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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES INDIAN AGENT,
Red Lake, Minn., August 25, 1877.

SIR: I herewith submit my fifth annual report of the affairs at this agency.

LOCATION AND POPULATION.

This reservation is about 95 miles wide by 115 long, having for its northern boundary Rainy Lake River and Lake of the Woods; its only shipping-point being Detroit on the Northern Pacific Railroad, 100 miles south.

The population at last enrollment was 1,191, besides about 18 whites belonging to the families of the employés.

AGRICULTURE.

This reservation contains about 3,200,000 acres, of which 1,000,000 are tillable, the remaining portion being grazing, wooded, and worthless. The timber is pine with considerable bodies of hard wood. From this hard wood the Indians obtain their sugar; the soil likewise is of a superior quality wherever the hard wood grows.

The crops which were reported one year ago were of decided utility, not only here but to several other and distant points and agencies, especially at White Earth, where, owing to loss of crop, our hardy and really excellent quality of corn was of the greatest benefit, both for food and for seed. In that respect this agency is peculiarly favored; a failure of crops was never known here. The crops raised by the Indians are about as follows: Corn, owing to an extremely unfavorable season, only 5,000 bushels; wheat, 175 bushels; potatoes, 2,500 bushels; other vegetables, 450 bushels; hay, 250 tons; maple-sugar, 40,000 pounds; berries, 300 bushels. They have caught 650 barrels of fish, $6,600 worth of furs, and woven 750 yards of rush matting.

EDUCATION.

I am happy to be able to report so good a degree of progress in this important field of work. Owing to the enlightened and philanthropic views entertained by the Indian Department, and the assistance rendered by it, I was enabled to keep in operation for six months in the last year a boarding-school, at least in part. Some ten girls were taken into the boarding-house, where they were quickly changed from dirty, ragged little savages, uncouth, wild, and verminous, to clean, neatly-clad young misses, free from vermin, attending diligently to their studies and recitations in the school-room, and just as diligently and neatly doing housework, and knitting or sewing. The change was indeed wonderful. Unable to board and keep the boys, as yet, they were given a dinner each day they attended school.

I deem myself fortunate in having secured the services of Miss Mary C. Warren as teacher. She has had several years' experience in such schools, and is master of both languages, which gives her very decided advantages for the position she fills. The results have been very gratifying under the circumstances, and when the new boarding-house is opened-of which more particular mention will be made under the head of "progress"-all the signs indicate a full and successful school.

MORALITY.

There is little to say under this head, no great change being perceptible during the year. While the Indians are far from perfection; are addicted to polygamy, licentiousness, gambling, loafing, and some pilfering, yet they are superior to many white settlements in thishere there is no burglary, highway-robbery, murder, riots, or strikes. They are much more peaceable, having very little quarreling, being very kind to the sick, and fond of their children.

MISSIONARY WORK.

This continued as last year, under the care of Rev. F. Spees, until last January, when by mutual agreement between the American Missionary Association and the Protestant Episcopal Mission, the former society withdrew, relinquishing the field to the latter; whereupon Mr. Spees left, and his place was taken by two young Indian clergymen, Revs. F. Smith and Samuel Madison, who continue to labor here, although the latter is quite low with pulmonary disease, which has confined him to the house for two months past. The work consists in a combined Chippewa and English service, and Sabbath-school, besides one or more evening services during the week. Also a general visitation and instruction in religious matters at their homes. Since the change mentioned above there have been of Indians baptized 13, and 8 confirmed. Others are expecting to receive baptism soon. That tried friend of the Indian, Bishop Whipple, visited this agency recently, and expects to build here next season a church and parsonage. The Mission have already expended here this year about $1,000, in the way of clothing, seed, hoes, and salaries of missionaries. With few exceptions the Indians desire the missionary work to go forward.

CIVILIZATION AND PROGRESS

Among evidences of progress here may be mentioned the increasing willingness on the part of the chiefs, braves, and others to engage in manual labor, which is traditionally

and garden vegetables growing on a majority of their farms promise a fair yield, though some few fields, from the cause I have mentioned, are nearly barren of crop.

