SW Oregon History: Correspondence, 1852

SW Oregon History:

Selected Excerpts of Correspondence & Reports

Filed with the US Office of Indian Affairs, 1852

Compiled and Organized by Bob Zybach, 2007

The following list of excerpts regarding US handling and perspectives of the Rogue River Indian Wars were taken from official records of the US Office of Indian Affairs. These selections and index were made under contract to NW Maps Co., as background research for a long-term forest science project on USDI Bureau of Land Management lands in the Applegate River and Cow Creek subbasins in southwest Oregon. The primary research project has been headed by Michael Newton, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, since its inception nearly 30 years ago.

Most of the following selections were obtained in digital format via the online "Native American Documents Project" (NADP) on the California State University, San Marcos website: http://www.csusm.edu/nadp/. The NADP was started in 1992 by Professor E. A. Schwartz, who completed his doctoral research in 1991 on the topic of the Rogue River Indian Wars. All NADP excerpts include an active link to the project's homepage. The NADP recommended method of citing these resources are given here: http://www.csusm.edu/nadp/citation.htm

NADP Homepage
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Dart to Lea, 14 December 1852, in United States, Office of Indian Affairs, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880, National Archives Microcopy 234, Roll 608, NADP Document D15.
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Oregon Indian Superintendency
December 14th 1852.
To Hon Luke Lea
Commissioner of Ind Affairs

Sir:

In view of the increased and increasing high cost of living in Oregon, together with the inadequate Salary to meet these expenses, I am induced, very respectfully, to tender herewith, my resignation, to take effect at the end of this fiscal year, 30th June 1853. (unless sooner displaced)

It may not be improper then to suggest here, that I be recalled to settle my accounts previous to that time – as I would not – I suppose, be allowed traveling expenses to the Seat of Government; after my official term had expired, (either by removal or resignation) In the event of being called to Washington to settle my accts, my Secretary would remain in charge of the Books & papers of the Office, and the public property, to turn the same over to my Successor – being prepared myself to pay over any balance of public money in my hands – here, or in Washington.

The tardy movement of the mails to this distant coast has induced me to write this early on the subject, as no more time will intervene than is necessary to obtain a reply.

The result of the Presidential Election is not yet known to me: – it would not however, change my intentions as above.

I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servt
Anson Dart
Superintendent