paid for under government regulations.
From the statements herein made it will be seen that the work of education among Indians has been largely increased, and the facilities now enjoyed will tend very materially to promote the work of Indian civilization. The interest of the Indian chiefs and ruling men in these educational movements is very great. They have already ex- pressed a desire to send school committees from their tribes to see and report upon the progress and treatment of their children in the govern- ment schools, and permission to come east for that purpose will be granted to a limited number. The older Indians, and those experienced in the affairs of the tribes, feel keenly the want of education, and as a rule have favored all endeavors to educate their children, and it is a rare thing to find an Indian so benighted as not to desire to have his children taught to read and write in the English language.
Arrangements are now in progress for opening a school similar to the Carlisle school at Forest Grove, Oregon, for the education of Indian children on the Pacific coast.
INDIAN FREIGHTING.
Iii the month of July, 1877, it was proposed to the Sioux chiefs Spotted Tail and lied Cloud, in a council held with them at their old agencies in Dakota, that they should begin the work of their own civil- ization by hauling their annuity goods and supplies from the Missouri Eiver to the new locations to which they were about to remove, distant respectively 90 and 183 miles westward from the river. The Indians promised that, whenever the government should furnish them with the means of transportation, they would willingly embark in the enterprise. Owing to the impending removal of the Indians and the lateness of the season, it was decided, after due deliberation, to defer putting the plan into execution until after the removal should have been accomplished and sufficient supplies should have been transported to the new loca- tions to carry the Indians through the first winter. The department did not wish to incur the risk of making a trial of what was looked upon as an experiment, when any failure might deprive the Indians of sufficient food and shelter to enable them to withstand the rigors of a Dakota winter.
As related in my last report, a serious combination was made by con- n-actors to take advantage of what was supposed to be the necessities of the government in the hope of thereby extorting exorbitant rates for the carrying of supplies from the Missouri to the two agencies. After advertising twice successively forbids for transportation without obtain- ing reasonable proposals, it was determined to purchase four hundred and twelve wagons and six hundred sets of double harness, and to hire the
X REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Indians with their four-pony teams to remove nearly 4,000,000 pounds of freight an average distance of nearly 150 miles. Even the boldest and most progressive agents pronounced the undertaking a novel and doubtful experiment and others declared it to be impossible, expressing the opinion that Indian ponies were too weak and unreliable to be depended upon for business of such serious importance. To add to the difficulties of the situation malicious white men burned the grass be- tween the agency and the Missouri Eiver for a space 40 by 60 miles in extent.
Under difficulties like these the task of teaching wild Indians to haul supplies with their unbroken ponies began October 11, 1878, and before January 1, 1879, their ability to perform the work had been successfully demonstrated, and 13,000 Indians were comfortably fed and clothed on supplies and annuity goods hauled by themselves without loss or waste.
In past years, when wagon transportiou was performed by white con- tractors, the loss and waste were very considerable. Employes and teamsters lived on the flour, sugar, bacon, and coffee transported by them. The Indians, however, invariably carry their freight through intact. They have become expert drivers of four-pony teams, and now manage them with the skill of an experienced stage-driver.
The result of the experiment with the Sioux Indians has led to the purchase of enough transportation material to enable all our Indians, except the tribes in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, to haul their own supplies. One thousand three hundred and sixty -nine wagons and two thousand five hundred sets of double harness are now employed in the service with excellent results in all cases.
The influence of this industry upon the tribes in which it has been in- troduced has been marvelous. In the past all drudgery and much of the real work devolved upon the Indian women, while they laughed at and ridiculed any man who was disposed to labor. Now, however, the women are glad to have the men do the hauling, and even other work, and go so far as to ride in the wagons with their husbands on the jour- neys between the agencies and the base of supplies. The prosecution of this industry compels the men to wear citizens' clothing, and in that particular rapid advance in "civilization has been made. Another ad- vantage, and perhaps the greatest one, is the opportunity thus afforded Indians to earn money honestly, and by constant application, in consid- erable amounts. Hauling is far more profitable than hunting ever was, even when game was abundant. Then the traders, in the purchase of pel- tries, for which they made payment in tokens, took the lion's share of all the Indians could earn ; now their wages are paid in cash, and the Indians are rapidly learning to make a good use of their money. AVhat is not expended for necessaries and comforts is given to the women to keep for future wants.
It is now the settled policy of the government to give all wagon trans-
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XI
portation to Indians, and to make them useful in every capacity in which Indian labor can be employed.
STOCK CATTLE.
For several years past the experiment of furnishing Indians with cat- tle for stock-raising has been made from time to time, and it has been found that the Indians have almost invariably herded their cattle well, and have raised young stock in considerable numbers. During the cur- rent year, as the following figures Avill show, very much more has been done in the distribution of stock among the Indians than at any time heretofore. The government has contracted for 11,311 head of stock cattle, which have been delivered in part ; the remainder of the deliv- eries will be made as soon as spring is fairly opened. These cattle are distributed as follows : 1,100 to the San Carlos Agency, 100 to Siletz, 1,522 to Pine Ridge, 1,022 to Eosebud, 900 to Cheyenne and Arapaho, 600 to Kiowa, Comanche, and Wichita 5 817 to Osage, 400 to Pawnee, 850 to the Shoshone and Bannack ; 100 each to the Sac and Fox, and Kaw Agencies ; 200 each to the Western Shoshone, Flathead, and Fort Hall Agencies ; 300 each to Crow Creek, and Ponca ; and 500 each to Yankton, Standing Eock, Lower Brule, and Blackfeet Agencies. These cattle have been and will be distributed only to such Indians as, in the opinion of the respective agents, will take the best care of them. Prop- erly cared for, the increase of this stock, in four years, will, with the original herd, amount to nearly 50,000 head, from which it will be seen that the success of the Indians in stock-raising and their ability to profit by it can be demonstrated in a very brief time. These advantages, taken in connection with the issue of agricultural implements and wagons in number to correspond with the issue of cattle, will require but one more act on the part of the government to complete the conditions neces- sary for Indian self-support. The only thing needful is to provide them with an absolute title to lands in severalty, covered by a patent from the government, with protection against taxation and alienation.
GRANARIES AND ROOT HOUSES.
Indians in their natural state are exceedingly* improvident, and while for one year, if left to themselves, they might procure seed and raise a large crop, the probability is that before the next planting season their supply of seed would be entirely exhausted. It is necessary, therefore, to exercise some forethought in their behalf, and during the current year the office has directed agents to construct granaries and root houses, and to call upon each Indian who has been engaged in farming to deliver at the agency a sufficient amount of seed for the next crop. In return, the agent gives a receipt for its safe-keeping. This of course renders it necessary for the agent to have a place of storage where the seeds or roots will be safe from destruction or frost.
It is not unusual for Indian traders to give Indians credit to an amount
XII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
not only sufficient to absorb their whole year's crop, but also to demand, in payment for debt, even the amount left over for seed. For this rea- son traders have been enjoined not to give Indiaus credit, but to let them pay in cash and products as far as they may go.
These granaries and root houses, which are necessary to make sure that the Indians do not part with their seed to satisfy passing Avants, have been completed or are in course of construction for the following agencies : Cheyenne Eiver, Lower Brule, Crow Creek, Yankton, Fort Berthold, Sisseton, Blackfeet, Crow, Flathead, Shoshoue, Yakama, Tulalip, Neah Bay, S'Kokomish, Siletz, Uinatilla, Round Valley, Chey- enne and Arapaho, Pawnee, Osage, Sac and Fox, Santee, Omaha, Win- nebago, Great Nernaha, and White Earth.
INDIAN POLICE.
It is about two years since the general establishment of an Indian police force, which has proved to be exceedingly beneficial to the service. The policemen have shown the utmost fidelity to the government, and, when necessary, have arrested even friends and relatives with absolute impar- tiality. At the Pine Eidge Agency, on the 8th of September last, a runner was dispatched from the camp of Young-Man- Afraid-of-his-Horses to notify the agent of the escape during the night of eleven Cheyennes, who had taken with them twenty-two head of horses and ponies belong- ing to the Sioux. Police Captain Sword, with nine of his men, was sent in pursuit, and the next day overtook the Cheyennes — who had twelve hours the start of the police — on Osage Creek west of the Black Hills, about 125 miles distant from the agency. Sword and his party imme- diately surrounded the fugitives and demanded their surrender. Spotted Wolf, the leader of the runaways, refused, and threw off his blanket, which among Indians signifies a challenge to mortal combat. The police immediately opened fire on the party, killing Spotted Wolf. The remainder then surrendered, and after a two-days march were brought back to the agency. Many other equally noteworthy instances of fidelity have occurred, and as a whole, where agents have entered into the spirit of the system, the results have been of the best possible character.
There is but one drawback, which should be removed by Congress. The pay of policemen which is fixed by law at $5 per month should .be increased to $15. The men enlisted in the police service are usually heads of families, and $5 per month is the merest pittance. Indians engaged in other avocations at the various agencies are paid $15, and teamsters, with their ponies, often earn $30 per month. Especially at larger agencies, where there is considerable police work to be done, the payment of the police should be increased as above proposed. At present considerable dissatisfaction is felt among the Indians on account of the scanty pay, and agents report great difficulty in keeping a full quota of suitable men. This should not be the case, as our police system
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER >OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XIII
is necessary for tke maintenance of order and good government at the several agencies, and is of the highest importance in teaching Indians habits of civilized life and eventual self-government.
MARRIAGES.
In my last annual report I recommended the enactment of a law to prevent polygamy, which prevails in almost every Indian tribe, and to provide for legal marriages among Indians. I can do no better than to repeat that recommendation here :
An act of Congress should provide wholesome and proper marriage laws for Indian tribes. The agent should be required to marry all the Indians cohabiting together upon the various reservations, giving them a certificate of such marriage ; and after the beginning of the next yearno Indian should be permitted to marry more than one wife. White men cohabiting with Indian women should be compelled either to marry them or to quit the reservation.
THE PONCAS.
As stated in my last annual report the Poncas were finally settled on both sides of the Salt Fork near its junction with the Arkansas River. The location is healthy and the soil fertile. There is everything in the surroundings .of the agency to please the eye, and it is universally re- garded as the best location for an Indian agency to be found anywhere in the country.
The Poncas are now doing well. Many houses have already been built, and by the 1st of January next the agent expects to have the whole tribe comfortably supplied with houses. They have been furnished with wagons and harness for freighting and farm purposes, and have hauled their own supplies from Wichita, Kansas. They have been supplied with horses and cattle for stock-raising, and also with agricultural imple- ments sufficient for all the members of their tribe. A steam sawmill and a shingle-machine have been placed at the agency, and have been run- ning continuously since March last. A school-house has been built and a school has been in operation for a considerable portion of the year. In brief, every thing possible has been done to promote their comfort and civilization.
As reported heretofore, these Indians suffered greatly in health by their removal to the Indian Territory, but they have now become accli- mated and the health of the tribe has greatly improved.
By the treaty of March 12, 1858 (12 Stat., 997), the Ponca tribe of Indians ceded to the United States all the lands then owned or claimed by them except a tract in what is now the Territory of Dakota, which was reserved in said treaty as their future home. In consideration of such session the United States stipulated, among other things, "To protect the Poncas in the possession of the tract of land reserved for their future homes and their persons and property therein during good behavior on their part." By the treaty of March 10, 1865 (14 Stat.,
XIV 'REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
675), certain cessions and exchanges were made by which the area of the Ponca reservation was reduced to 06,000 acres, to which diminished reservation the pledge of protection in the former treaty remained fully applicable, and was never forfeited on the part of said Indians.
The following bill was presented by the department to Congress on the 3d of February 1879 :
A BILL For the relief of the Ponca tribe of Indians in the Indian Territory.
Whereas, by the treaty of March 12, 1858, the Ponca Indians ceded to the United States all the laud then owned or claimed by them, except a tract in the Territory of Dakota, bounded as follows, viz: "Beginning at a point on the Niobrara River and running due north so as to intersect the Ponca River 25 miles from its mouth ; thence,
from said point of intersection up and along the Poiica River twenty miles ; thence
due south to the Niobrara River, and thence down and along said river to the place of beginning " : and in possession of which the United States agreed to protect said tribe ; and,
Whereas, by the treaty of March 10, 1865, certain changes were made in the bound- aries of the Ponca Reservation, as denned in the treaty of March 12, 1858, whereby their reservation was reduced to 96,000 acres of land; and,
Whereas, by the second article of the treaty of April 29, 1868, with the Sioux nation of Indians, the lands owned and then occupied by the said Poncas, under the provisions hereinbefore set forth, and on which they had valuable improvements in houses and cultivated lauds, were without their consent ceded and conveyed by the United States to said nation of Indians ; and,
Whereas provision was made in the act making appropriations for the current and contingent expenses of the Indian Department for the liscal year ending June 30, 1877, for the removal of the Ponca Indians to the Indian Territory, which said removal has since been effected ; and
Whereas said Ponca Indians at the time of their removal were obliged to leave all of their improvements and other valuable property, consisting of agricultural imple- ments, etc., on their said reservation in Dakota, and for which they have received no compensation ; and,
Whereas said Pouca Indians are now located temporarily on certain lands, which they desire to retain, within the territory west of the 96° ceded by the Cherokee Na- tion to the United States by the treaty of July 19, 1866. for the purpose of settling other Indians thereon, but which lands they have no money to purchase as provided in said treaty : Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, author- ized and directed to permanently locate the said Ponca Indians on the tract of land now occupied by them, embracing in the aggregate 101,894 acres, and to purchase the same for their use from the Cherokee Nation ; said purchase to be made in accordance with the provisions of the Cherokee treaty of July 19, 1876.
SEC. 2. That the sum of $140,000 be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any moneys now in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, to be disposed of for the benefit of said Ponca Indians as follows, viz, $82,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be expended by the Secretary of the Interior in payment for the lands authorized herein to be purchased for the use of the Ponca tribe of Indians, and the balance of said $140,000 remaining after the purchase of said lauds shall be invested in the four per cent, bonds of the United States and held as a permanent investment for said tribe, the interest thereon to be expended annually for their benefit in such manner as the Secretary of the Interior may direct.
SEC. 3. That the amount appropriated herein shall be in full of all claims by said Ponca tribe of Indians against the United States for the lauds and property heretofore owned by them in Dakota Territory.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XV
By the provisions of the above bill it will be seen that everything* has been clone for the Poncas, so far as this department can act. Their lands were ceded to the Sionx by act of Congress, and proper reparation can only be made by the same authority.
CHIEF MOSES AND HIS PEOPLE.
During the summer of 1878 the settlers in Washington Territory were painfully excited by the restless condition of the Indians in their midst, owing to the outbreak of the Snakes and Bannacks in the adjoining Territory of Idaho, and organized measures for self-protection against roving bands were considered necessary. Chief Moses and his baud, who at that time were not on any reservation, were suspected by the settlers of being in sympathy with the hostile Indians, and also of hav- ing been accomplices in the murder of a man and his wife, named Perkins, who had been killed by a roving band of Columbia Kiver Indians, under the influence of the notorious ** dreamer" Smohallie. In the fall of 1878, Agent Wilbur was directed to use his best endeavors to induce Moses and his band to go upon the Yakama Reservation. He accordingly sent for Moses, who, on the plea that a separate reservation was to be assigned him, declined to go to Yakaina until the decision of the gov- ernment in the matter could be had. He denied all personal knowledge of the Perkins murder, and offered to furnish guides to assist in the arrest of the guilty parties, who were then located about 40 miles distant from his camp.
A party of fifteen agency Indians and thirty white volunteers from Yakama City was formed, and it was arranged that Moses and his men should have one day's start of the party in order to make arrangements for crossing the Columbia River. On arriving with his men at the ap- pointed place he found that the volunteers had proceeded to a point twelve miles below. This tact, coupled with reports which had reached him in the mean time that the whites had planned to waylay and kill him on the way home, and that the police and volunteers intended to arrest him and confine him. in jail at Yakama, aroused his suspicions, and he failed to furnish the guides as agreed, and confronted the volun- teer party in an apparently hostile attitude with about sixty armed men. After a parley, which resulted in both sides withdrawing without col- lision, Moses returned to his camp, but three days later started with nine of his men (as he states) to join the party in the capture of the mur- derers. Before reaching them he encamped for the night, and the vol- unteers who were in that vicinity, mistaking their camp fires for those of the murderers, surrounded the camp and took Moses and his nine men prisoners. All were disarmed; five went after the murderers and arrested one, the other having killed himself to avoid arrest, and Moses and the remaining four men were taken to Yakaina City and confined in jail without any formal examination. A week later Agent Wilbur persuaded the citizens to allow him to take them in charge, and, under
XVI REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
a guard to prevent the excited settlers from killing him, Moses and his men were taken to the agency, where they remained for three months despite the repeated and strenuous efforts which were made by the citi- zens to take Moses out of the agent's custody and return him to jail.
On the 12th of February last the department ordered Moses and his party to Washington for a conference. This order was communicate d to the Yakarna authorities, and upon their agreement not to disturb or arrest him he was allowed to return to his people and make the neces- sary arrangements for his journey to Washington. At the expiration of ten days he was sent for, and returned word that he would meet the agent at the Yakaina Ferry in four days. Upon arrival at the ferry, the agent found the county sheriff with a posse guarding every crossing on the river for twenty miles or more, with a sworn determination to take Moses dead or alive. Finding that lie could do nothing, the agent returned to Yakama City, and the next morning the chief was brought in by the sheriff. Court was called, and Moses was arraigned as accessary to the murder of the Perkins family. The prosecution, on the plea that they were not ready, asked adjournments, first for twenty -four hours and then for eight days. It becoming apparent that delay was asked solely for the purpose of preventing Moses from proceeding to Wash- ington and of keeping him in jail until the October term of court, the agent proposed to waive preliminary hearing and enter bail for his due appearance at court. His proposition was accepted, and Moses came to Washington.
Several conferences were held with him, which resulted in the issuance of an- executive order dated the 19th of April, 1879, setting apart for him- self and his people a reservation, called the Columbia reservation, which adjoins the Colville Reserve in Washington Territory. The delegation returned to Vancouver with a special request to the governor of the Territory and the general commanding the department to see that they were forwarded to their new home without arrest or further interference by the whites. Moses has since expressed himself as being perfectly satisfied with the location provided.