Until the close of the last fiscal year the Kickapoos had their wagon and blacksmith work done at a shop off of their reserve. Traveling to and from the shop consumed their time and brought them in contact with evil associations. To remedy these evils and economize expenses for such work, I have built, at a suitable location on their reserve, a shop sufficiently commodious for the requirements of the Indians, and employed a mechanic, who, in addition to the work to be done in the shop, is expected to assist the Indians in repairing their houses.

Since my last annual report the average attendance at the Pottawatomie industrial boarding-school has increased considerably. Several of the new scholars enrolled belong to families that have bitterly opposed education, and denounced those Indians who encouraged it as traitors to their race and the principles that should control it. The advantages of the school, however, have become so apparent, to even the most blind, that any public expression or demonstration against it is not likely ever to occur again. There is a farm of 63 acres belonging to this school, planted in corn, potatoes, and a great variety of garden vegetables. All of these are looking excellent, and promise nearly as great a yield as the soil is capable of producing. The farm is stocked with the necessary work-horses, 45 head of cattle, 50 hogs, and 300 fowls. All of these, with the exception of the work-horses and 5 head of cows, have been raised on the farm. The property belonging to this school and mission has been purchased with the annual interest of the Pottawatomie school-fund; the current expenses of the school are derived from the same source.

The attendance at the Kickapoo industrial boarding-school has been good during the year. There is a farm, containing 35 acres, attached to this school, planted in corn, potatoes, and vegetables. These crops are maturing finely, and will produce quite up to the average of the surrounding country. The farm is stocked with 3 mules, 16 head of cattle, and 25 hogs. A part of this stock and all other property connected with the mission and school has been purchased with the annual interest of a fund established by treaty with the Kickapoos for the support of school and encouragement of agricultural pursuits. The school is subsisted by funds derived from the same source. Considerable improvements in the way of stock-yards and additions to buildings have been made at both the Pottawatomie and Kickapoo missions during the past year.

The moral and religious cultivation of the pupils at these schools is sought to be accomplished by unremitting and conscientious teaching of these principles and by practical Christian example. Their studies in school are conducted on the same principles as white children are taught in the better class of district schools in the State of Kansas. They are generally diligent in their studies, and when they have learned to speak English I think learn as rapidly as white children do. The boys are taught to feed stock and work on the farm. They perform the work assigned to them cheerfully and well; indeed, some of them did quite as good work on the farm during the past season as could have been expected from adults. The girls are taught to cook, wash, sew, and to cut and make garments for themselves and male scholars. Many of the older pupils now realize the duties incumbent upon them in life, and are exerting a useful influence toward elevating their parents and friends. The system of thorough farming by the use of improved farming implements on these school-farms has had a highly beneficial effect throughout the entire Pottawatomie and Kickapoo tribes. The success of those in charge of the farms in raising good crops has induced the Indians to follow their example and plow deeper and better, to plant earlier, to cultivate more thoroughly, and has entirely disabused their minds of prejudices against horse corn-planters and other improved agricultural implements. The adult Indians who visit the schools are circumspect in their behavior and as careful not to violate the rules and regulations established for their government as cultivated white persons could be.

The tribal government of these two tribes has been greatly weakened since my last report. But few general councils are held, and personal applications for assistance and advice have been substituted for demands made by the authorities of the tribe.

The religious and educational interests of the Chippewa and Christian Indians are under the supervision of the Moravian Church North. This church annually contributes about $500 for the propagation of these principles. The resident missionary is a conscientious and faithful worker for the true interests of those under his spiritual charge.

Had it not been for the greater industry and improved moral principles of the Indians in this agency an increase of drunkenness might have been expected during the past year, as there is no law to punish persons for selling whisky to them. As I have before stated to the Department, I do not know of any greater good to be accomplished for the Indian race, here and everywhere in the United States, than the enactment of a law at the next session of Congress making it a criminal offense to sell intoxicating liquors to an Indian, the law to be applicable to an Indian guilty of the offense equally with a white man.

The timber on the reserves of these Indians, and other personal property, have been protected without resort to law, other than proving property and determining the amount due on horses and animals posted by whites in magistrates' courts. The Indians are now exercising a much stricter supervision over their stock than formerly, and considering that their

reserves are entirely surrounded by white settlers, difficulties in regard to strayed stock are of less frequent occurrence than might be expected.

