[From Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1867, pp. 9-11]

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

            There are over 10,000 Indians in this superintendency, all of whom with the exception of the Bannock in the north part of the State, are reported as peaceably disposed, but whether they will continue so long is doubtful. The gradual advance and increasing number of the whites has much to do with diminishing their means of subsistence, and unless a more liberal appropriation is made for the service in this State than heretofore, stern necessity may force them to acts of depredation and hostility.

            The amount ($20,000) appropriated for this fiscal year is entirely insufficient to accomplish to any considerable degree the objects intended, such as the purchase of agricultural implements, presents, and assisting the Indians to locate in permanent abodes, and to sustain themselves by the pursuits of civilized life. It must also be considered that the various tribes have no treaty relations with the government, unless it be that the Shoshones are to be taken as a part of the people of that name with whom treaties were made by Governor Doty in 1863, and who principally live in Utah and Montana.

            Treaties should be negotiated with the several bands of Pah-Utes, numbering about 4,000, and they be, colonized on a reservation permanently secured to them, with inducements to keep them there under the charge of an agent of the

10        REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

department. They are represented as tractable, kind, and industrious. Perhaps the best location for these bands is the Walker River reservation, which is sufficiently large, containing an area of 500 square miles, and including a lake from which ample supplies of fish could be obtained.

            Some arrangement should be made to provide a home for the Washoes, a miserable, degraded band, who live by begging around the towns and settlements in the west border of Nevada ; also for the Shoshones in the southeast part of the State, who have a good name for honesty and industry.

* * * * * * *

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The estimated number of Indians in this superintendency is 25,000, comprising many bands or tribes of Utahs and Shoshones, with a few Bannocks. As with most tribes in other portions of the Indian country, so it is with these—they are

REPORT OF THE ACTING COMMISSIONER.    11

fast decreasing. They have been generally peaceable and friendly ; a few instances of petty thieving only have occurred. The greater part of them live by the chase, and show little disposition to become tillers of the soil. Some, however, manifest a commendable desire to change their mode of life, and a good example is furnished by " Kanosh," chief of the Pahvants, a man of progressive ideas. To this chief the settlers in parts of Utah are indebted for friendly conduct in warning them of the movements of the hostile Black Hawk and his party.

            Noted among the Indians of this Territory is " Waskakee," chief of the eastern Shoshones, always friendly, and deserving the praise awarded by all who know his virtues and noble characteristics. I refer to his sensible views as to the probable cause of the hostile feelings and demonstrations by the Sioux and other Indians on the Upper Platte, embodied in a letter from Superintendent Head, which will be found among the documents accompanying this report. His people, numbering about 2,000, usually spend the winter in Wind River valley, Dakota, which abounds in game, and affords them mainly their supplies for subsistence. They want that valley for a reservation, and if it be practicable I shall favor granting it to them. The mixed bands of Bannock and Shoshones could be located there also, and in charge of the same agent.

            But little progress has been made in operations upon the Uinta reservation, intended as a home for all the Utah Indians. By the aid of the appropriation made for this year for that object, it is to be hoped that the reservation will soon be in such a state of readiness as to admit of an early removal of a large number upon it.

            There are no schools or missionaries among these wild and ignorant people, a fact which strongly appeals to the sympathy and charity of those who are seeking fields where they may labor for the cause of humanity. Until these Indians are fully established upon reservations we may not reasonably expect that their education in letters and Christianity will receive much attention.

            A large number of Bannocks and Shoshones, ranging about the headwaters of the Yellowstone and other rivers, believed to be the mixed bands with whom Governor Doty negotiated a treaty in October, 1863, are represented as being without the care of a government agent, and very poor. The treaty mentioned gives them the right to share in the annuities of the eastern Shoshones under their treaty of July 2, 1863. This is manifestly unjust, when it is considered that the eastern Shoshones were not consulted about it, and have not consented to such an arrangement. I recommend that Congress appropriate for these mixed bands of Bannocks and Shoshones $5,000, being the amount estimated by Superintendent Head as in fulfilment of the stipulations of their treaty, and that the said treaty be changed so as to give them an annuity without reference to any stipulations under the treaty with the eastern band. Superintendent Head's letter, relative to these mixed bands, is herewith.

            It is gratifying to state that Black Hawk, with his war party, at last desires peace, and has promised Superintendent Head to cease fighting and committing depredations. That officer is confident he will give no further trouble.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1867, pp. 71-73]

INDIANS NOT LOCATED AT AGENCIES.

            There are two classes of Indians not located at agencies, to wit :

            First. The Indians scattered along the Columbia river, those on the upper branches of the north Umpqua, a small band on the Clatsop Plains, and the Nestuccas, Salmon River, and Tillamooks, numbering in all not far from 1,200 souls. They are in immediate vicinity of white settlements, in fact intermingled

72        REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

with them, and most of them are as thoroughly debauched and degraded as they well can be.

            They are not parties to any treaty, and I do not think it necessary that any treaty should be made with them. Indeed they are scattered over so vast a country that it would be impossible to gather them together for a treaty. But measures ought to be taken to collect them upon some of the reservations.

            The Nestuccas, Salmon River, and Tillamooks, (about 300 in all,) ought especially to be taken under jurisdiction.

            The country they inhabit is fertile, has a good harbor, and is filling up with white settlers. They regard the Indians as nuisances, and have more than once asked me to remove them. I have had neither funds nor authority so to do. I recommend an appropriation of $2,000 for gathering together and establishing upon some reservation the Indians mentioned. The amount named would be sufficient, not only to remove them, but to afford them some assistance in opening farms, obtaining farming tools, &c.

            Second. The hostile Snakes, or Shoshones. These are a numerous race, divided into various sub-tribes or bands, and extending over a very large extent of country ; but their general characteristics are the same. Their language differs in its dialects, but its groundwork is the same. They are a nomadic people, ranging from Nevada and Utah to Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana, often under different names. When in Utah they often find it convenient to call themselves Pi-Utes. In parts of Idaho they are Bannocks. They treat with Governor Nye in Nevada, or they fight with General Crook in Oregon and Idaho. They are determinedly and persistently hostile, treating for peace sometimes, but never abiding by their agreements.

            They were formerly friendly. The early emigrants to this coast travelled through their country with friendly intercourse, but of late years their hand is against every man.  They were on friendly terms with the Wasco and Des Chutes (Terrino) Indians until 1856. It was their custom to meet those tribes at the Tygh valley (forty miles north of Warm Springs reservation) every summer, and spend several weeks in a festival of horse-racing and gambling, returning each to their own country in autumn. In 1855 two of the Terrino tribe, with their families, returned with the Snakes to the territory of the latter, and were murdered for their plunder, their wives and children being sold to tribes further south as slaves. Retaliation of course occurred, and since that time the conflicts between the Warm Springs Indians and the Snakes have been as frequent as their friendly gatherings formerly were.

            In my annual report for 1865 I submitted a compilation of the depredations committed by the Snake Indians from 1862 to 1865. Accompanying this report is a paper, marked B, which is a similar compilation, extending from the close of the last one to the date of this report. Much labor has been expended to make this compilation complete, and much care has been taken to have it accurate. I believe very few errors will be found in it. It is a fearful record of loss of life and destruction of property.

            These Indians are now beyond the reach of the Indian bureau, and probably will never come under its control. The long-continued hostility existing between them and the whites has bitterly exasperated both, and there is no likelihood that they can ever live in peace.

            The military operations against them (under Major Marshall and General Crook in the field, Major General Steele commanding the district) have been prosecuted for the last year with great vigor, and with much more efficient force than heretofore, and their numbers much reduced. They have been so harassed for a year past that they can have laid up very little supply of food, and doubtless many of them will perish the ensuing winter from starvation.

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            I said of them in 1866 :

            "What disposition can ultimately be made of them I do not undertake to say. Now, nothing is to be done but fight and exterminate them. Yet, I am painfully conscious that extermination will cost the lives of ten whites for every Indian, and besides cost many millions of money. To attempt to treat with them now is simple folly ; they cannot be even brought to a council, much less to a treaty. Their ultimate disposition is a matter that must be left to time to determine."

            And what I then said is most true now. It is utterly impossible to treat with them, and it is fearfully expensive, saying nothing of the loss of life, to fight them. The government would probably have saved many dollars if it could have fifteen years ago taken every Snake Indian to a first-class hotel and boarded them for life.

            The Woll-pah-pe tribe of Snakes, with whom I made a treaty in 1865, remained for a few months upon the Klamath reservation, and then rejoined the hostile tribes. It is reported, on rather doubtful authority, that Pau-li-ne, the most celebrated war chief of the Snakes, was killed in one of the conflicts of last year. If this is true, they have lost their most efficient leader.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1867, pp. 95-103]

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   95

No. 25.

Statement of Indian depredations and of conflicts between Indians and troops and Indians and citizens which, occurred in eastern Oregon, from September 1, 1865, to August 10, 1867.

            This account includes only a statement of acts committed by the Indian tribes in middle and southeastern Oregon, and by those tribes upon the eastern and southern frontier, whose natural range includes parts of Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, and the portion of the State alluded to.

            It has been compiled with much care from all sources of information, including the newspapers of the day, and care has been taken to state nothing as certain which is not well authenticated. The intention has been to include all acts of depredation and conflict between those Indians and white men that have taken place since my statement of a similar nature made in 1865, and commences about the first of September of that year, where my former account terminated.

            The last week in August, 1865, all the horses in the Toll Gate, 25 miles east of Canyon City, were driven off. On the night of August 25, considerable stock was stolen from Strawberry valley, about 18 miles east Canyon City, and on the following night seven horses and about three hundred head of cattle were driven from Indian creek within 10 miles of Canyon City. These depredations were committed, as proved by signs plainly visible, by the hostile bands of Snake Indians who infest the regions of middle Oregon. Canyon City is situated in the mining region of the Blue mountains, about 175 miles southeasterly from the Dalles, on the Columbia river.

            On the 5th September O. H. Griffin, the manager of a company of glassblowers and performers, was killed while prospecting for gold placers on the waters of Malheur river, in eastern Oregon. The company was attacked by the hostile Snake Indians who infest those mountains.

            The Owyhee Avalanche, of Ruby City, Idaho, says that about September 20, 1865, a band of Indians called at Gall's ranch, on Jordan creek, corralled the attaches, killed an ox, had a feast and departed.

            Jordan creek heads in the Oro Fino mountains. Owyhee county, Idaho, but the settlement in Jordan creek valley, a few miles distant, are supposed to be in southeastern Oregon.

            The 25th September, 19 men of Captain Williams's company, Oregon infantry, had a fight with 75 Indians, near Harney lake. Thomas Smith, son of Indian Agent John Smith, and a man named Griffin, were wounded. Two Indians were reported killed.

            The last week in September the Indians made a raid on the Weiser valley. The Weiser is a tributary of Snake river, on the Idaho side. The main road from the Columbia river to Boise City passes it, and a few farms are located upon it. The Indians stole thirty head of animals; a party pursued them, but were driven back ; another party followed, had a fight, killed one Indian and recovered the horses. The Indians escaped across Snake river, near Burnt river, and no doubt were the Malheur band of Snake Indians, who are constantly committing depredations upon the Burnt river valley.

            October 13, a band of 18 Snakes were seen on the Canyon City road driving six American horses before them. The Indians were well mounted and armed, and settlers were obliged to abandon their farms in fear at their approach.

            About 1st November Colonel Baker returned to Camp Watson, from a 30 days' scout through the hostile region, in which a number of Indians were killed and eight Indians captured. The captives were turned over to the scouts of the Warm Spring tribe, who accompanied the expedition, for safe keeping. It

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was said they did not forget the captives were their hereditary enemies, and treated them accordingly.

            During the summer and autumn of 1865, Major Marshall, with 500 United States troops, made a scout through the Indian country from the Red mountain to the head of the Owyhee, Christmas lake, Harney lake, and from the region about Stein's mountain to the Boise valley. He destroyed over three tons of Indian provisions, killed 72 Indians, and probably more, driving them to their winter haunts.

            On the 8th November, the Snake Indians attacked a party of four men within 35 miles of the Warm Springs reservation. The men were obliged to abandon animals, provisions and camp, and fled for their lives, making their escape while the savages secured the plunder.

            November 18, Indians drove off stock from Robinson's ranch, on South Fork John Day's river. They were pursued and overtaken by Lieutenant Barry, with a detachment from Colonel Baker's command, stationed at Camp Watson ; five Indians were killed and their camp broken up.

            October 30, Lieutenant O'Bierne, of the 15th infantry, captured an Indian chief, with his wife and two horses, and compelled him to guide the troops to Indian camp on the Owyhee river, about 30 miles distant. They approached the camp in the night, and attacked it towards morning ; most of the Indians escaped, but a number were killed and 38 horses captured.

            Late in November an engagement was had between troops and Indians near Harney lake ; two soldiers were killed, including Sergeant Garber, whose remains were conveyed to Vancouver for burial.

            In January, 1866, a band of Snake Indians drove off four head of beef cattle from a ranch on John Day's river.

            Early in February a band of Snake Indians went early one morning to Babbington's milk ranch, distant three miles from Ruby City, on the trail to Reynolds's creek, and drove off ten or eleven horses. They then went to Parson's, on Reynolds's creek, where they got two horses, and at sunrise were at the Cold Spring station, half way from Ruby City to Snake river, where they drove off the station keeper, stole three horses, and took all the provisions on the premises.

            In the early part of February a band of Indians appeared at Brownlee's ferry, on Snake river, below the mouth of Powder river, and then killed four horses.

            In the same month the Malheur band of Snakes drove off the cattle from "Miller's ranch," on Burnt river, near the mouth. They were pursued, but not overtaken. Hundreds of cattle and horses are taken from this vicinity every season, and cannot be easily recovered, as the mountain fastnesses are near by, where the stock are readily concealed, and pursuit, even in considerable numbers, is dangerous.

            In this month Captain White, 1st Oregon cavalry, stationed at Camp Lyon, near the Owyhee mining region, went out in search of Indians (probably Pi-Utes and Snakes) who had been committing depredations in that vicinity. He had a fight with them, and lost one man killed without gaining any special advantages.

