[From Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1868, pp. 123-124]

No. 17.

OFFICE KLAMATH AGENCY, OREGON,

July 31, 1868.

            SIR : My third annual report is herewith submitted. The general condition of the tribes on this reservation has been quite as favorable to progress and the development of civilization during the last year as at any time since I took charge of this agency, in the autumn of 1865.

            The commencement of operations under the Klamath and Modoc treaty last fall, by which those Indians received annuity goods and a positive evidence of the government's intention to deal justly by them, inspired them with confidence and increased their zeal and industry. My extensive acquaintance with Indian tribes has discovered to me but few of greater promise than those now under my charge. Like other Indians they have their low and disgusting habits and mean dispositions, but their necessities in providing subsistence in the past have required activity, and consequently many of them are really industrious. Provided with the necessary implements of agriculture, comfortable dwellings, schools for the education of the young in manual labor and the useful sciences, ample provision being made for the promotion of their sanitary condition, their progress I predict will be rapid and permanent.

            In the infancy of operations under the treaty so much time is required to inaugurate a complete system of operations, the improvement is necessarily tedious and slow ; consequently it is impossible to report at this time much progress in furtherance of the objects of the treaty.

            The soil of the reservation suitable for cultivation is covered with an immense turf which requires near a year to become rotten, and the means of breaking prairie during the past season having been limited, enough could not be raised this year to subsist the Indians ; but I am quite confident that with the means now furnished enough ground can be broken by winter to allow the planting of a crop next season sufficient to feed all the Indians on the reservation. The saw-mill not yet being erected, no buildings suitable for hospital or school-houses have been erected, except some of rather a temporary nature, and physicians and teachers have only lately been appointed.

124 OREGON SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The Indians now in the reservation are the Klamath and Yahooskin-Snake tribes, and a division of the Modoc tribe, and a part of the Wolt-pah-pe Snakes, treated with on August 12, 1865. The Modoc high chief and a number of his people contentedly remain on the reservation, while another portion of his tribe, much attached to their old country and influenced by low whites, remain off. Military aid, considered essential in collecting them, has not jet been furnished. For a more elaborate explanation of the condition of this matter you are referred to my last three preceding monthly reports.

            During the year I have exerted myself towards the improvement of the moral condition of the Indians in this charge, and am gratified to find my labors in that direction crowned with much success. Gambling, always a fertile source of trouble, has been checked, and quarrels and altercations are far less frequent than formerly. A rigid enforcement of the rules and regulations has in fine secured a quiet state of things to that formerly existing on the reservation, and the future is filled with bright prospects which will be realized if the civil and military authorities should work in unison for the promotion of the designs of the government.

            A vigorous prosecution of the aims of the treaty will, during another year, find the plans of the government established on a complete working basis, and enable the agent to make a satisfactory report of the progress in agriculture and in the improvement of the moral and sanitary condition of the Indians on this reservation.

            You are very respectfully referred to the reports of the employes, accompanying this.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. APPLEGATE,

United States Indian Sub-agent.

Hon. J. W. PERIT HUNTINGTON,

Superintendent Indian Affairs in Oregon.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1868, pp. 143-159]

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 26.

CARSON CITY, NEVADA,

September 10, 1868.

            SIR: In presenting my third annual report on the condition of the Indians in this superintendency, I have but little to say that has not been said before, either in, my annual or monthly reports. I would respect-

144      NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.

fully refer the department to my report for 1866 for the number and classification of the different tribes in this superintendency. The number has not materially altered since that time. The hostile Indians in the north have been reduced some 350 within the last two years by losses in battle with the soldiers and citizens. At Walker River reserve several have died with fevers; the number of deaths about equalling the births. At Truckee River reservation, and on the Carson river, the Pi-Utes have increased, as far as I can ascertain, about 300. The Washoes have more than held their own, contrary to my expectations. In the aggregate, I find that with the friendly Indians there has been quite an increase in the western part of this superintendency. There has been no demonstration of a hostile character anywhere in this superintendency since the murder of the Pearson family in April last, and that was done by Indians belonging to the California superintendency, they making a raid over the line into this State, and returning to Pitt River valley, in California, without making a halt. I apprehend no further outbreak of the Indians anywhere in the superintendency. The progress of the Central Pacific railroad directly through this State has a great tendency to restrain the few wild bands that are laboring under the false impression that they can make successful war on the whites. The Shoshones in the eastern and southern portions of this State are quiet and peaceable, and inclined to work. In many instances they make good farm hands and work well in the mines. They have not received much attention from this superintendency, as it is better to let them alone than to go among them and make promises that cannot be fulfilled. The appropriation for this superintendency is so small that it would be useless to undertake to help their condition.

            When we take into consideration that we have 12,000 souls to look after, and that we have but $20,000 in currency to aid them with, and that, too, in a country where the necessaries of life and travelling expenses are very high, it is easy to see that an equal distribution of less than $1 to each person would not benefit them materially. The only way I have been able to aid them is to purchase farming implements for those on the reservations, and showing them how to catch fish in greater quantities in the river, and to fish in the lakes. They have never fished in the lakes before.

            During the two seasons last past it has been impossible to raise any considerable quantity of produce on either of the reservations on account of high water.

            It may be necessary to explain the situation of these reserves to show how it is that the river bottoms are so apt to overflow.

            The two reservations are selected so as to include the two lakes, Walker and Pyramid. These lakes, as you will see, are situated in the great basin east of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and have no outlets, but depend upon evaporation to carry off the flood of water constantly pouring into them. The rivers rising in the mountains run through the sage brush deserts until they empty into the lakes, which thus become great reservoirs. The river bottoms are narrow, there not being on an average more than one-fourth of a mile in width of arable land. The bluffs are high. As the streams approach the lakes they become sluggish. The rivers are supplied by the snow on the mountains.

            When we have a severe winter and a heavy fall of snow, the amount of water pouring into the lakes from the melting of the snow in summer exceeds the evaporation, causing the rivers to overflow their banks for several miles from the lakes. The reservations include the lakes, but not many miles of the rivers.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY. 145

            While the Pi-Utes have not been able to make as much progress in farm- ing as I could wish; they have had an abundant supply of fish. This source of subsistence is sure, so long as the reserves are held exclusively for them. I desire again to call your attention to the subject of schools. The Indians are nearly all anxious to read and write ; and it is a serious fact that I never visit them without being talked to on the subject of schools and having inquiries made about the white man's God. One school to commence with (upon the manual labor principle) and open for children of the different tribes, would give great satisfaction to the Indians and be the cause of bringing them nearer to civilization and Christianity than anything else could do.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. G. PARKER, Superintendent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

__________

No. 27.

WALKER RIVER INDIAN RESERVE,

August 30, 1868.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the Indian affairs of this reserve.

            On the 5th of July, 1867, a white man named Dye was killed in the Como mountains, about 30 miles west of this agency. The deed was charged to a band of Walker River Pi-Utes that were camped in the vicinity.

            The day before this occurrence an Indian, named Truckee John, was killed on Truckee river by two drunken white men; and two Carson Lake Pi-Utes were badly wounded on the read 10 miles east of Virginia City by the same men. Much excitement was caused by these outrages among both whites and Indians. On Truckee river the settlers left their farms and concentrated for defence.

            I reached their encampment on the 8th, and the next day had an interview with the Indians and found they entertained no idea of retaliating upon the whites for the murder of Truckee John, but were, on the contrary, as badly frightened as the whites.

            The alarm was created by false stories put in circulation by persons who no doubt wished to bring on a collision with the Indians.

            Returning I arrived at Fort Churchill on the 11th, where I met Gov. Blasdell and a large number of Walker River Pi-Utes, whom the governor had assembled during my absence at Truckee for the purpose of ferreting out the murderers of Dye.