It was deemed expedient to accede to the earnest desire of Moses to have a new reservation set apart for his occupancy, because of the hard- ship and unjust treatment to which he had been subjected and in ac- knowledgment of his valuable services in controlling the disaffected and in preserving the peace during the excitement occasioned by the hostil- ities of the Bannocks. By this arrangement an expensive war was un- doubtedly avoided.
The Indians concerned in the Perkins murder were tried at Jie last (October) term of the circuit court of Yakarna County, Washing! on Ter- ritory, and three of them were condemned to death. The charge against Chief Moses was pressed for days and some sixty or more witnesses were examined; but no bill against him could be found. He was there- upon discharged and his bondsmen released.
KEPORT OF, THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XVII THE REMNANT OF DULL KNIFE'S BAND.
Iii the last annual report of this bureau mention was made of the de- sertion of a party of about three hundred Northern Cheyennes, under Dull Knife, from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Eeservation in the Indian Territory, in September, 1878, and of the fact that on their way through Kansas they murdered more than forty men, women, and children, and committed other outrages. At the date of said report the portion of those Cheyennes who had surrendered to the military were held as prisoners at Camp Robinson, ^ebr., and the War Department had been requested to send them to Fort Wallace, Kans., in order that the civil authorities of that State might identify and properly punish the parties guilty of crimes committed in the raid through Kansas.
The headmen of the Cheyennes then in confinement at Fort Eobinson were notified by the military on the 3d of January that the authori- ties in Washington had decided to send them back south. On the next day, after consultation with the rest of the captives, Wild Hog, as spokesman, gave an unequivocal negative to the proposition, de- claring their intention to die before coiriplying with the order. The prisoners numbered at this time forty-nine men, fifty-one women, and forty-eight children. It was then attempted to starve and freeze these captives into submission, and for five days they were. deprived of food and fuel, and for three days of water also. This experiment proving in- effectual, on the 9th of January it was decided to arrest Wild Hog as the leader of the opposition. He was with difficulty induced to come out of the prison, and after a struggle, in which a soldier was stabbed, he was ironed. Upon this the Indians in the prison barricaded the doors, covered the windows with cloth to conceal their movements, tore up the floor, and constructed rifle-pits to command all the windows.
As early as November 1, 1878, lied Cloud had requested that their knives be taken from these prisoners to prevent them from taking their own lives in case they should be ordered South. This, however, appears not to have been done, neither had they been wholly disarmed, for they were the possessors of at least fifteen guns (in addition to the two ob- tained from the dead sentinels) and some revolvers, and were well sup- plied with knives.
About 10 o'clock on the night of January 9, the Indians com men cod firing upon the sentinels, killing two and wounding a corporal in the guard-room, and made their escape through the windows, the women being driven in front of the men in their flight. They were pursued by the troops, and most of their number were eventually killed. The sur- vivors were taken to Kansas for the identification of those who had been accused of murder and outrage, and Wild Hog and six others were indicted in the courts of that State. When the case was called, a nolle prosequi was entered, thereby dismissing the case; the prisoners weie set at liberty, and they accompanied their agent to the Indian Territory ii
XVIII REFORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. LITTLE CHIEF'S BAND OF CHEYENNES.
Little Chief and his band of Cheyennes, numbering about 200, left Sid- ney Barracks on their way to the Indian Territory October 20, is 78, and arrived at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency on the Oth of December last. It seems that Little Chief and his band were traveling- peacefully southward at the same time that Dull Knife and his band were raiding in the opposite direction. Fortunately the two bands did not meet and strike hands.
In March last information was received that these Indians were greatly dissatisfied and were about to break out on the war-path. As matters seemed serious enough to warrant it, Little Chief and five others were permitted to come to Washington in May last and present their case. They stated that they had been informed by military officers at Fort Keogh that if on arrival at the Indian Territory they were not suited with the country they might return to the north. Little Chief was very earnest in the presentation of his case, and was sustained by the other members of the delegation. For some time it appeared doubtful whether they would voluntarily consent to go back to the Indian Territory, but by perseveringly following their arguments and making plain the requirements of the law in their case, their full consent was finally ob- tained, and they went back to their homes cheerfully and with the evident intention of remaining there quietly and peacefully; which they have so far done.
THE OUTBREAK OF THE UTES.
By the treaty of March 2, 1868, two agencies were established on the Ute Reservation in Colorado, the Los Pinos Agency in the south for the Tabequache and Muache bands, and the White River Agency in the north for the Yampa, Grand River, and Uintah bands. Abundance of game on and near the reservation with which to supplement the half rations provided under treaty enabled the Utes to postpone indefinitely the time when they should be compelled to adopt civilized habits and means of subsistence. Owing to their proverbial friendliness to the whites and loyalty to the government, their frequent excursions outside the reservation gave comparatively little uneasiness, and was often en- couraged by those who wished to gain possession of the large quantities of peltries which the Utes annually secured. By this means the Indians had no difficulty in obtaining in abundance the arms, ammunition, and whiskey which were denied them on their reservation.
The Los Pinos Utes, under the personal influence and example of Ou- ray, have yielded more readily to agency control and seemed more in - dined to make a small beginning in civilized habits than those at White River. The latter, moreover, for a few years past have been divided into two factions, under rival chiefs, between whom a bitter animosity has existed, and any measure proposed by the agent needed only to be sup- ported by one party to be opposed by the other.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF IXDIAX AFFAIRS. XIX
The geographical position of the White River Agency is of a very pe- culiar character, and the query forcibly presents itself why such a loca- tion was chosen at all. It can be reached only from the north by but one road, which during some seasons is passable for the transportation of freight but little over two months in the year, and is open on an average only from four to six months in a year. The surrounding country is broken; is out of the line of ordinary emigration westward; and, abounding in game, is in most respects a paradise for wild Indians. Under these circumstances it is not strange that Agent Meeker found the White River Utes to be a thoroughly wild and barbarous people, upon whom civilization had had scarcely any perceptible effect.
Soon after his appointment, Agent Meeker advised the removal of the agency from its old site to a point fifteen miles south, where a milder climate and more arable land was to be found, and where there was a better opportunity for putting the Indians at work. The agency was accordingly removed, new buildings were erected, and quite an extensive irrigating ditch was dug with Indian labor, and for a while the Indians, especially those of Douglas's band, seemed contented with their agent. The rival chief Jack, however, was opposed to the change of the agency, still remained with his people at the old location, and resisted all at- tempts to interest him in any improvements.
During last winter and spring frequent complaints were made by the agent, both to this office and to the military, relative to the absence of his Indians from their reservation, two of which are as follows :
WHITE RIVER AGENCY, COLORADO,
March 17, 1879.
SIR : I ani informed that some thirty White River Utes are about to start for the north, having heard of the fighting in the Upper Missouri country. Their object probably is to supply ammunition to the hostiles, and they get full supplies at the stores on Snake and Bear Rivers. These belong to the adverse faction, who will not work, and, having no fixed homes nor interest, they can start off at any time. I have sent this information to the commandant at Fort Steele, and I have repeatedly re- ported to you of the sale of ammunition at these stores, and also reported the same to the commandant at Fort Steele.
Something like a dozen Indians are honestly at work in building and preparing land to plant, and I am doing all that possibly can be done to expedite such interest, which on new laud dors not grow rapidly, but we are making good progress. By another year I hope the fruits of industry will be such as to kt-ep all the Indians on the reservation.
Respectfully.
X. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent. Hon. E. A. HAYT,
Conimi*sioHt:r of' Indian J/T««r-s, IVuslwiqton, D. ('.
WAI; DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 9, 1879.
Sin: I have the honor to transmit for your information copy of a communication from Mr. N. C. Meeker, Indian Agent at White River Agency, stating that a large part of White River Utes are about to start north, probably for the scene of Indian troubles,
XX REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
and requesting that all White River Utes be held or sent back to the reserve if found going north.
General Sherman, in submitting the above letter, remarks that he understands that the White River Utes have agreed to go south to the reservation; and that if they go north they simply complicate matters, and force on the military the most unpleasant duty of capturing them and compelling them to go to their new reservation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. McCRARY,
Secretary of War. The Hon. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
UNITED STATES INDIAN SERVICE, WHITE RIVER AGENCY, COLORADO,
March 17, 1879.
SIR: It is my duty to inform you that quite a large party of White River Utes are about to start for the north, perhaps for the scene of Indian troubles. Whether they intend to mix in is doubtful, but I think it entirely certain they will carry consider- able supplies of ammunition for sale to their allies.
I have before reported to you that there are several stores on Snake and Bear Rivers which keep full supplies of ammunition. I would hereby request you to arrest all White River Utes bound north and either hold them or send them back to the reser- vation. They deserve a lesson. I wish also the sale of ammunition as above kept bo put an end to, agreeably to orders in such cases. Respectfully, yours,
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent. To the COMMANDANT AT FORT STEELE, WYO.
[First indorsement ]
HEADQUARTERS FORT FRED STEELE, WYO.,
March 22, 1879.
Respectfully forwarded to headquarters Department of the Platte. Attention in- vited to inclosed letter of Indian Agent Meeker, and instructions requested if the department commander desires any action taken in the premises.
T. T. THORNBURGH, Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding.
[Second indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PLATTE.
Fort Omaha, Nebr., March 26, 1879.
Respectfully forwarded t» the Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. A., headquarters Military Division of the Missouri.
GEORGE CROOK, Brigadier- Genera /, Comm a n di »// .
\ lu another communication, dated December 9, 1878, the agent states :
There are four stores on the northern border of the reservation which sell ammu- nition. As a consequence the Indians all go to those stores to sell buckskins and ex- pend what money they can get hold of, so that with the trade of the few settlers these establishments are doing a thriving business. Thus it is that with abundant supplies at this agency half the Indians are off their reservation. This condition of things leads to continued demoralization of the Indians ; for, first, the traders tell them they ought to hunt and not to work; and, second, the Indians interfere with the cattle of stockmen by keeping their horses on their range, eating what they call their grass.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXI
One complaint, from George P»aggs, a heavy stockman, was of so serious a nature, in- cluding the stampeding of cattle, that I have sent an interpreter to order the Indians back to their reservation. I>ut you must see that the traders will use their influence to keep the Indians on those rivers that they may have their trade. I wish some steps could be taken to suppress the sale of ammunition. I do not suppose I can exercise any authority outside the reservation.
For thus intruding upon white settlements the Indians could easily find justification by pointing to the numerous mining camps which have been located on their reservation in direct violation of treaty provisions, viz:
The United States now solemnly agrees that no persons except those herein author- ized so to do, and except such officers, agents, and employe's of the government as may be authorized to enter upon Indian reservations in discharge of duties enjoined by law, shall ever be permitted to pass over, settle upon, or reside in the territory de- scribed in this article, except as herein otherwise provided.
This was also expressly reaffirmed in what is known as the Brunot agreement of 1873. This infraction of the treaty greatly irritated the Utes, and was undoubtedly one of the causes which eventually led to active hostilities.
On the 5th of July Governor Pitkin, of Colorado, sent the following telegram to this office :
SIK: Reports reaeh me daily that a band of White River Utes are off their reser- vation, destroying forests and game near North and Middle Parks. They have already burned millions of dollars of timber, and are intimidating settlers and miners. Have written Indian Agent Meeker, but fear letters have not reached him. I respectfully request you to have, telegraphic order sent troops at nearest post to remove Indians to their reservation. If general government does not act promptly the State must. Im- mense forests are burning throughout Western Colorado, supposed to have been fired by I am satisfied there is an organized effort on the part of Indians to de-
stroy the timber of Colorado. The loss will be irreplaceable. These savages should be removed to the Indian Territory, where they can no longer destroy the finest forests in this State.
Immediately upon its receipt the following telegraphic instructions were sent Agent Meeker July 7th :
Governor of Colorado reports your Indians depredating near North and Middle Parks. If correct take active steps to secure their return to reservation. The Secre- tary directs that if necessary you will call upon nearest military post for assistance. Report facts immediately.
And on the 9th instant the office telegraphed Governor Pitkin that the War Department had been requested to send troops to bring the Indians back to their reservation.
On the 7th of July, before the above instructions were received by him, Agent Meeker also reported to the office that he had been informed that bands of his Indians on Snake and Bear Rivers and in Middle and North Parks were destroying game for the skins and burning the timber, and that he had sent Chief Douglas with an employ^ to order their re- turn to their reservation and had requested the commandant at Fort Steele to cause them to return.
XXII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
These papers on the 17th of July were referred to the War Depart- ment, and the following reply was made thereto :
WAI; DEPARTMENT, Washington City, August 13. 1879.
SIR: Referring to your letter of the 18th ultimo, relative to affairs at White River Agency, Colorado, and depredations committed by Indians belonging thereto, I have the honor to state that the complaints therein alluded to have been duly investigated, and I would invite your attention to the inclosed copies of reports in regard to them from Army officers and others.
Very respectfully, vour obedient servant,
G. \V. McCRARY,
Secretary of War. The Hon. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
Copy of indorsements on communication: (4730, A. G. O., 1879,) dated July 18, 1879, from Interior Department, transmitting copy of letter of Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated 17th instant, with iuclosures relating to affairs at the White River Agency, Colorado, and action of the Indians at said agency.
[First indorsement,]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, July 28, 1879.
Respectfully referred to General P. H. Sheridan for investigation and report, return- ing these papers.
W. T. SHERMAN, General.
[Second indorsement.;
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Chicago, July 31, 1879.
Respectfully referred to the commanding general Department of the Platte, for investigation, action, and report.
By command of Lieuteu ant-General Sheridan.
M. V. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Military Secretary.
[Third indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PLATTE,
Fort Omaha, Nebr., August 4, 1879.
Respectfully returned to the assistant adjutant-general U. S. A., headquarters Mili- tary Division of the Missouri, inviting attention to the report of Maj. T. T. Thorn- burgh, Fourth Infantry, commanding Fort Fred Steele, Wyo., and the accompanying statements of parties who were in the vicinity, and who were cognizant of all the facts.
Major Thornburgh's report with these statements are forwarded herewith. From these statements it will be seen :
1. That besides killing the game the Indians committed no depredations.
2. That the post commander of Fort Steele, Wyo., did not receive timely information of the presence of the Indians referred to.
I ask attention to the fact that it is impossible for the military, placed as they are at such great distance from the agencies, to prevent Indians from leaving without authority, unless warning in due time by the Indian authorities is given. Nor can a post commander force them to return without running the risk of bringing on a war, for which he would be held accountable.
For this reason the post commander is required to refer the matter to higher mili- tary authority, which also involves delay. Unless troops are stationed at the agen-
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXIII
e;es they cannot know io time when. Indians are absent by authority ; nor can they prevent the occurrence of troubles, for which they are frequently and most unjustly held responsible.
GEORGE CROOK,
Brigadier -General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FORT FRED STEELE, WYO.,
July 27, 1879.
Sill : I have the honor to submit the following report of the recent visit of the Ute Indians from the White River Agency to this vicinity:
About the 25th of June a band of some 100 Indians from the White River Agency made their appearance at a mining camp on the divide near the head of Jack and Savoy Creeks, some 60 miles south of this post and engaged in hunting and trading ill this vicinity for about one week, when they departed (as they said) for their agency
I did not learn of the presence of these Indians until after their departure, nor was I notified by the agent at White River that they had left their agency until June 11, when I received a communication from him dated June 7, stating that a considerable number of the Indians had left their reservation and were burning timber and wan- tonly destroying game along Bear and Snake Rivers, also warning all miners and ranchmen, and requesting me to cause them to return to their reservation. Upon receiving this letter I made inquiries and could not find such a state of affairs to exist, but did find that the Indians had killed a great deal of game and used the skins for trade. The miners they visited in this section were not molested, but on the contrary were presented with an abundance of game. No stock was molested, and so far as I can learn no one attributes the burning of timber to these Indians.
Since I have been in command of this post (one year) Agent Meeker, of the White River agency, has written me two letters, dated November 11, 1878, and June 7, 1879. These letters have usually come to me after the Indians had paid a flying but peace- able visit to this country and departed (as they always say) to their agency. The White River Agency is situated some 200 miles from this post, and there are very few settlers in the country between Fort Fred Steele and the agency, consequently I am not informed as soon as I should be of the movements of these Indians. Bear and Snake Rivers are about 100 miles from this post, and to reach them by traveling thi s distance would require the trip to be made through a very rough country, impracti- cable for wagons, the only transportation available.
I have never received any orders from my superior to cause these Indians to remain on their reservation at the request of the agent, but am ready to attempt anythiu g required of me. I have been able to communicate with nearly every ranchman resid- ing within 100 miles of this post in reference to the late visit of these Indians, and forward herewith letters received from them. Both the letters mentioned above as having been received from Agent Meeker were forwarded to higher authority, and instructions have been asked to guide me in this matter. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. T. THORNBURGH, Major Fourth Infantry, Commanding Post.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Headquarters Department of the Plalte, Fort Omaha, Nebr.
[Indorsement on above report.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PLATTE,
Fort Omaha, Nebr., August 11, 1879.
liVsppctfully forwarded to the assistant adjutant-general, U. S. A., headquarters Military Division of the Missouri for the information of the Lieutenant-General in con- nection with telegram of *th ultimo from the Adjutant-General's Office, transmitted for my information and guiilanee and a el ion, from your office, July 9, 1879. Attention
XXIV REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
is invited to the report of the commanding officer Fort Fred Steele, Wyo., on the subject, and to the accompanying statements.
GEORGE CROOK, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Inclosures to above report.]
UPPER NORTH PLATTE,
Brush Creek, July 6, 1879.
DEAR SIR: In regard to your inquiries of the Ute Indians on the Upper North Platte, would say that there was about 65 or 70 lodges, as near as I can ascertain ; they camped on Jack Creek, about the middle of June ; they were evidently a hunt- ing party, doing no damage and seeming perfectly friendly. They had caught some elk calves which they wanted to trade for cartridges, but the ranchmen would not trade. They traded them some butter for furs and skins, and killed enough game for their own immediate use. Yours, respectfully,
TAYLOR PENNOCK. Major THORNBURGH,
Commanding Officer, Fort Fred. Steele.