            The middle of February about 30 Indians attacked Hall's ranch, in Jordan valley, and wounded Hall very severely. They drove off 37 head of cattle and 9 horses. They met a man on Cow creek, shot him in the arm, and took his team from him.

            February 20, Captain Walker, with a detachment of troops, pursued and overtook Indians on Owyhee river, and in the fight which followed 18 Indians were killed. Only three escaped, two of whom were badly wounded. They were barricaded behind rocks, upon which the troops made a charge and drove them out. In this charge Corporal Burke was unfortunately killed. He had been in 21 battles of the war and had escaped unhurt until now.

            January 11 Captain Conrad's command, California troops, had a fight with Indians under " Captain John," who killed Colonel McDermit ; 35 Indians

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   97

were killed, including " Captain John," who had Colonel McDermit's rifle in his possession when found.

            In March, 1866, while Colonel Peray, in command at Camp Curry, was absent with 55 men on a scout to Stein mountains, the Indians drove in the guard left at the fort. They attacked Mr. Reed, an expressman, and chased him into Camp Wright.

            In April the Indians drove off, at one time, 40 head of animals from Burnt river.

            April 11, Mr. Fields, 20 miles east of Canyon City, lost 21 head of animals, stolen by Indians.

            About May 19, 50 Chinamen were wending their way across the desolate region separating California from Idaho, when they were attacked by Snake Indians and 49 of them were killed and horribly mutilated. Only one escaped to give a report of the massacre. Lieutenant Pessoon, with his command of Oregon cavalry, dashed to the spot and found the dead bodies spread along the road for six miles. In some places five or six were piled together. The bodies were buried and the Indians pursued, but not overtaken. Many other Chinamen must have been similarly murdered, as travellers coming over the road afterwards report finding 102 unburied bodies of Chinese lying exposed along the route.

            About the 30th of May Indians came within half a mile of Booneville, one of the principal mining towns on Jordan creek, Owyhee, and stole 65 head of mules and horses.

            About May 25 Beard and Miller, teamsters from Chico, on Sacramento river, on their way to Idaho, lost 421 head of cattle out of 460. They were driven off by the Snake Indians.

            Early in June the Snake Indians attacked the Buttermilk ranch, on the main travelled road up Snake river, near the Wieser river. They drove off part of a pack-train camped there, killed one horse, and shot several others.

            About the middle of June 20 horses were stolen from War Eagle mountain, above Ruby City.

            June 12 C. C. Gassett was murdered near Ruby City, on his own farm. On the same raid the Indians drove off 100 head of stock.

            Early in July, 1866, the Indians closed in around the Owyhee mining district, so that prospecting in small parties became dangerous. Mr. James Perry, of Michigan, was murdered by them, his arms and legs chopped off, and his body found pinned to the ground. A Mr. Green was reported as murdered in the same manner.

            In the same month a company of thirty-six men, under Captain Jennings, were surrounded by the Indians near the Owyhee river. Jennings sent word to his friends in Owyhee of his situation, and a large party, over 200 men, who were fitted out by the citizens at an expense of perhaps $5,000, went to his relief. The Indians had abandoned the attack on the second day, but the men had almost exhausted their ammunition. Thomas Cason, one of Jennings's men, finding himself cut off from the main body, built a stone pen, from within which he fought, killing 15 Indians. The second day he was himself shot through the head, within his defence. In the fight 35 Indians were killed. One of Jennings's men (Cason) was killed, and two were wounded. A man named Sandford, while driving from Reynolds's creek over the mountain to Ruby City, was shot by ambushed Indians, and dangerously wounded.

            On the 18th July, while Lieutenant Bernard, with 27 men of United States cavalry, was on a scout near Camp Watson, in middle Oregon, a detachment of 18 men, under a corporal, came upon a band of Indians drawn up in array, and offering battle. He charged upon them, killing nine, and not losing a single man.

            On the 20th the same detachment met force of citizen volunteers from Powder

98        REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

river, and, with joint forces, amounting to 47 men, pursued and soon overtook the Indians. There were 80 warriors, and a white man, named Burns, was recognized among them. The troops had met him before the first fight, and had no doubt he returned to warn the Indians and have them in readiness. In the second fight one soldier was killed. Three Indians were killed and four were captured. During several years past it has been reported that white men are with the Malheur Indians, and there seems reason to believe the report. In the same month Mr. Woodward had eight _____ stolen from Cow creek, eastern Oregon. Two men, named Drake and Fisher, while driving four-horse teams on the Chico route to Idaho, when within six miles of Camp McGany, were ambushed by Indians, and both badly wounded. They were finally rescued by soldiers from the camp. They killed several Indians.

            August 10, Captain Walker, with 15 United States infantry, pursued Pauline, the Snake chief, and a large band of warriors. They attacked them, but were driven back, Captain Walker having had a horse killed under him in the fight.

            August 20, Indians attacked Hay ranch, on Burnt river, while the men belonging to the place were a mile off running their mowing machine. They took 12 pair of blankets, and all the grub in camp, valued at $300.

            The 25th of August Indians visited Camp Watson, under command of Colonel Baker, United States army, and stole 54 head of mules from him and 18 beef cattle. They stole stage stock at Rock creek, near by, and fired on a party of prospectors at Dixie creek, near Canyon City, killing one man and driving the rest to camp.

            On Sunday, August 12, Samuel Leonard, a miner at Mormon basin, south of Powder river, was murdered on Canyon creek, a tributary of Malheur river, and outlet from Mormon basin. Two of them were attacked while fishing ; the other escaped,

            August 20, while a party of prospectors were camped near Canyon City, and asleep—as they supposed in security, being surrounded by miners' camps and farm-houses—they were fired upon by hostile Indians. Mat Wilson was instantly killed, and David Graham severely wounded. Assistance was asked of troops at Camp Watson, near by, to pursue and punish the murderers, but they could give no aid, as the main force was absent pursuing Indians who had committed other depredations.

            The next night a company of seven men intercepted a party of Indians driving off cattle, and saved the cattle, but the Indians escaped in the darkness.

            James Grett, a teamster, was shot by Indians, on the 17th August, on the road between Wagontown and Baxter's ranch, on Jordan's creek, Owyhee. The Indians stole his team.

            About the last of September the Malheur band of Snakes went to Clarksville, a mining camp on Clark's creek, a tributary of Burnt river, and broke open a stable in the night, stealing six horses. Two horses were taken from the California House, on Burnt river. The expressman from Mormon basin, a rich mining district in the mountains, above Clark's creek, was pursued and fired on while on his way to Auburn. Five head of horses were stolen from Glover's ferry, on Snake river, at mouth of Powder river.

            A detachment of ten men of company M, Captain Hunt, United States army, under Lieutenant Patton, had a brush, September 27, with 75 Indians at Dunder and Blixen creek, 30 miles south of Malheur lake. Six Indians were killed and many wounded. Lieutenant Patton had one man and four horses wounded.

            Last of October, Indians stole 11 head of horses from a party of prospectors, camped at Rock creek, on Snake river.

            About 25th of October a camp of men, engaged in burning charcoal near Ruby City, was entered and robbed by Indians while the men were away at work. November 1, Captain Walker wrote from Fort Smith that he had been on an

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   99

Indian chase, in which he had killed four Indians and wounded three or four more. The band of Indians met numbered 25 or 30.

            In November the Indians entered Flint district, Owyhee, only six miles from Ruby City, and stole two horses; also breaking and destroying everything they could damage.

            About the middle of November, Indians visited a ranch belonging to Mr. Fields, South Fork John Day river, and drove off three head of cattle. They were pursued by Lieutenant Barry of Colonel Baker's command, and when overtaken by him they were camped and employed drying the beef they had killed. They were surprised and several killed and wounded, and three horses captured, one just stolen from the stage company. Their camp was destroyed and much material.

            During the latter part of November, Indians made a raid on farmers living on the Oregon side of Snake river, near the mouth of the Owyhee, and drove off ten head of horses.

            About the same time, Indians fired on loaded teams entering Owyhee mines from Snake river by the main road. A man named McCoy was killed, another named Adams wounded, and only one teamster escaped unhurt. McCoy leaves a family. The animals, wagons and property, valued at $3,000, were destroyed. In going from Snake river to Owyhee, after crossing the river and passing over four or five miles of sage plain, the wagon road crosses a rocky divide to Reynolds's creek, and winds through rocky ravines where a few Indians in ambush can command the road.

            In November the Indians also fired at night upon the Owyhee ferry, killing one horse. Another night they fired on a detachment of cavalry, exchanging shots with the guard. Fourteen head of cattle were driven off by them from Sinkee creek, which heads with Jordan creek in the Oro Fino mountains and runs east to Snake river, while Jordan creek runs west to the Owyhee. Some of the Owyhee quartz mills are on Sinkee creek and some on Jordan creek.

            In the autumn, Jeff. Standeffer, with a party of sixty-eight Idaho miners, were upon a prospecting tour on the upper waters of Snake river. Bruce Smith and eleven men were absent from the main party prospecting. While one of the eleven was searching for the track of the main party his comrades were attacked by Indians, as he saw when returning. Making his way to the main body he reported the facts. The company found the camp of the ten lost men, all of whom had been murdered. The names of those of the ten ascertained are Brace Smith, Edward Riley, David Conklin, William Strong, and George Ackleson.

            On the Big Bow river the main company were attacked by 300 Indians. In the fight which ensued nine Indians were killed. Of the whites Colonel Rice and William Smith were killed and several wounded.

            Early in November, Lieutenant McKay, for a long time physician of Warm Springs reservation, raised a company of 70 scouts from among the Warm Springs Indians, who are the hereditary enemies of the Snake Indians. They were mustered into the service under an act of Congress, and proceeded on a winter scout through the hostile regions of middle Oregon. Lieutenant McKay, himself partly of Indian extraction, has great influence with his men, who are especially exasperated against the Snakes because of the murder of their chief by them while holding a talk under a flag of truce.

            The 15th of November a small band of Indians were detected driving off cattle from Dean and Bayley's ranch, on Dixie creek, Idaho Territory. The cattle stampeded at a mining ditch and were recaptured.

            October 27, troops consisting of 21 men, 1st Oregon infantry, and 5 Indian Klamath scouts, under Lieutenant Oatman, and 27 1st Oregon cavalry, under Lieutenant Small, had a fight with a band of hostile Snake Indians near Lake Abbott, in the Klamath country, southern Oregon. The Indians had

100      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

so chosen their position that the troops were obliged to dismount to attack them. The fight lasted one and a half hour, and 14 Indians were killed and many wounded.

            November 8, Indians attacked the Owyhee stage within four miles of Snake river, probably in the rocky canon before mentioned. Concealed among the rocks they fired upon the stage, killing a passenger named Wilcox. Another passenger named Harrington was wounded in the hip, and Waltermire, the driver, was wounded in the side. The driver ran his team two miles, pursued by Indians firing on the stage, and answered by passengers who were armed. Finally the wheel-horses were shot and the passengers ran for their lives. Returning with assistance they found the body of Wilcox horribly mutilated, scalped, and with the heart cut out. The mail bags were cut open and the mail scattered.

            On the 20th November a party of hunters camped on Canyon creek, some six or eight miles from Canyon city, were attacked by 12 Indians, and J. Kester killed. Indians came within one mile of Canyon City, and being discovered preparing to attack a house, they were driven off.

            Early in December a pack train was stolen by Indians from near Camp Watson, on the Canyon City road. They were pursued by a detachment of 20 men of Colonel Baker's command, under Sergeant Conner, and overtaken during a violent snow storm, 70 miles from the post, towards daylight. A charge was made on them while packing up to pursue their journey. The Indians stood their ground for awhile, but their rifles became damp and snapped fire, and the troops drew sabres and closed in on them, killed 14 men and captured 5 women. All the stolen mules were recovered except two that had been killed, and 10 Indian horses were taken. A large amount of dried meat and supplies were destroyed.

            Late in November, in a conflict between the troops and Snake Indians near Fort Klamath, 10 Snake Indians were killed by the troops, and 3 more by the friendly Klamath and Moadocs who accompanied them.

            December 16, 20 Indians attacked the Cow Creek ranch, (probably in Jordan valley,) and had possession of the stable, from which they fired volleys upon the house. They stole all the cattle on the place, but they were followed and the animals recaptured. The house was riddled with bullets and arrows. One of their party spoke English, and was thought to be a Frenchman.

            About the middle of December, General Crook left Fort Boise with a squad of men, and proceeded towards Owyhee and Malheur rivers to punish depredating Indians. He followed Indian signs up the Owyhee river, and found a body of 70 or 80 warriors who came out for a square fight. He had only 30 soldiers and 10 or 12 friendly Indians to engage in the fight, as 10 men were left to guard his camp. The fight lasted until mid-day, when the Indians broke and scattered in flight, and under the circumstances of the country successful pursuit was impossible. Twenty-five or 30 Indians are said to have been killed, some squaws and children were captured, and about 30 mules and horses were taken. Sergeant O'Toole was mortally wounded by two arrows, and died the second day after the fight. He had been engaged in 28 battles of the rebellion, and had hitherto escaped unhurt.

            In January, 1867, the Indians attacked two men who were hunting in Boise valley, and took their horses ; a man named Glass was wounded in the arm.

            Lieutenant McKay reports that on the 6th January, 1867, his command of Indian scouts attacked a camp of hostile Snake Indians in middle Oregon, killed three Indians and captured three horses. They also took considerable ammunition. He found that Pau-li-he, the Snake war chief, was camped and fortified upon the mountain near by, and the command climbed 2,000 feet to the point of rocks where he was stationed and fought all day, killing three Snake Indians in their hiding holes. One man and three horses of Lieutenant McKay's scouts were wounded, and they retired to recruit. At dusk same day the scout

OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.   101

started again and travelled until 1 a. m. in a snow-storm, finding a camp of hostile Indians, which was attacked at daylight, killing 12 and capturing three children. The same day they found and attacked another camp, killing eight and taking three prisoners. The snow was fourteen to eighteen inches deep, and they found it impossible to follow up Pau-li-he's retreat without forage for their animals, and that could not be supplied. The exhaustion of their horses compelled them to desist, but the results of the scout were 28 of the enemy killed, 8 prisoners, 3 horses and 5 rifles, 3 pounds of powder, with furs and skins. The scouts fought well.