            The governor seemed strongly impressed with the belief that these Indians had committed the murder, while I, judging from the circumstances, took the opposite view. It is not probable they would commit an act of that kind near their own camps, while 200 woodmen were working in the mountains about.

            Finding that no information could be gained concerning the perpetrators of the deed, the governor then offered the Indians a reward of $300 for the delivery of the murderers into the hands of the sheriff of Lyon county. Since then I have improved every opportunity to investigate the case, and believe there is but little doubt that Dye was killed by Washoe Indians, for the purpose of getting the Walker River Pi-Utes into trouble.

            On the evening of the 5th of August last, two Walker Piver Pi-Utes,

146 NEVADA SUPERINTENDECY.

Sam and Jim, who had been under arrest for more than two years for the murder of Stuart and Rabe, (spoken of in my annual report for 1866,) made their escape for the third time from the guard-house at Fort Churchill. An unsuccessful effort was made by the military to retake them. Having had great trouble arresting these two Indians on three different occasions, I felt inclined to pursue a conciliatory policy with them, hoping that they had become reformed and would give no further trouble. Up to the present time this hope, so far as Sam is concerned, is fully realized. Jim had a large number of relatives who have always been the most intractable Indians connected with this reserve. Among their number were his two brothers, who were equally as bad as himself, they having after the arrest of Jim killed an Indian on the ground that he was the first to inform of the murder.

            This band, acting as a unit, were a terror to the balance of the tribe, among whom there is no responsible head or leader; consequently no concert of action.

            Soon after Jim got among his friends, who were camped in the mountains 60 miles south of this agency, they commenced to tyrannize over Indians that had always been friendly towards the whites. Two horses were stolen from an American by Jim, and continual threats were made by the band that they would commit acts that would bring about hostilities between the Americans and Indians, in which case the latter would be forced to become their friends.

            The citizens of Aurora and East Walker river, learning of the locality and threats of this band, warned the Indians generally, that upon the least provocation an onslaught would be made against them.

            Owing to this threatening state of affairs, many Indians who had gathered pine-nuts in the vicinity of the renegade band and prepared to remain during the winter were frightened off, having to leave behind the principal part of their winter's stores of food, which were generally destroyed by the hostile Indians.

            Scarcely a day passed without Indians coming to me with complaints of this band, and the request was unanimous that measures should be taken to quell them, in order that further and more serious trouble might be averted.

            Upon consultation with the commanding officers at Fort Churchill, it was deemed best that Jim and his two brothers be captured and confined at that post. Accordingly, on the 13th of December last, I left the fort with eight cavalry men. At this reserve we were joined by 15 Pi-Ute warriors. We then travelled nights, and after making 75 miles through a rough mountainous country, arrived in the vicinity of the hostile camps. Here we divided into three parties for the purpose of visiting several camps simultaneously. Jim and his two brothers were surprised and captured by the party that I was with, but made their escape a few moments afterwards, and before the other parties came up. Their running was so unexpected that they had disappeared in the timber before the soldiers and Indians commenced pursuit, which lasted about an hour, and resulted in the killing of the three brothers. Since then the balance of the band have conducted themselves properly, and are now camped on the reserve near this agency.

            The general behavior of the Walker River Pi-Utes for the year past has been an improvement on that of any previous one since my connection with Indian affairs. 

            Much sickness has prevailed among these Indians during the year past. According to the record kept by R. A. Washington, interpreter, between 75 and 100 deaths occurred in the months of August, September, and October.

NEVADA SUPERINTENDENCY.    147

            The prevailing diseases were ague, bilious and typhoid fevers, which, no doubt, were engendered by the extreme heat of the season, the long and continued overflow of the river, and their filthy habits.

            The issuing of a few boxes of soap at the commencement of the hot season would, no doubt, prove an excellent sanitary- measure.

            Many of the afflicted camps were unable to remove to the pine-nut country in season to secure a sufficient supply of food for the winter. These located themselves in the vicinity of Virginia City, where they were able to earn their living by doing light jobs of work.

            This spring the measles broke out among them and caused the death of about 25 of their number, mostly children. In June this disease became prevalent among the Indians upon this reserve. Having anticipated its appearance, I had procured in advance a considerable amount of medicine from Dr. Hiller's homoeopathic dispensary, Virginia City, which I administered with good success. Out of 83 cases but two proved fatal.

            The garden planted by R. A. Washington, the interpreter, at this agency last year was destroyed by water. I planted the same ground this season with the same result.

            The agency house has been since May, and will be until October next, on a small island, with no way of getting to or from it except by wading through water and mire for a distance of 200 yards.

            In consequence of the locality being very unhealthy and infested with countless myriads of mosquitoes, I have camped most of the time during the summer on the lake shore.

            The cause of this high water is the melting of the vast amount of snow that accumulated in the Sierra Nevada during the winter. All the agricultural land of this reserve, excepting 1,000 acres near the lake, is now under water, or so wet as to be unfit for farming purposes, and was so last summer and during the season of 1862.

            Last spring a mining district was formed to the west of the lake and within the limits of this reserve. The lodes are numerous and contain gold, silver, copper, and lead. Several companies are now engaged prospecting them for the purpose of testing their permanency and wealth.

            The act organizing the Territory of Nevada provides that established Indian reservations shall form no part of the Territory until the Indians express a willingness to the President of the United States that they should. This the Indians have never done.

            The present size of the Walker river Indian reserve, containing, as it does, about 600 square miles, is both unnecessary and undesirable. I would recommend that it be reduced to 40 square miles, 10 miles long by four wide, to include a small portion of the lake that is used by the Indians for fishing purposes, and to extend up the river from its mouth 10 miles. The reserve so reduced would embrace all that is desirable about the present one, containing, as it would, 1,000 acres agricultural land, 500 acres hay land, a considerable body of cottonwood timber, and the valuable fishery at the mouth of the river. It should then be secured to the Indians for all time to come, and never form a part of the State, which is necessary in order that the Indians may be shielded from the State law prohibiting the catching of fish at certain seasons of the year. The abandoned portion would comprise the mineral lands and a large amount of territory that will never be of any value, excepting about 2,000 acres which is subject to overflow, and consequently unreliable for farming purposes.

            The experience of the past two years has wholly reversed my opinion of the practicability of farming to any considerable extent with these

148 UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

Indians. The frosts, floods, drouths, and alkalies all tend to make it a very uncertain business. There are many farms in this State that were once considered valuable, which are now either abandoned or can be purchased for much less than improvements cost.

            Owing to the character of this country the necessity for domesticating the Indians is not urgent nor never will be. Seventy-five per cent. of our white population live in towns located in the vicinity of mines and import nearly everything they use. The agricultural land in this State does not amount to more than one acre in 300, consequently there are immense tracts of territory over which the Indians can roam and procure from it whatever subsistence they ever have done heretofore without interfering with the rights of any one. Each year there is a noticeable change for the better among these people, while the number of those that are gaining a livelihood by work are continually increasing.

            Horse stealing and cattle killing have become very rare occurrences. They still adhere to their correct principles of morality and temperance.

            Ways and means should be extended to this agency for the prompt alleviation of suffering. During the sickly period last fall I was compelled to turn a deaf ear to many urgent calls for assistance. The Indians believed the sickness to be contagious, and as it increased moved in small camps to isolated places. There were instances where nearly every member of a camp sickened and died, oftentimes leaving small children to perish of hunger and thirst. In cases of this kind that came to my notice I prevailed upon the relatives to take the children in charge: In many cases the well ones were unable to furnish proper and sufficient subsistence for the sick. I did all that was possible under the circumstances to assist them. Many of the particulars of this unfortunate event were unknown to me until weeks afterwards. I felt that it would be a mockery to go about empty handed searching for objects of charity.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANKLIN CAMPBELL,

United States Indian Agent.