I have been convinced by personal observation for some time that the system of holding land in common is very unfavorable for educating an Indian to personal independence. Though he may build and improve for a time, he must to some extent be subordinate to his tribal government, and this will operate against continued personal efforts in building, enlarging fields, planting orchards, or acquiring other property of an immovable nature, the permanent possession of which is uncertain, and may be disposed of contrary to the wishes of the owner without personal remuneration for the value thereof. The very fact of his enjoying some home comforts will render him suspicious of the uncertain tenure by which they are held, and make him irresolute in regard to prosecuting further improvements. As timber becomes scarce, and pastures contiguous to their improvements become worthless, contentions will originate that will mar the pleasant relations that existed between them when a wigwam and a patch sufficed for their wants. I believe that to obviate these difficulties, to break down the traditional rule of Indian government, and to aid the Indian in achieving mental independence, each Indian should receive an allotment of a subdivision of land, and should hold the same by certificate-title. They can then feel secure in the possession of their homes, can protect the timber belonging to their claims from either white or Indian depredators, and will be invested with, a feeling of pride and contentment that will incite them to greater energy in cultivating the soil and raising cattle. I respectfully invite an earnest consideration of this subject by the Department.

I consider the religious condition of the Indians in this agency greatly improved. There are evidences that the principles of Christianity that have been taught have found a lodgment in the hearts of some, and effected at least a modification of their traditional views on the subject of religion. Their is another class, upon whom example, argument, or entreaty has no effect, so firmly are they wedded to the belief of their fathers; and yet another class, who have accepted the consolations of revealed religion, who look upon the promises of our Redeemer as a pillar of strength in this world and a source of eternal joy in the life hereafter. Herewith forwarded find statistical reports for the tribes in this agency.

Respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

M. H. NEWLIN, United States Indian Agent.

MACKINAW AGENCY, Ypsilanti, Mich., August 28, 1877.

SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report. The statistics given with it will give a view of the general condition of the people in this agency.

No important change has occurred since my last report to disturb the peaceful relations of the Indians of this agency toward the Government or its people; and I am free to assert that, so far as peaceful citizenship is concerned, there are no people of whatever nationality among our citizens who are more peaceful and law-abiding than the Indians of this agency. But for the intermeddling interference of bad white men and their infernal whisky, we might reasonably hope for them a peaceful if not a happy future.

I cannot but regard the opening of their reservations to occupation and settlement by white men, and permitting them to sell their lands, as a serious mistake, for reasons which I shall give hereafter. While they have adopted the dress and mode of living of that practiced by their civilized neighbors, yet they, like people of all nationalities, have a strong love of social intercourse with their own people; and it is only under such circumstances that they seem to act without restraint and enjoy themselves. Being naturally of a proud and haughty disposition, and fully aware they cannot speak our language with correctness or propriety, they almost invariably decline to speak it at all, lest they may become subject of ridicule for their blunders. The taking of lands in severalty would have been well for them if an inflexible rule had been insisted upon that they should not alienate them except in cases of inability to make them available, on account of sickness or other permanent disability to cultivate, and then only by permission of the agent in charge, and approval of his recommendation by the Department; and, if so sold, the avails to be used only for the benefit of the patentee, or his or her rightful heirs or representatives.

The Indians do not naturally take to the cultivation of the soil for a livelihood: their early life and training was in an entirely different occupation; and while accustomed to endure great hardships and fatigue incident to the life of a hunter or fisherman, they were not accustomed to apply themselves to that daily toil necessary in clearing and cultivating their lands, from which they would not realize immediate results: and while many of them are good men to work for others, they do not seem to have the energy or inclination to work for themselves; therefore their farm improvements are small and slow. The princial part of their settlements are in the immediate vicinity of the lakes, which abound in fish, from which they derive a very large proportion of their subsistence.

Notwithstanding all these drawbacks and obstacles, I am enabled to report a decided

improvement the past year; especially among those to whom agricultural implements and seeds were distributed, to assist them in their endeavors to become self-supporting and independent.

