sioners, and had an appreciation that it was in the interest of the Indians, and to guard against their being cheated. Some of the chiefs objected to tinned kettles for cookery; they preferred large iron kettles as used by the military. They also preferred black colors for blankets instead of white, and objected to the coats, preferring the raw material to work up suitable to their roving habits of life. They say something more useful to them than the hats should be substituted. By the desire of the commissioners a note was made of the objections and preferences indicated as to the kind of goods delivered to them. Before leaving, John Richards, Mr. Bullock, Pallarday, and McCluskey, at the request of the Indians, received the original invoices from Mr. Brunot in order to divide them in four piles, the commissioners having agreed that they should perform this duty in accordance with a request made by Red Cloud. The following is a copy of receipt signed by the Ogallalla chiefs : FORT LARAMIE, W. T., October 7, 1870. The undersigned, chiefs of the Ogallalla Sioux, have this day received from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by the hands of Felix R. Brunot and Robert Campbell, United States special Indian commissioners, the following invoices of goods, viz: 300 pairs 3-point white In. blankets, 8 pounds. 300 pairs 24-point scarlet blankets, 6 pounds. 300 pairs 3-point indigo blankets, 8 pounds. 18 wrappers. Bailing and ropes. 12 pieces saved-list blue cloth, 383 yards, 5 cases hats, 500. 3 cases flannel shirts, 660. 1 case scarlet flannel cloth, 474 yards. 12 bales Appletons' domestics, 1,000 yards each, 12,000 yards. 9 bales blue twilled flannel, 364 yards, 5,026 yards. 8 bales red twilled flannel, 4,993 yards. Prints, 1,000 37 yards. 40 dozen ebony-handled butcher knives.' 1 case. 6 dozen axes. 300 tinned iron kettles. 40 dozen butcher knives. 331 boxes, 1,000 pounds, Bright's light Prussia plug tobacco. 33 boxes. Witnesses: G. L. LUHN, RED CLOUD, his + mark. RED DOG, his + mark. LONG WOLF, his + mark. MAN-AFRAID-OF-HIS-HORSES, his + mark. AMERICAN HORSE, his + mark. YELLOW BEAR, his + mark. Lieutenant, Regimental Quartermaster Fourth Infantry, A. A. Q. M. F. F. FLINT, FORT LARAMIE, Saturday Morning, October 8, 1870. John Richards, the half-breed interpreter, went out with our ambulance early this morning to bring in Red Cloud and the principal Ogallalla chiefs, but returned without them, they promising to come in by 10 o'clock a. m. He reported that the goods had been equitably divided up among the different bands, though there was some dissatisfaction about the division of the presents among the Minneconjous and Brulés. An altercation occurred in which Red Dog's horse was shot, as was supposed by a Brulé, but order was soon restored. Before the commissioners left, Red Cloud, Man-afraid-of-his-horses, Red Dog, and American Horse, came in and had a final interview with them. Red Cloud said he was pleased with the goods delivered the day before. He said he would like to receive his goods hereafter on this side of the river, rather than the other side. His Great Father, he said, had said nothing to him when he was in Washington, about going on the Rawhide, which he had done, he would have had time to think over the matter. He might, he said, conclude to go there this winter. He then spoke kindly of General Smith, (John E.) who accompanied him to Washington, and wanted him here. He wanted Ben Mills as his agent, and asked that his name be put down on a piece of paper and sent to his Great Father at Washington. For traders he named Bullock, Coffey, Richards, and Brown. He desired that pity be taken on his old traders left here by the treaty. If other traders came here across the river, he said he would not kill them, but take all they had and send them back. This thing about the agency had not yet been settled by his people, but he wanted those in charge of this post to have pity on the Indians when they came on a visit, and give them rations. He said that Bullock and General Flint had assisted his nation in representing to the President their condition. Could not his people come here for their rations? Mr. Burnot answered, that the commissioners wished to do all they could for the Indians. He did not wish to have them deceived. The sooner they made up their minds to have their trading post across the river in their reservation, the sooner they could have their traders among them. One of the chiefs here asked permission to hunt on the Republican, but the request was finally refused, as it would tend to bring on conflicts between the whites and Indians. Red Cloud asked why he could get no more rations at Fort Laramie, and was told that before they came to the council they drew no rations. What they received now was by authority given by