Hon. H. G. PARKER,

            Sup't Indian Affairs, Carson City, Nevada.

__________

UTAH SUPERINDENDENCY.

No. 28.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS UTAH,

Salt Lake City, September 16, 1868.

            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.

INDIAN POPULATION.

            The numbers and classification of the Indians within this superintendency as given in my last annual report is, I am satisfied from careful investigation made during the past year, substantially correct. For convenience of reference the tabular statement is repeated, and is as follows :

Tribes speaking the Utah language.

                                    1.         Uintas                                      100

                                    2.         Timpanoags                             800

                                    3.         Sanpitches                               400

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         149

                                    4.         Yampah-Utes                           500

                                    5.         Fish-Utes                                  100

                                    6.         Goshen-Utes                            400

                                    7.         Pah-Vents                              1,500

                                    8.         Pah-Edes                                4,000

                                    9.         Pah-Utes                               1,600

                                    10.       Pahranagats                             700

                                    11.       She-ba-retches                       1,500

                                    12.       Elk Mountain Utes               2,500

                                                                                           15,300

                                                                                           ======

Tribes speaking the Shoshone language.

                                    1.         Eastern Shoshones               2,000

                                    2.         Northwestern Shoshones     1,800

                                    3.         Western Shoshones              2,000

                                                                                             5,800

                                                                                           ======

            Tribes speaking dialects containing both Utah, Shoshone, and Bannock words :

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

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

            3.         Mixed bands of Bannocks and Shoshones. About three-fourths of this tribe are Shoshones, and one-fourth Bannocks. 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 Bannock tongue.           

            This tribe numbers

                                    Shoshones       1,800

                                    Bannocks         600

                                                            ------------   2,400

                                                                                           4,150

                                                                                          ======                 

Recapitulation.

                                    Utah tribes                                   15,300

                                    Shoshones                                      5,800

                                    Mixed tribes                                   4,150

                                                                                        25,250

            In my last report reference was made to the She-ba-retches, a wild tribe ranging in southeastern Utah, and holding intercourse almost entirely with New Mexico and Arizona. In a subsequent portion of this report, under the head of Indian depredations, is given an account of an interview with some of the principal chiefs of this tribe, who were thus for the first time brought into intercourse with the whites upon the western slope of the Wasatch mountains.

150  UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The number of Indians throughout the superintendency is unquestionably upon the decrease. Intercourse with depraved and vicious whites has scattered among them the seeds of diseases beyond the reach of the simple remedial agents known in their practice of medicine. Diseases of a syphilitic or scrofulous character are transmitted to the children from the parents, causing among them a fearful mortality. The relatively small number of young men and women among them cannot but be noticed by any intelligent observer.

THE UINTAHS.

            Chief Sowiet, who claims to be 132 years of age, is still alive, although incapacitated by age and infirmity from all active participation in the government of the tribe. Sowiet has at all times been a worthy and reliable chief, and his infirmity is a misfortune in other respects than the loss of his influence on the side of peace and justice. The various distinct bands and tribes of Utahs are virtually without an efficient head chief whose authority would be everywhere recognized. Tabby, the principal chief of the Uintahs, is not fully recognized as their chief by the small bands of San pitches, Yampas, Timpanoags, and others upon the Uinta reservation, and in case of the recurrence of petty stealing raids there is no recognized head chief who can be held accountable for the depredations, or whose authority to punish the offenders would be acquiesced in by all. The office of head chief is elective, all the different bands of Utahs being entitled to a vote; but no action will be had in the premises during the life of Sowiet, and the present somewhat anomalous condition of affairs will doubtless continue so long as he shall live. The labors of these Indians in farming are detailed in that portion of this report relative to the Uintah agency.

THE PAH-VENTS.

            These Indians as a class show greater aptitude for farming than any others in the superintendency. I have heretofore often had occasion in my communications with you to speak highly of the worth of and reliability of Kanash, the principal chief of the tribe. He constantly encourages his Indians to labor, and is himself thoroughly industrious.

            In May last I hired and ploughed for the Pah-Vents about 20 acres of land, and furnished them each grain. They irrigated and cared for the crop, and cut poles for fencing their fields. The grasshoppers, however, have almost entirely destroyed their grain.

            With suitable aid and encouragement the Pah-Vents would cultivate and care for a large amount of farming land. To provide them a farm with fences, buildings, tools, &c., at their present location, would, however, be a considerable expense, and one which I have not felt justified in incurring, in view of the proposed speedy removal of the tribe with the other Utah Indians to the Uintah reservation.

THE PAH-EDES AND PAH-UTES.

            These tribes range over all that part of Utah south of the city of Fillmore, in Millard county. Their country is mostly a desert, and the Indians wretchedly poor. Several bands, whose homes are near the different settlements, have been aided by the settlers to put in a few acres of land to crops, and the amount thus raised by them will relieve, in some small measure, their immediate necessities. With suitable encouragement they could be readily engaged in farming, and soon made self-sustaining.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         151     

THE EASTERN SHOSHONES.

            This band has been, since 1861, under the immediate care of Agent Luther Mann. Chief Washakee retains the same upright and manly character he has ever sustained from the first settlement of Utah. His control over his Indians is more absolute than that of any other chief within the superintendency, and such influence is uniformily exercised wisely and for the best interests of the Indian. In the full and well-considered report of Agent Mann, which is herewith transmitted, a detailed account is given of the conference between General Augur, of the Indian peace commission, and the eastern Shoshones and Bannocks, with its successful results. The setting apart of a portion of the Wind River valley as a reservation for the eastern Shoshones is calculated to perpetuate the good feeling now existing between these and the whites, since this has long been an object of their most ardent desire.

WESTERN AND NORTHWESTERN SHOSHONES.

            No especial effort has yet been made to engage the northwestern Shoshones in agricultural pursuits. They are very anxious to have cattle given to them, from which to raise stock ; and during the past summer I presented to some of their most reliable chiefs fifteen cows, which they promised to keep as breeding animals. I visited them again a few days since, and found that they had as yet eaten none of the cows. They promised faithfully that these cows and their increase should be kept until they had a large herd of cattle of their own. The western Shoshones during the past year have shown a most commendable zeal in their farming operations. At Deep creek and at Ruby valley are the two principal bands of the tribe, numbering about 600 each. Shortly after my last annual report, when I visited the tribe, I gave to them some working oxen and ploughs, and in the spring furnished them some seed grain. With very slight aid from a white man at each place, to occasionally instruct them in the manner of their cultivation, they have put in about forty acres of land, the crops upon which are excellent, and will greatly aid in their support during the coming winter. Their success has greatly encouraged them, and they are eager to engage still more extensively in farming the coming year.

OTHER TRIBES.

            No change of especial note has taken place in the condition or, circumstances of the other tribes since my last annual report.

UINTAH RESERVATION.

            Agent D. W. Rhodes, formerly in charge at this reservation, resigned on the 1st day of October last, since which time the agency has been in charge of Mr. Pardon Dodds. In his report, herewith, transmitted, Agent Dodds gives a summary of the agricultural operations at: the agency during the past year. The crops were almost an entire failure, owing to the ravages of the grasshoppers, as detailed in Mr. Dodds' report.

            The act of Congress approved May 5, 1864, contemplated the sale of all the Indian reservations in Utah Territory, and the location of the Indians upon the Uintah reservation. This reservation is of large extent, nearly 80 miles square, abounding in good grazing land and streams well supplied with fish, and sufficient agricultural lands for all practical purposes. The valley of the Uintah is separated from the settled portions of this Territory by the Uintah and Wasatch ranges of mountains, which are so elevated that they are impassable by loaded teams, for nine or ten

152      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

months in each year. This reduces the season when supplies can be hauled to the agency to two or three months, and even then the rough mountain roads render such transportation both tedious and expensive.

