[From Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp 14-17]

NEVADA.

            The reports from Hon. James W. Nye, governor and ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs of this Territory, and from Agents Lockhart and Burch, which are herewith submitted, give satisfactory information in regard to the various tribes inhabiting that country. Those of most importance are the Washoes, in the northwest, on the eastern elope of the Sierra Nevada mountains ; the Pah Utes, who have two reservations, (Walker river, about 75 miles northeast of Carson city, and Truckee, about the same distance to the southeast, but most of the Indians living off the reservations the greater portion or the year;) the Shoshonees, most of whom are in Utah, three bands being within the limits of Nevada; the Pannakés, who are a powerful tribe ranging between the Rocky mountains and the Pacific, about one hundred and thirty miles north of the sink of the Humboldt river, and the Humboldt river Indians. Besides these are the Tosowes and Moadocs, of whom we have very little definite information.

            Quiet has generally prevailed among all of these Indians during the present year, and a disposition to be at peace with the whites. The efforts made by the agents to induce the Indians to cultivate the soil have resulted in finding them tractable and willing to work. These efforts have been mostly confined to the Pah-Utes, at the Truckee River reservation, where a great deal of labor has been performed in digging an irrigating canal from the dam which was constructed in connexion with a contemplated saw-mill. The long drought, however, and the failure of the usual amount of snow during the last winter, rendered it useless to attempt to erect the mill, and the failure of water to fill the dam rendered futile for this year to a great extent the work upon the canal. The crops, in consequence, have been very light. While, therefore, the state of

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.       15

affairs is most gratifying, so far as the peaceable conduct of the Indians is concerned, it is expected that a portion of them will require aid to some extent during the winter. In regard to the Pah-Utes, numbering some two thousand, the suggestion is made by Agent Lockhart that the sum of five thousand dollars be used in the purchase of cattle, which can be had at low prices in California, to be kept in the valleys to be slaughtered during the winter to supply the wants of the Indians. The rapid settlement of the country by whites, and the constant prospecting expeditions of miners in every direction, resulting in driving off the game, and the destruction by cattle of the bunch grass, upon the seeds of which, ground into flour, the Indians are largely dependent, are given as reasons for the destitution of food ; added to which cause is the fact that the pine trees bore no nuts this year. This destitution prevails more particularly among the Indians of the Humboldt river.

            The Shoshonees have been entirely peaceable since the treaty of friendship made with them early in the summer by Governor Nye and Governor Doty of Utah Territory, acting as commissioners on the part of the United States ; and the great overland mail and telegraph route, passing for four hundred miles through Nevada Territory, has been undisturbed by any of the tribes rightfully within the bounds of that superintendency. A portion of this tribe is upon the Ruby Valley reservation.

            By correspondence with Agent Lockhart I have endeavored to bring about a reduction in the expenses of this superintendency by reducing the number of local agents and employes; and though the peculiar locality and ranges of the various tribes relative to the overland route seem to require the presence of several agents, yet the services of two local agents and the teachers and interpreters have been dispensed with, to the relief of the treasury to the extent of their salaries.

            The friendly services of the chief of the Pah-Utes, Wan-ne-muc-ka, were used by Agent Burch in bringing Pas-se-quah, chief of the Pannakés, to a council, at which the latter agreed to keep his people from acts of hostility towards the large body of emigrants which was expected to pass through the country over which they range. The promise had been faithfully kept down to the time of Agent Burch's report, August 1, 1864, except on one occasion, when some of his people drove off a lot of cattle, which were promptly returned on demand, being made of the chief. This tribe claims to own, and occupies for the purpose of grazing, hunting, and fishing during part of the year, a fertile valley, known as the Pueblo valley, of sufficient capacity for a population of twenty-five or thirty thousand people, and the white settlers have already taken possession of large portions of it.

            How the Indians of this superintendency, now friendly, and in ordinary seasons able to subsist themselves upon the natural products of the soil, are to be preserved in friendly relations to the government and the white settlers, while their resources are being rapidly destroyed by the spread of white settlements throughout the country inhabited by them, is a question which is rapidly assuming an important aspect. The pine trees, whose nuts they gather for food, are being cut down; the grass, upon the seeds of which they have largely depended, is being eaten off by the cattle of the settlers, and the valleys where their stock has found pasturage, are being occupied by them. If reservations are to be obtained upon which the Indian population is to be concentrated, it would seem that economy and good policy demand that no time be lost in undertaking the selection and location of them as soon as possible. The sooner this is done, less outlay will be necessary to purchase the improvements of the settlers.

16        REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            At the date of my last annual report advices of the negotiation of treaties of peace and friendship with several of the tribes of Indians of Utah, as well as of Idaho, whose range lies along the great overland route, had been received, and the annual report of Governor Doty, in relation to the affairs of his superintendency, and particularly in reference to these treaties, was received in time to be published in the Appendix. In addition to the treaties, verbal or written, referred to in my last report, as having been already made, and from which great good was expected to result in securing a peaceable transit of emigrants throughout the great routes of travel, two other treaties were forwarded by Governor Doty, under date of October 21, 1863, having been effected by him, in conjunction with General Conner, commanding the United States forces in Utah Territory, to whose energy and good judgment, combined with the bravery of his troops in their previous operations against the Indians, great credit is due, as having impressed the latter with a wholesome idea of the power of the white man, and disposed them to seek for peace. The two treaties referred to were made—the one October 12, 1863, at Tuilla valley, with the Shoshonee bands of the Goship tribe, and the other October 14, at Soda Springs, Idaho Territory, with the mixed bands of Shoshonees and Bannacks, of Snake River valley. After negotiating these two treaties, Governor Doty and General Conner had the pleasure of announcing that there remained no hostile tribe along the routes of travel to Nevada and California. In a later letter from Governor Doty, much valuable information is given in relation to the various bands and tribes of Indians whom he had visited, and with whom he had treated, and an approximate estimate of their numbers is given.

            The various treaties thus made were transmitted to the Senate in due course. They were all returned from the Senate, confirmed, but with amendments, which amendments were forwarded to Governor Doty with instructions to obtain the assent of the Indians to them. There is not in our files any acknowledgment by him of their receipt, neither does Superintendent Irish, who succeeded Governor Doty, allude to them in his report. In the letter of instructions sent with the amendments to the treaties, it was suggested that, inasmuch as there existed no appropriation to defray the expenses of getting the Indians together to obtain their consent thereto, the object might be attained at the time of the payment of their annuities.

            The subject of abandoning the several small reservations in Utah, and concentrating the Indians upon one large reservation, known as the Uintah valley, has been frequently urged upon the attention of this office, but for want of proper information as to the locality and its resources, and on account of the hostility of, and pending military operations against, several of the tribes, nothing has yet been accomplished in that direction. In January, 1864, a memorial was received from the legislature of Utah, asking that the smaller reservations might be surveyed and opened to the whites for settlement, and by the act of Congress approved May 5, 1864, provision was made for their survey, and for the permanent reservation of Uintah valley a as home for the Indians of Utah. An appropriation of $30,000 was also made for the purpose of preparing homes on the reserve for those Indians who should be removed to it, and for aiding them in becoming self-supporting, by means of agriculture. The Uintah valley had been by order of the President, as recommended by this office, set apart for the exclusive occupation of the Indians as long ago as October, 1861, but in the imperfect geographical knowledge of the country, its exact limits could not be defined. The tract set apart by following what are supposed to be dividing ridges, so as to include the whole region traversed, and drained by the Uintah river and its upper branches down to its junction with the Green river, is un-

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.       17

derstood to be ample in extent, containing two million acres, abounding in valleys of great fertility, with all the necessary water-power for mills, and having an abundance of timber ; indeed, as being admirably adapted for the purposes of a large Indian reservation. Many of the Indians exhibit a desire to be placed upon it, and undertake in earnest the pursuit of agriculture. A difficulty presents itself in the want of accurately surveyed lines, so that, by the exclusion of whites from them, the Indians may be left in undisturbed possession, and I recommend that application be made to Congress for an appropriation for the purpose of making this survey ; but meantime the superintendent has been directed to warn all white settlers now on the tract to leave it, (describing it as fully as possible,) and to notify all other white persons, who may be found upon the reservation when its limits shall be definitely established, that they will be required to remove. The superintendent has further been instructed to prepare and submit, as soon as possible, a plan for removing the Indians from the old reservations to the Uintah valley. It is confidently expected that the most gratifying results will follow the completion of the plans thus set on foot for the concentration of the Indians in their new homes.

            Superintendent Irish, who succeeded Governor Doty in charge of Indian affairs in this Territory, did not arrive at Great Salt Lake City until August 25, having waited some time at Nebraska city, in the expectation of taking with him the annuity goods, upon the prompt distribution of which much seemed to depend in regard to preserving peace with the Indians. It is to be regretted that, in consequence of apprehended danger of Indian hostilities upon the plains, the goods were not shipped from Nebraska city until late in August, and were therefore not expected to arrive at their destination in less than three months, if indeed they are not delayed on the way until spring. Some apprehension is therefore felt lest the Indians, who have kept their faith and observed the terms of the treaties made with them, should become dissatisfied and hostile, some symptoms of such feeling having exhibited themselves already ; and the superintendent was urged by Governor Doty and General Conner to make, if possible, some temporary arrangements in advance of the arrival of the goods, so as to prevent an outbreak. At the last dates received Mr. Irish had sent presents to the principal chief, and invited him, with four others, to come and see him, when, it was hoped, some satisfactory arrangement would be effected.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp. 84-85]

THE UNTAMED TRIBES OF SOUTH EASTERN OREGON.

            The vast region, comprising about one-half of Oregon, situated east of the Cascade mountains, and south of the territory purchased of the tribes near the Columbia river, is occupied by roving bands known by the different names of Snake, Shoshonees, Bannack, Klamath, Modocs, &c. Their intercourse with whites has always been of a hostile character, and their depredations upon life and property in the last ten years have been enormous. My last annual report gave a detailed account of them.

            The last Congress made an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars for the purpose of making a treaty with these tribes. One half of this amount has been placed to my credit, and under the instructions contained in your letter of 22d June last, having communicated with Superintendent Austin E. Wiley, of California, I went to Fort Klamath, held a conference with the chiefs and such of the headmen as could be collected upon short notice, and made the preliminary arrangements for holding a council with the Klamath and Modoc tribes on the 8th of October next. I found those bands willing to come under the control of the government, cease their predatory habits, and remove to a reservation. I anticipate little difficulty in making a favorable treaty with them, and I also hope that some of the bands further east may be induced to come in at the same council. From such information as I have been able to gather from the Indian

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   85

chiefs and the military officers at Fort Klamath, I estimate the number of the Klamath and Modoc tribes at between twelve and fifteen hundred souls.