            Lieutenants McKay and Darragh, in giving a personal account of their expedition, relate that their commands killed 14 women and children, which was done in accordance with written and verbal instructions from headquarters of the military district, and much against the wishes of the Indian scouts, who remonstrated against it, on the ground that the Snakes in their next inroad would naturally murder their own wives and children in revenge. Some of the children killed were very small.

            About the middle of January General Crook had a fight with a large party of hostile Snakes at Stein's mountain, 15 miles from the Owyhee ferry, on the California road. Indian scouts with his command came in and reported that they had discovered a hostile camp, which was reached and attacked at dawn. Sixty Snakes were killed and some 30 prisoners were taken, and 37 horses. One Hanson, a citizen, was killed in the charge.

            Soon after, General Crook discovered a small camp of 17 Indians, five of whom were killed, and remainder taken prisoners. An Indian was found in arms who had been captured and released on his promise to be good in future. He was killed.

            During these fights it is reported that several women and children were killed, at which General Crook was very indignant.

            At the same time they stole one horse from Tompkins, and a few days previous stole cattle from Riley's ranch, 13 miles from Canyon City.

            March 23d, General Crook lost most of his animals, stolen by the Indians while he was in camp on Dunder and Blixen creek, in southeastern Oregon. They crept upon the stock to the number of 30, about 2 o'clock a. m., while they were herded as usual, and shooting arrows into the herd stampeded 90 head, 35 of whom were recovered.

            At 11 o'clock a. m., March 25th, as the Boise and Owyhee stage was coming down the ravine towards Snake river from Reynold's creek, it was attacked by eight ambushed Indians. The driver, William Younger, was mortally wounded, but the stage continued in the Rocky road, followed by Indians firing upon it and the unarmed passengers.

            At the breaking of the breeching the Indians came close upon them, and the passengers cut the horses loose, some mounting them and some on foot hurrying to the ferry. One, named Ullman, was overtaken and shot through the heart. The mail was cut open and scattered.

            March 22d, Indians killed a cow on Ray's farm, upon Reynold's creek, and on the 25th, drove off 22 head of his cattle. Probably same who attacked the stage.

            April 25th, eight Snake Indians made a raid upon Clamo and Cosper's ranch, on John Day river, running off 25 head of cattle and two horses. They were pursued by J. N. Clark, Howard Maupin, and William Ragan. They found them camped, enjoying a feast over an ox they had killed, attacked them and killed four of the eight, recovering the stock, and capturing one gun.

            April 15th, Lieutenant Western overtook on the bank of Silvie's river a band of Indians, who, finding the creek impassable, were building a bridge to cross their horses upon. A number of the Indians were killed, and their horses and provisions captured.

102      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

            Two men, named Frazer and Stack, were killed on Jordan creek near their homes. They were shot by ambushed Indians.

            In May or last of April a party left Owyhee to look for Indians said to be on Catherine creek, near by. Two of the party being separated from the company, were attacked in a ravine by eight mounted Indians and others afoot. They fought them that day and night, Knight being shot and both legs broken. The next morning the Indians left.

            This spring (1867) a skeleton, apparently of a white woman who had been scalped, was found upon Catherine creek, near to the Owyhee mining towns.

            On 25th April, Indians tried to stampede a pack train on South Fork of John Day river ; on 26th they robbed a cabin near Cozart's ranch, same vicinity.

            Sunday, May 5th, Indians attacked Cow. Shea, a ranchman on Sniker creek, Owyhee county, Idaho Territory; doing no damage, however. On Monday eight men pursued them; two were separated from the company and attacked by Indians, but the remainder came up and charged on the savages, driving them off. About same time several horses were stolen from ranches by marauding Indians.

            Early in May Indians killed a cow on Reynold's creek, Owyhee county, Idaho. Two men, named Polk and McKight, pursued them, and when passing through a rocky canon they were fired on by concealed Indians, who also rolled rocks down upon them. They returned the fire as best they could. Polk was wounded in the arm, and McKnight shot through both legs below the knee. They were eventually relieved when night came on, but McKnight died some weeks afterwards from wounds received.

            About the middle of June, 1867, Indians fired on a man named Richardson, near Express ranch, on Burnt river, eastern Oregon. The shot missed him and he escaped uninjured.

            A good house and barn were burned the latter part of June, near Inskip's ranch, in Idaho. Stock was also driven off, but it was recovered by the soldiers stationed there.

            Early in July several Indians attacked a teamster near Straw ranch, Burnt river, Oregon. They fired several shots, one of which pierced his hat, but he was uninjured.

            About the middle of July Indians (supposed to be Rogue River Indians absent from Coast reservation without leave) to the number of 15 or 16, robbed Chinamen mining in southern Oregon, and attempted to sell their gold dust at a trading post near. The whites gathered, and it is reported that a fight ensued, and one Indian was killed.

            On the night of July 10, Indians drove off 40 head of cattle from Sinker creek, in Idaho ; 15 head only were recovered.

            About the middle of July Colonel Baker's command reported having killed three Indians and captured 13 prisoners. Lieutenant Goodale's command captured four prisoners. McKay and his Indian scouts, re-enforced by Lieutenant Goodale, had a fight with We-wa-we-wa, the Snake chief, killing five Snakes and capturing two prisoners. They learned from We-wa-we-wa's daughter, a captive, that Pau-li-he, the head Snake chief, was killed by Moppin and Clark in an affray described before. This story of the death of Pau-li-he was abundantly confirmed by after evidence. Captain McKay lost one man in the action above described.

            Colonel Baker returned from his scout July 28, and brought in 22 prisoners, having killed 12 in different skirmishes.

            General Crook, with four companies of mounted regulars and two companies of Indian scouts, started the latter part of July from Boise City towards Goose lake. A squad of soldiers came on a party of 10 Indians at Stein's mountain and killed or captured all of them.

            The Idaho Statesman, of August 6, says General Crook is reported to have

CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENCY.         103

overtaken two camps of Indians and killed them nearly all, to the number of about 50, between the 21st and 28th of July. The companies of Indian scouts, under McKay and Darragh, from Warm Springs agency, and the Boise scouts, did all the fighting, keeping ahead in the pursuit, and only asking that the troops would back them up. The troops were obliged to do some tall marching to keep up with them.

            Early in August 12 horses were stolen from the vicinity of La Grande, a thickly settled district ; Grande Ronde valley being of large extent and all occupied by settlement. It is reported that three men were killed at the same time at Mormon basin. The men were out prospecting, and were stolen upon and shot.

            The Statesman, of August 6, learns from two men just in from John Day river that, while going from Washoe ferry to the Junction House, on the Fayette, they were followed by five mounted Indians. The superior speed of the white men's horses got them safely off.

            Respectfully submitted :

J. H. PERIT HUNTINGTON,

Superintendent Indian Affairs in Oregon.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1867, pp. 168-189]

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 39.

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Carson City, Nevada, January 9, 1866.

            SIR: I have the honor to submit, herewith, my first report.

            On my arrival here I found my predecessor without an office, office furniture, stationery, &c., and also that no funds were in his hands.

            The goods purchased by Superintendent Dent for this superintendency had arrived here, but, of course, could not be distributed, there being no funds for the payment of the transportation to the several localities where the Indians reside at the present time.

            The weather and roads have been so bad since my arrival that it has been an impossibility to visit any of the Indians ; but I hope to be able to do so in a few days, and then will endeavor to give a more perfect estimate of the number in each band.

            The goods for these Indians ought to be distributed, throughout this whole superintendency, as early as the 1st of November, each year; it is much cheaper transporting them, the Indians are much better prepared for the cold weather and rainy season, the detentions and difficulties of getting about the country are avoided, and the Indians will remain much more contentedly on their reservations, fewer of them visiting the cities and towns, where they frequently get into trouble with the whites, and are apt scholars at learning all the vices.

            The Pah-Utes, at present on the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake reservation, number about 600 persons, are quiet and peaceable, and a few disposed to work. Their principal employment is fishing, hunting rabbits, gathering pine nuts and roots, which articles constitute their native diet. They are, however, becoming scattered through the towns, and settlements, and ought to be collected and placed on some reservation more remote from the whites, and where they can have a permanent home.

            The Pah-Utes of Humboldt lake, numbering about 600, ought to be collected and settled on lands adjoining the Truckee River band. Their manner of living is so much the same, and being equally friendly to the government, there is no good reason for not living in harmony.

            The Pah- Utes of Carson sink and river, numbering about 1,500, should also be removed and placed on lands adjoining the others.

            The Pah-Utes of Walker River and Lake reservation now number about 600,

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    169

and occupy the lands surrounding the lake and on either side of the river, a distance of about 40 miles, the reservation being about 60 miles in length.

            This reservation is sufficiently large for all these bands, the river and lake affording an ample supply of fish. The similarity of language, habits, and customs will soon lead them to observe the same laws and government without jealousy.

            The bands and their chiefs should each be recognized separately, but yet placed on joining lands, and so near that one agent or sub-agent could manage all their affairs, he living on the reservation. No other white should be allowed to reside there.

            I would most earnestly recommend that all these Indians should he collected and placed on the Walker River and Lake reservation.

            If it is deemed advisable by the department to move these bands, I would recommend that they be furnished with a sufficient number of log houses, cattle and sheep for working and breeding purposes, farming tools and agricultural implements, seeds and grains, and such quantities of flour, meats, and other food as they would require the first year, giving them as usual a few presents, and such articles of clothing as they actually need. It should be the duty of the local agent to teach them when to sow and when to gather their crops, and dispose of for their benefit such excess of their product as they can spare.

            I am convinced, if this policy is pursued, the Indians will not only remain on their reservation peaceably and quiet, but in a few years the excess of their product from tilling the ground will nearly or quite pay all the expenses connected with their care.

            Another reason for the removal of these bands, besides domesticating them, is, that the lands now occupied by them (and which are producing nothing) are the best farming lands on this portion of the State, and which would at once be settled by whites and cultivated, if an opportunity offered, and the product would find a ready market here, saving the people the necessity of importing many of the necessaries of life from California.

            The rapid construction of the Pacific railroad, running as it will directly through these reservations, will necessarily consume the greater portion of the timber, as well as scatter the Indians from their present-location.

            I cannot too strongly urge upon the department the necessity of an early removal of these Indians to some place where a permanent home may be provided for them.

            The Washoes number about 500 persons, and are now scattered over an extent of country beginning at or near Lake Washoe, and running thence south along the western border of the State, a distance of about 50 miles, to the California State line.

            They gather around the towns and settlements begging, working a little, and drinking whiskey when they can get it. They hunt rabbits, fish, gather pine nuts and roots, and live without regard to reservation or home.

            The same general rules should be adopted as recommended for the Pah-Utes, placing them, however, on some reservation more distant from the Pah-Utes, and under charge of a separate sub-agent. They are poor and miserable, and need immediate care.

            If these remarks and recommendations meet the views of the department, a liberal appropriation be made by Congress, and the plan executed this coming summer, I am fully convinced that in one year the improved condition of the Indian affairs in this State will prevent any future disturbance or trouble with them.

            The present appropriation is very small, and when compared with the appropriation for many tribes, is insignificant. Take, for example, the Omahas of Nebraska, numbering about 1,000 persons, and appropriations amounting to over $90,000 were made by the last Congress, while the entire appropriation for at

170      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

least 10,000 persons, in this superintendency, is but $25,000, and this sum in a portion of our country where all expenses are far greater than almost any other.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. T. DWIGHT,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

Hon. L. V. BOGY,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 40.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY,

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Carson City, Nevada, July 15, 1867.

            SIR : Agreeably to the requirements of the department, I have the honor to submit the following :

            The very limited time intervening from the date of my arrival here till that appointed for submitting the annual report to the Indian bureau, will, I trust, be found sufficient excuse for its brevity.

            There are now over 10,000 Indians in this superintendency, all of whom are quietly and peaceably disposed, but whose means of subsistence have been greatly restricted from the increasing influx of our white population, who are, step by step, encroaching on the favorite haunts of the Indian tribes in this State.

            The streams which formerly afforded them a plentiful supply of fish are now invaded by the miner for milling purposes ; the pineries, which formerly afforded them an annual crop of nuts, have been squatted on and are fast giving way before the woodman's axe.

            In fact the means of subsistence for this people, which were always scanty, are now almost completely shut off. Indeed, they must either be taught the arts of husbandry to sustain themselves, or the alternative will be forced on them to starve or steal. I need scarcely add they would choose the latter horn of the dilemma with great unanimity.

            In my last annual report I had the honor to refer to the necessity of a liberal appropriation for farming purposes. I would again urge the necessity for such action at the earliest moment possible.

            Nothing can be done at present for want of funds, although the Indians are willing to work, and can be easily taught. With means to commence on a scale commensurate with the exigencies of the case, the condition of this people would be greatly ameliorated.

            The Shoshone tribe, inhabiting the eastern portion of the State, have been severely visited by small-pox this spring. Acting Assistant Surgeon Bigger, at Fort Ruby, was authorized by this office to vaccinate the Indians in his neighborhood.

            No report having reached me from Doctor Bigger, I am unable to state the exact number treated by him. I am happy to state, however, that the disease has almost entirely disappeared.

            Herewith is forwarded a report of Agent Campbell, to which your attention is respectfully directed.

            There is no doubt but a practical knowledge of agriculture can be easily imparted to the Indians of this State ; and the necessity for such instruction is, as I have before hinted, pressing and immediate.

            I am clearly of the opinion that the propensity of the Nevada Indians to

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    171

steal is superinduced solely by the cravings of hunger. Protect them against this, and the crime will vanish with the cause which produced it.

            I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

H. G. PARKER,

Superintendent Indian Affairs for Nevada.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington.

__________

No. 41.

CARSON CITY, July 1, 1867.

            SIR : Since the date of my last annual report the condition of Indian affairs, within this State remains to a great extent unchanged.

            From the Bannacks of the north I have no information except common rumor, which represents a far better state of affairs in that region than existed one year ago. Depredations have nearly ceased.

            From what I can learn through the Pi-Utes the combination which I spoke of in my last annual report (under the head of Bannacks) are, no doubt, desirous of peace, and willing to accept almost any conditions, provided they could be assured that peace was the object of the government.

            Being a very suspicious and superstitious people they believe the government desires their extermination, and that any effort made to bring about a peace is done for the purpose of accomplishing that end.

