The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1876-10-05
For the EAGLE.
A Letter from the Indian Territory.
captamh~v Oe 1915

CADDo AND WICHITA AGENCIES. ]. T.,
September rs. 1876.
EDITOR EAGLE :-Undoubtedly
few notes by the way will not come
amiss to the Intelligent readers of yonr
very valuable journal. 1t is very sol
dom that the writer observes any in
formation in the papers from this re-
mote locality, therefore he will take
the liberty and responsibility to pro-
duce some few facts which are OBJ
tainable.
Early last spring John Richards, ex-
Indian Agent, took his departure for
his home in Philadelphia, there to 1e-
main with his family, henceforth to
pursue his private avocation. Friend
JOnathan's success would be better at
tended in private life. 1t is evident
that time and age arc beginning to tell
upon his gray locks. Winters too nu-
merous he has seen that have passed
to the far off oblivion
Old men are not the ones that should
be invested with authority among the
wild or peaceable aboriginees. Mid
die aged men would be more appro-
pirate for United States Indian A gents,
men who have the will and determi-
nation accompanied with Judgment
and discretion; men who comprehend
the character of the red men and have
had experience among them. The
Indians are quite satisfied that they
have discovered the proper man in
Agent Williams, who now occupies
the position of Indian Agent for the
Caddoes and affiliated band of Wichi-
tas, including portion of the Pen
ne-tu-ker's Commanches. Undoubt-
edly the present agent will expend
the limited appropriations to a better
advantage than his unsuccessful pre-
decessor.:.
The present summer has found the
Indians in a more prosperous condi-
ton than any preceding year. There
is but very little broke land, but
what is is now under state of cult
vation. One great drawback is there
is no market near, that they can dispose
of all the produce which they have
succeeded in raising. 1t will be dis
couraging to them and make it detri-
mental to their future prosperity in
not providing purchasers for their
hard earnings. To be sure there are
forts not a great distance off that
would consume their surplus corn, but
the regular commanders at these posts
have some hesitation in favoring the
agents or these Indians. Mr.. Editor,
undoubtedly you have been aware
that the military has been endeavoring
to secure control of these agencies. 1t
is well they did not. The undersigned
will produce his reasons in some fu-
ture communication.
Agent Williams will in few days
proceed to the city of Lawrence, Kan
sas, to meet other agents at the super
Office to hold council to |
discuss topics better known to them
selves. Charles Campbell, chief clerk,
will act as agent in Friend Williams
absence. Mr.. Campbell has had I'M
limited experience as a Quartermas-
ter's aid for number of years, man
who is thoroug and proficient in his
calling, one who is obligine and con-
sistent in his associations with the
Indians and whites.
Sickness has been prevailing to an
extent. Intermittent tevers
have been the general complaint.
However no deaths have occurred in
this immediate vicinity. Agent Hay
worth is seriously i'll that his life is
despaired Of. He has charge of the
kiowas and Comanches at Fort Sill.
Times here are considerably depress-
ing; no Indian excitement to enliven
the dull monotony. However the reds
are little astir, making preparations
TO proceed to the buffalo range to take
up the annual chase to procure robes
for their winter trade.
Let the EAGLES flight
Be on pinions high
That her future light
Be serene rs the cloudless sky.
Yours, WAKo