            Last winter Captain William Kelly, then in command of Fort Klamath, finding these bands in a suffering condition, issued to them 9,921 1/2 pounds of beef, 11,401 pounds of flour, and some other articles of subsistence, from the military stores. Under instructions from the military department, Captain Kelly afterwards presented a bill of $2,518 40 (this being the value of the supplies furnished) to this office for payment. As the issue had been made without authority from this office, and without previous notice of the intention to make it, I did not consider myself authorized to pay the account; but I deem it proper to say that the condition of the Indians rendered some assistance necessary, not only upon humane grounds, but in order to prevent them from resorting to depredations upon whites to obtain the food of which they stood in great want. The course of Captain Kelly, in my judgment, had a most salutary effect in conciliating the Indians, and rendering future control of them easy and economical. It is but justice that the government should sanction the expenditure.

            Three military expeditions, under Captains Drake and Curry and Lieutenant Colonel Drew, have spent the past summer in pursuing the marauding bands of Shoshonees and Bannacks, who range through the extreme southeastern part of Oregon, the northern part of Nevada, and southwestern Idaho. After a severe battle on Crooked river in July last, a part of these Indians conveyed an intimation to Agent Logan of their willingness to treat and cease hostilities. No authority was then vested in any officer of the Indian department to negotiate with them, and a golden opportunity was therefore lost. These tribes can be gathered upon a reservation, controlled, subsisted for a short time, and afterwards made to subsist themselves, for one-tenth of the cost of supporting military force in pursuit of them. It is far cheaper " to feed them than to fight them." I recommend that authority be given to conclude treaties with them whenever a favorable opportunity offers. If such instructions are given, I am confident that the necessity for costly military expeditions will be done with.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp. 108-110]

No. 28.

OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Northern District of California, Yreka, March 2, 1864.

            SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 14th ultimo the Klamath Lake Indians, with their chief Salakes ; the Modocs, with their chief Sconges; the Shastas, with Josh and Jack, their chiefs ; the Scott Valley Indians, with their chief John, and the Hamburg Indians, with their chief Jim, met me in council near Yreka, for the purpose of arranging their difficulties among themselves, and arranging terms with the whites.

            Upon my entering upon the discharge of the duties of my office these Klamath Lake and Modoc Indians were making preparation for war, and exhibiting hostile intentions, which I then arranged by a temporary agreement, as stated in a former report.

            Since then, owing to some of their warriors having been killed by the Shasta and Hamburg Indians within the lines of the white settlements, in retaliation for the supposed protection rendered the Shastas, the Klamath Lake and Modoc Indians, commenced depredations by stealing the cattle of the frontier settlements, robbing travellers passing through their country, and uttering threats of murder and war on the opening of the spring. In view of these demonstrations and threats, Colonel Drew arrested and caused to be executed an Indian commonly known as George, and killed an Indian commonly known as " Scoocum

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   109

John," two very vicious, ill-disposed chiefs, who were counselling war continuously. George had acquired some knowledge of the English language, and fully comprehended the civil war under which our unfortunate country is now suffering, and he thought, or professed to think, that if all the Indians unite they could kill off all the whites and retake the country.

            The country of the Klamath Lake and Modoc Indians is about equally divided by the line between the States of California and Oregon. The Shasta, Scott Valley, Hamburg, and Pitt River Indians inhabit entirely within California. Owing to this fact, and the fact that an unhappy difference existed between the agency at Jacksonville and the military department, and in view of the impending danger to our citizens, I deemed it my duty to call the council, believing that if I could arrange a settlement among the Indians, and thus relieve our citizens and authorities from the charge of protecting the Shastas in their depredations upon the Modocs and Klamath Lake Indians, I could arrange a permanent treaty with all for our benefit. The result is herewith transmitted, with a hope that my acts in the premises will meet with approval.

            The expense to the government was but a trifle, as nothing but two pairs of blankets were given in present, and the Indians fed, as also their horses, during the conference.

            I have faith to believe that this conference has saved the country a bloody war with a numerous band of Indians inhabiting the western slope of the Nevada mountains to northern California and southern Oregon.

            All of which is respectfully submitted.

            I have the honor to be your most obedient servant,

E. STEELE,

Sup'g Agent Indian Afairs, Northern Dist., California.

Hon. Wm. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

To the Indians now assembled:

            The white Chief has called you together to arrange a settlement of all past difficulties among yourselves or with the whites. With this purpose he has, through me his agent, had you hold a council among yourselves, and you have settled all your difficulties. The white Chief now wishes a good understanding with you all and his people. The white Chief does not buy friendship or peace, but wishes a peace because it is better for both parties to live in friendship. Are you willing to enter into a treaty upon such a basis?

            They all answer they desire so to do.

            1st. You, Sconges and La Lakes, and other chiefs of the Modoc and Klamath Indians, and John and Jim, of the Scott's Valley and Hamburg Indians, and Josh and Jack, for the Shastas, agree to live in peace and friendship with each other from this time on. You agree that you will not kill each other, or steal one from the other in tribes or singly. You agree that any one Indian or squaw may travel through your country safely, and if any Indian break this agreement the chief shall give him or her up to the soldiers for punishment.

            2d. You all agree to live on terms of friendship and peace with the white men, and the negroes and Chinamen living under white men's laws. That they may pass in numbers of one or more through your country in pursuit of mines, or on their business, without being molested, taxed for right of way, or frightened to give their goods, property, or money to the Indians ; but you may charge a fair price for ferrying them across rivers, or guiding them across the country when they wish to hire you.

            3d. When you come into white settlements or camps, you shall not get drunk or steal either small things or great. You shall not rob Chinamen of their gold, or rob their sluice boxes. You shall remain out of town, and in your camps, nights. And you shall not sell to white men or others Indian children, either of your own tribe or of other tribes, and you shall not sell, except to Indians, any squaws, unless the person buying will go before the white man's judge and marry the squaw sold him.

            4th. The great white Chief desires that all people, Indians as well as white men, should live in peace and have no more war, and particularly that the Modoc Indians should not go into the country of the Pitt Rivers to fight or steal squaws or children to sell them. Do you agree to let them alone if they do not trouble you?

            5th. You, Indians of the Modoc and Klamath Lake country, are subject to the inspection, protection, and restraint of the officers of Fort Klamath. Do you agree to submit yourselves and your difficulties to them for adjustment and settlement, and, in case of any trouble with white men, to go and state your difficulties to the officers at that fort ?

            6th. Indians, except in the unsettled country, or when hunting, shall not pack (carry) guns or bows and arrows ; shall not bring them into the white settlement, except to get them repaired ; and when you come into the settlements you shall leave your guns in camp.

            7th. On the part of the white Chief, we agree to give you a right to come to our settlements, and we will protect you at all proper times. When coming to the settlements you should get a paper pass from the officers at the fort.

            This was agreed to in council before the undersigned witnesses.

E. W. POTTER,

Justice of the Peace.

D. KEAM, Sheriff

E. S. STEELE,

Sup'g Agent Indian Affairs, Northern District, California.

H. K. WHITE.

T. S. BALL,

            Interpreter for the Modocs.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp. 120-123]

No. 36.

 

YREKA, March 5, 1864.

            DEAR SIR : On the 14th of last month I held a council with the Modoc, Klamath Lake, Shasta, Scott's Valley, and Hamburg Indians, and formed a settlement with them, which is herewith enclosed.

            This step may be somewhat irregular, inasmuch as the Oregon agency had received appropriations heretofore for their charge and maintenance ; but the misunderstanding between Rogers, the sub-agent of Oregon, and the military, and the ill feeling that was growing up among the Indians, and being occasionally demonstrated by the Klamath Lakes and Modocs towards the whites, seemed urgently to call for an intervention to avoid war. Besides this, although the appropriations have uniformly been made to Oregon for the charge and care of the Shasta, Klamath Lake, and Modoc Indians, the former, the Shastas, inhabit entirely within the borders of California. The Klamath Lake Indians are about equally divided, as is also their land, by the State line, and the Modocs and their land are mostly in California. These tribes inhabit the country lying west of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and south of the Siskiyou mountains to the confluence of the Scott's and Klamath rivers, as follows : ,

            The Hamburg Indians known in their language as the T-ka, inhabit immediately at the mouth of Scott's river, known in their language as the Otte-ti-e-wa river. The Scott's Valley Indians, known in their language as the Id-do-a, inhabit Scott's valley, above the canon. The Yreka (a misnomer for Yeka—Shasta Butte) Indians, known in their language as the Ho-te-day, inhabit that part of the country lying south of Klamath river, and west of Shasta river. The Shasta Indians, known in their language as the We-o-how—it meaning stone house, from the large cave in their country—occupy the land east of Shasta river, and south of the Siskiyou mountains, and west of the lower Klamath lake. All of these Indians speak the same language, and were formerly under one chief (who lived in Scott's valley) and sub-chiefs, but for years past have been under separate chiefs, the former regal family having become extinct by sickness and casualities, about the time our white population first entered the country. They have since this—my settlement—elected a big chief, (Skookum-tie,) called by us John, who is a smart; sober, and well-disposed Indian. Then, next east of the Shastas are the Klamath Lake Indians, known in their

CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENCY.         121

language as the Okshee, who inhabit the country about the Klamath lakes, and east about half way to the Goose lake, to Wright lake, and south to a line running about due east from Shasta Butte. Then the Modocs, (or Moadoc, as the word is pronounced,) known in their language as the Ok-kow-ish, inhabit the Goose lake country, and are mostly within the State of California. These and the Klamath Lake Indians speak the same language, though under several chiefs. The Modocs are under Sconges, head chief, and Skitte-hon-ges, and other smaller chiefs, and the Klamath Lakes, under La Lakes and smaller chiefs.  The word Modoc is a Shasta Indian word, and means all distant, stranger, or hostile Indians, and became applied to these Indians by white men in early days from hearing the Shastas speak of them.

            The range of the Siskiyou mountains, known in their language as the Mac-ki-a, forms the northern limits of the country of most of these tribes. The Klamath Lake and Modoc Indians number about fourteen hundred warriors, all well mounted on Indian ponies, and armed with guns, and are skilful marksmen ; are large, active, and courageous Indians and would be formidable foes; and many of our straggling citizens in the early days of the country have fallen victims to them. The large number of miners and traders emigrating this season to the northern placers having either to pass through their country or make a circuit to Portland, the temptation of this so much the shortest route would necessarily expose many small and defenceless companies to sure destruction from these powerful bands of Indians.

            All of these facts, I feel, justify my interference, and fortunately, from some little incidents of early days, they all had learned to both fear and respect me, and they readily assembled in council, and were evidently highly gratified at a restoration of peace among themselves and a good understanding with us. Since this arrangement, it has been proven by actual experience that they intend fully to comply with the terms of the compact. Their guns were all kept back on their visit to Yreka, after the treaty, and individual white men have passed out into their country and back without molestation or annoyance.

            The chiefs La Lakes and Sconges wish me particularly to visit their country this summer. The Shastas, Scott's Valley, Yreka and Hamburg Indians are reduced, all told, to about two hundred, and their country is fully settled up by the whites , without any compensation to them, but with occasional trifling aid from citizens they are enabled to take care of themselves, and have never been the recipient of any bounty or care from the government.