            I believe that a peace can be made with them with the aid of the Pi-Utes. During the past year they have confined their operations mostly to southern Idaho.

            The conduct of the Indians generally throughout the State has been commendable and praiseworthy, notwithstanding the gross outrages that have been committed upon them by white men in different parts of the country, one of which I will refer to particularly. It occurred in Mammoth mining district, Nye county, in August last; about which time I received a communication signed by the most influential citizens of the place stating that a desperado named Grayson had knocked down with his pistol several peaceable and inoffensive Pi-Utes, and compelled them to pay him $30 for an ox which he accused them of killing, and that they (the citizens) were cognizant of the fact that the ox died from some natural cause. They desired that I should see that justice was done.

            I regret to say, that not having a single dollar to defray travelling expenses, I was obliged to let the matter pass unnoticed. Such acts by our people are generally the cause of Indian wars ; and in no case should they be allowed to pass without the offender being brought to a strict accountability before the law. White men are too apt to act upon the hypothesis that an Indian has no rights which the white man is bound to respect.

            Since I discharged the farmer at the Walker River Indian reserve, in November last, no person has been employed there. I have made it my abode during the year past, and when absent have left the property in care of R. A. Washington, the interpreter.

            During the year past the Pi-Ute and Washoe Indians have been favored with good health and an abundant supply of food.

            There will be a large field of pine nuts this autumn, which will enable these Indians, with the money they earn during the summer, to pass the coming winter comfortably.

            There has been no land cultivated this season, on either the Walker River

172      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

or Pyramid Lake reserves. At the latter, however, the Indians have been industriously engaged in fencing the arable land, nearly all of which they have enclosed.

            They are now waiting anxiously the time when they shall receive assistance from the government, that will enable them to cultivate the soil.

            I have no other recommendations to offer than those contained in my last annual report, except in relation to the reduction of the Pyramid and Walker River reserves. At present they contain a large area of mineral land which is of no value to the Indians. Miners will not be debarred from working thereon. Already mines have been discovered, but none of which will pay to work at present. Future discoveries, however, may prove better; if so, then there would be no boundary to warn them " thus far thou shalt come and no further."

            I would propose that the reserves be resurveyed in such a manner as to exclude all mineral lands and the greater portion of both Pyramid and Walker lakes, and include within the reserves so much of the lakes as is necessary for fishing purposes, immediately adjacent to the mouths of the Truckee and Walker rivers, together with all of the arable land not contained within the limits of those reserves.

            On the 20th of April last I left the Walker River Indian reserve, in company with Mr. H. A. Thomas, for the purpose of visiting the Shoshone Indians in the southeastern part of the State.

            Our outfit consisted of a saddle horse apiece and one pack animal loaded with provisions and blankets.

            I found a majority of the Indians in that section camped in the vicinity of the mining towns.

            At Belmont, which is situated about one hundred miles southeast of Austin, I saw three hundred Shoshone Indians.

            They have but a limited knowledge of the Indian Bureau—never having received any presents or promises—and I thought it best as I had nothing to give to hold no official intercourse with them, but confine myself to observing their condition.

            Physically and mentally, they are much inferior to the Pi-Utes ; and I regret to remark the absence of that rigid morality and virtue which characterize the latter. I found a majority of them working for wages, and that the white men generally concur in giving them a good name for honesty and industry.

            At Belmont I fell in company with Mr. H. Butterfield, special Indian agent, who afterwards accompanied me in my travels. From Belmont we pursued an easterly course for a distance of ninety miles, which brought us to the base of what the Indians call in their language " Big Pine Mountains." The name is applied to the mountains from the unusual circumstance of their being covered with pine and fir timber suitable for making lumber.

            On the eastern slope of this range we found located upon a fine mountain stream a camp of thirty Indians. We were considerably surprised to find them, many of whom had never seen a white man before, engaged in cultivating the soil.

            They had from three to four acres planted with squashes, beans, corn, &c. The ground was under good cultivation, and the facilities for irrigating were perfect.

            They told Mr. Butterfield (who speaks the Shoshone language fluently) that they had planted there for several years ; and had obtained the seed from Indians who live in the vicinity of the southern Mormon settlement. I gave them an assortment of garden seed which I fortunately had with me, consisting of carrot, turnip, sweet corn, watermelon, &e., and assisted them to plant some of each of the different kinds.

            I also gave them a shovel, with which they were highly pleased, as sharp sticks were their only implements.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         173

            They were nearly naked, and appeared to be in a half-starved condition, which I am inclined to believe accounts for their industry. The agricultural land that came under my observation is very limited, and generally in bodies of less than fifty acres. I saw none suitable, either in quality or quantity, for an Indian reserve. The country possesses superior advantages for stock raising, but is almost entirely devoid of wild game.

            The chief dependence of the Indians for food is upon the pine nut tree.

            They seem to realize the benefits to be derived by the presence of the white man, and encourage in many ways the development of the country.

            Nearly all of the rich mines in the southeastern portion of the State were discovered and made known to the whites by them.

            An Indian in the camp last mentioned having some quartz that showed indications of silver, offered to take us to the lode, which was about 20 miles distant, for a blanket. The next day, while on our way to examine the mine, our guide pointed out to us the bones of his brother, who had died from starvation three years before. He also gave us further evidence of the poverty of the country by capturing a snake which he cooked and ate with evident relish.

            The lode proved worthless. At that place I separated from Mr. Butterfield, he starting for Pahranagat, 60 miles in a southeasterly direction, and I on my return to the Walker reserve, 230 miles distant, where I arrived on the 14th of June.

            I noticed, while travelling among the "pine nut timber," that the prospects for a large yield of nuts this autumn were good.

            I estimate the number of miles travelled on the trip at 800, the number of Shoshone Indians seen at 450, none of which have ever received any benefits from the government.

            They properly belong to the "Western Shoshone band," but have no knowledge of any treaty obligations existing between them and the government.

            I would advise that clothing to the value of $1,000 and a few garden tools be taken into that country and issued to those Indians.

            Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANKLIN CAMPBELL,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. H. G. PARKER,

            Supt. Indian Affairs, Carson City, Nevada.

____________

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 42.

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH,

Great Salt Lake City, August 22, 1867.

            SIR: I have the honor to submit my annual report of the general condition of Indian affairs within the Utah superintendency for the past year.

            The number of Indians within the superintendency who receive care and aid from the government, as near as from careful estimates can be ascertained, is 21,250. These Indians, with the single exception of a small number of Bannacks, as hereafter noticed, all belong to two nations, the Utahs and the Shoshones. Although divided into a great number of petty tribes, with independent tribal organizations, and often formerly at war with each other, all speak dialects of either the Utah or Shoshone language, thus evidencing their common origin and descent.

174      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

            The principal tribes speaking the Utah language, with the numbers of are as follows:

                        1.         Uintas           1,000               7. Pah Vants                1,500

                        2.         Timpanogs      800                  8. Pah Edes                   5,000

                        3.         San Pitches      400                  9. Pah Utes                  1,600  

                        4.         Yam Pah Utes  500                10. Pah Ranagats              700

                        5.         Fish Utes.        400                  Total                           11,300

                        6.         Goshen Utes   400                                                      =====

            The following are the principal tribes speaking the Shoshone language

                        1.         Eastern Shoshones                  2,000

                        2.         Northwestern Shoshones        1,800  

                        3.         Western Shoshones                 2,000

                                                                                    5,800

                                                                                    =====

            The following tribes speak dialects containing both Utah, Shoshone, and Bannack words

            1.         Cum-um-bohs, or Weber Utes : This tribe is formed from members of different Utah and Shoshone bands, the Utah element largely predominating in their language, and numbers about 650

            2.         Goships, or Gosha Utes : This tribe is similarly formed to that last named, the Shoshone element, however, largely predominating. There are also numerous Bannack words in their language, and many Goships marry Bannack squaws. They number about 1,100

            3.         Mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones : About three-fourths of this tribe are Shoshones, and one-fourth Bannacks. This tribe, as its name indicates, is formed from the two tribes last mentioned. Its members speak a language mostly of Shoshone words, although some of the more recent additions to the band speak only the Bannack tongue. This tribe numbers (Shoshones, 1,800 ; Bannacks, 600)   2,400

                                                Total                              4, 150

RECAPITULATION.

                                    Utah tribes                              11,300

                                    Shoshones                                 5,800

                                    Mixed tribes                               4,150

                                                                                    21, 250

                                                                                    ======

            The above classification is believed to be sufficiently in detail for the purposes of this report. There are, in fact, nearly fifty distinct bands, having chiefs and tribal organizations of their own, some bands numbering not over fifty persons. The smaller bands, for purposes of protection, usually form alliances with those more powerful, and with which they are included in the general classification above given.

            In addition to the Indians receiving care and aid from the government, there are two powerful bands, the Elk Mountain Utes and the She-be-retches, which range principally within the limits of this superintendency, and which number not far from 4,000 persons. These Indians occupy the southeastern portion of

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         175

Utah, south of San Rafael's river and east of the Wasatch mountains. They are wild and savage. Their country supplies them with game sufficient for their maintenance, and they are rarely seen in the settlements in this Territory. They are much visited by Spanish traders from New Mexico, and, whenever they leave their country for the purposes of trade, usually travel in that direction. Their country is but little known, and, unless mines of the precious metals should be there discovered, it seems improbable that it will be required for settlement for many years, and that for some years, at least, it will not be necessary for this government to notice or incur expense relative to these Indians.

            The total number of Indians within this superintendency, therefore, probably somewhat exceeds 25,000.

            By reference to my last annual report it will be observed that the numbers of the different bands are herein estimated at sometimes less and sometimes more than there stated. This is not owing to their numbers being essentially changed, but to the fact that during the past year I have been enabled to procure more accurate information than was in my possession at the date of my former report. From information derived from conversation with principal Indians in all parts of the Territory, and with other persons familiar with the facts, I am satisfied that the number of Indians in all the different tribes is gradually decreasing. The Indians themselves speak often of the fearful mortality which prevails among their children, nearly one-half of whom die in infancy, and scarcely one-fourth of whom live to mature years. The most common diseases prevalent among them are inherited from their parents, and are of a scrofulous or syphilitic character.

            The Uintas.—Sow-i-et, long the principal chief of the Uintas, by reason of mental and bodily infirmity and old age, has abandoned all participation in the, government of the tribe. His successor, Tabby, is a man of great intelligence, although not possessing that control over his men which would be desirable. The valley of the Uinta river, set apart in 1861 as an Indian reservation, was always claimed by the tribe as their hunting ground. Many of the Timpanogs, San Pitches, and Goshen Utes, who have since then removed to the reservation, preserve to a certain extent their tribal organization, while recognizing Tabby as chief. The quasi chieftainship of Tabby over these bands has seemingly reduced to a similar standard his control over his own Indians. Some few wild young men of his tribe have several times started on stealing expeditions, despite Tabby's endeavors to the contrary. He does not possess the moral courage, energy and determination of Washakee or Hanosh, who seem to possess the most absolute control over their respective tribes.

            The Pah Vants.—These Indians, under the control of chief Hanosh, are principally living near Corn creek, Fillmore, and Deseret, in central Utah. A considerable number are also scattered northwesterly from those points, as far north as the Great Salt Lake. They show much aptitude in agricultural labors, and Hanosh, with suitable encouragement, would make an excellent farmer. In May last I hired ploughed for these Indians 25 or 30 acres of land, and furnished them with seed grain. After the crops were in they performed all the labor in irrigating, &c., and the crop bids fair to be good. Although not yet harvested, I judge they will raise about 500 bushels of wheat and 200 bushels of corn, potatoes, &c. The whole, expense of this crop to the government has been about $100, and it will be of at least ten times that value towards maintaining the Indians. Hanosh is a thoroughly reliable Indian, and is more progressive, less wedded to the usages and traditions of his race, than any Indian I have known. He dresses like a white man, labors industriously about his crops, and endeavors to impress upon his men the idea that by laboring like the whites they can, like them, become independent and wealthy. During the past summer apprehensions were felt in the settlements near Fillmore that an attack might be made upon them by some of Black Hawk's hostile Indians. Hanosh sent

176      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

out a considerable number of scouts, who have been on duty for some months, to warn the settlers of the approach of their foes.

            The Pah Edes, Pah Utes, and Pah Ranagats.—These Indians occupy all the southern portion of the Territory. The numbers given in this report are designed to represent those bands living the whole or the greater portion of their time in Utah. There are considerable numbers of the same tribes belonging in Arizona and Nevada. These Indians are extremely poor, having no horses and few guns. They show considerable aptitude for agricultural labors. As before stated, they speak the Utah language, but although they can readily make themselves understood by the more northern Utah tribes, the language is in many respects different. Many words are regularly inflected; the terminations vary apparently according to fixed laws, and the language presents far more characteristics of a cultivated or written tongue than is usual among Indian dialects. Their wealth of legend and historical tradition is also far superior to that of any other Indians in the Territory. Many of the legends relative to the origin and early history of their race are extremely curious. It is worthy of note that these, in common with every tribe in the Territory, have a tradition relative to a flood occurring soon after man was created, and which swept off all the inhabitants of the earth except a single family, who were saved by living in a tree upon a very high mountain, or, as it runs among some of the tribes, by living in a canoe.

            The Shoshones.—The Eastern Shoshones are attached to the Fort Bridger agency, and are under the immediate supervision of Agent Mann, whose report is herewith transmitted. Washakee, their chief, is a remarkable Indian, possessing all the heroic and noble virtues of the Indian character. From the earliest transit of emigrants and miners across the continent to California and Oregon, he has never been guilty of an unfriendly act. This tribe usually spend the winter in the valley of the Wind river, in Dakota Territory. This valley abounds in game, and has been for generations the favorite hunting grounds of the Shoshones. Washakee is extremely desirous that this valley be at once set apart as a reservation, in order to prevent its occupation by settlers, who would soon cause the game to disappear. This question is intelligently discussed in the accompanying report of Agent Mann, whose views are worthy of consideration. In my opinion the entire valley of the Wind river should be at once set apart as a reservation. Washakee and his Indians, by their uniformly friendly course since the establishment of the overland mail to the Pacific, have greatly aided in its safe transmission for a distance of more than 600 miles; and deserve the kindly recognition and treatment of the government.

