MF1323.1197 Reel 39_1001

California [I?] [270?] E. Steele Yreka, Cal. Jan 26 '64

Enc. letter from U. P. Melendy and affidavits rel to [illegible] brought Abbot against Doughlas & Melendy also refers to [illegible] upon the Nome Lackee Reservation asks instructions

File

[ink stamped] RECEIVED AT THE Feb 26 1864 INDIAN BUREAU

Mr Ray

OFFICE INDIAN AFFAIRS, NORTHERN DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA.

Yreka January 26th 1864

Sir Herewith please find copies of papers touching a suit of Abbott [illegible] Douglass & Melendy the papers explain themselves and I am desirous of instructions from the department upon the subject. I have none of the Indian or military laws in my office [illegible] can I procure buy in the [illegible], consequently am compelled to apply to you. I have submitted the care to then W. [P?]. [name?] attorney but [illegible] [illegible] tells me he knows nothing about it.

There is also another matter about which I desire instructions, on the Nome Lacky Reservation is a very fine grazing range for sheep. The old employes of the Reservation under Col Henley including his sons and nephews are grazing large flocks of sheep and bands of cattle thereon. I gave them notice to quit or make remuneration, and offered to take sheep in payment for the Round Valley Reservation They refuse to pay or keep off thesee flocks. They [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] four months is [illegible] at least calculations five hundred dollars these men have hung around and sucked the life life blood from the Reservation from its first establishment to the present time. Will you advise me of the extent of my authority in restraining them

trespasses or bycompelling a fair remuneartion for the use.

Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt E. Steele Super Agt Ind Affairs N. D. Cal

To Hon Wm P Dole Commission of Indian Affairs Washington D.C.

Round Valley Ind. Res. Jan. 15th 1864

Hon E. Steele Superintending Agt Ind Affairs [& co?0

Sir I wish you to fully understand my connection with the Abbott affair, about which a suit is now pending, in the District Court of this District.

I was instructed by Mr. Hansen, former Superintendent, to present all low white men from cohabitating with Indian girs, either on the reservation, or enticing them away from it, and in case of any trouble of this kind, to call on the military of Ft. Wright for assistance

In June last one Henry J Abbott, did entice an Indian girl to leave the reservation and on my sendign an employee for her treated the matter with contempt, defying my authority, & forcibly detaining her. (Enlosed find the Affidavits of the two employees substantiating these facts.) I then sent a statement of the case to Capt. Douglas, Commanding at Ft. Wright, requesting him to assist me in recovering the Indian girl. He immediately arrested said Abbott telling him he should be kept in confinement

untill he caused the girl to be returned to the reservation which was three days.

Capt. Douglas & myself are said for depriving him of his liberty and [illegible] attorneys are endeavoring to make political capital out of the affair, although said Abbott is believed to be a notorious kidnapper of Indian children.

The case was brought before the last Nov, term, my [illegible] not sustained consequently it was continued to [illegible] March term, & I wish to be instructed by you in regard to it.

Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant Wm P. Melendy Supervisor Nome Lackee Reservation

Hon E. Steele Superintendent Ind Affairs Northern Dis. Cal [illegible] Yreka