your direction instructions were forwarded to Agent Leavenworth to proceed forthwith to the place where these Indians agreed to meet Agent Labadi, to counsel with and endeavor to induce them to send some of their principal and most influential men to the council which the peace commissioners appointed under the act of Congress of 20th July last proposed to hold with other Indians at Fort Larned about the 15th of October ultimo. Should they have agreed to do so, and their representatives have reached that point before the work of the commission shall have closed, it may be expected that some arrangements have been made with them for peace and friendly conduct towards the citizens of Texas. In that case quietude and a sense of security may be enjoyed by the people who have so long been kept in dread of attacks by these Indians, and suffered so much by their frequent outrages and depredations. Agent Labadi has received similar instructions.

COLORADO SUPERINTENDENCY.

There has been during the past year no very marked change in the condition of the Indians of this superintendency, and it will not likely be much improved until they are all concentrated upon reservations and furnished the means to enter upon a different mode of life to what they are now leading. It does not appear that they are disposed at present to do this; on the contrary, they are averse to it. Yet it is their only remedy against the evils to which they are subjected and the inevitable consequences of the steady advance of the white race. The tribes in the two agencies established for the Territory are the Uinta and Grand River Utes and the Tabequache Utes, together numbering about 6,500. With the former a treaty was made in 1866 by Governor Cummings, which secured to the government routes of travel through the country claimed by them, and provides indemnity for the interference by citizens and the railroad company with their hunting grounds, and for the destruction of timber. I concur in the opinion expressed by this office, in submitting the treaty to your department last January, that it should be ratified.

In regard to the Tabequache Utes, Agent Head reports that their management has caused him much anxiety, and he is more than ever impressed with the importance of removing them to the reservation provided in their treaty of 1863. Events, and the condition of things hitherto, have prevented the adoption of measures for that end, but should there be no special legislation by Congress respecting the matter of colonizing all the tribes in Colorado in one locality, the efforts of the department will be directed to the securing of this object at the earliest practicable date.

The Mohuache Utes, living in the northern part of New Mexico, who are related by intermarriage with the Tabequache band, and speaking the same language, should be removed to that reservation, or one near.it, and some provision made for their support.

MONTANA SUPERINTENDENCY.

In the absence of annual reports, except that of Agent Wright, from this superintendency, I am unable to make such a statement of the condition of the service within its bounds as could be desired.

The Blackfeet bands have always been more or less hostile with the whites, and with some of their Indian neighbors. In 1865 a treaty was made for a cession of the country claimed by them, lying south of the Missouri, the object being to throw open to settlement a section supposed to contain precious metals. No action has been taken upon it in consequence of the Indians having, soon after, violated its stipulations by renewing hostilities. The necessity for such an arrangement as it proposed still exists, and if the treaty is not to be ratified, another should be negotiated.

I deem it expedient that a separate treaty should be made with the Gros Ventres, a band of the Blackfeet, and a party to the treaty referred to, as they live distant from the others, and are on unfriendly terms with them. These Gros Ventres are friendly to the whites, and should be favored in this respect. It was the intention of the northwest commissioners to meet them for that purpose last year, but it was found impracticable to do so.

The agency for the Blackfeet at Fort Benton is regarded as being located in an unsuitable place. The town established at that point being incorporated and subject to territorial and national taxation, its citizens claim that the laws regulating trade and intercourse with Indian tribes are inapplicable to them, and therefore they may not be restricted in trading with the Indians who come among them. As a matter of course, the Indians are furnished with liquor, and the results are, frequently, difficulties between them and the whites. I propose that the agency be removed either to the Sun River farm, formerly selected for the purpose, but which, for various causes, was abandoned several years ago, or to some other locality remote from the settlements and great lines of travel. Agent Wright suggests a point called Beaver creek, on the north side of Bear Paw mountains.

From the Flathead agency no annual report has yet been received, but by letter from Agent Wells it appears that the Indians on the reservation require - much to be done for them, in order to relieve their wants and improve their condition. Those who went out on the usual buffalo hunt have returned very destitute, having lost many horses, &c., by the acts of marauding Blackfeet. The band in Bitter Root valley has suffered the loss of their entire crops by the visitation of the grasshoppers and crickets. At the agency the prospects of a good harvest are reported as favorable.

A considerable number of Bannocks and Shoshones range in the southern part of Montana, with whom it was, at one time, believed no treaty had ever been made; but recent information leads to the conclusion that they are parties to the treasy negotiated in 1863, at Soda Springs, by Governor Doty, not yet ratified. Reference herein is made to them in my remarks under the head of "Utah superintendency." This office recommended, in February last, that Congress be asked to appropriate $20,000 to provide subsistence, clothing, and selecting a reservation for them.

IDAHO SUPERINTENDENCY.

There are in this superintendency about 5,500 Indians, comprising the Nez Percé, Lower Pend d'Oreille, Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenay, Bannock, and Shoshone tribes.