            The land of the Modoc and Klamath Lake Indians is a high, cold plain, nearly on a level with the summit of the Sierra Nevada mountains, too frosty to raise cereals or roots with success, and fit only for grass. The country abounds in wild game and the lakes and streams in fish. The Indians make a good living and raise a great many horses, the snow, spreading over so large a surface, not falling deep enough to cover the herbage, and their stock finding good grazing all winter. On this whole plain, from Yreka east to the eastern slope of the Nevada mountains, it is a rare occurrence to meet with a fall of snow exceeding six inches, and then to lie but a few days, the great elevation and consequently cool surface not causing much evaporation, and that little is condensed and spread over a large extent of country; unlike the Sacramento valley and its surrounding mountains, the peaks and ridges of which condense and accumulate to great depth the humidity of the atmosphere of the warm valleys.

            This upper country will not be wanted by white people for ages to come, except as a thoroughfare, (and this is now fully secured,) and unless rich deposits of mineral wealth should be found there, in which last alternative the Indians soon make room for the miners.

            I am thus particular, so that you may be fully advised when legislating upon this subject, and hope, should Mr. Shannon desire it, you will let him peruse it.

            I start in a few days to visit the Humboldt Indians, with a firm belief that I

122      CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENCY.

can make a satisfactory accommodation with all these hostile bands that are now costing the government so much. Their country is but little needed by our citizens, and much of the difficulty arises from evil-disposed white men who reside among the Indians. The Klamath river, from the mouth of the Salmon river down, runs mostly through a close cañon, and is a very broken country, and had my predecessor allowed the Indians to care for themselves at the time of the great overflow, they would have taken to the mountains, and in a few days after the flood had subsided they would have returned to the river banks, and with fish have provided for their immediate wants, (as in fact two-thirds of them did and yet remain there,) and would have saved the government the heavy expense of their removal and subsistence at Smith's river. The great number of Indians inhabiting the Klamath and Humboldt countries, the dense redwood forests on the river bottoms, and the high, craggy, precipitous mountains back, would, to my mind, be a serious warning against any effort to remove them by military force, and, if undertaken, would cost the government as much as the great Florida war, and would be about equally procrastinated.

            True, it could be accomplished; but is it advisable thus to expend the energies of our country upon an unnecessary enterprise, when we are rent with internal dissensions, and the whole power and treasure of the government is needed to restrain the suicidal hand of rebellion

            I am, sir, very respectfully, yours,

E. STEELE.

Hon. JOHN CONNESS.

__________

OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Northern District of California, March 8, 1864.

            SIR: Observing in yesterday's paper that an appropriation of $20,000 is about being made to effect a treaty and purchase the lands of the Klamath Lake, Modoc, and Snake Indians, I thought it advisable to furnish the department with what present knowledge I possessed of the country and Indians. This I could not better do than by forwarding a copy of a letter sent several days since to Hon. John Conness, which copy is herewith enclosed. The Snake Indians, or Shoo-shon-as, are a very numerous tribe, and of rather roving proclivities, traversing from the southeastern portion of Oregon, a part of Washington Territory, Idaho Territory, Nevada, and Utah Territories. I have met them as far down as southwest of Salt Lake City. A treaty with them, as in fact with all other Indians whose country is not required for immediate settlements, should be only for their good behavior, and the right of way and grazing, &c. In any case the principle of presents and stipulations for purchase should be avoided, as the presents only tend to impress the Indians with a belief of their superior powers and our cowardice, and whenever they desire a new outfit they will make an outbreak, with a view to a new treaty and further presents. I speak thus from actual experience. As for the question of purchase, that idea is incited in the mind of the Indian by white men, who desire to speculate out of both Indians and the government. The instalments, when paid, are soon squandered to white men, who follow in the footprints of the government agent with whiskey, tobacco, and trinkets, and the Indians, by it, find means to indulge their most pernicious habits.

            The Indian, in his normal condition, has no knowledge or idea of proprietorship in the soil, and considers his right to consist in keeping others from occupying or owning in common with him any district of country if he has sufficient force to do so, and, further, to extend occasional levies on those surrounding him

CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENCY.         123

The Snakes, being a very large tribe, go hither and yon as they please, and meet with no checks north until they come to the Blackfeet, or south until the Apache country. They have not been known to come west over the Nevada mountains on any of these warlike excursions, though I have seen and talked with Snake Indians that had been to the Pacific ocean.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. STEELE,

Supt. Agt. Ind. Affairs, Northern Dist., California.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner, Washington, D. C.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp. 139-150]

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 46.

TERRITORY OF NEVADA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Carson City, September 20, 1864.

            SIR : On the 28th of July, ultimo, I had the honor to address to the department a brief communication principally in reference to the timber reserve and the saw-mill in the course of construction on the Truckee or Pyramid Lake reservation. It now becomes my duty to report to the department the operations of the Indian service of this superintendency for the past year.

            Since I had the honor to submit my last annual report the Indians of this Territory have maintained an uninterrupted peace and quiet with the whites. No act of aggression or depredation on their part, with the exception of one instance of theft unworthy of mention, has been brought to my notice. I attribute their tranquillity during the past to the policy I have pursued since the commencement of my administration of affairs in this Territory, of keeping local agents in the different sections of country where the Indians mostly congregate and range, who acquire and exercise a wholesome and salutary influence over them by being constantly among or near them.

            The beneficial effects arising from this system of local agencies can scarcely be reckoned in a pecuniary point of view. I have no doubt whatever that the small sums paid out in the way of salaries to the local agents has been a saving of ten times the amount, not alone to the best interests of the Territory, but to the government itself. The quiet and peace which has prevailed here has given an impetus to the growth and prosperity of the Territory, and to the development of its inexhaustible wealth in the precious and other mineral productions, unparalleled in former instances. While Colorado and other Territories have suffered or been threatened by Indian disturbances, ours has been steadily moving forward on the road of progress and prosperity, the result of peace and amity with all its different tribes.

            The Indians of the Walker river and Pyramid lake countries are generally contented and happy. Their natural supplies of subsistence, though very much curtailed this year from the scarcity of snow last winter, and the long-continued drought of the spring and summer, will yet, I hope, be sufficient, with some small aid on the part of the government, to maintain them comfortably the coming winter.

            Owing to these causes—scarcity of water and rain—I regret to state that the farming operations on the Truckee reservation have not resulted so favorably or beneficially as I anticipated ; nevertheless, I hope a sufficiency of vegetables, &c., will be produced there to materially aid in the supply of the wants of the Indians of that locality. It is expected that the Indians of the Truckee and Walker rivers, in view of the short crops of seeds, roots, and pine nuts, will take and cure an extra amount of fish the present autumn for their winter and early spring supplies of subsistence.

            As to the Indians of the Humboldt region, I regret to state that they are not quite so fortunate as those alluded to above in regard to the ampleness of the

140      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

productions of the country necessary to their subsistence. From Mr. John C. Burch, who for the last three years has had charge of that division of the Territory as loyal agent, I learn that the crop of seeds, roots, &c., upon which the Indians mainly subsist, is almost an entire failure, owing to the dryness of the winter and spring.

            For a more full detail concerning the Humboldt county Indians I would respectfully refer the department to Mr. Burg's report to me, which I herewith transmit, and commend its suggestions to the consideration of the department.

            The Shoshonees of the Great Basin, with whom I, in connexion with Governor Doty, of Utah Territory, concluded a treaty last fall, have remained ever since that period in a tranquil and peaceable condition. After the formation of the treaty with them I reoccupied, as I heretofore informed the department, the reservation, formerly located and used by the government, in Ruby valley, in the very midst of their country, and placed a local agent thereon. The policy of this act was, I am fully persuaded, not only a wise but a most judicious one. These Indians, previous to that time, were repeatedly in mischief, and once or twice were the cause of some trouble or disturbance with the settlers in that vicinity, and also to the Overland Mail Company. Since the making of the treaty they have been quiet, and have conducted themselves peaceably and commendably, and have strictly observed the articles of compact between the government and themselves. They confine themselves very much to the neighborhood of the reservation, and look up to the agent and those in authority with respect and reliance. They are now anxiously expecting presents, which will be distributed as soon as they are received here.

            In June last I received a communication from the department, informing me that " goods to the amount of $4,600 for the Indians in Nevada" had been ordered in New York, and would be forwarded by the way of Great Salt Lake City. Subsequently I received a letter from J. B. Gordon, special agent, dated at New York, apprizing me that he had shipped the goods to the care of W. M. Albin, superintendent. &c., St. Joseph, Missouri, and O. H. Irish, superintendent, &c., at Salt Lake City. Since then I have heard nothing more of the goods, but suppose they will arrive here in the course of the month of October.

            Nothing further has been done towards getting the mill on the Truckee reservation in motion since my communication of the 28th of July last ; the waterwheel and machinery, already constructed and on hand, have been kept safely housed, and ready to be put together immediately on getting a sufficient supply of water in the river to set the mill at work. I cannot but express my regret and disappointment at this untoward result to my sanguine expectations when this improvement was commenced, and most sincerely hope that the ensuing season may be more propitious to this most beneficial undertaking.

            I have expended no money, except the usual incidental expenditures, on the public account this year, other than for the construction of the mill, and the cutting, banking, and running the logs, of which I informed the department in my last report. For these objects I have not only expended the amount placed in my hands by the department, but have drawn very largely upon my own personal resources to facilitate the progress of the work, for all which I have proper receipts and vouchers.

            On the 2d of June last I received a communication from the department, enclosing a letter from Andrew Reed, esq., in behalf of O. J. Reed, Josiah Hayes, and others, who claim to have the right to, and possession of, a certain portion of the Truckee timber reservation. In regard to this claim set up by Reed, Hayes, and others, I would inform the department that it is entirely inadmissible, and, as I truly believe, altogether unfounded in justice. These parties went upon the land and cut a large amount of timber, which now lies upon the ground gradually decaying. I gave them permission to remove the logs, but they have failed to do so. The only work they have done has been to cut down a particular species of timber and rive it, or portions of it, into shingles.

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This is all they have done. They made no permanent improvements whatever. To admit the claim of these parties would seriously injure the reservation, and induce others to set up similar spurious claims, thereby giving much trouble and annoyance to the department and its officers in this Territory.

            I will state, before closing this communication, that I have all my accounts and vouchers properly made out for the whole period of my superintendency ; but owing to the loss of my memorandum book, which contained the dates and amounts of all the drafts received from the department, am unable to make up my accounts current for the several quarters embraced in that period of time.

            The estimates of appropriation for the use of the Indians of this Territory, by the agent, Mr. Lockhart, are herewith transmitted, and attention respectfully invited thereto. They are extremely moderate, and I think the amount estimated will hardly be sufficient for the wants of this superintendency the next fiscal year. I also transmit herewith the annual report of Mr. Agent Lockhart, which will supply many items of information required by the department.

            With high respect, your obedient servant,

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor and Sup't Indian Affairs, Nevada Territory.

Hon. J. P. USHER,

            Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 47.