            There is not sufficient game to supply the Indians with food, especially when they labor upon the farm. It is evident, therefore, that without more abundant means it will not be practicable to locate more Indians upon the reservation until the farm shall produce a surplus for their use. So long as supplies must be hauled there to feed them, at an expense for transportation nearly equalling their original cost, the Indians can be more economically subsisted elsewhere. When working, the laboring Indians with their family dependents must be fed, averaging, probably, three boarders to each laborer. Had the crops been good the present season, I had designed to remove the Pah-Vents tribe to the reservation next spring in time for them to put in their crops; but without additional means to subsist them for the first six months it will be impracticable.

            The treaty made in 1865 by Superintendent Irish with the different tribes of Utah Indians contemplated their early removal to the reservation. I have heretofore repeatedly urged that some action be had relative to this treaty. It is impossible to make the Indians fully comprehend the reason why, when they have observed their part of the treaty, it is not fulfilled on the part of the government. I think the treaty eminently just and liberal, and trust it may be ratified; but if it be not ratified, it is desirable that it be rejected, and a new treaty made extinguishing the Indian title and providing the means for locating the Indians upon a suitable reservation. Pending the ratification of the old treaty, or the negotiation of the new, an annual appropriation of at least $20,000, as suggested by Agent Dodds, is necessary.

            The site chosen for the reservation is an excellent one, being entirely isolated from settlements and routes of travel. Agent Dodds is a most suitable man for the position, being thoroughly familiar with farming and stock-raising, and by his devotion to the labors carried forward at the agency, himself aiding and laboring with the Indians, has greatly aided in overcoming the hereditary antipathy to labor characteristic of all the Indian tribes.

INDIAN DEPREDATIONS.

            In my last annual report I stated that I had but a few days before returned from an interview with the formerly hostile chief Black Hawk, who had promised to abstain from further depredations. About two months subsequent to such report I again visited him, and having kept his promise thus far, gave him and his band a considerable amount of presents. From that time himself and his Indians have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner, Black Hawk having spent the greater portion of his time upon the Uintah reservation, and being one of the most industrious Indians in labors connected with the farm. In some of his raids during the years 1865—'6—'7, Black Hawk had engaged with him some of the wild Elk Mountain Utes and She-ba-retches. Some of the latter tribe, after Black Hawk had made peace, commenced to steal on their own account, and made two or three raids upon the settlements in San Pitz county and a mining camp on the head-waters of the Sevill river, for the purpose of stealing stock. Three whites were killed during the spring and summer by these bands. I sent out numerous Indian runners, and also the interpreter at Uintah agency, with Indian guides, to endeavor to find the hostile Indians, and at length succeeded in getting them assembled in Strawberry valley to meet me. I visited them in the month of August, finding 26 warriors, and about 70 squaws and children of the She-ba-retches tribe. My interview with them was very

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         153

satisfactory, they having promised to cease entirely all further depredations. They have done so thus far, and in a few days I shall meet them again upon the Uintah reservation and give them presents. I feel confident that no further trouble will be had with them. Black Hawk accompanied the interpreter, and aided greatly in finding the Indians and inducing them to make peace. With above exceptions, no hostilities or depredations of any character occurred among the Indians within this superintendency since my last report. The prospects for peace in the future are most encouraging.

EDUCATION AND WEALTH.

            No schools or missions of any character have been established among any of the tribes within this superintendency.

            Some tribes have a considerable number of ponies, some also a few goats and cattle. The number of each is as follows:

                                                                                    Ponies.             Cattle.             Goats.

            Eastern Shoshone and Bannock                       700               

            Northwestern Shoshones                                  166                    60   

            Western Shoshones                                            90                    30   

            Weber Utes                                                         70                      5                    6

            Goships                                                               50                      4   

            Pah-Vents.                                                        175                      2                    6     

            Uintah Utes, Yampah Utes, Fish Utes            1,200                  100                 55

                        Total                                                    2,451                  171                 67

________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                Price.               Average value.

            Ponies                                                                          $30                  $735 30

            Cattle                                                                            40                      68 40

            Goats                                                                                3                       2 01

            Total wealth                                                                                          805 71

                                                                                                                      =========

            The country occupied by many of the tribes is nearly destitute of game. The eastern Shoshones and Bannocks range during the winter in a country abounding in buffalo, and take annually robes of the value of almost $20,000. They also take considerable numbers of deer and beaver skins. The Indians ranging along the Uintah, White, and Green rivers take beaver and buck skins of the annual value of about $8,000. The value of furs and skins taken by other tribes is about $6,000, making a total value of $34,000 for robes, skins, and furs, taken by all the tribes. There is a demand among the settlers for home use for all the robes, furs, and skins, and the Indians take them principally to the settlements for sale, and receive for them probably more nearly their actual value than in any other portion of the United States. With the increase of the population the game of every sort disappears, and this resource of the Indians is becoming less valuable and reliable every year.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

            In previous portions of this report, and in the accompanying report of Agent Dodds, detailed statements of agricultural operations have been given. The devastations of the grasshoppers have at the Uintah agency and at Pah-Vents farm nearly rendered fruitless the labors at those points, but it is extremely unlikely that the same cause will operate

154      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

hereafter. I feel greatly encouraged at the result of the efforts made to induce Indians to labor during the past year. The pecuniary results are not great, but the first step has been taken by the Indians towards a condition of self-maintenance. For the past three years I have been endeavoring especially to induce the Indians to engage in farming, but with limited success until the present year. To make them self-supporting by means of manual labor will be a work of time, since the habits, traditions, and prejudices of countless generations must be overcome; yet I feel most hopeful that the work has now been fairly inaugurated, and with a continuance of the kindly and fraternal policy heretofore pursued by the government will move steadily forward to the happiest results.

            The following table exhibits a statement of the area of land cultivated, with the amount and value of the crops:  

                                    Gov't Acres[1]    Indian Acres[2]   Bushels.           Value.

            Wheat                    50                      85           1, 700              $5,100

            Potatoes                    4                      10           1,000                 1,000

            Oats                          6                                    

            Corn                       30                      20           1,000                 1,500

            Turnips                   20                      10           1,000                    500

            Carrots                                               3              600                    300

            Beets                                                   4              600                    300

            Hay                          40                     40 tons                             1,000

Other products                                                                                         850

            Total value                                                                               10,550

            The value of the farm products would have been at least quadrupled but for the ravages of the grasshoppers.

APPROPRIATIONS.

            The appropriations for the Indian service in this superintendency, in proportion to the number of Indians therein, are much smaller than in any other portion of the United States. For the current year the usual appropriations have been largely reduced. This is especially unfortunate, since, owing to the near approach of the Pacific railroad and the increased demand for supplies engendered thereby, the prices of beef and flour have considerably advanced. The fact that the Indians within this superintendency are peaceable and friendly should induce increased liberality on the part of the paternal government rather than a reduction of the supplies to which they have been accustomed. Starvation leads to stealing, and stealing to war, with its fearful and costly train of evils, retarding the settlement of this country and the development of its agricultural and mineral resources, imperilling the safety and speed of mail and passenger transit across the continent, and deranging the commerce of the entire Pacific coast.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD, Superintendent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR, Commissioner.

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY. 155

No. 29.

UINTAH INDIAN AGENCY, UTAH TERRITORY,

September 8, 1868.

            SIR : In conformity with the regulations of the Indian Bureau I have the honor to submit my first annual report.

            I took charge of the business at this agency on the 1st day of October, 1867, upon the resignation of Agent D. W. Rhodes.

