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

N, ..
Hon THOMAS EWING Secretary of the Interior:
SIR-We take the liberty TO make TO you the fol.
lowing representation and make the following requests
The H. b. Company make it their study to conciate
the Indians of the territory of Oregon and TO prejudice
them against people and government. To show
you what we mean, allow 20 say: That reward of
eighty blanks [blankets offered for the surrender
of the Indians who murdered Wallace, as you have
learned from Gov Lanes report These blankets were
bought OF the II. b. Company and when they de-
vered by the Agents of the Company the Indians as
per Gov. Lanes order, these agents of the Company
represented TO the Indians and made them believe that
those blankets were presents from the H. B. Company
Such is their constant effort We have therefore, to
request you that you give instructions the Governor
and to all the officers there having anything to do with
Indian matters to guard against this evil and take
care that all presents and goods given paid the In
dians, pass through the hands Of Americans and be
purchased of American traders. This Company have
managed, IL the Indians cash for every thing
refusing to take goods from Americans and American ira.
ders and they get the money they GO direct
the H. B. Companys stores and buy Of them. We de-
sire, moreover that in treaties with these Indians that
the considerations paid shall be in those useful articles
which the Indians need, and not in cash in whole in
part.
have the honor to be
sAML Il. THURsToN
The facts stated above are known to me in part and
by information derived from reliable sources as to the
residue. W. p. BRYANT,
Oh. Just. Oregon Territory.
[Copy Of endorsement on the foregoing.l
Referred the Commissioner Ct Indian Affairs Let
the necessary directions be given the Governor of Or
egon with view to correct the evil complained Of by
Mr. Thurstcn.
Dept OF THE INTERIOR,
May 25, 1850"
This letter explains tself-was filed with the Depart.
ment by of information entitled the credence
Of Judge Bryant and myself and its icoe and onlp aim
was to secure to American merchants Oregon the In
dian trade Of the country and prevent the evils ars
ing from undue influence OF the III. B. Company over
the Indians. Gov. Lanes name is mentioned but once
In IT, and then enormously facts / suppose in as
much as Gov. Lane was ex offcio Superintendent of
Indian Affairs that the blankets referred to, have
been paid by his order had not then read care
fully his report to the Department but find that so far
from Gov Lanes ordering, consentng to- the pay
ment OF those blankets they paid by order of
sub-lndan agent, without Gov Lanes order and that
Gov Lane absolutely refused to countenance the act or
to pay for the blankets. an happy recty this mis-
take, Inadvertently fallen into by Judge Bryant and N.Y.
se-by concluding very naturally that the blankets
would not have been paid without his assent
recoeced that Gov. Lane spoke of the reward being
offered by this sub-agent but did not recoect or had
not noticed that it done without his sanction And
the only reason why il mentioned that these blank
cts were bought of the company, necessary the
object had in view the letter. Judge Bryant will tell
yon what tell you that neither Of dreamed Of CON-
planning OF Gov. Lane when wrote this letter. And
ne or You do know full well, that my course here has
been such to justify any other conclusion than that
have sought desired to iniure Gov Lane. / have
studiously eschewed all striies and party personal
chickering's that might the better the success of
my Territorial measures and here regret thar my name
has been dragged into this controversy Nevertheless
when duty calls shall hesitate to take the respon
sbity Of rghtng myself in all matters having to do
with my Territory.
have the honor to be, with due consideration your
obedicnt servant: SAM, r. THURSTON
Hon. w. j. BRowN.