MF1323.1197 Reel 40_0731

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Office of Indian Affairs San Francisco. Cal. Oct 27th 1865

Sir,

In transmitting a list of the indebtedness remaining unpaid at the expiration of my term of office I deem it but just to myself to offer some explanations concerning it.

The amount by the abstract herewith transmitted is $35,607.12. Had the appropriation from the 1st of Jan been placed at my disposal the proportion to May 5th when I was relieved would have been $26,909.72 which would have reduced the indebtedness to $8,697.40 and if the amount of the expenses necessarily incurred since May 5th in settling up my business (2368.40) be deducted $6329 will remain as the actual amount of indebtedness incurred in excess of the anticipated appropriation. To this should be added $150- paid for salary of [illegible] for the month of April by my sucessor.

By a reference to the list it will be seen that over over $20,000 of the indebtedness was incurred at the Hoopa Reservation, where the expenses of the service have been unusually large as we were obliged not only to purchase provisions for the subsistence of the Indians but buy seed for the

new crop and to hire teams to put it in. I would respectfully refer you to my letter of Jan. 12th 1865 which accompanied the estimate for funds for 1st $ 2nd [illegible] 1865 in which I stated the demand for funds at Hoopa and [specially?] estimated for $24,000 for this purpose.

The establishing of a reservation necessitates a considerable outlay of money and though in the case of Hoopa it has been from a variety of cause extraordinarily large it has been legitimately incurred and has by reason of the cesation of hostilities which followed as a result saved to the government ten times the amount and established a peace that has given new life to that portion of the state and security to a community which before was [illegible] and [illegible] from Indian hostilities. Had it not been for this unusual event my appropriation with the funds received from sales of produce would have proved sufficient to have met the demands of the service. As it is the indebtedness has been incurred only where I considered it imperatively necessary for the good of the service.

Again I was relieved at a most unfavorable time for a fair showing of my indebtedness for the expense of putting in the Spring crops an furnishing the Summer supplies has all been incurred. As one instance at Hoopa Reservation 41 head of Beef Cattle had been purchased on the 4th of May at an expense of $1373.34 and only three head of the lot had been slaughtered when I was relieved. Similar instances might be cited to more than cover

the balance of my indebtedness. I consider it safe to state that had I received the funds appropriated for the 1st & 2nd yrs 1865 and been relieved at the expiration of that time I should not have owed a dollar.

I can see no reason why the appropriation for my portion of the 1st & 2nd yrs could not have been placed in my successor's hands for the payment of the accounts incurred by me as far as it would go. The delay has worked injustices to the creditors and injured the standing and credit of the Department which I have labored to build up. I again urge in the strongest terms that immediate provision be made for the payment of the indebtedness embraced in the accompanying list. The accounts are all certified to as being correct and just either by [illegible] agents or myself they were contracted in good faith and should be paid at once. If any of the accounts are found incorrect or unjust the officer certifying to them and his bondsmen are liable and should suffer but not the private individual who has sold his goods or performed the service trusting to the faith of the agents of the government.

Any additional proof required to any of the accounts can be obtained and will be forwarded when applied for I would beg leave to refer to any or all of our delegation in Congress and also to Hon. D.W. [Name] Asst. [illegible] at present in Washington. These gentlemen are more or less familiar with the condition of affairs in this

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