P. S. — They went south towards North Park between the 3d and 5th of July, but done no damage nor made no threats.
WARM SPRINGS, WYO., July 23, 1879.
DEAR SIB; : In response to your inquiries regarding the Ute Indians who were re- cently in this part of the country, I submit the following :
The Indians committed no depredations in this settlement beyond slaughtering game by the wholesale. No hostility was manifested toward any of the settlers, the Indians conducting themselves peaceably and quietly. No cattle was killed and no fires set.
Rumors of trouble in the North Park have reached here from time to time, but I cannot vouch for their truthfulness. The Indians left this country for the North Park about the 3d of this month — at least not later than that time.
We have no one to blame for the Indians being in this country but ourselves, for we were aware of the fact that if you had been notified of their presence that you would have at once taken steps to remove them. Yours, &c.,
J. T. CRAWFORD. Major THORNBURGH,
Post Commander, Fort Steele, Wyo.
LAKE CREEK, CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING, July 24, 1879.
SIR: In compliance with your request, I take pleasure in giving you all the infor- mation in my possession, in reference to the late visit of the Ute Indians from the White River Agency to this part of the country. I reside, as you know, about 25 miles south of Fort Steele, on the Platte River, and about the last of June I had occasion to go to Spring Creek, some 12 miles farther south, and I found that a band of some 100 Indians had just left Wagner's Ranch, having remained there only two days, which time they used for trading horses, skins, &c.
These Indians are very friendly, and tried in every way not to get into trouble with any one. They killed considerable game, more than they could use, but that is not an uncommon thing in this country. I heard of no acts of hostility, and in fact I know that none was committed, as I have seen nearly all the ranchmen in 100 miles of me since their departure. I have seen Mr. Jones, a miner, from North Park, who told me that a good many miners when they learned of the approach of the Indians, left and returned home.
No depredations were committed at the Park that I have ever heard of.
WM. BRANER.
Major THORNBURGH,
Commanding Fort Fred Steele, Wyo.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXV
NORTH FLATTI: RIVER, WYOMING,
July 25, 1879.
SIR : In reply to your inquiries I would respectfully state that the band of Indians who were lately here left this country on the 1st instant, going south into Colorado. I don't think they set out any fires or interfered with the settlers in any way whilst here, and I have had a good chance to know. They killed considerable game while here.
Yours, respectfully,
B. T. BRYAN. Maj. T. T. THORNBURGH,
Fort Stecle, Wyo.
FRED STEELE, WYO.,
July 26, 1879.
DEAR SIR : In answer to your inquiry, I have just returned from a seven days' jour- ney through the country which the Ute Indians have been traveling and hunting. Being well acquainted with settlers of the country, have met and conversed with most of them, and have heard no complaint except the great slaughter of game. I traveled 30 or 40 miles along the base of the mountains on their trail and did not see where any prairie or timber fire had originated from their camps, or where there had been any recent fire. I learn from the ranchmen that the Indians left the North Park about July 1, and have heard nothing further of their movements. Very respectfully,
NEWTON MAJIR. Major THORXBURGH.
WARM SPRINGS, WYO.,- July 25, 1879.
SIR : In answer to your inquiry regarding the Ute Indians, I do not think they set any of the fires in this part of the country, as the tie-men admitted to me that the fires* on Brush and French Creeks caught from their camp-fires. They crossed on Beaver Crrek fifty miles south of Steele on June last or July 1, going north. Very respectfully,
W. B. HUGUS. Maj. T. T. THORXBURGH,
Commanding Fort Steele.
GRAND ENCAMPMENT CREEK, July 26, 1879.
SIR: In reply to your inquiries concerning the Ute Indians who lately visited this region, I can inform you that I saw and traded with these Indians on or about the 8th of July, when they were on their way south toward their agency by way of North Park. These Indians — about 50 in number — were very peaceable and polite, and did not commit any depredations, or show any hostility towards any of the settlers in this country. There were fires set about this time in the timber, but it is not known how they originated. I have, since their departure, learned from Mr. John Le Fevre, of North Park, that another band of these Indians were in North Park in June, and that some of the miners talked of driving them off, but on conversing with White Antelope,, their chief, they learned that the Indians did not wish trouble, and they immediately left. This is all I know or have heard of this subject.
GREY NICHOLS.
Maj. T. T. THORXBURGH,
Fourth Infantry, Fort Fred Steele, U'yo.
FORT STEELE, WYO., July 26, 1879.
SIR : Referring to your inquiries as to the doings of the Utes, who were lately in the Platte Valley, south of this post, I would respectfully state that a party of White. River Ute Indians camped on Beaver Creek, June 30, they being then on their way sourh, and that they crossed the Colorado line July 1. During their stay on the Plat 1 < they killed considerable game, but offered no violence to settlers, nor did tbey, so fai I have been able to learn by diligent inquiry, set fire to any grass or timber in this country.
XXVI KEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
I have traveled all through the country referred to since the 1st of July, and am satisfied that had any violence been committed by the Indians, I should have heard of it.
Very respectfully,
J. M. HUGUS. Maj. T. T. THORNBURGH,
Commanding Officer, Fort Fred Stecle, Wyo.
[Fourth indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Chicago, August 6, 1879.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, inviting attention to the indorsement of General Crook, and report of Major Thornburgh.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant-General Commanding.
On the 15th of July, in reply to office telegram of the 7th, the agent reported that the mission of Chief Douglass and the employe had been successful ; that Middle Park had been vacated by the Indians ; and that they were returning to the agency. He also stated that the Indians had no appreciation of the value of forests, and in order to obtain dry fuel for winter use, or to drive the deer to one place where they might be easily killed, fires were lighted, by which large tracts of valuable timber were burned over, to the great exasperation of settlers. To this communication the office replied as follows :
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Washington, August 15, 1879.
SIR : I am in receipt of your letter, dated 15th ultimo, relative to the departure of the Indians from the Middle Park, their destruction of grass, timber, &c., and refer- ring to my telegram to you of the 23d ultimo, directing you to "take a decided stand with your Indians to prevent further depredations," have to state in addition that •complaints of a serious character have been made to the office in regard to the fires which have been set by the Indians, as you have been advised by office letter of the 12th instant, and these heedless and lawless acts, unless checked, will lead to collis- ions between the whites and the Indians. You will, therefore, if possible, ascertain what Indians Committed the depredations to which you refer, and have them arrested ;ind subjected to some adequate punishment. Examples must be made of some of them in order to deter others from similar outrages.
In closing your letter you state incidentally that after the Indians have received their yearly distribution of annuity goods "they will depart and roam over a country as large as New England, where settlers are struggling to make new homes, and the Indians think it all right because they are, as they boast, peaceable Indians."
In reply, you are directed to adopt, without delay, decisive measures to put a stop to these roaming habits of your Indians. Office instructions embraced in the circular of December 23, 1878, in regard to their being treated as hostile Indians and liable to .arrest, if they are found outside of their reservation without passes, should be en- forced, and you should also give them to understand that their annuities will be withheld from them if they do not comply with the requirements of the office. Very respectfully,
E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner. N. C. MEEKER, Esq.,
United States Indian Agent, White River Agency, Col,
via Rawlins Station, Wyoming.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXVII
On the llth of August the agent again complained of the bad con- duct of his Indians, as follows :
WHITE RIVER AGENCY, COLO., August 11, 1879.
SIR: In a letter of this date (A) are several things connected with the subject of this letter. I have a strong belief that a raid is to be made on our herd through the connivance of the Indians, and what I want is sufficient military force to be sent hither to awe these savages, so that they will stay at home. When this shall be done the Indians will be in a condition to improve, but now it is simply impossible; indeed, I fear they are already so demoralized that years upon years will be required to make anything out of them. A few, say twenty or thirty, I have under my control, and I have great hopes of them; but the rest, fully 700, will not stay here. It is useless for anybody to tell rue to keep them at home while there is no obstacle to their going away, and even while they are welcomed by white men who teach them all kinds of iniquities.
I had a conversation the other day on the cars with Major Thornburgh, commandant at Fort Steele. He said he had always sent my requests forward and that he had re- ceived no orders, and he added that if you should request the Secretary of War to command him to keep the tribes on their reservation he could start a company of 50 cavalry at a day's notice, but without orders he could not go ten miles from the fort.
Another trouble lies in the stores on Snake and Bear Rivers, or even nearer by, which sell ammunition for goods, playing-cards being in large supply. Let me ask you what is the use of my warning these traders when they know I have no power to back me ? It is only a farce. I once wrote to the governor of this State about the violation pf the law, and he told me if I could apply to the deputy United States marshal for the district he would move. I did not apply to him, because said deputy kept an Indian store himself.
The things to be done are three: Have the military break up the selling of ammuni- tion (and liquor), and the buying of annuity goods at these stores. Then, as the Indians could not hunt they would work to get money, perhaps trap some, and a store would be established here. Of course the military must keep them on their reserva- tion, and white men off". When these things shall be done the Indians will begin to consider the question of sending their children to school, and they will open farms. Now they will not. Already they .are making their plans for going north, after they get their annuity goods, to hunt buffalo. If anything can be done I would like to have a hand in it. Respectfully,
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent.
Hon. E. A. HAYT.
Commission*')' Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
Upon that letter the following report was made by this office to the Secretary of the Interior September 1st, and was by him referred to the War Department September 2d :
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter dated llth ultimo, from I'nited States Indian Agent Meeker, of the White River Agency, respecting depreda- tions committed by Indians of his agency, and difficulties in his way in keeping them upon the reservation without military aid.
The agent states that the large majority of them are "constantly off the reserva- tion and intimately as.soeiated with the ruffians, renegades, and cattle thieves of the frontier,'' and he is of opinion that these outlaws, aided by the Indians, will make raids on the herds of government cattle during the coming winter.
The agent also calls attention to the evils resulting to the Indians from the unlaw-
XXVIII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
ful traffic iu ammunition and liquor by traders, whose stores are 011 Snake ami Buar Rivers, and the necessity of military aid to break up this traffic. For the past eight- esn months or more frequent complaints have been made to the office on account of the traffic carried on with the Indians by the traders in the locations indicated, at whose stores the renegade Utes of Northern Colorado and hostile Bannocks in South- ern Idaho and Wyoming Territories, with other lawless bands, have procured ample supplies of ammunition. Two years since, Capt. Charles Parker, U. S. A., stationed at Fort Steele, was directed on the recommendation of this office, to make an investi- gation of affairs on the Bear River, with a view to the establishment of a military post there to protect the settlers and break up the lawless traffic with the Indians and keep them upon their reservations. After a thorough investigation of the matter that officer, together with the agent of the White River Agency, reported strongly in favor of the measure, and on the 19th of September, 1877, copies of the papers were trans- mitted to the department, with a view to securing the necessary action on the part of the War Department ; but the views of the General of the Army were then adverse to the recommendation of the officer, and the evils complained of have since become more widespread and serious in their character.
The agent urges the necessity of the employment of a military force to overawe and restrain the Indians, and to break up the traffic referred to on Snake and Bear Rivers; and it is respectfully recommended that his communication be referred to the honor- able the Secretary of War, with the request that he cause the necessary orders to issue to the commandant at Fort Steele to detail the requisite number of troops for the purposes indicated. Very respectfully,
E. J. BROOKS,
Aiding Commissioner.
The Honorable the SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
About the 25tli of August, the sheriff of Grand County went to the White River Agency with warrants for the arrest of two Indians charged with burning a house on Bear River, belonging to a man by the name of Thompson. In regard to this the agent states : " I attempted to get Chief Douglas to assist, so that these culprits might be found, but he refused, saying he knew nothing about them and he would do nothing. And yet he has been extremely friendly $ he sends his boy to school and has worked all summer. The Indians were not found and the sheriff and posse of four returned."
Early in September a difficulty occurred between the agent and the Indians on a matter of plowing, of which the agent made the following
report :
UNITED STATES INDIAN SERVICE, WHITE RIVER AGENCY, COLORADO,
September 8, 1879.
SIR : We had recently finished plowing an 80-acre field, all inclosed ; then we irrigated a piece of adjoining land, and upon which the agency buildings stand at a corner. This parcel lies between the river and the street coming to the agency, and embraces probably 200 acres, and the plan was to devote 50 acres next the street and agency to tilled crops and the remainder to grass land, and to inclose the whole with one com- mon fence. First, it is necessary to have fields contiguous, that fences maybe watched and depredators kept in check, and also to make the work of irrigation as inexpensive as possible, since to carry water far involves heavy outlays, besides being attended with the greatest difficulties by reason of uneven ground. In short, the described parcel was every way fitted for the object stated, and the new location of the agency was made with a view of utilizing and improving this particular laud.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXIX
When we commenced plowing last week, three or four Indians objected. They h;id set their tents down towards the river, and corrals had been built, though I had pre- viously told them the ground would be plowed. I offered to move their corrals by employes' labor, and showed them other places, of which there are many equally good, but they refused to consider. This land is good, and being close to the agency, their horses are protected; in short, they simply need the ground for their horses. Now, since it was evident that if I could have moved the agency buildings two or three miles below they would come and claim equal squatters' rights there also, and I told them so, to which they replied, that I had land enough plowed, and they wanted all the rest for their horses. Still they did indicate that I might plow a piece farther away, covered with sage and grease wood, intersected by slues and badly developing alkali, while at the best it would take three months to clear the surface. They would listen to noth- ing I could say, and seeing no help for it, since if they could drive me from one place they would quickly drive me from another, I ordered the plows to run as I had pro- posed. The first bed had been laid out and watered, 100 feet wide and half a mile long, and when the plowman got to the upper end two Indians came out with guns and ordered him not to plow any more. This was reported to me, and I directed the plow- ing to proceed. When the plowman had made a few runs around the bed he was fired upon from a small cluster of sage-brush, and the ball passed close to his person.
Of course I ordered the plowing to stop. I went to Douglas, the chief, but he only repeated that they who claimed the land wanted it, and that I ought to plow some- where else. Then I sent a messenger to Jack, a rival chieftain, ten miles up the river, who has a larger following than Douglas, and he and his friends came down speedily, and the whole subject was discussed at great length. The conclusion was, that Jack and his men did not care anything about it, but I might go on and plow that bed (100 feet wide and one-half mile long). I said that was of no use ; that I wanted to plow 50 acres at least, and I wanted the rest for hay, as we had to go from 4 to 7 miles to do our h;iy ing, and even there the Indian horses eat much of the grass. Then they said I might go on and plow as I proposed. This was either not understood or not assented to by the claimants, for when the plow started next morning they came out and threatened vengeance if any more than that bed was plowed. Immediately I sent again for Jack and his men, and the plow ran most of the forenoon, when I ordered it stopped, for by this time the employe's were becoming scared.
Another long council was held, and I understood scarcely anything that was said, though I was present for hours, smothered with heat and smoke, and finally it was agreed that I might have the whole land and plow half of it and inclose the rest, pro- viding I would remove the corral, dig a well, help build a log house, and give a stove, to which I assented, for substantially the same had been promised before.
Altogether there were not more than four Indian men engaged in this outbreak; properly, there was only one family, tho wife of which speaks good English, having been brought up in a white family; the remainder were relatives, and besides were several sympathizers, but by no means active. During all this time I had a team in readiness to go to the railroad to ask instructions from you by telegraph, but the ne- cessity for this seemed for the present averted. My impression is decided that it was the wish of all the Indians that plowing might be stopped and that no more plowing at all shall be done, but that the conclusion which they reached was based upon tho danger they ran in opposing the government of the United States.
Plowing will proceed, but whether unmolested I cannot say. This is a bad lot of Indians. They have had five rations so long and have been flattered and petted so much, that they think themselves lords of all. Respectful ly,
N. C. MEEK El?.
Indian Agent.
Hon. E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian . J />//•*, ir<t8hin.yton, I). C.
XXX REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Before the receipt of the above report by this office the following- tel- egram came from the agent, announcing that the opposition to the plow- ing had been carried to the extent of making a personal assault on him- self:
WHITE RIVER AGENCY, COLORADO,
September 10, 1879. H. A. HAYT,
Commissioner, $-c., Washington, D. C. :
SIR: I have been assaulted by a leading chief, Johnson, forced out of my own house and injured badly, but was rescued by employe's. It is now revealed that Johnson originated all the trouble stated in letter September 8. His son shot at the plowman, and the opposition to plowing is wide. Plowing stops ; life of self, family, and em- ployes not safe ; want protection immediately ; have asked Governor Pitkin to confer with General Pope.
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent.
The telegram was received late Saturday evening, and on Monday morning, September 15, at the request of this office, the War Depart- ment ordered by telegraph that a the nearest military commander to the agency detail a sufficient number of troops to arrest such Indian chiefs as are insubordinate, and enforce obedience to the requirements of the agent, and afford him such protection as the exigency of the case requires; also, that the ringleaders be held as prisoners until an inves- tigation can be had."
On the same day the office telegraphed Agent Meeker :
War Department has been requested to send troops for your protection. On their arrival cause arrest of leaders in late disturbance and have them held until further orders from this office.
Report full particulars as soon as possible.
To which he replied on the 22d :
Governor Pitkin writes, cavalry on the way. Dispatch of 15th will be obeyed.
On the 22d of September the office received the following telegram from the honorable Secretary of the Interior, relative to the arrest of two Indians against whom warrants had been issued :
DENVER, COLO., September 21, 1879. Hon. COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:
SIR : Two Indian Utes, Bennet and Chinaman, have been identified as having burned down citizen7 honses outside of reservation ; warrants are out against them. Agent Meeker should be instructed to have them arrested and turned over to civil authori- ties ; efforts should also be made to identify Indians having set fire to forests outside of reservation. On consultation with governor and others, I am advised that settle- ment of Utes in severalty will be possible, on or near location now occupied by them, if properly managed. Steps to that end should be initiated as fast as possible.