TERRITORY OF NEVADA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Carson City, September 25, 1864.

            SIR : Until my report was signed and sealed I forgot to mention the causes of delay in making it. They are these : For the last five weeks this Territory has been in considerable turmoil and commotion, owing to apprehended raids from avowed disloyalists from California and this Territory on the principal towns of the Territory, on the one hand, and riotous and unlawful proceedings of persons composing what is here called " The Miners' League," on the other. On two occasions I found it necessary to order out the military from Fort Churchill to the towns of Virginia and Carson, to be in readiness to suppress or prevent these anticipated troubles. A force of near three hundred cavalry is now on duty at Virginia, ready to meet any outbreak of the rioters, &c. I have also had to form companies of home guards in every town in the Territory, and arm them, to suppress or subdue unlawful violence. Had it not been for these causes, I assure you my report would have, been forwarded nearly a month sooner. I trust this explanation will be deemed sufficient by the department.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES W. NYE,

Governor and Sup't Indian Affairs, Nevada Territory.

Hon. J. P. USHER,

            Secretary of the Interior, Washington.

__________

No. 48.

OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT, NEVADA TERRITORY,

Carson City, August 29, 1864.

            SIR: I have the honor to state that during the past year we have had entire peace with the Indians that rightly belong in this Territory. Some hostile

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tribes from Oregon and Idaho have come into our Territory on the north, and committed thefts and some murders.

            A company of soldiers from Fort Churchill has been sent out against them, but as yet the soldiers have not succeeded in punishing the guilty parties. The country being a mineral one, with the exception of a few valleys and river bottoms, entire peace with the Indians has been absolutely necessary to the development of it.

            The Territory in gold and silver bearing quartz is fabulous in its extent and richness.

            Gold and silver are discovered in many portions of the Territory among large bands of Indians who have recently had undisturbed possession of the country. These discoveries being known, miners move in and settle up the country in a very short time.

            These miners drive away the game and cut down the pine-nut trees, upon which the Indians subsist. In this hurried manner of settling the country, of course many little difficulties arise. The mining interests have been of so much importance to the general government and the Territory, that every possible precaution has been taken to prevent an outbreak among the Indians, such as there was in 1860, which set the Territory back one year in its development.

            It is perhaps worthy of mention that, during the interior settlements of mining regions in the Indian country, no serious tremble has occurred, nor have the overland mail or telegraph lines been disturbed in their course of four hundred miles in this Territory. The Indians during the past year, the winter being so mild, have subsisted quite well upon the natural products of the country, the pine-nuts being the first in importance—the fish next. Unfortunately, however, the pine trees are not bearing nuts this year.

            What they have on hand and the dried fish I fear will not be sufficient for them to live upon during the coming winter ; in many places, too, the Indians have no fish laid up for winter.

            I would recommend for the Indians in the region of the Walker River reservation that $5,000 be expended in purchasing cattle, to be kept on the Walker River reservation, to be slaughtered this winter for destitute Indians. The grass is limited on the reservation by reason of the drought, yet it would support, very well, enough for that purpose.

            The dry weather has prevailed over California so extensively that cattle could be bought there for a nominal sum.

            The Indians on the Truckee reservation, with what will be grown there, will get along well enough I think. As the Indians in the eastern portion of the Territory are so numerous, and inhabit so important a section of country to be kept peaceful, and as the Territory is, so extensive in its boundaries, being 600 miles long and 400 wide, I would earnestly recommend that a sub-agent be constituted to reside in the northeastern portion of the Territory to attend to the wants of the Shoshones, Tosowes, and the Indians of the Humboldt river.

            I regret to say that the results of our first year's farming experiment will not be so favorable as we had expected some months past.

            The department is no doubt aware that on this coast agricultural products are, for the most part, grown by irrigation.

            The streams that irrigate the interior of this Territory take their rise in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and are fed during the spring and summer months by the snow melting on the mountains ; the snow always heretofore being deposited in winter in sufficient quantity to cause the rivers to rise in spring and summer, in many places to overflowing.

            Unfortunately for our farming interests, there was not enough snow deposited upon the mountains to cause the Truckee river to rise in the spring, but, on the other hand, kept falling. The portion of ground we are cultivating is three miles below the dam, which was made high enough and the mill-race dug deep

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    143

enough to take out water sufficient (in an ordinary season) to make a large power to run the mill.

            The winter and fall were so dry that at no time could ploughing be done for sowing wheat or barley. In May there came a rain that softened the ground sufficiently to plough. I at once procured implements and seeds and began to plough and plant vegetables. The Indians, in the mean time, dug the ditch one mile and a half from the tail-race of the mill to the tract being cultivated. The ditch is three feet wide in the narrowest places, and in many places three and four deep. They prepared the ground for the plough, clearing it of "sage brush" and " greese wood." The Indians have shown a skill and disposition to work surpassing my expectation.

            Early in June we had planted some six acres of vegetables, consisting of potatoes, beets, onions, beans, squashes, &c., &c., but the water came in so slowly that they have not done well. The amount of water that we were able to throw out by the dam, having to run so far through sand and parched earth, lost so great a per cent. before reaching the desired place that we could irrigate but few acres.

            We have since been plowing, and have during this month sown turnips and rutabagas, which, we believe, with what water we can get out of the early fall rains, will make quite a crop. This want of water will probably never occur again, as there will be an opportunity hereafter to flume these sandy places in the ditch so as to prevent the absorption of water in the ditch, even should there ever occur so dry a season again.

            In July the Truckee river got so low that the reservation became very unhealthful; so much so that the Indians all moved to the mountains, except a few of the best working ones; that we induced to remain and work.

            These Indians are still at work, preparing the ground for fall or spring wheat and barley. The farmer was instructed to have his report ready so as to reach the department by the 1st of October. The report not being due yet, and the overland mail being stopped, I fear it will not reach its destination in time to be of use unless the overland service should be resumed by the 10th proximo.

            I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

JACOB T. LOCKHART,

Indian Agent, N. T.

Hon. JAMES W. NYE,

            Governor and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs,

                        Carson City, N. T.

__________

No. 49.

OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT, N. T.,

Carson City, September 6, 1864.

            SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith my estimate of funds required for the service of the Indian tribes of this Territory for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866.

            In submitting this estimate I beg leave to say that I deem it expedient to ask the department for an increased appropriation over that asked for last year, for the reason that the Indian country is being settled up so rapidly, and thereby destroying the natural resources of the country, which at best are limited; and, from the best information we have gained as to the Indians in the northeastern portion of the Territory, it is evident that a much greater number of Indians inhabit there than has heretofore been regarded.

            A great majority, if not all, of the Tosowes, or White Knives, and a large

144      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

portion of the Bannocks are in this Territory, that will require attention from the department next year, as their country is being prospected for mines. These tribes have no reservations.

            Clothing for the different tribes in the Territory                               $15,000

            Incidental expenses for the Washoe tribe                                               2,000

            Incidental expenses for the Pah-Utah tribe in purchasing provisions,

                        &c., &c.                                                                                      7,000

            Incidental expenses for the Shoshones, Tosowe, and Bannock tribes,

                        for provisions,&c., &c.                                                               6,000

                                                                                                                          30,000

                                                                                                                         ========

            I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

JACOB T. LOCKHART,

Indian Agent, N. T.

Hon. JAMES W. NYE,

            Gov. and ex-officio Sup't Indian Affairs, Carson City, N. T.

__________

No. 50.

HUMBOLDT AGENCY, N. T., August 1, 1864.

            SIR: In obedience to your instructions to me to prepare and submit to you a statement of the condition of the affairs of this division of the Territory, as pertaining to the Indians, for the past year, I have the honor to report that, during the period since making my last report to J. T. Lockhart, esq., the Indian agent of the Territory, now nearly two years, the Indians of the Humboldt region have maintained an uninterrupted peace and quiet throughout the whole northern and northeastern portion of the Territory. It is true there have been one or two cases of theft by individual Indians, which caused no disturbance whatever between the whites and them, and which was speedily remedied. It is also true, that on one or two occasions last year, Indians of mixed bands from Oregon and Idaho made a descent on the frontier settlements of this Territory and succeeded in carrying off a few herd, of stock, most if not all of which was, however, subsequently recovered.

            The Indians (Pah-Utahs) of the Humboldt River country, as stated in a former report, are the most quiet and tractable people I have ever met with, and are easily managed when kindly and judiciously treated. As a people they are honest, amiable, and friendly. It is a rare thing to find among them one who will commit a theft, either upon the whites or upon one of their own people. The miners of Humboldt, who frequently start out on prospecting trips, almost always take an Indian along with them, especially when going any distance or expecting to be absent any length of time, and invariably leave him in charge of their blankets and provisions when away from camp. In no instance of this character has it ever been known that the Indian has taken the most trifling article.

            Owing to the Ophir-like mineral richness of the Humboldt mountains, as well as the productive qualities of the soil of the valleys, and the almost irresistible inducements held out to the hardy and industrious miner and agriculturist, the country is fast filling up by settlement. The mountains, which all contain the precious metals, are now being thoroughly prospected and worked by the skilful miner, and are beginning to yield a generous reward to the persistent toiler from their redundant wealth. The river bottoms and the cañons of the mountains are all taken up as ranches and garden spots, and have been put in a state of cultiva-

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    145

tion. The game of the mountains and valleys is being frightened away by the appearance of the white man in this wild region, and the continual crack of his unerring rifle. The pine-nut trees are rapidly being cut down and used for building purposes or fuel. The bunch-grasses, the seed of which formerly supplied the Indians with one of their chief articles of food, and which abounds in the Humboldt country, now fails to yield even the most scanty harvest, owing to its being eaten off as fast as it sprouts by the vast amount of stock which has been brought to the country by the settlers and drovers ; large herds of cattle from distant California, for the last two years, and more especially during the last fall and winter, having been driven to this region to graze. Thus you will see that the means of subsistence for the Indians of this section for the past year, and for the whole future, have been greatly impaired if not completely destroyed. In consideration of these facts, I would respectfully urge upon your excellency to bring to the notice of the department the destitute condition of these Indians, in the hope that some means may be provided for their subsistence and support.

            The discovery of the rich and precious minerals in southwestern Idaho has induced, for the past two years, a heavy emigration thither from California and our own territory. The highway to the Jordon creek, Boise, and other mining districts of Idaho, lies through Nevada, and for over two hundred miles through Humboldt county, and through two different tribes or bands of Indians—the Pah-Utahs and the Pannakés. The destruction of the grass along the route by the stock of the emigrants was a source of great dissatisfaction and discontent among these Indians, as the supply of provender for their own stock, large numbers of which they possess, being thus cut off, they were compelled to seek other more distant and less eligible localities for pasturage.