The Indians designated as the Chippewas of Saginaw, Swan Creek, and Black River, whose principal reservation was in Isabella County, with the exception of only about 600, have left and gone back to the neighborhood of their original homes and hunting-grounds, where they can live near the "Great Waters" and fish. Having sold the land given them by the Government, each band has purchased, near the homes of their fathers, (as their limited means would warrant,) a small tract, where a small garden produces the vegetables in their season, and they can stroll away and pick berries, make baskets or sugar, in its season, and fish, thus eking out an existence which, if they could not have disposed of their lands, might in time have afforded a comfortable home and support. Since the treaty of 1855, money enough has been paid out for these people, if expended as it should and might have been, to have assured and secured their independence and comfort; and while so many have frittered away the lands that were given them, there are many who are working manfully to live, and successfully, upon their farms. The estimated productions upon this reservation this year are: 3.500 bushels of wheat, 5,400 bushels of corn, 2,500 bushels of oats, 3,000 bushels of potatoes, 150 bushels of beans, 60 bushels of onions, 150 bushels of melons, 300 bushels of turnips, 200 tons of hay.

The Ottawas and Chippewas are by far the most numerous, and, I think, are the most civilized, from the fact that for more than two hundred years they have had intimate rela tions with the French, who were the discoverers and early settlers of their country. They have married and intermarried to such an extent that it is really difficult to tell, when you meet an Indian in appearance, whether he is an Ottawa, Chippewa, or a Frenchman; their language is neither the one nor the other, but a mixture of all these. Their religion, too, partakes largely of that planted by the Jesuits Marquette and Cadillac. There are churches of this faith at Mackinaw, Point Saint Ignace, Sault Sainte Marie, La Crosse, Little Traverse, Middle Village, and Old Mission on Traverse Bay. They are a quiet people and would remain so, but adhere to the habit against which Cadillac remonstrated with the French com. mandant, of teaching them to drink brandy. He told them there was "only one alternative, French brandy and the true faith, or West India rum and English heresy." Cadillac's scruples seem to have been overcome, and "the true faith" and whisky are to-day the most prominent object of devotion with these people. At one or two points the Methodist Episcopal Church have maintained successful missions, but a large proportion are Roman Catholics. They now number, as near as I can ascertain, something over 6,000. They are scattered along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and Traverse Bay, from Grand River, and on the islands in the lake; at Point Saint Ignace, Mackinaw, along the straits, on the north shore of Lake Huron, and all the length of the Sault Sainte Marie River, and the southeastern shore of Lake Superior to White Fish Point, embracing the most important fisheries of all the great lakes, a line of nearly 300 miles of coast, and from this industry they derive a large proportion of their support, and by their labor a large proportion of the catch of white-fish and trout (for which this region is celebrated) is secured. Besides, they furnish no inconsiderable amount of the large shipments of wood and hemlock bark shipped from the ports within the distance above named.

This tribe had, by a treaty in 1855, several reservations set apart for them in the counties of Oceana, Mason, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmett, Mackinaw, Chippewa, and on some of the islands in Lake Michigan, upon which they were allowed to make selections of 80 acres, or all who had arrived at their majority, which nearly all did who were of sufficient age; and many went to work in good faith to make farms and homes. In 1872, Congress, in my opinion, committed a great error, so far as the peace and well-being of these people were concerned, by opening the remaining unoccupied lands of these reservations for homestead selection to all persons, giving, however, the Indians six months' privilege to make, if they chose, selections under the law in like manner as the whites. This was, however, attended with a payment of $14 for office-fees, and generally as much more to defray expenses of a jour ney to and from the land-office, and many did not possess the requisite sum in cash, and could not therefore obtain any land, while others, who had the means, obtained certificates: but as neither a white man nor Indian can sit down in a forest and live the first year, neither are very apt to comply strictly with the letter if they do with the meaning of the law. The Indians in particular knew no way but to fish for a livelihood: indeed, the very existence of their families as well as themselves required they should do so or starve. Their absence on this account from their homesteads was made the occasion to advertise their homesteads as abandoned. Generally this has been done by persons who want it as a matter of speculation, and the complainants are given the preference by the officers at the land offices, either to locate themselves, or for such persons to do so as they designate. These annoyances have been encouraged and tolerated to such an extent that the Indians become discouraged and think their labor will all be lost, their improvements and land taken from them, as they have been in numerous cases. They do not work with that energy they otherwise would. I have by this explanation endeavored to show wherein I regarded the congressional enactment as of a character detrimental to the best interests of the Indians, and a serious obstacle to their becoming agriculturists or self-supporting by this means. They are a race entirely dissimilar