C. SCHURZ.
On the 23d Agent Meeker was instructed by this office as follows :
Secretary telegraphs from Denver that two Ute Indians, Bennett and Chinaman, have been identified as having burned down citizens' houses outside of reservation . Warrants are out against them. Agent Meeker should be instructed to arrest and turn them over to civil authorities ; also, to identify and arrest Indians having set fires to forests. You will act on Secretary's suggestion, calling on military for assist- ance if necessary.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXI -To this the agent replied by telegraph dated September 26 :
Would say to yours *23d September, if soldiers arrest Indians and go away, I must go with them. Soldiers must stay. Large bodies of Indians leaving for the north to hunt. They insisted I should give out blankets now. I refused. Trade in gun> and ammunition on Bear and Snake Rivers brisk. Company D, Ninth Cavalry, at Steamboat Springs, waiting instructions, which came to-day from General Hatch, and are forwarded to-day by employe.
The employe who carried to Captain. Dodge the dispatches referred to was thus absent from the agency at the time of the massacre, and is the only male employe who escaped death.
On the 25th of September, Major Thornburgh, who was en route to the agent, sent the following to Agent Meeker :
HEADQUARTERS WHITE RIVER EXPEDITION,
CAMP ox FORTIFICATION CREEK,
September 25, 1879. Mr. MEEKKII.
Indian Agent, White Hire)' Agency, Colo.:
SIR : In obedience to the instructions from the General of the Army, I am en route to your agency, and expect to arrive there on the 29th instant, for the purpose of affording you any assistance in my power in regulating your affairs, and to make arrests at your suggestion, and to hold as prisoners such of your Indians as you desire, until in- vestigations are made by your department.
I have heard nothing definite from your agency for ten days, and do not know what state of affairs exists — whether the Indians will leave at my approach or show hostili- ties. I send this letter by Mr. Lowry, one of my guides, and desire you to communi- cate with me as soon as possible, giving me all the information in your power, in order that I may know what course I am to pursue. If practicable, meet me on the road at the earliest moment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. T. THORNBURGH.
To this Agent Meeker replies, under date of September 27, 1879, as follows :
SIR: Understanding that you are on the way hither with United States troops, I send a messenger, Mr. Eskridge, and two Indians, Henry (interpreter) and John Ayers. ley, to inform you that the Indians are greatly excited, and wish you to stop at some- convenient camping-place, and that you and five soldiers of your command come into the agency, when a talk and a better understanding can be had. This I agree to, but I do not propose to order your movements, but it seems for the best. The Indiana seem to consider the advance »f troops as a declaration of real war. In this I am laboring to undeceive them, and at the same time to convince them they cannot do- whatever they please. The first object now is to allay apprehension. Respectfully.
N. C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent.
On the 20th of September Major Thornburgh telegraphed to his de- department commander from Bear Eiver :
Have met some Ute chiefs here. They seem friendly and promise to go with me to agency. Say Utes don't understand why we have come. Have tried to explain sat-
Ksfartorily. Do not anticipate trouble.
XXXII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
On the 28tli of September Major Thornburgli wrote the agent as follows :
SIR: I shall move with my entire command to some convenient camp near and within striking distance of your agency, reaching such point during the 29th. I shall then halt and encamp the troops and proceed to the agency with my guide and five soldiers, as communicated in my letter of the 27th instant.
Then and there I will be ready to have a conference with you and the Indians, so that an understanding may be arrived at and my course of action determined. I have carefully considered whether or not it would be advisable to have my command at a point as distant as that desired by the Indians who were in my camp last night, and have reached the conclusion that under my orders, which require me to march this command to the agency. I am not at liberty to leave it at a point where it would not be available in case of trouble. You are authorized to say for me to the Indians that my course of conduct is entirely dependent on them. Our desire is to avoid trouble, and we have not come for war.
I requested you in my letter of the 26th to meet me on the road before I reached the agency. I renew my request that you do so, and further desire that you bring such chiefs as may wish to accompany yon.
To this Agent Meeker replied under date of September 29, 1 p. in. :
DEAR SIR : I expect to leave in the morning with Douglas and Serrick to meet you; things are peaceable, and Douglas flies the United States flag. If you have trouble in getting through the canon to-day, let me know in what force. We have been on guard three nights and shall be to-night, not because we know there is danger, but becau.se there may be. I like your last programme ; it is based on true military principles.
On the same day, and probably before the receipt of Major Thornburgli' s letter of the 28th, the agent telegraphed this office :
SIR: Major Thornburgh, Fourth Infantry, leaves his command 50 miles distant, and comes to-day with five men. Indians propose to fight if troops advance. A talk will be had to-morrow. Captain Dodge, Ninth Cavalry, is at Steamboat Springs, with orders to break up Indian stores and keep Indians on reservation. Sales of ammuni- tion and guns brisk for ten days past. Store nearest sent back 16,000 rounds and 13 guns. When Captain Dodge commences to enforce law, no living here without troops. Have sent for him to confer.
The employe who was bearer of the dispatches to Captain Dodge rela- tive to breaking np the sale of ammunition to Indians reports that the Indians whom Major Thornburgh met on the 26th were a band of ten In- dians under Jack, who camped with the soldiers on the night of the 26th, Friday. The next day he met Jack and his ten men at 11 a. in. on the trail between Bear River and Williams1 s Fork, and was informed by Jack that 190 soldiers had just passed en route to the reservation, and was asked for what purpose they had come. This seems to have been Jack's first intimation that soldiers had been sent for, and from a telegram sent by the agent to Governor Pitkin, it appears that the agent consid- ered it important that the call for troops should be kept concealed from the Indians.
As will appear from the above dispatches, the Indians again visited Major Thornburgh's camp on the 27th instant, with a proposition that he leave his troops 50 miles distant and come with five, men to the agency for consultation. The proposition being refused, the Indians
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXIII
evidently considered his advance with all his troops as an act of war, and when he crossed the reservation line at Milk Creek — a point about 25 miles distant from the agency — and was about to enter a canon, a body of not less than 100 Indians were discovered, who opened upon the soldiers a deadly fire. Fighting as they went, the command fell back on the wagon train which was coming up in the rear. In this retreat Major Thornburgh and several others were killed. Horses, wagons, and everything available were immediately used for breastworks, while the Indians from the surrounding bluffs kept up a galling fire. In this des- perate position the command under Captain Payne held its own until the morning of the 2d of October, when it was re-enforced by Company D, of the STinth Cavalry, under Captain Dodge. This single company of colored troops, hearing of the fight, made forced marches, without orders, through the enemy's country, to the relief of the survivors.
Meantime, as soon as the news of the battle reached headquarters, several large bodies of troops were ordered to Milk Creek, and on the morning of October 5 Colonel Merritt arrived there with 600 men. He found the total losses to be 12 killed and 43 wounded. The combined forces then proceeded to the agency, where they found only dead bodies and burned buildings.
The news of the fight with Major Thornburg was conveyed by runners to the Indian camp near the agency, and the agent's letter of the 29th to Major Thornburgh had hardly been dispatched when the massacre of the agency employes began. All the men, eight in number, were shot ; the wife and daughter of the agent and the wife of one of the employes, with her two children, took refuge in an adobe building and remained there for four hours until the buildings were fired. They then took the opportunity, while the Indians were busily engaged in helping them- selves to the annuity goods, to escape to the sage-bush, but during their flight were discovered and fired upon by the Indians, Mrs. Meeker receiv- ing a flesh wound. They were then taken captive and conveyed by the Indians, after a toilsome journey of several hours, to the camp to which three or four days previous the Indian women and children had been removed. Two teamsters wrho were coming up with Indian goods at the time of the massacre were also killed. The Indian report their loss in the first day of their attack on the troops as 23, and afterwards in their struggle with the employes and the freighters as 14.
While these events were transpiring among the White River Utes, Chief Ouray and his band had started out on a two months' hunt; but, as soon as he learned from an Indian runner of the massacre and the capture of the women, he hastened back to his agency in great anxiety and alarm, and immediate^ issued the following order :
Los PINOS INDIAN AGENCY,
October 2, 1879. To the chief captains, headmen, and Utcs at the White River Agency :
You are hereby requested ami commanded to cease hostilities against the whites, iijuring no innocent persons or any others farther than to protect your own lives and IND III
XXXIV REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
property from unlawful and unauthorized combinations of horse-thieves and despera- does, as anything farther will ultimately end in disaster to all parties.
OURAY.
At the same time the following message was sent to the agent of the Southern Utes.
SIR : Ouray requests that I should say to you, and through you to the whites and Indians, that they need not fear any danger from the trouble at White River ; that he wants his people — the Utes — to stay at home and lend no hand or encouragement to the White River Utes ; that the troubles there will be over in a few days ; that he has sent Sopenevaro and others to White River to stop the trouble ; and that outside inter- ference will only tend to aggravate and do no good. Very respectfully,
WM. M. STANLEY, United States Indian Agent.
Upon this the Southern Utes held formal council and expressed their determination to take no part in the hostilities of the northern bands. On the 9th of October, Ouray's courier returned with the report that the White Eiver Utes had listened to the order, had stopped fighting, and had moved with all their effects to Grand Eiver.
This information was conveyed to the office in the following telegram of the same date :
Employe" Brady and escort of Indians arrived from White River, reports Utes recog- nized and obeyed Ouray 's order, withdrew, and will fight no more unless forced to do so. If soldiers are now stopped trouble can be settled by peace commission to inves- tigate facts, and let blame rest where it may. This will save life, expense, and dis- tress if it can be accomplished.
STANLEY, Agent. I concur and indsrse the above.
OURAY, Head Chief Ute Nation.
In reply thereto the department telegraphed Agent Stanley, October 13, as follows :
Your dispatch received. Tell Ouray that his eiforts are highly appreciated by the government. In view of the attack made upon the troops and massacre of agent and employe's the troops will have to proceed to White River Agency. Ouray should en- deavor to prevent any resistance to this movement. The troops are now in great force, and resistance would result only in great disaster to the Indians. The hostiles will have to surrender and throw themselves upon the mercy of the government. The guilty parties must be identified and delivered up. We shall see that 110 injustice is done any one. Peaceable Indians will be protected. Ouray's recommendations for mercy in individual cases will be respected as far as the general interest may permit.
Special agents are being dispatched to Los Pinos with further instructions.
C. SCHURZ, Secretary.
These terms Vere in accordance with article 6 of the Ute treaty of 1868, which provides that :
If bad men among the Indians shall commit a wrong or depredation upon the per- son or property of any one, white, black, or Indian, subject to the authority of the United States and at peace therewith, the tribes herein named solemnly agree that they will, on proof made to their agent and notice to him, deliver up the wrong-doer to the United Spates, to be tried and punished according to its laws.
An inspector was despatched to the Los Pinos Agency, and General Charles Adams, former agent for the White Kiver Utes, was detailed as
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXV
special agent to visit the hostile camp, with an escort furnished by Ouray, to demand the surrender of the captive women and children, the mur- derers of the employes, and those engaged in the attack on Major Thorn- burgh. During these negotiations the troops were instructed by the War Department to proceed no farther than the White River Agency and to remain there until further orders. General Adams was well treated by the hostiles, and after a long and stormy council the captives were delivered to him without conditions, and on the 21st of October they arrived at Ouray's house, where every possible arrangement for their comfort had been made by himself and wife. On his return from Gen- eral Merritt's camp two more visits were made by General Adams to the hostile camp to demand the surrender of the guilty parties, and on the 29th of October he reported that the Indians appeared willing to have the guilty punished, and recommended that a commission be appointed to make an investigation, Ouray being in favor of the plan and agreeing to have the White Eiver Utes in attendance.
Meantime the department had already sent to General Adams the ultimatum which was to be offered the White Eiver Utes, viz : that they remove their camp temporarily to the neighborhood of Los Pinos ; that a commission consisting of Brevet Major-General Hatch, General Adams, and Ouray meet at Los Pinos as soon as possible, to take testimony to ascertain the guilty parties— the guilty parties so ascertained to be dealt with as white men would be under like circumstances ; and that the mis- chievous element in the White Eiver band be disarmed.
This was accepted by the White Eiver Utes, and on the 10th of No- vember twenty of their chiefs and headmen, in obedience to Ouray's order, came to his house to meet General Adams. The others, whose camp was located 50 miles distant on the Guimisoii Eiver, were expected soon. Latest advices are that the commission is now organized, and that Johnson, Douglas, and Sawawick are giving testimony. The testi- mony of officers who were engaged in the battle at Milk Creek, and the testimony of the captive women will also be given before this commis- sion. Every effort to arrive at all the facts and to mete out exact justice will be made. Troops are stationed at Fort Garland in the south as well as at White Eiver Agency in the north, ready for prompt action in the event of the possible failure of the commission.
The atrocity of the crimes committed should not prevent those indi- viduals who are innocent from being treated as such, according to arti- cle 17 of the treaty, viz :
Pi'or'uled, That if any chief of cither of the confederated bands make war against the people of the United States, or in any manner violate this treaty in any essential part, said chief shall forfeit his position as chief and all rights to any of the benefits of this treaty: lint, provided further : Any Indian of either of these confederated hands who shall remain at peace and abide by the terms of this treaty in all its essentials, shall be entitled to its benefits and provisions, notwithstanding his particular chief and band have forfeited their rights thereto.
The services thus far rendered by Ouray have been of inestimable value, and while the White Eiver Utes have shown the very worst
XXXVI REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
aspect of savage life, Ouray Las shown courage and humanity and vir- tues of the better type, which should somewhat relieve the name of Ute from the odium cast upon it by the northern bands, for whose brutal and barbarous acts, whatever the provocation, no justification can be found.
In my annual report for 1877 I made the following statement of the case :
I recommend the removal of all the Indians in Colorado and Arizona to the Indian Territory. In Colorado, gold and silver mines are scattered over a wide extent of territory, and are to be found in every conceivable direction, running into Indian res- ervations. Of course miners will follow the various leads and prospect new ones with- out regard to the barriers set up by an Indian reservation. Hence the sojourn of Indians in this State will be sure to lead to strife, contention, and war, besides entail- ing an enormous expense to feed and provide for them. Again, there is no hope of civilizing these Indians while they reside in Colorado, as all the arable laud in the State is required for its white settlers. A mining population needs in its immediate vicinity abundant facilities for agriculture to feed it. The question of feeding the white population of the State is one of paramount importance, and will certainly force itself on the attention of the government.
In the Indian Office report for 1878 the following extract will be found which has a bearing on the present issue :
The Ute reservation covers nearly 12,000,000 of acres, and fully one-third of the best arable laud in the State ; and it is situated in the heart of one of the richest mining regions in the United States. The mining population naturally want the arable land to raise food for their support ; and as the white population is rapidly augmenting, their encroachments upon the Indians will be constantly on the increase ; besides their lands, if put in the market, will readily sell at a fair price. These remarks have reference mainly to the two southern agencies. The location of the Northern Utes is not desirable, unless the land shall be found to contain minerals. But all the Ute Indians should be removed at once to the Indian Territory, where there is fertile soil and abundance of wood and water, and where there need be no white encroachments.
The " irrepressible conflict" between the white man and the aborigine may be turned to good account for both parties in the accomplishment of desirable results. Let it be fully understood that the Ute Indians have a good and sufficient title to 12,000,000 acres of land in Colorado, and that these Indians did not thrust themselves in the way of the white people, but that they were originally and rightfully possessors of the soil, and that the land they occupy has been acknowledged to be theirs by solemn treaties made with them by the United States, and that the white people, well knowing these facts, took all the responsibility of making their settlements contiguous to the home of the red man.
It will not do to say that a treaty with an Indian means nothing. It means even more than the pledge of the government to pay a bond. It is the most solemn declaration that any government of any people ever enters into. Neither will it do to say that treaties never ought to have been made with Indians. That question is not now in order, as these treaties have been made and must be lived up to, whether conven- ient or otherwise.
By beginning at the outset with the full acknowledgment of the abso- lute and indefeasible right of these Indians to 12,000,000 of acres in
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXVII
Colorado, we can properly consider what is the best method of extin - guishing the Indian title thereto without injustice to the Indians and without violating the plighted faith of the Government of the tTnited States. The first step in that direction will be to provide by law for a commission to visit the Utes and obtain their consent to remove from the State to some other location — say to the Indian Territory — on condition of their receiving pay for the value of their lands in Col- orado, the same to be obtained by appraisement and sale, in the same manner in which certain Kansas and Nebraska lauds have been disposed of for the benefit of Indians who formerly resided within their limits. If a proposition of this kind should be fairly presented to the Utes, I have no doubt they would give their consent, as scores of other Indian tribes, both the wildest and the most civilized, have consented under similar circum stances.
There are other considerations in the case of the Cite ludiaus which might be considered in connection with the proposed removal. The Ute country at present abounds in game, and as long as that shall be the case the Indians will not work. Moreover, their location is admirably adapted to both defensive and aggressive Indian warfare. Its geo- graphical position is also an advantage by which in time of war the Utes can draw largely on the neighboring Indians for assistance either in men or food.
The advantages to be obtained by removing them to the Indian Ter- ritory are (1) an abundant supply of arable land for cultivation ; (2) immu- nity from white encroachment ; and (3) better security for keeping the Indians peaceful, as the country is not adapted to Indian fighting and everywhere offers open fields for the use of artillery and all the appli- ances of civilized warfare, so that whatever be the disposition of the Indians, if resort to force should be necessary, it could be made effective in the interests of peace.
THE UTE COMMISSION OF 1878.
As was stated in the report of last year, the Ute commission appoint- ed May _M, 1878, obtained from the Capote, Muache, and Weeminuche Utes, who occupied the southern strip of the Ute Reservation, an agree- ment to relinquish all that part of the reserve lying south of parallel 38° 10', and to remove to a reservation on the headwaters of the Piedra, San Juan, Blanco, Xavajo, and Cliaina Rivers, in Southern Colorado, as soon as the agency could be removed thither and buildings erected. The cession was concurred in by all the other bands of Utes. Tlie area proposed to be ceded embraces about 1,894,400 acres, an excess of 728,320 acres over the proposed new reserve of 1,106,080 acres.