            Apprehending that trouble or disturbance might arise between some of the bands of Indians and the emigration to Idaho from the cause of their country being made a highway, I called together in council, in the month of May, 1863, the principal men of Pah-Ute nation. Among them, and the most important of all, was old Waw-ne-mucka, the head chief of the tribe, who was then, and had been, a dweller among the Humboldt bands since the murder of his favorite brother, Wah-he, or Walker-River, in the previous May, by Jaoquin, an Indian of the same tribe. I stated to them that there would be a large number of white people passing through their country up the Humboldt river to the mountain known as Pah-Ute Knob, thence to Queen's river, and around to the Boise and Snake rivers in Idaho, and that I wished them to remain perfectly quiet and friendly to all whites going over the route either way, as also to the coming immigration from the States. I further desired Wau-ne-mucka to see or to send a delegation to Pas-si-quah, the chief of the Pannakés of Nevada and Idaho, with whom Wau-ne-mucka is on the most friendly terms, and inform him that a large number of whites would pass through the Pannaké country that year, and that I wanted him (Pas-se-quah) to keep his people friendly and quiet. The old chief freely and promptly promised to comply with my wishes. I then made him a present of a Spanish sombrero, a red silk sash, a pair of heavy red blankets, and sundry other articles, with which he seemed highly pleased. The council was held at Stony Point, on the Humboldt river, a point where meet the boundaries of the Pannakés', the Pah-Utes', and the Shoshonees' countries, respectively, and about one hundred and eighty miles eastward from the sink of Humboldt.

            In a very brief period, perhaps three weeks after the talk with Wau-ne-mucka and his people, I received word from him by an Indian, to whom Pas-se-quah gave a very handsome horse for bearing the message, that he, Wau-ne-mucka wanted me to meet the Indians, Pah-Utes and Pannakés, in Queen River valley, about seventy miles north of Pah-Ute Knob mountain, on the Humboldt. I did so, and alone. After a "heap good talk" with them, the Pannaké chief promised me that he would keep his people friendly and quiet—that if no ag-

146      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

gressive act was committed upon them by the whites, that no depredation or injury should occur on the part of the Indians. I then told Pas-se-quah that a great many emigrants had been killed by his people the previous year, between the Goose Creek mountains, from which the Humboldt river takes its rise, and the Big Bend of the river near the Pah-Ute boundary line, and a large number of very valuable horses and mules stolen and run off into their country, and that I wanted him to keep his people from doing similar acts hereafter. He readily promised me that like acts should not again occur ; and to insure it, he would not permit his people to range the river course that year during the season of immigration. It affords me the sincerest satisfaction to inform your excellency that the Pannaké chief has fulfilled his promise to the letter. No single murder, theft, or other depredation has been committed by his band since, within this Territory, to my knowledge.

            During the present season a report reached me that the Indians had driven off from a ranch some forty miles east of Unionville, the county town of Humboldt county, a number of cattle. Sending for the principal or head men of the band in the vicinity, they came. They were told that, unless the cattle were immediately brought back, together with the thieves, the white men would punish the Indians severely, whenever and wherever found. They left, promising that the cattle should be returned and the thieves caught and delivered up. In two days the cattle, all but one which had been killed, were brought back and delivered to their owners, but the Indian who is said to have stolen them made his escape to the Shoshonees. They have been told that the whole band will hereafter be held accountable for any misdemeanor of any one of their people, and they have promised that no depredation or other offensive act on their part shall again occur. In this connexion I would state that among the mountaineers, miners, and ranch-men of Humboldt, as in other communities, there are croakers and alarmists. From one or two slight acts and movements on the part of the Indians, such as that above mentioned, the changing of camping-grounds, the kindling of large fires at night, around which they sit and sleep, and which, in a country like this, with such cool nights, is highly necessary to a nomadic and almost a denuded race of people, these croakers and alarmists thought they saw specks and signs of disaffection and embryo war on the part of the Indians, and forthwith applied to your excellency to despatch a military force to the Humboldt for the purpose of overawing and frightening them. Your excellency complying with this request, a troop of fifty mounted men from Fort Churchill visited the Humboldt region. When the troops reached here all was quiet, and after remaining two weeks in the country returned to the fort.

            Early this season, by the order of Brigadier General Wright, commanding the department of the Pacific, and at your recommendation, a full company of cavalry from Fort Churchill, under the command of Captain Wills, passed leisurely through this country, on to southern Idaho, thence westerly along the boundary line of Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon, to Goose Lake country in Oregon, and then south to Susanville in California, for the purpose of intimidating or suppressing any hostile intention on the part of the various bands of Indians that inhabit that line of territory. After remaining two or three weeks in Honey Lake valley, recruiting their horses, the troop returned to Fort Churchill. It was the first time that soldiers, for whom all the Indians have an unconcealed fear and dread, have ever passed through this or that section of country. I doubt not that the visit of this company to the Indian country will have a good and salutary effect; for it is only necessary now to tell them that, if they commit any depredation or other improper act, the soldiers will be sent for, to completely subdue and frighten them.

            Two small parties, while out this past spring and summer prospecting far up north of here, were waylaid, and one of one party and four of the other killed. One party consisted of four and the other of seven men. These assaults were

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    147

committed by a mixed band of renegade Indians, consisting of Pannakés, Pah-Utes, and Pitt Rivers, and happened beyond the lines, as I believe, of this Territory ; at least it was on the other or north side of the Owyhee river, which flows mainly through Idaho. An armed party of mounted men, upon getting intelligence of the murders, was organized among the mining portion of the people of the Humboldt mountains, and started out to chastise the marauders and murderers, and recover, if possible, the bodies of the murdered men. They found the Indians near the scene of the last murder, and after a short engagement put them to flight, killing ten. The party recovered the bodies of the slain men, brought them into the settlements, and gave them decent interment. These, I believe, are the only instances of hostility that have happened within the two past years, and these would not have occurred, I am fully convinced, had ordinary precaution been observed on the part of the prospectors, or men familiar with Indian character and country been members of the parties.

            The country of the Pannakés is, I think, the best portion of the Territory, by far, for agricultural and pastoral purposes. It abounds in many beautiful lakes, streams, and valleys. The lands lying upon the lakes and watercourses and of the valleys are of such productive richness that prolific crops of grain and vegetables are anticipated by the few hardy and hazardous men who have gone thither to settle and cultivate the soil. In this region of country, within the last year, a settlement of no inconsiderable importance, which, like similar settlements in mineral countries, suddenly sprang into existence, consequent upon the discovery of very rich mineral-bearing rock. This settlement has been called by its discoverers by the name of Pueblo, and lies in the, extreme northern portion of Humboldt county and this Territory. A large accession to its population has been drawn, thither and permanently located in Pueblo valley, the present summer. Pueblo valley is about one hundred and thirty miles nearly due north of the sink of the Humboldt, and about sixty miles east of the California boundary line. It is about ten or twelve miles wide and about fifty miles long. It contains three beautiful lakes, into which the numerous streams flowing from the mountains on either side of the valley find their outlet. From both the lakes and streams large quantities of fish are taken. Heretofore, during the spring, summer, and autumn months, the Indians resorted for the purpose of grazing their horses, hunting, and catching fish, but I fear that they will soon be deprived of this recourse of subsistence, judging from the rapidity with which this valley is being settled up. It is estimated that this valley has a productive capacity sufficient to sustain a population of twenty-five or thirty thousand souls.

            There are doubtless many other valleys, which, like Pueblo, will be found in this northern region in a short while upon a thorough prospecting and examination of the country.

            From the foregoing it will readily be seen, from the vast mineral resources of the country, the productiveness of the soil on the watercourses and in the valleys, and the natural influx of population consequent thereon, that the chances of subsistence of the Indians of this portion of the superintendency grow " small by degrees and beautifully less " annually; and where and how they are, in future, to subsist, in the absence of game, fish, pine-nuts, seeds, and roots, is altogether conjectural, unless their wants be supplied by the bounty of a protecting and beneficent government. To the consideration of this point I would most earnestly urge and invite your excellency's attention.

            I have been asked by Mr. Lockhart, the agent of the Territory, to give the number, or an approximate estimate of the number, of Indians of this division. Where the bands are always on the move, never having a fixed location or settlement, such an estimate is very difficult, and would be necessarily inaccurate; but from close personal observation and an intimate association with the Pah-Utes of the Humboldt region for the last three years, I should not estimate their

148      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

number any below two thousand souls. As regards the Pannakés, whose range of country extends from the Sierras to the Rocky mountains, and from parallels 41° to 45° north latitude, I cannot speak with so much certainty. They never continue in any one locality long at a time, but rove and roam at pleasure over all their country. I think, however, I am safe at estimating the number that constantly or generally range within the limits of this Territory at from two to three thousand souls. They are by far the most powerful and warlike tribe that dwell between the Rocky mountains and the Pacific. They are generally well armed and equipped, and possess large herds of the best horses of this section of the country, large numbers of which have been plundered from the emigrants from the States to California and Oregon, and from which their own breed has been greatly improved. Many of the horses which they captured from the emigrants are superior and very valuable animals, and would command very large prices in the California market for breeding and other purposes.

            In arms and ammunition they are well supplied, and in the use of which they are extremely expert, economical, and careful—never uselessly expending a single charge. In the season of the emigration of 1S62, to my own knowledge, they did not capture less than eighty or one hundred fire-arms, mostly rifles, and a large amount of ammunition from the unwary emigrants.

            To this tribe most of the surrounding bands are tributary or submissive. At least the Shoshonees, the Pah-Utahs, the Pitt Rivers, and the Modocs are, and live in perpetual dread and fear of them.

            The approaching winter will be one of trying and peculiar hardship to all the Indians of this division, if not to those of the other portions of the Territory caused by the great scarcity, or rather the utter failure, this year of all the principal productions of their subsistence, such as pine-nuts, seeds, roots, &c.  Fish, which, with them, is a large item in the sustainment of life, and which they caught in copious quantities in the lakes and rivers of the country, will also almost entirely fail them this season, owing to the extremely low stage of water in all rivers and lakes, caused by the unusually small amount of snow that fell the past winter. The watercourses and lakes being thus reduced in volume, and the alkali properties greatly predominating in the water, great quantities of the fish have died and drifted on the margin of the streams, thereby almost entirely cutting off this, one of their chief articles of supply, and therefore rendering it imperatively necessary on the part of the government to administer promptly and liberally to their relief and support, to prevent starvation and disturbance.

            This report is much more lengthy than I expected it would have been, but under existing circumstances I could not make it more brief. I considered it my duty to be minute in detail, as it will probably be my last official communication to you.

            Having been associated with your excellency for the last three years and over in connexion with the Indian service of this Territory, I trust that you have had no cause of complaint for any failure of duty on my part, and no fault to find with any official conduct since the day on which I entered upon the discharge of my duties under your appointment.

            With high respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN C. BURCHE,

Local Agent, Humboldt County.

JAMES W. NYE,

            Governor and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    149

No. 51.

OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT,

Carson City, Nevada Territory, April 16, 1864.

