MF1323.1197 Reel 41_0016

California B134 Hon. J. Bidwell H. R. May 23, '66

Desires certain information in regard to Indian prisoners kept near Ft. Humboldt

Received May 23/66 [ansd?] 25th May 66

[illegible?]

THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Washington D. C. May 23, 1866.

Sir:

From 1860 to 1865 Indian prisoners to a very considerable number amounting at one time as I have been informed to nearly one thousand were kept near Fort Humboldt, in Humboldt County, California, and supported, it is believed, by rations or provisions furnished by the military authority under which the Indians were retained till they were delivered over to the Indian Department [or?] Superintendency. I desire to know what evidence you have of the number of Indians so kept, and the time by the military. It is believed that if these Indians were fed by the military, as above stated, a [charge?] therefore would be presented to the Indian Bureau, [and?] this some record would be found showing approximately at least the number of Indians and the time they

kept near Fort Humboldt. I shall be under much obligation if the information can be furnished by Thursday (tomorrow) evening.

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt J. Bidwell

Hon. D. N. Cooley Commissioner of Indian Affairs