            The Western Shoshones.—These Indians inhabit western Utah and a part of eastern Nevada, the largest bands being at Deep creek, Utah, and Ruby valley, Nevada. At each of these points are about 600 Indians. They are the only Shoshones showing any inclination for agricultural pursuits. The Indians at Ruby valley raise each year many hundreds of bushels of wheat and potatoes, paying themselves for the ploughing of the land by working for the farmers, and taking the entire care and management of the crop.

            Mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones.—In another portion of this report, under the head of treaty stipulations, will be found some remarks relative to these Indians. They inhabit, during about six months in each year, the valleys of the Ogden, Weber, and Bear rivers, in this Territory.  A considerable portion of their number remain there also during the whole year, while others accompany the Eastern Shoshones to the Wind River valley to hunt buffalo. They claim as their country also a portion of southern Idaho, and often visit that region, but game being there scarce and the country mostly barren, their favorite haunts are as before stated.

            Other tribes.—There has been no change since my last annual report in the condition of the tribes who have not been specifically referred to in this report.

 UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.        177

UINTA RESERVATIONS.

            Since the 1st of October last the agency at this point has been under the immediate care of Agent D. W. Rhodes, whose annual report is herewith transmitted. This reservation is something over 80 miles square, although it contains but a very small area of land suitable for cultivation. A much greater proportion is suited for the raising of stock. The northern and eastern boundaries of the reservation are elevated from 8,000 to 10,000 feet above the sea level, whence the surface descends gradually to the Green river. Climate among the mountains is simply a question of altitude. In the more elevated portions of the reservations frosts occur nearly every night during the year. In the lower portions corn, peaches and grapes could be cultivated to advantage.

            The farm which has been opened for the Indians was located at a point which experience has demonstrated is too much elevated for the successful culture of corn and other cereals which should form a portion of the crops. Wheat, turnips and potatoes can be grown to advantage. It will, doubtless, be best to open another farm the coming season at a point some 16 miles down the valley, where the season is nearly two months longer than at the present location.

            It has been contemplated by the acts of Congress relative to the subject to locate all the Utah tribes upon this reservation. Funds have not been provided, however, to carry forward this project with rapidity. The reservation is accessible only by crossing high ranges of mountains which cannot be traversed except during three or four months of each year ; even then the roads are rough and difficult. The nearest settlement is 100 miles from the agency buildings. The Indians are poor, and game is not sufficiently abundant to afford more than a small proportion of their food. It will not be economical to remove the Indians to the reservation until agricultural operations are sufficiently advanced to insure their principal supply of food from the crops grown upon the reservation ; were they removed prior to that time their supplies of food must be transported to them at an average expense of about five cents per pound, which would nearly double the cost of their support. No appropriation was made for the purpose of locating the Indians upon the reservation during the year ending June 30, 1867, and the expenses of the agency have thus been thrown upon the fund for incidental expenses, which fund, even without such burden, was insufficient for the requirements of the service. For the current year an appropriation of $15,000 was made, which will enable considerable progress to be made towards preparing the reservation for a home for the Indians.

            A treaty was made in 1865 by Superintendent Irish with nearly all the bands of Utah Indians, pursuant to instructions from the Indian bureau, contemplating their removal to the reservation at an early day. To carry out the provisions of this treaty would require a specific appropriation of about $20,000, and an annual appropriation of $42,600. It was also provided that the government should sell four Indian reservations, containing in all 291,480 acres, for the benefit of the Indians, and that if such lands did not reach an average price of 62 1/2 cents per acre, should appropriate money sufficient to make up the deficiency. This would ultimately require an appropriation of at least $150,000, as the greater portions of the land are, and ever will be, utterly worthless.

            In view of the number of Indians who will be affected by the treaty, its provisions do not seem unnecessarily liberal. The treaty has never been confirmed, nor has any action been had regarding it. Although it has been repeatedly explained to the Indians that the treaty was not binding until ratified by the Senate, they do not seem to comprehend the matter, and are much dissatisfied that it is not in effective operation. It is certainly desirable that a treaty be made with the Utah Indians by which their title to the lands within the Territory be extinguished and they be permanently located upon a suitable

178      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

reservation. For this and the reasons above detailed I would urge that either the treaty already made be confirmed, or that a new treaty be made and confirmed as soon as practicable. Pending such action an annual appropriation should be made sufficient to carry forward the project of making upon the reservation a permanent home for all the Utah tribes.

TREATY STIPULATIONS.

            Treaties were made in 1863 with the three principal bands of Shoshones, with the Goships, and with the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones. The Eastern Shoshones receive an annuity of $10,000; the northwestern and western bands an annuity of $5,000 each. The greater portion of such annuities are expended in the purchase of goods, principally blankets and articles of clothing. The appropriations are sufficient to clothe the Indians comfortably, with the aid of the skins and furs which they procure by hunting.

            The Goships receive an annuity of $1,000, which is entirely insufficient for their wants, and considerable amounts of goods are furnished them in addition from those purchased from the fund of incidental expenses.

            The treaty with the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones is somewhat peculiar. Treaties were first made with the three principal bands of Shoshones, by which the government bound itself to pay to them the specified annuities before named. A treaty was then made with the mixed bands, which simply provided that they should share in the annuities of the Shoshones.  Were this treaty carried out, it seems difficult to reconcile its provisions with the exercise of good faith towards the Shoshones. A portion of their annuities would be diverted from them without their consent. The mixed bands have observed their treaty with scrupulous fidelity. As the least of two evils, a small proportion of the Shoshone annuity goods were, during the past year, distributed among them, with others purchased from the fund for incidental expenses. This was not, however, just to the Shoshones, and should not be repeated. In my estimate for the coming year will be found an item of $5,000, for fulfilling treaty stipulations with the mixed bands, and which will be sufficient to nearly place them on an equality with the smaller bands of Shoshones. It is impossible to dispute the justice of this appropriation, and I trust it may receive the favorable consideration of the department and of Congress.

INDIAN HOSTILITIES.

            In my last annual report mention was made of a series of depredations by Black Hawk, a hostile Utah chief, who, with a small band of outlaws from the different tribes of Utah Indians, was engaged in active hostilities. He has never had above 100 men ; but, by watching opportunities to steal cattle from the weaker settlements, has accomplished much mischief. During the past year his depredations have been continued, but with much less success and frequency than before. Periods of several months elapsed during which he was not heard from. I have sent at many different times Indian runners to Black Hawk, asking him to meet me with a view of establishing peace, but have never been able to meet him until a few days since. On the 12th instant I received a telegram from Agent Rhodes, advising me that he was upon the Uinta reservation. I at once set out to meet him, and returned yesterday, after a very satisfactory interview. Black Hawk was alone, his band being in the southern portion of the Territory. He has pledged himself to immediately return to his band, stop all depredations, and meet me with all the Indians heretofore hostile upon the Uinta reservation. He says that himself and his Indians are tired of fighting, and desirous of a permanent peace. I believe him to be entirely sincere, and am confident no further trouble will be had with him or his band. His depredations since my last report have been inconsiderable, being confined to petty

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         179

stealing raids. Several times, however, when cattle have been stolen from the settlers, they have pursued him and conflicts have occurred, in which, in all, 10 or 12 whites and probably an equal number of Indians have been killed.

            With the exception of Black Hawk's band, all the Indians within the superintendency during the past year have been entirely friendly. There have been a few instances of petty thieving, nothing of a more serious character. I have no hesitation in making the statement that no white population of equal numbers in any of the newer States or Territories can show so small an aggregate of crime.

EDUCATION AND WEALTH.

            There are no schools of any kind kept or established among the Indians within this superintendency. In several instances single Indians have been sent to the schools by settlers and afforded opportunities for acquiring an education, but as yet without satisfactory results.

            The wealth of the Indians consists principally of ponies, of which some tribes have considerable numbers. During the year I have endeavored to ascertain the number of ponies among the different bands, and should fix it as follows :

            In many instances the number is exact ; in others, based on reliable estimates.

                                    Eastern Shoshones                                675

                                    Northwestern Shoshones                      140

                                    Western Shoshones                                80

                                    Weber Utes                                             70

                                    Goships                                                   50

                                    Pah Vants                                              175

                                    Uinta Utes       )                      

                                    Yampah Utes   )                                   1,100

                                    Fish Utes         )                      

                                    Total number                                      2,290

                                                                                                ======

            The value of these ponies, with their rude saddles and accoutrements, would be about $68,700 ; being an average value of $30 each.

            The furs, robes, and skins taken by the different tribes annually are of the value of about $35,000. Of this amount the Eastern Shoshones and the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones furnish about $20,000 ; their buffalo robes being a valuable article of traffic. No other tribes furnish any buffalo robes. The Indians upon the Uinta reservation take annually about $7,000 in value of buckskins and beaver skins. Nearly all the other tribes of Indians take small numbers of buckskins and beaver skins, the value of which in the aggregate I place at about $8,000.

            From the above statistics it will be observed that the Indians are all extremely poor.

            The income of the most wealthy tribes does not average above $5 for each individual annually. The country occupied by many of the tribes is nearly a desert ; a few valleys capable of subsisting game or suitable for agriculture are occupied by settlers, whose presence has caused the game to become extinct. The Indians must be fed by the government, or by the settlers. If this be done, no trouble need be apprehended ; if not done, like their superiors in civilization, they will steal before they will starve. This leads to pursuit, recrimination, and war.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

            The principal agricultural operations are in connection with the Uinta agency. Here, however, owing to want of means, but little has been accomplished. The

180      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

Pah Vants and Western Shoshones also cultivate a small area of land. The principal products are as follows :

                                    Acres.              Bushels.                       Value.

            Wheat             60                    1,400                           $2,800

            Potatoes           25                       800                                800

            Turnips            20                    2,000                             2,000

            Hay                  40                         40 tons.                    1,000

                                                                                                  6,600

            By aid of the appropriation of $15,000 for the current year, I anticipate that the agricultural products will be at least quadrupled upon the Uinta reservation.

            From the foregoing general view it will be observed that the condition of Indian matters within this superintendency is highly satisfactory. I apprehend no difficulty hereafter in preserving with all the tribes the most entire tranquillity. Owing to the general decline in prices consequent upon the restoration of peace, the appropriations go much further toward supplying the wants of the Indians, both as to goods and provisions, than during the war.

            A continuance of the liberal and kindly policy heretofore pursued by the government towards its Indian wards cannot fail to be attended with the happiest results ; results which, while attained at infinitely less cost, both of money and of life, than those clamored for by the advocates of military extermination, are at the same time far more in accordance with the dictates of enlightened public sentiment and Christian civilization.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 43.

UINTA INDIAN AGENCY, UTAH TERRITORY,

July 31, 1867.

            SIR : I have the honor, in conformity with the regulations of the department, to submit this, my first annual report of the condition of Indian affairs within my jurisdiction, and regret that I am unable to give as favorable a report as might otherwise be made had the stipulations in the treaty of 1865 made between the government and the Indians been ratified by the former.

            That treaty (a synopsis of which will be found in the Commissioner's report of 1865, page 150) provides that if the Indians will relinquish their right of possession to all the lands within the Territory of Utah occupied by them, they shall not only receive certain annuities, but shall be provided with sums sufficient to establish schools, erect grist and saw mills, procure agricultural implements, build houses for employes, mechanics' shops, &c., &c.

            It also provides that for their benefit the United States will sell the present reservations, viz : Spanish Fork, San Pete, Corn Creek, and Deep Creek, in all 291,480 acres, for not less than 62 1/2 cents per acre.

            The condition of the treaty, so far as the Indians are concerned, I can safely say have been complied with to the letter. They have removed to the country set apart by the general government, behaving themselves with commendable

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         181

propriety and forbearance, looking expectingly and hopefully forward to the time when " Washington" will perform his part of the agreement, which they felt would be readily and promptly complied with.

            That treaty still remains before the Senate unconfirmed, and the lands unsold, whilst the Indians are left to depend almost wholly upon what they can obtain from hunting and roots, with the exception of a meagre support from the government, for you will remember that last year no appropriation at all was made for this agency.

            "Tabby," the chief, who is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and a firm friend of the white man, seems to think that, his tribes having complied with the provisions of the treaty themselves, their " Great Father" at Washington has either forgotten, or is content to let matters remain in statu quo, rather than fulfil his part of the conditions ; but should war break out between the whites and Indians, or should they be induced to join Black Hawk's band, (which they have been frequently urged to do,) he would see his folly in not keeping his word. I am quite well convinced that unless more attention is paid to what they term their "grievances," or some satisfactory reason given to them why the stipulations have not been complied with, the Utahs will hereafter prove restive and difficult to manage.

            This year I understand Congress made a special appropriation of $15,000. I have also understood that one-half of this appropriation would be forwarded in goods, and the balance in money. Should a similar appropriation be hereafter made, I think it would be more advantageous were at least two-thirds thereof furnished in cash and one-third in goods.

            My reasons for this suggestion are these. The agency being located 90 miles from the nearest settlement, and over an almost impracticable road, it usually requires all our money to pay freights which should be expended in provisions, cattle, &c., for the use of the agency. We need, moreover, more buildings, mechanics' tools, ploughs, wagons, &c., &c.

            There are now on the agency six log huts or cabins, all of them single rooms save one. With a single exception these buildings have not cost the department a dollar, as they were erected by the soldiers stationed here in 1865—'6, one only being built by Agent Kinney out of the $30,000 appropriation, May 5, 1864. There is not a building or room even appropriated to one of the Indians, all being occupied by the employes.

            I consider that the present buildings are neither suitable nor appropriate for the wants of the agency. Above all things we need constantly a good blacksmith, with shop and tools, to mend and repair wagons and agricultural implements, which are fast wearing out.

            Under the present condition of things, I would respectfully suggest that the Senate either ratify the treaty now before them, or take steps to enter into new covenants with the Indians.

            Respecting the present reservation, I would say that the general government having set apart the country drained by the Uinta river and its tributaries, extending from the Wasatch range of mountains to the Green or Colorado rivers, a distance of 150 miles east and west, by 80 miles north and south, as a reservation for the permanent settlement of these Indians, it is more than ample for them all; at present contains considerable game in the eastern portion, and is well supplied with wood, water, and grass.