to our own, and must be treated with reference to an improved condition of their race rather than by absorption in the general body-politic, which is but another name for annihilation. The Ottawa and Chippewa Indians are naturally honest, and scrupulously conscientious in keeping their word, and expect the same scrupulous exactness in the fulfillment of all engagements made to them, especially by the Government. The cause of education among these tribes has since the discontinuance of the schools very much declined, and very few of the children are receiving any instruction; and, as a consequence, are growing up in ignorance, and consequently in vice. A majority of the parents never having known the advan. tages of an education themselves, do not feel the importance of an education for their children, and could not, if they would, confer this blessing upon them, for the reason that they have not the means. If the money appropriated for this object by the last treaty had been invested properly, and the interest used as a permanent annuity for the support of schools for them, an inestimable boon might have thereby been conferred upon them.

The Chippewas of Lake Superior are about 1,200 in number; perhaps, in all, may reach 1,500, mostly living on either side of Keweenaw Bay, and known as the L'Anse and Vieux de Sert bands. A portion live in the vicinity of Ontonagon, others on the Menomonee River and other points in what is known as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Like the other tribes before named, these have fully adopted the dress and mode of living of the white population, most of them having comfortable log or block houses. Yet they live mostly by fishing, hunting, and trapping, from which they realize the principal support for themselves and families. With the exception of the gardens around their houses, they have not generally made much improvement upon their farms. The land in this vicinity is not well adapted to the growth of cereals, although potatoes of excellent quality are grown, as are also, grass, pease, and oats.

The educational interests of these people are in as good condition as any other portion of the agency, perhaps better. The people are nearly equally divided between the Roman Catholic and Methodist Churches, known respectively as the Baraga (Catholic) and L'Anse (Methodist Episcopal) Missions; the latter under charge, without pay, of Peter Marksman, an educated Indian; the former under charge of a Belgian Catholic priest, who has been here many years, and I think, from what opportunities I have had for observation, the Indians are better for his labors. But I cannot forbear remarking the contrast between the two communities of the same tribe, separated only by the bay three or four miles wide. The latter are generally seen idling about much of the time, often drunk when they can get whisky, and generally slovenly in their dress and appearance; on the other hand, those under the teaching of Mr. Marksman appear tidily dressed; rarely one of them indulges in intoxicating drinks; most of them are industrious, and in their houses are many articles of comfort, such as cooking-stoves, chairs, and bedsteads; some of them parlor-organs, and sewing machines, pictures, and other evidences of taste and refinement. Their productions consist mostly in the following articles-this, of course, besides the amount consumed-as I obtained from the most authentic sources:

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Also a variety of other vegetables and many tons of hay. The Pottawatomies of Huron are the remnant of the once great and powerful tribe who wielded a century ago no mean influence in the councils of the nations who then held sway in the Northwest. They are the possessors of 120 acres of perhaps the least valuable land to be found in Calhoun County, consisting of marshes and sand-knolls, through which the Nottawasipe River wends its way. Upon this are living this little band, consisting at last pay-day of fifty-four persons, old and young, who eke out an existence by fishing and trapping along the river and its marshy banks, making baskets, and an occasional day's labor for the farmers in the neighborhood. They are wretchedly poor. The annuity of $400 from the Government which they receive helps to bridge over the chasm between the seasons, as it is usually paid about the time that winter reminds them most keenly of their needy condition, when it is most likely to afford them the greatest benefit. They have neither school nor church; their school-house was burned some years since, and they are too poor to build another. They wish me to present their case to the Great Father at Washington, hoping that they may receive from his munificent hand some help, as they insist the Government still owes them a large amount on account of lands purchased by what they call Governor Porter's treaty. They seem to be fast dwindling away; a few years, at the farthest, and history alone will tell of their part in the councils and wars of the Indians of Michigan.

In conclusion, I would say the Indians of this agency are in as prosperous a condition as the circumstances surrounding their seyeral situations will admit of. The rules of the landoffices in their case need revision; great leniency should be shown them, and no inducement be held out by any recognized claim to be established by any complainant as to their non

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