            I found there a force of five laborers, an interpreter, and a cook. The laborers were busily employed with the teams belonging at the agency, in hauling supplies of provisions, seed, grain, presents, &c., until about the middle of November, when the snows upon the high mountain ranges necessary to be crossed compelled the cessation of such labor. The weather was sufficiently mild at the agency, however, to enable us to plough for about a month longer, and nearly 40 acres of land were thus fitted for spring crops before the winter commenced. During the winter the laborers took care of the cattle, cut wood and timber when the weather permitted, and repaired the tools in readiness for the commencement of labor in the spring. As soon as the weather permitted in the spring, labor was commenced, and about 50 acres more of land were ploughed, and with that already in order put into crops. About 50 acres were sowed to wheat, 6 acres to oats, 30 acres were planted to corn, and 4 acres to potatoes and vegetables. All the crops put in were of excellent promise until about the 1st of July, at which time the wheat and oats were headed out, and the corn about two feet high. At this time an innumerable army of grasshoppers made their appearance, and within a single week the wheat and oat crops were utterly destroyed, the ground in some places being left as bare as before the grain was sowed. They also destroyed about three-fourths of the corn crop, and all the vegetables, except the potatoes, which were not especially injured. I at once procured a quantity of turnip seed, and sowed therewith a considerable portion of the wheat grounds devastated by the grasshoppers. Two or three weeks after the young turnips appeared above the surface of the ground we were again visited by the grasshoppers, who utterly destroyed them, not a single turnip, as far as I have observed, having escaped their ravages.

            I had also planted several thousand peach stones, with the view of putting out an extensive orchard ; but the grasshoppers ate the leaves, and in many instances, also, the bark from the young trees, and thus killed all except two or three hundred. The snows upon the mountains during the last winter were much heavier than usual, and did not melt so as to permit the passage of wagons until the first of July. Since that time, with the teams of the agency and a few more purchased for the purpose, we have been engaged in transporting to the agency supplies, seed, grain, &c., for the corning year. That labor will be substantially concluded during the present month, when all the men and teams will be at once put to work in ploughing the land for the crops of the coming season.

            The foregoing is a brief resume of the agricultural lab performed at the agency during the past year. It will be observed that the immediate results are but meagre, owing to the ravages of the grasshoppers. Had it not been for this scourge, the value of the crops raised at the reservation farm would have reached at least $15,000 ; as it is, their value will not exceed one-tenth part of that amount. Even, however, with the slight present results, I deem the cost of carrying forward the farming operations a judicious expenditure, as thereby the Indians have made no inconsiderable progress in their education to habits of industry.

156      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

            The Indians have labored much more during the present season than ever before, and although the destruction of their crops will, of course, operate to discourage them to some extent, yet they appreciate the reason of the failure, and are eager to work upon the land for the coming season. During the past spring it was necessary to dig a large ditch, for purposes of irrigating, nearly a mile long, and in places deep and rocky, yet nearly the whole of this labor was performed by the Indians. They also aided greatly in planting the corn, irrigating the crops generally, and several of their number have learned to drive oxen and hold the plough.

            The prospect of an extensive orchard is especially pleasing to them, as they are excessively fond of fruit. I shall plant a large amount of peach stones the coming season, and in a few years we can have an orchard of thousands of trees almost without expense. The soil and climate at the location of the new farm is well adapted for fruit culture. For the purpose of settling the Indians upon this reservation an appropriation of $15,000 for the year ending June 30, 1868, was made. This sum is not sufficient for the carrying forward of the business of the agency in a satisfactory manner, yet small as was that sum it has been reduced to $5,000 for the current year. I trust that this amount may yet be increased by a supplemental appropriation, and that hereafter, until the treaty made several years since be ratified, an annual appropriation of at least $20,000 be made. This amount should be expended substantially as follows :              

            For the pay and subsistence of 10 laborers, including blacksmith and mechanic --$10,000

            For the purchase of agricultural implements, blankets, clothing, and presents for the Indians -- 5,000

            For the purchase of supplies and cattle for the Indians – 5,000

            With the annual appropriation above referred to I feel confident that in a few years the Indians could be made nearly self-sustaining. They show great aptitude as herdsmen, and save the few cattle they now have and their increase with scrupulous care.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. HEAD, Esq.,

Superintendent Indian Affairs.

__________

No. 30.

FORT BRIDGER AGENCY,

September 12, 1868.

            SIR : In compliance with the regulations of the Indian department, I have the honor to submit the following report relative to the affairs of this agency.

            About the first of September, 1867, the Indians under my charge (the eastern bands of Shoshones) left here for their hunting grounds in the Wind River valley. There had then recently occurred a series of depredations by hostile Indians upon prospectors and camps of the newly discovered Sweetwater mining country, and threatenings were bitter against all Indians. As this region was directly in the route of the Shoshones, I deemed it advisable to precede them and allay the ill feeling so far as they were concerned. I did so, assuring the miners that the best feeling

UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.         157

existed between these Indians and the whites, and that their presence in the valley would be protection against any more raids by the Sioux, which proved true, all hostilities having ceased against the miners until after the Shoshones had returned to this agency.

            As early as May 1, 1868, advance parties reported themselves. About that time I received telegraphic notice from General John B. Sanborn that the peace commission would visit this agency the 4th of June, and requesting all Indians under my control, also the Bannocks of this vicinity, to be assembled by that time. I immediately sent out couriers to accomplish this object. Through the efforts of Tag-gee, their principal chief, I succeeded in assembling about 800 Bannocks, who had arrived by the 15th May. By telegram I was authorized to purchase subsistence for all Shoshones and Bannocks until the arrival of the commissioners. Owing to the ill condition of roads in their route they were unable to reach here according to appointment, and in consequence nearly half the Bannocks had grown impatient and left for their fishing and summer resorts before the arrival of General C. C. Augur, who represented the commission. In the mean while a full assemblage of the Shoshones was accomplished, notwithstanding the annuities were withheld, and the most favorable representations made to them of the benefits to result by remaining to meet the commissioners ; even a few restless ones among these, unable to resist their roaming inclinations, and therefore not present either at the conference or distribution of annuities Immediately upon his arrival General Augur had an informal meeting with Washakie and other leading men of the Shoshones, and Tag-gee of the Bannocks, informing them of the object sought, and desiring them to communicate with their tribes preparatory to a formal meeting. On the 3d of July all of the headmen and a large number of their followers were present, and had explained to them fully the terms of a treaty, which is made known to you in the report of the commissioners. The result of this meeting was the acceptance of a treaty, under which added benefits are guaranteed, and a reservation in the country of their choice made for these Indians. It is especially gratifying to me to report this fact, having repeatedly urged the thing accomplished for several years. The meeting was most satisfactory, and I trust that an early ratification and appropriations under the new treaty may be made in time for the goods to reach the Indians by their next annual visit. I am especially desirous that such may be accomplished in behalf of the Bannocks, these Indians having for years been entitled to annuities under a former treaty, but as yet deriving no benefit from their faithful observance of treaty stipulations. Following the signing of the treaty a valuable present was made them, the greatest harmony prevailing.

            The relations existing between the Shoshones and Bannocks are of so amicable a nature that it is hoped they may yet consent to join together upon one reservation. Indians are perhaps more jealous than whites of such rights as are claimed by them, and I would advise that time, and the evident advantages of such an arrangement as it will develop, may be allowed to accomplish this object.

            The Bannocks are greatly in minority, and to urge too speedy occupation of one ground in common might produce a change in the relations of these tribes, which for a great many years has been harmonious.

