Читать книгу Shaman's Dream: The Modoc War - Lu Boone's Mattson - Страница 10

Ashland, Oregon

June 8, 1869

Brother Ivan: Since you were away, I thought to begin setting Klamath Agency in order, getting ready for the changeover. It got clearer and clearer that I had better shake the dust off my boots instead and head for the Superintendent’s office. I therefore rode over here all night and leave for Salem as soon as I can get my bags packed. Better to meet our new Superintendent face to face -- and make sure his first impressions of the Applegate ‘endeavors’ are the right ones. (Brother E. L. says not to worry about this Meacham. He has known and approves of him. Advises instead spending time fretting that the Indians will scatter while the new Superintendent settles in, and we will just have to begin gathering them again. I can’t credit that one. True enough, Meacham will find his predecessor left things a mess, but unruly Indians is not for the moment one of them. For the time at least, all is quiet in our corner of the world -- except for the muffled sound of Progress.)

Along those lines, we come to the reason for this letter: Lalakes is resigned, and we have our new young Turk. It is David Allen, as you thought it would be. For a while I worried that things would not turn out right. Blowe got nearly as many votes (5 less), and it seemed at first that he would go and teach David Allen how much better it is to be a big Indian. It took a while to explain to him that he should not just crack some heads with his war club or take those who had voted for him and leave. Instead, he should learn that five votes difference is more than enough to point out the man. Thank Heavens he got the idea, or we should probably have had to start again. But get it he did. In the end he went over and congratulated Chief David Allen, despite some grumbling from those who had voted for him. I think a big lesson was learned by all of the Klamaths. We can thank Providence for it.

Now on to our next task; our meeting must be soon after I return. Let me first find out what I can about the changes that are coming. -- and arrange that we not be hurt by them.

Your brother,

Oliver

P.S.: Nearly forgot the real reason for this letter! I enclose for your edification a fair copy of how one Council worked. This was adopted just yesterday, after a dispute/discussion, what-have-you about stock-grazing that lasted practically all day. I sat there and held my tongue -- most of the time -- and am very pleased with the outcome. I quote:

The Indians unanimously rule that it is all right to drive stock through their reservation without paying. It is all right to stop less than a day if the person pays a reasonable consideration. Travelers overnight who allow their stock to graze the meadows must pay. Passers through who adopt these rules will not be troubled. Will you please make out a copy and sign it as I.D. Applegate, Commissary, Klamath Agency?

Get father to sign it as US Indian Agent at Klamath Reservation, then note it in care of Ben Drew, Head Chief of Sprague River Klamaths. Progress will then be official, if not complete.

Hold good thoughts for me! -- and for us. The next few weeks in Salem are crucial.

O. C.