MF1323.1197 Reel 40_0265

California J440 Dept. Interior Jan 3, '65

Secretary returns these papers [illegible] to the claim of

Department of the Interior Washinton D. C. January 3rd, 1865

Sir:

I have considered your communication of the 13th ultimo [December 3, 1865], relation to the claim of [name] G. Norris for supplies furnished the Indians in California when the request of O. M Mozencraft, to enable him to conclude [treaties?] with him. It appears that the sum of fifty thousand dollars was appropriated by Congress for the purpose of enabling the President to make treaties with the California Indians of this the commissioners and teh claimant as presumed to have had notice. [illegible] the only means as the control of the President. Giving the commision [illegible] for a larger sum was as the peril of the creditor - the only hope of re-imbursement being through the favor of Congress. [Illegible] now concluded and rejected by the Senate. The matter has been before Congress and been [illegible] to the court of claims. It has been [illegible] there and resulted, and I infer, adversely to the claimant. If so, I presume the action of the court has been affirmed by Congress. The department in [illegible] solicited to interface its influence

in favor of the claimant with congress. Under the circumstances I think is improper to do so. The papers an all herwith [illegible] I am for, very respectfully, your [illegible] servant [name] secretary

Hon William P. Dole Commissioner of Indian Affairs