            During the past winter, frequent inroads have been made by northern tribes unfriendly to the Shoshones, and their hunting excursions thereby rendered somewhat less successful than usual. The, enmity existing between them and the Nez Peres, Crows, Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes is of long duration, and the raids of these tribes upon their hunting

158      UTAH SUPERINTENDENCY.

parties have by degrees deprived them of no inconsiderable amount of stock killed and captured. While en route to the agency this spring a united party of Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes, about 300 warriors, led by a son of Red Cloud, attacked Washakie. A lengthy fight ensued. Their leader and several of the opposing party were killed. Four Shoshones were killed, and a number wounded, who have mostly recovered. The attacking party captured about 80 horses. These were a part of the same combination of refractory warriors who refused to be present at the recent visit of the peace commissioners at Fort Laramie, who, later, killed a number of prospectors in Wind River valley, and have more recently committed a series of atrocities along the Union Pacific railroad and on the route from Benton to South Pass. The hostility of these tribes will be a temporary drawback to the peaceful occupation of the reservations allotted to the Indians of this agency. An effort is being made on the part of the Crows to procure peace, to which I heard no opposition on the part of Washakie, though he signified his desire that for that purpose they meet him in the presence of some government official. I sincerely hope that the late treaties with the Sioux and their confederates will be the means of withdrawing them from the vicinity of the Indians under my care, who may then speedily secure the advantages of the treaty of July 3, 1868, and at the same time, to themselves and their property, security while hunting.

            A decrease, consequent upon their losses in fight, and by such diseases as are prevalent, is manifest. While at the agency the past spring a number of deaths occurred, with but few exceptions among children. The diseases most fatal have been whooping cough, with some complication, result of exposed habits, and diarrhoea among children. Intermittent and continued fevers are frequent and severe among adults, especially women. Such deaths as have under my notice occurred among adults have been from old age.

            The long detention to await the peace commissioners, already alluded to, gave rise to impatience, and in consequence, when I hoped to obtain the most complete estimate of population I found many absent. There were present at one time, of both tribes, about 1,750. Of these 450 were Bannocks; the remainder Shoshones, in approximately the following proportions : Of males between the ages of 15 and 60 years, 400; adult females and girls over 12 years old, 500 ; the remainder, children from infancy to 10 years old. The above estimate does not include quite half of the Bannocks, who under the new treaty are placed under the control of this agency. The proportions are about the same as herein detailed, as relating to ages and sexes among the Shoshones.

            The general social condition of the Indians in my care is good. A few small bands have for a year or two past failed to visit the buffalo country, being unwilling to expose their property to the predatory visits of hostile Indians. These have remained near here, on Green river, where a sufficiency of game is found to subsist them, and whereby they obtain a large quantity of salable skins. This diminution of his strength is not satisfactory to Washakie; hence I have instructed all who have the means and are not too aged belonging to these bands to follow Washakie, impressing them with the fact that he alone is recognized as their, head, and assuring them that if they expect to share the rewards they must participate in all dangers incident to the tribe.

            For the purchase of medicines and medical attentions, and for other incidental expenditures, I deem a small contingent fund for the use of this agency advisable. Such articles of traffic as the Indians themselves possess are usually exhausted in the purchase of sugar, coffee, tea, and

NEW MEXICO SUPERINTENDENCY. 159

ammunition, articles very scantily and mostly not at all supplied among annuities. Every year numbers of them bring me arms needing repairs, funds for which purpose I am not supplied with; hence I have either to supply them from private means, which I do not think the salary of this office justifies, or I have to refuse them altogether.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LUTHER MANN, JR.,

U. S. Indian Agent.

Hon. F. H. HEAD,

            Superintendent Indian Affairs, Salt Lake City, Utah.

__________

[Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1868, pp. 196-203]

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 45.

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,

Boise City, September 12, 1868.

            SIR : I have the honor to submit my annual report of the condition of Indian affairs within the bounds of this superintendency for the year ending August 31, 1868, and to transmit herewith reports of Special Agents Powell and Hough, who, not being in charge of regularly established agencies, have no statistical tables of population, schools, agriculture, &c., to forward.

            I am not furnished with the usual reports from the Nez Percés agency. Having on the 22d of June, 1868, forwarded to the agent your circular of June 3, 1868, relative to annual reports, &c., I can account for the non-receipt, thereof only by the facts, that since last March the agency has been temporarily in charge of Mr. J. W. Anderson, the late agent, James O'Neill, being still absent at Washington, and the lately appointed agent, Mr. Newell, not having entered upon the duties of his office. I

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.       197

fear the reports from that agency cannot be made in time to answer your purposes.

            The embarrassments surrounding me during the greater part of the last 12 months, which are well understood in your office, have prevented my giving that personal attention to the details of Indian affairs in this Territory which I desired.

            The official correspondence between the Nez Percés agency and this office has been very irregular since Agent O'Neill's absence, and quite unimportant, therefore my information from that quarter is derived mainly from popular report and private sources.

            I think the condition of those Indians is but little changed since my last report; the same divisions and dissensions between the treaty and non-treaty parties still exist, and the same dissatisfaction with the government for the non-fulfillment of treaty stipulations.

            The Boise and the Bruneau Indians, now in charge of Special Agent Powell, are doing well, improving, instead of deteriorating, in mental and moral quality by contact with the white people. They are honest and temperate, and wonderfully free from the usual vices. I have not yet heard of a case of theft, robbery, or drunkenness among them.

            Their women are virtuous, and their men have been faithful and efficient scouts and allies of the whites during our Indian wars. I bespeak for them the most generous consideration on the part of the government. They and the Bannocks are on terms of intimate friendship, and would harmonize on a reservation, which provision they desire the government to make for them. Perhaps I cannot better represent the wishes of the Bannock Indians than by copying from my monthly report of August, 1867, the following account of the proceedings had at a council with their head chief Tygee and his councilmen on the 21st of that month.

            In opening the council I made the following remarks :

            TYGEE : I welcome you to this meeting, and although it is brought about by misrepresentation, yet I am glad you are here. I have long desired to see and talk with you, but I did not send a runner, nor authorize any other person, for I had no instructions to do so from my superiors. I however trust this interview will result in good to us all.

            I desire peace and good will between the white and red men. I desire to see all the Bannocks comfortable and happy, and so situated that they may become a prosperous people, skilled in the arts of civilization. To this end the President of the United States proposes to place you upon a reservation, and afford you the facilities for farming, thereby enabling you to make your livelihood by tilling the soil, raising and herding stock, &c., instead of depending upon roots and the uncertainties of the chase.

            The white people are numerous in the United States ; the mountains of your country are filled with minerals ; the white people seek them ; your valleys and plains are productive, they want to cultivate them; they are spreading all over this vast country, even as you see the grasshoppers and crickets around you ; no power on earth can restrain them.

            Common contact between the white and the red man has always resulted badly to the latter ; it always will; and while the white people increase in numbers, the Indians gradually disappear from the earth.

            As the whites approach your hunting-grounds, the game recedes ; as they cultivate the fields, wild roots, upon which you depend for subsistence, disappear.

            In view of these facts, and that the Bannocks have been a good and loyal people, the President of the United States directed me to select a suitable place for a reservation on which all your people can live happily, and in time become independent. I therefore, last summer, selected a tract of country at Fort Hall, which I understand unofficially has been set apart for that purpose. It is a good place for you, with fish in the streams, game in the hills, an abundance of timber, and good water-power for mills to saw your lumber, grind your grain, &c., &c.

            Now, are you willing to relinquish your title to all the country you have ever claimed, except the reservation above mentioned, provided the government of the United States secures to you and your children, and to such other friendly Indians as may be induced to go thereon, the sole ownership of said reservation forever, supply you with subsistence till you can raise sufficient for yourselves, and furnish you an agent, teachers, books, implements of husbandry, &c. ?