The Nez Percés only have a treaty with the government, and, by their treaty of June 9, 1863, are provided with a diminished reservation. By direction of the President, two reservations have been set apart for the other tribes; one in the northern part of Idaho, upon which it is proposed to locate the Coeur d'Alenes and other Indians in that vicinity; the other at Fort Hall, designed for the Bannocks, Shoshones, and all straggling Indians in the central and southern parts of the Territory. That at Fort Hall, as a permanent location for the bands named, is dependent upon the consent of Waskakee's band in Utah, known as the Eastern Shoshones, the land being within the limits acknowledged as their hunting grounds by their treaty of 1563. I think, however, there will be no difficulty on that point. It is the purpose of the department to remove the Indians to those reservations as early as may be practicable; but as the means on hand are insufficient to effect much, it will be necessary that Congress make adequate appropriations therefor. With these tribes concentrated upon the tracts thus set apart, under the care of an efficient agent, with the aid of schools, a supply of provisions for their subsistence, agricultural implements, and their

instruction in the industrial arts, it may be expected that, ere long, their condition will be greatly improved, and the citizens will have fewer occasions to complain of Indian outrages or difficulties. Such as have been, and are now, hostile, оссиру no particular part of the country, nor are they organized under any tribal power, but wander from place to place committing deeds of violence, and plundering the communities they find defenceless.

Much dissatisfaction has existed among the Nez Percés on account of the nonratification of their treaty of 1863 for so long a time, the non-payment of their annuities, and the encroachments of whites upon their lands. The patience exhibited under circumstances so unfavorable, and the fidelity to their obligations to the government, so faithfully maintained, are truly to be commended. Now that the treaty has been proclaimed without the amendments, to which they made such persistent objection, it is hoped that the ill-feeling engendered by the causes referred to will be soon removed, and their future become more hopeful and promising of good results. The government has its duty to perform in affording protection to their rights under existing laws and treaty stipulations. Their reservation, defined by the treaty of 1863, should not be intruded upon in any manner by whites. Let the intercourse act of June 30, 1834, be strictly and promptly enforced against all intruders; let there be a faithful execution of the laws prohibiting the sale to, or introduction among, the Indians of spirituous liquors, and we shall not probably hear of difficulty on their part, nor of their suspecting the government of a want of good faith in its care of the rights and interests. Agent O'Neil has lately reported that many laws enacted by the legislature of Idaho, in direct violation of the intercourse act of 1834, are in operation upon the reservation, under which charters for ferries and bridges have been granted, and roads laid off. Without more definite information than he has given, I am not prepared to make any suggestions in regard to the matter. If it be as he states, then injustice is manifestly being done, and proper steps should be taken to determine such legislative enactments to be of no force.

DAKOTA SUPERINTENDENCY.

Powerful and warlike Indians are to be found among the nine bands of the Upper Missouri Sioux. The most peaceably disposed tribes are the Yanctons, Poncas, Arickarees, Gros Ventres, Mandans, Assinaboines, and Sisseton and Wahpeton bands of Sioux. Notwithstanding their solemn treaty obligations to be friendly, assumed scarcely a year since, some of the nine bands of Sioux have been waging war against the government for months past. Elsewhere in this report I have noticed more particularly the cause and events connected with our present Indian difficulties in the countries watered by the Powder and Platte rivers.

The Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux, located in the northeast part of the Territory, near the Minnesota border, are friendly. An agent has been appointed to take charge of them, and as far as means are available they will be furnished with such things as the treaty with them ratified last spring, stipulates shall be provided.

From the report of Agent Hanson, in charge of the Upper Missouri Sioux, it will be seen that a general desire has been manifested by them to plant. With judicious efforts by the department, sustained by liberal appropriations for the supply of agricultural implements, it is thought that many may be induced to settle, abandon the chase, and labor for a support.

Amidst surrounding difficulties, with influences strongly calculated to involve them in the hostilities of others, the Yancton Sioux, under Agent Conger, have remained true to the government. They have sustained this summer a heavy loss in the destruction of their entire corn crop, by the ravages of immense numbers of grasshoppers, the value of the crop being estimated at $50,000. So

severe a calamity, urgently appeals for relief, and I trust that Congress will grant it. Such aid as the department can give by the means at its disposal, and applicable to the object, will be furnished to them, as well as to the Poncas and others, sufferers from the same cause. Their educational interests have been much neglected, and something should be done to meet their need in this regard.

No material change in the general condition of the other tribes is perceptible. The Poncas continue friendly, and now that their treaty, made two years ago, has been ratified, and they have a permanent home secured, their gradual advancement in civilization, under measures put in operation for their benefit, may reasonably be expected.

The Assinaboines and tribes in the northern part of the Territory are in general friendly disposed. Causes, however, exist which may lead to trouble.

faction is expressed at the encroachments of the whites upon their country; especially is this the case with the Assinaboines. They complain that, notwithstanding they yielded to the commissioners who negotiated the treaty with them in 1866, not yet ratified, the right of certain routes of travel for the whites, to settlements in Montana, another route is being used through their country without their consent. Unless some arrangement is made in the matter, satisfactory to them, it is feared that hostilities on their part will follow.

CENTRAL SUPERINTENDENCY.

