OFFICE OF
U.S. INDIAN AGENCY,
Toledo, Benton Co., Oregon, Jan. 21 1879
Sir:
Having received and read your circular letter No. 28, dated Dec. 23, 1878, I have the honor to reply that so far as it is in the power of this office, the instructions of said circular shall be carried out.
It has been the invariable custom of this office, to keep a strict record of all the Indians on this reservation. "Under no pretext, whatever," have they been allowed to leave the reservation, "without a special permit, in writing from the Agent," giving names, dates, destination, object, length of time, and at whose request, when by request, and after other important particulars concerning the Indians bearing said pass. All of which is recorded in a book kept for that special purpose. Persons of known bad character, and those of doubtful reputation are forbidden this privilege. If at any time, these leave clandestinely, they are pursued and compelled to return. In a few instances, they have escaped; and even some, bearing passes, have wandered beyond our reach, but only, when means were wanting for pursuit.
The Siletz Indians generally, have a good reputation abroad. Letters of commendation, and requests for labors, are being received constantly from every part of the country where they have been employed. Many of the Indians are now aboard, working for wages to equip themselves for their Spring work on their own lands, here on the reservation. Many others have engagements, wh¡ch they are in honor bound to fulfill immediately.
Therefore, in view of the good reputation, the business habits, relations, and obligations of many of these Indians, I would respectfully ask, for all of this class, a general permit, under the usual passes from this office, to continue their work out side, till their present jobs, under obligations are completed. Such is the nature of their work, and the advancement of the season, that it would seriously embarrass them and their employers, if they were detained here, till special, personal, permits could be returned from our office. Furthermore
if you can, consistantly, grant such general permit, and extend it indefinitely, for the class of Indians above described, it would greatly facilitate the business of this office, and accommodate materially, all the Indians thus favored. Many of them are doing business just the same as Whites, under our general oversight, and therefore in many instances, they could not consistantly submit to the long delay of a correspondence with Washington.
Very Respectfully
Your Ob't. Serv't.
William Bagley
U.S. Ind. Agt.
T.F.B. Hon. E.W. Hayt
Commissioner Ind. Affs.
Washington
D.C.