are using wagons for this purpose, owning now fifteen wagons, which are kept for their own use and purchased with their own money. In years past they had been in the habit of letting their ponies run at large upon their lands and the commons, but the demands of civilization with which they are surrounded have compelled them to build fences, which they have done year by year, completing some one hundred and ten rods this year, so that in fact their entire reservation is now practically under fence, making a grand and commodious pasture for their stock, which is composed exclusively of ponies or horses. In their culinary department they have also made some progress, adopting, as well as their limited facilities will permit, some of the customs of their white sisters. They make very good bread and biscuits, fair pies and cakes, and most elegant soups; have a cloth laid, and dishes on their table (which is generally the ground).

In their relations with the whites they observe the Christian Sabbath, never coming to town on that day, making visits or traveling around the country.

In habits they are a quiet, peaceful, even-tempered people, naturally averse to work and inclined to idleness; but the present year they have done fairly well at work. As a rule, however, they seem at their best visiting the neighboring towns begging, or in some shady nook about their homes smoking, chatting, and playing cards. They lack thrift, industry, and a spirit of progress. They have a well-defined religion. While not what might be strictly called orthodox, it is wide apart from paganism. They believe in the living God, and seriously and devotedly worship Him, regarding Him as the giver of all their good things, and the sure avenger of their wrongs. Their religion partakes largely of the Jewish character. Feasts are held and prayers offered before their crops are planted, and another series of prayers and thanksgiving when their crops are gathered. Blessings and invocations are said when a child is born, and beautiful prayers are offered at the grave for the safe transmission of the spirit of the dead to heaven. Holy or consecrated tobacco is burned on certain occasions as incense, and they have something that profane eyes are never allowed to see, called "Me-sham," corresponding to the Jewish ark of the covenant. The missionary work is under the charge of Presbyterian Women's Board of Foreign Missions. They have established rooms in Tama City, some two miles from the agency, which are open day times for the Indians to visit. These rooms are made attractive with books, pictures, and an organ, together with a sewing-machine, which the missionary uses to help and show the women how to sew. Last Christmas they had a Christmas tree for the Indian children, whereon about fifty dollars' worth of presents were distributed. The missionary also makes a visit of twice each week to the agency, where she does what she can to interest them in Christian work and thought. This is a good field for work, and it is to be hoped that much good work can be done. The industrial and day school has during the year done fairly well. Miss Alice B. Busby, the teacher, has done splendidly for the chances that she has had, doing all that was in her power to interest the children also the fathers and mothers. She on last Christmas got them up a sumptuous dinner at her own expense, and quite a number of presents. In my opinion she deserves much credit for her work here. The Indians seem to have a deep-seated prejudice against education of any form, and persistently oppose the interests of the school, and it takes much persuasion of both agent and teacher to get them to let their children attend. Another difficulty in our attendance is, that our Indians live on both sides of the river, and in tiaes of high water and bad weather it is very inconvenient for those living on the opposite side to attend. But in the main it is safe to say that during the year our school has made considerable progress; quite a number have learned to read and made some proficiency in mathematics, and acquired some knowledge of geography, and in drawing some of our pupils really excel. It is to be hoped with the new attractions added and to be added as indicated by you, our school will be a success.

cer.

The sanitary condition of our Indians is not what it should be; scrofulous and blood diseases prevail to some extent, two of our Indians dying the last year of canIt is my belief that their condition is owing largely to frequent intermarriages among relatives, exposure to cold, malaria arising from the bottom lands, uncleanliness of habit, and the need of a good white physician to advise them and to administer to their wants.

Their crops the present year will fall short from those of the last year, while they were about the same in acreage as last year. The shortage is due solely to the heavy rains and overflow of the river on the lands. The crops on the higher lands are looking splendid and promise a bountiful yield. I estimate that the corn crop this year will be 2,000 bushels, but with a late fall and good weather it may largely exceed this. I estimate their products as follows: Potatoes, 500 bushels; turnips, 50 bushels; of onions, 10 bushels; of beans, 200 bushels; of melons, pumpkins, &c., 100 wagon loads.

In regard to their present financial condition, they are in a very pinched state. Owing to the delay growing out of the apportionment of their annuities with the other branch of the tribe they have been without a payment for some time. They

have had to deal with their white neighbors entirely on credit, which credit is nearly gone. Their taxes are unpaid on their lands, and are now drawing heavy penalties, and they are in much need of their annuities, which they expect at an early date, which will greatly relieve them and put them in good financial condition.

Their population has not varied much during the year, they now amounting to 380 in number.

I believe this is all I have to report.
Very respectfully, yours,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

O. H. MILLS,

United States Indian Agent.

POTTAWATOMIE AND GREAT NEMAHA AGENCY.

