it my duty to call upon the commanding officer of Fort Randall, Dakota Territory, (Lieutenant-Colonel E. S. Otis,) for a small detachment of troops for the protection of the agency, and, in accordance therewith, a commissioned officer and twelve men have since been stationed here. Since then the Sioux have made several descents upon the agency, but without effect. The mill-building, which was in a dangerous condition from the decay of the timber and roof, has been completely repaired and reroofed, and a bolting-apparatus, with separators and other flouring-machinery, added. The services of a farmer have been dispensed with, and in lieu thereof Indian apprentices to the engineer, carpenter, and blacksmith have been employed, and are making good progress. All the labor of the agency has been satisfactorily conducted by Indian employés, under the direction of Mr. James F. King, as engineer and superintendent. I forward the report of the Rev. J. Owen Dorsey, missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in regard to the school. A large and handsome chapel has been erected during the past summer by the missionary board of that church. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. FRANCIS A. WALKER, HENRY E. GREGORY, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C. United States Indian Agent. SIR: In compliance with the requirements of the Department, I have the honor to make the following report on the condition of the Indians at this agency: There are three tribes represented here, consisting of Cheyennes, numbering 1,515 people; Arrapahoes, 1,342; and Sioux or Dakotas, numbering 6,320. The Sioux are subdivided into two bands called Ogallalas and Brulés, but only part of the latter stay at the agency. The Brulé Sioux are the better disposed of the two, and have temained at the agency. The greater portion of the Ogallalas have, also, since they came in last March. When I came here in January I found the Arapahoes much excited over the loss of their principal chiefs, Medicine Man, Sharp Nose, and Bear-that-don't-run, which they said was caused by remaining at the agency and eating white man's food. The prompt arrival of their goods appeased their anger and softened their affliction. They have spent the summer Northwest, on a hunt, and made no trouble for the whites, while at the agency they were well disposed, quiet, and not inclined to complain, unless prompted to do so by the Sioux, who were liable to make them trouble. This is one reason why they did not wish to remain at the agency. There were only a few Cheyennes at the agency on my arrival, but soon after they came in to the number of one hundred and ninety-six lodges, when their goods were given them, much their gratification, as they were in great need of them. They behaved themselves While here, and made no complaints, excepting against the Sioux, who seemed to take pleasure in exciting their fears and suspicions against the Government. They all left about the 1st of May, and have spent the summer in the vicinity of Powder River. Before these two bands left I was particular to say to them that they must not go south of the Platte River, or interfere with the whites or other Indians. Their assuralices were that they would remember my words; but the killing of two of them on the south side by the whites, without any other provocation than being there, shows the little regard they have for their promises. The Sioux are represented at this agency by all of the Ogallala band, excepting about thirty lodges, who are hostile and remain North, and a part of the Brulés. There are others out North who have been here, and received goods and provisions, who may be looked upon as very uncertain in their friendship. The number of Indians given is taken from their own statement, which is not very reliable, owing to their little regard for the truth. They are too suspicious and jealous to allow an accurate count to be made. Enrollment, and the issuig to heads of families, is the only way to improve their veracity, counteract their jealousies, remove their suspicions, and destroy their tribal relations. To this they have objected so far. They may listen to an order from the Department. Kemoral of the agency.-Soon after my arrival among these Indians I spoke to them about the necessity of removing the agency farther into their country. They would not listen a moment to this, as they had promises from the commissioners, when they signed the treaty, that "no white man should go into their country; if he did, they were to drive him back." After repeated councils, they promised to speak wha Red Cloud came in, and admitted that it would be better away from the Platte River, where they could not get any whisky. On the 12th of March Red Dog's son died,aal knowing the strong affection that the old man had for his son, who was also a grat favorite among the Indians, and fearing, from the old man's remarks at different tres that he would be likely to decide, in this disturbed state of mind, for war, I took es pecial pains to make him many presents, and call him to the agency. After resting beside the body of his son the whole day, naked, flesh cut and slashed, and blood 11-ning from every wound, with a large number of his people about him, waiting to hear and see what was to be done, he raised his eyes and said. "The white man's kindness has made me his friend; with him I shall live and die. Bury my son where I can see him from our father's (agent's) house." From this time on Red Dog was willing to anything that I asked of him, and he went to work at once to mold the minds of the Indians at the agency for a change. In a short time he had them willing to select a new place, but wished to see those coming in from the North before a public expos sion was made. In the mean time he sent out messengers, with tobacco, to soundthea on the question, who, on their return, gave good reports. When Red Cloud came in, he was going to have the agency and every white 1 a moved south of the Platte River, but finding no friends to sustain him, he yielded to the wishes of those who had remained with the whites, and in a general conucilos sented to the selection of a place for the agency on White River. Red Clond expressed a wish