, 1854-08-12

Auuc4cu ID tHo IepOtb VI OON. CIENENo
70 Mr.. MANNYPENNY, Commissioner of In
dian Affairs, upon whose recommendation
the following, amongst other Indian appro-
priations, was submitted for the action Of
Congress
"For expenses Of holding council with, and ma
king presents Of goods and provisions TO the Backfeet
GFosventres and other wild tribes of Indians immedi
aley within adjacent % the eastern boundary Of
Washington Territory, 100000"
WASHINGTON, June 8, 1854.
SIR My former communications have
made known to the department the ar
Fangements made to secure peace between
the Indian tribes east and west Of the
Rocky mountains, and to pave the way for
council where shall be present all the
tribes not included in existing treaties
These arrangements consisted in councils
held by myself at Fort Benton with the
Blaokfeet, at the st. MaTy's valley with the
Flatheads, and with other tribes on my way
TO the valley Of the Columbia, and in de-
sclving upon Mr.. Doty, at Fort Benton,
and Lieut.. Mullan, in the st. Mary's valley,
important Indian duties, Of which the de-
partment has already been informed.
Since my last communication have re-
ceived additional information showing the
necessity Of the council.
II must beremarked, however, that great
canton has been exercised not to commit
the government to this moasures
The Indians know that the officers Of the
government whom they have met deem it
necessary that they will strongly urge it I;
that, in consequence, the consent and CO.
operation Of the Indians themselves has
been asked and gained but that whether
Il shall be, held or not will depend on the
action Of the authorities at home.
trust that the following brief statement
Offacts will carry conviction as to the nc
eessity Of the council for the protection Of
our citizens, as well as the protection Of the
Indians themselves.
The Indians whom it is proposed to con-
vene'in council at Fort Benton are the
Blackfeet, composed Of four bRnds-Pie-
gans, Bloods, Blackfeet, and Gros Venters
land numbering some twelve to fourteen
thousand, and the tribes in the Territory Of
Washington from the Cascade to the divi-
ding ridge OF the Rocky mountains, who
meet the Blackfeet in sangainary strife on
the plains of the Missouri in pursuit Of
Buffalo. Besides which, it is hoped that
the influence of the council will contribute
toprevent the recurrence Of difficulties be-
tween the Blackfeet and the Crows and
Asseneboins. The council directly affects
the peace and well-being Of some twenty
Eve thousand Indians, east and west of the
Rocky mountains. fg 1928 al
Mr.. Doty, in the discharge Of bis Indian
duties, visited in December last some five
thousand Blackfeet on the Marias river,
held councils with their different bands, and
was not only received with the greatest hos
pitality, but was assured by the principal
chiefs Of their desire to bring to an end
these border difficulties, to enjoy the pro
lection Of the government, and to learn the
arts Of civilized life Their principal chiefs
present at the council held by me in Sep
tenber last, have made great exertions to
prevent their young men going on war par
ties, aud one of their bravest and most in
huential chiefs, the Little Dog" was &C.
taally attacked and wounded by the Assem-.
eboins and yet would not retaliate in con
sequence of his promise in council to abstain
nom war By adEices received at subse-
quent period, l have learned that Mr.. Doty
u January and February, was amongst
tneze Indians, and was listened to with the
greatest respect. They desire to learn ag
ncaltnre, and realize fully that the buffalo
Wl soon disappear, and that their only re
source will be the cultivation of the soil.
NJ. Doty is now making extensive exam
lnauons Of the adjacent country, running
out the various streams from the Marias Il
tne Three Forks, and from the most west
erly bend of the Missouri to Judith river
IN order to select the best position for al
Indian agency, aR2E hin all the facts il
reference to the adAptation of the country
10 tlllage and grazing.