[Cover]
California M 87
Redick McKee
San Francisco Jany 15. 1852
Transmits the following original treaties made with Indians of Caifornia. Two first by Barbour Wozencraft & self and the others by himself.-- viz of 19 March - 29th - April - 20th- Augt - 22d Augt - 6th Oct- 12 Oct supplemental and 4 Nov. 1851.
Expects information as to numbers upon which to estimate for clothing &c, awaits instructions about coming to Washington. Will have to visit Indians on Clear Lake &c and explains why the flour promised them has not been furnished- alludes to reports respecting bills drawn by sub agent Adam Johnston. &c
(Copied for Cal Supy)
Recd 18 Feby 1852
[check] File
18 Cir
[Letter P. 1]
San Francisco Jany 15 1852
Hon Luke Lea
Commsr Indian Affairs
Washington City
Sir/
Referring to my respects of 29th ult. advising of my arrival from the Northern part of the State, And acknowledging Rect [receipt] of your letter of 23d Augt, and 11th Sept.-- I have [illegible] the [illegible] to such in the following original Treaties made with the Indians of California, the two first executed on behalf of the United States, by Messs Barbour & Wozencraft & myself, the last five by myself alone.
1 Treaty of Camp Fremont. 19th March 1851
2 " " " Camp Barbour. 29th April 1851
3 " " " Lu-pi-yu-ma, 20th, August 1851
4 " " " [Fernando Felix?] 22d " "
5 " " " Klamath 6th Oct "
6 " " " Coratem/Supplemental to the same} 12th Octo "
7 " " " Scotts Valley 4th Novr "
The numbers estimated as [interested?] in the two first first Treaties, [have/how?] I presume, been furnished by either one or the other, of my late collegues. Since the first of May, I have not been in that district.- The numbers of each sex &c, among the Tribes I have treated with, Since that that date, has not yet been fully ascertained, or reported to me; but I suspect information in a few days, upon which estimates for clothing &c, may be based.
There are many things connected with the clothing, habits &c, of the Indians I have treated with, which I have not attempted to explain,
[P. 2]
in my letters, deeming it probable that you would in accordance with my suggestions, order me to Washington, to make the explanations in person. I await your instructions on that subject with some anxiety-both with reference to the public interests, and my own arrangement for the removal of my family to this State. The next mail will I hope, bring the letters from your department.--in the meantime I shall probably have to visit the Indians on Russian River and Clear Lake. And explain to them the reasons of them not receiving the flour promised them for the year 1851 (During my absence North, the house with whom I had arranged for a Supply, suddenly closed up their business, and failed to meet the arrangement, upon which I had [illegible] for funds being again exhausted, I will be compelled to ask the Indians for a postponement, unless I can obtain the flour from the Army department at Benicia.
Since my return to this city, I have heard a public rumor of their [there] being a large amount of bills in the market, drawn by Adam Johnston Esqr Sub Agt for the San Joaquin on one of the Commissioners, for supplies of Beef Cattle, for the Indians in that quarter, and at very high rats per pound. What the facts are, I am not apprized [apprised], but if such drafts should be presented, I would suggsts enquiry into the whole matter, before payment is furnished. A large amount of money may be saved in the Government as Carrying out the Treaty stipulations with these California Indians, by inviting offers publickly [publicly], and passing the whole business through the hands of the Agent, or disbursing officer of the Indn Department.
I remain, vy Respy yours &c
Redick McKee
Letters of the Office of Indian Affairs, 1849-1880, California Superintendency
