Office Superintendent Indian Affairs
Dayton O. T. July 10th 1855
Sir,
My protracted absence from the Office upon business connected with the negotiation of treaties in Middle Oregon has prevented me until now from taking steps for the erection of buildings on the Table Rock Reservation.
The accompanying copy of Instructions to Agent George W. Ambrose indicates the intended action and preparations in regard to these improvements.
I have omitted to take action in relation to the Umpqua Reservation until I have made a more thorough personal examination of the contemplated Reservation on the coast anticipating that in the event that reservations become permanent, to locate the Umpquas and Calapooias, and the Indians of the Willamette Valley within its limits. There are believed to be two small valleys within its limits which from the description of persons who have visited them, are well suited for an Indian Settlement; they are situated on the head water of the Alsea and Seletze Rivers, isolated by a lofty spur of the mountain from the coast, yet sufficiently near to be under the care of the same agent, and also separated from the white settlements by a mountain chain; their position indicate them as peculiarly adapted for the settlement of the Indians of this valley. A few whites have taken land in these valleys, and the usual improvements of bachelors in a new [...]
I have recently learned that considerable dissatisfaction exists among a few persons residing in Benton county in regard to the boundaries of this contemplated reservation, they alleging that it embraces nearly half of the best portion of that country a glance at the map of the surveys already made and reference to the indicated limits of the intended reservation will satisfy any one of the exagerated erroneousness of these aperations. The fact is there is among a portion of the Settlers along the coast and elsewhere a feeling of hostility toward the Indians and disregard for their rights – a feeling that looks to the humane system of annihilating the race and all action of the Government or its agents looking to the improvement of civilization of the Indians meets with their hearty disapproval. In the present instance there are a few persons interested in the retention of claims in these valleys and others in town sites elsewhere, who anticipate pecuniary advantages to accrue from white settlements in that region. Beyond these no opposition to this reservation manifested.
I contemplate a tour along the coast, and will set out about the 18th instant for the purpose of negotiating treaties for the purchase of the country with the coast tribes and bands. The goods designed for the Indians South of the Coquille, will be shipped by steamer [...]