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Show 3~ mo, . I ! f5-7 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. I DEPARTMENOFT THE INTERIOR, Ofice Indian Affabs, Novem6er 30, 185T. SIR : The accompanying reports and statements from the several superintendents, agents and teachers furnish valuable and interesting information in regard to the condition and prospects of our various Indian tribes, and exhibit in detail the operations of this branch of the public service during the past year. The New York Indians continue gradually to improve ; they have generally adopted agricultural and mechanical pursuits, and, to a considerable extent, the habits and customs of their white brethren. A treaty recently entered into with the Tonawanda band of Senecas, should it receive the favorable consideration of the Senate, will, it is hoped, terminate the complicated and embarrassing difficulties which for some years have materially interfered with their happiness and welfare. The treatiea of July 31, and August 2, 1855, with the several bands of Indians in Michigan, provided for a material change in their condition and relations. They were relieved from the obligation to remove west of the Mississippi river ; secured limited but sufficient quantities of land, to be held in severalty, and were provided with am le means for educational purposes. Under the liberal legislation o f t? I e State they can attain, to citizenship, and it is hoped that, by a discreet and judicious supervision of their affairs on the part of the general government, and such co-operation as may be requisite by the authorities of the State, aided by the kindness and benevolence of her citizens, they may soon beprepared for the enjoyment of that high privilege. The treaty of 1854 with the Menomonees, and that of 1856 with the Stockbridges of Wisconsin, released those tribes from their engage-ments to emigrate west of the Mississippi, to which they were opposed, and located them in other positions withln the State, where, it is hoped, they will improve and eventually become fitted for and invested with citizenship. The small hand of Oneidas, formerly of New York, remain in the vicinity of Green Bay, where they were placed by the treaty of 1831. They are advanced in civilization, and there is no good reason why they should not thrive and prosper, if the State authorities would rigidly prohibit the traffic with them in ardent spirits. By the treaties of September 30, 1854, and February 22, 1855, the great Chippewa tribe, residing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the northern peninsula of Michigan, ceded nearly the whole of the landa owned by them to the government; there being set apart for the dif- |