MF1323.1197 Reel 39_1029

California S280 E. Steele Yreka, California Jan 27, '64

Submits his report rel. to the condition &c of the Smiths River Reservation near Crescent City, Cal.

Recd March 5, '64

Comr

Office of Indian Affrs Northern District California Yreka Dec 5th 1863

To Hon Wm P Dole Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Sir I have the honor to report that I have just returned from a visit to Smiths River Reservation near Crescent City California

I find the line of the Reservation between four and five miles from Crescent City instead of three as I had [supposed?], and extending thence to the State Line; that the Head Quarters are about fourteen miles from Crescent City. The Reservation is situate upon hired lands; that some considerable improvements have been made upon some of these lands in building Indian houses under the direction of Mr. Hanson. I find upon this Reservation from twelve to fourteen hundred Indians all in good training and subjection, and well provided with every thing needed, except clothing.

The Reservation has the appearance of having been conducted with skill and due calculation, and with regard to the true interest of the Government, and the welfare of the Indians. The Indians seemed happy and contented and fully under the control of the Supervisor.

I find here a large supply of provisions, the crops of the last season, more than equal to the necessities of the indians on this Reservation, and more than they have proper

facilities for preserving and securing. I find the Landlords claim they have not been paid their rents, but that the same is all yet in [illegible]

Upon the Reservation as nineteen head of mares and colts purchased by the present Supervisor Wm. Bryson Esqr, under directions of Mr. Hanson, and for which he has not received his pay. The mares were purchased in Oregon, are valuable animals, and had at a very low figure, and much needed in the Indian service. I would recommend that the purchase be ratified and Mr. Bryson paid the amount due him in the purchase money.

I find here as elsewhere the Supervisors and employees unpaid for their services. I should be allowed to pay the amounts due.

In my opinion more land has been hired and cultivated than is needed for the Indians in this locality, or that can be retained on a Reservation at this point, and consequently have advised Mr. Bryson to hire only the farm upon which the Head Quarters are situate and about one hundred acres contiguous and convenient thereto, for the coming season.

The fishery is hired of citizens and is a very poor one in comparison to many others on the coast, from the fact that the freshet of 1862 changed the outlet of Smiths River, to a point very difficult of access, for fishing purposes. The rental for the fishery is claimed as yet due and unpaid. I am fully of opinion that the Reservation should be discontinued, and the Indians all concentrated at Round

Valley and the coast contiguous thereto. My reasons are First. Smiths River Valley is mostly private lands. Second. In it is situate Crescent City, a flourishing place, the inlet and outlet to the commerce of Southern Oregon, and requiring roads through the valley and Reservation as a means of communication. Third. There are large mining interests on the hills surrounding the valley, which will employ thousands of our white citizens for ages to come. Fourth. It would be an impossibility to segregate the Indians, from the white population, or present the continual depredations of mischievous and bad whites upon the Indians. Fifth. Round Valley and the coast immediately west of it - or north of west - is not desirable for our white citizens, is isolated, and equal to the wants if properly administered of all the Indians in the Northern District, will employ support twenty thousand Indians, more than will ever be concentrated upon any Reservation or Reservations in this state. Sixth. Reducing the number of the Reservations would reduce the expense very materially of providing for the Indians of this District, as follows. A less number of Supervisors, Physicians, and employees would be required for this management. A less number of soldiers would be required, and less Forts and Camps to be built, fitted

up and supplied, sensibly relieving the War Department on this coast; and lastly the Superintending Agent would be enabled to make more frequent visits of review and examination than now, with the great extent of territory over which he had to travel.

As it is my office is situate at Yreka on the road between the several Reservations, and distant from Smiths River, travelling north and west by public roads, one hundred and ninety miles over heavy ranges of mountains. Distant from Round Valley two hundred and fifteen miles travelling southerly, thence in favorable weather, seventy five miles, to Mendocino; but in bad weather or winter via San Francisco, about seven hundred miles to Mendocino and seven hundred and seventy five to Round Valley. All of which is respectuflly submitted

Very Respectuflly Your Obt Servant E. Steele Supt Agt Indian Affrs N. D. Cal