Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-02-13

After this interview with Mr. Ewing at his request,
had similar one with Mr.. Brown, Commissioner OF
Indian Affairs, and requested by both these officers
to state explicitly in writing what wanted done,
both OF them, at first, Of the opinion that the De-
Partment probably, had the power to grant the re-
quest. thereora, drew of the letter given above,
giving what deemed be the appropriate words for
such order But this letter was intended by me
as a charge against Gov Lane-was not understood
at the time, either by Mr.. Ewing Mr. Brown, and
Mr. Abertson who represents the district where Gov.
Lane formerly resided, informs that he applied
the Department after this and the other letters referred
TO BY Mr. Ewing file, for copy OF all charges
against Gov Lane and that he informed by the De-
partment that there such charges file, and
that these letters spoken of and that he in
formed by the Department that these letters not
considered such. regret extremely that it has been
found expedlent, by grave Senators, to draw into
this dispute thus needlessly. for no men better than
YOURSELF and better than the Delegation from Indi
ana, know that far from seeking inure Gov Lane,
my whole conduct has been directly the In
writing the letter above had in view solely the
al oil those Indians and not TO nlure to charge Gov
Lane with anything and to show You that the Depart
ment did consider this letter charge, de-
rogarory Gov Lane, it is fact that upon considera-
ton, declined TO issue positive order for their remov
al on the ground OF want of power, precisely what had
been alleged by Gov Lane, and instructions went to
the necessary persuade them leave the
The cause Of the following letter in this way:
Alter the hrst letter written, doubt arose. as
have above Indicated in the mind OF the Secretary
whether he possessed the power. | was, therefore,
questioned, by the Commissioner believe more par
ticuarly TO the facts. have been informed by Mr..
Moore, and by witnesses he adduced to me- that the
Indians in question had rights, any how the lands
in and about Linn and Multuoma cities At the passage
of the organizing Oregon Territory the 18th OF
August 1S4S those Indians living there, their
camps having been previously burned stated these facts
with the others in the following letter. verbally the
Secretary Commissioner, and he desired them put in
writing, ntimatng that upon this additional information
the order desired, would GO But il did not 60 for
the reason given above. Nothing more was meant by
me- understood by the Department by this letter than
meant and understood by the other. What was
meant and understood have already named, and need
not repeat But here is the letter. and the action
of the Department upon it, by which it will be that
the Department did not issue positive orders for the
son, | was informed by Mr. Brown, that il did not
think it possessed the power.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, $780,
In the matter relative to the removal of the Indians
from Linn and NIultuoma, the side OF the Will
amete river would state, that the Indians locat-
ed in Linn City, have now and never had any title
TO the lands covering those towns but the title and
is in other and different Indians. And | would state
further that when the laws of the United States
extended over Oregon Territory, far the
any part thereof applicable, there Indians
residing in Linn City, bnt have since been placed there
by Gov. Lane. I would further state that the very
ground which the Indian camps located has been
laid off in town lots and sold and are owned by in.
dviduals and needed for immediate building lots
have the honor to be, sir
Yours truly &c., &c.,
SAM'L r. THURSTON.