[Cover]
California Sup H701
Thomas J. Henley
San Francisco Oct 14 '54
Asks instructions as to payment of settlers claims upon the reservations-- states $1.25 would not be a fair compensation - recommends that $1000 be paid to each settler.
Recd Novr 11 '54
Ansd " 16 "
Qune - Can more than $1,25 per acre be pd
[Letter P. 1]
Office Supt. Indn Affairs
San Francisco Oct. 14, 1854
Hon G.W. Manypenny
Comr Indian Affairs
Washington City
D.C.
Sir: I have stated in former advises that no Mexican grants to land of any validity would interfere with the Indian Reservations. But I have now to report that there are settler claims upon the Reservations which according to my views of justice ought to be paid for out of the fund appropriated for "extinguishing conflicting titles to the reserved lands."
The appropriation limits the sum to be paid to one dollar and twenty five cents per acre. This would not be a fair compensation for the value of their claims, but they have made some improvements which would be useful to the Reservations, and for which, if I were allowed to pay them, I could settle with them upon very fair and equitable terms. Indeed before I saw the law I promised that they should be paid for their land and improvements
[P. 2]
a fair compensation, which promise I feel in honor bound to make good. I would recommend that the sum of one thousand dollars be paid to each settler. This would quiet all complaints and avoid trouble. I desire instructions upon this subject.
Very respectfully
Your obt sert
Thos. J. Henley
Supt Indn Affairs
Letters of the Office of Indian Affairs, 1849-1880, California Superintendency
