tions from the superintendent, Hon. Elijah Sells, removed from their place of refuge, in Kansas, to the Indian country, and camped on the west side of the Arkansas river upon Cherokee lands. Last year it was found impracticable to remove them to their old homes in the Seminole country from the fact that no supplies of any kind could be had in their country, and the long distance from Fort Gibson (160 miles) to transport supplies induced the department to abandon the settling them on their own reservation, and to adopt the other alternative of locating them, for the time being, near the supplies purchased for them under contract and delivered at Fort Gibson. In the month of December, 1865, a delegation from the northern and southern portion of the Seminoles was directed by the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs to proceed to Washington, in charge of their agent, to make new treaties with the government. In obedience to instructions, on the 26th of December, 1865, I left the temporary agency with the delegation for Washington, where an important treaty was made with the representatives of the Seminole nation All of their old reservation, more than two million acres of land, was ceded to the United States, and two hundred thousand acres was purchased of the Creek Indians, for a permanent home for the Seminoles. A considerable portion of the tribe have removed to their new homes, and the remainder are preparing to emigrate this fall. The Seminoles have put in small crops of corn and garden produce on the Cherokee lands, enough to furnish a scanty subsistence, since the first of July of the present year. Their supply is nearly exhausted and winter is coming on. If their annuities and the money provided under their late treaty, for subsistence, is paid promptly, they will do well enough, otherwise they will suffer. The southern Seminoles returned to their homes last fall in time to put in crops of wheat, and this spring they planted considerable corn. They will undoubtedly have enough to supply their wants until another crop is raised. They have also had the advantage of the remaining cattle to supply themselves with beef. Both the northern and southern Seminoles, so long divided by the late war, evince a commendable desire to bury the past and come together again as friends and brothers. Some jealousy and bad feeling still exist, and many disputes arise relative to the rights of property; but it is to be hoped that all disturbing causes will soon pass away, and the tribe be, as in times past, harmonious, peaceful, and happy. There is an encouraging disposition manifested on the part of the Seminoles to follow the pursuits of agriculture. Having long since given up the chase as a means of subsistence, they have made considerable progress in cultivating the soil and raising cattle, horses, and hogs. Although their country was destroyed during the rebellion, their cattle driven off, and their farms desolated, yet, should the coming season be favorable for making crops, they will be independent and selfsustaining They have now a reservation admirably adapted to grain and stock raising, with abundance of timber and water; and they feel very much encouraged to make themselves new and permanent homes. An Indian is proverbially careless of his farming implements. He seems to act upon the theory that when the crop is gathered he has no further use for his ploughs, hoes, rakes, &c., and next season he finds he has no means to put in his crop. Every year the stock of farming implements should be renewed, so that no excuse could be given for idleness and nothing to eat. Their schools have not as yet been re-opened nor churches re-established since the war. The large school fund provided under their treaties will, if judiciously expended, establish schools amply sufficient to educate every youth in the Seminole tribe. The Indians are generally anxious for the missionaries to return, and complete the good so auspiciously begun before the late unholy war. Much was then accomplished-more could be now, with proper effort and patient perseverance. Enough progress has been made in the Indian country to inspire the philanthropist with hope, and the Christian missionary with zeal. They should be taught, by example and precept, the Christian religion, and also to work at the manual labor school, and be taught practical agriculture. This policy alone will save the fast decaying remnant of the once proud natives of the land I have not been able at this date to complete a census of the Indians under my charge, but, from the best information I can get, I estimate the Seminole nation to contain, including the colored people, who under the late treaty became a part of them, by adoption into the tribe, about twenty-nine hundred and fifty persons. Respectfully commending the helpless condition of the Seminole people to the care and protection of the government, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. ELIJAH SELLS, GEORGE A. REYNOLDS, United States Indian Agent for Seminoles. Superintendent of Indian Aaffirs, Lawrence, Kansas. No 9. OFFICE TEMPORARY SEMINOLE AGENCY, SIR I have the honor herewith to submit the statistical report required, under circular instructions from the office of the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs, under date of July 28, 1865. The condition of a portion of the Seminoles who have so long been refugees from their country is, under this report, meagre and unsatisfactory, but it is to be hoped that upon their return to their homes a better state of affairs will exist. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. ELIJAH SELLS, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Lawrence, Kansas. GEORGE A REYNOLDS, The following statistical report was enclosed : Population, male, 1,425; female, 1,525; total, 2,950; wealth in individual property, $54,000; size of the reserve, 2,169,000 acres; number of acres cultivated, 2,400; number of frame houses, 10; number of log houses, 200; wheat raised, 2,000 bushels; value of the same, $4,000; corn raised, 8,000 bushels; value of the same, $8,000; potatoes raised. 