August 20, 1885.

SIR: As directed in circular letter dated the 1st ultimo, I herewith submit my first annual report of the condition of the Indians in this agency, consisting of the different tribes and numbers shown by the following statement:

As these tribes occupy five different reservations in Kansas and Nebraska, they will be referred to separately, commencing with the most important tribe.

THE PRAIRIE BAND OF POTTAWATOMIES

are located on the Diminished Pottawtomie Reservation, situated in Jackson County Kansas, containing 77,357 acres of land, a part of a tract of 576,600 acres obtained by the Pottawatomie Nation of Indians, through purchase, as their land and home forever, under provisions of the 4th article of the treaty made by those Indians June 5 and 17, 1846. Not exceeding four-tenths of the reservation is suitable for cultivation, but it is all splendidly adapted to grazing purposes, being covered with a thrifty growth of succulent grass, even on stony points; it is also well watered by two large creeks, and several small streams fed by springs of sufficient quantity, and so distributed as to furnish excellent and abundant water for stock in all parts of the reserve.

These Indians have one hundred and ten separate farmis, or cultivated tracts, ranging in area from five to two hundred acres each, worked by one hundred and twenty families. All of these tracts are inclosed with hog-tight fences, generally made of rails, and very neatly and strongly built. At each farm there is a dwelling-house built of logs or lumber, and in a few cases of rock. A majority of the houses are inclosed with neat fences, and their interior arrangements evidence a desire on the part of the tenants to follow the example set by their white sisters in housekeeping, so far as the facilities afforded them and the opportunities for informing themselves will admit of. These Indians own comparatively large numbers of horses and ponies, of which five car-loads were sold this year. These animals command liberal prices, and can be raised with less expense and care than cattle. Those who have cattle do not dispose of them, and are very anxious to increase their number. All of them wish to obtain cattle.

Owing to the heavy and long-continued rainfall last spring, corn-planting was delayed nearly four weeks later than usual, and this, added to the nearly total loss of some fields from planting bad seed, seemed to preclude the possiblity of raising a good crop of corn. During the months of June and July, and to this date, however, the weather has been very favorable, and the prospects now are that an average crop will be raised. The Indians will have sufficient for themselves and stock, and some perhaps to dispose of.

The Prairie Band has about $640,000 held in trust and invested for them by the United States, the interest of which is paid to them in annuities for support of schools, support of blacksmith and wheelwright shops, purchase of lumber, agricultural implements, &c., as provided by treaty stipulations and acts of Congress. Their annuities proper, with the number of Indians now present, amount to about forty-five dollars per annum, and a reasonable portion of it is usually expended for stoves, furniture, and other useful articles, aside from subsistence.

About two hundred and fifty Pottawatomies, now living in Wisconsin, who left here during the late war, are members of the Prairie Band, and are entitled to equal privileges with those here should they return. I understand that fifty of these people have made arrangements to return this fall, and that more are expected during the winter and spring.

These Indians are chaste, cleanly, and industrious, and would be a valuable acquisition to the Prairie Band if it were not for their intense devotion to a religions dance started among the northern Indians some years since. This dance was introduced to the Prairie Band about two years ago by the Absentee Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, and has spread throughout the tribes in the agency. They seem to have adopted the religion as a means of expressing their belief in the justice and mercy of the Great Spirit, and of their devotion to him, and are so earnest in their convictions as to its affording them eternal happiness, that I have thought it impolitic, so far, to interfere with it any further than to advise as few meetings as possible, and to discountenance it in my intercourse with the individuals practicing the religion. It is not an unmixed evil, as under its teaching drunkenness and gambling have been reduced 75 per cent., and a departure from virtue on the part of its members meets with the severest condemnation. As some tenets of revealed religion are embraced in its doctrines, I do not consider it a backward step for the Indians who have not heretofore professed belief in any Christian religion, and believe its worst features are summed up in the loss of time it occasions and the fanatical train of thought involved in the constant contemplation of the subject.

This band has an ample school fund and good educational facilities, yet the attendance is not as large as it should be. They have, without exception, expressed themselves as satisfied with the management of the school, and in council acknowledge the advantages of education; but it seems impossible to obtain and keep for any length of time as many children as the school will accommodate. The school, since its commencement in 1874, has been attended by citizen Pottawatomie Indian children, which has caused objection on the part of the Prairie Band. These children in past years have been reported as Prairie Indian children, and served to keep up the attendance at the school. Last November they were all sent to Haskell University, and the children since attending the school have a legal right to do so. I am satisfied that the attendance this year, since the month of November, of Prairie Indian children is the largest the school has ever had.