The report of the Commissioners, together with the agreement, which will be found on pages 170 of this report, was forwarded to the President, February 3d, 1879, for submission to Congress, with the recommendation that the agreement be ratified, and that Congress provide for the ap- praisement and sale of the lands ceded ; the proceeds thereof, after de-
XXXVIII EEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
ducting expense of such sale, to be invested for the benefit of the Indians. No action on the matter was taken by Congress.
The Commission also endeavored to obtain the cession of the tract four miles square which contains a part of the Uncompahgre Park ; but the Utes refused to have anything to say on the subject unless a dele- gation could be sent to Washington for that purpose. Permission for the visit was therefore given, and a delegation visited this city in Janu- ary last. They agreed to part with that portion of their reservation for the sum of $10,000. The matter was submitted to Congress, with re- quest that the necessary sum for the purchase be appropriated; but no action was taken. The tract referred to is for the most part fine agri- cultural land, which is greatly needed by the people of Colorado, and upon which white settlers have already gone in considerable numbers. It will be a matter of difficulty, if not impossibility, to remoA'e these set- tlers, arid to prevent others from going in and occupying the land j and so long as it is not paid for the Indians will justly consider such settle- ments as encroachments. The Indians most interested in the cession are the Los Pinos Utes, and in view of their good conduct during the hostilities of their friends and relatives, it is important that their loyalty should not be subjected to unnecessary tests. I, therefore, hope that the matter will not fail to receive the early and favorable consideration of Congress at its next session.
VICTORIA AND THE SOUTHERN APACHES.
In 1871 about 1,200 Mogollon, Miembre, and Gila' Apaches, known under the general name of Southern Apaches, were collected in the vicinity of the Mexican town of Canada Alamosa, in Southwestern ^N"ew Mexico. They had no reservation, had been accustomed to roaming and marauding, and the scanty rations which were then being issued weekly were insufficient for their subsistence, and had to be supplemented by such means as the Indians chose to adopt. For these Apaches a reser- vation containing the valley of the Tularosa Eiver was selected by Hon. Vincent Colyer, and set apart by executive order in the fall of 1871.
As soon as the project of removal thither was broached, the majority of the Indians ran away, many of them to the Chiricahua Reserve in Arizona, and but 450 were prevailed upon to remove to the new reser- vation. These Indians were thoroughly displeased with the location, were absent from the reserve during many months of the year, and were generally unsettled, indolent, and intractable.
In the fall of 1874 the Hot Springs Reservation, near Canada Alamosa, was set apart, and the Indians removed back again to their old home, and were occasionally joined by other bands till their number was at times nearly doubled. A small detachment of troops was kept at the agency, and the Indians remained comparatively quiet, but were care- ful not to commit themselves to farming or schools. Between them and their relatives, the Chiricalmas, in Arizona, frequent visits were ex-
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXIX
changed, and there is little doubt that Hot Spring Apaches gave willing assistance to the Chiricahuas in their raids into Mexico.
At the time of the abolishment of the Chiricahua Reserve, in June, 1876. less than half of the Indians belonging there were taken to San Carlos; 162 removed themselves to the Hot Springs Reserve, and the rest, about 300, under renegade leaders, escaped to the mountains, and from those retreats raided on the settlers in Southeastern Arizona. In March, 1877, it was definitely ascertained that not only were the renegades re-enforced by the Indians from the Hot Springs Reserve, but, also, that that reserva- tion was being used as a harbor of refuge for the outlaws. Accordingly, with the San Carlos Indian police force and the co-operation of the mil- itary, the Southern Apaches, to the number of 453, were removed in May, 1877, to San Carlos ; several prominent raiders were arrested and put in irons ; the remaining Indians of the agency were declared renegades, and the reserve was restored to the public domain.
On the 2d of September, 1877, a majority of the Hot Springs Indians and a portion of the Chiricahuas, about 300 in all, suddenly left the San Carlos Reserve. They were pursued and overtaken next day by volun- teers from the agency Indians, but only 30 were brought back. The fugitives then struck a settlement in New Mexico, killing 8 persons and stealing some horses, and forthwith all the available troops in that Terri- tory were put into the field against them. In October, finding them- selves unable 'to hold their own in a country thoroughly occupied by United States soldiers and Indian scouts, 190 surrendered at Fort Win- gate; others surrendered later, and all, to the number of 260, were taken back to the Hot Springs Reserve in New Mexico, and there held under the charge of the War Department.
In August, 1877, the Interior Department recommended that they be returned to San Carlos, and in October arrangements were made by the War Department for the necessary detail of troops to serve as escort during the removal. While bringing the Indians from their camp, pre- paratory to starting for San Carlos, 80 made their escape to the mount- ains. The others protested against going to that reservation, declaring their willingness to go anywhere else; but they were removed thither without difficulty.
In December, 63 of the tribe, who had been wandering in the mount- ains, came into the Mescalero Agency in a most destitute condition and begged to be allowed to remain there.
In February, 22 under Victoria, who had been spending their time more pleasantly in old Mexico, came near the military post at Ojo Caliente and had a talk with the commanding officer. Victoria expressed his intention to surrender at that post provided Nauna's band, then at Mescalero, might be allowed to join him. Accordingly, two of his party with a pass good for fifteen days proceeded to Mescalero, reported to the agent, and conferred with their relatives there; Victoria and the rest of the band remaining quietly at the post in the mean time. The messengers returned at the time specified, but do not seem to have
XL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
succeeded as well as they had expected, for the commanding officer, on February 16, reports only 39 Hot Spring Apaches as having surrendered with Victoria as prisoner of war, all of whom reiterated their determina- tion to resist to the death any removal to San Carlos.
It was then decided to remove the baud to Mescalero, but they de- clared themselves as bitterly opposed to Mescalero as to San Carlos, and on the 15th of April last the whole party again escaped to the San Mateo Mountains.
On the 30th of June, Victoria, with thirteen men, came into Mescalero Agency and had a conference with the agent, who endeavored to remove their constant fear of being sent to San Carlos, and assured them of protection and kind treatment if they would come to Mescalero and stay there. The band, numbering 28, accordingly came on the reserve and were enrolled among the other Southern Apaches at the agency. The purpose of these Indians to settle down and remain quietly at Mescalero seemed so sincere, that, at their earnest request, arrangements were made for bringing to them from San Carlos their wives and chil- dren, from whom they had long been separated.
In July last, three indictments were found against Victoria in Grant County, New Mexico, two for horse- stealing and one for murder, but no attempt seems to have been made on the part of the authorities to arrest him. The Indians, however, were aware of these indictments, and when a few days later a hunting party, which included a judge and a prosecuting attorney, passed through the Mescalero Reservation, the Indians, who were well acquainted with the official position of those gentlemen, believed the visit to be a preliminary step to the arrest of Victoria, and possibly of his whole band. The band, therefore, suddenly left the reservation, taking with them all the other Southern Apaches They went west, and began again their old life of marauding, and though promptly followed up by the military, who have chased them across the line into old Mexico, their raid has caused much destruction both of life and property.
JOSEPH'S BAND OF NEZ PERCES.
The unfortunate band of IsTez Perces under Joseph have finally found a resting-place 15 miles west of the Ponca Agency in the Indian Terri- tory. They are located at the junction of the Shakaskia River and the Salt Fork. The country is sufficiently well wooded, and the land is of the best quality. The agent is engaged in putting up agency buildings and houses for the Indians. Yellow Bear, the second chief, shows a very good disposition, and is actively at work doing all he can to pro- mote the welfare of his band.
The health of the tribe is greatly improved, and it is hoped that they will now settle down and become contented. They have been supplied with wagons, agricultural implements, and horses, and cows have also been provided for them.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XLI MISSION INDIANS.
The necessity for early legislation to provide a suitable and permanent home for the Mission Indians of California is urgent. They are esti- mated to number about 3,000, and are scattered in small bands over San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties, earning a precarious livelihood by cultivating small patches of land, and working for ranch- men and white settlers when opportunity otters. Many of them are now occupying by suiferance lauds which their ancestors have cultivated from time immemorial, and to which they supposed they had an indis- putable right ; but those lands have lately been found to be within the limits of private land-claims confirmed by the courts to grantees under the Mexican Government before the acquisition of California by the United States.
In many cases the owners or occupants of these ranches have availed themselves of the labor of the Indians in cultivating the land (often at most unjust and oppressively low rates, however), and the Indians have also been permitted to occupy and cultivate small tracts for themselves ; but now, desiring to dispose of the ranches, or to use the whole for their own purposes, the owners have threatened the Indians with summary ejectment. This, together with the conflicts arising from trespass upon the lands of the ranchmen and settlers, by stock belonging to the Indians, has kept these poor people in doubt and anxiety for two years past, until at the present day they are in a state of the most abject poverty to be found anywhere on the American Continent.
Several small reservations have been set apart by Executive order for these Indians, but on account of the lack of water for irrigating pur- poses, and the consequent sterility of the soil, they have been found to be of little value.
Attention is invited to the annual report of Agent Lawson, on page 13, from which it will be seen that the Mission Indians are a hard- work- ing people, and ask nothing from the government except a reservation ; and inasmuch as there are no public lands in Southern California which have any agricultural value, an appropriation of about $50,000 will be needed for the purchase of sufficient land to enable these Indians to sup- port themselves by their own labor.
SANITARY.
The sanitary condition of the different tribes of Indians of course de- pends very much upon their surroundings, and largely upon whether they are located in river-bottoms or upon bluffs away from the unfavora- ble influences consequent upon such proximity. The monthly sanitary reports from physicians have been for the most part satisfactory, and the ratio of mortality to the number of cases treated indicates a remarkable degree of success. The number of cases of treatment of the sick recorded at the different agencies during the fiscal year ending the 30th of June
XLII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
last is 67,352; the number of deaths, 1,036. As the medical corps con- sisted of only 59 physicians it is fair to infer that their duties were faith- fully performed. The number of births reported by physicians is 1,471), which of course is far short of the actual number of births during the year.
A tabulated statement will be found on page 263 showing the number of patients treated, diseases, &c. From this it appears that the greatest morbific agents have been malarial and pulmonary diseases, especially the former. This is particularly noticeable among those Indians who have been removed from extreme northern to almost semi-tropical latitudes ; but there is this prospective compensation for their present suffering: the change will favor longevity, as there will be an almost total immunity from pulmonary diseases, the result of necessary exposure incident to the climate of the territory formerly occupied by them.
The nomadic life of the Indian renders the services of the physician at times very unsatisfactory on account of the difficulty experienced in subjecting Indian patients to the necessary diatetic discipline, but this will be modified gradually as the influence of the "medicine man1' is succeeded by that of the intelligent and sympathetic physician.
CONSOLIDATION OF AGENCIES.
In the last annual report, the policy and economy of consolidating many of our Indian agencies was urged at length, with the recommenda- tion that the surplus lands be sold, and the proceeds thereof be used for the benefit of the Indians.
During the current year the Omaha and Winnebago agencies have been consolidated, and the Eed Lake and Leech Lake agencies have been consolidated with the White Earth Agency ; the Flandreau Agency has been put in charge of the agent for the Santees. These movements are in the right direction, and there should be many more of like character. By the concentration of Indians the time needed to civilize them may be shortened, and the sale of their lands will contribute largely to their support in the future.
The carrying out of this policy in the consolidation of the Chippewas in Wisconsin, as provided in House bill 1139, first session Forty-sixth Congress, would be especially beneficial both to the Indians interested and to the government. These Indians occupy three reservations, em- bracing a territory largely in excess of their actual wants, covered with a heavy growth of very valuable pine timber, which is deteriorating in value every year or being destroyed by forest fires. Large quantities have also been removed in years past by trespassers. There are probably 600,000,000 feet of merchantable pine timber on these reservations, which, under present circumstances, is of no value to the Indians. The bill under consideration is intended to authorize the consolidation of the In- dians upon the two reservations containing the best agricultural lands ; the allotment and patenting of a certain number of acres to each iudi-
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XLIII
vicinal 5 the sale of the remainder of the lands with all the pine timber on the reservations at an appraised value, and the funding of the pro- ceeds for the benefit of the tribe. In the opinion of this office, such action would place these Indians in a most favorable condition to insure their civilization, and, at the same time, secure for them a fund sufficient, probably, to relieve the government from the necessity of making further appropriations for their support.
With a view to economy in future appropriations, and in order that justice may be done the Indians, I desire to call attention to the follow- ing-named bills, introduced at the late extra session of Congres : House bill No. 1140, for the relief of the Menomonee Indians in the State of Wisconsin ; House bill No. 356, providing for the sale of the New York Indian lands in Kansas ; House bill No. 353, providing for the sale of the lauds of the Miami Indians in Kansas ; and Senate bill No. 1124, for the relief of the Wiunebago Indians in Wisconsin.
YAKAMA AND MALHEUR AENC1ES.
A large part of the Indians formerly at the Malheur Agency in Oregon are now under the care of Agent Wilbur at Yakama, Washington Terri- tory. From September 1, 1878, until January, 1879, most of them were held at Camp Harney as prisoners of war, and were then removed, with about 100 others, to the Yakama Agency, at which place they arrived on the 2d of February last.
During the past season they have received very careful training and have improved in every respect. Indian civilization is carried on at the Yakama Agency on business principles. The end and aim of the service are kept constantly in view. No time is lost in theorizing, and every Indian is made to earn his own subsistence and work out his civilisation.
The 300 Indians now in the vicinity of the Malheur Agency and Forts McDermott and Bidwell should also be sent to Yakama. The Malheur Agency should be abolished and the lands included in the reserve should be appraised and sold, and the proceeds of the sale invested for the benefit of the Indians.
RESERVATION TITLES.
Want of a title to their lands operates as a serious hinderance to the civilization of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes in the Indian Territory. They forfeited their treaty reservation by failing to settle thereon, but have been assured that the location now occupied by them is given in lieu of their treaty reserve. An act of Congress confirming this location would enable the agent to give them allotments in severalty, and would decidedly quicken their interest in farming. An Indian, like a white man, is not inclined to cultivate land of which he has only an uncertain tenure.
Title to the locations now occupied by the Poncas and Joseph's band of Nez Perces should also be confirmed to these tribes by act of €on-
XLIV REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
gress. There should also be an act passed to enable the Seminole boundary to be definitely settled. These matters having been left un- determined from year to year, will, if not properly attended to, finally result in contention and perhaps war.
INVASION OF THE INDIAN TERRITORY.
In the early part of last winter an extensive scheme was organized to take forcible possession of certain lands in the Indian Territory which had been ceded to the government for Indian purposes. Letters were pub- lished and circulated in the States surrounding the Territory by parties interested in the project, declaring that these were public lands, and were open to settlement by citizens of the United States. In a short time a large number of persons from Missouri, Kansas, and Texas were discovered in the act of entering the Territory, carrying their household goods and farming implements, with the evident purpose of making permanent settlement.
This unlawful conspiracy was ascertained to be so extensive as to necessitate the adoption of speedy and vigorous measures, in order to prevent serious complications and trouble with the Indians. The atten- tion of the President having been called to the matter by this depart- ment, on the 26th of April last, he issued a proclamation which will be found on page 188, warning all persons who were intending or prepar- ing to remove to the Indian Territory without permission of the proper authorities against attempting to settle upon any lands in said Territory, and notifying those who had already so offended, that they would be speedily removed therefrom by Indian agents, and that, if necessary, the aid and assistance of the military would be invoked to enforce the laws in relation to such intrusion.
Accordingly, upon the recommendation of the department, troops were posted at available points along the lines between the Indian Territory and Missouri, Kansas, and Texas, to prevent unauthorized parties from entering the Territory, and detachments and scouts were detailed to arrest and remove such intruders as could be found within its borders. By the diligent co-operation of the military authorities with the Indian Bureau, the intruders were speedily removed, and the unlawful invasion was checked.
INTRUSION ON INDIAN LANDS.
Intruders have been equally troublesome on other Indian lands. In fact, there is hardly an Indian reservation within the limits of the United States which has not been subject to their encroachments. They resort to all kinds of devices and schemes to obtain a foothold on Indian soil, and offer ready and varied excuses for their continued unlawful occu- pancy of the same.
The great influx upon the different reservations of squaw-men, or white men married to Indian women, according to the lax custom of
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XLV
the tribes, may be adverted to in this connection. In most instances the man is penniless and dependent for subsistence on the rations which his wife draws from the government, but it is not long before he has a herd of cattle ranging over the reservation. On the Crow and other reserves, there are numerous instances of squaw-men who hold from 50 to 1,000 head of cattle, and the rapid manner in which their herds in- crease presents a very suspicious aspect. Within the last three years cases have been reported where government cattle have been stolen and the government brand altered by these men, and the cattle resold to the government. During the last two years this has been stopped by the most active vigilance.
The squaw-men assume that by marriage they have all the rights of full-blooded Indians, and they endeavor to exercise these rights not only in the possession of cattle themselves, but also in ranging and pasturing upon Indian reservations large herds belonging to other white men ; and when the removal of such cattle is attempted by the agent, the squaw-men claim property in them under fictitious bills of sale.
The case of certain intruders on the Sioux Reserve in Dakota illus- trates another method by which white men enter the Indian country and claim possessory rights. A few years since, when that reserve included both banks of the Missouri, it became necessary to allow white men to go upon the reservation for the purpose of cutting timber to supply fuel for steamboats carrying government freight on the Missouri River. A few white men went on the reserve for that purpose, while a larger nuin - ber went, professedly for that object, but really with the design of per- manently locating on the laud, and cutting timber therefrom for the pur- pose of sale and speculation. The agents, however, now report the Indians as able and willing to supply the steamboats with such wood as they may need. A large tract of country extending along the east bank of the Missouri River, which was added by executive order to the Sioux Reservation, has recently been restored to the public domain ; and, if the Indians should hereafter decline or be unable to furnish the necessary fuel, it can be supplied from this tract of land. The necessity, therefore, for the presence of white woodchoppers on the Sioux Reservation no longer exists.
Another class of intruders on the Sioux Reserve, on the pretense that it is necessary for the accommodation of the traveling public, have erected eating-houses, feed-stables, etc., at points on the roads, which were au thorized by the treaties with said Indians to be built through their reser- vation.
