thus entered into provided for subsisting the Sioux on a stated ration until they should become self-supporting, for furnishing schools, and all necessary aid and instruction in agriculture and the mechanical arts, and for the allotment of lands in severalty. The agreement was ratified by Congress February 28, 1877.

Representatives from the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies with two of the commissioners visited the Indian Territory as a preliminary to a practical consideration of the subject of removal thither. Whether it is probable that by following up the matter on the return of the delegation, any portion of the Indians of those agencies could have been induced to adopt as a home the country which they visited, I am unable to say. Any effort in that direction was promptly forestalled by a provision in the act of February 28, by which Congress explicitly prohibited "the removal of any portion of the Sioux Indians to the Indian Territory, until the same shall be authorized by an act of Congress hereafter enacted."

REMOVALS.

REMOVAL OF RED CLOUD AND SPOTTED TAIL AGENCIES.

In May last D. H. Jerome, of the Board of Indian Commissioners, Lieutenant-Colonel P. Lugenbeel, First Infantry, U. S. A., and J. H. Hammond, superintendent of Indian affairs for Dakota, were appointed a commission to select locations on the Missouri River for the new Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies. For the former, the site chosen is the junction of Yellow Medicine and Missouri Rivers, and at that point agency buildings have just been erected. For the latter, the old Ponca reserve was decided upon, where the agency dwellings, storehouses, one hundred and fifty Indian houses, and five hundred acres of cultivated fields, left vacant by the Poncas, offer special advantages for present quarters.

Notwithstanding their consent given to the commission, to hereafter receive supplies on the Missouri River, the Spotted Tail and Red Cloud Indians persisted in making strenuous objection to such removal, in which they were seconded by the surrendered "hostiles," who were not parties to the agreement. Their earnest desire to talk with the President in regard to the matter was finally gratified, and a delegation of twenty-three chiefs and leading men of the Sioux and Northern Arapahoes visited this city for that purpose, in the latter part of September last. The interview failed of results satisfactory to the Sioux, since by law and treaty no concession could be made by the President or the department beyond a promise to examine, next spring, the country lying along the Cheyenne and White Rivers, and to endeavor to find on them suitable locations for farming purposes.

The removal of fourteen thousand Sioux Indians at this season of the year, a distance of three hundred miles from their old agencies in Nebraska to their new quarters near the Missouri River, is not a pleasant matter to contemplate. Neither the present Secretary of the Interior, nor the present Commissioner of Indian Affairs is responsible for the movement, but they have carried out the law faithfully, though reluct lantly. The removal is being made in accordance with the act of August 15, 1876. (Stat. 19, p. 191.) It is proper to say here, that I cannot but look on the necessity thus imposed by law on the executive branch of the government as an unfortunate one, and the consequences ought to be remedied as speedily as possible.

Let us for a moment consider that the Spotted Tail agency was in 1871 on the west bank of the Missouri River, where the whites became exceedingly troublesome, and the river afforded abundant facilities for the introduction of intoxicating liquors. In 1874 the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies were removed to, what a subsequent survey proved to be, the State of Nebraska, the former agency 165 miles from Cheyenne and the latter 108 miles from Sidney, the nearest points on the Union Pacific Railroad. Here the usual ill fortune attending the removal of these Indians was again exemplified, in placing the agencies on absolutely barren land, where there was no possibility of cultivating the soil, no hope of their being enabled to become self-supporting, and where they have of necessity been kept in the hopeless condition of paupers.

In the hope of placing these Indians upon arable land, where they might become civilized and self-supporting, the determination was hastily taken to remove them back to the Missouri River. This step was undertaken without a proper examination of other points on the reservation, where it is stated, on good authority, that a sufficient quantity of excellent wheat-lands can be found on either bank of the White River running eastward into the Missouri, and where, also, there is timber sufficient in quantity and quality for all practical purposes. This, however, should be fully determined before another movement of these Indians is attempted.

The Indian chiefs, in their interview with the President in September last, begged that they might not be sent to the Missouri River, as whisky-drinking, and other demoralization, would be the consequence. This was the best judgment of the best men of the tribe, but the necessity was one that the President could not control. The provisions and supplies for the ensuing winter had been placed according to law on the Missouri, and, owing to the lateness of the season, it was impossible to remove them to the old agencies. Accordingly the necessities of the case compelled the removal of these Indians in the midst of the snows and storms of early winter, which have already set in.

REMOVAL OF THE NORTHERN CHEYENNES AND ARAPAHOES.

These Indians for several years past have been reported as receiving rations with the Sioux, at Red Cloud agency, but as "belonging" with their southern brethren in the Indian Territory, whom they could not be induced to join by any persuasion or command unsupported by force. The same difference between the disposition of the two tribes has been shown during the Sioux war that was manifested in the Cheyenne and Arapahoe war of 1874 and 1875 in the Indian Territory. The whole body of the Cheyennes took prompt and active part in hostilities, while the Arapahoes, almost without exception, remained loyal to the government. After the surrender of the main portion of this tribe, the Cheyennes were suddenly seized by a desire to remove to the Indian Territory. This unexpected announcement was followed by prompt action, and on the 28th of May last, 937 Cheyennes left Red Cloud agency under military escort, and after 70 days' journey reported at Fort Reno, and were turned over to the Cheyenne and Arapaho agent.

