MF1323.1197 Reel 39_0901

make political capital of it although this Abbott is know to be a notorious kidnapper of Indian Children. The case was brought before the Nov. term of 186[3?] & been continued [thrue?] successive terms although I have been ready with my witnesses each term for trial. I understand Mr. Hanson is going to Washington & will send this by him who can explain the matter to you. The expenses have already been considerable & I would like to be informed by some [means?] in relation to it. Mr. Hanson can explain the importance of defending the suit, if there is any propriety in sustaining order & decency on a Reservation. And I would respectfully state that rigid course I pursued in this case effectually prevented similar occurrences during my Administration. I enclose a copy of my instructions from Mr. Hanson. Very respectfully yours, Obt. Servant Wm. P. Melendy

Hon. Wm P Dole Commissioner to Washington [City?]

A Copy Head Quarters Nome [Leuls?] [Nomi Lackee] Indian Reservation, June 27. 1863 Capt. C. D. Douglas 2nd Inf. C.V. [County?] Round Valley

Sir I have the honor to report for your consideration that a man by the name of Henry J. Abbot has taken from the reservation a squaw against my consent & refuses to return said squaw on my order, I respectfully request you to arrest said Abbot & assist me in obtaining the squaw.

Very respectfully your, Obt. Servent Wm. P. Melendy Supervisor Indian Affairs Ft. Wright Cal. Jan 14th, 1864

I do certify on honor that the above is a true full & correct copy of the original paper now on file at this post. (Signed Wm H. [Nojes?] 1st Lieut. 2nd Inf. Cal [Vol.?] Post-Adjutant

B Copy State of California County of Mendocino

W. H. Johnston being duly sworn, deposes & says, that one Henry I. Abbott came upon the reservation & offered a squaw money to leave the reservation in my presence, & I firmly believe the inducements offered by the said Henry I. Abbott was the cause of the squaw leaving the reservation.

Sworn to before me this the 7th day of July A.D. 1865. (Signed) I. W. [Gambrel ?] Justice of the Peace Round Valley Township Mendocino Co. Cal. (Signed) W. H. Johnston

Ft. Wright Cal January 14, 1864 I do hereby certify on my honor that the above is a true, full, & correct copy of the original Affidavit now on file at this post.

(Signed) Wm H. [Nojes?] 1st Lieut. 2nd Inf. C.V. Post Adjutant

C Copy State of California County of Mendocino F. A Nottingham being duly sworn deposes & says; that on the 25th day of June AD. 1863 an Indian Squaw was missing from the Reservation, and that the said squaw was in the Possession of one Henry I. Abbott, & when being demanded by me as an employee of the Reservation, the said Abbott, by force detained the said squaw, & that I, F. A. Nottingham was sent-after the said squaw by Dr. Melendy the Supervisor of the Reservation. Sworn to before me this the 7th day of July A.D. 1863 I. W. Gambrel Justice of the Peace Round Valley Township Mendocino Co. Cal. (Signed) F. A. Nottingham, Ft. Wright Cal. Jan. 14th 1864 I do certify on honor, that the above is a full, true & correct copy of the original Affidavit now on file at this post. (Signed) W. H. Nojes 1st Lieut. 2nd Inf. C.V. Post-Adjutant

Copy Office Indian Affairs San Francisco May 25th 1863 Dr. Wm P. Melendy Supervisor Ind Affrs. Round Valley Cal. Dear Sir As Successor to Mr. Short you are required particularly to observe the performance of one duty which he has failed to do. That is not to allow any person or persons on the Reservation or in the Valley to take off, harbor or keep any Indians that have been under the care of the supervision of Round Valley Reservation and more particularly the squaws; Mr Short has been so criminal with squaws himself, he has been fearful to prevent it or try to with others. Watch him that he don't steal off Bills wife Linny; & if you find him or any other person in possession of any squaw or other indian at their place of residence, go immediately to Capt. Douglas who has promised me that on your giving him the information he will arrest such person & you will have the offender punished according to law, and retake all such Indians at the Reservation. Yours truly, (signed) Geo. M. Hanson Supt. Agent Ind. Affrs.