Reservations containing rich and available grazing lands, such as the Crow, Malheur, Uiutah, and several others, are often encroached upon by cattle-men, who drive their large herds on the most valuable grazing lands, and once there, the greatest difficulty is experienced in getting rid of them. Both cattle and intruders are often removed, but the herders return, or new herders are employed in their stead, and the
XLVI REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
cattle are again pastured on Indian lands. The herders are, in almost every instance, irresponsible persons, against whom the penalty fixed by sections 2147 and 2148 of the United States Revised Statutes is in- effectual.
A strong effort was made in March last, by the Montana legislature, to obtain the consent of the department to open up a cattle trail from Helena to the eastern markets through the Crow Reservation, and a va- riety of specious arguments were advanced in favor of the plan ; but, on the ground of its being a direct violation of treaty provisions which would justly endanger the present peaceful relations existing between the government and the Crow Indians, the application was of course promptly refused. The owners of the cattle which have thus been driven through that reserve, so far as they could be ascertained, have been prosecuted under section 2117 of the Revised Statutes.
The attention of this office has often been called to the encroachments of miners and other intruders on the Ute Reservation in Colorado and the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. Numerous and extensive mines have been opened on both reservations, especially the latter, and every effort of this office to remove the miners has thus far proved ineffectual. The question of intrusion on the San Carlos Reservation must remain unsettled until the western boundary of the same is resurveyed, and an appropriation to cover the expense of such survey should be made with- out delay.
Extensive depredations have been committed on timber standing on Indian reservations in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, but these depredations have been checked to a considerable extent by the arrest and prosecution of the parties engaged or interested in such timber speculations.
LAW FOR INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
In the last three annual reports of this office urgent appeals have been made for the enactment of laws for Indian reservations. The following bill was introduced at the last Congress and received the approbation of the Judiciary Committees in both Houses, and was favorably reported on:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Slates of America in Congress assembled, That the President may prescribe suitable police regulations for the government of the various Indian reservations, and provide for the enforcement thereof.
SEC. ". That the provisions of the laws of the respective States and Territories in which are located Indian reservations, relating to the crimes of murder, manslaughter, arson, rape, burglary, and robbery shall be deemed and taken to be the law, and in force within such reservations ; and the district courts of the United States within and for the respective districts in which such reservations may be located in any State ? and the Territorial courts of the respective Territories in which such reservations may be located, shall have original jurisdiction over all such offenses which may be com- mitted within such reservations.
In respect to all that portion of the Indian Territory not set apart and occupied by the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole Indian tribes,, the provisions
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XLVII
of the laws of the State of Arkansas relating to the crimss of murder, manslaughter, arson, rape, burglary, and robbery shall be deemed and taken to be the law, and in force therein ; and the United States district court for the western district of the State of Arkansas shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all such offenses arising in said portion of the Indian Territory.
The place of punishment of any and all of said offenses shall be the same as for other like offenses arising within the jurisdictions of said respective courts.
It is a matter of vital importance that action should be taken to secure the passage of the above bill, or of some measure of equal efficiency to provide law for Indians, to the end that order may be secured. A civ- ilized community could not exist as such without law, and a semi-civil- ized and barbarous people are in a hopeless state of anarchy without its protection and sanctions. It is true the various tribes have regulations and customs of their own, which, however, are founded on superstition and ignorance of the usages of civilized communities, and generally tend to perpetuate feuds and keep alive animosities. To supply their place it is the bounden duty of the government to pro vide laws suited to the de- pendent condition of the Indians. The most intelligent among them ask for the laws of the white man to enable them to show that Indians can understand and respect law; and the wonder is that such a code was not enacted years ago.
DEPREDATIONS ON INDIAN TIMBER.
The laws of the United States relative to intrusion and depredation on Indian lands have proved ineffectual to prevent citizens of the United States from cutting and destroying timber standing thereon. Sections 2147 and 2148 of the United States llevised Statutes provide merely for the removal of intruders from the Indian country, and for the imposi- tion of a penalty of $1,000 in the event of the return of any party after having been removed therefrom. The intruders, as a general rule, have no property subject to execution, and as the penalty can only be col- lected by an action of debt, the offenders escape without punishment.
Section 2118 is insufficient, for the same reason, to prevent unlawful settlement on lands belonging to Indians.
Section 5388 makes it a penal offense for any person to unlawfully cut, or aid in cutting, or to wantonly destroy timber standing upon lands of the United States which in pursuance of law may be reserved for military or other purposes. This section and the act of March 3d, 1875 (18 Stat., p. 481), which is somewhat similar in its provisions, were evidently adopted, the former for the single purpose of protecting timber on land which had been or might thereafter be purchased or re- served for the use of the military, or any other branch of the govern- ment, and the latter to prohibit the destruction of trees on land which had been purchased or reserved for public use. Neither the provisions of the section referred to nor the act are sufficiently comprehensive (es- pecially in view of the rule of law which requires criminal statutes to be construed strictly) to extend to or include parties who have cut or de-
XLVIII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
stroyed timber on land within a large portion of the Indian reservations. The United States district court for the western district of Arkansas, at the last May term thereof, decided that the lands within the Cherokee Reservation in the Indian Territory were not lands of the United States in the sense of the language used in section 5388, and that there was no law to punish parties for committing depredations thereon. The reasoning of the court will apply with equal force to the lands of the Choctaws, Ohickasaws, Creeks, Seminoles, and certain other Indians.
Most of the Indian reservations are now completely surrounded by a progressive and adventurous white population, which, only by stringent laws, can be restrained from taking possession of Indian lands, and hauling off or destroying the little timber left thereon. I deem it, there- fore, of great importance that such a law be enacted as will prevent parties settling upon or cutting or wantonly destroying timber on the following classes of reservations, viz : Lands to which the original In- dian title has never been extinguished, but which have not been specially reserved by treaty, act of Congress, or otherwise for the use of the In- dians, or for other purposes, although the Indians' right of occupancy thereof has been tacitly recognized by the government ; lands ex- pressly reserved by treaty or act of Congress, or set apart for the use of the Indians by Executive order of the President ; lands allotted or patented to individual Indians who are not under the laws of any State or Territory; lands patented to Indian tribes; and lands which have been purchased by, or ceded to the United States for the purpose of settling Indians thereon, but which are as yet unoccupied.
THE BOARD OF INDIAN COMMISSIONERS.
During the year several of the members of the Board of Indian Com- missioners have rendered valuable aid and assistance to the govern- ment in the purchase of annuity goods and supplies. The members ot the purchasing committee have especially devoted a great deal of val- uable time to the service, and have supervised the awarding of contracts, inspection of goods, and all the various details connected therewith. These services are rendered to the government gratuitously, and deserve more than a passing acknowledgment. The members of the board have also visited many Indian agencies during the year, and, as the result of their observations, have brought to the notice of the Bureau valuable facts and suggestions.
APPRAISEMENT OF KANSAS INDIAN LANDS IN KANSAS.
Since the date of my last annual report the commissioners appointed under the provisions of the act of July 5, 1876 (19 Stat., p. 74), to ap- praise the Kansas Indian lands in Kansas have completed their work and submitted their report to this office, with accompanying schedules and abstracts. Prom these it appears that of the unsold portion of the
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XLIX
"Kansas Indian Trust Lands" there are 137,808.13 acres, which were appraised at a total value of $217,408.75. The improvements of settlers on these lands were appraised at a total value of $47,654, making the total value of land and improvements $265,062.75.
Of the "Diminished Reserve Lands" there are 78,570.34 acres, which were appraised at a total value of $115,122.46. The improvements of settlers on these lands were appraised at $58,008, making the total value of lands and improvements $213,103.46, which, together with the appraised value of the "trust lands," makes a grand total of 216,378.47 acres, valued at $372,531.21 ; adding to this $105,662, the value of settlers' improvements, gives a total value of land and improvements amount- ing to $478,193.21.
The schedules of appraisement were submitted by this office to the Hon. Secretary of the Interior for his approval on the 26th of April, 1879. They were approved by him on the 14th day of May, 1879, and duplicate copies thereof transmitted to the Commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office, with instructions to offer for sale to actual settlers, under section 2 of the act of 1876, at the district office at Topeka, Kans., all the lands embraced in said lists, except those falling under the provisions of section 1 of said act, and those upon which entry has heretofore been allowed, under section 2 of the act of June 23, 1874 (18 Stat., p. 272), which has been suspended by the late statute.
All those persons mentioned in the first section of the act of July 5, 1876, are now outside of any relief, as those who entered under the act of 1874 are under a repealed statute, and those who have not yet entered cannot comply with the act of 1876 by paying the first installment before January 1, 1877. Those persons who entered under section 2 of the act of 1874, prior to the act of 1876, are also without the provisions of any existing statute. The penalty of the act of 1874 cannot be en- forced, as that act is repealed by the act of 1876, and they are not sub- ject to the act of 1876 as they did not. make entry under its provisions.
In order that these two classes of persons may have the relief which they are entitled to, further legislation by Congress will be necessary, extending the time in Avhich to make payment and secure their lands.
The reports of the commission,*with recapitulations of the appraise- ment of said lands, will be found on page 182 of this report.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner.
The Hon. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
I> A. 1? E R S
ACCOMPANYING THE
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
1879.
1 1ND
REPORTS OF AGENTS.
COLORADO RIVER AGENCY, ARIZONA,
July 1, 1879.
SIR : I have the honor to submit the following as my first annual report as agent of this reserve for the year ending June 30, 1879.
I entered upon the duties of agent October 17, 1878, after having served five months as an employe", under my brother, the late agent, and four months subsequent to his death, as farmer in charge of agency. This change of administration and the uncer- tainty of the appointment of the succeeding agent, prevented the formation of new plans and a systematic prosecution of them until one-half of the year had expired. Since that time the advancement of the Indians is very manifest.
The prospect of a school in which their children were to be instructed e xerted a pow- erful influence, as these Indians respect education very highly. This has led them to hope for better things, and has engendered a feeling of confidence in the government never before felt. Their visiting the agency to consult with me on their own private plans and asking advice, leads me to believe that the present year will advance them further than any year since this reservation was established.
This reservation extends for 75 miles north and south, divided in the center by the Colorado River, which is also the dividing line between California and Arizona Territory. The eastern and western boundaries of the reserve are two parallel mountain ranges, separated by some 20 miles. The northern and southern extremities end in a mesa or foot-hills of these ranges, which at those points approach the river-banks. Owing to the barren nature of these mountains and the immense mesa or foot-hills lying under them, only a narrow strip of land from one to three miles wide and about 40 long, is at all fitted for cultivation, and a considerable part of this is of such an alkaline na- ture that no crops can be raised on it. It is estimated that only about one-eighth of of the reservation is fitted for cultivation. I quota the following description of of this bottom land, as it coincides exactly with my own experience and observation. Herman Ehrenburg, in a report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated 1835, reads as fol- lows:
'•The objections to this reserve are, 1st, The alkaline and sterile nature of the soil. 2d, The necessity of constant or daily irrigation. 3d, The expensive, gigantic, if not im- possible, task of raising the Colorado River from its deep channel at this or any other poiut below Fort Mohave. The Colorado Valley is the bed of an ancient lake or rather arm of the ocean, filled up in course of ages with the debris of the adjoining mountains and the shifting sands of the upper country, containing but little aluminous matter to give it consistency, a thin, loamy soil, with little vegetable matter, and beneath this shifting quicksands that have not yet been sounded to their entire depth. We find water always in from 10 to 18 feet."
He further states that the " impregnation of the soil is not so much alkaline salts as pure chloride of sodium."
This report, written fourteen years since, has been proved to be correct by every resi- dent of this river valley. The only natural product of the reserve is the raesquit bean. This grows on a tree or bush about 15 feet high, and probably as many feet in diameter. The bean is from 6 to 10 inches long and grows in clusters of a dozsn or more on a stem. The pods of this product ground into flour forms the principal diet of these In- dians, as well as that of their horses and dogs. Besides this tree there are the willow and cottonwood, neither of which has ever been known to grow larger than two feet in diameter at the trunk, and very few as large as that. After an exceedingly high overflow of the river there are large fields of coarse grass and wild flax to be found, but as no such overflow has occurred since 1876, all vestige of these crops has disappeared.
All the native cultivation of this land is entirely dependent upon the greater or less overflow of the Colorado River. There are some very fine farms laid out, containing from 25 to 100 acres, and every year before flood-time these farms are cleaned up and prepared for planting. This has been repeated for the past three years, but none of those farms have been cultivated, but only small patches lying adjacent to the river. Each succeeding year has been worse than the last, until now it seems as though it had culminated. The rise of the river this year is not as high by 16 feet as it was in 1876, and is 4 feet lower than in last year, and the only land wet enough for cultiva- tion is the sand-bars formed by the river this year. This excessive low water, to- gether with the heavy frosts last winter, has affected the bean crop so that though there are a thousand acres of the mesquit tree within ten miles of the agency, the In- dians are compelled to go 30 and 40 miles in order to find any beans.
4 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN ARIZONA.
The past year was an unusual one in regard to rain. Seldom does rain fall on this bottom land, but daring the year past it fell twice, the last time when it was particu- larly needed for the wheat crop. Owing to this the wheat planted proved to be a very fine crop, both in quality and quantity. The estimated yield on the whole reserve is about 1 ,000 bushels. Probably one-third of this was gathered before it was ripe, and as much more has been traded or sold by the Indians for other necessary articles, so at present there is not over 300 bushels remaining. This is divided equally amongst the bands.
The Indians and their character I have studied closely and with interest. Inspector Watkius informed ine on his last visit here that these Indians stood among the lowest in the scale of civilization. This I believe to be true, and is due to the fact that since this reservation was established until the present year, when a school was permanently established, little, very little, has been done toward their elevation. They have been worked and fed and clothed, but not anything has been attempted, that I can learn, in the endeavor to educate or Christianize them.
I find them timid from ignorance and superstition, and peaceful from having been thoroughly subjugated by the military twenty years ago. I have never been called to settle any quarrels or disputes among themselves or the whites, nor have I ever heard of there being any. The only characteristics to encourage, and which I shall make the foundation of all improvement, are their great industry and natural agricultural habits; and I feel confident, if allowed to carry out my plans and get the Indians settled per- manently on a farm, with gradual improvements made thereon in the way of houses, &c., and with their children being educated, that within a year they will rank very much above their present position.
The tribe, under a supreme chief, is divided into 29 bands, each under a captain elected by the baud and confirmed by the agent. These bauds live in winter in rude huts, made by excavating the sand a few feet in depth, and covering it over with poles, brush, and earth. In this building (?) live from 10 to 30 individuals of both sexes. In sum- mer this is burned and the band moves off to where a farm is selected. Here a rude shed is erected, which serves to protect them from the intense heat of the sun. When a farm is started all the band work indefatigably, and very frequently water the whole farm by hand from the river.
The dress of the men consists of a breech-cloth and shirt, but very frequently the latter is dispensed with. The women weara bustle of willow bark extending to their knees, and a piece of calico thrown about their shoulders and tied in a knot across the breast. They have had clothing furnished them aud are glad to wear it, but the expense is so much greater that they cannot afford to purchase them.
The number of Indians now on the reservation is impossible to calculate. Owing to the desertion of all the neighboring towns and mines several hundred Indians there employed have returned to the reserve. I endeavored to obtain a count some months since, but owing to the lack of facilities with which to issue beef to individuals, only a part of the tribe could be induced to come to the agency. Therefore I am com- pelled to report the number of last year, viz, 502. This is the number I carry on my roll, but I am confident that there are three times that number on the reserve. Imme- diately upon receipt of supplies the present year I shall take an official census and issue to individuals on that return. I strongly approve of this method, as it does away •with the captains, which are of considerable annoyance to the agent, especially in case of employing the Indians to work.
One noticeable feature of these Indians is their total lack of mechanical ability or bandycraft. Their only manufactures are their water-vessels. A few have learned to braid rope and a few women can string beads in the form of necklaces, but all their useful articles of house-keeping, &c., are purchased or traded with the Mexicans or Chim-e-hue-vis Indians.
The only stock raised by these Indians are horses. There are probably 500 owned, but of an inferior quality. Their habit of sacrificing the horses of a deceased person has reduced the number very largely. Since the small-pox scourge last year over 700 horses are said to have been sacrificed. This country is not suitable for cattle-raising as there is no pasture, and owing to the dense growth of underbrush, it is about impos- sible to capture stock once turned loose.
It is a difficult matter to state exactly what the religion of this tribe is. They believe in a God and also a devil, in future punishment or happiness. The former may be avoided and the latter gained by suitable sacrifices made after death by the relatives and friends, but personal character has no influence. This belief can only be eradicated by substituting the Christian religion, and could any of the eastern Christian societies be induced to attempt this good work I would gladly contribute to the maintenance of a missionary here.
The organization of a boarding school on March 11 was the most important event of the year. Owing to a report that the children were to be stolen, only 8 scholars at- tended the first day. When that, impression was removed 30 children presented them- selves; from them I selected 25 of the most suitable age, as rations were provided for
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN ARIZONA. 5
only that number. Two children belonging to the second chief and most i.romiuent Indian on the reserve were afterwards admitted, making the number 27. After a few weeks two bo.ys run away, but the others, owing to the attraction of clothing and food, and I may say also the authority and interest of the parents, all remained through the term of fourteen, weeks.
Their progress was very satisfactory when it is considered that their knowledge and education was at zero. After a few weeks the school was divided into a tirst and sec- ond class. The first class could count to 1,000, knew all the letters of the alphabet, both printed and written, and could read many of the lessons without spelling the words. They were taught with slates, which interested them exceedingly, and they could-be found hours after the closing of school at this occupation. The music at open- ing and closing school was a great attraction. During these exercises the doors were thrown open and the halls were always crowded with members of the tribe who came regularly for the purpose of listening. The children learned 12 or 15 hymns, and the Sabbath exercises consisted of singing these and having them explained through the interpreter.
