The population varies from six hundred in winter to two hundred in summer." It is hoped that the Indians will he under "better control hy next spring, and that it will he possihle to keep them on the reservation during the summer. Their property consists of horses, mules, and burros, and of these there are generally about one hundred on the reservation.

The establishment of a school has not been attempted, because I knew that, under the existing state of affairs, a school could not be made to do any good, but would only result in failure and the expenditure of a large sum of money. Now, however, the drunkenness will be nearly done away by reducing the corn ration, and the Indians will become tamer in all respects, 1 hope, and it is proposed to secure a good teacher and make a strong effort to establish a school among them as soon as possible. There will be many superstitions to overcome, but the old chiefs must see a school and know what it is before they will withdraw their opposition. At present they seem to have the idea that a school is an institution wherein knowledge is propagated by a sort of clubbing process.

There are not any worse Indians in the whole country to bring under the influence of the policy of the Government for civilizing and Christianizing them,- still there has been progress made—enough for encouragement. It has not been long since they wore but very little clothing; now the women sew excellently, and all the grown Indians wear clothing of some sort or other. Three months ago, the lives of the agent and employes were threatened almost every week; sometimes shot at with arrows and sometimes threatened with fire-arms. Now the Indians are pretty well convinced that such demonstrations are neither for their profit nor pleasure. There is gradual improvement noticeable and I think that next year's report will notice a very decided improvement.

If this reservation is to be considered the permanent home of these Indians, new agency buildings should be constructed at once, because the temporary buildings now in use will not last longer than six months.

Most respectfullv, your obedient servant,

B. M. THOMAS, United States Agent for Southern Apaclies.

Col. L. Edwin Dudley,

Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Santa Fe, N. Hex.

51.

Abiquiu Indian Agency, Tierra Amarilla, N. Mex., September 15, 1873.

Sir; I have the honor to submit to you my first annual report relative to the condition, of the Capote and Weeminuche Utes and the Jicarilla Apache Indians connected with the Abiquiu agency.

I relieved Capt. W. S. Defrees, acting agent for the Abiquiu Indians, July 10, 1873.

Owing to the short time I have been connected with the agency my report must necessarily be brief, and not as satisfactory to the Department as would be desired. I regret that circumstances have been such that it has been impossible for me to take the census of the Indians connected with my agency during the short time I have been in charge. I observe that Lieutenant Hanson, who was in charge of the agency in 1870, reports, at that time, as follows; Capote Utes, 250; Weeminuche Utes, 650. I have reason to believe that the Weeminuche Utes have a much larger number at this time, and would not estimate their number at less than nine hundred. There has been in the vicinity of my agency, since I have been in charge, some four hundred .Jicarilla Apache Indians; a portion of whom do not belong to my agency, but have been drawing rations for the last two months.

Most of the Indians are well disposed, and no depredation of any kind has been committed by them since I have been in charge. Most of them are destitute of clothing; but few have blankets. This is an article which will be indispensable to them when cold weather sets in. As regards location of the agency, I would regard it as favorable as any other, unless the Indians could be placed on a reservation by themselves. This I would recommend to be done at an early clay as practicable. The establishment of an Indian agency at or near any of our Mexican towns has a tendency to demoralize the Indians, and is suicidal to their progress in civilization and Christianity. There are a class of men, I may say, about all Mexican towns, whose highest ambition in life is to sell whisky to the Indians. This is the only trouble I have had in connection with my agency, and the only suggestion I have to make to remedy this evil would be to place the Indians on a reservation by themselves, and locate the agency as near the center of the reservation as practicable, so as to prevent outside parties from locating near the agency.

There is some dissatisfaction among the Utes of my agency relative to their annuities. They complain because their annuities are not issued to them at the Abiquiu agency. The Los Pinos agency is so far from them that but few ever receive their annuities. I would respectfully suggest, if it is the pleasure of the Department to continue the agency, that provision be made by which the Utes of my agency may receive the amount of goods due them from the Government, in accordance with the treaty of 1868, at the Abiquiu agency. This will be more satisfactory to them than five times the amount given in any other way.

In regard to the establishment of schools among the Indians, I cannot represent matters as being encouraging. There are, however, many orphan children among the Utes, and it is to be hoped that, by proper influences, they may eventually be placed in schools.

•No attention is given to agriculture by the Indians of this agency, and, owing to the great scarcity of game, their dependence for subsistence is on the Government. This dependence will be protracted until the Indians are placed on a reservation and taught to cultivate the soil; which I trust will be done at an early day.

