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Show CARSON VALLEY AGENCY. 375 for a breech-cloth. Whatever policy may finally be adopted in relation to these unfortunate people, I can assure you that none can be worse, or productive of more evil to both them and the whites, than the pre-sent joint and promiscuous occupation of the conntry. And like other tribes, when brought into contact with the humane and christianizing influence of the white man, they have acquired a taste for whisky. The Pah-utes should be allowed to retain some of their present loca-tions, especially the valley of the Truckee river, which mould have the advantage of being their home from choice, combined with being the best and only suitable site for a large reservation and permanent agency in this part of the Territor~. Since my arrival here, I have traversed a large portion of the conn-try for this purpose. I have follo~ed the meanderings of several of the principal rivers for hundreds of miles ; but I hare seen none that can compete and offer the same advantages as what is known here by . the name of the "Truckee Meadows." It contains some fifteen thou-sand acres of good land, well adapted for agricultural or herding pur-poses. In its vicinity is an abundance of the lofty pine. The majestic "Coo-yon-e-hoop," or Salmon trout river, can be carried out for irri-gation purposes. And, in its season, it affords one of the finest and largest fisheries in the Territory, both of speckled and salmon trout. This, in my opinion, is the best and lastchance for a good home for the poor Pah-ute and Wa-sho. The other valleys are in a great meas-ure occupied. There is one settler, whose improvements consists of a tolerable good frame house only, on these meadows; but he has located I himself in the center, a situation that I should not select for a building-spot for an agency. Therefore, should you order me to lay off this section of country for a reservation, the proprietary right and title of the land in this Territory being in the government, you can purchase this man's house, or order him off, as >-ou see fit. If yon conclude to make a home for these Indians, it mill require immediate action so far as making the selections is concerned, and defining the boundaries ; for I am informed that as soon as the snow disappears, there will be quite an emigration to these valleys. You will see by reference to a map, that t h ~ psl ace is also central for an "agency." The "Trnckee river takes its rise from "Lake Bigler," and empties into "Pyramid lake." Should this site not meet your approbation, there are several others of minor importance, and such as you saw on the Humboldt, destitute of timber. I would here recommend that a large extent of country be taken up, and all in one body, and to concentrate the whole "Pah-ute" and Wa-sho nations upon it, making one expense do for both ; and the fact of the "Pah-nte" nation being large, requires the same. This policy also agrees with your opinion in the fourth section of your instructions ; and I believe the policy of the government has been to withdraw the Indians from such parts of the country as would necessarily expose them to contact with the white settlers, as the only means of averting frequent difficulties. Indians and whites cannot, as a general rule, live together. It is not in the nature of things ; and it is far from being solely the fault of the Indians. The pioneer invades the hunting-ground of the Indian. He goes to reduce nature's wilds to the dominion of the white man ; to possess the country, and rear in it the institutions of civilization. His mission drives before |
