[Letter P. 1]
Copy
Office District Attorney
Contra Costa County
Martinez Cal Novr 27 1852
Edward F. Beale Esq
Supt Indn Affrs
Sir,
I beg leave to call your attention to hte fact that certain persons are in the habit of introducing into this country wild Indians from the mountains near Clear Lake as well as from the South. These Indians are driven in, in the same manner as a like number of wild horses, and treated in about the same brutal manner. I know none of the facts personally, except that there are now in possession of a man who gives his name as Ramon Mesa. 30 Indians (about two miles from this place) that were brought here some two or three days since. The agent of Mesa asserts that he has authority from some official on the North side of the Bay. I was unable to obtain possession of such reported instrument, neither could I learn in whose hands it was, or by whom issued. I am informed a regular traffic is carried on by certain parties, in capturing and selling these Indians. The first impulses on being apprised of this state of affairs induced me to examine the provisions of the statutes of California with a view to officially interpose, subsequent reflection has led me to believe that it would more appropriately belong to the properly accredited agents of the General Government to exercise their functions in arresting this outrage on humanity than to state officials. In submitting this matter for your consideration I await an early reply so I feel con-
[P. 2]
contstrained to see that an end shall be put to this traffic, should you consider it beyond your official control or interposition.
I have the honor to be
Yours truly
R. [N?] Wood
Dist atty Contra
Costa County
I certify that the above is a correct copy of the original in my possession.
E.F. Beale
Supt In Afrs
Letters of the Office of Indian Affairs, 1849-1880, California Superintendency
