MF1323.1197 Reel 39_1123

you that my mind has long since been made up that nature intended that valley for a Reservation. Its location in the heart of an Indian country_the fertility of its soil,_ its immense natural resources for indian foods, its remote locality–entirely without the reach of white men or white settlements (providing Government should own the whole of it) all go far towards recommending it as the only suitable place in the northern part of the state adapted for such a purpose. I presume the Department has been advised from time to time by my predecessors of the condition of things there–of the anoyance of settlers who have claims and improvements in the valley, and of their defiant attitude and open hostility to the Government. In a word, steps should be taken at once by the Department to have a survey of this valley made by the Surveyor General and settlement made with the white settlers as is provided for in the Consolidation Act, of April 8th, '64 I believe the valley, or part of it has been surveyed but it would be well to have the work done over so that I may be posted [illegible] the boundaries. Twentyfive thousand acres would cover all the valley and enough of the surrounding mountains to preclude the

possibility of a white man getting a piece of land in which he could live within 25 miles of the Valley.

Upon the Reservation, if what I have suggested be carried out, all the Indians South of Eel River and west of the Sacramento Valley Range of Mountains, including the vallies of Ukiah and Russian River, would willingly go if they could be provided with food and shelter, and not be molested by white men. The indians on the Smith River and Mendocino Reservation would likewise be moved to round Valley. They are much the same class of indians as those in the vicinity of Round Valley and are not considered dangerous or hostile. These, however, will remain where they are until the crops on the Mendocino farms Smith River farms are gathered and eaten and provisions made for their reception at Round Valley as above indicated. A bad feeling exists between Mr. Melinday, Supervisor at Round Valley and Capt Douglas, the commanding officer of the military. I will cause the removal of the Supervisor when I go up and appoint a special temporary Agent in his place, so that the indian and military department may not be [illegible] to each other

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Mr Bryson at Smith River, and Mr Whipple, at Mendocino it is my intention to retain if I find matters under their charge as I have reason to expect,

It might be well for me to mention here that there is a large number of Indians between Smith River and Round Valley that I have not included among those that could be Kept upon the Round Valley Reservation or any other Reservation north of San Francisco. I refer to the Klamath, Redwood and Trinity Indians, with whom we are now at war. At present I will no go into details concerning the nature and numbers of these Indians, but will simply say a Reservation must be provided for them South of San Francisco, from whence there is no chance of return. I did hope for this purpose the Government would have favorably received the proposition to place them upon the Santa Catalina Island, but I have been informed by Mr Couness that the Department does not favor the project At present there are about 300 of these Indians prisoners at Humboldt Bay held and fed by the military department. These are a class of indians that cannot be turned loose–neither can they be sent to either one of the Reservations North, which would be just the same as turning them

loose as bitter experience, in times gone by has proven. In view of this I have induced General Wright to order the commanding officer of that District to hold them until such time as your Department, through my earliest efforts and suggestions, shall provide a place and transportation for them South. My residence has been among those indians since I was a mere boy, and I have suffered from their hostilities. My experience enables me to assert positively that no means can be devised which will bring peace to that distracted District except the removal of the Indians to some point South of San Francisco. Our great misfortune has been in the management of Indian Affairs in the north, that our military commanders and Superintendents have labored under the delusion that these indians might be Kept and treated on the Northern Reservations the same as others Acting under this belief in 1858 Mr Henly removed 900 to Mendocino, and in 1860 Mr Hanson moved 1100 to Smith River. I presume it is safe to say that not one of those indians remained where they were placed longer than two months, all returning to their old haunts as was well Known would be the case by the settlers. It cost the Government not less than $200,000 to catch

them doubley embittered more positively hostile [military?] operations one [?] I am anxious to be [in?] as possible

Themwhat out of place [made?] an official visit [?] as I have been requested [ely?] with the Prepostment [?] these suggestions [of?] knowledge, and through [outment?] may gather some [?] my policy in this [?]

Of [nothing?] of the condition [cevatives?] until I have [?] I make any estimate than for salaries for [?] these should also [?] but I can set no [?] tell how many indian [?] the year

[?] Respectfully Your Obt Sevt Austin Wiley

To Hon Acti [?] Affs. Cal.