to go to Washington and report to his Great Father what action had been takea in locating the agency, and explain away the "little trouble that had occurred in the spring," and it was granted. A party of twenty-seven of his chiefs and head-men spezta month in visiting the principal cities East, where they had a chance to see the power and greatness of the Government, as well as to feel the kindness of the people. Ha ing been particular in passing through the cities to show them the schools and churches, and to tell them what they were for, they thought that the greatness of the white ma and the goodness of the things he possessed came by these two great powers, al asked that they might have three buildings at once, to have their children educated like the white man's. But what delighted them most was the farming districts, whe they could see fields of corn and herds of cattle; as they always compared that wis what they could have on White River, as though they looked forward to the ti when the same sights would make their hearts glad in the land they had selected t their homes. They came back with an earnest desire to commence a new life, a'r, advance the interests of the Government among their people. On their return I ca them in council, and impressed upon their minds the great importance of remem ing all they had seen, and also not to forget that in all their travels they had heard any one speak bad to them; all had spoken well, and treated them kindly, a I wanted them to make their young men do the same toward the white men requ at the agency to assist the agent in taking care of them. To this they agreed, andl am happy to be able to say that there is a change for the better at the agency. N now more endurable for a white person, but no man's life is any more safe, for the 12ing of friends and foes is most desperate. Agency Indians.-At this agency there are three parties; the first, are a few very act ve and sincere friends of the whites, who may be depended upon in case of trouble. T principal man of this party is Red Dog. He has the courage to tell them distin what they should do to retain the friendship of the whites, and the consequeres d they do not listen and make trouble. His life has been threatened, but he is fear and continues to use his influence for the good of his people. The second party are the passive friends of Government, who do not wish at trouble, and would like to keep in friendship, but are not willing to tolerate any in vation upon their tribal habits, and would flee to the hostile party in case of a trouble. These, as well as the first party, are past thirty-five years of age; many d them are old and require care. The third party is hostile, and is composed of men under thirty-five; they do like any of the ways of the whites, and are ever ready to find fault, threaten, and tas saucy. They are the men who rehearse their deeds of valor, and count their vict of the war-path at every feast and dance, to encourage each other in the hope of aaother chance to increase in number their deeds of bravery. Anger or affliction mak them demons, and affords an excuse for the gratification of their ambition. They ar partially under the influence of the outer people, but have no respect for their chiefs, and are greatly governed in their actions by the success of the hostile Sioux F north. They are ready to join them or any war-party, whether against other Indús or whites. This party number about one-third of the whole. This is the actual condition of affairs at every agency this side of the Missouri River and while we are flattered by the representations of a few, and slumber in the be that their savage prejudices are to be overcome by generous acts, fatherly care, ar kindness, we shall be startled by a massacre, and awake to find that their war spirds not to be controlled by kindness entirely. In the North, on this side of the Yellowstone River, there are not far from four hundred and fifty lodges of Indians, composed mostly of Unepapas, but made up from all the different bands at the several agencies. Their principal chiefs are No Neck, Black Moon, Sitting Bull, and Four Horses, but they have several others. These Indians are hostile, and their camp is a place of safety for all the bad characters at the agencies. They serve to keep a spirit of resistance to the influence of the better disposed, and by their successful raids on our frontier encourage the braves. One old chief, who had received his lesson by sad experience, said to me, The young men will have to feel the power of the white man's soldiers before they will learn." This is the evidence of every true friend of the whites among the Indians; there can be no certain and permanent change for the better until all of the Sioux are brought under the power of the Gov ernment. 66 Location of the agency.-The present location of the agency being only temporarily at this place, there was no farining done this season. My absence, under orders, from the 15th of May until the 1st of September, has delayed the building of the new agency, though a commencement would have been made had not Red Cloud proved recreant to his promise made in Washington, and prevented the moving when my clerk, then in charge of the agency, was ready to in August. This act of Red Cloud's was a bid for pay for going to White River, receiving the hint from Spotted Tail's reporters in the Indian camp. The place selected for the new agency is well supplied with good running water, that does not fail during the year. There are bottom lands that can be irrigated, if necessary, sufficient for all the Indians belonging to this agency, and timber enough to last them as long as they will be likely to require any. There is no place in their country better adapted for the advancement of the Sioux Indians than this, which they have picked out from all others. Those who desire to cultivate the land-and there are quite a number who have expressed a wish to do so-can, and will not be obliged to leave their fields to go away and graze their ponies, as the prairies on either side of the White River, and between the high bluffs, are covered with the luxuriant bunchgrass, that retains its nutritive qualities after it has ripened. Here they may be enconraged to raise stock by being furnished with good cows, and at the same time be tanght to till the ground and have individual rights in property. Sanitary condition.