MF1323.1197 Reel 40_0540

California W448 Austin Wiley San Francisco, Cal (E) Dec 29, '64

Submits statement rel. to the propriety of having an appropriation placed at the disposal of the Sec. Interior to pay for the improvements of settlers in Hoopa Valley

Copy sent to Sec'y of [Interior?] [repat?] Feby 6, 1865

[ink stamp] RECEIVED AT THE Jan 16 1865 INDIAN

[illegible] [illegible]

Office of Indian Affairs San Francisco Cal Dec 22nd 1864

Sir

If not inconsistent with the law of 1864, under which I am acting, a great hardship to the settlers of Hoopa Valley could be avoided by having an appropriation placed at the disposal of the Secretary of the Interior sufficient to pay the value of their improvements as I find it will be impossible for me to forward report of [illegible] in time to reach Washington before the adjournment of Congress.

The late storms have entirely closed the Trails to Hoopa but from present indications they will soon be open again. I shall lose no time in having the appraisement made as per your instructions when I can reach the valley. If the Secretary of the Interior could approve the report (if found acceptable) and have the means at his disposal to pay for the improvements it would be a great relief to the settlers as many of them will find it difficult to get away until paid for their improvements.

The settlers there are behaving well in this matter

and it will be a great relief to them to know that the Department has concluded to locate a Reservation there.

Already they have surrendered their farms and mills and are assisting the Agent in charge to get in crops for the Indians. The Indians are faithfully fulfilling every agreement they made with me, and I have every confidence that perfect and permanent peace will flow from the final establishment of a Reservation there. Great good has already resulted from the peace which has been established with the Indians. The channels of trade which had been closed for five years are again opened with a feeling of safety. Farms which had not been cultivated for years are again occupied. Many of the troops have been withdrawn, leaving only enough for a police force.

I do not think the amount of the improvements will exceed $60,000 in currency which is considered $30,000 here. There are two good mills, one flouring and one a saw mill in the valley.

I submit this matter into your consideration.

Very Respectfully, Your Obdt Servant Austin Wiley Supt Ind Affs Cal

Hon Wm. P. Dole Commissioner