5

4

steps for the purchase of the improvements in order that Round Valley my be had for the exclusive use and benefit of the Indians. Col Henly, former Superintendent, called to see and talk with me on the subject. He is the ruling spirit among the Copperhead settlers in the Valley and, of course, knows more of the situation of the original lines than any other man; indeed I think more than he would care to tell. He talked very fair to me however, and preffered me his influence among the settlers in the purchase of their improvements. I think the purchase can be made without much trouble and on reasonable terms. In regard to Government at once taking steps to possess itself of Round Valley for Reservation purposes I have nothing to add to my letter of June 1st. Instead, however, of confining the limits of the reserve to a certain number of acres, if there is no law of Congress to interfere, I would respectfully refer the Department to the Report of Mr Steele in Report of Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1863, Page 402. Concerning metes and bounds of Reservation, in which I fully concur. Mr Steele and myself had a consultation in regard to the matter there, and this was our conclusion-

Mendocino Reserve,