OFFICE OF
U.S. INDIAN AGENT,
Toledo, Benton Co., Ogn. July 31st 1879
Hon E A. Hayt, Comr Indian Affairs
Washington D.C
Sir: In compliance with instruction from your office contained in your Tel. dispatch of July 25th and which reached me on the evening of the 29th inst requesting me to write and state the "condition of the Agency on my arrival" I hasten to say that I arrived here on the evening of the 14th and was warmly welcomed by the Agent Wm Bagley Esq.
On the following morning I presented my credentials and he at once gave me possession of the office: – introducing me to his clerk T. F. Royal. after which we took a general survey of the Agency premises, and commenced the Inventory of Government effects in his care. There have been very many innovations upon our time, thereby preventing a sooner
completion than this evening. You will readily see that it is no little undertaking when faithfully performed, going through entire the Agricultural department, the Medical department, the Flouring Mill, the Saw Mill, the Work Shops, the School house, also the Stock department, scattered as it is not only at the Agency, and at the Upper and Lower farms, but far away to the mouth of the Salmon river.
We also took measure of the Lumber on the premises as well as the Saw logs scattered about through the forests. In my perambulations through the Agricultural part of the Reservation, I found the Indians who have farms and such Articles and implements as are needed, using them to general good advantage. There are many more of them in my opinion who would make good use of their lands if they had means so that they could till their grounds and bring a fair return for their honest toils.
In many cases I was surprised at the good judgment shown in suiting certain crops to appropriate soil: - leading me to conclude that many of the whites bordering on the Reservation, whose farms,
I passed on my way here might be profited in imitating.
Regarding the Employes I found them apparently doing good service, and willing in imparting to the Indians such aid and such instruction as needed.
The School is well conducted I should judge under the present Principal and his assistant, though the numbers in attendance are small, as I am told at this season of the year is usual. The older schollars assisting in the fields and many of the smaller ones retained at home doing service.
On reaching here I was not a little disappointed in the condition, as well as the looks of the houses occupied by the Agent and the various employes of the Agency: of these however, I will speak at some future time.
On the following Saturday after my arrival many of the ex Chiefs and other Indians called upon me to welcome their new Agent (or as they have it their new Chief). the meeting was mutually pleasant and they left with apparent good wishes for peace and quiet upon the Reservation.
Very Respectfully Yours.
E A. Swan
U S Indian Agent