MF1323.1197 Reel 40_0692

California W981 Austin Wiley San Francisco, Cal April 12, '65

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Submits statement rel. to his appointment of J. Q. A. Stanley as Spc. Agt. and agricultural implements and seeds furnished him for the Indians in Los Angeles and adjoining counties. Enc. Mr Stanley's letter (copy)

Ansd to Supt Maltby May 8th 1865.

(Copied)

[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE May 6 1865 INDIAN BUREAU

Land Special

Office of Indian Affairs San Francisco Cal April 12th 1865

Sir:

Some time since I received a petition signed by many of the most prominent citizens of Los Angeles Co. stating the necessity of appointing an agent to care for the Indians in that and adjoining counties and recommending for the position of Mr. J. Q. A. Stanley of Los Angeles representing him to be a man of undoubted loyalty and integrity and well acquainted with the necessities of the Indians in that portion of the State. I wrote to Mr Stanley that his recommendations were satisfactory and that I hoped soon to be able to appoint him. Upon the arrival of the last steamer from Los Angeles I received from him a letter (a copy of which I enclose) informing me as to the condition and present wants of the Indians in that section. From this letter and other satisfactory evidence I became convinced that much good could be accomplished by the expenditure of a small sum of money, and upon the return steamer which left yesterday I forwarded to Mr Stanley the following articles which he had estimated for. 12 Flours. 12 Plow Harness. 12 doz Hoes. 20 lbs Melon Seed and 30lbs Pumpkin Seed. I also authorized him to

purchase 3000 lbs corn and beans for seed at Los Angeles as these articles can be purchased at a much lower rate there than in this city. I am confident that the distribution of these goods will prove an act of excellent policy as well as pure justice. These Indians have been among the furthest advanced in civilization but during the past few years have been badly imposed upon by a class of secessionists and outlaws, which, with the severe drouths has brought them to want and suffering. A little assistance now, will place them in a position to again care for themselves and satisfy them that our government yet exists and is not altogether unmindful of their welfare.

Mr Stanley offered to undertake this distribution without remuneration and with this understanding I appointed him a Special Agent. Upon the arrival of our Congressional delegation I will submit his name to them and if it meets with their approval will recommend him for appointment. I sent him a small sum to defray his expenses. Complaints have reached me of the action of some unprincipled whites in driving these Indians from their land and I have taken measures to have the matter investigated with a view to place the Indians in possession and protect them in their rights.

Very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Austin Wiley Superintendent [of] Indian Affairs, California

Honorable Wm. P. Dole Commissioner.

[[?16981?]] Copy of letter received by Austin Wiley, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, California from J. [[Q?]]. A. Stanley, Los Angeles, California

[W 981 1865]

Copy Los Angeles, California March 28th 1865

Honorable Austin Wiley, Sir,

Your communication of the 20th of the kindness of Mr. Hoffman was duly received. I can assure you I feel very much gratified by your favorable reception of my application, and if appointed I shall endeavor faithfully to perform the duties entrusted to me.

As you may not be perfectly informed of the condition of the Indians in this portion of the State, you may not think it presumption on my part to offer a few suggestions in regard to them.

I presume you are already aware that nearly all the Indians in the lower portion of the State excepting those on the Colorado River are partially civilized and were at a time connected with, or under the influence of, the various missions in this part of the State, and by the breaking up of the missions they became scattered again throughout the mountains and established their rancherias wherever they could find a small tract of land with sufficient water for irrigation and as water is not abundant they have been obliged to occupy many small places to obtain sufficient land for cultivation.

The San Luis Indians are much further advanced in civilization