-The mortality among these people during the winter was very great, owing to the introduction of whisky by the bad whites of the country and their women, and the severe season. They could not get wood to keep themselves comfortable, and had to be supplied from the agency to prevent freezing. During the summer they have been very healthy, and free from the complaints peculiar to the season. In my efforts to carry out the wishes of the Department among these Indians, I beg leave to acknowledge the kind co-operation of General John E. Smith, commanding district of the Black Hills, headquarters at Fort Laramie, Wyoming Territory, who is ever ready to assist by council or force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. F. A. WALKER, J. W. DANIELS, United States Indian Agent. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C. No. 35. SHOSHONE AND BANNOCK AGENCY, WYOMING TERRITORY, SIR: In accordance with instructions, I have the honor to submit the following annual report relative to the condition of this agency and the Indians belonging thereto. In my first report for the year 1871 I stated that this agency was in its infancy, there being no improvements previous to the fall of 1870. At the present writing there is one field of 320 acres, substantially fenced, and a ditch over two miles in length, constructed of sufficient capacity to irrigate the whole field. A portion of this land is plowed, upon which we have raised the present year 33 acres of wheat, 24 acres of potatoes, 14 acres of oats, and 6 acres of turnips. Also a field of 20 acres, well fenced, upon which a crop of wheat, potatoes, and garden-vegetables, for employés, have been cultivated this year. The agency houses have all been put in order for occupancy. Stockade and corrals, &c.. for the convenience and safety of Government stock, have been provided. A grist-mill, saw-mill, shingle-machine, in accordance with treaty stipulations, have been purchased and erected this summer, and are now ready to be operated. The only important improvement I have to report in behalf of the Shoshone Indians is a change of sentiment in regard to their way of living, having now con sented to leave off their migratory habits and turn their attention to farming, stockraising, &c., and are consenting to the importance of having schools. This chang has been brought about by their own observation. They see for the first time hands stretched out to help them, and the danger of starvation removed during their fre efforts to change their condition. To supply the necessities of nature is the first fra: toward civilization, and when this is accomplished, and not until then, can they be expected to seek more intellectual pursuits, and be willing to take hold of the proffered hand of the Government and be led into a state of civilization. The Bannocks, who, by a provision of the treaty with the Shoshones, have been outpying this reservation in common with them, are now, by a condition of the sat treaty, expected to live on the Fort Hall reservation in Idaho, embracing the P Neuf and Camas Plains. The annuities for this year intended for the Bannocks have been sent as usual të this agency, and if they come from Fort Hall, where they are now supposed to be, to receive their presents, and from the necessity of the case be compelled to remain unt. next spring, it will seriously affect the estimate of subsistence made for the ShoshonS only. The stipulations of the treaty with the Shoshones, on the part of the Goverment obligating itself to make certain improvements on their reservation, have no been fully complied with in every particular. The want of houses for Indians to live in is the greatest obstacle that now presen itself; the difficulty of procuring material places the work beyond their reach, at without more assistance than I have at command will be a slow work. Bat inte progress can be made in schools until the Indiaus are induced to settle down. We have a reasonable expectation, however, that this work is about to commence. Permit me to say, in conclusion, that the work done in the past year and the p pects that are before us leaves no room to doubt the success of the present policy wit the Shoshone tribe of Indians. Notwithstanding they have been shamefully tampers, with, and strong efforts made to abuse their minds and cause distrust toward the Government and their true friends, the efforts made for them has arrested their attention They acknowledge a great change in the state of their affairs, and for the first time in the history of this tribe, it is believed, they see and appreciate the friendly relations of the Government toward them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. F. A. WALKER, JAMES IRWIN, United States Indian Agent. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C. No. 36. OFFICE OF THE INDIAN AGENT FOR THE NEZ PERCÉS INDIANS, SIR: In compliance with the requirements of the Department, I respectfully subt the following as my second annual report of affairs connected with the agency. During the past year the Indians of this tribe have been quiet and well dispose. No trouble has arisen between those upon the reservation and the whites outside Frequent complaints have been made at this office, on the part of those Indians be longing to this tribe outside the reserve, and the white settlers. Troubles between them and the whites will continue to arise so long as they are permitted to reside cri side the reserve, upon lands in the valleys, that are partly being settled up by the whites The sooner all belonging to the tribe are brought upon the reservation, the better !! will be for all. The condition and circumstances of those within the reserve are generally improving A greater desire to cultivate their lands is obtaining, and a slow yet steady progressi toward settling down to the pursuits of civilized life is to be seen. Farming.