            But even these are not sufficient for the wants of at least 1,200 Indians. Our winters are very severe, usually extending eight or nine months in the year, and as the government does not sufficiently provide for them they are compelled to roam, as they do, through all the settlements, to the annoyance and burdensome taxation of the people.

            Many are inclined to petty thefts, and I am sure their intercourse with the whites is not likely to improve their condition.

182      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

            At the agency they are exemplary and temperate in their habits, and with proper assistance could readily be taught to take great interest in agriculture that, combined with schools, would soon enable them to obtain a living for themselves.

            In regard to crops we have put in about 35 acres of wheat, five acres of oats, 20 acres of turnips, and two acres of vegetables. All promise well with the exception of about six acres of wheat, destroyed by the spring freshet. Also dug a ditch a mile in length, capacitated to irrigate 300 acres of land ; have sufficient posts on hand, and I am now hauling lumber to fence the present crop. I am convinced the Indian will labor if he can be led to understand that he is not to be made the victim of misdirected energy by laboring in vain. I have abundant evidence that many of them will make good farmers, in order to become which they need only to be encouraged.

            I cannot too strongly impress upon the department the necessity of removing the agency and farm some 60 miles further south on the Uinta, where the climate and soil are better adapted to raising everything, especially corn, what the Indians most require for subsistence. Here the season is too short for successfully growing anything but wheat and turnips, the altitude being some 1,600 feet above that of Uinta. The present crops will, however, more clearly demonstrate the fact, as they were put into the ground as soon as ploughing could be done, and before the snow had disappeared from the valley.

            I would also urge the necessity of forwarding money and goods earlier than heretofore, because the agency is accessible only about three months in the year, on account of the snows in the Wasatch range.

            In conclusion, want of religion and education are their most grievous defects, and without the further aid of government they must long remain in ignorance and superstition ; but with its assistance, say the confirmation of the treaty, they can be made a self-sustaining people, and I have but little doubt that from four to five thousand of them could readily be gathered from eastern Utah and permanently settled on the reservation, and a quietus put upon their roving propensities.

            The saw-mill is in good running order, but at present no sale for lumber.

            Believe me, very respectfully, yours, &c.,

D. W. RHODES, Agent.

Colonel F. H. HEAD,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 44.

FORT BRIDGER AGENCY, UTAH TERRITORY,

July 29, 1867.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report relative to the condition of the eastern band of the Shoshones, for the year ending June 30, 1867 :

            Immediately after the distribution of their annuity goods last year, they left this agency for their bunting grounds in the Popeaugie and Wind river valleys, the only portion of the country claimed by them where they can obtain buffalo.

            While there they live well, and are generally healthy.

            From the buffalo robes and other skins and furs obtained by them during the past hunting season, I estimate, from the best knowledge I can gain, they have realized some $10,000, and their present comfort has been greatly increased by the addition of a large amount of skins and furs, used for their lodges and clothing.

            Early last spring the near approach of hostile Sioux and Cheyennes compelled them to leave before they could prepare their usual supply of dried meat

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         183

for summer use, and upon their arrival at the agency they were almost destitute of provisions.

            I at once commenced issuing to them the flour and beef procured from you by the exchange of goods, and they were so well pleased with the exchange thus made, I would recommend that $2,000 of their annuity be, in the future, paid in money, to be used in the purchase of beef, cattle, and flour, to feed them during their stay at the agency.

            These Indians have faithfully observed the stipulations of the treaty made with them in 1863, and since my last annual report there has been no departure from a uniform line of good conduct.

            On the 8th of June, I assembled all of the tribe within reach, and made the annual distribution of goods, which was perfectly satisfactory to them, and they have since gone to the valley of the Great Salt Lake, as is usual with them, preparatory to their return to their hunting grounds in the autumn.

            I would call your attention to the fact that the goods distributed this summer were those which arrived last year after the departure of the Indians from the agency, and the goods intended for the distribution of 1867 it is probable will not reach here until too late to be given out before the summer of 1868.

            Their sanitary condition remains good, and there has been but little change in their numbers, either from mortality or accessions from other bands.

            From careful inquiry among them, I estimate the present number of Washakee's tribe at about 2,000 souls, being an increase of 100 since my last report.

            In former reports I have recommended the setting apart of a reservation for the Shoshones in the valley of Wind river. For various reasons I would still urge the propriety of doing so.

            The abundance of nutritious grasses, in connection with the mild winters, would enable them to subsist their stock during the entire year, and situated in the best game region of the mountains, they could furnish themselves with an ample supply of meat.

            Their occupancy of the valley, with suitable protection from the government, would prevent the raiding war parties of Sioux from interfering with the development of the mines just discovered and being opened in the vicinity of South Pass, where, within a few days, a large party of miners were driven away by a small band of hostile Indians, after three or more of their number had been inhumanly murdered.

            The entire range of country west from the South Pass to the Mormon settlements on Weber river is almost destitute of game, and while these friendly Indians are obliged, during the summer months, to subsist on the small game of this vast area of sage brush, the powerful and hostile Sioux are roaming unmolested over the beautiful valleys east and north of the Wind river chain of mountains, with grass and game at their disposal, which enables them to murder and rob with impunity the soldiers near their garrison, the almost defenceless emigrant crossing the plains in search of a new home, and the hardy miners who are toiling to develop the mineral resources which constitute the base of our national wealth.

            I would again call your attention to the mixed bands of Bannacks and Shoshones that range in the northern part of Utah and the southern portion of Montana, to whom I have heretofore referred.

            Although holding themselves entirely aloof from the eastern bands of Shoshones in regard to their tribal arrangements, they do, for the purpose of protection, accompany each other to their hunting grounds east of the Rocky range, and the most friendly feeling still exists between them.

            It affords me pleasure to say that these Indians have abstained from any act of hostility towards the whites since my last report. They accompanied Washakee on his recent visit to the agency, and were present at the distribution of goods to him.

184      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

            In view of their friendly relations and their great destitution, I would recommend that an appropriation of $8,000 in goods and $2,000 in money be made annually to supply their wants while they continue friendly.

            Should the appropriation be made, and the department deem it advisable, they could be placed under the protection of this agency.

            I strongly recommend that some provision be made for the erection of an agency building at this agency, as soon as practicable, and trust that its importance will be sufficient excuse for urging it upon the attention of the department.

            For agency purposes I am now using one of the buildings erected by the military department. It is in a very bad condition and utterly unfit for the protection of the annuity goods, which I am compelled to retain for more than six months after their arrival.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LUTHER MANN, JR.,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. F. H. HEAD,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.

__________

No. 45.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Great Salt Lake City, Utah, July 10, 1867.

            SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of report made by Special Agent Lewis Simmons, on his return from his trip in search of Black Hawk, the hostile Ute chief. By reference thereto you will observe that he was unable to accomplish the end sought for, but I am satisfied from his report and from conversation with him that he did all that could be done, acting in his search upon the best information he could obtain. A person unfamiliar with the country can scarcely form an idea of the great difficulty of getting reliable information of the whereabouts, and of finding (unless the Indians wish it) the roving bands of Indians scattered through the vast mountain region from the Black Hills to the Pacific. This difficulty will doubtless be better and more expansively illustrated by the military operations during the present summer in the department of the Platte than has ever before been done in our history.

            At once, on the return of Mr. Simmons, I advised him of the contents of your communication of the 23d of May last.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD, Superintendent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

___________

No. 45 1/2.

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,

July 9, 1867.

            SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 20th day of April last, pursuant to instructions contained in your letter of April 19, I left this city for the purpose of procuring, if possible, an interview with the hostile chief, Black Hawk, and inducing him to meet you, and refrain from further depredations.

            At Corn creek, 160 miles south of this place, I had an interview with Hanosh, chief of the Pah Vants, relative to my proposed business. He gave me every assistance in his power, and informed me that from his latest information he believed Black Hawk to be encamped on the Colorado, near the junction of the

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         185

Green and Grand rivers. I then proceeded to Cedar City, about 150 miles south of Corn creek, at which place, and at Parawan, I had interviews with bands of Pi-Ede Indians, all of whom agreed with Hanosh as to the location of Black Hawk. From Cedar City I went easterly along the Kanara river to a large valley, sometimes called Buey's valley, which is east of any settlements, and where I assembled about 200 Indians, about 50 of whom were warriors belonging to the band known as Buckskin Mountain Utes. I remained several days with these Indians, to whom I gave the greater portion of the presents with which you had furnished me. They were, at first, unwilling to accompany me in my search for Black Hawk, stating that owing to some of their number having last year given to the settlers information of an intended raid by Black Hawk, the latter was greatly enraged, and had threatened to kill any of the tribe whom he could find. At length, however, I persuaded three of the best hunters among them to go with me as guides. We crossed the Wasatch mountains without a trail at a point northeasterly of Buey's valley, and came upon the Pired river, a small tributary of the Colorado. We followed this to its junction with the Colorado, and proceeded up the latter stream to its head, it being formed by the junction of the Green and Grand rivers. After leaving Buey's valley we did not see a single Indian, or any sign of their recent presence, although we watched therefor with the greatest care, and also ascended numerous high peaks commanding extensive views of the country around to watch for smoke from their camp fires. We were, therefore, forced to the conclusion that Black Hawk had left the region where I had expected, from the best attainable information, to find him. My guides and other Indians had told me that he was expecting to go south and steal cattle from some of the small settlements on the Rio Virgin, and as I could not get information of his being gone in any other direction, I judged it most probable that he had gone upon that expedition. We therefore travelled back, down the Colorado, until we had reached a point nearly east of St. George, where we crossed the Wasatch mountains by Smith's Pass, and struck the Rio Virgin near a small settlement called Pocketville. Before reaching this point my Indian guides left me, returning to their tribe. On reaching Pocketville I secured some Pi-Ede guides, with whom I travelled a considerable distance, both up and down the Rio Virgin, (probably about 100 miles,) visiting several Indian camps, but being entirely unable to learn anything regarding Black Hawk, all the Indians stating that he had not been seen or heard from in that part of the country, and that they believed him to be east of the Colorado. Taking a few Indians as guides, I again crossed the Wasatch mountains and proceeded to Fish lake, where was a camp of Pi-Edes. I here obtained the first definite intelligence of Black Hawk. Two of the Indians here had recently returned from a hunting expedition, during which they had visited Black Hawk's camp. He is now encamped a short distance east of the eastern terminus of the Elk mountains, and directly south of South Park, in Colorado Territory. He has with him about 60 men, about one-half of whom are Navajoes, and the balance renegades from various bands of Utah Indians. A small scouting party came a short time since to San Pete county, in this Territory, where they killed two men and got a small number of horses. My informants further stated that the Navajoes with Black Hawk were opposed to coming to Utah to steal horses, claiming that they could get them nearer and with less trouble and risk, and that they thought it doubtful whether Black Hawk would return the present summer. In view of this information I did not deem it best, at least without further instructions, on spending more time in searching for Black Hawk's band. To reach his camp would involve a journey of upwards of 500 miles, through a country almost unexplored save by trappers, and unsafe unless with a party of ten or twelve well-armed men. I therefore travelled northwest from Fish lake until striking the east fork of the Sevier river, which I followed until reaching the settlements. My Pocketville Indian guides accompanied me

186 REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

to Parawan, where I gave them a few bushels of wheat, being unable to buy any flour. In crossing the Wasatch mountains, the last time, we were obliged, upon the summit, to travel several miles over snow probably averaging 10 feet in depth. The sun had softened the snow so that it was entirely impassable, except from about midnight until sunrise, when a crust would be frozen upon which our horses could travel. While thus crossing we encountered a severe storm of snow and hail, and were nearly frozen. I caught a severe cold, which resulted in a slight attack of lung fever, rendering me unable to travel for ten days. On reaching the settlements I came at once to this city, where I arrived on the 30th day of June.

            I regret extremely that I was not able to accomplish more towards carrying out your instructions, but at the same time feel sure that nothing more could have been accomplished. I travelled upwards of 1,200 miles, the greater portion of the route over mountains and following Indian trails. The trip was made still more difficult by reason of the high waters, the mountain streams being much swollen and difficult to cross.

            Very respectfully, yours,

LEWIS SIMMONS,

Late Special Agent.

F. H. HEAD, Esq.,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 46.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH,

Great Salt Lake City, July 30, 1867.

            SIR : I observed among the telegrams published in our papers here, an exceedingly meagre synopsis of your report, made during the recent special session of Congress, relative to the causes of the present Indian war. Washakee and the other principal chiefs of the Eastern Shoshones visited me a few days since, and I bad a conversation with them relative to the same subject. I write you regarding this, thinking the views of Washakee, who is undoubtedly the most sagacious, honorable, and intelligent Indian among the uncivilized tribes, might be of interest to you, especially as they would seem to corroborate your own, in every particular. Washakee said that the country east from the Wind river mountains, to the settled portion of eastern Nebraska and Kansas, had always been claimed by four principal Indian tribes—the Sioux, Arapahoes, Cheyennes, and Crows. That it was a country abounding in game, thus furnishing to the Indians an abundance of food as well as large quantities of surplus robes, skins and furs, by the sale of which they were made comparatively wealthy. That all the tribes inhabiting that region were contented and entertained towards the whites the most friendly feeling until the opening of what is usually known as the Powder river route to Montana, a road leaving the old express route near Fort Laramie and passing by a circuitous course to Virginia City. That all the Indians objected strongly to the opening of this road, knowing by experience that the game would, in consequence, soon disappear, but did not commence hostilities at once, since they were informed by the whites that there was no other way for them to go to the gold mines of Montana. That they soon found this was not true; that but few people passed over the road, but that forts were built, soldiers sent out to protect the road, and trains were often passing, but only to carry supplies to the troops. That the soldiers, too, gave the Indians whiskey, seduced from them numbers of their squaws, and otherwise maltreated them. And after mature deliberation the

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         187

Indians were satisfied that the road was only made to afford employment to the soldiers and to destroy their game ; that they must starve after a few years with the disappearance of their game, and that it was as well to die fighting as by starvation. They had accordingly all taken up arms, resolved to drive out the whites from their country or perish in the endeavor. I asked Washakee if the white traders had, by their conduct, in any way aided in the present state of affairs. He replied that they had not ; that the regular traders, licensed by the government, were nearly always good men, since they were under the control of the Great Father, but that there were great numbers of white men, thieves and murderers, who were outlaws because of their crimes, who had taken up their residences among the Indians, and were always inciting them to outrages ; often leading in their stealing raids.