            SIR: I have the honor to send you some specimens of food upon which the Pah-Utah Indians of This Territory in part subsist. The bulbous root is found on the irrigated banks of the Walker river, and is peculiar to that region. The Indians call it tabooza. The small seeds are gathered from the bunch-grass, which is the only grass that grows in the sandy deserts of this country. The Indians grind them into a meal form, and make and a kind of mush out of them, which is very nutritious. Both products are abundantly gathered on the Walker River reservation, but it requires much time to gather a great quantity. These products, together with the pine-nuts, (some of which I will soon send you,) constitute the principal food for the Indians throughout the Territory.

            I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

JACOB T. LOCKHART,

Indian Agent, Nevada Territory.

Hon. J. P. USHER

            Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 52.

OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT,

Carson City, Nevada Territory, August 10, 1864.

            SIR: I have the honor to state that I have just returned from the Walker River reservation and that region of country.

            While at the Walker River reservation I had an interview with O-dir-ke-o, one of the principal chiefs of that country. I found the Indians there indignant at the whites, by reason of the recent death of one of their tribe. It will be remembered by you that in June last a white man was found murdered near Como, in Lyon county ; that the sheriff and posse went out in quest of the murderer. It seems that they suspected some Indians (who lived near by) of doing the deed. They proceeded to an Indian camp, where were two Indian men with their wives and children ; on their approach the Indians fled. The sheriff and party fired upon them, wounding both the men. One of them was taken to Upper Walker river by the Indians, while the other was taken to the town of Como, where, with surgical treatment and attention, he entirely recovered. The other being removed so far from the settlements that he could not be similarly treated, died from his wound some ten days ago.

            In my interview with the chief and other Indians, in reference to the affair, I reconciled them to a great degree by assuring them that, if the Indian had remained among the whites, where he could have been properly treated, he would not have died.

            I regret to say that within the past year three inoffensive Indians have been unprovokedly killed by the settlers. The Indians have not yet, in a single case, attempted retaliation. We have always taught them, if any one of their people is injured by the whites, to come and inform us at once, and in no case to resent the injury themselves. In this way we have prevented serious trouble from time to time. I fear, however, if the bad white men do not cease their barbarous treatment of innocent Indians, that they will not always bear their injuries so tamely.

            While at Fort Churchill I met a number of Indian chiefs of the Pah-Utah tribe from the sinks of the Humboldt and Carson rivers, and in a long talk

150      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

with them they promised mc, as heretofore, to have no connexion with the Bannocks or other thieving tribes on the north.

            I would further state that I have been in the saddle much of the time for several months past, visiting the Indians in different parts of the country, and I do not now discover anything that indicates a change in the former status of peaceful and friendly relations with the Indians.

            I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

JACOB T. LOCKHART,

Indian Agent, Nevada Territory.

His Excellency J. W. Nye,

            Governor and ex-officio Superintendent Indian Affairs,

                        Carson City, Nevada Territory.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1864, pp. 168-180]

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 60.

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, September 26, 1864.

            SIR : In compliance with the regulations of the Indian department, I have the honor to make the following report of the condition of Indian affairs within this superintendency, so far as I am able to obtain information in the short time I have been here, less than one month.

            I took possession of what property there was on the first of September, and relieved Governor Doty from the further performance of duty as acting superintendent of Indian affairs. There was neither office nor office furniture, and I found it necessary to proceed at once to supply the deficiency in these respects.

            There were delegations in the city and vicinity, representing the various tribes of the superintendency; awaiting impatiently my arrival, to whom I had to give immediate attention, in order to assure them of the care the government had over their interests. I gave them presents of provisions and clothing, &c., so far as the limited means at my disposal would allow, receiving from them in return the assurance that they would remain peaceable and true to the government and be the friends of the whites. I told them that the Great Father would rather send presents to Indians than to send soldiers ; that the more Indians help themselves the more presents he would give them; that soldiers were only sent among bad Indians; that when the goods came I would ask for the Indians who had cultivated the ground and raised crops, and that I would clothe them like white men and then I would ask for the best hunters, and make them presents, before I gave anything to the lazy and idle Indians who stayed around the settlements ; that I would give the most help to those who helped themselves.

            Complaints were made by settlers of their horses being stolen, and, I found, with truth. I brought the matter to the attention of the Indians, and they

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         169

promised to hunt them up, and since that they have brought in about twenty. I have informed the different bands, so far as I could, that hereafter when a horse was taken by an Indian, I would find out what band the Indian belonged to, and that no presents should be distributed to that band until they made restitution, and that the presents thus withheld should be distributed among those who brought in stolen horses. The result in one month is, as above stated, the return of twenty horses.

            I find a custom existing here which seems to me to be a great evil; it makes at least a great deal of business for this office. I refer to the daily visits of Indians asking for presents, provisions, &c. On inquiry of my predecessors, I am informed that the plan of encouraging these visits was inaugurated under and by the first superintendent, and that all subsequent efforts to avoid the evil by discouraging them had resulted unfavorably, and that in the present condition of Indian matters it is best to continue the system. Hence I am daily receiving Indians, listening to their complaints, and ministering to their wants, in distributing to them such articles as they seem to need and the means at my command will enable me to give them.

            This difficulty as to the Utahs will probably be obviated to a great extent when they are removed to Uintah valley.

            Those Indians inhabiting that portion of the Territory south of Great Salt Lake City, are all anxious to know whether the government proposes to eater into treaties with them. They are anxious to understand their rights; they look with alarm upon the constant and increasing stream of emigration pouring into this Territory.

            They behold the enterprise of the white man manifesting itself by taking possession of what they have long occupied and claimed as their country. They see farms opened and cultivated on every hand; they witness the establishment and rapid development of mining interests with apprehension and jealousy, and they threaten to stop all prospecting, and have done so in some portions of the Territory, and unless some negotiations are opened and treaties formed, there will be difficulty with these Indians.

            I have promised to lay the matter before the Great Father, and they wait his action impatiently. Under the circumstances, I feel that I cannot too strongly urge this matter upon your attention.

            I would recommend that steps be taken to make treaties with the following tribes or bands of Indians, viz., Utahs, Par-Vants, and Pie-Edes, as soon as they can be congregated in the spring.

            Arrangements should be made for the appointment of at least one more agent for this superintendency. We would then have one to be located north of this city; another should be placed in the Uintah valley, and the third would be actively employed in the extreme southern portion of the Territory, among Indians who are numerous and powerful, and who, I am informed, have never been visited by a representative of the department.

            This country is now producing cotton successfully, and silver mines of great value are being opened, and therefore the steps of our hardy, adventurous pioneers are being directed to that portion of the Territory, and, as a consequence, the Indians residing there need the care and attention of the department. For further information in this matter I would respectfully refer the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs to a petition forwarded by me to the Indian department, under date of September 9, indorsed by Governor Doty and Secretary Reed, who have both discharged the duties of superintendent of Indian affairs for some years past, and are more familiar with the facts than I am, and who strongly recommend the establishment of an agency in that portion of the Territory.

            I have to-day received a telegram from the operator at Shell creek, two hundred miles southwest, that the Indians are gathering in, demanding their

170      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

annuity goods, and out of humor by reason of the delay. Another despatch from Fort Bridger informs me that Shoshonees are in large numbers at Bear lake, one hundred and forty miles north, impatient because they are not paid, so that they can go to their winter hunting grounds on Wind river.

            I also subjoin a copy of a letter handed me the 16th instant, from his excellency Governor Doty and Brigadier General Conner, late commissioner for negotiating the treaties with those Indians, urging me to make some provision to pay them now, and not wait the arrival of the annuity goods:

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,

Utah Territory, September 15, 1864.

            SIR: The undersigned trust that their long connexion with the Indian service of this Territory will excuse them in addressing you, who have but recently assumed the duties of your office here, on matters which we consider of great importance connected with your department.

            You are aware that treaties were made in the year 1863 with the Shoshonee Indians and the mixed bands of that nation, by which they were to receive a certain sum annually, in such articles of property and presents as the President of the United States should think best for them.

            Our Indian relations, so far as maintaining peace along and in the vicinity of the overland route, and generally throughout this rich mining country, is concerned, have been and still are so delicate, and the interests involved in the preservation of peace so important, that, in our opinion, the greatest care should be taken on the part of the government in strictly complying with its obligations with these Indians.

            The time has already passed when they had a right to expect their annuity for this year. They will soon leave for their winter hunting grounds, some four or five hundred miles from this place.

            Should they not receive their annuity before their departure, dissatisfaction and disturbance may be the result.

            It is understood that the presents that the government is forwarding to them cannot arrive here until quite late in the fall, and so late that it will be impossible to deliver them to the Indians this season.

            We therefore respectfully but urgently recommend that you make some other provision to fulfil the obligations assumed by us on behalf of the government in these treaties at an early day, and before they depart for their hunting-grounds.

            The peculiar circumstances with which we are surrounded in this country, the fact that we are cut off from communication with the department at Washington, and the generally disturbed condition of the Indians throughout the whole country, will, in our opinion, justify you in assuming the responsibility.

            Very respectfully, &c.,

JAMES DUANE DOTY,

Governor and late Commissioner.

P. EDWARD CONNOR,

Brigd. Gen. U. S. V., commanding District Utah.

Hon. O. H. IRISH,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs.

            I have accordingly sent a messenger after Washakee, with a present of some tobacco, and a letter inviting him, with four other chiefs, to come in and consult with me as to what had better be done. I cannot determine until I have seen these Indians, and have so informed Governor Doty and General Conner.

            The difficulties of our situation cannot be appreciated by any one not here to share them. I have not received a letter from any eastern correspondent dated

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         171

since the 6th of last July, and I cannot, owing to the condition of the mails, expect therefore to be advised by you as to what to do in the emergency.

            The goods were, I am informed, shipped from Nebraska City about the 18th of August, and I have not heard of them since. They cannot reach their destination before the 18th of November, and that is doubtful, as snow fell in the mountains on the 22d instant, while I was travelling between here and the Spanish Fork farm. While I am anxious to keep the peace among the Indians in the mountains, I am still determined not to overreach appropriations and embarrass the department by making it necessary to beg from Congress money to make up deficiencies.

            I have written you from time to time, since my arrival in this Territory, as to my movements, and it will be seen that I have not had the opportunity as yet to inform myself fully as to the condition of Indian affairs within this section of the country, as is necessary to making a full report.

            After my council with Washakee, I will send such further report as circumstances may require. I will endeavor to make up for the deficiency in this in my subsequent communications.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. H. IRISH,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 61.

SUPERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, U. T., October 18, 1864.

            SIR : I have the honor to herewith enclose the annual report of Agent Luther Mann, jr., received at this office on the 15th instant.

            I would respectfully recommend to the favorable consideration of the department that portion of his report referring to the locating of the Shoshonees on a reservation. The Indians, in all this mountain country, cannot live any longer by hunting; the game has disappeared, the old hunting-grounds are occupied by our people to their exclusion. We must instruct them, therefore, in some other way of making a living than the chase, or else support them ourselves in idleness, or leave them to prey upon the emigration pouring into the country. For starving Indians will steal, pillage, murder, and plunge the frontier, from time to time, into all the horrors of savage warfare. Thus the country demands from government defence, retribution, and often the extermination of the starving savages, at a cost of millions of dollars to the national treasury, when thousands would have sufficed if placed in the hands of the Indian department to be used in settling them in homes and instructing them in the peaceful arts of industry.

