Letter from O. M. Wozencraft to Luke Lea, 1851

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W613
Treaty of Peace and Friendship made and concluded at Camp Union near Yuba River
July 18th 1851

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Copd for Beale

Recd mo of [fa?] Depr 1851

[Letter P. 1]

Camp Union near the Yuba River
July 18th 1851

Sir,

I have this day concluded a treaty with ten tribes of Indians, (a copy of which is herewith enclosed,) numbering between thirty·nine hundred and four thousand souls, making similar provisions as in former treaties.

The reservation of land is partly within the foot-hills, and embraces two small valleys, well calculated for grazing stock and for agricultural purposes. In said valleys there are several improvements, and a few in other portions of the reservations. 

I have studiously avoided including improved places as far as possible, but here it is impracticable to make a suitable reservation without doing so; in fact the whites have enclosed all the favorite grounds of the Indians, leaving them no alternative but to go higher up in the mountains or starve, in most instances denying them the privilege of working in the placers.

It is bounded north and south by Yuba and Bear rivers ; the eastern and western lines are twelve miles apart, and it will not exceed fifteen miles between said streams. There is gold within the reservation, but so far the work has been confined to the rivers; and this is the case in all the reservations yet made, unless in the extreme south. In fact it is impossible to make a reservation without there being more or less gold found in it, as it would appear, from further and continued d1scoveries, that the precious metal is found in every part of this country.

The best results may be anticipated from this treaty. It is confidently believed that the wild and hostile Indians, living not far distant, will be influenced to come in and receive provisions and protection, for there are those now waging a war of extermination against them.

On this occasion the only presents 

[P. 2]

given to them, in addition to the beef and flour, was one coat to each of the chiefs and captains, trimmed with red cloth and gold lace, much to their fancy, (costmg but a trifle.) This I consider as a means of designating the captains in their authority, and thus aiding them in the enforcement of it.

It is all-important, in keeping the Indians in subjection, that the captains possess authority and influence sufficient to control them. The captains alone are responsible for all of their people in making the treaties, and I think it good policy to aid and strengthen them in their office.

And I am now well satisfied that it is unnecessary, if not a useless expenditure of money, to make presents to all that may be represented in making a treaty. On former occasions, if the presents failed to go round, so that some were not supplied, there was evident dissatisfaction; they looked on it as a matter of right, that all should have alike. On this occasion they were all pleased; the captains were proud and pleased at their gaudy ensigns of office, and the people appeared well satisfied, and looked on their captains with deferential respect. And furthermore, I think that where a profusion of presents is made, they look on it as buying their favor, and consequently the most unfavorable results may be looked for.

Herewith is transmitted a return of expenditures, contracts, and disbursements, from May 3 up to July 22, inclusive. A statement of expenditures for the first month was handed to Redick McKee, which I presume has been forwarded to the department. I deem it prudent to include it with the vouchers and disbursements of provisions and goods to the Indians.

You will perceive that the first contract for beef is at $5 per 100 lbs., less than the subsequent ones; and I will add, that I could have made contracts for $8 per 100 lbs on foot, had there been funds in my hands to pay. The first contract or purchase was made payable in one month ; that time has transpired, and they write to me stating that they will expect interest on the amount. 

I am in hopes that I shall be relieved from this dilemma by the arrival of funds soon. In the subsequent contracts the parties agree to furnish beef at the current cash price for net beef, at the place of delivery, delivering them on foot and wait for the money until an appropriation is made.

I would wish to state that there are accounts of service rendered by Mr. Belcher and Mr. Storms for interpreting, and assembling Indians, that could not be placed in the present returns, not having received from them the computation of expenses.

On this occasion, as in the former instance, I have permitted those persons who have been trading with the Indians, and have influence with them, to continue their trade for the present, and thus secure their influence in bringing in the Indians, and have left beef in their charge to be distributed as before.

Respectfully
your most obt sr
O. M. Wozencraft
U. S. In At
Middle District
California