MF1323.1197 Reel 39_1210

[?] California W680 Austin Wiley San Francisco, Cal Oct 5, '64

[Permits?] report in connection with his visit to [Round?] Valley and the Indians upon that Reservation - insufficiency of clothing for the Indians [?] improvements - reception of Indian [?]- ers held at [Humboldt?] &c

[?] Dec 14/64

Office of Indian Affairs. San Francisco, Cal.a Oct 5th 1864.

Sir; I have just returned from a visit to Round Valley, where business of importance suddenly called me. It affords me pleasure to report that the affairs on the reservation at that place are in a most flourishing condition. As I predicted in former communications the Indians on the different branches of Eel River contiguous to that reservation known as the "Eukas" and "Wylackies" are coming in contintually and settling upon the reservation. Over two hundred came in whil I was there, and they say all others will come in as soon as they can be made to know the difference between kidnappers and squaw-hunters. and those whose duy and business it is to feed and protect them.

I never saw Indians more agreeably surprised than thoz Wylackies were when they came in and found that they could have a home on the reservation. They went to work with a will and are highly pleased with the prospects of food for the winter. We have an

abundance of food there for all that may come, and I will see that they get it. The sanitary condition of all the Indians there is excellent and I trust they will never again be found in the wretched condition they were when I took charge of them. They are sadly in need of clothing and I am at a loss to know what to do about it. Our clothing will not arrive from New York till late and there is not enough there to supply the wants of half the Indians. There are many Indians in the State not living upon reservations who are sadly in need of clothing. It will be my object to collect them upon reservations during the winter. I can easily accomplish this if I have clothing. for I have the food. You will see by my annual report that the number of Indians on reservations are far under the number which the Departmenet had reason to expect were being cared for. My report was correct at the time, but I am well convinced that my next annual report will show a large increase.

Not having heard any thing from the Department concerning the purchase of improvements and removal of settlers from Round Valley. and the season for putting in crops advancing. I have rented a large farm adjoining the reservation. and taken posssession of it.

If, however, the improvements should be purchased within the year, the conditions are such as I will have no rent to pay.

I have notified Gen McDowell today, that I am ready to relieve him of the prisoners held at Humboldt Bay. Those among them belonging to the Wylackies –some three hundred and fifty– I will receive at Round Valley without any fears of their running away. Those from the vicinity of Humboldt I will receive at Smith River with some doubts as to their remaining there. We will be compelled to retain Smith River for another year. If, by that time, Hoopa Valley has been fully established as a reservation there will be no difficulty in moving those Indians there.

Very Respectfully, Your Obt Svt Austin Wiley Supt Ind Affs. Cal.a.

Hon Wm. P. Dole Commissioner.