I have the honor to be, very respectfullv, your obedient servant,

W. D. CROTHERS, United States Indian Agent. Abiquiu, N. Mex.

Cpl. L. Edwin Dudley,

Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Sante Fe, N. Mex.

52.

Pueblo Indian Agency, Santa Fe, N. Mex., September 25, 1873.

Sir: In compliance with instructions from the Department, I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the condition of the Pueblo Indians:

I assumed charge of this agency July 1, and have endeavored to make as complete an annual report as the limited time permits. No adequate means of transportation was at my disposal when I entered upon the duties of this office. I therefore called a meeting, at Santa F6, of the governors of all the pueblos, (villages,) in order to learn as quickly as possible, from the Indians themselves, (pending a personal inspection,) their condition and wants. The information derived from them regarding population, individual wealth, number of horses and cattle, value "of crops, &c, afforded little more than basis for estimates. Since the above meeting, I have visited thirteen out of the nineteen pueblos, and although the statistics of education and return of farming are not claimed as being strictly, correct, they nevertheless afford an approximate idea of the present condition of these Indians. To prevent a too flattering estimate being made of the wealth of this people in lands, it would be proper to state that by far the larger portion is unproductive, either by reason of rocky formations or absence of water for irrigating purposes; the latter condition being an all-important one in this Territory. With regard to individual wealth, also, the general rule of consolidation applies, and the condition of any particular pueblo depends altogether upon its water-privilege. All the pueblos contiguous to the Rio Grande are comparatively independent, and are but slightly affected by lack of rain. The pueblos remote from this river depend upon small streams and rainfalls, and lead from year to year a precarious existence. Many of them are very poor, and their condition is made worse by church-taxations and the oppressions of their unscrupulous Mexican neighbors. Owing to the light rainfall of this year, (less than known for many years.) considerable suffering will be experienced in quite a number of these pueblos ere another harvest can be gathered. Neither the wheat nor corn crop will amount to half the average yield.

No appropriation has been made for these Indians for some years, but in view of the very poor harvests of the present season, I would most earnestly recommend that a reasonable sum be appropriated for distribution among the really destitute. These Indians are very industrious, and are simple in their habits. They are inoffensive, and crimes are almost unknown. They are by no means addicted to whiskydrinking, and no cases of drunkenness occur during their visits, for trade or other purposes, at Santa Fe". During the time of their "feasts," held in spring, early autumn, and Christmas holidays, they are visited by Mexicans liberally supplied with whisky, and a small number of their young men sometimes patronize these pocketmerchants. An habitual drunkard cannot be found among them.

I have elsewhere referred to their oppression by Mexican neighbors. The greatest source of complaint is the encroachment of Mexicans upon their lands; and in most cases of this nature their, agent is powerless and cannot, by reason of absence of any well-defined boundaries, afford them any relief. This trouble continually increases, and unless decided action is soon taken, years of litigation will not suffice to establish tTie rights of the Indians, . No justice can be had in the Mexican courts. The native alcaldes (justices of the peace) are elected by the Mexicans, Indians not being allowed to vote, and almost invariably decide cases in favor of the Mexicans and against the Indians, no matter how clear the evidence may be in favor of the latter. In this city I recently caused the arrest of a Mexican who had seriously wounded and robbed an Indian of the pueblo of Nambe. The Indian pointed out his assailant from among a large number of Mexicans in the court-room and produced the strongest corroborative evidence of the assault and robbery. The Mexican was acquitted, notwithstanding. Had I allowed the case to end here it would have resulted in the Indian receiving a bad wound, losing his money, and paying costs of prosecution. With such justice (?) at the agency, the result is far worse when the alcalde is under no restraining influence whatever. In isolated localities the most petty cases are invented by the Mexicans and entertained by the alcalde. So wrell do the Indians themselves understand their probable treatment at the hands of the alcalde and his court,'that they hasten to compromise all suits brought against them. To prevent such gross injustice, I would respectfully recommend that Congress enact that all suits in which these Indians are made parties shall only be brought before the United States district court. To prevent encroachments upon Pueblo lands, I would respectfully recommend that Congress repeal the act of May 30, 1862, relating to survey of private land-grants in New Mexico, of which these necessarily form a part.

The status of these Indians is by no means clearly defined. The action of the territorial courts in recognizing these Indians as citizens has not lessened, but rather increased, their many injuries. By reason of this decision the agent cannot afford them the relief that is justly their due as wards of the nation. So long as they maintain their present relations to the General Government they are entitled to protection and to all the benefits derived by any tribe of Indians. Whatever may have been their position under Spanish rule, or however essentially different from their nomadic brethren their mode of living, they are Indians in every sense of the word.

