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California M21 Wm. H. McGrew Mendocino Res. Jan 6, '63
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Submits statement in opposition to the removal of the Indians for the Mendocino Reserve
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[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE FEB 9 1863 INDIAN BUREAU
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Office Indian Affairs, Northern District, California.
"Head Quarter" San Francisco 186 Mendocino Indian Reservation Mendocino County Cal Janr 6th 1863,
Hon. Wm. P. Dole Comr. Ind. Affrs
Dear Sir, I wrote you a few days ago, but neglected one thing that I wish to call your attention to, and also Mr. Hanson's if you should see him after reading this.
I would write, and address this to him, but I fear he may not get it, as he gave me no directions about addressing him during his absence.
Before becoming acquainted, at least as much as I now see, with the resources of this Reserve I advocated with Mr. Hanson, the propriety of the Govt abadoning this as a Reservation and applying the proceeds of its sale, to the purchase of Round Vally, where "Nome Cult" Reservation is located. But I have changed my views upon the subject, and am now satisfied that such an abandoment would be detrimental to the Indian service.
The fishery here, when properly conducted, is a very great source of supply for them, and the soil & climate is very favorable for the growth of vegetable common to this county, such as potatoes (those grow remarkably well here), cabbage, Ruta Bagas
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beans, peas &c. I look upon the fishery as more than a compensation for the lack of the cereals, as they cannot be raised here to profit.
I am entirely satisfied, that from the meager means I have had with which to fish the present season, that with proper means for the same, an abundance of fish can always be had for Indian food, and only a few hundred dollars are necessary to put this business [illegible] to [illegible] to remove what is here [illegible] interior, or [rice?] [illegible] because the [illegible] made of life of the "Coast Indian" is as different from the Indian of the interior, as the country. and that [illegible] about as different as Maine is from Georgia, and besides the predicament [illegible] to any [illegible] change, They [illeigble] like to [illegible] the neighborhood where they have [illegible] mingle with tribes they know nothing [illegible] language, habits nor mode of life.
For these and other reasons I should advise Mr Hanson (he has advised with me on the subject before) not to merge, nor to work for the abandoment of the Mendocino Reservation.
With great respect I sincere very respectfully your obedient servant Wm. H. McGrew Supervisor Men Res