the commissioners and the commandant of the post, for the meeting, and after this they would receive no more rations here. The place for getting their rations will be on the Missouri. Red Cloud answered, "What can I do? I have no ammunition to kill buffalo." The commissioners then promised to tell the Great Father what Red Cloud said, and advised him to have his trading post up there near the Rawhide, which would be a more convenient place for them to get their rations than on the Missouri. Mr. Campbell, in a parting word, told Red Cloud that the commissioners were glad of the good words he had spoken, and of the influence he exerted among his people. He could not tell who would be named as traders and agent, but whoever is selected will be good men. He asked that Red Cloud should try them, and he will find them all right. Since the Indians have been here, they have got many things from Colonel Bullock. We pay Colonel Bullock for all this. They are presents from the Government. The Indians must not expect Colonel Bullock to give them anything after this time. He said further that the commissioners had sent word to the Great Father, telling him that all the Indians here are peaceable, and that they desire a permanent peace. He did not want the Great Father to be deceived in what they told him. We depend upon Red Cloud to do all that is right. If any other Indians do bad things, it is Red Cloud's duty to tell the commanding officer about them, and if any white man does wrong on the Indian's land, he should also let the commanding officer of his post know about it. In this way peace can be kept. They must not come here for rations after this time. He hoped they would continue to hear good reports from him and his people, so that they could tell the Great Father they were doing what was right. The commissioners then shook hands with the chiefs and party and bid them goodbye. The commissioners have been informed that three of the four bands have decided to ask for an agency on the Rawhide Buttes, and expected they would all reach the same conclusion and announce it before their departure. The following is the copy of telegram sent to Secretary Cox : "Hon. J. D. Cox, 66 Secretary of the Interior, Washington. "FORT LARAMIE, October 8, 1870. "Red Cloud, Man-afraid-of-his-horses, Ogallallas, Roman Nose, of the Minneconjous, and Medicine-man, of Northern Cheyennes, with about 7,000 Indians, are here. We have had three days' talk with them. They insisted upon a trading post on the Platte, but will agree to have it located on Rawhide Buttes. No depredations have been committed by these Indians for five months, and we are satisfied that they all desire permanent peace, and the influence of Red Cloud and all the chiefs will be effectually used to maintain it. The goods sent for them were distributed yesterday, and they are greatly pleased with both the quality and quantity. We leave for Cheyenne this morning. CHIEFS PRESENT. "FELIX R. BRUNOT, 66 Among the chiefs and headmen of the Ogallallas who signed the treaty 1868, the following were present at the councils: Ta-shun-ka-sa-qui-pah, or Man-afraid-of-hishorses;" Sha-ton-sapah, or "Black hawk;" E-ga-man-ton-ka-sapha, or "Black tiger;" Oh-wash-she-cha, or "Bad hound;" Pah-ge, or "Grass" Wah-men-reh-che-geh, or "Ghost heart;" Can-reeh, or "Crow;" Oh-he-to-kah, or "The Brave" Tah-ton-kah he-yo-ta-kah, or "Sitting bull;" Show-ka-oh-wa-mon-je, or "Whirlwind dog;" Ha"Poor elk ;" Wom-bu-lee-wah-kon, or hah-kah-toh-meich, or 66 Medicine eagle Chowgah-ma-he-to-hans-ka, or "High wolf;" Wa-se-chum-ta-shum-kah, or "American horse;" Mah-hah-mah-ha-mak-near, or "Man-that-walks-under-the-ground;" Tah-tonkah-pah-meich, or "The poor bull;" Aah-hoh-ke-ga-ah-kah, or One-that-has-thelance;" Shon-gah-manni-toh-tan-ka-seh, or "Big wolf-foot" Con-kee-teh-ka, or "The little crow;" Sho-kee tah, or "The blue horse;" Moh-to-ha-she-na, or "The bear hide;" of the Brulé band, Nah-pat-shak, or "Red leaf;" of the Minneconjous band, Oh-pouah-tah-e-manne, or "The-elk-that-bellows-walking;" Hoh-ho-lah-reh-cha-skah, or "Young white bull." DEPARTURE FOR HOME. On Saturday, October 8, the commissioners having completed their business, took leave of General Flint and family, from whom they had received the most hospitable attentions, as well as from other officials and citizens at the post, and about 10 o'clock a. m. took their departure for Cheyenne. The military escort under Colonel Crittenden preceded them several hours. The escort was overtaken at the Chugwater about sundown, when they camped for the night, having met General Auger, who was making a tour through this portion of his military department-Laramie and Fetterman. The commissioners rode some ten miles further, when they passed the Sabbath at the ranche of Mr. Phillips, near the mail station. The next day, October 10, they reached Cheyenne. The blankets and other necessaries purchased for the outfit across the plains to Fort Laramie were sold and the proceeds applied on expense account. The next day, October 11, the commissioners reached Cheyenne, and took the train for Denver, and thence on the Kansas Pacific Railway for St. Louis, where they arrived on Friday morning, October 14. Mr. Brunot left St. Louis the same evening for Pittsburg. APPENDIX 3. WILLIAM FAYEL, Clerk. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated the 19th instant, recommending that the Indian commission visit the Great and Little Osage Indians, with a view to an arrangement with them for their removal from Kansas to the Indian Territory, and request that the Indian Bureau may be informed by the Indian commission at what time it will be practicable to visit said Indians, to carry into effect the recommendation of the Commissioner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, VINCENT COLYER, Esq., Secretary Board of Indian Commissioners, Washington, D. C. J. D. COX, Secretary. APPENDIX 4. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, SIR: The act of Congress making appropriations for the current and contingent expenses of the Indian Department, and for fulfilling treaty stipulations, and for other purposes, approved July 15, 1870, enacts, among other things, that whenever the Great and Little Osages shall agree thereto, in such manner as the President shall prescribe, it shall be the duty of the President to remove these Indians from the State of Kansas to lands to be provided for them as a permanent home in the Indian Territory. In this connection, I respectfully refer to the letter of this office to you, dated the 20th ultimo, calling attention to a request of the governor of the Osage Nation, that commissioners be appointed and sent to the nation on or about the 20th of August next, to make an agreement with his people in the matter, and I recommend that steps be taken as soon as practicable, to carry into effect the provision of the law referred to. The necessary arrangements, I submit, could be effected by the agency of some of the members of the President's special commission. If this suggestion meets with your approval, I respectfully request that the board of commissioners be early instructed upon the subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. J. D. Cox, Secretary of the Interior. E. S. PARKER, APPENDIX 5. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, GENTLEMEN: Your board having arranged to be present at the council to be held with the Os ages, in the Cherokee country, with a view to establishing this tribe upon a new reserv ation there, to be purchased from the Cherokees, the Secretary of the Interior directs me to say to you, that it is desired that the price to be given for the land shall not exceed 50 cents per acre, and that, in making the arrangement with the Cherokees, your endeavor will be to subserve the interests of the Government as well as those of the Indians, and to effect, if possible, the purchase at even a less price. The matter is left to your discretion and sound judgment, however, and it is expected that the object will be accomplished to the satisfaction of all parties interested. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. F. CADY, Acting Commissioner. Hons. JNO. V. FARWELL, JNO. D. LANG, V. COLYER, United States Commissioners. APPENDIX 6. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, SIR: You will instruct Agent Gibson to return at once to his agency, and as soon thereafter as practicable proceed to the Cherokee country, and there select and mark out the country to which it is intended to remove the Osages, and to make such preparations as may be requisite for the establishment of these Indians comfortably in their new homes. He will use his best endeavors to obtain the acquiescence of the Osages to this measure, and assure them the Government will do all in its power to further their interests and promote their welfare; that it will cause steps to be taken at an early day for the sale of their reservation in Kansas, commencing with the eastern part, and will sell the same for their benefit at $1 25 per acre. He will inform them that some of the members of the President's board of commissioners will meet them in council some time in August next, to consider these matters, but the place of the meeting of such council must be in the country to which they are to remove and not upon their reservation in Kansas; and further, that the Government will make them presents at that council. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ENOCH HOAG, W. F. CADY, Acting Commissioner. Superintendent Indian Affairs, Lawrence, Kansas. APPENDIX 7. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter addressed by this office to Superintendent Hoag, under date the 22d ultimo, directing him to instruct Agent Gibson to select and mark out a tract of country in the Indian Territory for the Osage Indians. Whether the council referred to be held in the Cherokee country or in the old Osage country, the Cherokees are expected to be present, as they have been invited to be, for the purpose of arranging their own terms, as provided in the treaty of 1866; but if they cannot agree, then the other course provided in said treaty will be followed. The commission will use its influence with the Cherokees to let the Osages have the land at a rate not exceeding that mentioned in Acting Commissioner Cady's letter. The commission are expected, in their intercourse with the Indians, to follow out the line of views indicated in Department letter to Superintendent Hoag. The act of Congress should be fully explained, and the Indians made to comprehend it if possible, and their action must be voluntary and unbiased. The agent will be instructed to provide subsistence for the Indians while attending the council, and goods for presents to the Indians will be sent to him at Baxter Springs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hons. VINCENT COLYER, JOHN D. LANG, E. S. PARKER, Commissioner. Indian Peace Commissioners. APPENDIX 8. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Washington, D. C., August 11, 1870. SIR: Referring to office letter of the 22d ultimo, and to avoid complications or misunderstandings with the commissioners therein referred to, an explanation seems necessary. It was not the intention of the Department to leave no alternative for the Indians as to where the council should be held, but simply to express the opinion and belief of the Department that the Indians themselves would desire to meet in the country they wish for their new homes, so that the commission might see and report upon its natural advantages. Full verbal instructions were given by the Hon. Secretary of the Interior to Agent Gibson before his leaving the city, in relation to the management of this vexed question, and it is expected that he will follow them as far as circumstances will warrant. The agent, of course, will be subordinate to the commissioners who go out on this mission, but he will give them all the aid possible to carry out the objects of the mission. Before the act of Congress, which the commissioners take out to submit to the Indians, can in any respect become operative, their assent must be obtained. This point is of vital consequence to them, and they must understand it before their final determination is made. To what extent the commissioners and their co-laborers will feel warranted in persuading the Indians to give the required assent, must be determined by the state of things they may find surrounding them. It is earnestly desired by the Department that a hearty and full coöperation will be given by the superintendent and agent to the commission in this work. The letter first above referred to must be construed in such a manner by Agent Gibson as to conform to the verbal instructions received by him from the Hon. Secretary of the Interior. Please communicate this to Agent Gibson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. HOAG, E. S. PARKER, Commissioner. Superintendent Indian Affairs, Lawrence, Kansas. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, August 12, 1870. The foregoing is a correct copy from the records of this office, and furnished for the information of Hon. Vincent Colyer, of special Indian commission. APPENDIX 9. WM. F. CADY, Acting Commissioner. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, Washington, D. C., August 6, 1870. GENERAL: The Secretary of the Interior has given notice that the matter of difficulty between the Osages and the white settlers on their reservation will probably be settled without difficulty, but that it is reported other squatters manifest a purpose to go on south of the Kansas border and take up claims within the Indian Territory next adjoining. He says the boundary line is well known. The matter was up before the cabinet yesterday, and it was concluded that any trespass or intrusion must be promptly and forcibly met. You had better send a cavalry force down on the line and give notice that you have positive orders to "protect the Indian Territory from unauthorized settlers and squatters," and require the officer in command promptly to remove any such as he may find across the south boundary of Kansas, within the limits of what is known as the Indian Territory. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, General JOHN POPE, W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of Missouri, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. General. |