198 IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.

            Tygee said:

            I thought when the white people came to Soda Springs and built houses and put soldiers in them, it was to protect my people, but now they are all gone, and I do not know where to go nor what to do.

            The white people have come into my country, and have not asked my consent. Why is this ? And why have no persons talked to me before ? I have never known what the white people wanted me to do. I have never killed white people who were passing into my country. What you say to me I shall never forget. All the Bannock Indians will obey me and be good, but the Sheep-eaters are not my people. They may steal and be bad, but they are not my people, and I cannot be responsible for them. I will answer for the Bannocks. The Boise and Bruneaus are poor ; they cannot travel far ; they have no horses to hunt the buffalo, but they are good Indians, and are my friends. The buffalo do not come so far south now as formerly, so we must go further to the north to hunt them. The white people have scared them away.

            I am willing to go upon a reservation, but I want the privilege of hunting the buffalo for a few years. When they are all gone far away we hunt no more ; perhaps one year, perhaps two or three years ; then we stay on the reservation all the time. I want a reservation large enough for all my people, and no white man on it, except the agent and other officers and employes of the government. I want the right of way for my people to travel when going to or coming from the buffalo country, and when going to sell our furs and skins. I want the right to camp and dig roots on Cañon prairie when coming to Boise City to trade. Some of my people have no horses. They can remain at Camas prairie and dig roots while others go on. Our hunting is not so good as it used to be, nor my people so numerous.

            I will go from here to the buffalo country, where I will meet all my tribe, and will tell them of this talk and of the arrangements we may make.

            I am willing to go on to a reservation as you propose, but when will you want me to go ? We can go next spring.

            I then replied to Tygee's suggestion as follows :

            Your country has not been overrun by the white people till within the last few years, during the greater part of which time we were engaged in a great war among ourselves, and have had no time to talk to you.

            The soldiers were at Soda Springs to protect our own people from hostile Indians, as well as to protect you from bad white men. They were removed for the purpose of fighting bad Indians in other places.

            I cannot tell the precise time when you will be required to go upon a reservation, but probably next spring. It will require a great deal of money, and the money and orders must come from Washington.

            After which the following articles were read, explained to them, and signed by the Indians:

LONG-TOM CREEK, IDAHO TERRITORY, August 26, 1867.

            I, Tygee, head chief of all the Bannock Indians, in council with Governor D. W. Ballard, ex officio superintendent Indian affairs, do hereby agree that I, my under chiefs, headmen, and all Indians of my tribe, will remove to the reservation at Fort Hall, known as Bannock and Shoshone reservation, at any time designated by the said D. W. Ballard between now and the 1st day of June, 1868: that we will submit to the usual rules and regulations of reservations: Provided, that the said reservation belong forever to the Bannocks and such other Indians as may be placed thereon ; and Provided, that the government of the United States furnish the necessary facilities for learning and prosecuting farming, with an agent, teachers, mechanics, books, implements of husbandry, and such other appliances and conveniences as are usual on reservations.

            And I further agree to relinquish all right and title on the part of the Bannock Indians to all the country we have claimed, which is understood to embrace all between the 42° and 45° parallel of latitude and the 113th meridian and the summit of the Rocky mountains.

            In testimony of the above, I hereunto affix my signature, as also do five (5) of the chief members of my council who are now present.

                                                                        TYGSE,                       his + mark.

                                                                        PETER,                       his + mark.

                                                                        TO-SO-COPY-NATEY, his + mark.

                                                                        PAH VISSIGIN,          his + mark.

                                                                        McKAY,                       his + mark.

                                                                        JIM,                             his + mark.

Signed in the presence of—

            J. W. PORTER.

            H. B. COX.

            S. KAUTCH.

            W. C. SMITH.

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.       199

            Since this and during the past spring and summer I have received letters from citizens in the Fort Hall region, who had met and conversed with these Indians, and one letter from Tygee himself, all praying that they might be permanently settled at as early a day as practicable.

            The Indian war heretofore raging is virtually ended, so far as this Territory is concerned, as appears from the following communication from Major Elmer Otis, 1st cavalry, brevet colonel United States army, commanding district of Ocoyhu:

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF OCOYHU,

Fort Boise, Idaho Territory, August 31, 1868.

            SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 29th instant, re- questing a brief statement of the results of military operations against hostile Indians in this district, since the 1st of August 1867, with the view, as you intimate, of incorporating the same in your annual report of the condition of Indian affairs.

            On the 20th of June, 1868, I assumed command of this district, relieving Brevet Major General W. S. Elliott.

            My personal knowledge of their operations dates back only to this time, but the official records of my office indicate a systematic plan of scouting, and a thorough execution of the same, all points of the district being guarded with such vigilance as to leave no spot affording a safe retreat for hostile or predatory bands.

            Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the officers and soldiers participating in this frontier war. Much fatigue, hardship, and exposure are inseparable therefrom. I take pleasure also in testifying to the faithful and efficient services of Indian scouts furnished by you from the friendly Boise, Bruneau, and Bannock bands. They were invaluable as trailers and guides, quick in detecting signs, rapid in pursuit and efficient in battle.

            My records show that fifty-one (51) Indians have been killed and about two hundred and thirty captured. Others are still delivering themselves up to the military, and asking for peace. Hostilities have ceased, and the war is virtually over.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ELMER OTIS,

Bvt. Col. U. S. A., Major First Cav. Commanding District.

Hon. D. W. BALLARD,

            Governor of Idaho, ex officio, Superintendent Indian Affairs.

            This termination of hostilities here will add somewhat to the interest and respectability of the Indian service, and I would advise that authority be given to incorporate those subjugated bands who are within the limits of this Territory with the Bannocks and friendly Shoshones in a settlement at Fort Hall, provided it can be done to the satisfaction of the Indians, a question I am not prepared to speak positively on at present, but am impressed with the belief that it can.

            The Fort Hall reservation I consider sufficiently large for all the unsettled Indians in the Territory, except those north of the Nez Percés, who should have a reservation in their own country, the " Lah Toh" being sufficient for them.

            In closing this report I desire to express my high appreciation of the military power in this district and the district of the lakes. No better soldiery exists anywhere, and I embrace in this remark officers and men. By their judicious plans and vigorous execution our Territory is comparatively quiet, and our lives and property safe. All honor and praise to officers and men of the 1st and 8th United States cavalry, and the 23d infantry, who have participated in the Indian wars of Idaho.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. W. BALLARD,

Gov. and ex officio Superintendent Indian Affairs.

200 IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.

No. 46.

BOISE CITY, IDAHO TERRITORY,

August 24, 1868.

            SIR : In my annual report I would most respectfully state that in accordance with the instructions of the Indian department, dated April 27, 1867, I proceeded to the Nez Percés agency and held a council with the Nez Percés tribe, and explained to them the provisions of the treaty of 1863; the council lasted about three weeks and the tribe was more fully represented than ever before, (Red Heart and Eagle from the Light and their bands being present.) I regret to report that I found much dissatisfaction existing among the Nez Percés because of the tardiness of the government in the payment of their annuities, &c. I found everything in first-rate order at the agency, and have no hesitancy in reporting, what I have from time to time reported, that the agent, James O'Neill, is one of the very best officers in the employ of the government.

            The Boise and Bruneau Shoshones during the past year have been quiet and peaceable; during the fall, winter, and spring they were encamped within a few miles of this (Boise) city, and have earned a part of their subsistence by performing menial services for the citizens of this place, such as washing, scrubbing, sawing and splitting wood, &c. They are remarkably honest; I have never heard a complaint of theft about them, and never saw or heard of one of them being drunk. From 50 to 80 of their young men have been out with the United States troops acting as guides, scouts, &c., during the year, and the various officers who have had charge of them speak in high praise of their efficiency and bravery. Those Indians have no permanent home, most of their country being occupied by farmers, herders, miners, &c. They are willing and desirous of removing to the Fort Hall reservation, and I again respectfully recommend that the government at an early day make provisions for permanent homes for them. During the extreme severity of the weather in January last (thermometer ranging from five to 20 degrees below zero) I went to the upper end of the Bruneau valley and brought in a small band of Bruneaus, who were in a destitute, freezing, and starving condition.

