MF1323.1197 Reel 41_0041

California B203 Hon. J. Bidwell Washington, D. C. August 1, 1866.

Recommends appt. of R. J. Stevens as Specl. Agt. to visit & report upon Indian Affairs in California.

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[ink stamp] Aug 2, 1866 [Commissioner?]

Washington D. C. Aug 1, 1866

Hon D. N. Cooley Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Sir:

I would most respectfully recommend Col. Robt. J. Stevens as a Special Agent or Commissioner to visit and report upon Indian Affairs in California and especially in the Northern part of it. It seems to me important that the government should be in possession of reliable information on the subject of the Reservation so as to act advisedly on the proposition to consolidate them

in the northern part of the State into one reservation, suitable and sufficient for all the Indians, say north of the bay of San Francisco. It would be [will?] to know First - What the improvements and claims in Round Valley can be purchased for? Second. What the other Reservations can be sold for? Third If it should not be deemed practicable to dispose of all the reservations except Round Valley, which of the others should be retained with the advantages and reasons, if any, for retaining it.

And, in a word, all information [bearing?] upon the reservations - such as the number of Indians at each - the probable number in the future &c &c.

It is my purpose next session to press the passage of the bill authorizing the purchase of the remainder of Round Valley and appropriating money there for &c and I would be glad to have all the facts that can be procured bearing upon the subject.

I have [penned?] the [illegible?] going in much haste but I hope you will understand the points alluded to.

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