One of the peculiar institions of these Indians—rather anomalous for " citizens "—is their domestic government, a word regarding which may not be inappropriate. They annually elect a " governor" and assistant officers; the latter usually consisting of two "lieutenant-governors;" "sheriff," and two deputies;" " captain of war," and two lieutenants. The " governor" selects from among the old men of the Pueblo, three "principals," who constitute a court (of which the "governor" is chief justice) for the trial of all offenses and misdemeanors. This mode of settling disputes is very simple and effective,. and an appeal from its decisions to the agent is rarely made.

In regard to the the religious belief of the Pueblo Indians,-they are nominally Roman Catholics, but their relations with this church are of the slightest possible nature. In two or three pueblos ministers of this church are located, but in the majority services are only held twice or thrice during the year, and in some instances only once. I have carefully studied their habits, and ain convinced that their ancient customs and superstitions (as followers of Montezuma) have fullj3way. At this season many "feasts are held, and having spent several nights in their midst I have had opportunities for observing their practices on these occasions. I have been admitted into their " estufas," (buildings originally used by the fire-worshipers, and in which even at this day Indiansonly have permission to enter,) and in one instance obtained a glimpse of a house (more properly hovel) of a " cacique," (medicine-man and Montezuma priest.) A slight view of one of these hovels is sufficient—'twould be a strong constitution that could endure, for any length of time, the stench arising from bodies of decaying animals, and other accumulated filth therein.

In former reports muchhasbeen very properly written regarding the education of these Indians. The importance of this subject cannot be overestimated. Since the charge of this agency has devolved upon me, I have given attention almost wholly to this matter. My success has not been as great as I could desire, although at this date the number of English teachers is greater than at any former period. The Indians generally desire schools, and whenever a sufficient number of families in any jmeblo guarantee the attendance of their children, I send them a teacher.

Although there is no interference whatever on the part of the agent with their choice of a religion, I meet with very great opposition from their present religious teachers,. (Roman Catholic,) who constantly advise them against obedience to the wishes of the Government and its agent. These men tell the Indians that the Government of the United States has no power in this Territory, and its agent cannot exercise any control over them whatever.

During the time of my visits I find no difficulty in persuading the Indians that great benefits will result by reason of schools, but the presence among them of Mexicans,, who are in collusion with their religious teachers, (who purposely keep the Indians in ignorance,) continually operates against the best efforts of their agent. After close study and serious consideration of the subject of education, I would most respectfully and earnestly recommend the establishment of an experimental school at Santa F6, or some other convenient and healthy location, wrhere direct supervision can be exercised over the Indians by the ageut.

The building erected for this purpose should be of size sufficient to accommodate from fifty to oue hundred pupils. Three young men should be selected from each pueblo, preference being given to the most intelligent; and provisions made for clothing and boarding them at the expense of the Government. In connection with the school there should be land enough for gardening purposes,in order that lessons might be given in this (to them) very essential branch of education, and also that the school might be made in a measure self-supporting. Ifc would be advisable to connect with the institution a carpenter or wheelwright and blacksmith shop, in order that such of their number as might elect could receive instructions in these branches of mechanics. Enough work would be given by the different pueblos to make the shops self-supporting. In the course of a year, or little more, members of the school would receive a good rudimentary knowledge of English, and be competent to open school in their respective pueblos, where they would make more rapid progress with the people than any English teacher, and be employed at a much lower salary.

To conduct such a school there would be required a principal, assistant, (who should also be a practical farmer,) two practical mechanics, and a matron, the whole under the immediate supervision of the agent. The establishment of this school may be deemed too expensive, but a little careful consideration will, correct such an impression. Schools are now sought to be established at the respective pueblos; total number, nineteen. Should a teacher be sent each, the salaries alone would amount to $11,400. For school-houses and repairs add $8,000; for school-books, fuel, &c, $2,500; total, $21,900; by no means a liberal estimate.' The experimental school-buildingland lands would cost $10,000, salaries $5,500, incidentals, (provisions and all other expenses,) $15,000, total, $30,500; a very liberal estimate.

