FROM SILETZ AGENCY.
Editors Mercury: Thinking that a little information from this section may be of interest to some of your readers, I will give you the benefit of my observation.
This Agency is under the supervision of J. H. Fairchild, formerly a resident of Portland, and a man well calculated to perform the arduous duties of an Indian Agent, being very energetic and industrious, and alive to the importance of the trust imposed upon hlm. He assumed charge of the Agency upon the first day of April last, and has with the aid of his employers succeeded in putting in a larger area of ground in grain than has been in cultivation for a number of years. The wheat crop is looking well, and will undoubtedly yield a good supply for the poor "Lo." Several hundred acres of oats sown here, although later than in the valley will yield an excellent crop, and if early rains do not injure the harvesting there will undoubtedly be a surplus of several thousand bushels of this cereal to dispose of this fall, which it is hoped will aid materially in the advancement and encouragement of the Indians.
There are two schools in operation here for the education of the young, who manifest great eagerness to acquire knowledge. One of these schools is under the supervision of the Rev. C. C. Chatten, a clergyman of more than ordinary ability, and one who exhibits great energy and untiring patience in the discharge of his duties, both as a minister and a teacher. The other school is under the direction of Mrs. Turpin, a lady well calculated by her mild temper and pleasant manner to obtain much favor among the ignorant Indians, who have been accustomed too often to harsh and cruel treatment.
Church is held on the Sabbath and several times during the week days, for the enlightenment of the Indians, who are more than ordinarily attentive; and near twenty of the Indian men and women have made profesions of religion, and from their appearance and deportment it would appear that they are sincere in their professions. They are peaceable and quiet, and almost constantly engaged in their farming and domestic pursuits, instead of constantly lounging about the Agent's quarters, waiting for a "cultus potlach" of something to eat.
A road had been opened by which excursionists may reach the Agency with teams without difficulty and it is thought that a wagon road will be opened to Newport before the summer is over.