Whatever differences of opinion may exist between these Indians in regard to their business matters, they are thoroughly united on the question of retaining their present homes. Any suggestion of contrary action meets with an angry response, and they become unjustly suspicious of any attempt in that direction. Fourteen miles of fence, inclosing a tract of about 17,000 acres of the reserve leased before I assumed charge of the agency, was cut and totally destroyed by white people, and numerous depredations continue (as in years past) to be perpetrated on the grass growing on the reserve by farmers living contiguous thereto.

Intemperance among these Indians has been greatly reduced and is now of rare occurrence. They do not seek intoxicating drinks outside of the reserve, and that used by them is introduced by citizen Pottawatomies, of whom about two hundred are living on the reserve.

THE KICKAPOOS

occupy the "Diminished Kickapoo Reservation," located in Brown County, Kansas, containing 19,137 acres of land, the remainder of 150,000 acres received by those Indians, under provisions of articles 1 and 3 of their treaty with the United States, made on the 18th day of May, 1-54. About three-fourths of this reservation is suitable for agricultural purposes, and the remainder affords fine grazing opportunities. The soil is richer than that of the Pottawatomie Reserve, and produces fine yields of corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, and vegetables with a moderate amount of labor. These Indians have sixty-six distinct farms, inclosed with rail, lumber, and wire fencing. A variety of seeds are planted on the farms, and they are generally well cultivated. There is a comfortable house at each farm, moderately well supplied with furniture, and about one-third of the farms have thrifty young orchards growing on them. They are economical in the use of produce or money that may come into their possession, and live comfortably.

They have strong religious convictions, and have had preachers among them for years, who expound doctrines partly Christian. The church government is strict, and exercises an elevating influence over about one-half of the tribe who conform to it. The remainder of the tribe, except those professing the Christian religion, have joined the religious dance, referred to in connection with the Prairie Band. The class last mentioned are those who have heretofore been addicted to strong drink; but they have yielded to the influences surrounding them, and now rarely use intoxicants.

They raise horses, hogs, and cattle, all of which they feed and care for properly.

These Indians have $222, 152.87 held in trust by the United States, the interest of which is paid in annuities for support of school, support of blacksmith-shop, and purchase of agricultural implements, subject to the control of the honorable Secretary of the Interior.

These Indians, who hold their land in common, are greatly annoyed by that portion of their people who have become citizens under provisions of their treaty made May 28, 1863. The majority of the allottee class have squandered their property and money, and now gain a precarious livelihood by trespassing upon those who hold in

common.

Several horses were stolen during the year, and the white people living on the borders of the reserve have depredated upon the grass, as usual.

These Indians seem determined to retain their present homes.

They have fair educational advantages, but failed during the year to improve them as they should. Their excuse was that a teacher whom it was inexpedient to discharge until April last was objectionable, and then the larger children were required at home to assist in farm and garden work. I have now employed a male teacher, who has succeeded in gathering twenty-two children since August 1. Several pupils from this tribe have been in attendance at Haskell Institute, at Lawrence, Kans.

THE IOWAS AND SACS AND FOXES OF MISSOURI

are located on adjoining reservations in Northeastern Kansas and Southeastern Nebraska, containing, for the first-named tribe 16,000 and for the latter 8,000 acres of land. Though a considerable portion of these reserves are broken, the land is not rocky, and is of a very superior quality for farming purposes.

Nearly all of the Iowa reservation is fenced, either for farming or grazing purposes, and it is further improved by neat and in some instances commodious dwelling-houses, barns, and orchards. With the exception of about ten families, these people have adopted all the habits of practical civilization, and should not be subjected to the hardships and demoralizing influences incident upon making new homes in the Indian Territory. Yet, in view of the legislation upon the subject of their removal made by Congress last winter, it is likely that their transfer will be accomplished, and the routine work of education and civilization among them will still be in process twenty years hence. At a recent vote taken by these people, in reference to moving south, twelve persons voted to go. These represent about onefourth of the Iowas belonging in Kansas, and constitute the blanket portion of the tribe.

They raise a surplus of hogs and horses and a number of them own cattle. A portion of them sell large quantities of corn, and the remainder have sufficient for subsistence and to feed stock. They also raise wheat, oats, and rye, successfully, and are in fact very happily situated.

The reserve of the Sac and Fox of Missouri Indians is about all fenced, and is principally utilized for grazing purposes, though there are a few large farms and a number of smaller ones proportionate to the population. They have some very good houses and desire to build others, but they have not heretofore taken the same interest in providing for the domestic comfort of their families that the Iowas have. For several years whisky has been almost uninterruptedly sold to these Indians, causing death to at least two of the Sacs, and creating contention and, in a few cases, extreme poverty in both tribes. Under special instructions from the Department I recently caused the arrest of several persons charged with selling whisky to them, and this action, in connection with a close watch kept upon suspected parties, has produced a different and more hopeful state of affairs as far as intoxicants are concerned.