            The views of Washakee, although somewhat crude as to the reason for keeping open the road, are in most respects entirely correct, and are the views of all disinterested men familiar with the subject. What is known as the Powder river road is one of the most complete and expensive humbugs of the day.

            Attention was first called to this road and its opening secured by certain speculators, owning or expecting to own certain lucrative toll-bridges, roads and ferries thereon. It was claimed to be many hundreds of miles shorter than the road via Fort Bridger. I have however myself conversed with numbers of freighters who have passed over the road, and without an exception they have stated that they would never go by that route again ; that although on a map it would appear shorter than the route via this city, yet that, by reason of the numerous detours, they believed it actually longer, and that it was a worse road in every respect, especially as it regards wood, water, grass, and streams difficult to cross.

            These reasons would of themselves have been sufficient to cause an abandonment of the route, but it was at this time found that the Missouri river, contrary to ancient theories, was navigable for light-draught steamboats. For the last two years all freight for Montana from the States has gone by the Missouri river. Had the Powder river road, therefore, been all that was at first claimed for it, it would have been abandoned by freighters, since freight could be taken by steamboat to Montana, profitably, at six to eight cents per pound, while land transportation would cost about three times such rates. In view of above facts it has at all times seemed to me most singular that the government should persist in keeping troops along a road abandoned by all freighters and emigrants, when the result of such a course, unless the Indians were induced to cede the right of way, could not fail to be an Indian war. I think it would be within bounds to say that every pound of freight taken over the Powder river road for the past two years has cost the government already at least $1,000, and the expense would seem to be but commenced.

            Many of the Indians within the superintendency, in the hunting expeditions, meet and converse with the hostile Indians. From their statements I feel entirely certain that if the troops were withdrawn from the Indian country, and a treaty made with the hostile Indians, guaranteeing them the occupation of the territory cut by the Powder river road, for a certain term of years, peace could be at once restored and kept. It has been the correct theory of our government that since the Indians do not make the highest use of the soil, we may take it from them after reasonable compensation, as fast as the same is needed for settlement. There is not, however, in all the vast region cut by the Powder river road, and now occupied by troops, a single settler or white person, other than the hangers-on of the army. No person, save the pure-minded, patriotic army contractors, would be injured by such abandonment. The many expenses for a single week would be sufficient to perpetually tranquilize the hostile tribes. At the expiration of 10 or 15 years, were it deemed advisable to open the country for settlement, arrangements could be made with the Indians accord-

188      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

ingly, either by setting apart certain portions as reservations, or by removing them to some suitable portion of our territory between Montana and Alaska.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD, Superintendent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 47.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, UTAH,

Great Salt Lake City, July 25, 1867.

            SIR: On the 17th of October last, I received from the commissioner a communication bearing date of September 24, enclosing copy of letter from N. P. Hall to the acting governor of Montana relative to certain bands of Bannacks and Shoshones, and instructing to direct Agent Mann to procure, through Washakee, all accessible information regarding such Indians.

            At the time of the reception of such instructions, Washakee and all his principal men had started on their annual buffalo hunt, and could not readily be reached. At once, on their return, about two months since, I transmitted to Agent Mann copies of the correspondence above referred to, and have just received his report, which is herewith transmitted. Washakee and several hundred of his principal men visited me a few days since, and I had a conversation with them relative to the same subject, from which I am satisfied that the Indians in question are the same bands usually known as the "mixed" or " broken bands of Bannacks and Shoshones," with whom the late governor Doty made a treaty at Soda Springs, October 14, 1863.

            From the best information I can get, I judge their number to be about 2,500; of whom about 1,500 are Shoshones and the balance Bannacks. They live and wander about together, and intermarry.

            The treaty made as above seems scarcely reconcilable with justice to the Shoshones. Treaties were made July 2 and July 30, 1863, with the eastern and northwestern bands of Shoshones, providing for annuities of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. By the treaty of October 14, 1863, at Soda Springs, it is provided that the mixed bands shall share in the annuities of the Shoshones, which in effect is a reduction of the Shoshone annuities below the amount agreed to be paid them, without their consent.

            The mixed bands have faithfully observed their treaty, and I invited, last fall, a portion of their number to be present and participate in the annuities of the northwestern Shoshones. I have also, during the past quarter, made them presents of goods and provisions to the value of about $2,000. I suggested to Agent Mann to let a portion of the tribe who were with Washakee participate in the Eastern Shoshones' annuities, but, from the report enclosed, Washakee evidently and sensibly objected to such arrangement.

            In my estimate for the coming year I shall include an item of $5,000 as being justly due the mixed bands, under treaty stipulations, and trust such suggestion may be favorably considered by yourself and by Congress.

            These Indians, to the number of nearly 2,500, have been for the past three or four months in northeastern Utah, scattered along the Bear river and through Cache and Bear Lake valleys. They spend about seven or eight months in each year within this superintendency, and the balance of their time in southern Idaho, where game is more abundant during the winter months.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD, Superintendent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

NEW MEXICO SUPERINTENDENCY        189.

No. 48.

FORT BRIDGER AGENCY,

Utah Territory, July 15, 1867.

            SIR : Your communication of June 3, in regard to the mixed bands of Indians who range about the head waters of the Yellowstone, Galitan, Madison, Snake, and Green rivers, around Bannack and Boise, frequently, in the Territory of Utah, was duly received. According to your request, I have had conversations with Washakee and other headmen of the eastern bands of Shoshones, also with Tahjee, the chief of the Bannacks, and find that there does exist a very large band of Bannacks, numbering more than 100 lodges ; I also find a few lodges of Shoshones with them. There also exists another band of Too-roo-reka, or Sheep eaters, a branch of the Shoshones, who live almost entirely in the mountains, and very seldom visit the white settlements. The last-named band speak the Shoshone dialect; the former have a dialect of their own. All of these Indians are very poor, and require the fostering hand of the government. They are very friendly, and desire to cultivate the most friendly relations with all whom they meet. Large numbers of Bannacks visit this agency every year. More than fifty of their lodges were present at the distribution, to the eastern band of Shoshones, of their annuities this year. I made a request of Washakee for them to share in the distribution of their goods, but he peremptorily refused.

            I also held a long conversation with the chief, Tahjee. He informed me that his Indians feel very much hurt to think that the Great Father had not made them presents, knowing, as they did, that all the Indians by whom they were surrounded were receiving goods every year. They claim that they are good Indians, and that the government ought to, in view of the fact that their country has been settled with the whites, give them a fair compensation for their loss. The settlements of Boise, Beaverhead, Bannack, and Virginia City, have driven them to seek for other hunting grounds, and they are compelled to travel a long, distance, and that too, in an enemy's country, where they are liable to lose their horses, the only wealth they possess. They informed me that they lost sixty head last winter.

            I would most earnestly recommend that some provision be made for them in the future.

LUTHER MANN, JR.,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. F. H. HEAD,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Salt. Lake City, U. T.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1867, pp. pp. 246-253]

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 73.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Boise City, Idaho Territory, August 2, 1867.

            SIR : In obedience to the requirements of the regulations of the Indian department, I have the honor to submit my second annual report of the condition of the Indian affairs in Idaho. From the best information I have been able to obtain, the number of Indians within the limits of this superintendency approximates to six thousand, and are of the following tribes, and about the numbers set opposite each tribe, viz :

                        Kootenay tribe                                     400

                        Pen d'Oreille                                       700

                        Cceur d'Alenes                                    300

                        Spokane                                              400

                        Nez Perces                                         3,000

                        Shoshones (three bands)                     400

                        Bannocks                                             800

                        Total                                                  6,000

                                                                                 ======

            Of these tribes the Kootenays and Pen d'Oreilles inhabit the extreme northern limits of the Territory. They are a wandering people, and diffuse themselves over portions of Washington and Montana Territories and the British possessions; indeed, can scarcely be said to have a local habitation, but roam over a large district of country north of the 48° parallel of latitude, and east and west of 116° of longitude. The Cceur d'Alenes and Spokanes inhabit the country between,

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.       247

the 47° and 48° latitude and 115° and 117° longitude, being near neighbors to the Kootenays at Pen d'Oreilles. South of them, and next on the map of Idaho, is the Nez Percés reservation, in charge of James O'Neil, United States Indian agent. Of these I will speak more at length further along in this report. Towards the centre of the Territory, in the neighborhood of " Warrens," is a small band of about 100 friendly Shoshones. At the junction of the south fork and main Boise river, and about 25 miles east of Boise City, is a district of country unoccupied by whites, to which I have sent the Boise and Bannock Shoshones ; they are under the direct care of Special Agent Charles F. Powell, who reports very favorably of the location for a temporary summer camp, but it probably would not be desirable in winter, as it is represented to be very cold. The Indians of the Boise and Bruneau bands number about 300 souls.

            In the southeast portion of Idaho is a large district of country inhabited by the tribe of Indians known as "Bannocks," who are an energetic athletic people, with considerable property, principally horses ; they follow the chase more or less, and although they claim to reside in that part of this Territory, yet they roam over a large district of country on the head waters of the Yellowstone, Wind river, &c., for the purpose of hunting buffalo and other game. Two small bands of this tribe, numbering about 75 persons, were found by the military at Camas prairie, in the month of June last, brought to Fort Boise and turned over to this superintendency for protection and safe keeping, it being understood that a body of citizens who had heard of them being there had organized fur the purpose of destroying them. For particulars I respectfully refer you to the monthly report of the condition of Indians for June, 1867. They are now under the charge of Special Agent Powell, with the Boise and Bruneaus.

            Touching the policy of the government in managing the Indian affairs of this superintendency, I have had no reasons for changing my mind since my last annual report. The necessity for two other reservations seems to me obvious—one in the southern and the other in the northern part of the Territory. During last summer James O'Neil, under my direction, made an examination of the northern part of Idaho, with the view of reporting upon the feasibility of establishing a reservation for the Coeur d'Alenes and Spokanes, and recommended a suitable place therefor. On the 15th of August, 1866, he reported upon the same, and submitted a plat of the country recommended. Both the letter and the plat were forwarded to your office, to which I respectfully refer you. In my opinion all the Indians within our boundaries, north of the Nez Percés, could be collected there. The Spokanes and Coeur d'Alenes desire it ; but my information in regard to the Pen d'Oreilles and Kootenays is not so reliable as I could wish—their remoteness from Boise City, and the difficulties to be encountered from bad trails and rugged country in travelling to see them, would require more time in visiting them than I have ever had at my disposal, having other duties requiring my attention at borne; but from the best information I can procure, I think the plan evidently feasible, and hope to see it carried out. The reservation heretofore set apart at Fort Hall, known as the " Shoshone and Bannock reservation," will accommodate all the Indians in middle and southern Idaho, and by reference to my report of the condition of Indians for June, 1867, you will perceive from the conversation there reported between myself and captains of the two little bands of Bannocks now here, that the probabilities are the Bannocks would all consent to be placed upon this reservation. This all accomplished, the Bannocks and the little bands of peaceable Shoshones at Fort Hall, the Kootenays, Pen d'Oreilles, Coeur d'Alenes, and Spokanes, at Lah-toh, and the Nez Percés pacified, I think would greatly assist the military in extinguishing the war now being waged throughout this country. It would separate the Indians from the whites, and the friendly from the hostile Indians, as well as be a nucleus around which to gather such of those now hostile as might be induced to lay down their arms and accept protection from the government. I think a rigorous civil

248      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

policy, carried out with energy, can be made a powerful engine in connection with the military arm, in ending this harassing and apparently endless war.

            On the 25th November, 1866, I transmitted to your office a plat of the reservation at Fort Hall, and have from time to time since then represented the necessity of placing the friendly Indians of southern and middle Idaho thereon, but as yet have received no instructions to do so. I regret that our relations with the Nez Percés is not so friendly as I would desire; their disaffection is great and serious trouble is imminent. It could all be settled by prompt payment by the government of their just dues, but if delayed to long I greatly fear open hostilities ; they have been patient, but promises and explanations are losing force with them now. A report of the council commenced with them on the 17th of last June having been heretofore forwarded to your office, I deem it unnecessary to repeat it here, but refer you to my monthly report of June, 1867, as well as to that of James O'Neil, United States Indian agent, for the Nez Percés of the same month, for all the material matter of that council.

            Their grievances are urged with such earnestness, that even " Lawyer," who has always been our apologist, has in a measure abandoned his pacific policy, and asks boldly that we do them justice. From all the facts obtained, it is apparent that had the government been prompt and just in its dealings with them, it would have given much power and prestige to the treaty party of the Nez Percés, and had a powerful influence in drawing the non-treaty party into the covenant. Even now it may not be too late, but if neglected, war may be reasonably expected. Should the Nez Percés strike a blow, all over our Territory and around our boundaries will blaze the signal fires and gleam the tomahawks of the savages. Kootenays, Pen d'Oreilles, Coeur d'Alenes, Blackfeet, Flatheads, Spokanes, Pelouses, Bannocks and Shoshones will be involved. Of the hostile Indians that infest our country nothing definite can be stated. They occupy no particular district of country, nor are they organized under any great tribal power; they are found in small parties here and there, wandering from place to place, aiming to avoid collision with military forces, and fall upon defenceless and unprotected communities. The southwestern portion of Idaho suffers most from these predatory bands, but they confine themselves to no particular locality, of course; they are a wild, vicious, wandering and warlike people, sometimes found in Idaho, sometimes in southern Oregon, and sometimes in northern Nevada. I have the honor to enclose herewith, copies of Agent O'Neil's report of the condition of the Nez Percés; his statistics of education ; statistics of farming; Doctor Stoners' report of the sanitary condition of the Nez Percés ; Mr. Thatcher's report of farming ; Mr. Thompson's report of milling ; and Dr. Wagner's report on the sanitary condition of the Boise and Bruneau Indians. All of which is submitted by,

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. BALLARD,

Governor and ex officio Supt. of Indian Affairs.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 74.

