Letter from Redick McKee to C. W. Durkee, 1851

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M1 Copy

To C.W. Durkee Esq.
Klamath River

Oct. 12th 1851

[Letter P.1]

Camp Coratem Near Mouth of Salmon River, Oct 12 1851

C.W. Durkee Esq.
Durkee Ferry, Klamath

Dr Sir-

I left with you on the 9th for the use of the Indians who united in the treaty of the 6th instant, four large bullocks, (which will average full 900 lbs. each) 10 sacks hard bread, 4 sacks sugar (about 133 lbs.) 4 dozen hundred axes (per order of Mr. Ellsworth or Martin & Co Union) together with sundry blankets, shirts, shawls, &c., &c., as per commissary McDonald's memo. Yesterday I left with Pa-ne-mo-nee, at Orlean's bar, a written order on Mr. G. M. Marshall for two more bullocks for the use of the tribes on that bar, together with several sacks of bread, sugar, and sundry presents of smaller articles.

The beef at that point, as well as at your ferry and all the other goods, you will please distribute and apportion among the different bands, according to your own good judgment having in view the wants and necessities of the Indians, arising out of the depredations of the whites, & the importance of conciliating the Bald Hill and Redwood Indians, who were not represented at the council. I have ordered from San Francisco to Trinidad, care of Messrs. Whepley, Clemens & Co., 7 bales, 56 pairs blankets, & 15 or 20 dozen flannel shirts, for use of the Indians on this river, part of which I will order up to your care, when I next write to those gentlemen, and which when received you will distribute as above, with a view to the greatest good, designed to be accomplished by the government. If you think proper, to gratify the wish 

[P.2]

expressed by the Indians in giving them elk or deer meet, for the beef, pound for pound. I have no objection to your making the exchange; though, if it will subject you to any trouble, I do not wish to impose upon you any additional burden. 

I also leave with you, for the Indians, a copy of the treaty made at your place on the 6th with the supplementary treaty added here this day, in the arrangement made with the tribes near this camp; also a copy of my circular of tho 8th instant to which you will please call the attention of all white men passing your ferry, or who may call at your house.

I am very respy. your obliged obt. st.,
R. McKee,
U.S. Ind. Agent