-Although there has been one-third more ground cultivated the presert season than there was the last, there will be less of all kinds of grain harvested. I causes that brought this about was the continuous drought, setting in soon after so*ing and planting, and continuing up to nearly the present time. The crickets als came upon us early in the spring in immense droves, and remained until July, ravag ing our fields of grain and destroying our vegetables. For agency purposes we put 1 25 acres of wheat, 20 acres oats, 12 acres corn, and 3 acres of potatoes. The vid been 250 bushels wheat, 375 bushels oats, 75 bushels corn. The potatoes are not d yet. We will have an average yield of them. The wheat, corn, and potatoes will for use of the boarding-school. At Kamiah the harvest has been much better than be or any part of the reserve, not having been troubled with the crickets, and having been blessed with seasonable weather. On account of this failure of Indian crops I anticipate numerous calls for help from Indians during the coming winter. Schools.-We have had two schools in operation during the past year-the boardingschool here at the agency, a day-school at Kamiah. The school-building here is 26 by 50 feet, two stories. The upper story is used as a dormitory for the boys, the lower is the school-room. The girls are lodged in a building near by, fitted up for them. The boarding-house is occupied by Rev. R. N. Fee, the teacher, and is situated between the two. The boarding department is superintended by Mrs. Fee, the matron. The school has made much more progress than I could have anticipated, which is encouraging to myself, with a prospect for the future that is still more encouraging. One great drawback is the superstition of the Indians. There has been considerable sickness among the scholars, and one of the most promising boys in the school died during the past summer. Immediately after his death some of the wilder portion of the tribe remarked that the sickness was caused by their adopting the manners and modes of the whites. "See," say they, "we are more healthy and stont than those. who work their farms and live in houses." "They will all die off if they continue to live as the whites." This feeling, I believe, will gradually pass away. We have at present in the boarding-school 20 boys and 3 girls. Some have made considerable proficiency in their studies. We have two far enough advanced to be able to explain to the others. They are a great help. I hope they will fit themselves for teachers. At Kamiah, there being no suitable house for boarding purposes, the school is necessarily a day-school. I have clothed some of the scholars attending there. The scholars have not made that progress in their studies that we find among those here. The school has been under the charge of the Rev. H. T. Cowley, whom I suspended July 1, 1872, for cause. I shall look for greater improvements during the next season. I cannot too strongly urge the absolute necessity for another building here, for the use of the school as a boarding-house and dormitory. We will need all the room we have now for school purposes as soon as the scholars come in for the winter term. And I sincerely hope that during the next season we shall have an appropriation not only sufficient to complete the present building, but also to erect a suitable boarding-house. An estimate for the same I have already sent on. Improvements.-There has been one barn built for the use of the agency during the summer. It is a good substantial structure, and was much needed. Quite a number of Indian cabins have been built, and others now are in process of erection. There seems to be a growing desire, particularly on the part of those who show any inclination to cultivate land, to build houses to live. Right here, in this connection with improvements, and in keeping with the policy of the administration, and which has obtained at other agencies, I have to call attention to, and urge that the estimate I forwarded some time ago for building dwellinghouses for employés be allowed. It is essential under the present policy that the employés be married men. In them we find men of steadier habits, more willing to recognize the duties and obligations resting upon them, and far readier to discharge them. Such a little colony of Christian families as we might have here located in the midst of the tribe would go far toward inducing the Indians to give up their wild nomadie life and bring them nearer to civilization, and exert a very salutary influence in christianizing them. To accomplish this we must have other buildings for the employés. Those buildings we have are wholly inadequate to meet the wants of the agency. The Indians see it and remark it. Two dwelling-houses should be built at once. need a church-building, hospital-building, and boarding-house for the school. There is no building here suitable for a mess-house, and I am compelled to keep the mess for those who have no families. We General remarks.-This tribe is divided into different bands, each having a head-man. Neither the head chief, sub-chiefs, nor head-men exercise that control or restraint over the tribe they ought. The tribe shows very little respect for their chiefs, and the nearer they approach civilization the more they rely upon the agent to settle matters in dispate among them. If in council the tribe or band are pleased with the council and advice of their chief or head-men, they follow it; if it does not accord with their fec.ings, it is disregarded. The tribe is about equally divided between "the treaty" and those who term themselves "the non-treaty" Indians. The non-treaty portion, with a very few exceptions, reside on the outside the reserve, along the Snake River and its tributaries. They never ask for assistance, and take nothing from me, except, perhaps, a little tobacco. There is no good feeling existing between the two parties. The nontreatys claim that Sawyer, at the time he made treaty with the Government, sold their country out from under them and reserved his own. They are the ones who give me much trouble outside the reservation. The time is coming, and I believe is now at hand, when the Government will be compelled to remove those outside the reservation upon it. As I have before remarked, troubles are constantly arising on the outside, and the settlers are getting impatient, and are inclined to push matters to the extreme. |
