The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-07-19

OF iiiuiah thlsurs IN this city;
| [cmoULARl
WAR DEPARTMENT
Office Indian Affairs, July, lsi7
SR' Congress, at its last session, directed this depart
men to collect anddgest statistics and materials tending
Illustrate the history present condition, and future prospects
OF the Indian tribes of the United States. The list of que
ries herewith enclosed YOU has been prepared under this
authority and copy OF is addressed you hope
securing the aid OF experience and observation and
WIN request that you will favor this office with reply
such oil The queries you may select for by the LIST
OF February next possible, in order that report upon the
subject may be made Congress prior the close the
ensuing session.
The inquiries addressed to three classes of ndvid
uals
Persons holding situations under the department. who
are believed TO have in their power mpart prac-
cal information of the tribes who are, respectively under
their charge.
H. Persons who have retired from similar situations or
travellers IN the Indian territory persons who have
argea principles, conducted mercantile pursuits the
American ironiers other individuals who casually,
or otherwise, acquainted with any OF the tribes and have
given the subject their consideration
III Men OF Learning, research and leisure who have
peused the best writer's the subject any branch OF it,
and who may feel willing give their country the benefit
o their practical reflections touching important element
in our national history.
reference the closing remarks of the queries will de-
note the anxiety which is felt give the materials collected
the character OF entire authenticity and be apprzed of
any erroneous views of the actual customs
our huiau tribes which may have been promulgated The
government it is believed, it itself to originate
body OF facts this subject from which the race at large
may be correctly judged by all classes of citizens and its
policy towards the Indian tribes under guardianship
and its treatment of them, appreciated And in making
this appeal for information of general yet precise
than has heretofore possessed relies on your
friendly cooperation.
References operons possessing valuable information on
any of the topics introduced soicited.l
Very respectfully, your obedent servant,
w. MEDILL.
We invite the attention of every who has any ac-
quanance with the subject, to communicate their for-
nation Ito the Indian Department The pamphlet which
Col. Medl has printed fills y-fve large pages, and
takes in the whole horizon of Indian origin Manners and
institutions The queries embrace in great variety of de-
ailst The history, International rank and relations ge-
ography, antiquities, astronomy arithmetic, and medicine
of the tribes 2dly The internal organisation and gov-
enment, embracing Indian trade, legislation of Con-
gress, Indian governments west of the Mississippi
idea OF property, and idea Of crime 3dly Religion and
mythology. 4hly. Manners and customs, comprehendng
constitution OF the Indian family, customs and employ
ments at large hunting, war. dancing and amusemens,
death and its incidents, lodges, housewifey, cookery,
&C., and costume 5thly intellectual capacities and
character of the 6hly. Present condition and fu
tre prospects 7hly. General history of the american
States topical inquiries illustrative of general history
sthly. Language and racabulary These various que
es run out to variety of DETAIL under the analytical
mind of the Commissioner.
The pamphlet closes with the following general re-
marks and appeal:
In submitting the preceding queries on the several SUBJ
ects named, it is designed limit the inquiry these
particular FORMS Called upon by the of the act to
ebody materials illustrative of the history tribes as
well their Statistics the department seeks avail itself
of the knowledge and experience of persons in various
parts OF the country, contribute their aid The inquiry
is here placed broad basis, that may embrace
general grounds from which to judge the history
and coadon and present. OF the people whose bene
lit is sought by future legislative provision and by
adoption OF of public policy which shall best sub
serve the highest interests 1t is supposed that every
person who sits down to answer these queries, whether he
be in public private capacity, will take equal in
lerest IN thef or feel equally prepared with facts
servatos to reply ALL BY denoting the general line of
inquiry, and running the leading questions little into
detail, enough has been done, is conceived serve as
hints the respondents and lte is indeed intend
ed. Facts sought, and nothing but facts It essential
tat, where the respondent is unknown the department.
reference should be given Many othe inquiries are
of customs and opinions which believed common
10 of the tribes; but the excepted important to
be noted and in these simple affirmative negative
replies will often be sufficient Where are stated
opinions expressed, which founded personal
knowledge study in any branch of the subject
ques of this kind have been chiefly in the hands of
visitors travellers in the Indian country, often foreign
ers, who have necessarily taken hasty and superficial
Chances at their external customs and OF
The abstruse view of Indian character of their reIi-
5on tribal government and clanships, their thoughts on
death and immortality, their mental capacities, and the
leading of their action very little has been observed
which possesses the character of research while there are
essential points of discrepancy but whatever degree
mpcrfecon has characterized these dssuory and
efforts in describing the Indians and however much cause
may have had to dissent from of the conclusions
and criticisms respecting treatment of and policy
speeding them drawn by tourists from abroad by
Jealous but mistaken observers at hone is essential
he just discharge ofthe duty imposed the department
he present effort that exactude should stamp abos
will therefore thank you inquire carefully, be sure
chat deception has been practised In all questions
where the of the tribes clash with those of the per
whom you may consult, there is much caution re-
lued There is great prejudice of opinion and precon-
epon of the Indian character generally 1t is due them
ha they should be judged candidy, and examna-
lion of opinions and statements from the best
few examples ofthe msconcep,ion referred will be
Toned 1t stated few years ago. by of the most
popular writers of England that the United States had
rowed money in 1897 from wealthy Indian chief pay
annutes his tribe And its policy has been deeply
,ensured in high quarters the foreign literary world
die of books of travels, whose least censurc
IN instances, hastily gathered, ill-digescd
unworthy materials One writer represents the Mandans
practising the of setortre of Hndoo devotees by
hanging from hooks cords fastened into the nerves
10 sustain the whole weight of the body. This together
with the general of the Mandan religion by the
author is contrary the facts understood
The writer will also have this tribe be descendants