            The farmer, with the plough, hoe, and axe, will, if used at the first, be more efficient in keeping peace on our frontier than the soldier with cannon, muskets, and bayonets. With the tribes in these mountains, the first means should be directed to locating them on reservations, and I feel that we cannot too strongly recommend the policy suggested by Agent Mann as to the Shoshonees, but that it should be carried out as to all the tribes in these mining Territories. Herein lies economy, peace, and safety.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. H. IRISH,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

Hon. Wm. P. DOLE, 

            Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

172      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 62.

FORT BRIDGER AGENCY, UTAH TERRITORY,

October 5, 1864.

            SIR : In compliance with the regulations of the Indian department, I have the honor to submit the following report relative to the affairs of this agency for the past year. I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the uniform good conduct of the eastern bands of the Shoshonee Indians towards the white citizens living in, as well as all emigrants travelling through, this country during the past year. All with whom I have conversed have expressed a very strong desire to fulfil their treaty obligations, and report to me any depredations committed by any of the tribe with great vigilance. About the first of June a party of Loo-coo-rekah or Sheep-Eater Indians stole and brought into camp nineteen head of horses belonging to a party of miners at Beaver Head, Montana Territory. Washakee, the chief, informed them that a treaty had been made with the whites. They surrendered the horses to him, and he sent them to Fort Bridger and turned them over to the military authority of the post. A large number of the tribe visited this agency and were very anxious to receive their presents before leaving for their hunting-grounds, (the valley of Wind river.) I was unable, however, to give them any information at what time they would arrive. They were induced to leave the agency without them, under the promise that, should the goods arrive, I would retain them and distribute them in the spring, which appeared to satisfy them. In order that such an occurrence may not again arise, I would recommend that in the future all supplies designed for this agency should be forwarded as early as practicable, that they might reach their destination by the first of August each year. It would thus give the agent time to collect the Indians, who from necessity are scattered over a very large extent of country, distribute their presents, and send them to their hunting-grounds early, thereby enabling them to collect their food for the winter. I have been unable, for the want of proper facilities, to take an enumeration of the Indians under my charge during the present year;  from all the information that I have been able to obtain, however, I believe there are about fifteen hundred souls.

            The hunting-grounds of the Shoshonee Indians being in a section of country where the whites, during the last year, have been in search of gold, their game is becoming exceedingly scarce, much of it having been killed and a great deal of it driven from the country; hence it will be absolutely necessary in the future to feed them during the winter months. In view, then, of the scattered condition of the Indians, and their almost extreme destitution, I would recommend that some suitable measures be taken to locate them upon a reservation where they might be protected by the government until they could be taught to take care of themselves. I would respectfully urge that an appropriation be made by Congress for that purpose. I am happy to be able to state that the introduction of whiskey has been much less during the past year than formerly ; enough, however, still finds its way into the nation to cause considerable trouble. The Indians find no difficulty in procuring what they desire. It is generally obtained in the settlements. My attention has been called to a case that occurred lately in the vicinity of Cache valley, where, to obtain a buffalo-robe one of the citizens of that locality sold to an Indian whiskey, which caused him to become intoxicated, causing some trouble, and finally in the shooting of the Indian, mortally wounding him. He is at this agency in a very critical condition.

            I would most respectfully urge upon the department the necessity of erecting an agency building. I am at present entirely dependent upon the military authority of this post for shelter. I have been destitute of an office a large

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         173

portion of the year. I would also urge upon your department the necessity of furnishing the agent with an ambulance and mules for the use of his agency. I would ask for an appropriation of $2,000 for the above purposes.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LUTHER MANN, JR., Indian Agent.

Hon. O. H. IRISH,

            Sup't. Indian Affairs Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.

__________

No. 63.

TERRITORY OF UTAH, SUPERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, October 21, 1863.

            SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a treaty with the Shoshonee bands of the Goship tribe, which was concluded at Tuilla valley on the 12th October. I had previously made a verbal treaty of peace (on the 5th October) with the remaining portion of the southern bands who are connected with the Pahvont tribe. They gave their assent to all the provisions contained in this treaty. The largest portion of these bands have been killed by the troops during the past season. Also a treaty of peace and friendship with the mixed bands of Shoshonees and Bannacks of the Shoshonee (or Snake) River valley, concluded at Soda Springs, in Idaho Territory, on the 14th of October. In the month of September I advised Governor Wallace, by letter, of the proposed treaty, and of the time and place of holding it, and, agreeably to your suggestion, invited him to be present, but received no answer. I presume my letter did not reach him.

            As many of these Indians, as also others with whom treaties have been made this season, have been engaged in hostilities, I deemed it proper that General Conner, who commands this military district, and has been personally in the field against them, should unite with me in the councils which have been held with them, and in forming the treaties of peace. He has rendered great service to the government in punishing and subduing them. By the rapid and skilful movement of his troops, and their repeated successful attacks, he has been mainly instrumental in bringing the Indians to acknowledge, for the first time, that the "Americans" are the masters of the country.

            I hope these treaties, and the councils which have been held with the tribes with which I was not authorized to make formal treaties, will receive the approbation of the President.

            My duties as commissioner being now terminated by the conclusion of treaties with all the bands of the Shoshonee nation, my accounts for treaty expenditures will be prepared and forwarded as soon as possible.

            Allow me to congratulate the department upon the successful negotiation of these treaties, and the restoration of peace with all the tribes within this Territory.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES DUANE DOTY,

Commissioner.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

__________

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,

October 21, 1863.

            SIR : Treaties having been concluded with all the hostile tribes of Indians in this country, and peace restored, we deem it proper to inform you of the fact, and

174      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

to express the opinion that all the routes of travel through Utah Territory to Nevada and California, and to the Beaver Head and Boise river gold nines, may be used with safety. 

            No fears of depredations or molestation need be apprehended from the Shoshonee, Utah, Goship, or Bannack nations, judging from the feelings manifested by them, and their strong professions of friendship and desire for peace at the signing of the treaties, the last of which was made with the Bannacks of the Shoshonee River valley, at Soda Springs, on the 14th instant.

JAMES DUANE DOTY,

Commissioner.

P. EDWARD CONNER,

Brig. Gen. Cal. Vols., Com'dg Military Department of Utah.

A. J. CENTER, Esq.,

            Treasurer Overland Mail Company, New York.

__________

No. 64.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Office Indian Affairs, December 30, 1863.

            SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith, for your consideration, and if approved by you, for transmission to the President of the United States, to be by him laid before the Senate for its constitutional action thereon, the following named treaties with certain Indian tribes, viz :

            With the eastern bands of Shoshonees, July 2, 1863, at Fort Bridger;

            With the northwestern bands of Shoshonees, at Box Elder, July 30, 1863;

            With the western bands of Shoshonees, at Ruby valley, October 1, 1863;

            With the Goship bands of Shoshonees, at Tuilla valley, October 12, 1863; and

            With the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshonees, at Soda Springs, October 14, 1863.  

            I also enclose a copy of a letter of Governor Doty, relating to the Indians, parties to the foregoing treaties, with a copy of a map furnished by that gentleman, showing the territory ceded.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. DOLE, Commissioner.

Hon. J. P. USHER,

            Secretary of the Interior.

__________

No. 65.

TERRITORY OF UTAH, SUPERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, November 10, 1863.

            SIR: The map transmitted to me by the department is herewith returned, with the exterior boundaries of the territory claimed by the Shoshonees in their recent treaties, as also the lines of the country occupied by different portions of the tribe, indicated upon it as correctly as the map will allow. They fixed their eastern boundary on the crest of the Rocky mountains; but it is certain that they, as well as the Bannacks, hunt the buffalo below the Three Forks of the Missouri, and on the headwaters of the Yellowstone and Wind rivers.

            As none of the Indians of this country have permanent places of abode, in their hunting excursions they wander over an immense region, extending from

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         175

the fisheries at and below Salmon Falls, on the Shoshonee river, near the Oregon line, to the sources of that stream, and to the buffalo country beyond. The Shoshonees and Bannacks are the only nations which, to my knowledge, hunt together over the same ground.

            Replying further to your letter, dated July 22, 1863, I beg leave to refer to my letter to the Commissioner, dated February 7, 1862, in relation to the Indian tribes in this superintendency; and to add that the bands represented at the treaty of Fort Bridger, on the second day of July last, it was estimated, numbered between three and four thousand souls, over a thousand of whom were present at, and immediately after, the conclusion of the treaty.

            They are known as Waushakee's band, (who is the principal chief of the nation,) Wonapitz's band, Shauwuno's band, Tibagan's band, Peoastoagah's band, Totimee's band, Ashingodimah's band, (he was killed at the battle on Bear river,) Sagowitz's band, (wounded at the same battle,) Oretzimawik's band, Bazil's band, Sanpitz's band. The bands of this chief and of Sagowitz were nearly exterminated in the same battle.

            The chiefs at this treaty, in fact; represented nearly the whole nation; and they were distinctly informed and they agreed that the annuities provided in this treaty, and such others as might be formed, were for the benefit of all the bands of the Shoshonee nation who might give their assent to their terms; and this has been the understanding at each treaty.

            At the treaty concluded at Box Elder on the 30th of July, the first object was to effect and secure a peace with Pokatello, as the road to Beaver Head gold mines, and those on Boise river, as well as the northern California and southern Oregon roads, pass through his country. There were present Pokatello's band, Tormontso's band, Sanpitz's band, Tosorvetz's band, Bear Hunter's band, (all but seven of this band were killed at Bear river battle,) Sagowitz's band. This chief was shot by a white man a few days before the treaty, and could not come from his weekeeup to the treaty ground, but he assented to all of its provisions. He and Sanpitz endeavored to be at Fort Bridger, to unite in the treaty there, but did not arrive in time. The chiefs of several smaller bands were also present and signed the treaty, which is considered of more importance than any made this season, in saving the lives and securing from depredations the property of our citizens, emigrants as well as others. These bands are generally known as "the Sheep-Eaters," and their number is estimated at one thousand.

            At the treaty concluded at Ruby valley, on the 1st of October, the western Shoshonees were represented by the two principal bands, the Tosowitch (White Knife) and Unkoahs. From the best information I could get I estimated the western bands, sometimes called Shoshonee Diggers, at twenty-five hundred souls; but the bands on the Lower Humboldt and west of Smith's creek are not included in this estimate. Governor Nye proposed to meet some of them at Reese river, on his return to Carson from Ruby. 

