1
California H141 Thomas J. Henley San Francisco, March. '56
One copy of letter from several citizens of Russian River rel. to Indian Affairs in that region - Sub Agent Ford has been requested to visit those Indians and report
copy & send to [illegible] for information
Rec'd June 30.'56 ackd. July 8th 1856 & copies sent to Sec'y of the Interior Sunday
30 - Finance
2
Office Supt. Indian Affairs San Francisco, CA June 4th, 1856
Hon Geo W. Manypenny Comr. of Indian Affairs Washington D. C.
Sir; I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a letter from several citizens of Russian River, in regard to Indian Affairs in that region.
Sub Agent Ford, who has just left here for the Mendocino Reservation has been instructed to visit these Indians on his way up, and to report to this office what steps if any are necessary to preserve peace in that portion of the State.
During the continuance of Indian hostilities in Oregon, particular attention will be paid to every appearance of difficulties in this State, as it is much easier to prevent, than quell an outbreak.
Very respectfully your Obt. Svt. Thos. J. Henley Supt Indian Affairs
3
-Copy- 13 & 14
Russian River, Mendocino Co. Cala. Mch 20th, 1856
T .J. Henley, Esq. Supt. Ind Affairs
Dear Sir: A few days ago, a man by the name of Jas. Jamison, in company with 4 Indians, (one of whom was raised by Mr. Wm. Potter, from infancy.) all peacable & friendly, whilst out hunting, were met and fallen upon by a party of Indians, and without any cause or provocation, from the white man or Indns with him, were most shamefully and brutally murdered and butchered by them, with exception of two Indians who escaped, though badly wounded. One being shot in the heart, and the other in the head. The Indians in company with the white man had no arms of any kind—they were going with him for the purpose of carrying the game which he might kill. These warlike or murderous tribes live about 12 miles from Potters Valley, on Russian River, in which, and a short distance below, there is a great deal of stock and many families are settled whose live and property is, we think, in great danger from them.
We would like that some immediate steps should be taken for our protection, and their removal and chastisement. Please let us hear form you, immediately, as something must be done, in the matter, by ourselves, if not by yourself, or
4
Other authorities, who have the power
Yours very respectfully,
(signed) John Smith. " Geo. Kinlock " Wm. H. Inge. " Wm. Potter. " Thos. Musgrave " Wm. [Rolersod?]. " Philp Curtis. " Thos. Potter. " Absalom Potter. " Henry Fowler " John Farrish. " Jno. Knight. " H.S. Baechtel.
5
-CopyLetter from [illegible] Smith and Kinlock et alt. to Supt. Henley, relative to murder of several Indians on Russian River. March 20th, 1856
/LACounty Library