After a careful review of the efforts that have been made from time to time to Christianize these Indians, I am convinced that the recommendation herewith submitted will, if adopted, prove to be the most practicable and economical solution of this difficulty. The maximum number of pupils could be maintained, and thus from one to three young men, possessing an elementary knowledge of English language and customs, would be returned to each pueblo every year. The influence exerted by them would be marked, indeed, and far greater than any resulting from missionary labor in their midst. For the accomplishment of the recommendations set forth in this report, I would respectfully ask that the following special appropriations be made:

Re-survey of Indian lands, the sum of $10, 000

Civilization of Indians, the sum of , 25, 000

Agricultural implements, food and clothing, in cases of extreme necessity, the

sum of 10,000

Total 45,000

Believing that these simple and industrious Indians are entitled to much consideration at the hands of a Government they have occasioned but slight trouble and expense, I have submitted an estimate of their wants. The merely nominal sum required for their education will be returned in revenue to the Government a thousand-fold when they shall have become intelligent citizens.

With the hope that the suggestions in this report will receive the careful consideration of yourself and the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,'

EDWIN C. LEWIS, United States Indian Agent. L. Edwin Dudley, Esq.,

Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

53.

Indian Agency, Cimarron, N. Mex., December 22,1873.

Sir: In compliance with your letter to Superintendent Dudley, dated December 4, 1873, asking for the annual report from the agency, I have the honor to submit the following:

I assumed charge of the agency on the 1st day of August last, under appointment from Superintendent Dudley. Most of my time since my appointment I have been absent on other duty, and for that reason I am unable to make as full and complete a report as I would like to make.

The employes at this agency are one interpreter, at a salary of $500 per annum, and one commissary, at a compensation of $40 per month.

INDIANS.

There are under my charge one band of Utes, (the Muaches,) and two bands of Jicarilla Apaches; I have no means of knowing their exact number, as they have never all been at the agency at any one time since I have been in charge, but from the best information which I have been able to obtain, and from my observation, I believe they number, men, women, and children, nearly twelve hundred, in about the following proportions, to wit:

Muache Utes:

Men..... 180

Women 210

Children...., 240

610

Jicarilla Apaches:

Men 140

Women 180

Children 240

— 560

Total 1,170

SUBSISTENCE.

Their subsistence is furnished under contract, and consists of fresh beef and shorts? and is issued to them three times a month, at the rate of half a pound of beef and one pound of shorts per day to each; occasionally sugar, coffee, and tobacco are purchased for them (in open market) in very small quantities. All such purchases are paid for at the office of the superintendent at Sante Fe", N. Mex., on certified vouchers.

LOCATION.

The agency is located on a private lancl^olaim, belonging to the Maxwell Land Grant and Railroad Company.

UTES.

The Utes spend most of their time on the plains or in the mountains hunting, and only come to the ageney when game is too scarce to furnish them subsistence, or to obtain a supply of powder, lead, &c. A few of them, however, stay in and about the Mexican settlements in this vicinity, which does not at all tend to improve their morals. The Utes, as a general thing, are very peaceable, and I hear very few reports of any thefts or other depredations committed by them, but very few of them have acquired any habits of industry aside from those pertaining to the chase.

JICARILLA APACHES.

The Jicarilla Apaches spend most of their time in an and about the Mexican settlements j some of them have acquired habits of industry; not a few of them have acquired all the vices and none of the virtues of the Mexicans; most of them will get drunk whenever they are able to purchase intoxicating liquor in sufficient quantity to produce that state, which, I regret to state, is only too often. Their petty depredations on the property of the white settlers in this vicinity and the surrounding country are, to say the least of them, very annoying.

UTES AND APACHES.

These people are entirely without education, and, so far as I can learn, there never has been any effort made to establish schools among them, and I feel convinced that any effort in that direction, surrounded by their present influences, would be almost useless and a waste of time and money. If it were the intention of the Government to allow them to remain in this locality, I should feel that any attempt to improve their morals, establish schools among them, or in any way better their condition, would be almost a fruitless undertaking. But as the Utes agreed in the late treaty at Los Pinos to remove onto their reservation,, as soon as an agency should be established for them, and as the Jicarilla Apaches have just accepted a proposition from the Government for their removal to, and location upon a reservation in every way adapted to their wants, there is good reason to believe that these Indians will, with care and good management, become, in a few years, sober, industrious, and self-supporting.

I would earnestly recommend that the "Southern Ute Agency," where these Indians are to be located, be established as soon as practicable, and the Indians themselves removed thereto as soon as possible. I would suggest the first of April next as a very good time for their removal. 'This would enable those of them who desire so to do, to commence farming as soon as they occupy their new homes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS A. DOLAN,
In charge of Indian Agency, Cimarron, N. Mex.

The Hon. Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.