OFFICE NEZ PERCÉS INDIAN AGENCY,

Lapwai, July 10, 1867.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the condition of the Nez Percés Indians, and the agency under my charge : Since my last report, and up to some two or three months ago, no material changes were made in their usual course of conduct. I regret now to have to say that Nez Percés,

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.       249

whose boast has ever been that they were the friends of the government and of the whites, begin to show disaffection ; it is not confined to the non-treaty side alone, but it is showing itself among some of the leading chiefs and headmen on the " Lawyer's side." The disaffection began to show itself soon after the visit of George C. Hough, esq., special agent, last December, to obtain their assent to the amendments to the treaty of June 9, 1863. The non-ratification of that treaty had gone on so long, and promises made them by Governor Lyon that it would not be ratified, and that he was authorized to make a new treaty with them, by which they would retain all of their country, as given them under the treaty of 1857, except the site of the town of Lewiston ; they had also been informed in March, 1866, that Governor Lyon would be here in the June following to pay their back, annuities, due under the treaty of 1855. The failure to carry out these promises, and the idea they have that the stipulations of the treaty of 1863 will be carried out in the same manner is one of the causes of their bad feeling. It showed itself plainly at the council lately held, and, I think, is on the increase. If there is the same delay in carrying out the stipulation of the treaty of 1863 that there has been in that of 1855, some of the chiefs with their bands will join the hostile Indians. There are many things that it is impossible to explain to them, they cannot understand why the $1,185 that was promised to them by Governor Lyon, to the Indian laborers upon the church is not paid them; that he told them that when the walls were up they should receive their pay. I would respectfully recommend that enough be taken from the annuities that are due them to settle this matter—enough to pay them in coin the amount that is due. These laborers were poor men, and such inducements were held out to them that they commenced the work in good faith, with the full expectation of receiving their pay when their labors ceased. Another cause of complaint with "Lawyer," the head chief, is that he was promised as such head chief $500 per annum, that for the fourth quarter of 1863 and first and second quarters of 1864, he has received no pay. I wish you would call the attention of this department to this matter also.

            I have heard that Governor Wallace's accounts were settled. The liabilities for those three quarters are still unpaid, both for employes and supplies for the agency. I know for my part I cannot afford to lay out of what is due me for these three quarters ; neither can the employes ; our pay is small enough as it is.

            Soon after the first days of January and July the employes are paid off, "Lawyer" among the rest, in currency. During the quarter " Lawyer," as head chief, has had many of his chiefs to visit him ; he has subsisted them during such visits ; he also has his family (wife and children) to provide for, with clothing and other necessaries; he has run up a bill in some of the stores in Lewiston of $75 or $80; he takes one quarter's salary, which to him is $125, to pay that $80 in coin, he feels, and justly so, that he is not used well. I would respectfully ask that the money due for payments of the liabilities of the fourth quarter 1863, and first and second quarters 1864, be forwarded us—if not what is due for all outstanding accounts, enough to pay "Lawyer," and make it equivalent to coin, and that enough also be paid him to make his whole salary during the last few years equivalent to a coin salary.

            In my report to you for the month of June I wrote as follows, in regard to the council that has just closed : " The most of the other leading chiefs declined saying anything, leaving it for ' Lawyer' to do. ' Lawyer,' of course, in obedience to the commands of his chiefs, was compelled to speak in a manner foreign to his feelings; and I can here say truly that had not ' Lawyer' spoken as he did, had he shown in his speech the least inclination towards favoring the government in their non-payment of the annuities due his people, had he urged his people, as in times past, to, live up to this treaty as they had former ones, and to keep the laws as the Nez Percés ever had, he would not have lived forty-

250      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

eight hours after ; I know this to be true; I know that some of his own people would have killed him. As Little Dog, one of the chiefs of the Blackfeet, was killed for his friendship to the whites, so Lawyer would have been sacrificed." Since the above was written I can see the disaffection growing. In getting up my plans and estimates for carrying out the stipulations of the treaty of 1863 I was compelled to get all the information I could about the water-power on the Kamia, and the best locations for the mills and other buildings at that point. Some of the chiefs came to me and asked my authority for so doing, and if we were going to make them the same promises for two or three years, in regard to this last treaty, as had been done in that of the treaty stipulations of 1855. They had been told by Agent Hutchins in 1861, by Agent Anderson in 1862, by Governor Wallace and Messrs. Hale, Howe, and Hutchins, in 1863, and by myself and Major Truax, commanding Fort Lapwai, in 1864 and 1865, that the government had a big war on its hands ; that as soon as that was closed the stipulations made in the treaties with them would be faithfully carried out. They want to know if some " big war will not be again commenced to put off matters for a few years." I can truthfully say that these Indians will not be put off with promises any longer ; some of the leading chiefs (" Lawyer's" chiefs too) will fight if they do not see something done for them soon. The non treaty side use these arguments (these promises and non-payments) to urge them on to committing some act, which when commenced will be hard for them to back out of.

            The condition of the people in farming, in stock, and wealth, is good, and should they remain peaceable their prospects are bright ; their crops of wheat raised amounted to about 15,000 bushels. The report of Mr. Thompson, grist miller, shows 11,250 bushels ground at his mill up to 1st of July. Many of the Indians living on the Elpowawai carried their wheat to be ground to the mills on the Touchet, while many again sold the grain to packers for feed, while much of it is boiled whole for food. Some few of the better class have had their wheat ground, and sold the flour in the mining camps at lower prices than packers and others could lay it down in the same camps at. Some have small pack trains running through the summer; one in particular, Cru-cru-lu-ye, runs some 15 animals ; he sometimes packs for whites, and again runs on his own account. A Clearwater station merchant a short time ago informed me of his buying some oats of Cru-cru-lu-ye last fall of his own raising. After the grain had been weighed and emptied out of the sacks, the Indians brought the empty sacks to the scales to have weighed and the tare deducted, saying he only wanted pay for the oats. Their sales of melons, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, squashes, green peas, &c., during the summer, in the different towns and mining, camps, bring into the nation $2,000 or $3,000 ; their stock of horses and cattle is increasing fast, and with the benefits to be derived from good American stallions and good bulls and cows, to be distributed to them under the stipulations of the treaty of 1863, they will rapidly increase in wealth. Their crops this season will exceed that of last, although on some parts of the reservation the crickets have devoured everything. I had on the agency farms the following crops in, but not a particle of it will be saved : 25 acres of oats, 15 of wheat, 13 of barley, besides our melons, squashes, beans, &c. The only things left by the crickets for our use has been the corn, peas, and potatoes; the crop of wheat of last season, however, being so large, we shall have enough of that crop to carry us through this season. There was raised on the agency farm last year by the employes, on 18 acres of land, from 18 bushels of club wheat, 712 bushels.

            A fair improvement can be seen each year in the farms of the Indians, (the cultivation of the land and increased size of the farms ;) it is hard work, though, to get them to improve their fences ; that is a piece of work too laborious for the men to attend to. and the women have enough to do to get the crops in and cultivate through the summer.

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.       251

            In whiskey-drinking I cannot see any diminution ; when it becomes too strong and the chiefs do not get their share, they will then report the offender ; such cases, however, are not frequent.

            With the annual appropriations for the expenses of the agency, I try to keep things in as good order as possible, but the appropriations have not been enough for the purpose intended ; but under the provisions of the treaty of 1863, the additional appropriations called for will be sufficient. In consequence of the destruction of the grain crops I shall have to purchase some eight or ten tons of hay for feed for stock through the winter.

            Accompanying this you will find reports of physicians, superintendent of farming; and miller ; also statistics of education, of farming, and estimate of funds required for third and fourth quarters 1867, under treaty stipulations of June, 1855.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,       

JAMES O'NEIL,

United States Indian Agent.

His Excellency D. W. BALLARD,

            Gov. and ex officio Sup. Indian Affairs, Boise City, Idaho.

            A true copy :   

D. W. BALLARD,

Governor, ex officio, Superintendent Indian Affairs.

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No. 75.

RATTLESNAKE CAMP,

Boise County, I. T., July 31, 1867.

            SIR : On the 26th June, 1867, in obedience to instructions from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated May 9, 1867, I reported to D. W. Ballard, governor of Idaho, at Boise City, and on the 1st July, 1867, received a letter assigning me to duty, and instructing me as follows : 

OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Boise City, I. T., July 1, 1867.

            SIR : You are hereby assigned to duty with the Boise Bruneau and Bannock Indians, now in camp near this city. You will take charge of them immediately, and from time to time notify this office of their wants and necessities, that subsistence may be furnished in such quantities as may be deemed best, always bearing in mind that the strictest economy consistent with the good of the service and comfort of the Indians is necessary. You will also please report at the end of each month, the condition of the Indians, &c., together with the aggregate of issues made during the month. I have reliable information that about 20 miles above Boise City, on the north side of Boise river, there is a suitable camping ground ; you will please examine it, and if so, remove the Bannocks thereto at once, the Boise Bruneau to follow so soon as it may be deemed best.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. BALLARD,

Governor and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs.

CHARLES F. POWELL,

            Special Indian Agent.

            Also, on the 6th July, 1867, I received the following letter of instructions :

            SIR : In making issues to the Indians under your charge, I desire that you give your personal attention thereto, as well as to observe their manner of consumption, to the end that you may be able to report to this office the amount of subsistence absolutely required for their use, although in removing them to the new camp, they are deprived of the pittance they were able to procure by menial service about the city of Boise, yet it is hoped the supe-

252      REPORT ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

rior advantages for hunting and fishing at their new camp will fully compensate therefor, but of this you will be able to judge in a short time. Please report upon this subject at your earliest convenience.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D W. BALLARD,

Governor and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs.

CHARLES F. POWELL, Esq.

            U. S. Special Indian Agent.

            Pursuant to the above instructions, I made the following special report to Governor Ballard, on the 15th July, 1867 :

INDIAN CAMP, FORKS BOISE RIVER,

July 15, 1867.

            SIR : In obedience to your instructions in letters of 1st and 6th instant, in which I am assigned to duty with the Boise Bruneau and Bannock Indians encamped near Boise City, and instructed to select a camping ground about 20 miles above Boise City and remove the Indians thereto, and report their condition and the quantity of subsistence requisite for their comfort, I have the honor to report that on the 8th instant I arrived and pitched the Indian tents at the forks of the Boise river, about 30 miles from Boise City. The grass is very good, with some game in the hills and fish in the streams, though the waters are too high for successful fishing. At present the Indians kill some game, but perhaps not enough to compensate for the scraps they were able to pick up by doing jobs, &c., at Boise City. When the waters recede their fishing will be more successful. In issuing subsistence, I have endeavored to impress them with an idea of economy, and induce them to husband their supplies, but it is impossible to accomplish much in that way. An Indian will be an Indian ; give him a day's ration and he will try and eat it and waste it at a meal. Supply him for a week and he will endeavor to get rid of it in a day. Up to the present time I have made no issues except of flour and bacon, no other articles of subsistence having been turned over to me. I have issued to them at the rate of 120 pounds of bacon and 225 pounds of flour per day, which I think is sufficient for the present, but they should have a small supply of sugar, coffee, tea and rice, mainly for the sick ones, and as you do not allow a regular physician, I respectfully request that you furnish me a small supply of drugs and patent medicines, such as I can administer safely, for clearly defined ailments, such as diarrhoea, chills and fever, colds, coughs, &c.; there are undoubtedly some cases of consumption too. The Boise and Bruneau seem to be very insolent indeed, not caring to exert themselves, except when moved by hunger. The Bannocks are more enterprising and restless, given to athletic exercises and to the chase. They seem very anxious to get away from the present restraint, and indulge the wild freedom they have hereto enjoyed ; they are given to martial displays, dancing, beating drums, &c. My opinion is that there are many bad, vicious young men among them, but they all seem to respect their chief, Bannock John, and I think will obey his directions. These Indians should all be placed upon a reservation at once, and their habits corrected and mode of living changed as soon as possible. The camp now occupied will answer for them for the summer, but I think they and their stock would perish here in winter. Even now the days are quite cool and the nights frosty.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES F POWELL,

Special Indian Agent, I. T.

Hon. D. W. BALLARD,

            Governor and Superintendent Indian Affairs, Boise City, I. T.

            And on the 31st July, 1867, I reported as follows to Governor Ballard, ex officio superintendent Indian affairs :

RATTLESNAKE CAMP,

Boise County, July 31, 1867.

            SIR : Since my last report I found it necessary to remove the Boise Bruneau and Bannock Indians one mile from their former camp up the Boise river. The location is much better, with abundance of good grass, and streams from the mountains of pure water.

            I find many of the Indians have that fatal disease, consumption, and the small supply of medicines which was furnished me for their use, of great value in relieving their suffering. I have also to mention many cases of chills and fevers.

            Salmon they have caught many, and my endeavor is to have them prepared for winter use. The Indians, however, have no care, and are slow to learn or to be instructed ; they have their own peculiar way of doing things, and think theirs the best and most judicious.

            Bannock Jim, who had permission to visit Camas prairie, with a small number of his tribe, (Bunnocks,) returned on the 26th of July, with a small supply of camas and other roots, &c.

MONTANA SUPERINTENDENCY.            253

            I enclose, herewith, a copy of a note from a Mr. Cox, stating the killing of a white man, on Lost river, by three Snake Indians. I do not know who Mr. Cox is :

'' LONG TOM VALLEY,

" Alturas County, July 26, 1867.

            " Bannock Jim desires me to inform you that an Irishman who stole a wagon and set of harness from Big Camas prairie, and was making his way to Lemhi, was killed by three Snake Indians, and destroyed the wagon and what property they could not carry of He wishes me to assure you that they were not any of his tribe.

"H. P. COX.

"To INDIAN AGENT, Boise City."

            The Bannocks insist that they must be allowed to go on their buffalo hunt this fall, and assign reasonable grounds for the same, and say there is no certainty as to what the government will do for them, and that they must look out for themselves. By the chase they can procure meats and roots for winter ; if deprived of the privilege of doing so, they may starve or freeze, &c. I think if no definite instructions be received from the department at Washington within a month, it will be necessary to let them go. They say they will be friendly and true to the whites, and will meet me or any other United States Indian agent, at any time hereafter, or any place named, and talk as to a settlement upon a reservation.

            I submit this, my first monthly report for July, 1867.

CHARLES P. POWELL,

Special Indian Agent, Idaho Territory.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs.

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