Corvallis Oregon
Nov 12 1861
Sir
By reference to the Military Dept – you will find that 20 U.S. muskets & 20 U S – Colt Revolvers – were furnished to the late Indian agent at the Siletz Agency for defence – by the Commanding Officer at Fort Hoskins –
I am informed by the present agent that these are now all in the hands of the – Indians – who say they bought them of the late Agent–
It is also true that many Indians have left the reserve – & say–
They were told the Government broke up – That they would receive no more aid as the acc of the late agent have not been paid.
As we have 2500 Indians near us & it is not over 15 miles from the principle settlement, to the reserve–
We claim the Aid afforded them by Secessionists in the way of arms is dangereous and that they should be taken from them
Respectfully
George Browne