In accordance with their earnest request made to the President during the recent visit of the delegation in this city, permission was given the Northern Arapahoes to join the Shoshones on the Wind River reserve in Wyoming. In a formal council held last month by Agent

Irwin with the Shoshones, their consent to the arrangement desired by the Arapahoes was obtained, and the removal of the latter is now in progress.

REMOVAL AND OUTBREAK OF THE SOUTHERN APACHES.

After the removal in June, 1876, of 325 Chiricahua Apaches to San Carlos, the Chiricahua reserve was abolished, and the military commander of Arizona requested to treat as hostile all Indians found in that locality. Raids by the renegades, of whom Pionsenary, Heronemo, Nolgee, and Hoo were chiefs, became frequent. Many lives were taken, much property stolen or destroyed, and by February, 1877, the old reign of terror seemed to have returned to the southeastern portion of Arizona. In March last it was definitely ascertained that not only were the renegades re-enforced by Indians from the Hot Springs reservation in New Mexico, but also that that reserve was being used as a harbor of refuge for the outlaws.

Agent Clum was accordingly instructed to proceed to the Hot Springs reserve with a force of San Carlos Indian police, arrest the renegades, and remove the Southern Apache Indians to the San Carlos reservation, in Arizona. He reached Oji Caliente with 103 police on the 20th of April. He found on the reserve next day 434 Indians, among them Heronemo, Gordo, and others implicated in raids, of whom he arrested 14. On the 1st of May, 453 disarined and dismounted Indians, escorted by a company of cavalry, left the reserve en route for the San Carlos agency, and all other Indians belonging to the agency were declared renegades. The reserve was restored to the public domain and the buildings placed in the care of the military until disposed of by the General Land Office under sections 2122 and 2123 of the Revised Statutes. In effecting this removal, every possible assistance was rendered by the military commander of New Mexico, under authority to use for that purpose all the infantry and cavalry which could be safely taken from other points in the Territory. The strong force displayed, and the skillful posting of troops around the reserve, convinced the Indians of the folly of either refusing to surrender arms or of attempting to escape by flight. On reaching San Carlos, May 17th, they were located on the Gila River, and it was hoped that no more trouble would be occasioned by this hitherto most intractable of all the Apache bands. Some of the prisoners were kept in irons, and all were compelled to work at whatever labor was required around the agency.

Although active scouting after renegades was carried on in Southeast Arizona and Southwest New Mexico, raiding, to a greater or less

extent, did not cease throughout the summer. On the 26th of May, a reward of $100 was offered for the capture of Pionsenay, (nine of his band had surrendered themselves at San Carlos two weeks previous,) and in July authority was granted this office for the employment of additional police from the San Carlos Indians, to be used for scouting service.

On the 2d of September, a majority of the Hot Springs Indians and a portion of the Chiricahuas, numbering in all about 300, suddenly left the San Carlos reserve. They were pursued and overtaken next day by volunteers from the agency Indians, who fought the fugitives till their ammunition was exhausted, and brought back to the agency 30 women and children and 28 animals. The fugitives then struck a settlement in New Mexico, killing 8 persons and stealing some horses, and immediately all the available troops in that Territory were put into the

field against them. On the 10th of September a second engagement occurred between the renegades and a party of San Carlos police, which was in advance of a force of United States troops aud Indian scouts enlisted by the War Department, whom they had joined in the pursuit. The loss to the hostiles was reported to have been 12 killed and 13 captured. On the 13th of last month 3 chiefs with 187 Apaches surrendered at Fort Wingate, finding themselves unable to successfully carry on war in a country thoroughly occupied by United States soldiers and Indian scouts. These, with 51 who have since surrendered, have been taken to the old Hot Springs reservation, where their final disposition will be decided upon. Active scouting must still be continued, in order to secure to Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico freedom from raids made by other renegades who were outlawed at the time of the Southern Apache and Chiricahua removals.

REMOVAL OF THE PONCAS.

The unfortunate location of the Poncas on account of their exposure to unfriendly contact with the Sioux, which has been a matter of frequent comment in the annual reports of this office, has led to the removal of that tribe to the Indian Territory, in accordance with provisions contained in the last two Indian appropriation bills.