From the report of Superintendant Murphy, and reports of the agents under his charge, the general state of affairs among the several tribes in the superintendency is ascertained to be in substance as follows:

Pottawatomies. These Indians are in a prosperous condition, and increasing in numbers. The nation is reaping decided advantage from the good schools established among them, especially that of the St. Mary's Mission, a Catholic institution, and admirably managed. Many of the tribes competent to sustain creditably the relation of citizenship, are taking the initiatory steps to become citizens under the provisions of their treaty of 1861. Patents in fee simple have been issued to 190, and during the coming year perhaps 300 will receive them. Complaint is made that these people cannot get justice against wrongs by the whites, as the courts do not regard them to by either citizens of the United States or Kansas. The only remedy against the evils surrounding them is to be found in their removol to a new home, and this from force of circumstances must be effected ere long, not only with this tribe, but all others residing on reservations in eastern Kansas.

Shawnees-Many of these Indians hold their lands in severalty; have made good progress, and bear the reputation of being thrifty, moral, and intelligent, in these respects not being excelled by their white neighbors. Those ho'ding lands in common are not so well off, having many difficulties to encounter, not the least of which is the intrusion of the whites upon their lands and the despoiling them of their property. Expecting the ratification of their treaty of last winter, about which they are exceedingly anxious, and the consequent removal from Kansas, the Shawnees have not made any new improvements, but have, however, raised good crops.

Delawares, Wyandotts -The former last spring entered into an arrangement with the Cherokees for a residence in the Cherokee country, and they are now preparing to remove there. Upon doing so they will then become mrged into that nation. A few may elect to be citizens and remain in the States. Thus, soon will be lost sight of a nation once powerful, whose career has been marked with many vicissitudes and changes since the time their forefathers, many years ago, left the waters of the Susquehanna, and emigrated, step by step, to the then far

west.

The Wyandotts are few in number, and can scarcely be regarded as a tribe. Some became citizens under the provisions of the treaty of 1855, and others declined to change their relation in that respect. Their situation is a peculiar one, from which they can, it is thought, only be relieved by appropriate legislation of Congress. They desire to sell their lands and remove to the Indian country, and I am of the opinion that it will be best for their interest and for the people of Kansas that an arrangement be effected to this end. This will however be accomplished should the treaty of February last, made with the Senecas and Shawnees and other tribes, be ratified, as it provides a home for them on a tract of 20,000 acres, ceded by the first article of that treaty, being a part of the Seneca reservation.

Sacs and Foxes of the Mississippi.-The statistics of population show at decrease in the number of this tribe, as is the case with most of the tribes who live by the chase. They are averse to a change of habits, to education, and agricultural pursuits. An exception may be found in Keokuk, the principal chief, and a few others, who have farms and encourage the schools established among them. Last year the "Kindergarten" system of instruction was authorized to be introduced, but it does not appear to have been brought into use for want of certain requisites. I question whether sufficient interest has been given to the matter and proper efforts made to give it a fair test.

The Chippewa and Christian Indians form a small band of eighty-four souls, hold lands in severalty, have comfortable homes, and are prospering. They have a good school and are not disposed to leave their present abode. Included in the agency for the above-named tribes are the Ottawas, formerly in charge of Special Agent Hutchinson. By the operation of their treaty of 1862 they ceased, since July last, to be a tribe, and have become citizens. They are in great trouble, and desire the ratification of the treaty made by them conjointly with other Kansas tribes last winter, a stipulation of which gives them choice of citizenship or to remain in their tribal relations, and provides for the removal from Kansas of such as do not become citizens. That treaty has not yet been acted upon by the Senate.

Kansas or Kaws.-An improvident and wild though peaceably disposed tribe, the same now as they were many years ago. What has been done for them in the way of building houses upon their reserve, opening a school, and assisting them to learn how to cultivate the soil, has failed, in a great measure, to produce any marked change in them for the better. They now see that their source of supportthe chase--will before long avail them little or nothing. Until their dependence on that shall have been abandoned there can be little hope of any decided improvement on their present condition. Once about the richest Indians in Kansas they are now perhaps the poorest and most unpromising.

Kickapoos-Those on the reserve number 282. Some of these were formerly Pottawatomies, who, years since, becoming dissatisfied with their own people, purchased rights among this tribe. The great majority of the Kickapoos went off south during the late war, many as far as Mexico. During the past year some have returned, and those now in Mexico are anxious to get back again. Though unsettled in view of the question of their removal from Kansas, the tribe generally has prospered, and those who expect to remain as citizens are much interested in the education of their children.

Miamies, Peorias, Piankeshaws, Kaskasias and Weas.-These people all hold lands in severalty. In point of intelligence and improvement they ranked with the tribes most advanced in civilization, but, owing to their vices learned from the whites, and to the use of spirituous liquors by many of them, their numbers have been much reduced; especially is this the case of the Miamies. Should the treaty arrangements entered into with these Indians during the past spring be approved and carried into effect, some of them will no doubt assume the relation of citizens, while others will remove to the Indian I-Vol. ii-2