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Show 382 OREGON AND WASHINGTON. permitted, will all soon be taken up by the white settlers ; and what is to be the future destiny of these destitute creatures, is for the wisdom of Congress to determine. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. -HUNPHREYS, Indian Agent. JACOFOBR NEEYsq, ., S q t . Ind. A$ccrs, Great Salt Lake City, U. T. No. 179. OFRIFES UPERINTENDEINNT DIAANFP AIRS, Portland, Oregon, September 1, 1859. SIR: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the following annual report, with the accompanying papers. Having so recently assumed the supervision of this extensive field, a minute review of the events of the past year, or extended reflections on the condition and prospects of the various tribes of Indians, so diversified in character and circumstances, is scarcely practicable. This is, however, rendered less important by the ample reports of the subordinate officers, which present much valuable information. With the exception of the rude and predatory bands of the Shoshones or Snake Indians, inhabiting a vast and but partially explored region in the southeastern portion, the Indians within this superintendency may be regarded as maintaining peaceful relations with the United States. Many of the tribes and bands have always been well effected towards our government, and the severe tests which their fidelity and friendship have undergone during hostilities with tribes in their vicinity, affords a reliable guaranty that these relations will be perpetuated. The Indians implicated in the hostilities of the last four years may be considered as conauered. and c"e nerallv convinced of the follv of ~ ~ -" -~ - waging war against a nation so superior in intelligence, numbers, and resources. Yet with a people so inveterate in their superstitions and prejudices, and whose ignorance subjects them to the evil influence of the reclcless and designing of both their own and the white race, the presence of a competent military force at judiciously selected posts, and the utmost vigilance and care on the part of the agents of the govern-ment, will long be required to afford our frontier settlements, now so rapidly extending, the assurance of safety. The signal chastisement administered last year hy the United States troops on the hostiles of the northern interior, and the stern justice meted out to several of the chief instigators and actors in the atrocities committed against our citizens at a former period, haveevidently had a salutary effect, and we trust will not need to be repeated. This, however, must greatly depend on the wisdom and integrity of those charged with carrying into effect the policy of the government, for so extensive and deep has been the senti-ment of distrust and dissatisfaction produced by the influx of immi-gration to the Indian country, coupled with the protracted delay in |