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Show -~ -~ REPORT OF COMMISSIONER. strations of public feeling in favor of the early organization of a territorial government over the territory on which these Indians reside. I n a co~nn~unicatioand dressed to you on the 28th May last, a copy of which is herewith, I had the honor to recommend, for the reasons therein set fort11 at lenetb, that the s c r i ~is sued for the benefit of the Choctaw In-dians should nz linger be witheld from those still remaining east of the Mississippi, but hat it be paid over to them where they now reside. The Superintendent of emigration reports that this and other measures, intended to stimulate their removal west, have had the desired effect, and that, con-sequently, a large nurnher may be expected to emigrate during the present year. However this may be, I entirely concur in the opinion of the agent for the Choctaws west, that it will put an end to a long continued system of frand and peculation upon the Government. Were a law passed provid-ing for the payment in money of the funded portion of the scrip, and pay-ments were niade west to those only who may be permanently settled in the Choctaw country, the States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, it is thought, would soon be relieved from the annoyance of an Indian popula-tion. 1 The Winnebagoes seem to be gradually becoming better satisfied with the country to which they have been removed, and, as their general condi-tion is improving, it is hoped they will; ere long, become a thrifty and con-tented ~eople. Abundant crops have been made at the agency the past season. The Indians assisted in ploughing, planting, and harvesting, and displayed not only willingness, but anxiety, to work. The crops on the Mississippi \\-ere not so good, owing, mainly, to the lateness of the season in which they were planted. A ninnber of log and two frame dwellings have been erected at the agency the past summer, and several mole, it is expected, nil1 be completed before the close of the year. These Indians express great desire to ha%-e dwellings, barns; stables, &c., and are fast abandoning their savage habits. A good grist and saw mill will also soon be ready for their use. The agent reports that there are now living with-in their own country, some seventeen or eighteen hundred Winnebagoes. They are represented as being peaceable and well disposed. The tribes of the Osage river agency, composed of the Weas, Pianke-shaws, Peorias, Kaskaskias, and Mian~ies, are said to be doingwell. They have generally abandoned the chase as ameans of subsistence; many of them have engaged in agricultural pursuits; and, during the past season, they have made corn enough to supply them with bread for another year. The Weas, Piankeshaws, Peorias, and Kaskaskias are, in fact, but a single tribe. By frequent intermarriages and adoptions, their distinctive charac-teristics, if any ever existed, have disappeared. They reside upon the same territory, speak the same language, are in constant social intercourse, have similar habits, and, in all respects, are so completely identified as not to ad-mit of any practical disc~nination. They aregreatly in advance of the wilder tribes contiguous to them; and, but for the facility afforded them of procur-ingardent spirits from the shops that are planted along the borde~so f the State, a thorough and early abandonment of all their vagrant habits might reasonably be expected. Recently, however, with but few exceptions, they signed a pledge to absiain from the use of intoxicating drinks for the term of twelve months; and, among the Nian~ies, flattering evidences of a similar reform have been reported to this office. The condition of the Ioways, Sacs and Foxes, of Missouri, and Kicka- |