            The Bannocks have generally been quite peaceable, portions of them frequently visiting this city; they too express great anxiety to be permanently located. The Sheep Eaters have also behaved quite well; they are more isolated from the settlement, occupy a more sterile country, and are exceedingly poor; as a consequence, they occasionally make a raid, and steal a few cattle, hogs, or horses for subsistence. They also express a wish to be placed on a permanent reservation; and as all of these tribes are friendly, and to some extent intermarried, and as the Bannocks inhabit the country on which the Fort Hall reservation is located, and they being perfectly willing that the other Indians in southern Idaho should occupy that reservation in common with them, I deem it for the best interests of both the government and the white inhabitants of the Territory, and certainly the Indians, that they all be removed thereon at an early day, and provided with implements of agriculture, cattle, chickens, &c., to enable them to make at least a part of their own living, and schools, &c., that their intellectual and moral condition may be improved instead of being made worse by contact with the most depraved of our own race, as is the case now.

            In March last an Indian named Brunean Jim was killed within half a mile of-this city by John Brady, a white man, under the most revolting

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circumstances, and while he (Brady) and perhaps others were endeavoring to perpetrate a rape on two squaws. Brady was arrested after great trouble and expense, but such is the prejudice of the community here against Indians that he was indicted for manslaughter only. After two trials, in both of which the juries failed to agree, the court admitted Brady and two principal witnesses to bail on their own recognizances, and they have left the country. I respectfully refer to a copy of the district court records, the evidence, &c., in this case, together with my special report thereon, now on file in the Indian office, and again urge the justice of a law permitting Indians to testify in such cases.

            We now have reliable information that Colonel Otis, now in command of this military district, has made a treaty with the hostile Piutes and Snakes of the southwestern portion of this Territory and adjacent portions of Oregon and Nevada. If those Indians could now be taken charge of by the Indian department and removed away from their old haunts, I believe it would be alike beneficial to themselves and the government.

            All of which is respectfully submitted.

                        Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE C. HOUGH,

United States Special Indian Agent.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C.

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No. 47.

OFFICE SPECIAL AGENCY,

Boise City, I. T., August 15, 1868.

            SIR: I have the honor, in accordance with the requirements of the department, of submitting my first annual report.

            During the year the Boise and Bruneau Shoshones and a portion of the Bannocks have been under my charge. They number as follows :

                        Boise Shoshones                                              283

                        Bruneau Shoshones                                         300

                        Bannocks                                                         100

            During the summer of 1867 I removed the Indians to a point on the Boise river about 35 miles from this place, where they could do some hunting, fishing, and gather some roots and berries; but the season was an unusually poor one for fishing, so they were unable to catch but few, and game was exceedingly scarce as winter approached. Owing to the great elevation, deep snows, and severe cold, I was again compelled to remove them to within six miles of this city. The past winter was one of unusual severity, and as these Indians, particularly the Shoshones, have but few skins or furs, their wickaups being constructed entirely of willows, and brush and wood being scarce and difficult to obtain, together with the fact that the very limited means placed at my disposal compelled me to use the greatest economy in supplying them with blankets, clothing, and even provisions, the Indians suffered very much. These Indians are remarkably industrious, and while camped near this city they earn a portion of their subsistence and clothing by performing menial services for the citizens, such as washing, sawing wood, &c. The Boise and Bruneau Shoshones have performed excellent services-during the year as guides, scouts, &c., against the hostile Snakes, and Piutes.

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Generals Crook and Elliott, as well as other officers who have had charge of them, speak in terms of high praise of them as faithful and efficient guides and scouts, and bold and fearless warriors. From 75 to 100 of them have been constantly in the field with the United States troops. During the past winter, owing to deep snows and extreme cold, they lost a few of their ponies. They have now about 50 ponies of small value except to an Indian, some of which have been captured from hostile Snakes. During the past fall and winter small parties of Bruneaus have been brought in and turned over to me; they were in the most destitute condition possible.

            The Bannocks remained under my charge for several months, when they were permitted to go on their regular buffalo bunt, their country ranging through eastern Idaho and Montana. When through their hunt they return to the Boise and Bruneau camp; they and the Boise and Bruneaus are on the best of terms, all being more or less intermarried.

            In March last an Indian named Bruneau Jim was most brutally murdered by a white man named John Brady, under the most revolting circumstances. Brady, Sullivan and Jacobs were trying to perpetrate a rape on two squaws within a half mile of this city, in broad daylight. Brady was arrested after much trouble and expense, indicted for manslaughter, and tried twice. The court ruling out the testimony of the squaws as inadmissible ; but such was the prejudice against the Indians that, although I believe the white testimony made out a case of murder, both juries failed to agree, and Brady, as well as the witnesses, Sullivan and Jacobs, were admitted to bail and have left the country. I respectfully call the attention of the department to the evidence, &c., on file in the department at Washington in this case.

            The peculiar situation of the Indians under my charge has compelled me to confine them to certain narrow and circumscribed limits. On the one hand were the hostile Snakes and Piutes, on the other the whites, who for the most part entertain a deadly hostility towards all Indians, and who had settled on most of the valley lands, besides being scattered over the mountains in quest of the various metals.

            The more ignorant and unscrupulous look on the Indian as a common bird of prey, to be plucked and destroyed at will, and I regret to add that even the more intelligent and better class lend them aid and countenance in that direction, subjecting these Indians to difficulties, annoyances, and even death. It therefore required the greatest circumspection, care, and precaution on my part to prevent great trouble if not open rupture. The Boise and Bruneaus have qualities that should commend them to all ; they never steal nor drink liquor. During my charge I have never had one complaint of theft, or one of drunkenness, although for months together they visit this city daily. They are unusually industrious, quick to learn submission, and, considering their surroundings, it is only to be wondered at that they are not more depraved.

            The whites having settled on a large portion of their country, particularly where there is wood, and it being scarce and valuable, they object to its use by the Indians, and they being driven to the sage brush for fuel, and from the other causes that I have already mentioned, I trust the department will deal liberally with these Indians and supply them amply with blankets and clothing for the coming winter. I have, from time to time, urged upon the attention of the department the necessity of providing a permanent reservation and houses thereon for these Indians ; and I again urge it for the various reasons hereinbefore stated, as well as those heretofore stated in my various reports, as well as that I believe

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it would be for the best interests of the government, the white settlers, and the Indians.

            From all I can learn Fort Hall is a desirable place for them, and with the good understanding existing between the Bannocks, Sheep Eaters, and Boise and Bruneau Shoshones, I have no hesitation in respectfully urging that all of these Indians be located at that place, both as an act of justice and economy, believing, as I do, that with proper management the reservation can, in a few years, be made self-supporting, and the Indians be made prosperous and happy. I regret to add that some dissatisfaction exists among the Sheep Eaters and Boise and Bruneau Shoshones, because the peace commissioners presented to the Bannocks, whose home is about Fort Hall, in this Territory, a considerable amount of presents, and none to them.

            I have to report that during my absence from this city, on business connected with the service, my office, store-room, and a considerable supply of provisions, was destroyed by fire, on 3d August, 1868. One entire block of buildings was consumed and scarcely a single thing saved.

            All of which is most respectfully submitted.

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

CHAS. F. POWELL,

U. S. Special Indian Agent, Idaho Territory.

Hon. N. G. TAYLOR,

            Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington City.

 

 

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