The Sacs and Foxes, besides receiving about $90 per annum as annuity, have abundant funds for all other purposes that might tend to promote their civilization. Indeed, it is questionable if the possession of so great an amount of money is advantageous to them. With less they would probably exert themselves more. The Iowas receive about $42 per annum as annuity, and have a bare sufficiency of funds for other necessary purposes.

These tribes, in common, have the finest school building in the agency, with all other buildings necessary to the accommodation of all their children of school age. No complaint can be made against them on the score of non-attendance at schools. All the children that could be expected have attended regularly, and made gratifying progress in study and in industrial pursuits. Independent of the attendance at this school, there are ten youths at Carlisle and other educational institutions for Indians from these schools.

Three blacksmith and one wheelwright shop are operated for the benefit of the Indians heretofore named. The character of the work done at these shops is the same as required in such shops in good farming communities among the whites. The me chanics employed during the year are fine workmen, of industrious habits, and their

continual efforts to please the Indians, by disposing of all the work brought to them, has had considerable influence in bringing about a condition of contentment among them.

THE CHIPPEWA AND CHRISTIAN, OR MUNSEE INDIANS

are located in Franklin County, Kansas, on allotted lands, which they hold by certifi cate title. The Moravian Church has had a mission among them for a number of years, and all of them profess a belief in the doctrines of the church, if not members of it. Several young men have been educated by the church, and one of them has recently been sent to Alaska as a missionary.

They have $42,560.36 held in trust by the United States, the interest of which is paid to them in annuities, but no funds for other purposes. They have adopted the customs of white people and are intermarrying with them. In my opinion the majority of them are prepared for the duties of citizenship.

As the result of my observations, afforded by ample opportunit es, I am satistied that the different tribes in the agency have made substantial progress in the civilized pursuits open to them, and that their assimilation to the usages of a higher civilization is being accomplished insensibly, perhaps, to themselves. After close inquiry I have not been able to learn of an Indian in the agency who disbelieves in the Creator, and their errors in religious views are the result of intense convictions, impelling them to grasp doctrines seemingly safer than those previously entertained. These convictions will continually urge them onward until, finally, they will comprehend and accept the truths of revealed religion. The best minds in the tribes are emphatically in favor of education, and with the progress already made in this direction the final result, in a reasonable time, cannot be otherwise than successful. In addition to these favorable conditions, there is one other very important principle to be established before the full and final civilization of these Indians can be attained. Their homes must be made permanent, secure against the designs of politicians, the schemes of speculators-under the guise of actual settlers-and the perfidy of their own people. The morbid and ceaseless demand for Indian lands that forced these people from their homes fifty years ago, and since, is expected to accomplish the same purpose again, and if acceded to will continue until the Indian, without a knowledge of civilized pursuits or possessions, will illustrate in his abject condition the injustice of his treatment.

I take pleasure in acknowledging the official courtesy of those in charge of the office of Indian Affairs, and have to express my appreciation of the kind treatment extended to me by all the Indians under my charge.

Herewith forwarded, please find statistical information asked for in your letter. Very respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

I. W. PATRICK, United States Indian Agent.

MACKINAC AGENCY, Ypsilanti, September 16, 1885.

SIR: I have the honor to make my fourth annual report of the Mackinac Agency. The Indians in this agency are not known or recognized by tribal relations, either by State law or treaties, are in all respects on an equality with the whites before the law, and scattered over the entire State north of the capital in small groups, no one settlement exceeding 200 souls.

They obtain a livelihood by farming in a very small way, fishing, working in the lumber, woods, and mills, berry-picking, and, to a limited extent, trapping. As a rule they are very poor, and the instances are rare where one has what would be considered a competence. Had they held the lands given them by the Government, the natural rise in their value would have made thousands of Indians comfortable, but these lands were forests and they had scarcely any facilities for clearing them. The whites crowded into their neighborhoods, bought their lands at a nominal price, and crowded the Indian to the wall. Had they been placed upon one reservation, with proper safeguards thrown about them, the Indians of Michigan might have been prosperous and happy. But it is too late to remedy the evil, and as a result the race will disappear in Michigan within fifty years.

In the mean time the Government is under treaty obligation to perhaps 3,000 of the total number. These obligations are allotments of land, sustaining schools, and payment of money. The Indians thus affected are the Chippewas of Isabella and adjoining counties, the Pottowatomies of Huron, in Calhoun County, and the Chippewas upon Lake Superior. All others have received what the Government owed them, and are entirely dependent upon their own exertions, receiving no aid in money, and hav5067 IND-8