As the initiative step, Inspector Kemble in January last visited the Poncas to obtain their consent to a settlement among the Osages. They at first disclaimed any wish to remove and finally agreed to look at the Indian Territory, but were informed that the expense of sending a delegation could not be incurred without consent on their part to a surrender of their Dakota lands. Such consent was given by the Poncas in formal council, on the 27th of January, with the understanding that after the return of the delegation, final negotiations should be completed in Washington. Unfortunately the delegation of ten chiefs, on account of the failure of the Osages to show hospitality, inclement weather, and other causes, became disheartened at the outset, declined the friendly advances of the Kaws, refused to look farther, scarcely noticed the rich lands along the Arkansas River, and on reaching Arkansas City, eight left in the night on foot for the Ponca agency, which they reached in forty days. The other two, with the inspector, their agent, and Rev. S. D. Hinman who had accompanied the delegation, selected that northeast part of the Quapaw reserve which was set apart in 1875 for the location of the "captive" Indians of the Territory.

On their return, they found the tribe divided in sentiment, the more civilized portion, consisting of the half-breeds and many full bloods, favoring removal, the others opposing it; the opposition being constantly strengthened through the unwarrantable interference of outside parties, insomuch that before the starting of that half of the tribe which had signified a willingness to remove, forty-five troops were sent from Fort Randall for their protection from the terrorizing tactics of the other party. The adverse influence, however, so far prevailed that only one hundred and seventy crossed the Niobrara on the 17th of April. Among them were two of the three chiefs now living who made the tribal treaties with the United States in 1817 and 1826. The train containing the agency supplies had preceded, and had already reached Columbus, Nebr. The misfortunes which attended every step of their journey southward, are thus described by the Inspector Kemble.

The party reached Columbus, Nebr., en route for the Indian territory, April 28th, having been thirteen days in making the journey from the agency thither, a distance

of 135 miles. The weather had been most unpropitious; rain, snow, high water, and heavy roads were encountered on nearly every day's march. The party moved down from Columbus under my direction, as far as the Otoe agency, following the Big Blue River, through Nebraska. The continuous rains rendered it impossible to make the daily marches contemplated and provided for in the contract. Our average day's travel to this point was a fraction over eleven miles. There were days when it was impracticable to go forward. On the Otoe reservation we were greatly impeded by water, the streams being all unbridged. We were delayed here nearly a week.

On taking charge of the expedition, I had deemed it expedient to organize a small police force from among the Indians, not less for the protection of our own property than that of others along the road, and for the prevention of whisky traffic and its consequent disorders. The entire march was made without disturbance of the peace, or the destruction of private property beyond the value of ten dollars. The few sick were cared for among ourselves. The Indians moved with cheerful alacrity, and gave me no trouble beyond the petty annoyances inseparable from the management of a large family of children. Our worst enemy was the weather, which could hardly have been more unfavorable or trying.

On the 29th of May we reached the Neosho, down which stream I intended to move. The bad weather continuing, caused me to deflect from its course after reaching Iola. Rain, thunder and lightning still hung along the line of march. The roads were in a terrible state, and high streams continually presented formidable obstacles to our progress. The Indians behaved well under all these adverse circumstances; but our journey was becoming a very long and expensive one. The contract under which the Poncas were being moved allowed the discontinuance of teams at any point on the road where loads could be lightened, or diminished transportation was possible. But the almost unprecedented storms and heavy roads had so broken down our light Indian work-stock that I was under the necessity of turning in the hired teams to haul their loads as fast as a reduction of supplies gave us "spares."

We arrived at the new location selected for the Poncas, June 12th. Our misfortunes en route had culminated at the Osage Mission, June 8th, in our whole train getting hemmed in by rising waters, from which the only mode of extrication was a rapid forced march and detour around, near the heads of the streams. We struck the railroad leading to Baxter Springs two days afterward, and thence southward our course was easy. The Indians with me appeared exceedingly well pleased with their new home. Along the way they had not infrequently showed their doubts and anxiety respecting the country to which they were being taken, and which not one of them had ever seen. They immediately began the selection of their individual sites for farms and houses, and furnished willing gangs of field hands to cultivate the three hundred acres of corn which had been planted in expectation of their arrival, and which we found in fine condition. The time consumed in the march was fitty-nine days.

It having been determined that the removal of the remainder of the tribe must now be insisted upon, troops were ordered to the Ponca agency. But it was decided to attempt to forestall the need of their presence by sending back the Ponca agent, Mr. Lawrence, with his successor, Agent Howard, to again urge upon the Indians a quiet compliance with the wishes of the government. They so far succeeded as to be able to request that the four companies who had started for the agency be recalled, and on the 16th of May the last Ponca crossed the Niobrara and turned his face southward. At Columbus, the twenty-five soldiers who had remained at the agency after the departure of the first party, and had accompanied the second party to that point, returned to Dakota. The succession of disasters which befell this second party on their sixty-five days' march are fully detailed in the report of Agent Howard appended hereto, page 68.

The plan of taking the Indians overland with their ponies was adopted with a view to economy and at the express desire of the Indians. The unprecedented weather encountered made the expense of the removal much greater than if rail and water transportation had been used. As a consequence, that portion of the fund appropriated for the removal of the Poncas, with which it was intended to begin the work of settling them in their new location, is materially reduced. Unless funds are speedily secured and made immediately available, it is feared that much suffering, owing to the change of climate and exposure to the elements,