Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/47



RESERVATION POLICY PACIFIC NORTHWEST 35

and were of a lighter complexion than the Indians usually are. They subsist on wild game, fish, muscles and clams and have but little intercourse with the whites. The greater por- tion of the indians fled on the approach of the exploring party.

No detailed report of the condition of the Indians in the Utilla agency has been received. A copy of a letter from Sub- Agent P. F. Thompson accompanying this report will give some idea of the petty annoyance to which the agent is sub- jected from that proud and haughty tribe.

No report has been received at this office from the Agency of Puget Sound. My letter of the 22nd August informed you of the designation of J. M. Garrison, Esq. to that Agency. Agent Starling was accordingly informed of the fact by letter from this office and directed to turn over to Mr. Garrison the papers and property belonging to the Agency upon his execut- ing to him a proper receipt therefor. This Mr. Starling de- clined doing, on the ground that he was not subject to this Superintendency and was acting under instructions from Gov- ernor Stephens [Stevens] of Washington Territory. Soon afterward Mr. Garrison returned to this Territory and on the 15th instant notified this Office, that he had resigned his office of Indian Agent to take effect immediately.

No reports have been received from Sub-Agent W. W. Ray- mond of Clatsop Plains nor from J. L. Parrish of the Wil- lamette Valley; but I believe the bands and tribes of these districts are at peace among themselves and sustain friendly relations to the whites.

It may not be improper to state that several letters from various sources have been received interrogating the Superin- tendent in regard to funds alleged to be due them for past services in the Indian Department, including salary, traveling expenses, etc., the amount of which I have no means of ascer- taining as no regular bills have been presented.

Among the number of claimants is H. H. Spalding Esq. claiming one Quarter's salary. E. A. Starling Esq. for salary traveling and incidental expenses and pay of Interpreter and A. A. Skinner Esq. for traveling expenses and pay of Inter- preter.

The pay of the salary of Superintendent and Agents, of Sub- and Special Agents, Interpreters, and all traveling and contingent expenses since I entered on the duties assigned me, are unpaid no public funds having been placed in my hands by which to discharge such liabilities. I will also add that for the expenses attending my recent trip to Rogue River