1,500 bushels; value of the same, $3,000; turnips, 100 bushels; value of the same, $25; horses owned, 200; value of the same, $40,000; cattle owned, 1,500; value of the same, $15,000. The Indians also raise large quantities of garden produce, especially of onions, cabbages, melons, pumpkins, &c. No. 10. WICHITA AGENCY, Butler County, Kansas, September 29, 1866. SIR: In accordance with the regulations of the Interior Department, I have the honor to submit this my first annual report as agent for the Wichitas and affiliated bands of Indians: On the first of July last I entered upon the discharge of my duties, relieving Major Milo Gookins. In consequence of the short time since I entered upon the duties here, it will be impossible for me to make a full and complete report. Upon assuming the duties of my office, I found the Indians attached to this agency in a deplorable condition; poorly fed, naked, sick, and in utter despondency as to their future prospects. A rangements were immediately made for supplying them with flour, beef, and salt in sufficient quantities to prevent suffering, also proper medicines for the sick. Their extreme destitution of proper clothing will certainly cause great debility among them the coming fall and winter, and unless properly provided for, it will be heartrending to witness the suffering that will ensue, especially among the women, children, and the aged. These Indians had made praiseworthy efforts in the spring to provide in part for themselves. A large amount of corn and vegetables had been planted, but the heavy rains in June caused the banks of the Little Arkansas and White Water rivers to overflow and utterly destroy nearly the whole of the crop planted. I think if the government would provide them with suitable agricultural implements, they would in a great measure be able to provide food for themselves; at least I should use efforts to induce them to do so, and an satisfied the result would be beneficial. Heretofore they have been able to assist in previding themselves with meat by industry on the hunting grounds, but this season have been driven off by hostile bands. They have expressed a strong desire to be removed to their former home, south of the Canadian river; and when informed that the government had made arrangements for their removal this fall, a general feeling of joy was apparent It is to be hoped that the future will be brighter than the past for these poor homeless wanderers. The whole number of Indians attached to this agency September 1, 1866, is nearly 1,900, as follows: Wichitas, 392; Wacoes, 135; Towacanies, 151; Caddoes, 362; Shawnees, 520; Delawares, 114; Creeks and Cherokees, 72; Kechies, 144. They are all extremely destitute * No schools or missionaries since the commencement of the rebellion, as all the inhabitants were driven from the country by one or both the contending armies. a large number of widows and orphan children, who have no means of support, and must perish unless provided for by the Government. The There are about one thousand Indians belonging to this agency in the Choctaw country awaiting the arrival of their friends at their new home on the leased Indian lands. aggregate of these different bands will be nearly three thousand. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, A. Indian trust lands.-Kansas land account, &c. The following statement gives an exhibit of the financial condition of the tribe, and the amount of land for sale to meet the outstanding debts chargeable to the land account, viz: At the commencement of the current year, the number of acres remaining unsold amounted to 133, 777. 17. There has been none of the above land advertised for sale during the year, and the same amount yet remains unsold. Total amount of outstanding certificates of indebtedness, November 1, 1865, $120,911 78. Payment has been made during the present year on land awarded at sale of 1865, amounting to $131 84. Certificates including interest surrendered in payment for lands.... Certificates outstanding November 1, 1865.. Certificates surrendered during the present year, (principal).... Certificates still outstanding............ B, Indian trust land.- Winnebago land account, &c. The Winnebago trust land account for the current year is as follows, viz: Amount received for above lands.......... Cash in bank as per report of 1865.. Certificates of indebtedness surrendered in payment for lands.... $4,220 70 Amount of certificates redeemed in cash... Certificates surrendered in payment for land... 44,855 56 $20,835 19 Whole amount of certificates redeemed, including interest....... 25,055 89 18,531 03 432 40 9,306 82 $121 49 10 35 131 84 $120,911 78 104 03 $120,807 75 $49,076 26 4,249 88 53,326 14 $53,326 14 * OFFICE OF THE RECEIVER OF THE MERCHANTS' NATIONAL BANK, Washington, D. C., August 11, 1866. I hereby certify that Hon. D. N. Cooley, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, has deposited in this bank, as appears upon the books, on the 3d day of May, 1866, a balance of eighteen thousand five hundred and thirty-one dollars and three cents, ($18, 531 03,) and that on this day the said amount is to his credit on account Winne bago Trust Lands. JAMES C. KENNEDY, Receiver. Amount of certificates of indebtedness outstanding November 1, 1865....... $27.881 62 Certificates since redeemed, and surrendered in payment for land, (principal).. 20.476 72 7,404 90 46,997.78 $119,921 11 This amount includes the receipts of land reported by General Land Office in annual report of this office for 1865. C. Indian trust lands.-Sac and Fox of Missouri and lowas. The account of the trust lands of the above-named tribes is as follows, viz: Amount received for sale of lands, and covered into the treasury, under appropriations ulfilling treaty with Sac and Foxes of Missouri; Balance remaining at date ofthis report under the above appropriation...... $14, 128 15 No lands of these tribes have been advertised for sale during the current year. Payment has been received during the present year for lands awarded at former sales, amounting to... Cash deposited in First National Bank, Washington, to balance... $550 50 550 50 D. Indian trust lands.-Sac and Fox of Mississippi. No lands offered for sale during the present year. Payment has been received on land awarded at former sales, amounting to.. E. Indian trust lands.-Chippewa and Munsee land account, &c. $600 600 As provided by article 2d, treaty of July 16, 1859, with the Chippewa and Munsee Indians, there was offered and sold on the 24th March, 1866, of Chippewa and Munsee trust lands as follows: Number of acres offered for sale..... Number of acres sold....... Number of acres remaining unsold..... 3,217.07 1, 113. 37 Total receipts of the above sale..... Cash deposited in First National Bauk of Washington, to balance..... 2, 103. 71 $2,241 84 2,241 84 N. B-Siour lands in Minnesota. This office is advised by the Commissioner of the General Land Office, that there was sold under the direction of that office, from June 2, 1865. to September 30, 1866, 10,036 44 acres of the Sioux reservation in Minnesota, under act of March 3, 1863, for which there was received the sum of $19,144 09. The avails of these lands, by provision of the law of Congress above referred to, are to be used, under the direction of this department, for the benefit of the Sioux Indians upon their reservation. No. 168. INDIAN TRUST FUNDS. No. 1.-List of names of Indian tribes for whom stock is held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior, showing the amount standing to the credit of each tribe, the annual interest, the date of the treaty or law under which the investment was made, and the amount of abstracted bonds for which Congress has made no appropriation, and the annual interest upon the same. |