The new school-house erected is of adobe, 50 by 75, and '22 feet high at the ridge-pole. It contains eight rooms, four on either side, separated by a hall- way 12 feet wide. The school-room is 33 feet by 18 ; dining-room, 20 by 18 ; two bed-rooms, 22 by 18, sepa- rated by the matron's room, 15 by 18. A teacher's room, kitchen, bath-room, and store- room comprise the other four. The house is plastered throughout and whitewashed. The doors and casings painted a slate-color. The house is very cool owing to the hall- way that extends its entire length, and is open at the sides above the rooms, the roof being raised on piers two feet for that purpose.
This building, with about three-quarters of an acre of land for a play-ground, is to be inclosed by an adobe wall 8 feet high ; the agency walls forming one side, and through which will be the only entrance save a large sliding gate-way. This wid en- tirely separate them from all outside influence and contact with the tribe, which is positively necessary in order to teach them morality. The expense of this building, not including the labor of the regular employds or work done by Indians for their rations, is !$3,516.29. This, I think, will be alf the expense, as what other work there is to do will be done by regular employe's or Indians working for their rations.
The agency building and corral shed were considerably damaged by a cloud-burst, but they have all been thoroughly repaired, and will probably need no further atten- tion for years.
The mortality the past year has been very light compared with the previous one. That year (1877-78) the small-pox rtduced the members of the tribe by about 170, and naturally those of the weakest and most diseased with syphilis succumbed most easily to the disease and the healthy ones survived. Still, though the mortality was light, seldom a day passed without application being made at the agency for treatment. Many and most of th<jse applications were for such minor or simple troubles, that they were not reported. The Indians seem to have confidence in the physician for small trou- bles, but for any of magnitude they prefer their own doctors, that as surely kill them. This present year I shall use all my influence and authority to do away with these native doctors, as their influence is evil and antagonistic to the agent.
I have reported specially my endeavors to irrigate this land. I erected a China pump and connected it with my engine, and dug a large well from which to draw water. This pump worked very well and h«s capacity enough, if sufficient power was applied, to irrigate '25 acres of land. The difficulties to be overcome are too great to make it succest-ful. These are, lack of power, sufficient water to feed it, and the alkaline nature of the water. The expense necessary to overcome these difficulties was too great to be done without a special appropriation therefor.
I turned my attention to constructing an under-shot water-wheel to be used in the river. I made this wheel 12 feet in diameter and 8 feet face, and iloated it between two boats made from old lumber obtained from the tunnels. The wheel, owing to the want of proper materials to construct it with, I had great difficulty in strengthening sufficient to withstand the power of the river, but ultimately I perfected it, and proved its success. It ranges in capacity from 160 to 210 gallons per minute. After a few weeks' trial, owing to one of the boats leaking, the wheel was taken out, but was too much injured and weakened to pay to replace it. As the expense of this ex- periment was nothing and has proved the practicability of the river as a motive power, I intend to construct another and much larger wheel, capable of irrigating from 50 to 75 acres. If this water-wheel solves the question of irrigating this reservation, the Indians will be self-supporting at once, otherwise they will be dependent upon the government until some other means are provided, or they are removed.
Hoping that my brief administration that I have been honored with may prove sat- isfactory to your honor and the Indian Department, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY R. MALLORY, L'nittd Stat<s Indian Agent.
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
6 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN ARIZONA.
PIMA AGENCY, AKI/ONA,
October 6, 1879.
SIR: la compliance with your request I have the honor to submit my first report on the condition of affaiis at this agency, and to give for your consideration my own views in regard to the condition and prospects of the Indians on this reservation.
Without dwelling upon facts well known and familiar to you, I will merely give my own practical views and impressions of these red men and the means most likely to conduce to their welfare. Taking the latter point first in order, let me say that it is ruy firm conviction that any means for their amelioration not beginning with the education of the children, teaching them the English language, and separating them from their parents, and the burrowing mounds in which they manage to sustain life, will be only useless, and effort expended in vain. I will here quote from General Hammond, Indian inspector, whose experience and intimate knowledge of the subject must commend itself to every unbiased mind.
"Above all things I beg that the department will endeavor to inter* st some Christian denomination in the establishment of a boarding-school in this reservation. A day school will be utterly useless and a waste of money. There is no place on the reserva- tion where a day school can be located which the children in numbers can reach, and what savagery they get rid of by day will be taken on at night in the tents of their parents. 1 commend to especial consideration the subject of schools. Both Pimas and Maricopas are tractable, docile, good-natured. I will gladly join in appeals to any Christian people to supplement the tfforts of the department in an organ. zed effort to establish schools."
A boarding-school shculd be established at this agency at once, and the effort can- not be made too soon if the people of this laud desire to reclaim the children of these tribes from ignorance, degradation, filthiness, and vice. If cleanliness be next in order to Godliness, surely these people are a great way off from the latter virtue.
It is gmprisirg how little is known at the East about the actual condition of the Indians and their manner of life, and bow degraded and heathenish a race we have at our very doors. I am row writing of the Indians of this Territory. Efforts are largely made 1o educate the benighted of far lands, while comparatively little thought is given to these red-skins of the desert and the forest of our own country.
These Indians are said to be self-supporting, and such is nominally the fact, as no ra- tions or annuities aie given to them, although farming utensils are furnished to them and medical aid dispensed. Life with them is maintained apparently with little exertion. They raise wlieat and barley, the former of excellent quality; this they prepare in many instances with stones, grinding in this primitive way the food which they con- sume.
Let me picture an Indian village — not for the eyes of the honorable Commissioner, who knows all about this Indian life, and has seen many " live Indians " — but for the intelligent, the refined, and the Christian people of this country. You are conveyed in an "ambulance " over a dry, sun-baked road of a desert. In the distance appear nu- merous half-spherical shaped mounds, with no entrance save a single opening at the ground, and which to enter, as I have done, one must prostrate himself at first. They are constructed of branches of trees and straw, and closely woven together with much ingenuity, and covered with dirt. The interior smells and tastes of dirt and smoke, as no other opening than that described exists, perhaps 20 feet in circumference and 6 feet high in the center. In this nest farniles burrow, except in the hottest weather, when fires are made on the outside, and food is prepared in the most primitive manner. Around we see scattered rude cooking utensils, old blankets, pieces of clothing, in some cases turkies and chickens, and litter everywhere ; children almost nude; they sit in the dirt and live in the dirt in many instances, with an apology for clothing; their persons covered with the dust about them and literally plastered upon them.
The women do much of the work. The " bucks," as the men are called, are fond of their ponies ; are rapid and cruel riders. They indulge, as others do in the East, who are more cultivated, in horse-racing and betting, and when it can be procured, whis- ky has its baneful effects upon them. As a people, they seem content and happy ; happy in their degradation and filthiness; seemingly content to remain as they are, with little ambition to change for the better.
Are you surprised, then, most honorable Commissioner, that, seeing these sights daily, and having daily intercourse with these people, we say emphatically that nothing short of educating the children apart from these scenes and influences can accomplish any speedy reformation in the condition of the life described. If Christian men and women would devote themselves to this work with the same zeal and energy which they do to similar work in foreign lands, and with much less outlay of money, in connectiou with the efforts made by the government to civilize these people, in time we have reason to believe a different life would be seen in these red men and women of the frontier. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. LUDLAM,
Agent. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN ARIZONA. 7
SAN CARLOS AGENCY, ARIZONA,
August 11, 1879.
SIR : In submitting the annual report for this agency, I desire to ask your attention to the fact that I have been less than one month in charge as acting agent.
AGENCY.
The agency is located on the right bank of the Gila River, three-fourths of a mile oelow the mouth of the San Carlos. The buildings are adobe with dirt roofs in bad condition. Shingle roofs are needed. The attention of Inspector Hammond was re- cently invited to the subject of roofs.
RESERVATION.
Boundaries have not been established by actual survey. The line on the west, in the vicinity of McMilleu is in dispute by many interested in that mining locality. The boundaries should be determined and marked.
INDIANS.
At present there are nine distinct tribes of Indians on this reservation, viz : San Car- los, White Mountain, Coyotero, Tonto, Chiricahua, Southern and Ojo Caliente Apaches, Yumas and Mojaves. The two latter tribes speak a different language from the Apache tribes, and are quite dissimilar in manners and customs, and are not friendly with them.
A census was taken last winter, the enumeration showing 4,552 men, women, and children, to which must be added 100 men who were absent, employed by the military department of the government in the Territory as scouts.
Under recent instructions from the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs the Ojo Caliente Apaches are to be transferred to the Mescalero Agency.
CONDUCE.
The Indians are quiet and orderly for a people uncivilized, and are very obedient to agency rules and instructions given by their agent.
LABOR.
All, or nearly all, labor to some extent; many are industrious workers. No farming can be done on the reservation unless irrigation is resorted to. The ditches taken out are of little account. I am informed a great deal of labor has been expended by the Indians on ditches that are useless, as they could not get the water to flow into them. They have become greatly discouraged and are dissatisfied with the land on the Gila, and are desirous of permits to go to various points — Black River, Ash Creek, Eagle Creek, Aravaypa Creek, and the San Pedro, where they find natural ob- stacles not so great ; the three last-named streams are off the reservation. The In- dians should not have been allowed to undertake impracticable work. A competent farmer would have led them to success in their attempts at irrigation, and saved them much labor uselessly expended.
The water in the Gila is taken out in large quantity in the vicinity of Pueblo Viego, and the number of ditches increase every year. Steps should be taken to protect the reservation Indians in their water rights if there is any law on the subject that will do so.
LAND UNDER CULTIVATION, AND PRODUCTS.
I estimate that there are about 75 acres under cultivation along the San Carlos and Gila Rivers. On Black River, near Fort Apache, about 25 acres. Corn is chiefly grown; some of it looks well. About 5,000 pounds of barley was grown this year and sold to the trader at the agency. I have heard that some of the Indians sold their barley at Globe and McMilleu. I have no means of knowing the amount. I can learn of no effort having been made to obtain an accurate knowledge of the amount of grain raised.
In addition to the land cultivated on the reservation, there is some farming done by the Indians on the San Pedro, Aravaypa Creek, and Eagle Creek, to which points those engaged were permitted to go by my predecessor. From 60 to 75 persons are farming on the two first-named streams, and 119 on Eagle Creek. The amount of land under cultivation by them I do not know.
STOCK. The Indian stock consists of horses, about l.COD head; cattle, about 1,000 head;
8 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA.
sheep, about 200 head ; mules aud asses, about 50 head of each. The horses are largely of an inferior aud almost valueless breed.
EDUCATION.
No school is in progress at this agency. There is no building for the purpose, or that can be converted into a school-house.
MISSIONARY WORK.
Although this agency is, as I am informed, under the charge of a religious body, no minister of the gospel has ever been sent here to labor.
SANITARY.
The sanitary condition of the Indians is not satisfactory. Syphilis prevails quite ex- tensively in nearly all the tribes, especially the Mojaves, Yumas, Tontos, San Carlos, and White Mountains. It was brought here by the Mojaves and Yum as from the Verde Reservation. Hospital facilities are much needed.
SUPPLIES.
Hospital supplies are at present abundant and of good quality. Flour was scarce in June and the fore part of July. The first delivery on the contract of 1879-?80 was made July 18, and was an inferior article— very dark and coarse. The beef contractor was on hand with cattle to put in on his contract at the beginning of the fiscal year.
POLICE.
The police, as now organized, consists of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 7 sergeants, and 31 pri- vates. The men are very attentive to their duties, trustworthy and obedient. The slightest violation of order that comes within their knowledge is invariably reported; they are ever on the alert. The agent can exert his authority, through them, in any part of the reservation, and feel assured that his orders will be strictly enforced. They know neither family nor friend in the discharge of their duty.
In conclusion,! regret that my limited knowledge of affairs here, having been so short a time in charge, precludes any attempt on my part to review the doings of the past year, or show wherein improvement has been made, or the reverse. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ADNA R. CHAFFEE, Captain, Sixth Cavalry, Acting Indian Agent. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
HOOP A AGENCY, CALIFORNIA.
August 1, 1879.
SIR : In compliance with your circular letter of June 18, 1879, 1 have the honor to submit my annual report of this agency.
I assumed charge of the agency October 22, 1878, and found the reservation in an ut- terly destitute condition, a former agent, Mr. J. L. Broaddus, having sacrificed at auc- tion, or removed, all the agricultural implements, the bellows, forge, anvil, tools, and iron from the blacksmith-shop ; the ferry-boat and wire-rope by which it was run, fur- niture, stoves, and in fact almost everything necessary for the well-being of the In- dians under my care. I found eight horses and mules, generally between twenty and thirty years of ago, and almost worthless. One mule died, aged twenty-four years. Three mules and two horses or mares were condemned and sold, and in lieu thereof I have received from Round Valley Agency two horses, two mares, and two mulesr all of which are well along in years, though they have not quite reached the age of twenty.
I found the grist-mill beyond repair, and the saw-mill, flume, and penstock in a very dilapidated condition. With new belting and machinery, supplied in April last, I havo been able to secure 2,000 feet of lumber, which has been used in general repairs. Both mills should be rebuilt together to ba run by one water-.pressure, concentrating the working force at one point, especially as it is necessary only to run each mill a portion of the year.
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA. $
Through the kindness of Mr. Thomas Bair, trader at Fort Gaston, I have had with- out charge a ferry-boat and wire rope, a pair of scales, a wagon, and yoke of oxen ; from Mr. Warden J. Boyce, my carpenter and wheelwright, two mules, and from Mr. Charles H. Griswold, my farmer, one horse, all of which have been of material assist- ance to me in carrying on the reservation. I have also received material aid from Fort Gaston. The blacksmith-shop has been put in efficient condition, and is in charge of a faithful, competent workman, Mr. John W. Mason.
The school has received most faithful care from Miss Frances O'Brien, and during the past mouth has shown material improvement in the number attending. The pre- vious non-attendance has been attributed to the destitute condition of the Indians and the absence of proper clothing.
Under the law I have been permitted to issue only to Indians, heads of families, and others who have earned the valne by labor, and I have therefore been unable to relieve many cases of distress among the sick, the aged, and infirm. In December last I sub- mitted this subject to the Commissioner but have received no reply.
I have been unable to secure the services of a citizen physician for the salary offered ($900), and but for the kindness of Assistant Surgeon C. E. Price, U. S. A., post surgeon at Fort Gaston, the Indians would have been without medical care, and it is a notori- ous fact that the Indians throughout this country are fast being swept by disease from the face of the earth. Payment has been denied Assistant Surgeon Price upon the ground that he is an officer of the Army, although he is under no obligation what- ever to perform this service. When I commanded this post in 1869-'70, Assistant Snr- geou T. F. Azpell, U. S. A., on duty at Fort Gaston, filled the position of attending phy- sician at this agency at $100 per month under a special contract made in San Francisco with the superintendent of Indian affairs for California, General John B. Mclntosh. Subsequently the amount received as attending physician was stopped from his pay as an officer of the Army, but upon application to Congress he was relieved from the operation of said stoppage, and this is but one of similar precedents for the pay of Assistant Surgeon Price.
From September 1, 1878, to April 30, 1879, eight months, Sergt. William Mathers, Company E, Eighth Infantry, faithfully and creditably performed the duty of clerk at this agency upon the express understanding that he should receive for his services $25 per month as cad previously been paid other enlisted men of the Army and much less than the cost of a citizen clerk ; yet payment has been denied him upon the ground that he is an enlisted man. The services rendered were extra, entirely voluntary and such as Sergeant Mathers was under no obligation whatever to perform, and without which, the correspondence and records of this agency would not have been kept up. Both of these claims are to be laid before the next Congress for relief.
Many of the Indians work cheerfully and well, and there would be no difficulty with proper appliances in making this reservation almost, if not entirely, sflf sustaining. There are 800 acres of arable land capable of producing hundreds of thousands of bushels of oats, wheat, corn, &c., but the reservation is deficient in horses, mules and oxen, wagons, unplnm-nts, &c. ; and being without a grist-mill I shall be compelled to have the wheat raised this year packed nearly twenty miles to get it ground for one- sixth, which is the best and only bargain I have been able to make.
The wheat alieady cut, but not yet thrashed, is estimated at 2,500 to 3,000 bushels, fully three times the amount secured last year and much moie than has been gathered in any one year since 1870, when Capt. S. G. Whipple, First Cavalry, performed the duty of agent. The hay secured, but not yet measured, is estimated at 50 tons.
Mules not more than ten years of age, broken to harness, wagons, farming implements, tools, grain and flour sacks, should be furnished as mentioned in my reply to circular- letter No. 30, Commissioner of Indian Affairs of July 14, 1879. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY R. MIZNER, Major Eighth Infantry, Brevet- Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Indian Agent.
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
ROUND VALLEY INDIAN AGENCY, ojino County, California, August 6, 1879.
SIR : I have the honor herewith to present my second annual report of the condition of the Indians and affairs of this reservation.
LANDS.
Nomii ally, this reservation contains 10^,118.19 acres, of which amount only about 4,000 acies lie in this valley. The balance is hilly or mountainous country, mostly
10 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA.
well adapted for grazing purposes, excepting the canons and hill sides, where timber- is found.
These lands, although the boundaries have been surveyed, are yet, with the ex- ception of about 2,500 acres, in possession of the settlers who were upon them at the time of the appraisement of their improvements in 1873 in pursuance of act of Congress of that year, because they have not been paid therefor. The settlers have thereon about 50,000 sheep, 1,200 cattle, 500 horses and. mules, and 500 hogs ; all fed and deriving their entire support, summer and winter, from reservation ground, while our own cattle are driven from range to range, and entirely oif the reservation for food by the herders of these settlers. If our cattle were permitted to range quietly over our lands, and the calves not killed to supply meat for herders and squaw-men, we would soon have our herds so increased that we would not be obliged to call upon govern- ment for any supplies of beef.
AGRICULTURE.