            At the treaty at Tuilla valley, on the 12th of October, with the Goship or Kumumbar bands, who are connected with the Shoshonees, and are chiefly of that tribe, there were three hundred and fifty present. Others from Ibapah, Shell creek, and the Desert, would have joined them but for their fear of the soldiers: they number about one hundred more; and there is also a portion of this tribe who are mixed with the Pahvontee tribe, and occupy the southern part of the Goship country, amounting to two hundred more. They are the poorest and most miserable Indians I have met; they have neither horses nor guns. I have seen several of them at work for farmers at Deep creek and Grantsville, and therefore conclude that they would soon learn to cultivate the ground for themselves, and take care of stock, if they were assisted in a proper way. They have expressed a strong desire to become settled as farmers, and I should be glad to see them located as such, at a distance from the overland mail route. More than a hundred of them have been killed by the soldiers during

176      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

the past year, and the survivors beg for peace. It was the intention and understanding that all of the Goship tribe shall participate in the benefits of the treaty.

            At the treaty of Soda Springs, on the 14th of October, with the mixed bands of Shoshonees and Bannocks roaming in the valley of Shoshonee river, there were one hundred and fifty men present with their families.

            Tindoah and the chiefs of several other bands sent word that they assented to the treaty, and desired to be considered parties to it, but they could not remain, as it was so late in the season they were compelled to leave for their buffalo hunting-grounds. I have seen these bands on Snake river, in the month of May last, in council, found them peaceable and friendly, and explained to them the objects for which it was proposed to hold a treaty before the snow fell.

            Those now present were, Toso-kwauberaht, the principal chief of the Bannack nation, commonly known Grand Coquin, Tahgee, Matigund, and other principal men. This last chief and his band live at the Shoshonee River ferry, where he meets all the travellers to and from the mines. He has always been friendly to them; and all of these bands can render great service to the emigrants, or do them great injury. They number about one thousand souls, as near as I can ascertain.

            The whole number of Shoshonee, Goships, and Bannacks, who are parties to these treaties, may be estimated at eight thousand six hundred and fifty.

            The amount to be paid to them annually in goods, &c., is—to the Shoshonees and Bannacks twenty thousand dollars, and to the Goships one thousand dollars, for the term of twenty years. This last sum I think ought to be increased to two thousand dollars, especially if they are to be settled as husbandmen or herdsmen.

            The importance of these treaties to the government and to its citizens can only be appreciated by those who know the value of the continental telegraph and overland stage to the commercial and mercantile world, and the safety and security which peace alone can give to emigrant trains, and to the travel to the gold discoveries in the north, which exceed in richness—at least in the quality of the gold—any discoveries on this continent.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES DUANE DOTY, Commissioner.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

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No. 66.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Office Indian Affairs, February 6, 1864.

            SIR : I herewith transmit a letter received at this office from Governor Doty and Hon. J. F. Kinney, enclosing and calling attention to a portion of the message of the acting governor of Utah in relation to Indian reservations in that Territory.

            I agree with these gentlemen that the suggestions of the acting governor "are useful and practical," and would therefore recommend that they be carried into effect, for which purpose I respectfully suggest that the steps necessary to effect a sale of the Spanish Fork and San Pete reservations be taken immediately, and that the proceeds arising from such sale be applied to the improvement and preparation of the new reserve for the use of the Indians.

            If, in your judgment, legislation is necessary to effect these objects, I further suggest that it be asked from the present Congress.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. P. DOLE, Commissioner.

Hon. J. P. USHER,

            Secretary of the Interior.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         177

WASHINGTON CITY, January 28, 1863.

            SIR: The undersigned respectfully invite your attention to the extract from the message of the acting governor of Utah to the legislature of that Territory on the 14th December last, in regard to the reservations for the Utah nation of Indians.

            The views which he has presented on the subject we deem eminently useful and practical, and therefore recommend their adoption by the government. We also beg leave to refer to the reports of the superintendent of Indian affairs in relation to those reservations, and to assure you that we are, very respectfully, your obedient servants,

JAMES DUANE DOTY, Governor.

J. T. KINNEY.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

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Extract from the governor's annual message.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, U. T.,

Great Salt Lake City, December 14, 1863.

To the honorable the council and house of representatives of the legislative

assembly of Utah Territory:

* * * * * * *

SPANISH FORK AND SAN PETE RESERVATIONS.

            These suggestions are made in view of the events daily transpiring around us, and preliminary to calling your attention to the Spanish Fork and San Pete Indian reservations. This latter reservation, situated in the centre of the fertile valley of that name, and surrounded by an industrious and agricultural population, is of small extent, embracing not more than five hundred acres. It has been lying idle for several years past, and there is little probability of its ever again being required for Indian purposes. The land is capable of producing good crops, and, in justice to the people ready and willing to reduce it to profitable cultivation, should be vacated as an Indian reservation, to which it is not adapted, and for which it is evidently not required. The Spanish Fork reservation, at the southern end of Lake Utah, contains about 15,000 acres of land of good quality, and all susceptible of irrigation. Some years since a small portion of the reservation was cultivated as an Indian farm, but the amount of produce realized was in no manner at all commensurate with the cost to the government. For the last three years no work has been performed on this reservation, and it has returned to a state of nature; the farm-house in very bad repair; the fences all gone, and the land overgrown with weeds and bushes ; indeed, it is to-day simply a tract of naked wild land, with few of its improvements yet remaining, and these, at best, but monuments of decay and ruin, no less than of the mistaken policy which seeks to ameliorate the condition of the red man by placing him in near proximity to a thickly populated white settlement. On the other hand, it has been a fruitful source of irritation and dissatisfaction to the Indians, who are continually led to expect benefits which they never receive; and the fact that, while holding out hopes destined never to be realized, it draws the Indians into the most densely populated settlements, to the great annoyance of the citizens, whom they burden with a heavy and continual tax, is not the least among the many evils justly complained of Even should the reservation be again devoted to Indian purposes, only a small

178      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

portion of it would be cultivated, still leaving the greater part of it unfilled and running to waste. It is estimated that the money necessarily expended annually in maintaining the reservation would purchase for the Indians in the market, at least double the quantity of provisions that would be obtained from the farm. After an experience of two years in the Indian service in this Territory, I am satisfied that the reservation is a detriment to the government, to the Indians, and to the people. The withholding of such an amount of land from intelligent cultivation, in view of the great acquisition of population that we are sure to receive, is as unwise as it is impolitic, when it is considered that our people, so far removed from other sources of supply, are compelled to rely entirely on their own exertions and the limited amount of arable land throughout the Territory. It is therefore respectfully recommended that you memorialize the President of the United States to vacate these reservations and throw the land open to occupation and cultivation by our citizens. Your earnest and early attention to the matter is asked, to the end that it may be brought, if possible, to a successful issue in time to have these lands put in cultivation the coming season.

UTAH INDIANS—UINTAH RESERVATION.

            The condition of the Utah Indians in this Territory will require your further attention. Roaming, as they do, through all of our settlements south of this city, they are and have been, since the settlement of the Territory, a great annoyance to, and a continual burdensome tax upon the people. The influx of a considerable mining population among them may result in disturbances in our midst, while the assistance that government is constantly rendering them cannot result, situated as they are, in any permanent good.

            The general government has set apart the country drained by the Uintah river and its tributaries, extending from Wahsatch range of mountains to the Green or Colorado river, a distance of eighty miles, east and west, with at least an equal distance north and south, as a reservation for the permanent settlement of these Indians. After careful examination it has been found to be most admirably adapted to that purpose. Many of these Indians are anxious, with the assistance of the government, to remove there and settle, and it is believed that all could be readily induced to go. The reservation is more than ample for them all; contains abundance of game, and is well supplied with wood, water, and grass. I recommend that you memorialize Congress for an appropriation adequate to the purpose, and with a view to the making of a treaty with these Indians, providing for their early removal to that reservation.

* * * * * * *

AMOS REED, Acting Governor.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

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No. 67.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Washington, D. C., March 14, 1864.

            SIR: I return the joint letter of Governor Doty and honorable J. F. Kinney, of Utah Territory, upon the subject of the message of the acting governor, concerning Indian reservations in that Territory, and will remark that a bill is now pending in Congress which, if passed, will enable the department to carry out the recommendations of those gentlemen.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. P. USHER, Secretary.

WILLIAM P. DOLE, Esq.,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         179

No. 68.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Office Indian Affairs, May 17, 1864.

            SIR : I have the honor to enclose herewith four treaties negotiated with the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshonees, the eastern band of Shoshonees, the northwestern bands of Shoshonees, and the Shoshonee Goship bands of Indians, respectively, to each of which treaties the Senate has made an amendment.

            You will please cause these several treaties, as amended, to be laid before the respective tribes, and endeavor to secure their assent thereto at as early a day as practicable, and return the same to this office.

            As there is no fund from which to defray the expenses incidental to calling the Indians together, for the express purpose of procuring their assent to the amendments, you can, for this purpose, probably improve the occasion of their assembling for their payments; otherwise the expense will have to he paid out of such funds as are at your disposal for the incidental expenses of your superintendency.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM P. DOLE, Commissioner.

His Excellency JAMES DUANE DOTY,

            Governor and en officio Superintendent Indian Affairs,

                        Great Salt Lake City, U. T.

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No. 69.

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T., August 26, 1864.

            SIR : I arrived here last evening, having been detained on the road by the sickness and death of one of my children.

* * * * * * *

            The office rented for $300 per annum cannot now be had for less than $1,200. Prices have advanced in about the same proportion in all departments. Flour, $25 per hundred pounds ; coffee, $1 25 per pound; sugar, 85 cents, and beef, 15 and 20 cents per pound. Under this state of facts, I am compelled to rent and fit up offices, and purchase some goods for Indians, to keep them in a good humor until those now en route from the Missouri river arrive.

            I can only assure the department that I will be as economical as possible ; but, under the circumstances, the bills will be large and prices very high.

            The Indians within this superintendency are peaceful, although they seem uneasy, and I learn are unusually exacting in their demands, and look with jealousy upon the efforts of miners to explore what they claim as their country.

            The people are inclined to pursue a kind and conciliating policy towards the Indians. I am in hopes that the Indian difficulties now east of us will not extend into this superintendency. I passed safely through the midst of the difficulties on the plains. Trains were plundered, and murders committed before, behind, and around us, but we were not disturbed.

            I made an informal call upon President Young to-day. He gave me a good deal of information as to the Indians, and his views as to the policy that should be pursued toward them in these exciting times.

            He did not believe there was may need of difficulty with our Indians here ; that it was better to feed them than to fight them. I thought myself justified in saying that the views of the department in these matters were the same as

180      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

his own, and that my efforts should be directed to promoting the best interest of the citizens of Utah and the Indians, by preserving the peace within my district by the policy suggested.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. H. IRISH,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

Hon. WILLIAM P. DOLE,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

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No. 70.

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,

September 1, 1864.

            SIR: Mr. Irish, the superintendent of Indian affairs in Utah Territory, arrived in this city on the 26th of August. He desired me to continue to perform the duties of superintendent (there being then several parties of Shoshonees and Utahs here) until the 31st, which I did, and on that day delivered to him all the public property in my hands belonging to the Indian department, for which his receipts were taken.

            My accounts and returns up to that date will be forwarded in a few days.

                        Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES DUANE DOTY,

Late Acting Superintendent Indian Affairs in Utah Territory.

Hon. WM. P. DOLE,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

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