MF1323.1197 Reel 39_0444

1863

California M12 W. H. McGrew

Submits statement in reference to the necessary furnishing [illegible] the employees on the Mendocino Reservation, in addition to the compensation allowed them

Mr Clerk

[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE JAN 30 1863 INDIAN BUREAU

Finance

Office Indian Affairs Northern District, California

Mendocino Indian 186 Reservation Northern District Cal

Hon Wm P Dole Commissioner of Indian Affairs Washington D.C.

Dear Sir, This Reservation is located in Mendocino County Cal. in the Pacific coast about 120 miles North of San Francisco. The boundaries of the Reservation use the Noyo river on the South, and Ten Mile river on the North. both rivers included in the same. "Head Quarters" is on the Noyo, at which place is the business place of the Supervisor, and his residence - He also acts as Laborer for the "Head Quarters." "Bald Hill" Station is about 4 miles from "Head Quarters" and there from the coast Wm Stuttins is the Laborer at that station; he has a wife and one child - Ten Mile River as [illegible] station is on the northern boundary of the Reservation and is superintended by Mr. E. J. Whipple. These Laborers necessarily are the overseers or general Supernitendents of their respective stations, and the Supervisor has to entrust those with all the government property, and the control and management of the Indians upon their stations. Consequently their time and energy are both required to extend properly to their duties.

The salary of these [illegible] is [illegible] $54 per month, and they paid their men possessions; except what is raised upon

the Reservation- the only produce raised last year was Irish potatoes, and a few garden vegetables which they mostly raised themselves.

Now the inquiry I wish to make is, ought not the Employees in the Reservation, be furnished the necessary provisions by the government for their support? This was their understanding, at their time of their employment, and appointment by Mr. Hanson. as they inform me, and it was the custom heretofore, under former admin=istrations when the salaries were double the present ones. I have understood Mr Hanson to day [today?] that he was not fully advised as to the matter, and therefore could not furnish the employees with the neccessaries, [illegible] government expense, without direct authority from your Department.

His attention has been called to it, but I presume through the month capacity of business he has always on hand, has neglected it, and as he is now on his way to Washington, the employees have urged me to write you on the subject, for information, The customary wages for laboring men in this vicinity is from $40, to $80, per month and [forced?] or boarded. The "Noyo Mills" (which by the way is on the Reservation and owned by a man by the name of McPherson) employs Constantly from fifty to 75 hands, and the least wages they are paid is $40 per month and boarded.

The government should at least pay as much as the customary wages. The most capacity as her employees are required to be men of good business qualities and

habits, and gentlemen of standing, as I can vouch for the present men. I hope you will confer with Mr Hanson upon this subject. And if there is no positive rule of law prohibiting the government from furnishing the necessaries to the employees, that the same may be done, and what they have already provided out of their own means. That the same may be refunded to them. I am certain that $50. without these necessaries being furnished by government [illegible] not bring out the Laborer even [illegible] his quarter, add to this the fact that his [illegible] not being promptly paid. [illegible] due, he [illegible] credit, at inhanced [enhanced?] rates. [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] per cent per month interest. and really he [illegible] all behind every quarter.

Your early attention to this matter will be of importances to the parties here, as if they are not to be furnished they [illegible] cannot live by it, if however they are to be furnished with necessaries, they will remain.

If you do not [see?] Mr Hanson after receiving this, I refer you to Hon [illegible] M. C. from this state, who is personally acquainted with me. Also to Mr Sergeant & Senator Latham.

I was appointed Supervisor, and took charge of this Reservation on the 1st Oct last.

I Remain very Respectfuly Your Obedient Servant Wm. H. McGrew Supervr Men Res

Hon Wm. P. Dole Comr &c Washinton