Ever since the establishment of the first farm in this valley by employes and In- dians from the Nome Lackee Reservation in 1856, it has been conducted as a farm and not cultivated by individual Indians or tribes for themselves, except the family gardens; that is, all the wheat, corn, oats, barley, hay, &c., have been raised in fields, undivided, all the work being performed by the Indians, who have received their supplies in return for their labor, and have never been paid wages in money. The necessity for this course has been that our farming lands are so limited and cut up by swamp claims that it is impracticable to divide them among families and in- dividuals, and in anywise satisfy them or give them lands on which they would make a support. This method would be preferable to them, I know, could it be done, but until we can be put in possession of our lauds for such purpose, and while all " able- bodied male Indians " are required to work, no rations or supplies being issued to such except on tlrs condition, and employe's are only used in the supervision of Indian labor, or the performance of such labor as only skilled hands can do, I cannot see how the expense of conducting the reservation and caring for these Indians can be lessened.
POPULATION.
During the year a large number of Indians have left the reservation, as I have re- ported from time to time, viz : Some 200 of the Potter Valleys, during the fall of last year, under a former chief or captain of the tribe, Captain Jack, or Napoleon Bona- parte, left and purchased about 50 acres of barren land near Ukiah, and are trying to make a living for themselves ; giving as their reason for going that they had been promised lands for themselves for years, but could not get them ; they were also told that the reservation was to be broken up soon, and they would have to leave to find lands for themselves. I learned that most of them are dissatisfied and would gladly return if all would come. Some of the Little Lakes have gone to the coast, and others of the various tribes have gone to their former homes (some only to visit), so at the close of the fiscal year there were only 541 who drew their rations as per weekly voucher of June 30, viz : 188 Ukies and ffylackies, 153 Little Lakes, 109 Concows, 42 Red Woods, 29 Potter Valleys, and 20 Pit Rivers. Besides these there are nearly 100 who live on or near the reservation who belong to their tribes, and from 2,000 to 2,500 living from 50 to 250 miles distant who belong by location to this reservaciou, and whose children ought to be educated in our school.
PRODUCTIONS
Three hundred and sixteen acres of wheat, 78 of barley, 107 of oats, 110 of corn and 20 of garden are cultivated this year ; estimated product, wheat, 7,000 bushels ; barley, 1,000 ; oats, 2,UOO ; corn, 2,000 ; beans, 100. The corn crop will be light, because of the wet, cold spring. We will also have about 800 bushels of apples. Besides the above about 300 acres have been cultivated for hay, as we have but little natural sod, and we use the grains for that purpose, The Indians, besides cultivating the above, have 25 acres of wheat and 5 of oats ; estimated yield, wheat, 500 bushels ; oats, 50 bushels ; while they will glean of wheat about 500 bushels ; barley, 50 bushels ; and cut 50 tons of hay for their ponies. They will probably raise more potatoes, beans, &c., than before, although the acreage is really less than'last year owing to the exodus before mentioned.
Failing to get the header, wanted to harvest our grain this year, we shall lose enough grain to buy one. The farmer estimates the loss on our 80-acre field at 500 bushels. With our present force of workmen it is impracticable to harvest with sickle and cradle, except for gleaning and cutting around stumps.
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA. 11
STOCK.
There are 58 horses and mares, to be rated as follows : Serviceable work, 15 ; unserv- iceable work, 12 ; serviceable saddle, 19 ; unserviceable saddle, 12 ; 20 mules — service- able work, 13 ; serviceable pack, 3; unserviceable work, 4. There being no provision for condemning and selling unserviceable animals (as in the military service), all the above have been kept on the papers and rated as serviceable, giving a false impression as to availability for use. There are 21 oxen and 427 other cattle : the increase of these «attle and their growth are greatly retarded by reasons given before. Of hogs, there are about 150, while there are hundreds belonging to the swamp-laud claimants, who raise no crops for any of their stock, but keep them inside of our iuclosures on the ground that the land is theirs, subjecting us annually to a loss of hundreds of bushels of grain by their depredations.
IMPROVEMENTS.
The large barn reported last year as commenced, has been completed, and is of great service both in stabling stock and storing hay.
Twenty houses were built last fall, varying'in size from 12 by 14 to 12 by 24, accord- ing to the size of the family to occupy. To each house has been built a brick fire- place and chimney. Nine Indian houses have been removed and refitted, and two small barns built for their use. All of the work ou these buildings has been done by the In- dians under the supervision of the carpenter.
By your permission we had our two steam-engines and boilers repaired, so that they are now in good condition ; one is used to run the saw-mill in the mountains, and the other (a portable engine) for thrashing, and at times to ruu the grist-mill. These mills are indispensable to us in providing lumber necessary for our use, and grinding the grain for our Indians. The grist-mill is also able to do some custom work for the set- tlers of this valley.
AGENCY BUILDINGS
remain about the same as at last report. Many of them are but temporary structures that soon lose their value and become useless.
INDIAN INDUSTRY.
None of these Indians subsist by the chase (except partially) but work for their daily bread. It is not claimed for them that they are intelligent, energetic workmen ; on the contrary, they are Indiana, and do not love hard work, will shirk, and hence need almost constant supervision. There are some of the younger workmen that will in time be able to do a respectably fair job in such trades as they are learning, but it re- quires patience and constant drilling.
Could they have bands of sheep to care for on shares until they could have a fair start they would soon be able to support themselves. Two Indians have 300 sheep in this way, and have a small range near the saw-mill ; they are doing well. Many of the Indians are good shearers and compete with white men in that line. Some of these boys are manifesting an aptness for certain kinds of labor, that is encouraging.
SANITARY.
The general health of the Indians seems to be improving, and the severer types of disease are yielding to treatment; but it will be impossible to exteiminate, in years, the taint from their systems, and it necessarily affects their children to a greater or less extent.
The location is healthy and all that could be desired in this respect. We report 12 births and 22 deaths. Some of the older Indians still cling wifh tenacity to their own methods of treatment, but these are discouraged as far as practicable.
EDUCATIONAL.
An effort has been made tie past year to avoid as much as possible the cram in 'ng process in teaching, so much in vogue in both Indian and white schools, and to cause the children to think for themselves; to use their reasoning powers as applied to the simple studies assigned to them. Some advancement has been made in this respect, a» seen by increased interest in theiv studies, and especially is this the case in respect to arithmetic. There is still much to do, but wo are encouraged in our efforts to teach. An
12 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA.
important advancement has been made in the matter of personal cleanliness, s^ that the scholars are better prepared for study. Our efforts are greatly crippled in this direction by the necessity of the children being in the camps with their parents and friends, and the fact that several of them are orphans who have no real home. Many of these diffi- culties could be obviated, had we a boarding and manual labor school for them. The average attendance is almost equal to that of last year, when a larger number was borne on the roll.
MISSIONARY LABOR.
Earnest effort has been made the past year to bring this people under the influence of the truth, but little visible advancement has been made. Most of those whose Christian life survived the defection which succeeded the revival that took place hero some five years since, are proving the power of the gospel of Christ in a regenerate life. The same difficulty is met here that is found among other people, viz : When the're- ligion that they espouse fails of meeting their expectations (either through its own want of vitality, or from their own failure to reach its vitalizing power), they sink back into skepticism concerning the truth of that religion, are apt to become worse in morals than before, and are far harder to reach with the truth.
Besides the above, we are surrounded by a class of men who " neither fear God nor regard man," but corrupt the minds and debase the morals of our people with the very purpose of thwarting all our efforts to lead them to a higher and Christian civili- zation ; the avowed purpose being to scatter the Indians and break up this reserva- tion.
CIVILIZATION.
A steady, healthy growth is being made in this direction, evidenced in the increasing desire to adopt " white man's ways," viz, to have good houses, to have in these houses bedsteads, chairs or benches, tables, cooking and eating utensils, as well as in dress. No blankets are used for cloihing, but all dress in the habit of civilized life. Respectfully submitted.
H. B. SHELDON, United States Indian Agent. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
TULE RIVER INDIAN AGENCY, CALIFORNIA,
August 11, 1^79.
SIR : I have the honor of submitting my fourth annual report of this agency. This reservation contains about 40,000 acres of land. The most of it is very rough and mountainous, so that very little of it can be utilized, except for grazing purposes. Half of the entire tract is too rough and rocky for any purpose whatever, except as a lair for wild beasts. Two hundred acres will comprise all the land susceptible of cultiva- tion within the boundaries of the reserve.
Theeastern portion of the reservation contains quite an amount of good sawing tim- ber, but so situated that it can never be of any benefit to the Indians. A vast amount of capital would be required in the construction of roads to make any of the pineries available for lumbering purposes. I would therefore recommend the restoration to the public domain a strip four miles wide along the entire eastern boundary of the res- ervation. This would enable the people living in the plain country to open up roada to this timber and supply themselves with lumber at much more reasonable rates than it is possible at the present time. The government would also realize a profit, if not directly in the sale of this timber, indirectly in the improvement of large tracts of land contiguoifs to it. Justice would then be meted out to all parties, and every pretext for complaint of the Indian service removed. Citizens would have their just rights and the timber be taken where Providence evidently designed it should. It would also be of great advantage to thete Indians in furnishing them a market for their sur- plus produce and making it possible for them easily to supply themselves witli lumber. I do not wish to make any plea for citizens that would in the least injure these In- dians. Having been connected with this agency nearly four years, and kuowing that it will be utterly impossible for these Indians ever to utilize these pineries, I make this recommendation fully believing that it would be for the best interests of all con- cerned. I do not expect action upon this recommendation, but would call your atten- tion to the question in this public manner that you may be prepared to give it consid- eration when properly presented. WT.M wtfy*'
I now report 160 Indians on this reservation who are acting in full accord with the government.
Tule River Agency •
Tide Hirer Reserve . *t8551 Jlcres . Executive Orders Jan 9. 1873, Oct. 3
31
a 3
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA. 13
AGRICULTURE.
The Indians have produced on their small farms during the past year 250 bushels wheat, 2oO bushels corn, 25 tons hay, 10 tons melons, 10 tons pumpkins, and about ten bushels beans; 25 tons of hay have been raised on the agency farm. These amounts seem small, but considering the fact that nothing has been produced except where we Lad irrigating facilities, the result is all that could have been expected.
EDUCATION.
A day school has been taught eight, months during the year, with an average attend- ance during the time of sixteen. There has been some improvement, but not satis- factory or in proportion to the labor bestowed. My teacher has been very efficient, but has become discouraged in teaching a day school among these Indians.
Nothing but a boarding-school connected with manual labor, in mv judgment, will be at all satisfactory. I am glad to be able to state that a school of this character has been authorized by the department for the present fiscal year, and I shall enter upon the work with increased zeal and confidence.
MISSIONARY WORK.
Everybody knows that religious education with Indians is a slow process. All of the Indians on this reservation would have joined the church ere this had I urged them. I know they are ignorant and superstitious beyond expression, and while some of them are perhaps living up to the light they possess, I deem it the safer course to impress upon their minds that the requisition for church membership is at least a very honest purpose, if not an absolutely correct life. Religious services have been held eve«ry Sabbath, consisting of Scripture reading, catechetical and such admonitory ex- ercises as seemed adapted to the congregation and circumstances.
INDIAN INDUSTRY.
There is evident improvement in this direction, with a growing conviction upon the minds of the Indians that they will soon be required to take care of themselves. They are settling down to more steady habits, evince a growing interest in their small farms, and are laboring with more system than ever before. I have given them to understand that they have received their last appropriation in the shape of subsistence ; that now all that the government will do for them will be to assist them this year in the pur- chase of some more farming implements. They fully understand this, and say if the government will help them a little in this way and educate their children they will do the rest.
SANITARY.
The sanitary condition of the Indians is much better than ever before. There have been seven d*eaths during the year. Two of these, however, were violent ; one was killed by another Indian ; the other was hanged for murder ; so that the natural deaths exceed the births only by one.
CIVILIZATION.
Civilization, like Christian;zation, with these Indians requires the work of years. There is, however, marked improvement in this regard, and an effort is manifested by almost every Indian, especially among the younger ones, to imitate the example of the whites. They are more observant and inquiring, and in their general deportment will convince an unprejudiced mind that they merit the protection and fostering care of the government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient S3rvaut,
C. G. BELKNAP, United States Indian Agent. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
MISSION AGENCY, SAN BERNARDINO, CAL.,
August 28, 1879.
SIK : I have the honor to submit the following as my first annual report of the con- dition of things at tbis agency :
The Indians under my charge, known as the Mission Indians, are composed of the fol- lowing-named tribes, viz : Seranos, Digenes, San Luis Rey, and Coahuillas and O.wongos. Their settlements are scattered over portions of San Bernardino and San Diego Coun- ties, and chietly in the mountain and desert districts embraced in a range hundreds of miles in extent. Here and there lands have been reserved for them, but their charac- ter is such that very little of it is of any practical use, and very few comparatively are living on the lands so reserved.
14 REPORTS OF AGENTS IN CALIFORNIA.
For generations past many have had their villages on what they supposed to be lt the- public domain," and which they believed would ultimately be set apart for them, but which in almost every instance turned out to be covered by the ubiquitous " Spanish grant," whose title has been confirmed to the inevitable " land-grabber." In some in- stances, however, they have been accorded the favor of remaining on and cultivating these lands so long occupied by them, but not without frequent difficulties growing out of conflicting interests. The agent is continually harassed by complaints from one or both parties as to injuries or wrongs endured.
Under this unsatisfactory state of things, which has long existed, frequent efforts have been made to influence government to provide a suitable reservation upon which to consolidate these scattered Indians. A joint resolution of the last gen- eral assembly of California was transmitted by its governor to Congress asking that this be done ; and, prior to the assembling of the last Congress, letters setting forth the condition of affairs at this agency were forwarded to the department by my- self, with a view of securing at that session such action as it seemed to me the exi- gencies of the case demanded. But beyond the bringing the subject before the House Committee of Indian Affairs nothing was effected. It is hoped that another session will not be permitted to pass by without final and definite action being taken looking to the purchase of suitable lands for a reservation and the consolidation of these In- dians upon it before another year is past. If assurance of this kind does not come to the owners of the lands now occupied by most of them, their ejectment is certain to follow.
The Mission Indians are all engaged in agricultural pursuits, either in the cultiva- tion of the little fields they call their own, or in laboring for ranchmen in the vicinity of their villages. But, on account of the sparseness of white settlers in these mountain and desert districts, and the consequent scarcity of labor, they are forced often to go from fifty to one hundred miles to procure work. At some seasons of the year it is impossible for all to find employment, while at others, such as in the sheep-shearing season, they find ample and remunerative employment, and are eagerly sought for by the large ranch- men. They excel all others in this kind of labor. With few exceptions, the Mission In- dians are industrious, having always maintained themselves by their own labor. They do not now, and never have asked for supplies of any kind from government. All they ask is that land be given them upon which they may have an opportunity to bet- ter support themselves and families.
Upon the desert, 50 and 80 miles from the agency, where several hundred live, the usual supply of water for irrigating purposes failed this season ; and in this extremity they were forced to subsist upon a wild bean that grows upon the desert. Never hav- ing received any aid from government, and being accustomed to the miserable destitu- tion enforced by their helplessness, they endure hunger and want, neither asking nor expecting help. But as I learned their condition, I at once represented their case to the department under date of July 10, and on the 26th, to my gratification, a telegram was received authorizing the purchase of $500 worth of supplies for their use. These I have purchased, and iu a few da'ys shall make the first issue, which has been unex- pectedly delayed by my absence on official duty. It will be the first time in the his- tory of these deserfc Indians that they share in the benef Actions of this great govern- ment.
The educational interests of the Mission Indians have been so far entirely neglected ; not one in a hundred, either of adults or of the children growing up into manhood and womanhood, has ever learned, or perhaps even seen, a letter of the alphabet. Nor would the establishment of schools among them be practicable in their present scattered and unsettled condition. Had they long since enjoyed but the simplest rudiments of an education, along with the other influences of civilization which have been thrown around them, they would have been spared many of the wrongs and impositions which their ignorance has made possible.
Among most of them the absence of religious influence and instruction is no less marked. While the ancestors of some of these tribes were baptized by the early Spanish missionaries, and the practice has been continued ever since to have the children baptized by the priests, yet no result has been attained by these outward,, and, to most of them, unmeaning rites, which would entitle them to be called Chris- tian. No active missionary work is being carried on among them. Many of them have no more conception of the true God or knowledge of religious truth than the pagan,, and, until they are brought together from the almost inaccessible mountain fastnesses and desert plains which they inhabit, and are placed upon a reservation where educa- tional and missionary effort can be made available, little, if anything, can be done to improve their condition in this important particular.
Until my arrival at the agency, wrongs had been practiced upon these helpless peo- ple, and that, too, in many cases, by pretended friends, that was only to be expected by the long discontinuance of the agency, and the absence of a duly accredited repre- sentative of the government to protest th ur interests. Taking advantage of their ig- norance in keeping records of time, and in computing accounts, their employers, in,
REPORTS OF AGENTS IN COLORADO. 15
many instances, practiced the grossest frauds in ihe payment of their wages. In some instances goods of one kind or other were given them in lieu of money, at such prices as to make the price of a day's labor to the employer not exceed ten cents. In- stances were related me in which they received their wages in intoxicating liquor, which of course, resulted in a drunken debauch, from which they recovered only when the supply was exhausted, to find themselves without the necessaries of life for their des- titute families.
Everywhere liquor was being sold to them in defiance of law. And, although fre- quent arrests were made of the guilty parties, under State authority, few, if any, were ever convicted of their crimes because of the adverse popular sentiment which obtains iu this locality in regard to this form of the liquor traffic. Not a few have gained a competency by the traffic with these Indians, while the sentiment prevails to a great extent, that " there is no more harm in selling liquor to an Indian than to a white man.'r
My first work in assuming the duties, of this agency a year ago was to secure just and honorable dealing towauls these Indians on the part of employers, and to break up. the demoralizing traffic in liquor among them. By close and diligent inquiry as to the wages they received, and the method of payment, I discovered the dishonest'tricksters, and by enforcing just and honest payment, when it was refused, as well as by publish- ing the rascalities practiced by certain parties who employed them in considerable numbers, I have succeeded in a great measure in securing just and fair dealing, so much so that few complaints of this character come to me now. By a no less close and vigilant effort in ferreting out liquor-selling, and by a vigorous prosecution before the United States authorities of all parties engaged in the traffic, a reformation has been wrought in this particular that is very marked. It has now come to be regarded as a dangerous business to sell