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Show - -- d -7 .z 40, I I / @$ REPORT. - D E P A R T ~wT T BE INTERIOR, Ofice Indhn Afair8, dTovember 25, 1854. SIR : I submit for your consideration the usual annual report from this branch of the public service, referring to the accompanying reports of the different superintendents, agents, sub-agents, and other commn-nications, for detailed information respecting the operations of the department and the condition of the various Indian tribes. The remnants of the "Six Nations," remaining in the State of New York, present the interesting spectacle of one of the most renowned por-tions of the aboriginal race of this continent, still adhering with tradi-tional tenacity and veneration to the homes of their forefathers. Sub-jected to many trying and adverse vicissitudes, by which their numbers and territorial possessions have been greatly diminished, this once bar-barous and heathen eople, devoted only to war and the chase, hare undergone one gratging change, and now generally ackno~x-ledge, and partially practise, the more ennobling and beneficial principles and pursuits of Christianity and civilization. Internal dissensions, alluded to in former reports, have materially interfered with their advance-ment and welfare ; but these it is hoped will all soon cease, and never hereafter be renewed. The peculiar and nnfortunate situation of the Indians in the State of Michigan, consisting, mainly, of the confederated bands of Ottowas and Chippewas, was fully stated last year, and the measure deemed best for their preservation and welfare suggested. It is requisite that there be new conventional arrangements with them,, provirling for material changes in their affairs, and in their relations with the United States and the State of Michigan. Such arrangements could not be effected without more or less espense: and, on the application of the department, the sum of ten thousand dollars was appropriated therefor by Congress. But in consequence of the late period at which the appropriation was made, and other circumstances, it has been deemed advisable to postpone further proceediags until the nest year. By the convention with the Meuomonees of the 12th of May last, they relinquish their right to a large tract of country in Minnesota, west of the Mississippi river, set apart for their permanent home by the treaty of 1848, but which, proving to be unsuitable for that purpose, was therefore unacceptable to them. In exchange therefor, they were confirmesin the possession of a portion of the tract on the Wolf and Oconto rivers, in 1Frisconsin, mhich, with the assent of the authorities of that State, had been assigwd for their use, and to which they had . removed. The tract granted them by the treaty of 1848 was gnar-antied to contain not less than six hundred thousand acres: that se-cured to them by the convention of May last embraces only two hnn-dred and serenty-six thousand four hundred and eighty acres, and is |
